GDC 122

Inside the cell, Marzella’s body lay covered with a cloth.

“She had complained of stomach pain for the past few days and requested to be sent to the treatment center,” Johas explained.

“The treatment center?”

“Yes. When someone falls seriously ill, even if they’re a prisoner, we sometimes send them outside the castle to avoid spreading disease.”

“And did she receive treatment?”

“I’m afraid not, Your Grace. There are quite a few prisoners who fake illness…”

The color drained further from Johas’s face.

Unless a prisoner collapsed or was on the verge of death, such requests were usually ignored.

He thought the Grand Duchess might scold him, but instead, she remained silent.

It had happened at the worst possible time—both the captain and vice-captain were away, fixing problems with the defense stones along the border.

Since Johas had just returned from several expeditions, he’d been given the duty of supervising…