The Cat Who Weeps in the Dark - Chapter 28

“Did you manage to find all the records?”

“Ah, yes. Here they are. There were quite a few documents, so it took some time to locate them.”

While she was lost in thought, Wayne had actually retrieved the records, now holding out a stack of papers tied together with string. Katie accepted the file, then stuffed the note they’d exchanged into her mouth.

It was tough, but not inedible. After swallowing the last of the incriminating paper, she gave a small nod to signal her departure.

‘Please take care of yourself.’

Wayne mouthed the words silently, his expression tight with concern. Katie offered him a faint smile before turning away.

For now, there’d be no contact with the Kingdom. No more meetings with Wayne, the only ally she’d known here.

The thought struck her suddenly—a hollow loneliness, as if she’d been dropped alone in a foreign land with no tether left.

* * *

After warning Wayne to be cautious, Katie threw herself wholeheartedly into her role as an imperial knight. All she had to do was act as usual—just omitting the reporting procedures she used to send information to the Kingdom through Wayne. It wasn’t particularly difficult.

In a way, it was almost a relief. By convincing herself that she wasn’t a spy but a genuine imperial knight, she could momentarily escape the crushing weight of guilt and responsibility.

The only thing that unsettled her was her steadily approaching heat.

‘It should be about time now.’

The problem was its irregularity—she hadn’t experienced enough cycles yet to predict it accurately. She knew roughly two weeks had passed, so it was due soon, but she couldn’t pinpoint exactly when.

If her heat struck while she was on guard duty with the other knights, it would be disastrous. She couldn’t use the excuse of someone drugging her like last time.

‘If I’d known this would happen, I should’ve stockpiled suppressants in advance.’

But who could’ve predicted it? That someone called “Bat” would send such a letter. Katie’s expression darkened as she brooded.

‘Speaking of which… who the hell is Bat?’

The use of a codename suggested they were likely a spy. If the Kingdom had infiltrated the Empire, it stood to reason the Empire would have done the same.

‘The fact that they specified the eastern palace means they probably have substantial intel.’

She wanted to warn the Kingdom to be wary of moles, but right now, she had no way to send a message. There was nothing to do but play dumb—pretend she knew nothing, heard nothing, and keep her head down.

Lost in thought, she soon found herself at her post.

“Katie. You’re early. Shift change isn’t for another hour!”

Cheche waved cheerfully. Helion was sprawled on the sofa, documents draped over his face. It was impossible to tell whether he was sleeping or reading in that bizarre position.

“I didn’t have much else to do, so I came early.”

Truthfully, she’d hoped to pick up some useful information. Standing guard often allowed her to catch snippets of Helion’s muttered remarks.

“Always so diligent. You know even if you come early, we don’t get to leave sooner, right? Don’t overwork yourself—go take a rest over there.”

“How could I rest while His Highness is still working? If there’s anything I can assist with, please let me know. I’d rather make myself useful.”

“Hmm… Then would you mind waiting in His Highness’s bedchamber? At this rate, he’ll likely retire soon. You can check for any hazards in advance.”

“Understood.”

Katie glanced at the motionless Helion before nodding. Given his current state, it was clear no more work would be done tonight. As Cheche suggested, preparing the bedchamber beforehand seemed prudent.

After saluting, she stepped into the corridor and headed toward the bedroom. Mid-rank knights stationed throughout the palace recognized her and offered greetings, which she returned with silent nods before pushing open the chamber door.

Her first act was to inspect the space behind the door and blind spots—standard procedure after an incident where an assassin had once lurked there, lunging the moment Helion entered. Had Edward not drawn his sword in time, disaster would have struck.

“This area’s clear.”

Next, she meticulously examined the bedding and pillowcases. Rumors of a servant dying after handling linens laced with poison needles had made her wary.

“No issues here either.”

Relieved to find no threats today, Katie finally exhaled and settled onto the sofa near the foot of the bed.