The house was cold, lacking the warmth of any embers. It had been at least a day since a fire had been lit, leading to the rising chill.

However, a subtle, sharp stench tickled her nose—Cheong’s keen sense detected the smell of blood. Sure enough, there were bloodstains scattered on the Jangjok carpet, not a large amount, but among them, there was a whitish mark. Was that brain matter?

If that’s the case, the weapon used wasn’t a sword but likely a mace or a club, or perhaps someone who fought using bare hands.

Other houses were similar; some had …