TOPWL 21

Selena’s words made Yudit turn around. The pillar had collapsed along with the door, blocking the only exit. Several people near the exit had been struck by the falling debris and were groaning on the ground. No one had died instantly, but some were writhing in pain, creating a hellish scene. The sight made not only Selena and Yudit freeze momentarily but even Khalid.

“The terrace, let’s go to the terrace!”

Yudit recalled the terrace where he had been speaking with Khalid. However, the passage leading up had also completely collapsed, making it impossible to reach.

Trying to clear the debris could cause further collapse. They were trapped.

“Is there another door?”

“There’s a back door used by the servants, but a thief broke in recently, so it was sealed shut…”

Selena spoke in a trembling voice. Yudit looked around with a troubled expression. His gaze then landed on a window.

“A window! There’s a window. We can get out through the window.”

He pointed to a window just big enough for a person to squeeze through and dashed toward it, dodging obstacles. But his hands were shaking too much, making it difficult to open. Just then, someone stepped up behind him.

“Your hands are trembling.”

Khalid easily unlatched the window and pushed it open. A rush of air entered, fueling the flames even more. It felt like his back and hair were melting. Someone poured water over Yudit’s head—it was Khalid. He had dumped a bucket of water meant for extinguishing the fire onto Yudit. Then, pouring the rest over himself, Khalid tossed the bucket aside. It clattered loudly as it rolled across the floor.

Looking out, Yudit realized it was much higher than expected. Unlike the front entrance, where the ground was higher, the ground at the back was lower, making it nearly three stories down. With no trees or anything to break a fall, jumping could cause serious injuries.

“Bring something soft over here!”

Khalid shouted loud enough for people outside to hear. Those who had been scrambling to clear the exit now turned toward them. Fortunately, with many townhouses and shops nearby, it wouldn’t be too difficult to gather blankets, sofas, and mattresses. The problem was the clothing. Most of the women were wearing the latest fashion—bustle dresses—which were difficult to remove without assistance and took far too long to take off.

“Move aside!”

A man ran up to the window and jumped out without hesitation. It happened so quickly that no one could stop him. He landed hard, rolling across the dirt with a pained cry. The onlookers outside poured water over him. With someone supporting him, he managed to stand but was limping badly. Judging by how he couldn’t use one leg at all, it was likely broken. Still, it was better than burning to death inside.

“It’s not coming off easily.”

“What do we do?”

As people outside brought blankets and clothing to cushion the fall, the men inside began jumping out one after another. The fire had spread throughout the house, making it as bright as daylight outside.

“Over here, quickly!”

The servants, dressed in relatively comfortable clothing, had all escaped through the window, leaving only six women in bassets, Yudit, and Khalid. The searing heat and flickering flames filled the remaining people with terror.

“Honey, don’t leave me behind! Honey—!”

Despite his wife’s pleas, a man jumped out the window, leaving her behind. The woman collapsed in despair, sobbing. Yudit started toward her, but Khalid grabbed his arm.

“What are you doing? Get out of here already.”

“I won’t leave alone.”

Yudit’s voice was firm. Khalid gave him a strange look.

“I thought you cared about your life.”

“……”

“Even to the point of playing the puppet.”

Khalid muttered quietly, just enough for Yudit to hear. Yudit’s expression hardened. Khalid had thrown out a sharp remark, but they still had time. The area near the window had been barricaded with fire-resistant furniture and objects, keeping the flames at bay for now.

“Your Highness, you should leave while you still can.”

Seeing Yudit staying behind to help unfasten the bustles, Selena spoke with concern. Now, only six women, Yudit, and Khalid remained. Instead of arguing, Yudit focused on undoing Selena’s basset. Selena hesitated and said,

“I’m fine. Help the others first.”

“I can’t do that.”

She was clearly not in good condition. Her face, hair, and clothes were streaked with soot, likely from the falling ash. There were more burn marks on her reddened skin than he had initially thought. She needed to get outside and receive treatment immediately.

However, Selena was resolute.

“I’ll be the last one to leave.”

“That’s ridiculous.”

As Yudit grew frustrated, Selena pointed toward the window and whispered to him.

“There are onlookers and newspaper reporters gathered outside. I can’t leave before my guests.”

Just as she said, the area outside was crowded not only with those helping but also with spectators and journalists. If Selena went out first, her reputation would inevitably suffer. In the end, Yudit reached for Sonia’s dress.

“Who is it?”

Sonia asked in a calm voice. It seemed the smoke had made it difficult for her to recognize who was who.

“It’s Yudit. I’m going to undo your dress now.”

“Your Highness? Understood.”

Yudit fumbled with the back of Sonia’s dress, but an unexpected problem arose—there were too many buttons. It wasn’t just Sonia; most of the other women’s dresses were the same. Undoing them one by one would take too long. Glancing at the spreading flames, Yudit spoke.

“Forgive my rudeness.”

Rip!

Yudit tightened his grip and tore the fabric apart. Sonia’s pale back was suddenly exposed. Even so, she showed no particular reaction.

“How do I take this off?”

The real problem was the bustle. It started from the waist, flaring out from the hips to the ankles. Having never seen such attire before, Yudit had no idea how to remove it.

“The dress has to come off first. Can you help me?”

Yudit nodded. Removing the dress took more time than expected. As he hesitated, he remembered the dagger hidden near his calf. Rolling up his pants, he retrieved the blade and spoke to Sonia.

“The dress isn’t coming off easily. I’m going to cut it. Is that alright?”

“Yes, please do.”

Sonia answered without hesitation. Yudit carefully pulled at the dress to avoid injuring her, then began slicing through the fabric with the dagger. The sound of tearing cloth echoed as the dress was reduced to shreds. Once it was completely cut, Sonia lifted her arms. Thunk. The remaining fabric fell away, revealing the cage-like frame of the bustle, along with her corset and undergarments.

“How do we undo this?”

“I’m not sure. Others always did it for me…”

There had to be a fastening somewhere, but with the thick smoke, it was hard to see. The maids who might have helped had already escaped long ago.

“Is there anyone who knows how to undo this?”

“Selena or Lyett might know.”

“Alright. I’ll find them.”

As Yudit turned to search for them through the thick smoke, a section of the burning roof suddenly collapsed. Debris rained down with a loud crash, making people scream as they raised their arms to shield themselves. Yudit spotted a large, flaming fragment about the size of two hands falling toward a crouching man’s head. If it hit, he would be seriously injured.

Without thinking, Yudit reached out, caught the burning debris, and flung it away.

“…Ugh.”

Even though he had thrown it off immediately, there was no way his hand could remain unscathed after touching fire. A searing pain spread through his palm, and he let out a groan.

“What the hell are you doing?”

A familiar voice rang out. The man who had been crouching was Khalid. He stared at Yudit in disbelief. Before Yudit could say anything, Khalid grabbed his wrist and checked his palm.