269 Who baited whom

Having not expected to cross paths with Julia here, out of all places, left Emily in a state of shock. Despite her surprise, she quickly alerted Raylen while keeping her eyes fixed on the direction in which her former maid had disappeared. 

Raylen promptly left the commoners' side and approached Emily. He asked, "Are you sure that was her?" 

Emily turned to Raylen and nodded. "That was definitely her," she confirmed while raising the handkerchief she had picked up. 

Raylen stated, "Let us catch her then."

Emily and Raylen wasted no time and immediately began to run after Julia across the snow-covered ground. Emily exerted all the strength present in her legs to keep up with her man, but Raylen had longer legs, and his agile movements resembled those of a panther hunting its prey as he moved ahead, determined not to lose the traitorous maid.