Chapter 81
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Dear, I believe you may be misunderstanding.
Chapter 81
Royal Palace. King's Office.
Lucas Black rose from his seat with a satisfied expression and took his leave.
"Today was truly an enjoyable conversation, Your Majesty. I'm afraid I must take my leave now. With the wedding approaching, I have far too much to attend to. Hahahaha!"
At Lucas's unusually hearty laughter, Ludwig's expression darkened.
Princess Fresia smiled with evident amusement.
"The richest man in the empire, desperate to plunder the royal treasury. Truly, the end times are upon us."
"My wealth and ensuring Grace Oellin's comfort are entirely separate matters, Your Majesty."
His words flowed as smoothly as ever today.
Ludwig, regarding his old friend and fellow duke with lingering displeasure, spoke seriously.
"Lucas, I didn't want to say this, but..."
"Then perhaps it would be best not to say it."
"...Does a duke dare silence his king?"
"Me? I haven't lifted a finger, Your Majesty."
"You... ugh."
Ludwig clenched his fists in frustration, then released them.
He'd nearly reverted to their academy days and grabbed Lucas by the collar.
Ever since he'd realized he couldn't lift that massive frame and that such displays of force would only amuse him, he'd abandoned the habit.
He'd thought Lucas had something important to discuss, but it was merely about securing his betrothed's interests.
'Didn't you promise me proper compensation if I assisted you for three years, Your Majesty?'
'...Didn't you say you wouldn't accept it then?'
'Me? No. I said I didn't need anything now, but would speak up if I needed something later. Do I appear to be someone who would refuse what you offer?'
Lucas stated it plainly.
His words were correct, yet Ludwig remained displeased.
What could he possibly want now?
He already had everything, and Ludwig had even approved an exceptionally expedited marriage at his request.
'Upon investigation, I found that Grace Oellin's compensation was absurdly inadequate relative to her achievements. Merely 300,000 grands and a title? Please reassess and provide proper compensation.'
'What? That matter is already settled!'
'You could simply call it additional compensation, couldn't you? I would also appreciate if you elevated her rank to countess. And...'
'You thief.'
'Me? Surely not.'
'Did Grace Oellin herself complain that her compensation was insufficient?'
'Not at all. She has never mentioned such a thing to me. I simply discovered the records, felt indignant, and came rushing here.'
Before Ludwig's incredulous gaze and Fresia's admiring one, he laughed shamelessly.
'Why do you look at me so?'
'...It's frightening. To add to what one already possesses—truly remarkable.'
'I shall take that as a compliment, Your Majesty.'
His smile was so charming that Ludwig nearly threw his tea in the face of the empire's greatest duke.
It was fortunate that patience was the first virtue a true king learned.
"Oh, and Your Highness."
"What? Now it's my turn? Speak, Duke."
The princess replied with an eager smile.
"Your Highness, you oversee Wings, correct?"
"Wings? Why Wings?"
"I shall provide my support there."
"Truly?"
"I promise you my complete and comprehensive backing."
He had squeezed the King for everything, yet offered the princess his patronage.
Ludwig and Princess Fresia stared at Lucas Black, utterly unable to fathom his intentions.
"However, there is something I must ask in return."
...Of course it wasn't free.
* * *
Lucas Black departed the Royal Palace immediately after his audience with the King and the princess.
Making his way toward the awaiting carriage.
Someone came rushing out from the opposite end of the corridor.
Recognizing the face, I was about to offer a proper greeting.
"Princess Vivian...."
"Shh!"
She shook her head frantically and disappeared into a room with an open door.
'...What was that?'
She had seemed desperate.
Wondering if she might be fleeing from an assassin or enemy, I tensed my body slightly.
Of course, guards were visible throughout, and my escort was positioned ten meters ahead, but one could never be too careful.
Shortly after, someone appeared at the end of the corridor where Princess Vivian had rushed out.
Thud, thud.
A tall man with unusually broad shoulders.
Upon seeing him, I clicked my tongue briefly.
"So it was you."
"Brother."
It was Cain Black, the second son of the Black Family and my younger brother, currently stationed at the Royal Palace as an administrator.
"I heard you're getting married? And in just one month at that.... This time I truly admire you, brother. You've inspired me greatly."
Beneath his smiling red hair lay a refined face.
The way he swept half his hair back made him appear even more handsome.
Beneath his curved eyes, green irises gleamed warmly in the sunlight.
"Perfect timing. You've heard Mother arrived, haven't you? Come home."
"I've already met with her separately. Mother seemed quite fond of my future sister-in-law.... I'm curious myself, but as you know, I've been swamped with work."
"So you have no interest."
"What good is taking interest in another man's woman? I'm too busy focusing on my own."
No matter how I looked at it, Cain didn't strike me as a diligent administrator.
Yet it puzzled me that he was lauded as the most capable figure in this entire nation.
After a moment's reflection, I arrived at two possible conclusions.
Either there were virtually no competent people in this country, or he had spread that rumor himself.
'Though, I suppose both could be true.'
He possessed considerable talent, certainly, but Cain's greatest asset was that silver tongue of his.
A handsome face and eyes like a deer's, yet a blackened heart beneath.
He was the sort who could alter not just the means and methods for his purposes, but the very outcome itself.
In truth, he should have been the family head.
With him at the helm, he could have made the Black Family the most renowned house across the entire continent....
I found myself regretting it anew.
Had that been the case, I could have lived comfortably, indulging myself and enjoying leisure with Grace.
I couldn't help but feel I'd squandered that opportunity.
"Why do you stare at me with those eyes of a beast eyeing such appetizing prey, brother? It's rather unsettling."
"...Never mind. Will you attend the wedding?"
"It's being held at the Royal Palace, so I must. Besides, my future sister-in-law has quite a fascinating background—rather intriguing, and she's accumulated some impressive achievements. Ah, but brother, didn't you see Princess Vivian pass by here?"
Cain glanced down at the watch on his wrist, as if eager to end the conversation.
It was the same model I wore.
"Do I look like I'd answer that?"
"You've seen her then. Which way did she go? Chasing after her can be entertaining, but I'm rather pressed for time...."
"Why are you chasing the princess around?"
"I have unfinished business."
"Unfinished business?"
At my question, Cain offered a languid smile.
His eyes, lazily curved, resembled mine as though they'd been stamped from the same mold.
"You wouldn't want to know, would you?"
I raised my hand in acknowledgment.
Seeing that sinister grin, I was already displeased without hearing another word.
"...I'm going. See you at the wedding."
"Of course. Oh, that's right!"
Cain turned back to me as if something had suddenly occurred to him.
Then, grinning mischievously as he had in childhood, he offered his congratulations in hushed tones.
"Congratulations on your marriage, brother. I do hope you bring nothing but happiness to your future sister-in-law."
At my playful younger brother's greeting, I couldn't help but chuckle.
Cain waved his hand dismissively and spun around sharply.
Then he made his way with precision toward the room where Princess Vivian had hidden herself.
'That bastard....'
He'd deliberately dragged out the conversation, knowing full well which direction the princess had gone.
His temperament was certainly not one I'd describe as pleasant.
Shaking my head in disapproval, I exited the long corridor.
Let's head to the first-floor lobby. Haem was already waiting there with his carriage.
Lucas was about to climb aboard without much thought when—
A pigeon suddenly flew into the carriage with urgency.
* * *
Grace Oellin arrived at Hiss's Residence with the collapsed woman.
Rüfel tried to stop her with a somewhat tense expression, but the moaning woman and the crying baby left no choice—she had to enter Hiss's Residence.
"It's merely a fainting spell. She appears to be somewhat malnourished. I'll have nutritional supplements brought. There are bruises visible in various places, so I'll also have healing salve brought."
Ulias, Hiss's trusted aide, diagnosed Carol.
Hiss immediately ordered nutritional supplements and soft rice porridge prepared as though it were nothing of consequence.
The baby slept peacefully in Julie's arms.
"Thank you for your help. Hiess Cerviente."
At Grace Oellin's greeting, Hiss smiled elegantly as though it were nothing and spoke.
"Hiss—just call me Hiss."
"...I was worried since you mentioned the residence was vacant, but the lower floor is a cafeteria?"
He emphasized it once more, but Grace Oellin pretended not to hear.
It felt awkward to use his name when they weren't close.
He said to call him comfortably, but it didn't feel comfortable—how was she supposed to do it comfortably?
"Indeed. Actually, this building itself belongs to our family. The lower floor has a good location, so we use it as a shop, and we left the upper floors vacant."
Hiss accepted her pretense of ignorance without concern and moved past it.
He sat comfortably in the chair across from her, gazing at her.
The shawl draped over her thin shoulders, her snow-white hair, and her pale face gave an impression of frailty, but it seemed natural paired with his languid atmosphere.
Whenever he habitually brushed back the hair that slipped diagonally across his face, Julie stared at his white hair as though entranced.
It appeared pure white at first glance, but whenever sunlight struck it, it shimmered with subtle blue-green iridescence.
Julie's gaze, which had been fixed blankly upon him, tangled with Hiss's.
His eyes curved like crescent moons, and his beautiful ruby irises sparkled within the scattered light.
'Huh...?'
For just a moment, it seemed as though the pupils of those crimson eyes had elongated vertically.
Julie found herself staring blankly at Hiss without realizing it.
Brought to you by Valir Scans! To support our team and enjoy the latest releases, please read directly on our official site: valirscans.org