Chapter 82
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82.
Julian blended seamlessly into the crowd as he made his way toward the Hall of Light.
Thank heavens for the masquerade ball.
Without it, his disdainful glare directed at Zeppelin—who stood upon the platform delivering his passionate speech—would have drawn immediate attention.
Julian cast a cursory glance at the assembled masses around him.
It appeared that every nobleman of influence in the Empire had gathered here.
Among them mingled renowned artists and obscure ones alike.
The artist whose work Zeppelin had praised at Devonshire's autumn ball had gained tremendous acclaim.
Not only did the value of Zeppelin's chosen pieces skyrocket, but their creators also earned the opportunity to exhibit at the Imperial Exhibition scheduled for winter.
Thus, it was only natural that the artists assembled here watched Zeppelin's every move with keen intensity.
Their hearts raced with the faint hope that perhaps their own work might be among those Zeppelin had applauded.
Yet those observing Zeppelin were not limited to artists alone.
Of late, more and more nobles had begun venturing into commerce.
Since Zahidra ascended to the throne, the amount of taxes that could be collected from lands owned by the nobility had become strictly limited.
Moreover, unlike his predecessors who had pursued isolationist policies, Zahidra actively encouraged vigorous trade.
As a result, vast quantities of cheap grain flooded in from abroad, causing the revenues the nobles derived from their lands to plummet dramatically.
In the past, one could raise taxes at will with sufficient bribes.
But Zahidra dealt with such matters with uncompromising severity.
Now the income from their lands alone fell woefully short of sustaining the nobles' lavish lifestyles.
Naturally, the era of scorning labor had passed, and the age of directly operating one's own enterprises had arrived.
Zeppelin had seized the opportunity early, aligning himself with the changing times and throwing himself into business ventures.
He was a pioneer of sorts.
Every enterprise he touched flourished, and more and more people grew curious about the secrets of his success.
Needless to say, many wished to invest in his ventures.
All of them stood with gleaming eyes, calculating what profits Zeppelin's enterprises might bring them.
'Much as I despise admitting it, the man does possess genuine talent.'
Julian thought this as he listened to Zeppelin's dazzling eloquence, which even captivated himself.
Seeing that confident, handsome face made his stomach twist with revulsion.
But the moment he imagined how pathetically that expression would crumble, a satisfied smile crossed his lips.
"Julian, is that you?"
Zahidra had approached and now stood beside him.
Julian shrugged with an air of resignation.
"Impressive that you recognized me."
"You're the only one here casting hostile glares at the Earl of Devonshire, so I spotted you easily enough. But you're in disguise again? It seems you and your partner share a fondness for disguises. Do you two amuse yourselves this way regularly?"
"We share even more scandalous pastimes. Would you care to know?"
Julian laughed playfully.
Zahidra frowned briefly before letting out an exasperated chuckle.
"Enough. I thought you were the only one who dared speak to me with such audacity, but that woman Rebecca is equally formidable. No wonder you're so thoroughly wrapped around her finger."
"So you disapprove of my fiancée?"
"I'm reserving judgment. I'm not one to form opinions based on first impressions. So far...."
Zahidra's eyes narrowed as if recalling Rebecca.
"Quite intriguing. Come to the Imperial Palace soon with your fiancée."
"I was planning to visit regardless."
"You've been seeking me out rather frequently of late."
"Surely an invitation should be delivered in person, Your Majesty?"
"You must have known I was preparing your wedding with Catherine, yet you dare speak of invitations—your audacity knows no bounds. My daughter wept and returned to the Imperial Palace upon hearing of your sudden engagement."
"How unfortunate. I was entirely unaware. I do apologize sincerely. Please convey to the Princess that her shortcomings are not to blame—rather, it is I who have fallen in love."
Julian's lips curved upward with a subtle, cunning smile.
At that, Zahidra turned his gaze from Zeppelin, whom he had been observing intently, and fixed his stare upon Julian.
"Your demeanor has changed."
"In what way, Your Majesty?"
"A man who was like winter has transformed into spring. I cannot discern whether you are performing masterfully or speaking from the heart."
"Is that so."
Julian fell silent for a moment, lost in thought.
Now that he considered it, life had begun to feel genuinely enjoyable.
In days past, even opening his eyes in the morning had been agonizing.
He would lie in bed for hours in a daze, wondering if he truly had to drag on this wretched existence another day.
Yet that life had posed no problems whatsoever.
He was a duke in name alone, stripped of true purpose.
He could affix his seal to documents carelessly and indulge in leisure for a lifetime while the warehouse overflowed with riches. Even without lifting a finger, people showered him with praise.
Despising such an existence, he had trained his body and pursued various ventures. There had even been a time when he surrendered to debauchery.
Yet no matter what he did, the hollowness that dwelt in the depths of his heart never faded.
The more he struggled against his fate, the more that emptiness consumed him.
Life had been tedious and hollow.
But since meeting Rebecca, I scarcely noticed how the days slipped away.
There was no time for idleness.
By the time I finished handling matters Rebecca requested and prepared for the wedding, night had already fallen.
At night, I attended to the minor documents of the Duke's Residence that I had not managed during the day.
Working with such fervor, I would suddenly glance out the window and find dawn breaking.
Whenever a moment of respite appeared, I would journey toward Rebecca, yearning for the warmth of House of Obelia's hospitality.
Had I ever pursued anything with such passion before?
I found my current life far from disagreeable.
The mere arrival of Rebecca had transformed my entire existence.
Rebecca had changed my world.
"Julian."
Lost in reverie, Julian snapped to attention at Zahidra's grave voice.
"Your command, Your Majesty."
"It suits you well. I hope you remain as spring."
"Your Majesty?"
"Winter kills a man, but spring gives him life."
Zahidra's lips curved into a subtle smile.
Julian pondered his words for a moment before giving a small nod of acknowledgment.
"Remarkable."
As Zeppelin finished his business presentation, applause erupted from various corners of the hall.
Zahidra also clapped his hands, his expression carefully composed.
Zeppelin continued with a satisfied expression.
"Now, allow me to introduce the true purpose and centerpiece of this evening's gathering."
The artists tensed visibly, eagerly awaiting Zeppelin's next words.
This was the moment when the year's most anticipated work would be unveiled.
The sound of nervous swallowing echoed throughout the room.
Since the artwork's identity had been kept in strict secrecy, all eyes gleamed with curiosity.
Julian glanced subtly toward the second floor.
Croa, disguised as a servant, stood at the railing.
While everyone's gaze was fixed on the painting draped behind Zeppelin, Julian alone stood out for his attention to the second-floor balcony.
Octavio, observing the gathering from a corner, noticed Julian's gaze.
Following his line of sight to the second floor, Octavio froze.
An unfamiliar servant he hadn't seen during the inspection moments ago was now untying the knot of the white cloth fastened to the railing to conceal the painting.
A terrible premonition seized him.
Octavio hastily signaled to Zeppelin, but the intoxicated man was too absorbed in his own satisfaction to notice.
"Damn it."
Octavio hurried toward Zeppelin.
But the densely packed crowd impeded his progress considerably.
After prolonging the suspense, Zeppelin finally cried out loudly when the audience's patience had reached its limit.
"I present to you a masterpiece for the ages!"
With a whooshing sound, the great cloth fell away behind him.
Zeppelin anticipated gasps of admiration from the crowd.
In particular, he watched the Emperor's face intently.
This evening's gathering was, in essence, for the Emperor alone.
Days ago, while organizing paintings at the Hall of Light, Zeppelin had suddenly recovered memories of his imprisonment by the Emperor.
Retracing those memories, I had pieced together the circumstances of that time.
During my confinement, I had not understood why the Emperor had imposed such punishment upon me.
But upon careful reflection, I realized the Emperor's imprisonment order had been a form of taming.
The Emperor had known that among painters, I favored Barinika most, and had used him to test my loyalty.
It felt as though he were pressuring me, asking whether I would still follow him even after this.
'His Majesty certainly has a mischievous nature.'
In retrospect, it was true that I had conducted myself somewhat arrogantly compared to other imperial nobles.
With a measure of contrition, I had prepared a gift for the Emperor.
Whatever had displeased him, surely this would make amends.
Yet as time passed, not a single word of praise I had anticipated fell from anyone's lips.
They all stared at the space behind me with wide eyes and gaping mouths, utterly startled.
Zeppelin hastily examined the Emperor's expression.
The Emperor's face darkened ominously.
"Earl Zeppelin of Devonshire! What in the world is the meaning of this!"
At the sudden outburst of anger, Zeppelin spun around in haste.
"H-how is this even possible here...."
Zeppelin's mouth fell open in disbelief at the sight unfolding before his eyes.
A chilling sensation swept violently from the crown of his head to the tips of his toes.
His legs gave way beneath him, and he staggered forward with a deathly pale complexion.
* * *
"This way."
As they passed through the secret passage, Grace guided Rebecca as if she had been waiting.
Noticing Kanna following behind, Grace hesitated for a moment, but soon composed herself and took the lead.
"Then I shall remain in my place."
Kanna bowed respectfully and headed toward the rear of the Estate.
"Where on earth is that girl going?"
Grace asked with suspicion in her tone, but Rebecca merely smiled enigmatically.
"It seems unrelated to your duties. Now, let us proceed."
Grace's lips twitched as if she had much to say.
But ultimately, she chose to remain silent. There was no point in asking Rebecca anything here—she would never answer easily.
"I cannot accompany you any further. There are too many watchful eyes."
Grace swept away the thick ivy vines clinging to the wall, revealing a crude wooden door hidden beneath.
She deftly found a key from the bundle hanging at her waist and inserted it into the wooden door.
As Grace pulled the handle, the door creaked open with a metallic sound.
The Countess who had fled had returned.
E-book publication.
January 12, 2022
Author.
Long Night Sky
Publisher.
Desert Fox
Publishing House.
Woongjin ThinkBig Co., Ltd.
Submission received.
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Blog.
blog.naver.com/wj_fennecfox
Twitter.
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Brought to you by Valir Scans! To support our team and enjoy the latest releases, please read directly on our official site: valirscans.org