Chapter 91
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92.
"We should investigate. By the way, have you heard any news about Zeppelin recovering his memories?"
"No, sir. His temperament has become somewhat more violent than before, but he still claims not to remember Rebecca."
"I see..."
On the balcony, Zeppelin had clearly recognized me. The way he'd even spoken nonsense made it certain his memories had returned. Why would he hide the fact that his memories had come back? A subtle smile played across my lips as I turned the matter over in my mind. 'He must be suspecting Octavio.' According to Grace, Alicia and Octavio had been running the Estate as they pleased since Zeppelin lost his memories. It was certain that Zeppelin, having recovered his memories, had sensed something amiss. If their relationship fractured from here, it would be most advantageous for me.
"You've done well. Kanna, this is your first time here, isn't it? Since you're here, why don't you spend some time with the people of Liberta and reconnect before heading home with your mother?"
"What about you, Rebecca?"
"I have something urgent to attend to. Don't worry. Rest well and come back."
Kanna gazed toward the vast Salon. From the entrance, I could see people from Liberta who had spotted Kanna and were discreetly waving at her.
"Don't worry. I'll accompany Rebecca."
Julian, who had been listening silently to their conversation, spoke up. Kanna looked at Julian, whose shoulders were held with reassuring confidence, then nodded quietly. * * * "You're planning to contact the Emperor?"
In the carriage heading home, Julian asked me.
"That's right. An unexpected opportunity has presented itself, so I should use it to ensure Zeppelin falls out of the Emperor's favor."
"It's as if heaven itself is helping."
"Perhaps. We reap what we sow, don't we? Since Zeppelin has done what he's done, things naturally unfold this way. I don't believe in the will of heaven."
"If the Knights of God heard you say that, you'd be arrested on the spot."
"Then you'll rescue me, won't you?"
"It's only natural, but I can't understand why you trust me so completely."
"Because you're a sorcerer."
"What?"
At the absurd remark, wrinkles formed between Julian's brows. I laughed aloud.
"Just kidding. In any case, I trust you more than a god who offers no answers. At least you feel warm."
I gazed out the window with a melancholic expression. The sunset was already fading. I once thought that a god who pitied me had granted me life a second time. But even so, I felt no gratitude. Wasn't the one who remained silent while I lived a pitiful life also a god? In my previous life, I prayed to god until my throat grew hoarse, but all that returned was a bleak reality. In the end, it was my own will that changed my life. So Rebecca decided to abandon God. It was better to strike Zeppelin's cheek one more time than to spend that time prostrate in prayer.
"I like that answer."
The Duke of Johannes, blessed by God himself, laughed broadly at her declaration that she did not believe in Him.
"Let's destroy it then."
"Fine. But you need to focus on your design work for now."
"What does that have to do with this?"
Julian cleared his throat uncomfortably, still uneasy with the word "designer."
"When everything else disappears, that will be what saves you. The ability to concentrate on something allows you to forget so much."
Twilight descended upon Rebecca's face. Julian gazed at the wavering crimson light with eyes grown distant. It was the color of flames burning fiercely one last time before the fire extinguished completely. In this moment, Rebecca stood in the same space as Julian, breathing the same air, yet her gaze was fixed elsewhere. Julian feared the truth that lay beyond her sight. The thought crept upon him that perhaps Rebecca lived in a different world from his own. Afraid she might return to the world she belonged to, Julian suddenly grasped her hand.
"I forget nothing."
His grip tightened until his hand trembled. Eyes drowning in sorrow turned toward Rebecca.
"So don't disappear. Rebecca."
Rebecca looked at Julian, whose grip on her hand was painfully tight. Did he dimly sense something as well? Between preparing his heart in advance and allowing him even a moment of happiness, Rebecca floundered helplessly. She could not continue to sow only anxiety in him. Hesitation about what lay ahead was poison itself. Rebecca steeled herself and quietly withdrew her hand from his grasp.
"When the contract ends, it's natural that we each go our separate ways."
"A contract..."
"Yes. Don't forget we're bound by contract. When it ends, we return to how things were. To the time before we knew each other."
Rebecca's words cut Julian sharply, cold as an ice pick. But what wounded him was not her words. It was Rebecca's expression, awkwardly feigning coldness. Her breath trembled as though the lie burdened her, and her brows were drawn together with all her strength. While she hid her emotions well before others, Rebecca often revealed her raw face to Julian. He both loved and hated that about her. He pressed his lips together as though grinding them to dust. His heart ached as if it were being torn to shreds. Julian forced his mouth open with difficulty.
"If you still feel the same way after everything ends, then we can reconsider at that time."
Rebecca turned her head away, unable to bear meeting his gaze. The dazzling light of twilight lingered only the briefest moment before vanishing. In an instant, darkness descended between the two of them. * * * "The Earl of Devonshire has been released, you say...."
Zahidra let out a low whistle at Abraham's report. Rebecca's words had come true like a prophecy. 'Since I have chosen Julian, he will ascend to greater heights, and Zeppelin will become a setting sun. Which will you choose?' At the time, I had thought it merely idle curiosity. So I had made no decision in that moment. I had intended to remain silent like Rebecca suggested and simply observe how events unfolded. But in the end, everything proceeded exactly as I had feared. 'Did that girl orchestrate this? Or has Zeppelin's dark nature finally been exposed by this opportunity?' Deep down, I had no wish to cast aside a loyal family of ancient standing. Every time I saw Zeppelin, I was reminded of Joachim Devonshire, who had been like a cherished friend. But now that matters had come to this, I had no choice. The final seal on strengthening imperial authority was within reach. With the Church's downfall imminent, I could not afford variables. Abraham spoke upon seeing the deep furrows etched across Zahidra's brow.
"Could it not be that the Duke of Johannes orchestrated this to make Your Majesty suspect the Earl of Devonshire? He has deep connections with the Church in many ways."
"That is possible."
Zahidra narrowed his eyes, fingers interlaced. Abraham felt his hair stand on end beneath that piercing gaze. It was a look that chilled the flesh every time he witnessed it.
"But I doubt it. To extract the Earl, Julian would have to kneel directly before the Pope himself. That arrogant Julian of Johannes would never do such a thing, even unto death."
Yet Zahidra recalled the look in Julian's eyes as he gazed at Rebecca in the Ballroom, and he exhaled deeply.
"However, there is nothing a man mad with love cannot do. That was certainly the gaze of one who has fallen in love. Remarkable—to think I would live to see such an expression on Julian's face."
Zahidra pressed his fingers to his brow.
"And what of Catherine?"
"She still refuses all food and drink."
"How can the Empire's princess be so weak of spirit? What use is she then?"
"She is still but a tender girl, is she not?"
"She is my daughter. My children must not be weak."
Abraham flinched at Zahidra's resolute tone. Zahidra was as exacting with his children as he was with himself. I required my daughter and sons to hold monthly presentations proving their usefulness. I ranked them and punished those who ranked lowest. Catherine always remained in the lower ranks. Yet her beautiful appearance and voice, which seemed to entrance men, had barely kept her from falling from my favor. Zahidra spoke, touching the corner of his eye.
"I must arrange Catherine's marriage as quickly as possible. Bring me a list of kingdoms that have offered favorable terms."
"Yes, understood."
Zahidra spoke of Catherine's betrothal with all the warmth of a merchant haggling over wares in a marketplace. Abraham felt a momentary pang of compassion for Catherine's fate, but quickly bowed his head. It was a destiny that could not be changed. Just then, a knock sounded at the door, and Abraham rose to answer it. Zahidra tilted his head back against the chair, attempting to organize his tangled thoughts.
"Your Majesty..."
Abraham opened the office door once more and stepped inside.
"The Duke of Johannes has sent a gift."
"A gift? Bring it here."
Before Zahidra's words had even finished, several sturdy servants entered carrying four large paintings. They lined up in a row, holding the paintings where Zahidra could view them easily. As Zahidra examined the paintings carefully, a smile spread across his lips.
"This is..."
The paintings contained a portrait of Zahidra himself, rendered in a dignified and commanding pose. Though it appeared to be heavily idealized, it was nonetheless a most satisfying work. Abraham gasped in admiration.
"Truly a magnificent work. It captures Your Majesty's presence most splendidly. I have never seen such an enchanting portrait in all my days."
"That Zeppelin fellow has an exceptional eye for art. So this is how he intended to win my favor, is it?"
"Pardon? But this was sent by the Duke of Johannes..."
"Never mind. It matters not."
"Ah, there is also a letter that came with it."
Zahidra accepted the letter, which carried a subtle floral fragrance. The thought that Julian had sprayed perfume on the letter for him was utterly horrifying. Zahidra chose to believe that Rebecca had written the letter instead. < I send this humble gift in hopes of seeking forgiveness for my previous rudeness. I am certain it was selected with utmost care, and I sincerely hope it pleases you. The matter at hand is that I wish to hold a small tea gathering to present you with an invitation. The main dessert of the gathering shall be a Mont Blanc cake. I do hope you will attend with friends of your choosing at the location written below. > Zahidra looked at the location written in the letter. Labonne Salon... It was a name he had never heard before. Moreover, salons were traditionally held in one's own residence. Yet the address enclosed with the letter was not the Duke's Castle, but the Duchy of Johannes, which lay adjacent to the Capital. When Zahidra showed the letter to Abraham, Abraham tilted his head in puzzlement. The runaway countess has returned. E-book publication.
January 12, 2022 Author.
Long night sky Publisher.
Desert fox Published by.
Woongjin ThinkBig Co., Ltd. Submission.
naver.me/54VzzLSn Blog.
blog.naver.com/wj_fennecfox Twitter.
@wjt_fennecfox
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