MasukThough the guard's shout about Emperor Cedric’s warship was still ringing in everyone's ears, Kaelus merely raised his hand, gesturing for everyone to remain calm.
"We won't wait around for that ship to dock." The Grand Duke made his decision in a matter of seconds.
"Grand Duke, wouldn't it be better to face them right now?" Eden asked.
Though the guard's shout about Emperor Cedric’s warship was still ringing in everyone's ears, Kaelus merely raised his hand, gesturing for everyone to remain calm."We won't wait around for that ship to dock." The Grand Duke made his decision in a matter of seconds."Grand Duke, wouldn't it be better to face them right now?" Eden asked."No, Eden. There is far too much to lose if we force a fight here."The shadow knight nodded, not doubting his master's judgment for a single second. "We await your command."Kaelus turned his gaze toward the inner room, thinking of Roselyn, who was still fragile, and Selen, whose true identity remained wrapped in mystery.Any unnecessary gam
The terror written across Selen’s face plunged the entire room into a sudden silence. Even Eden, usually so composed on the battlefield, held his breath at the sight."You recognize this medallion?" Kaelus’s question was sharp, leaving no room for lies.Selen took a step back until his shoulder hit the doorframe. "I... I don't—""Don't play games with me. I am thoroughly exhausted by all of this."Seeing the mounting tension, Rieta could not stand idly by. She stepped forward, grasping Selen's arm to keep him from fleeing as he had at the harbor the night before."Just answer him. If you are honest, everything will be much easier," the young woman urged."Let go
The red stain on Roselyn’s dress was so stark it sent an instant wave of panic through the room. The scream caught right in Rieta’s throat.Moving instinctively, Kaelus caught his wife’s collapsing body before she hit the cold wooden floor.The Grand Duke’s face drained of color, turning paler and far more terrified than Selen’s had been when he narrowly escaped death moments ago.He carried Roselyn to the nearest bedroom with hurried yet extraordinarily gentle steps. Laying her down on the bed, he brushed the damp strands of hair from her forehead, his hands trembling violently."Rose, what’s wrong, my love? Hold on. I’m right here.""Kael... my stomach...."
Eden’s eyes widened as Kaelus stepped toward the window, parting the thin curtains to peer at the street below the villa."How many people are coming?""About ten men, Grand Duke. They are bearing the imperial crest, not disguised at all."Roselyn rose from the bed even though her body still felt unsteady, brushing off Rieta’s hand as the maid tried to restrain her.The long-haired woman immediately reached for her husband’s arm, leaning on him slightly to keep herself upright."Do they really have no intention of disguising themselves?" Roselyn asked anxiously, looking out the window alongside him."Perhaps they simply don't want to bother with any interference.""Or they already know Selen is in this city and just want to capture him.""It seems so, Rose. By openly displaying that they are imperial soldiers, not a single commoner would dare stand in their way. In fact, people might even race to provide information for a reward.""We are slightly behind.""Only a few steps, my wife."
"Your silver hair is showing, Kael," Roselyn whispered softly, adjusting the front of her coarse wool coat."Rest easy, Rose. No one will realize who we are," Kaelus replied with a faint smile.The journey toward the port city of Brenholt had begun just before dawn broke over the eastern sky of Sirius.An unmarked horse-drawn carriage sped through the thin fog, carrying the Northern couple who were deliberately concealing their identities."Eden, how is the situation at the main dock?" Kaelus asked."Extremely crowded and chaotic, Grand Duke. It is the perfect time to blend in.""Are you certain no nobles are visiting there?""None, Grand Duke. That area is rarely frequented nowadays.""Good. Keep a close watch on our surroundings.""Of course."Their two companions moved with heightened alertness at the front. Eden, Kaelus's trusted shadow knight, led the way disguised as a merchant broker, while Rieta stepped capably as a loyal personal maid."My Lady, please stay close to me and th
Roselyn’s footsteps ground to a sudden halt at the threshold before she truly left Countess Sirius’s chamber. The lingering question that had been weighing on her heart could no longer be contained.Kaelus glanced at his wife, remaining steadfastly by her side as if silently understanding all the unrest she harbored."There is one more thing you haven't explained, Countess," Roselyn said in a calm, steady tone. "What do you actually intend to do once you find Selen?"Countess Sirius drew a long breath, her fingers trailing over the wooden surface of the table. Her features suggested she had anticipated this very question.She no longer attempted to act sweet or play the role of a frail, gentle stepmother. Slowly, the mask fractured and fell away entirely."I am going to make Selen the Head of House Sirius in Carl's stead."The declaration was delivered so bluntly, slicing brutally through the quiet morning air. Roselyn offered a cynical smirk in response to the mad ambition of the wom
A stifling silence enveloped the balcony, broken only by the sound of Roselyn’s ragged, fractured breaths. Before her, Kaelus stood motionless, like an ice sculpture untouched by time.Roselyn lowered her head, trying to steady her racing heart. "Forgive me for forcing you to witness such a shamefu
Three days of confinement were enough for the bruises on Roselyn’s body to fade from a deep purple to a dull yellow. Thanks to the Elysium from her uncle, the wound on her forehead had dwindled to a thin red line.Vogard personally ensured that the mark was buried under layers of powder before drag
No one greeted Roselyn as she left the room. There was only a silence that felt like an insult, making her misery complete.A few servants were called to drag her away, but Roselyn brushed their hands off.Step by step, holding onto the wall, she walked down the corridor with every joint in her bod
"Prove your love, Lady. Try serving me tonight."The voice was soft, yet it carried no melody—only the toll of a death knell.Roselyn remained motionless on the cold marble, letting her knees go numb. Her dignity as the sole daughter of Count Sirius had long been cast aside. All that remained was a







