"What do you think about the Vad Clan?"
I asked while taking a sip of my cup of black tea, enjoying my stay at the second prince's palace.
It's been three days since my father and I had that pointless argument. So, I decided to visit Azazel today to discuss the Vad clan.
When I mentioned the Vad clan to Azazel, who was sitting in front of me, he raised his eyebrows.
"The dog of the Imperial Family? Since I don't have the acknowledgment from the Emperor, I do not receive anyone from the Vad Clan to assist me. However, I am aware that they pledge loyalty to the Imperial Family."
At least three or four members of the Vad clan were given to each member of the Imperial Family.
Azazel, on the other hand, did not receive anyone since he was not recognized by the Emperor.
"Why do you ask about that clan?"
I laughed as I set the cup down on the table and gave him a teasing smile.
"Since we're going to rebel soon, we need supporters. Isn't that right?"
When he realized what I had just spoken to him, his eyes widened.
(He's quick to catch on.)
"You mean to make Vad Clan on our side?"
"Precisely."
"But they only obey the Imperial Family."
I smirked as I pointed my hand at him.
"And you're one of those Imperial Family."
Before going into the details, I moved my head toward the window and then back at him.
"For as long as I can remember, the Vad clan always despised the Imperial Family. They always want to have a leader that can lead them so they can carry out their hatred, their revenge. Don't you think their ambition isn't too different from us?"
Azazel seemed uncomfortable as he stared into my eyes, even though I had already explained it. His crimson gaze shifted, and he let out a sigh.
"That's not a bad plan."
I smiled at his remark.
(I've known for years that Azazel has been plotting a rebellion. However, he had no intention of making many allies because he believed that everyone was an enemy who needed to be eliminated. The fact that the Vad clan has been loyal to the Imperial Family for over a century clouds his judgment, and he is hesitant to persuade them to join hands.)
"The Vad clan will be overjoyed."
"What proof do you have that the Vad clan despises the Imperial Family? They appeared to be having a good time serving them and appeared to be trustworthy."
"... I apologize for being rude, but the position between you and them is similar. They have always been used to being sent to war for this Empire's victories, but they didn't even receive all the glory."
His eyes widened in familiarity, as if he could relate to what I had just spoken.
"Isn't that situation similar to someone I know?"
He flinched and his eyes trembled with uncertainty, but I could sense the burning rage within.
"Now, could you tell that they will happily die for someone who dishonors them in the first place?"
Silence filled the room, and he seemed at a loss for words.
" 'Then, where else would accept a bunch of odd individuals who can't even use elements? You all won't be welcomed anywhere except our Elysian Empire. 'Be thankful for that.' "
I cracked a gentle smile.
"That's presumably what the preceding Emperor said to the Vad clan,"
"... I'm well aware that the Vad clan is being treated with obvious discrimination."
As he focused boldly into my eyes, as if settling on something, Azazel stated.
"Let's do that. Let's put the Vad clan on our side."
I chuckled, forming a satisfied smile after convincing him.
"Then I leave it to you to make the Vad clan on our side."
"I understand. Also, you realize that it's Charlotte's birthday soon."
"I'm well aware. It's Princess Charlotte's 14th birthday, isn't it?"
"Yes. I intend to use her birthday celebration to formally propose to you in front of everyone."
"Ho? That's a good idea. But, instead of Princess Charlotte, won't the spotlight be drawn to us?"
Azazel's eyes darkened as he scoffed.
"See if I care about that wench."
(Well, I couldn't care less either way. It's surprising to see him like this though.)
"Even then, is there a reason why you want to publicly announce our relationship?"
He asked out of the blue as I pondered the response and was deep in thought.
"It's preferable to do it openly than in secret. Regardless, we will continue to meet in the future. So that everyone knows we're getting married and not just seeing each other for a bit of fun."
"I understand."
"You also have your reasons for agreeing to that, right?"
"Yes, I have."
My gaze was drawn to his sword on his hip when he smiled at me.
"Then, how's the effect on the potions?"
"Oh?"
His gaze settled on his blade before returning to me with a pleased smile.
"It was quite practical and efficient. It's a lovely feeling to kill someone with just a single light wound from the sword."
His face lightened as he talked about it, as if he was overjoyed by the potion I'd created.
(In that case, my choice is the most appropriate one. It's a good thing I went ahead and made that potion.)
"However, it will only last for three months."
"Three months?"
"Don't be concerned. I'll make some more for you."
As soon as I said it, Azazel fell silent, glanced at me, and seemed to be deep in thoughts.
"Are you actually the one who makes the potion?"
As I was trapped by his scrutinized gaze, his eyes moved suspiciously towards me.
(Ah... Since the potion worked so well... He started suspecting me.)
(It's completely understandable.)
As I make a confident smile, I let out a sigh.
"Do you have a blank paper?"
-
I spend two hours explaining the process on how to make the black liquid to Azazel.
And, surprisingly, Azazel comprehends the procedure, even though there are a few phrases and processes that he would struggle to comprehend.
(Spoken like a true genius. Perhaps he'll start inventing his own potions in the near future.)
"Thank you for explaining the procedure to me and proving that I am mistaken. I'm sorry for doubting you."
I gave him a reassuring smile in return.
"Don't mind that."
Although our relationship is founded on mutual benefits, maintaining a good relationship is also beneficial.
[Ciel Casino]I turned my gaze toward Theodore, who appears like a lost small child. The sight made me chuckle as we both entered the casino after saying our fake identities to the workers."Is this your first time at a casino, Theodore?"I asked with a slight smile as he nodded his head as an answer."Follow me."As we passed the people gambling with the money they are so proud of, I led him to a quieter area.Also, because it's Theodore's first time in such a place, he appears enthralled."A casino, as you know, Theo, is a location where certain sorts of gambling are permitted. Every kind of rotten person gathered here like mice."He was only a step behind me as I stood at the corner."Ciel Casino. This is my father's casino, which he established under a fake identity."I witnessed people wasting their time, money, and lives at this casino.In my previous life, when I was sixteen years old, I discov
[2nd Prince's Palace]Azazel's grip on the paper tightened as he read the details from Verena, while Verena, who sat across from him, maintained a calm smile."...... Are you saying this is the 'entire' plan until the rebellion...?"Azazel raised his head, his gaze meeting Verena's calm aquamarine eyes."Yes, I have already calculated everything. Things that might or might not happen were also put into consideration."Azazel chuckled, and soon he stifled a laugh, a satisfying laugh."That's what I expected! Lady Verena Zielle... You took advantage of my previous plans, merged them together with your own, and came up with this idea! Isn't that right?!"His enthusiasm was on point as Verena had expected, since Azazel is that kind of person.She knows well that he wouldn't stay put after reading her whole plan.(.... This plan... is too perfect that I can't even put it into words.)He narrowed his eyes at her as he p
"Open a way for us, Theodore." After the three of them discovered a thick wall that separated the Imperial Palace's territory between the Vad Clan's, Azazel turned his gaze toward Theodore. "I understand." Azazel and Verena took a step back as Theodore nodded and walked forward. "Do it silently." Theodore nodded in response to Azazel's words and took a deep breath before slowly raising, then slamming his hand on the ground beneath them. Azazel and Verena's eyes widened in surprise as the ground underneath them abruptly broke open and fell down without warning. "......!" However, neither Azazel nor Verena screamed. Because they know the knights will locate them if they make a single sound. (So much for being quiet...) Verena thought, her vision darkened by the new, unfamiliar sight. "Are we inside the ground?" She asked, her attention fixed on the ground because she couldn't see anything i
"It's him."Veren exclaimed as Azazel nodded in response. After they spotted him, Azazel handed one silver cent to pay the bartender beforehand."Thanks for the drinks. The rest of the money can be your tip.""Ah yes, thank you."The bartender nodded. Soon, Verena and Azazel rose from their seats, starting to walk past Ethan."We'll be waiting for you in front of the tavern, Ethan Vad. Be as quick as possible."Azazel whispered as they passed each other. Ethan didn't have time to react before Verena showed Ethan the Imperial Family crest. Ethan's confused expression had become shocked. As they continued to walk out of the tavern, his gaze could only follow them.-After showing themselves to Ethan, they had been waiting for him for a while until their target finally came for them."Who are you, exactly? Why did you have the Imperial Family crest...?"He questioned, his eyes narrowing as he looked at them. It was a
"... A date?"Verena's brow furrowed in response to Azazel's offer, who sat in front of her, nodding his head several times as if overwhelmed by his own joy.(Well, I don't have anything planned for today... But, why is he requesting a date?)She drew her eyebrows together, her gaze focused as she pondered the date offer.(Is it a code of some sort? Or did he plan something for the rebellion and use the date as an excuse?)Verena was a little taken aback by the offer, but because Azazel suggested it, she'd accept it as she thought he may want to offer or talk to her about something important.Meanwhile, Azazel was visibly shaking, fearful that Verena would reject him over such a trivial matter.(... I'm hoping she'll agree to this date... I made sure I had everything ready in case something went wrong, and Olivier made sure nothing did. Now it's up to her to respond.)He nervously holds his own hands while waiting for Verena's
(Eh, this taste...)I thought this while I continued to chew my sandwich, which had a crack as I bit into it, causing my brows to twitch.(...... W-what did I just-)Azazel's gaze was filled with anticipation as I carefully raised my head.(... Why is he staring at me so intently...?)When I took a bite, the sandwich in my hand trembled slightly."... Azazel.. Who made this sandwich?"I asked, attempting to maintain control of my expression while trying to avoid chewing everything in my mouth, which resulted in a muffled question.Azazel, on the other side, flushed again as he seemed to understand my question."I... I'm the one who made it."He responded shyly as I almost choked on the food.(H-he made this sandwich?!)I've never felt so uneasy over a situation in my whole life.However, after seeing Azazel's sparkling eyes stare at me, I couldn't bring myself to say it wasn't pleasant.
[2nd Prince's Palace]As he looked at Azazel, who was lying on his bed with a high fever, Olivier's eyes widened in surprise."You're kidding, right? Why did you get sick in the middle of nowhere with a fever?"He questioned, his brow furrowed, but Azazel twitched his brows in irritation as he tried to catch his breath.(I also can't believe I was so horrified that I had a fever as a result of a single kiss. Might as well just die.)Azazel thought, as he wished to die of embarrassment after recalling the events of their date the day before.(Ugh... My first kiss with Verena happened in front of a candy store in town.)If Azazel could, he would go back in time and stop it immediately before it happened.He wanted them to kiss for the first time at their own wedding. He wished for it, but it was crushed.His grip on the sheet tightened.(... Who the hell pushed Verena to the point where we kissed by accident?! When
[2nd Prince's Palace]Azazel was the one who held the blade in front of Olivier's neck, and he did so out of dissatisfaction and rage."How dare you...! When did I tell you to let that woman into my room, especially when I wasn't feeling well?!"He screamed furiously, while Olivier remained silent, his head lowered and his sorrowful eyes narrowed."Prince Azazel, please accept my deepest condolences. However, I believed it would be preferable if I could have Her Majesty's trust.""For what?"Azazel's sword trembled in his hand as he understood he couldn't kill one of his closest allies. He is well aware that Olivier has his own reasons for acting in that manner."I'm going to be her spy for you."Azazel's eyes widened at the unexpected response, and everything seemed to sink into his head as he finally grasped the meaning of that simple remark."... Ah."Azazel withdrew his blade as he let out a sigh, his face tro