No Longer Your Puppet, Duke 의 모든 챕터: 챕터 111 - 챕터 120

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

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."

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

Selen offered a faint smile—the first since they had met in the narrow alley of Brenholt. Bit by bit, the stiffness that usually guarded his demeanor began to melt away whenever he faced a woman who never demanded he be someone he was not."Roselyn, why are you so kind to me? We barely just met.""Because I know what it feels like to grow up without the affection we deserve."The brief answer left Selen silent, realizing that the woman before him perhaps understood the wounds he carried better than anyone else.Meanwhile, riding on a separate horse alongside the carriage, Kaelus maintained a vigilant watch, occasionally glancing toward the carriage window to ensure Roselyn was all right."Aside from making me the head of the family, does my mother have any other reason for seeking me out?" Selen asked, wringing his fingers nervously."I don't know, Selen. We will find out soon enough.""Though... the Grand Duke already explained part of it."Roselyn turned her head, slightly surprised

Carl stopped in the middle of the corridor, his humming abruptly cutting off.He turned back, staring up at the dark, upper-floor window of the main building. There was nothing there—only curtains swaying gently in the night breeze."Looks like someone was there," he muttered under his breath.He stood still for a few seconds, his eyes narrowing as he scanned each window one by one."You," he called softly.One of his knights, who had just finished disposing of the body in the cramped room earlier, hurried over. Faint bloodstains still marked his sleeves. "Yes, Young Master?""Earlier, when we dragged him into that room... who else knew where we were going?"