No Longer Your Puppet, Duke のすべてのチャプター: チャプター 21 - チャプター 30

An abrupt, heavy silence instantly enveloped the main hall after the servants unveiled the painting of Roselyn in the rose garden. The Valthorne knights on duty subtly shifted their hands back to the hilts of their swords, instantly alert and awaiting the slightest command.With such a blatant insult, Derrick could have been dragged straight down to the dungeons on the spot. And even if he were, not a single soul in the room would have dared to object.On the throne, Roselyn remained frozen. She stared at the portrait, her expression taut with annoyance. She could see right through Derrick’s petty provocation. He was intentionally trying to bait Kaelus, hoping her husband would lose his temper and ruin their own wedding day.However, instead of exploding with rage, Kaelus let out a soft, low chuckle. Instantly, the suffocating tension in the air began to thaw.The Grand Duke straightened his posture, casually wrapping his arm around Roselyn’s waist to draw her securely against his br

Thud!Duke Derrick D'Arest and Count Vogard Sirius were thrown callously onto the damp stone floor. The sharp, heavy clanking of the iron chains binding their wrists shattered the suffocating silence of the Valthorne castle dungeons."Watch your manners! You are incredibly fortunate that the Grand Duchess didn't have your heads taken right there in the main hall," one of the Valthorne knights spat with venom before pulling the heavy iron bar door shut with a resounding slam.Clang!The cell door locked tight. The two powerful nobles from the Capital were now thoroughly trapped in a place they had never, in their wildest dreams, imagined they would ever inhabit.Vogard, whose aging body was entirely unprepared for such rough handling, coughed violently while clutching his aching lower back. His lavish ceremonial robes were now stained with dust and wet earth."Dammit! How dare they treat me in this manner!" Vogard barked in a raspy, shaking v

Aira paced frantically back and forth inside her quarters, her breath coming in short, ragged gasps. Her heart hammered so violently against her ribs that it felt as though it might leap right out of her chest.The abrupt arrest of Derrick and Vogard had completely unraveled her plans. Sent from the Capital as mere political bait, Aira now found her own position perched precariously on a knife's edge. If the Emperor’s faction that backed her collapsed, she would be left with absolutely nowhere to run.Moreover, having witnessed firsthand how ruthless and perceptive the current Roselyn had become, Aira knew it was only a matter of time before her own head was mounted as an ornament upon the castle fortress."No, I won't die in this barbaric wasteland," Aira whispered, her hands trembling uncontrollably.Driven by sheer desperation, she slipped out of her chambers in the dead of night, intending to seek out Vivianne in the wester

Roselyn’s footsteps felt heavy as she walked down the corridor toward her chambers. A maid immediately greeted her. As soon as she stepped inside, Roselyn began taking off the tiara and jewelry she had worn all day."We have prepared the bath for you, Your Grace," the maid said with a polite bow."Thank you. And please have dinner sent to my room. I am incredibly exhausted."The maid nodded, adding that she would fetch the shampoo before leaving.Roselyn stepped into the bathroom. Her fingers moved slowly, unfastening the fur cloak and the blue gown that had felt suffocating since midday. Ahead of her, dozens of flower petals floated atop the water in the bathtub. She dipped the tip of her toe in, checking if the temperature was right before stepping in.'Why is everything so complicated?' she thought, staring at the ripples on the surface. 'I've only just put Derrick behind me, yet another obstacle aris

A thin plume of steam rose from the cooling Earl Grey tea, drifting over the table. The main boardroom of the Valthorne Grand Duchy was in use once again this morning. At the far end of the long table, Kaelus sat perfectly upright, cloaked in his black-furred Grand Ducal robe. His crimson eyes stared unblinkingly at the stamped scroll unfurled in the center of the table."So, the Emperor wants me to release the Duke?"The old advisor present in the room cleared his throat, his hands trembling slightly as he lifted the parchment. "The Emperor and the central nobility are demanding the release of Duke D’Arest. Not only because of his contributions to past wars, but also due to his immense influence in the capital.""He is still guilty," Kaelus repeated flatly."Grand Duke, the Emperor has reiterated his offer to grant us the mines and a tax exemption. Furthermore..." The old man adjusted his spectacles."What else does