Chapter 14

The autumn sky on the day of the engagement ceremony was clear and bright.

 

As fitting for the engagement of Cedric, who currently stood at the absolute apex of power in Heriet, all the nobles of Centerfield poured into the Imperial Grand Cathedral.

 

It was the first time since the Hunting Festival that the Imperial Palace was packed with people, creating a lively and excited atmosphere.

 

“Oh my, Countess Cale! It has been too long.”

 

“Well, one simply cannot miss a day like this.”

 

“Even the weather seems to bless today’s main characters. Don’t you think so? Ho-ho-ho.”

 

Despite the tragedy that had befallen the Heriet Imperial Family just a few weeks prior, the gathered nobles acted as if nothing had ever happened.

 

The faction of nobles loyal to Cedric, led by Count Cale, played a major role in driving this atmosphere.

 

“Now, now, for today at least, let us forget other worries and focus solely on congratulating the Prime Minister and the bride-to-be on their new beginning.”

 

Whenever talk threatened to turn toward the Imperial Family’s current situation, Count Cale stepped in to shut it down.

 

“On such a wonderful day, is there really any need to dampen the mood with serious topics?”

 

“Come to think of it, the Count is right. It’s not as if wracking our brains and worrying will solve anything anyway.”

 

For nobles who detested anything that caused a headache, it was an irresistibly sweet proposition.

 

After all, Cedric, the Prime Minister, would handle all the complex matters, so there was no need for them to think any deeper about it.

 

Soon, the guests’ attention shifted elsewhere.

 

“By the way, I wonder what Young Lady Dines will look like today?”

 

“I heard she had her dress custom-made at Daphne.”

 

“Oh, I’m so envious. The Marquis must truly be devoted to his fiancée.”

 

“They say that even during his courtship, dressmakers and jewelers were constantly coming and going from the Dines Viscounty.”

 

The noblewomen chatted in voices laced with envy and admiration.

 

Their focus was entirely consumed by Robellin, the woman who had captured the heart of the next supreme power.

 

A heated discussion continued for a while over just what means she had used to claim the spot at Cedric’s side.

 

This was despite the party in question, Robellin, sitting in the bride’s waiting room with a face pale as a sheet.

 

‘If I could, I’d want to jump out the window and run away right now.’

 

The tightly laced corset, the people busily moving around her, the voices drifting in from outside, even the sunlight pouring through the waiting room window—every single thing felt as though it were constricting Robellin’s lungs.

 

Feeling as if she might collapse at any moment, Robellin clasped her hands tightly together and let out a deep breath.

 

“Young Lady, are you feeling unwell anywhere?”

 

Seeing the expression on Robellin’s face, the servants asked cautiously.

 

She hurriedly shook her head.

 

“No. It’s just that, given the importance of the day, I’m feeling nervous.”

 

“Well, that is only natural. It has been a long time since even we have seen such a lavish event, so it must be even more overwhelming for you, Young Lady.”

 

Unaware of how Robellin truly felt, the people in the room added their own comments with excited expressions.

 

Most of it was praise and envy directed at Robellin for snatching up today’s stroke of fortune.

 

Robellin felt her stomach churning more and more, but she forced it down and maintained an awkward smile.

 

‘Stay calm, please, stay calm.’

 

If word reached Cedric that she was acting strangely, things would only get troublesome.

 

Composing her mind, Robellin reviewed today’s plan in her head.

 

When the bell signaling the start of the engagement ceremony rang, the knights of the Crown Prince’s Palace were scheduled to search Cedric’s mansion.

 

Since the layout of the greenhouse had already been passed to Wood, securing the evidence was only a matter of time.

 

In the meantime, Cedric would play the part of a man in love without suspecting a thing.

 

And after landing a proper blow against him with the declaration text, the waiting knights would arrest Cedric, bringing the situation to a close.

 

‘I hope everything goes according to plan….’

 

Knowing full well that it was easier said than done, Robellin could not let her guard down for a single second.

 

Just then, someone knocked on the waiting room door.

 

“Bell!”

 

The one poking her head inside was Cornelia.

 

The tension frozen on Robellin’s face thawed slightly.

 

“Connie! What brings you all the way here?”

 

“What do you mean ‘what brings me’? It’s only natural for me to come see my friend. To think a day like this has come, I’m so moved….”

 

Cornelia put on a dramatic act of being overcome with emotion and threw her arms around Robellin.

 

Then, subtly checking her surroundings, she whispered into Robellin’s ear in a voice only the two of them could hear.

 

“Knights are stationed all around Marquis Maxwell’s mansion. Our side is fully ready. It’s the same around the detention facility. Once the signal is given, they’re going to rescue Bri right away.”

 

Robellin nodded, feeling a sense of relief.

 

The idea that Cedric might take Brian hostage if driven into a corner had been Cornelia’s suggestion.

 

“What kind of relationship does Young Lady Bennett have with Duke Raven?”

 

“We’ve just been close since we were kids.”

 

“Ah, I see. You spoke of him with such fervor, so I wondered….”

 

Cornelia cared for Brian so meticulously that even Wood had made such a remark.

 

However, Robellin agreed with Cornelia’s assessment as well.

 

Cedric was a man who wouldn’t hesitate to use despicable tactics.

 

‘At least there won’t be any issues on that side. Then next is….’

 

Robellin also whispered carefully into Cornelia’s ear.

 

“Connie, before the declaration is read, make sure you go somewhere safe in advance. Cedric definitely won’t sit idly by.”

 

“But Bell, what about you?”

 

“I—”

 

“My, isn’t this greeting between friends going on a bit too long?”

 

At that moment, a sudden voice startled Cornelia, making her pull away from Robellin with a jump.

 

Turning her head, she saw Cedric standing by the doorway with his arms crossed, staring intently at the two of them.

 

“Deep friendship is fine and all, but if you stay that close, you’ll ruin the bride’s makeup and dress today, Young Lady Bennett.”

 

Cedric stepped closer with an effortless smile.

 

A look of displeasure flashed across Cornelia’s eyes.

 

“I didn’t realize a gentleman would pay attention to such details.”

 

“Bell will soon become one of the most noble women in Heriet. She must present the most perfect image today.”

 

Cedric placed a hand on Robellin’s shoulder, speaking in a sinister tone.

 

A wave of goosebumps broke out across Robellin’s skin.

 

Slipping her shoulder out from under his hand, Robellin spoke to the fuming Cornelia.

 

“Connie, I’ll see you at the ceremony later.”

 

Though Cornelia’s cheeks flushed red with frustration, she remembered the plan set for shortly after and nodded.

 

With a stiff expression, she bowed, gave a quick greeting, and hurriedly left the waiting room.

 

A satisfied smile spread across Cedric’s face, mistaking her departure for obedient submission.

 

“Were there still many things you wanted to share with your friend? Was I too heartless?”

 

He spoke as if offering an apology, but no trace of such remorse could be found in his eyes or expression.

 

“However, you will have to get used to situations like this, Bell. From now on, as the future Marchioness, you will need to be selective about the people you meet.”

 

“Selective?”

 

When Robellin furrowed her brow, the despicable smile on Cedric’s face deepened.

 

“Have you forgotten, Bell? Our declaration.”

 

At those words, the clause Robellin didn’t even want to remember came to mind.

 

[For the safety of the future Marchioness, outings and external communications shall be conducted after consultation with Marquis Maxwell.]

 

It was an anachronistic clause that treated a woman like her husband’s personal property.

 

Since it was to be officially proclaimed in the Grand Cathedral in just a few hours, Cedric wore a thoroughly relaxed expression.

 

“Let us go now, Bell. The guests are all waiting.”

 

Cedric extended his hand to Robellin.

 

After glaring at him for a brief moment, Robellin took his hand and stood up from her seat.

 

‘Laugh while you still can.’

 

Swallowing the words she wanted to say, Robellin began to walk.

 

In the distance, the massive doors of the Grand Cathedral came into view.

 

Once she passed through those doors, everything would change.

 

‘The one smiling when leaving those doors again will be me.’

 

Robellin made her resolve with resolute eyes.

 

Soon, along with the tolling of the bell announcing the start of the engagement ceremony, the doors of the Grand Cathedral slowly swung open.

 

 

***

 

 

A few minutes before the engagement ceremony began.

 

“Look over there, His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince has arrived.”

 

As Ian entered the Grand Cathedral under heavy security, murmurs instantly broke out in the surroundings.

 

He silently went up to the royal section reserved on the second floor.

 

To show respect to the Crown Prince, the nobles quickly bowed their heads, but the covert glances exchanged beneath those lowered gazes were filled with anxiety and wariness.

 

“Is His Highness really in a position to appear in public yet?”

 

“Shh, he’s still the Crown Prince for now.”

 

Many nobles already regarded Ian as the suspect in Maximilian’s murder.

 

Because of this, they all looked up at Ian with curious eyes as he made his way to his seat.

 

“……”

 

Already seated in the royal section was the Empress, her expression cold as she pointdly ignored Ian, not turning to look at him even once.

 

Even when Ian reached the seat right next to her, the Empress kept her stiff expression fixed firmly forward.

 

He hadn’t expected a warm welcome anyway, so he simply bowed his head in quiet greeting and sat down.

 

“Ian, how does it feel?”

 

The moment he sat down, the Empress spoke in a sharp voice.

 

Turning his head, he saw the Empress glaring at him with fierce eyes.

 

Believing like the other nobles that Ian had harmed Maximilian, hatred and resentment still burned in her eyes.

 

“That girl you were so madly in love with. The moment you collapsed, she immediately latched onto another line.”

 

“……”

 

“In the end, that’s just who you are. Why is everything you do so utterly pathetic, Ian?”

 

The Empress even let out a deliberate, mock laugh, as if enjoying his plight.

 

She then continued to pour out her resentment toward Ian.

 

“It must have felt great right up until you harmed Maxim. You probably thought your world had finally arrived.”

 

“……”

 

“Of course, it’s true that the incident was a massive shock to me. But there is one thing you overlooked. Do you really think a mother who lost her child would just sit back and do nothing?”

 

Unable to suppress her rising rage, the Empress’s hands began to tremble violently.

 

She felt as though she wouldn’t even feel satisfied if she strangled Ian with her own two hands right this second.

 

Having instinctively raised her hands, she caught the curious glances from the floor below and barely managed to suppress her anger.

 

“For Maxim’s sake, I will personally destroy you with my own hands. I’ll push you into a barrel filled with nails—”

 

“Is that what Troy told you?”

 

“……What?”

 

At Ian’s sudden question, the Empress’s voice, which had been booming with momentum, cut off abruptly.

 

There was no shaking in Ian’s eyes as he quietly gazed at her.

 

“I asked if your biological son told you that I harmed Maxim.”

 

Ian asked again slowly, his voice calm.

 

The Empress could only twitch her lips, unable to offer any reply.

 

To think Troy’s name would suddenly come out of his mouth here.

 

Rolling her eyes, the Empress subtly checked Ian’s reaction for a moment.

 

‘Does he know that Cedric is Troy and is saying this? No way.’

 

Yet for that to be the case, Ian looked far too serene right now.

 

If he knew the truth, he wouldn’t be able to sit there so composedly.

 

It seemed Ian was merely testing her.

 

‘This brazen bastard is making his final desperate struggle now that he’s cornered.’

 

Not a chance.

 

Composing herself, the Empress put on a sneering expression once more.

 

“Do you still think you can threaten me with that useless diary? Now that His Majesty has collapsed as well, what good is that supposed to do?”

 

“Well, I wonder if the diary is really the only leverage I have.”

 

Ian answered, lightly running a hand through his hair.

 

Faced with his unexpectedly nonchalant attitude, it was the Empress who felt flustered instead.

 

Unlike her, Ian’s relaxed demeanor was irritating.

 

Unable to contain her rage any longer, the Empress slammed up from her seat.

 

“Just what on earth are you thinking right now—!”

 

“The ceremony is about to begin. Everyone, please be seated.”

 

However, her outburst was immediately drowned out by the attendant’s loud voice echoing through the hall.

 

Grit her teeth, the Empress sat back down.

 

Ian, too, no longer looked at the Empress and shifted his gaze straight ahead.

 

‘It begins now.’

 

Tension settled over Ian’s face, and his lips set in a firm line.

 

With the chime of the spire’s bell, the doors of the Grand Cathedral slowly swung open.

 

Amid thunderous applause, Cedric and Robellin made their appearance.

 

‘Robellin….’

 

The moment he saw Robellin in her pink dress, Ian unconsciously leaned forward.

 

At that exact second, Robellin also raised her head and met his gaze.

 

“……”

 

For a long moment, the two silently stared at each other.

 

Ian had to suppress the sudden urge to leap over the balcony, grab Robellin, and flee this place right then and there.

 

 

***

 

 

“Ah, dammit. What is all this?”

 

The knights of the Crown Prince’s Palace, who had stormed into Marquis Maxwell’s estate at the sound of the bell, froze in place upon inspecting the basement, utterly lost for words.

 

Everyone looked on with dumbfounded expressions at the undulating waves of purple.

 

‘Did Young Lady Dines inspect this all by herself? It’s a miracle she didn’t faint.’

 

Wood inwardly clicked his tongue as he looked around.

 

Thanks to most of Cedric’s forces being deployed to guard the engagement ceremony, the order of knights had been able to reach the greenhouse with relative ease.

 

Though none of them had anticipated coming across a sight quite this gruesome.

 

“With this amount, it’d be more than enough to wither and kill every single person in Heriet.”

 

The knight commander said while clicking his tongue.

 

Without hesitation, Wood stepped forward and plucked a stalk of Devil of Fernin with his bare hand.

 

Everyone looked at him with shocked expressions.

 

“H-Hey! Wood! That’s dangerous! With your bare hands—”

 

“It is fine. The person who touched it directly assured me there were no adverse effects.”

 

“Who?”

 

“Young Lady Dines.”

 

At Wood’s words, the other knights wore bewildered expressions.

 

“Young Lady Dines… touched poison grass directly?”

 

“Well now, why would a noble lady do that? Her life sure sounds eventful.”

 

“Alright, alright, instead of standing around, let’s collect the evidence first.”

 

Muttering that they had no idea how things were turning out, the knights began gathering the evidence.

 

“I shall head to the Imperial Palace to report our success.”

 

Leaving his comrades behind, Wood quickly headed back above ground.

 

Cedric’s subordinates, who had already been subdued by the knights, lay bound on the floor.

 

Wood glanced briefly at one man in particular who had a notably small build and a treacherous appearance.

 

Now both the witness and the evidence had been secured.

 

‘In that case, all that remains is….’

 

The Great Priest’s reading of the declaration.

 

 

***

 

 

‘Ian…!’

 

Entering the engagement venue feeling like a beast led to the slaughterhouse, Robellin met Ian’s eyes instantly.

 

Though she had resolutely composed herself until now, her heart sank with a thud in this single moment.

 

To stand at an engagement ceremony holding another man’s hand right in front of the person she loved.

 

No matter how much of a plan they had, she couldn’t help the overwhelming wave of guilt.

 

‘He looks even more worn out….’

 

Guessing how much Ian had suffered mentally, Robellin felt a sharp pain in her chest.

 

Robellin bit her lower lip tightly to hide its trembling.

 

Just then, Ian lightly shook his head and rubbed near his eyes with two fingers.

 

‘That sign!’

 

Wasn’t that the secret signal the two of them had agreed upon before the Hunting Festival?

 

It was a sign they had created to express their feelings for each other even if they were separated.

 

Seeing his signal, the bridge of Robellin’s nose tingled.

 

She responded with the secret signal only the two of them knew.

 

‘Me too. I’m always thinking of you, Ian.’

 

Though her dress had no ruffles, Robellin pretended to lightly lift and drop the nonexistent ruffles in the air.

 

Seeing this, the expression on Ian’s face visibly brightened, even from a distance.

 

If they had exchanged it playfully during the Hunting Festival, now it was a sign of mutual trust.

 

‘Right, let’s not lose heart and see this through to the very end.’

 

Robellin steeled her heart once again with a resolute expression.

 

Then she continued her steps toward the altar.

 

“……”

 

As Cedric and Robellin came to a stop near the altar, the choir began singing a celebratory hymn.

 

When the song ended, the guests sent enthusiastic applause, but none of it reached Robellin’s ears.

 

Next, the Great Priest stood up from his seat with a solemn expression.

 

“Today, we are gathered here to bless the future of this bride and groom to be….”

 

The Great Priest began the officiation in a serene and calm voice.

 

As time ticked by, Robellin felt her mouth drying up completely.

 

Because right after this officiation concluded, the next step was the reading of the declaration.

 

Feeling her fingertips turn cold, she repeatedly clenched and unclenched her fists.

 

“……And so, under the grace of God, we pray that their future is filled with happiness.”

 

As the officiation ended, applause from the guests filled the cathedral once more.

 

And finally, the cathedral knights appeared with solemn expressions, carrying a meticulously crafted box.

 

It was the exact same box that had previously contained the declaration text Ian had swapped out.

 

“Now then….”

 

The Great Priest took the box and slowly opened it.

 

Robellin held her breath, watching only the tips of the Great Priest’s fingers.

 

“……”

 

Glancing over the declaration text for a moment, no sign could be read from the Great Priest’s face.

 

Since it was the most important moment of the engagement ceremony, everyone held their breath, waiting for the Great Priest to speak.

 

And at last, the Great Priest began to read it down in a solemn voice.

 

“Cedric Maxwell and Robellin Dines, before God, respecting the sanctity of marriage, hereby declare the following….”

 

Everyone held their breath and listened intently.

 

“In accordance with the traditions of Heriet, we swear that the contents of this declaration are true and that no one shall raise an objection.”

 

Only the Great Priest’s voice echoed within the vast Grand Cathedral.

 

“……”

 

At that moment, the Great Priest paused briefly.

 

At this unusual silence, all eyes turned toward him.

 

The Great Priest hesitated for a moment as if catching his breath, then began reading the remaining part aloud.

 

“In addition to this….”

 

The Great Priest glanced at Cedric and Robellin.

 

Robellin felt as though her heart were about to burst.

 

“Robellin Dines intends to thoroughly expose the evil deeds of Marquis Cedric Maxwell through this very declaration.”

 

It worked!

 

Robellin almost let out an exclamation on the spot before barely managing to suppress it.

 

“Huh? What did he just say?”

 

“Evil deeds? Exposure? Who to whom?”

 

At the unexpected contents of the declaration, murmurs began to ripple through the venue.

 

The guests tilted their heads in confusion, unable to readily process the truth of what they had just heard.

 

Cedric, too, showed a clear look of fluster.

 

“Great Priest, what on earth are you saying….”

 

Cedric spoke to the Great Priest with a face full of disbelief.

 

However, the Great Priest gave Cedric a single glance before looking back down at the declaration document.

 

“Cedric Maxwell led the effort to bring Devil of Fernin into Heriet in an attempt to overthrow the Empire, and—”

 

“What kind of absolute nonsense is that!”

 

At the sudden and shocking exposure, Cedric shouted out.

 

“Where did you get such utter rubbish!”

 

Cedric tried to stride forward toward the altar.

 

However, the cathedral knights raised their spears in unison, blocking his path.

 

“You must wait until the reading of the declaration is finished, Marquis Maxwell.”

 

As the Great Priest had said moments ago, no one could raise an objection while the declaration was being read.

 

It was because a vow made before God was absolute and irreversible.

 

Cedric had intended to use this to trap Robellin, but…

 

‘In the end, you fell into your own trap.’

 

Robellin narrowed her eyes and looked at Cedric.

 

The Great Priest’s reading, which had paused briefly, resumed.

 

The gathered guests all listened with horror-stricken expressions.

 

“Cedric Maxwell was also deeply involved in the death of Duke Bolton, the exile of Amelie Spencer, and the death of Grand Duke Gray. Furthermore, it has been confirmed that the recent accidents involving the Emperor and the Prince were also incited by Cedric Maxwell, and evidence and witnesses to prove this have been secured.”

 

“Oh, merciful God!”

 

At the horrifying details, several among the guests let out screams.

 

The people who had been listening in dead silence began to buzz with commotion.

 

“What did he just say?”

 

“Marquis Maxwell harmed His Highness the Prince? No, even His Majesty the Emperor?”

 

“You’re telling me all the incidents that shook Centerfield lately were concocted by the Marquis?”

 

An atmosphere that should originally have been solemn and sacred was now overwhelmed by people’s suspicion and chaotic whispering.

 

“……”

 

Seated on the second floor, Ian quietly observed the entire situation with a sharp gaze.

 

Even Cedric’s guards standing near him could not hide their bewildered expressions.

 

“T-This, what on earth….”

 

The color drained from the Empress’s face, leaving her deathly pale, and her hands trembled like aspen leaves.

 

“W-What does all that mean? Huh? Troy—no, Cedric harmed Maxim? What on earth does that mean!”

 

The Empress shouted into the air, addressing no one in particular.

 

Looking around frantically in frustration, her eyes met Ian’s, and she cried out as if clinging to him.

 

“You! You know something, don’t you? Explain something to—!”

 

“First, let us listen to the end.”

 

Ian quietly raised a hand to cut off the Empress’s words.

 

His eyes were fixed entirely on Robellin.

 

Having become the initiator of the exposure, Robellin tried hard to hide her trembling heart, standing with a resolute expression.

 

Beside her, Cedric was scuffling with the knights in an attempt to get up onto the altar.

 

The more chaotic the atmosphere grew, the firmer the Great Priest’s voice became.

 

“……In the upcoming noble trial, the truth regarding all charges against Marquis Maxwell must be thoroughly brought to light.”

 

“Shut your mouth right now! This is a frame-up!”

 

Cedric’s face was now flushed bright red.

 

He shoved the knights aside and lunged toward the Great Priest.

 

He intended to twist the man’s neck and shut his mouth by force if necessary.

 

Screams erupted from the crowd at Cedric’s sudden violent outburst.

 

“Marquis Maxwell! Stop this instant!”

 

At that moment, the doors slammed open with a thud, and a loud shout echoed from behind.

 

Standing at the entrance were the knights of the Crown Prince’s Palace.

 

The knights marched toward Cedric without a moment’s hesitation.

 

“Under the authority of His Highness the Crown Prince, we hereby arrest Marquis Cedric Maxwell on charges of high treason, the murder of royalty and nobility, and the attempted murder of the Emperor.”

 

“Ha! Arrest me? Ian is?”

 

Cedric’s face contorted even further.

 

He raised his head and cast a sharp glare toward where Ian was seated.

 

Ian was looking down at him with an expressionless face.

 

‘That bastard…! He knew things would turn out like this all along!’

 

He should have been suspicious when Ian complied with his invitation so obediently.

 

However, Cedric could not back down like this either.

 

“Guards!”

 

As Cedric shouted, soldier after soldier clad in armor rushed inside.

 

In an instant, Ian’s knights and Cedric’s troops clashed.

 

The sound of swords and spears crashing echoed through the Grand Cathedral, and the guests fled, screaming in terror.

 

Cedric’s soldiers also swarmed toward the royal section where Ian was located.

 

“Isn’t a dozen men attacking all at once a bit excessive?”

 

“Hah! Die, Crown Prince!”

 

Unarmed due to the strict security, Ian had no choice but to nimbly dodge the soldiers’ blades.

 

Then, as one soldier exposed an opening, Ian did not hesitate and swiftly struck down on his wrist.

 

“Ugh!”

 

Surprised by the sudden counterattack, the soldier dropped his sword and clutched his wrist.

 

Ian did not miss the opportunity and picked up the sword that had fallen to the floor.

 

“Now things are a bit more even.”

 

“D-Die!”

 

Sword in hand, Ian brought down several soldiers in an instant.

 

The soldiers tried to attack Ian, only to end up wounded or sprawling on the floor.

 

Ian pointed his blade at his enemies with a fierce glare.

 

“Get out of my way.”

 

“I have to go protect Robellin.”

 

Overwhelmed by his sheer aura, Cedric’s soldiers hesitated and could not easily step forward, despite their numerical advantage.

 

“Your Highness!”

 

Just then, a familiar voice rang out.

 

Ian turned around, his face brightening with relief.

 

“Duke Raven!”

 

Rescued by the knights of the Crown Prince’s Palace, Brian had rushed straight here without a moment’s delay.

 

Gripping his sword tightly, he immediately joined Ian’s side.

 

“Your Highness, I told you not to do anything dangerous and reckless!”

 

“It’s because you were late, Duke!”

 

“Leave this place to me and go to Bell at once!”

 

At Brian’s words, Ian looked down toward the altar on the first floor.

 

Through the chaos, he saw Robellin fleeing to escape Cedric.

 

“Then I leave it to you!”

 

Leaving the rear in Brian’s hands, Ian hurriedly headed downstairs.

 

“Capture him! Don’t let the Crown Prince escape!”

 

Cedric’s soldiers tried to pursue him from behind, but Brian and the other knights stood in their way.

 

Brian’s sharp blade gleamed as it leveled against them.

 

“Your opponent is me. You won’t be able to take even a single step closer to His Highness.”

 

Brian swung his sword with razor-sharp focus.

 

He then began to cut through his enemies with a level of agility and precision that made it hard to believe he had been locked up in a detention facility just a few hours ago.

 

 

***

 

 

“Robellin Dines, you bitch!”

 

Cedric shouted at Robellin, his eyes full of madness.

 

He didn’t care about the chaos surrounding them.

 

Right now, he was filled with nothing but rage toward Robellin.

 

“How dare you ruin my plans! Do you think you’ll escape unscathed—”

 

“Don’t come any closer!”

 

When Robellin pointed her crossbow at him, Cedric instantly shut his mouth.

 

Robellin tried hard to steady her trembling hands, glaring at him with a resolute gaze.

 

Cedric stood frozen on the spot, advancing no further.

 

‘It’s a stroke of pure luck that this was lying on the ground.’

 

Someone must have dropped it in the middle of the chaotic mess and failed to pick it up.

 

While being chased by Cedric, Robellin had quickly snatched it up and aimed it at him.

 

Seeing her holding a dress and aiming with trembling hands, Cedric let out a disbelieving laugh.

 

“You’re going to shoot that? You?”

 

“……”

 

“With those wrists that look like they’re about to snap, can you even pull the bowstring properly?”

 

His voice was thick with contempt.

 

Unfazed, Robellin applied more strength to her fingers and pulled the string back further.

 

‘Don’t be afraid, Robellin.’

 

Robellin didn’t avert her eyes from Cedric’s.

 

She recalled the memory of practicing target shooting with Ian during the last spring festival.

 

“Robellin Dines, shooting is all about momentum. Keep your eyes locked on your prey—”

 

Recalling the large, warm hand that had covered hers back then, she felt her mind calm down completely.

 

Looking at Cedric, who was still rambling on while looking down at her, Robellin spoke firmly.

 

“Nonsense. Marksmanship is all about momentum.”

 

“……What?”

 

Cedric knitted his brows.

 

At that moment, a shout echoed from above their heads.

 

“Catch him! We mustn’t lose the Crown Prince!”

 

“You lost Ian? You incompetent fools!”

 

Cedric flew into a rage.

 

Then, with madness still in his eyes, he glared at Robellin.

 

“The game is over, Robellin. Come here right now!”

 

Cedric shouted as he reached his hand out.

 

He looked ready to drag her away this very instant.

 

“I’d rather die!”

 

Along with Robellin’s scream, the string was released.

 

The bolt leaving the crossbow struck Cedric’s left arm with precise accuracy.

 

“Ugh!”

 

Struck by the unexpected attack, Cedric reeled for a moment.

 

Writhing in pain, Cedric’s face flushed with fury.

 

“This bitch! Giving you an inch and you take a mile!”

 

Roaring like a beast, Cedric lunged at Robellin.

 

Robellin tried to reload the crossbow, but there wasn’t enough time.

 

‘Ah, no, it’s too late!’

 

Watching Cedric charge at her, Robellin unconsciously squeezed her eyes shut.

 

Just as Cedric was about to grab her arm—

 

Tack.

 

—the moment she thought he would, someone suddenly snatched Robellin firmly by the waist.

 

Robellin was pulled helplessly by the unfamiliar force.

 

‘Wait! This situation!’

 

Even in the midst of the emergency, an eerie sense of déjà vu washed over her.

 

The arm tightly wrapping around her waist, and even the familiar low voice tickling her ear.

 

“Robellin, are you okay?”

 

“Ian!”

 

It was a situation striking similar to the carriage accident in the square during early spring.

 

Delighted to see him, she wanted to wrap her arms around his neck right then and there, but unfortunately, she didn’t have the luxury to do so right now.

 

Holding Robellin with one arm, Ian glared at Cedric.

 

“Hey, black hair. Why don’t you give up already?”

 

“Silver hair, silver hair.”

 

Beside him, Robellin hurriedly corrected Ian’s slip of the tongue.

 

No, considering the Ian she had seen so far, stating the wrong hair color didn’t even seem like a slip of the tongue.

 

He was someone who spoke entirely as he pleased, after all.

 

“Hand her over!”

 

Meanwhile, Cedric, who had been momentarily flustered by Ian’s sudden appearance, snatched a sword from a nearby soldier.

 

Holding the blade, he charged wildly toward Ian and Robellin.

 

“I’ll get rid of both of you!”

 

Madness and hatred swirled in Cedric’s eyes.

 

Blood dripped continuously from his left arm where he had forcibly pulled out the bolt, but he paid it no mind.

 

“Robellin, hurry and fall back! Get to safety!”

 

Ian hid Robellin behind his back while simultaneously blocking Cedric’s sword.

 

The loud clashing sound of two blades resonated through the air.

 

The two men, blades locked together, glared at each other without backing down an inch.

 

“Lady Dines, this way please!”

 

In the meantime, the knights who came to guard Ian covered Robellin and pulled her back to safety.

 

Glanicing around, Ian saw the imperial forces, having heard of the situation, joining in one after another.

 

The morale on Cedric’s side had dampened, and the tide was rapidly turning in Ian’s favor.

 

Ian turned his gaze back to Cedric.

 

“Marquis, there’s no chance of victory anymore. Why don’t you give up here?”

 

“Ha, give up? Not until you’re crawling beneath my feet!”

 

Cedric shouted, consumed by bitterness.

 

However, contrary to his fierce momentum, Cedric’s arm movements were sluggish and slow.

 

His left arm, hit by Robellin’s crossbow, was no longer moving properly, and the bleeding hadn’t stopped.

 

Enraged, Cedric bit his lip.

 

“Ian Heriet! I’ll make sure to drag you down to hell with me!”

 

Cedric swung his sword recklessly.

 

It looked like a final desperate struggle.

 

Pushed back by the relentless barrage of strikes, Ian took a step back for a moment.

 

‘As expected, a man with nothing left to lose is the hardest opponent to handle.’

 

However, in terms of swordsmanship, Ian was far superior to Cedric.

 

Nimble enough to evade Cedric’s blade, he darted into his right side in an instant.

 

“This is the end, Troy Ashford.”

 

“……What?”

 

At the sudden mention of his real name, Cedric froze.

 

Just as a flustered expression appeared on his face, Ian’s sword slashed deeply into Cedric’s right arm.

 

“AAAAARRGGHH!”

 

Cedric’s pain-filled scream reverberated across the Great Cathedral.

 

Having suffered severe injuries to his right arm following his left, Cedric writhed in unbearable agony before collapsing to his knees on the floor.

 

Panting and suffering, he still glared at Ian with bloodshot eyes.

 

“How…… how do you know that……”

 

“You weren’t the only one preparing for this day.”

 

Ian calmly looked down at Cedric, who was trembling with rage.

 

In the gaze of Cedric looking up at him, anger, fear, and confusion were entangled together.

 

“You’re probably wondering why, despite knowing everything, I didn’t include that in the manifesto.”

 

Ian kicked away Cedric’s sword lying on the ground.

 

Looking down at Cedric again, his eyes shone sharp and cold.

 

“I couldn’t tolerate trash like you dirtying my brother’s name.”

 

When drafting the manifesto to replace the original, Ian wanted to omit Cedric’s true identity.

 

If this fact were revealed, Maximilian’s name would naturally be bandied about on people’s lips alongside his.

 

Ian wanted to protect the honor of his poor younger brother above all else.

 

Furthermore, he didn’t want to leave any room for Cedric’s crimes to be justified for any reason.

 

“The fact that you are the son of Carola Heriet will be known to no one. The existence of Troy Ashford will be wiped away forever, just as it was in the past.”

 

Ian knew that thoroughly erasing Cedric’s existence would be the harshest punishment for him.

 

It would reduce everything he had strived for until now to absolute nothingness.

 

“……What did you say? Forever?”

 

Forgetting the pain in both arms, Cedric crawled across the floor on his knees.

 

Knights blocked Cedric’s path with their swords.

 

Poking his face between the crossed blades, Cedric screamed.

 

“You’re going to bury me, bury my very existence?”

 

The eyes looking up at Ian were filled with fear and despair.

 

What had he fought so hard to reach this point for?

 

To be forced back to the starting line, locked away in the Ashford estate?

 

“I can’t allow that!”

 

Cedric reached out his arms as if trying to grab Ian.

 

Knights rushed in, grabbed Cedric’s arms, and pinned them behind his back to bind him.

 

Even as he struggled to break free, Cedric’s gaze remained fixed on Ian.

 

“Ian Heriet! You can’t do this to me!”

 

Completely bound, Cedric writhed while face down on the floor.

 

The sound of his roaring echoed like the screech of a wild beast.

 

However, most of his troops had already surrendered, and even those who fought to the end had been subdued, kneeling on the ground.

 

There was no one coming to rescue Cedric.

 

“Take him away.”

 

At Ian’s command, the knights quickly hauled Cedric up by his arms.

 

Cedric glared at Ian with bloodshot eyes.

 

“Ian Heriet!”

 

Even as he was dragged away by both arms, Cedric kept turning back to scream.

 

“I will follow you to the ends of hell to take my revenge! I will tear your heart to shreds!”

 

All through being dragged away by the soldiers, Cedric writhed and hurled curses at Ian.

 

Even after his figure vanished outside the Great Cathedral, his scream-like cries echoed on like an echo.

 

The ambition of the young man in power, Cedric Maxwell, thus came to a miserable end.

 

 

***

 

 

“Oh my, Your Majesty! We must hurry!”

 

Right before the cathedral turned into chaos as the two forces collided.

 

Wighill supported the Empress and hurriedly led her out of the Great Cathedral.

 

Since Cedric ended up like that, it was obvious that arrows would soon be aimed at the Empress and himself.

 

“We must get away from here first!”

 

“……”

 

However, unlike the frantic Wighill, the Empress had a half-dazed expression.

 

She stumbled along as Wighill led her, but her eyes were entirely hollow.

 

Her lips seemed to murmur something softly, and now and then, she let out a hollow laugh while staring into empty space.

 

“Everything…… is over.”

 

“Your Majesty?”

 

“Cedric…… Troy…… that child……”

 

At the Empress’s strange behavior, Wighill stopped in his tracks and examined her with a flustered expression.

 

The Empress’s eyes were wandering aimlessly in the air.

 

‘Oh dear, she’s completely lost her mind!’

 

Waving his hand in front of the Empress’s eyes, Wighill turned pale.

 

It seemed the fact that Cedric was the real culprit who killed Maximilian, along with the guilt of having aided him with her own hands, had utterly broken her.

 

At that sight, Wighill pondered for a moment.

 

Leading a mindless Empress to escape the pursuit of the Imperial Palace soldiers was an impossibility.

 

“Your Majesty! I will carry you like this for now!”

 

Having made up his mind, Wighill stepped in front of the Empress, bent down, and carried her on his back.

 

Normally, she would have thrown a tantrum and strongly refused, but now, not being in her right mind, the Empress meekly let herself be carried on his back.

 

It was the moment Wighill straightened his posture and stood up properly.

 

“Empress Carola Heriet, Count Arthur Wighill. By order of His Highness the Crown Prince, you are under arrest on charges of conspiring in Cedric Maxwell’s treason.”

 

Appearing out of nowhere, the knights of the Crown Prince’s Palace completely surrounded the two.

 

Wighill’s face instantly turned dead white.

 

“In accordance with imperial law, Her Majesty the Empress will be transferred to the Empress Palace, and Count Wighill to the underground dungeon of the Imperial Palace.”

 

“H-Hiek……”

 

“Comply quietly. Otherwise, we will have no choice but to use force.”

 

Knights quickly approached and took the Empress down from Wighill’s back.

 

“Your Majesty! Your Majesty!”

 

Wighill called out desperately, but the Empress merely kept smiling faintly and muttering to herself.

 

She seemed completely unaware of the situation surrounding her.

 

“Your Majesty!”

 

Watching the Empress walk away led by the hands of the knights with a blank expression, Wighill cried out in despair.

 

If only she would throw a fit like usual.

 

“……”

 

However, until the very end, the Empress never met Wighill’s eyes.

 

Wighill could do nothing but gaze blankly at the receding back of the Empress with a devastated expression.

 

 

***

 

 

After Cedric’s arrest, the transfer of the remaining forces also proceeded smoothly.

 

It was around the time Ian stepped out of the cathedral after roughly settling the situation.

 

“Ian!”

 

“Robellin……?”

 

When Ian raised his head, he saw Robellin calling his name and running toward him.

 

The escorting knights naturally cleared a path for her.

 

Instinctively, Ian opened his arms and caught Robellin as she ran into him.

 

Embracing him with all her strength, Robellin whispered:

 

“Thank goodness, I’m so glad you’re safe.”

 

Robellin’s voice was trembling faintly from the aftermath of the tension.

 

Ian held her even tighter with both arms.

 

While the two shared each other’s warmth, Brian and the knights tactfully and quietly stepped away.

 

“I told you to stay somewhere safe. You really never listen to me, do you?”

 

Ian slightly loosened his embrace. He raised a hand and gently stroked Robellin’s cheek.

 

Though his words sounded like a scolding, his gaze and touch were gentler than anyone else’s.

 

With the tension released, tears welled up in the corners of Robellin’s eyes.

 

“If the person walking out just now had been Cedric…… I really was going to aim for his head then……”

 

Behind her as she spoke through tears, the crossbow thrown away carelessly could be seen.

 

At that sight, Ian involuntarily burst into laughter.

 

Yet at the same time, he felt a poignant warmth in his heart.

 

Even as she said that, how much must she have prayed and worried.

 

“It’s alright, it’s all over now.”

 

Ian gently whispered, wiping the corner of Robellin’s eye with his thumb.

 

At those words, Robellin buried her head back into Ian’s chest.

 

Ian wrapped one arm around Robellin’s waist and gently patted her back with his other hand, speaking softly.

 

“You’ve been through a lot, Robellin. If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t be standing here like this.”

 

With such a small and fragile body, how much danger must she have run through back and forth?

 

Ian felt his heart ache.

 

“Now, I will make sure Cedric Maxwell pays for his crimes once and for all.”

 

Ian’s eyes shone with resolve.

 

Now that Cedric’s sins were laid bare for all to see, it was time for him to receive the fitting punishment.

 

 

***

 

 

「An Engagement Party Turned Exposure Venue, the True Mastermind Behind ‘The Demon of Heriet’ Revealed」

 

「The Ugly Truth Exposed and the Ultra-Fast Downfall of a Young Power Holder!」

 

「The Two Faces of Cedric Maxwell, Which One Was Real?」

 

After the engagement ceremony fell through, media outlets across Heriet vied with one another to feature the day’s events on the front pages.

 

The ugly true side of the young power holder, who had previously been regarded as Heriet’s new savior, came as a shock to many.

 

The only ones who could remain calm despite this commotion were Ian, Robellin, and a few people who already knew Cedric’s real face.

 

“Phew……”

 

Robellin, who had been reading through the pouring news articles for three days straight, let out a sigh and set the newspaper down on the table.

 

Ian, who was reviewing documents beside her, raised his head at the sound.

 

“Why, is there something wrong?”

 

“No, it’s just that the world is so noisy, it’s making me restless.”

 

Robellin remained seated on the sofa, stretching her arms and legs out wide.

 

Since things had been wrapped up, the strict security at the Crown Prince’s Palace had been lifted immediately, allowing Robellin to come and go freely.

 

Since she hadn’t been able to spend time with Ian for a while, she intended to stay by his side frequently for the time being.

 

‘But Ian is busy preparing for the upcoming noble trial, so I should head back for today…… Huh?’

 

Inadvertently looking down at the table, Robellin’s eyes paused on a newspaper.

 

She picked it up in an instant.

 

An intense headline caught her attention.

 

「The Courageous Exposure of a Blackmailed Fiancee. Even Subduing the Criminal Himself with a Crossbow!」

 

‘What is this!’

 

Robellin’s face flushed red in an instant.

 

She hurriedly read down the article.

 

The article emphasized that Robellin’s contribution to exposing Cedric’s villainy this time could by no means be overlooked.

 

Up to this point, it was already embarrassing enough, but the problem was the next passage.

 

[Lady Dines picked up a crossbow herself and subdued the criminal, Cedric Maxwell. A whistleblower who witnessed the situation at the time stated, ‘Lady Dines hit Marquis Maxwell’s left arm in a single shot. This skill is on par with Sarah Roman, the Star of Salvation known as the Holy Mother of Heriet,’ adding that……]

 

Sarah Roman was an important historical figure in Heriet, a hero who broke through enemy lines alone with a single crossbow and struck down the enemy commander in a single blow.

 

‘The Holy Mother of Heriet? The Star of Salvation?’

 

Other than being female, they didn’t even have any notable similarities!

 

At such grandiose and extravagant modifiers, Robellin’s face burned with embarrassment.

 

‘Wait.’

 

In a split second, Robellin froze.

 

Come to think of it, this article……

 

‘The explanation is way too detailed!’

 

Hitting Cedric’s left arm with a crossbow was information that only those present at the scene could know.

 

And because it was such a chaotic mess, the only ones who witnessed it were the parties involved: Robellin, Cedric, and Ian.

 

Yet the article clearly mentioned a whistleblower, didn’t it?

 

‘Don’t tell me……’

 

Robellin slowly raised her head to look at Ian sitting at his desk.

 

He was wearing glasses and engrossed in his documents.

 

Come to think of it, yesterday he seemed to be diligently writing a letter to send somewhere.

 

Could that have been a tip-off sent to a press outlet?

 

“What’s wrong? Did something happen?”

 

Feeling Robellin’s gaze, Ian looked over.

 

She jumped up from her seat and handed the newspaper to Ian.

 

“What on earth is this?”

 

“Hmm?”

 

Ian took the newspaper with an expression of not knowing what was going on.

 

However, soon after checking the article, a satisfied expression appeared on his face.

 

“They wrote it well. Not a single word out of place. Your active role, Robellin, is written in great detail.”

 

“It’s too detailed!”

 

She had her suspicions, but for it to really be Ian!

 

Robellin spoke as if she was dumbfounded.

 

She pointed her finger specifically at the problematic section.

 

“Here! Look at this part! Sarah Roman? Star of Salvation? Isn’t this way too exaggerated!”

 

“Why? Isn’t it true?”

 

“No, it’s not!”

 

Both of Robellin’s cheeks turned red with embarrassment.

 

At that sight, Ian quietly tried to slide a paper on the desk under some documents to hide it.

 

However, it was immediately spotted by Robellin’s sharp vision.

 

“What is that now?”

 

“Nothing, it’s nothing.”

 

Robellin immediately grabbed Ian’s hand.

 

Ian tried to quietly pull his hand away and brush it off with a laugh, but it didn’t work on Robellin.

 

“Give it to me!”

 

“A-Ah, no! Wait, just a moment! Robellin!”

 

In the end, Robellin broke through Ian’s defense and snatched the letter hidden under the documents.

 

What he tried to hide was a letter containing a second tip-off.

 

Inside were compliments far more blatant and direct than the first ones, beyond comparison.

 

Both of Robellin’s ears burned hot.

 

“You basically wrote a novel here! This won’t do. I’m confiscating this!”

 

“Why! I need to let all of Heriet know how awesome you are, Robellin!”

 

“I’m good!”

 

I just want to live quietly!

 

Robellin quickly crumpled the letter paper with both hands.

 

By the time Ian jumped up from his seat and reached out his arm, it was already too late.

 

He wore a dazed, disappointed expression.

 

“So cold……”

 

Ian soon slouched back down in his seat.

 

Instantly turning sulky, disappointment was evident on his face.

 

“Robellin.”

 

“No.”

 

“……”

 

Breaking the awkward silence, Ian opened his mouth, but Robellin cut him off firmly.

 

Returning to the sofa, Robellin picked up her book and started reading, but her stern expression showed no sign of softening.

 

‘……Is she really angry?’

 

Ian read Robellin’s expression.

 

Setting aside his resentment over her crumpling the letter, he found it hard to stay still knowing he had ruined Robellin’s mood because of himself.

 

However, it felt like no matter what he said right now, Robellin wouldn’t listen to him.

 

After pondering for a moment, a good idea suddenly popped into Ian’s mind.

 

“Ouch……”

 

Ian clutched his left arm and collapsed onto the desk.

 

And he let out groans of pain loudly enough for her to hear.

 

The effect was marvelous.

 

“Ian? What’s wrong? Are you hurt somewhere?”

 

Robellin, who had a stern expression, immediately closed her book and stepped back over to the desk.

 

Seeing her face filled with worry, Ian swallowed a smile internally.

 

However, outwardly, he continued in the weakest voice possible.

 

“The arm…… that was cut by Cedric’s blade the day before yesterday…… is throbbing……”

 

Ian spoke in a weak, drooping voice like a rain-soaked cat.

 

At that sight, the unpleasant look quickly cleared from Robellin’s face, replaced instead by deep concern.

 

“I need to inform Baroness Crawford. To bring the imperial physician.”

 

Robellin hurriedly stood up from her seat.

 

However, soon Ian’s hand caught the hem of her clothes.

 

“Ian?”

 

When Robellin turned her head, Ian was slightly raising his head, looking up at her with a pitiful expression.

 

“Are you still mad?”

 

Ian was looking up at Robellin with his head slightly tilted.

 

He was clearly putting on a weak expression on purpose.

 

Even so, meeting his blue eyes, Robellin couldn’t bring herself to shake off his hand.

 

“No, I’m not mad, it’s just……”

 

As Robellin trailed off, Ian’s hand slowly moved from the hem of her clothes to her hand.

 

When he held her hand and pulled slightly, Robellin ended up turning back toward him as if yielding.

 

Ian, sitting in his chair, wrapped his arms around Robellin’s waist as if he had been waiting for this moment.

 

“Robellin Dines, don’t be mad at me. Okay?”

 

“Phew……”

 

His firm arms wrapped tightly around her waist.

 

Even so, seeing Ian burrow into her chest like a baby, Robellin let out a long sigh as if admitting defeat.

 

‘He really is so sly.’

 

In the end, Robellin raised her hand and stroked Ian’s hair.

 

Golden hair like brilliant sunlight scattered softly beneath her fingers.

 

Looking down, she saw Ian’s long eyelashes as he closed his eyes, enjoying her touch.

 

“With Cedric’s matter and everything…… I wanted to stay quiet for a while.”

 

“……”

 

“So please don’t try to write articles like that ever again.”

 

“Okay.”

 

“For real?”

 

“Yeah, for real.”

 

Ian answered lightly and nodded his head.

 

At the same time, his hand slowly traveled up Robellin’s back.

 

“Wait, what are you……!”

 

When his hand subtly pulled the ribbon on her back, Robellin flinched in surprise.

 

Ian chuckled softly and stood up from his seat.

 

Their eyes met.

 

“Why, do you dislike it?”

 

Ian’s low, languid voice tickled Robellin’s ear.

 

Robellin felt both her cheeks flush red.

 

“It’s not that I dislike it…… but this is the Crown Prince’s office.”

 

“It’s fine. Nobody can enter without my permission.”

 

Ian grabbed Robellin’s waist and pulled her around briskly.

 

Unlike his relaxed tone, it was a rather urgent and swift motion.

 

In an instant, her view shifted, and when she regained her senses, Robellin was leaning back against the desk.

 

Ian placed his hands on either side of her as if trapping her and leaned in.

 

“Don’t forget today’s memory.”

 

Along with a low voice, Ian’s lips slowly approached.

 

At first, it was merely a light touch, but soon the kiss deepened, causing Robellin’s breathing to falter.

 

Without realizing it, Robellin tightly gripped Ian’s collar.

 

“Ah, Ian……”

 

When she called his name in a breathless voice, Ian showed a satisfied expression.

 

His lips softly traced down Robellin’s neckline.

 

Robellin trembled slightly at the unfamiliar sensation, but she didn’t push him away.

 

Maybe going all the way like this wouldn’t be so bad……

 

“Ahem.”

 

……Or not!

 

At the sudden clearing of a throat, Robellin leaped up from her spot as if she had been burned.

 

Pushed away unexpectedly, Ian was also knocked back off guard.

 

Looking flustered, Ian checked to his side and was taken aback.

 

Come to think of it, there was just one person.

 

One person who could enter the office without Ian’s permission.

 

“Duke Raven?”

 

“……May I present my report?”

 

Standing by the doorway was Brian, clearing his throat with a subtle expression.

 

Ian’s flustered eyes soon narrowed.

 

Somehow, he felt a strange sense of déjà vu.

 

‘Is this already the third time?’

 

The first was at the Dines Barony, the second was after retrieving the Empress’s diary, and now!

 

Whenever he was about to spend some secret, intimate time alone with Robellin, Brian appeared without fail to interrupt.

 

“Interrupting like this every time is a talent in itself, Duke.”

 

“You wouldn’t have this problem if you didn’t do it in the office.”

 

When Ian grumbled discontentedly, Brian retorted immediately.

 

“D-Do it? What on earth are you thinking!”

 

“Public displays of affection, I mean. Please do it in your private quarters in the future. After all, you will be holding the grand wedding soon anyway.”

 

Looking back and forth between the two, Brian said nonchalantly.

 

At those words, Robellin’s face flushed bright red like a radish.

 

“M-Marriage? Not yet!”

 

Robellin jumped up from her seat.

 

Feeling embarrassed for no reason, she tied her scarf tightly to cover her neck where Ian’s lips had touched moments ago.

 

“A-Anyhow, it seems you two have an important conversation to hold, so I’ll be taking my leave.”

 

“Robellin? Wait—”

 

Ian reached out a hand to catch her, but Robellin quickly left the office with brisk steps.

 

She looked like she wanted to escape from this embarrassing situation even a second faster.

 

“Phew……”

 

Left looking like a deserted cat, Ian let out a hollow sigh.

 

When Ian turned around with a resentful glare, Brian pretended not to notice.

 

Grumbling with a dissatisfied expression, Ian sat at his desk.

 

“It seems the Duke has too much work. I should send you on vacation soon.”

 

“Hardly. Having rested comfortably in the detention center for a while, I should get back to working properly now.”

 

At Brian’s nonchalant response, Ian knitted his brows slightly, but he couldn’t grumble any further.

 

With a serious expression, Ian leaned closer toward Brian.

 

“Right, anyway, is there any new news?”

 

Brian was just returning from the House of Lords meeting.

 

Due to the unprecedented nature of the incident, the House of Lords had convened an emergency meeting to discuss managing the aftermath.

 

Since the Empress was involved, Ian, as a member of the imperial family, could not attend.

 

That was why he was more curious about the meeting’s results than anyone else.

 

“I heard Wighill was interrogated. Did he confess?”

 

“Yes. He testified regarding the collusion between Cedric Maxwell and the Empress.”

 

At Brian’s answer, Ian nodded slowly as if he had expected it.

 

Since Wighill was a timid and narrow-minded man, there was no chance he would keep his mouth shut to the end.

 

However, there was a specific piece of news Ian was truly waiting for.

 

“What about the noble trial schedule?”

 

“It’s in 3 weeks.”

 

“That turned out well.”

 

A light of victory flashed in Ian’s eyes.

 

Trial preparations normally took several months.

 

A 3-week schedule was unusually fast.

 

It meant Cedric’s crimes and evidence were so clear that there was no reason to delay the trial any longer.

 

“Finally, we can hold him accountable for the Devil of Fernin incident.”

 

Muttering quietly, Ian’s voice was filled with relief.

 

“No one in Heriet will suffer from this matter any longer.”

 

“Indeed.”

 

Brian also nodded silently with a solemn expression.

 

He had been right beside Ian, watching him face the poison incident with the responsibility of the Crown Prince.

 

Cedric, Wighill, Count Cale, and others would pay the price for what they had done as a matter of course.

 

This was an opinion shared by Ian, Brian, and the House of Lords alike.

 

However, there was one thing.

 

One matter that neither Brian nor the House of Lords dared to decide upon.

 

“Your Highness.”

 

“What is it?”

 

Brian called Ian again with a heavy expression.

 

Hesitating for a moment, Brian opened his mouth cautiously.

 

“There is something Your Highness must check for yourself.”

 

 

***

 

 

“My son…… Maxim…… Maximilian Heriet…… the next Emperor of Heriet…….”

 

When Ian and Brian stepped into the Empress’s Palace, the Empress was murmuring toward the empty air, completely oblivious to their presence.

 

Her eyes were unfocused, and her disheveled hair was a complete mess.

 

Tracing her fingertips against the wall, the Empress burst into giggles, then suddenly let out a weeping sob, only to scream in a fit of rage moments later.

 

“Cedric…… Cedric Maxwell! I will kill you! I will avenge my son!”

 

Yet, despite her anguished cries, not a single person came running to her side.

 

Ian and Brian stood by the doorway, taking in the scene.

 

Faced with such a wretched sight, neither could bring themselves to utter a word.

 

“Ehehe, Maxim…… my son…… come here…… Mother will relieve your resentment……”

 

With trembling hands, the Empress reached out toward the empty air.

 

She flailed her hands as if trying to grasp onto something that was not there.

 

The woman who was once in the highest position in Heriet was nowhere to be found.

 

“……Let us go.”

 

Ian turned away, unable to look any longer.

 

She was a woman he had feared and hated for over half his life, since he was a very young child.

 

Inwardly, he had even anticipated a day like this coming, and he had imagined feeling immensely relieved if it ever did.

 

Yet, seeing her reduced to such a state, he felt a heavy heart rather than relief.

 

Even he could not fully comprehend this emotion.

 

“Your Highness……”

 

As if understanding his feelings, Brian quietly followed behind him.

 

Once they stepped out of the Empress’s Palace, Brian asked softly,

 

“Since the Empress is in such a condition, a separate trial seems impossible. How would you like to proceed?”

 

Ian paused his steps for a moment, lost in thought.

 

Since the Emperor was still bedridden, decisions regarding the Empress fell to him.

 

“A trial would be meaningless.”

 

After a prolonged silence, Ian let out a long sigh.

 

“That woman has already received the heaviest punishment.”

 

With a somber expression, Ian looked back at the Empress’s Palace.

 

This place, once bustling with people, was now desolate without a single soul coming or going.

 

Carola Heriet would forever remain in history as a foolish woman who colluded with the man who murdered her own son.

 

Unable to bear this herself, she had lost her mind—so what purpose would any further punishment serve?

 

“Once Cedric Maxwell’s punishment is concluded, make her crimes widely known, but let her spend the rest of her life in the Western Tower of the Imperial Palace.”

 

With a heavy expression, Ian issued his final command regarding the Empress.

 

The Western Tower was nominally a place for recuperation, but in reality, it served as a final graveyard for abandoned members of the Imperial Family.

 

Just as several traitors of Heriet had in the past, the Empress would never step foot outside that tower alive.

 

“I shall carry out your orders.”

 

“Right. Let us head back then.”

 

Ian moved with heavy footsteps.

 

Behind his back, he heard the heavy sound of the Empress Palace’s main gate slowly shutting.

 

It felt as if he could still hear the Empress’s weeping and laughter echoing out.

 

With a lonely expression, Ian stared blankly down at his feet.

 

‘How did it come to this……?’

 

The brilliant Imperial Family of Heriet turned into a desolate ruin in a mere instant.

 

The Empress had fallen, the Emperor had collapsed, and Maximilian had passed away wrongfully.

 

And on top of that, the countless people who suffered because of the Devil of Fernin.

 

It was almost unbelievable that all of this was caused by just one person’s greed.

 

‘I must set things right, starting now.’

 

With a resolute expression, Ian clenched his fists tight.

 

He was the only one left who could rectify this situation.

 

As the sole hope of the Heriet Imperial Family and the future leader of the empire, he intended to make Cedric pay dearly for his crimes.

 

 

***

 

 

Three weeks later, on the day of the noble trial.

 

The entire Imperial Palace was abuzz, yet heavy silence hung unchanged over the Emperor’s bedchamber.

 

Ever since Maximilian’s accident, time seemed to have frozen in this room along with the bedridden Emperor.

 

Only the quiet, busy footsteps of the servants echoed softly inside the bedchamber.

 

“Your Majesty, His Highness the Crown Prince has arrived.”

 

It was then that Ian visited the Emperor before heading to the tribunal.

 

With a calm expression, Ian stated today’s agenda.

 

“Your Majesty, today is the day of Cedric Maxwell’s trial.”

 

“I heard. I have a servant who reads the newspaper to me every day.”

 

The Emperor nodded with a exhausted look.

 

“Can you make sure he pays for his crimes?”

 

“Yes, the evidence is unequivocal.”

 

“Right…… You will handle it well on your own.”

 

The Emperor muttered, coughing up a dry rack.

 

Ordinarily, the Emperor himself should have stepped forward to direct everything.

 

However, right now, he had handed full authority over to Ian.

 

In the past, he would not have trusted his son and would have insisted on maintaining direct control until the very end, but now he merely accepted it without further comment.

 

Seeing the Emperor’s aging and frail figure acknowledging his own failure, Ian felt a peculiar sensation.

 

“It is time, so I shall take my leave now.”

 

Ian quietly rose from his seat.

 

Rather than being swept up in these emotions, it felt better to fulfill his duties as the Regent in the courtroom.

 

“……I heard the daughter of Dines rendered significant service in this matter.”

 

At the Emperor’s low murmur, Ian paused in his steps.

 

Given the magnitude of the affair, he figured news about Robellin would naturally have reached the Emperor’s ears as well.

 

Yet, not knowing what he was trying to say, tension crept into Ian’s fingertips.

 

“What? Then are you suggesting you actually envisioned a serious relationship with a mere Dines?”

 

“Ian, if you persist in this stubbornness, I cannot guarantee what disruptions might arise regarding the Dines family’s businesses.”

 

Hadn’t the Emperor disapproved of Robellin as a match for his son all this time?

 

However, Ian was determined not to back down this time.

 

“Lady Dines,” Ian began slowly, “Showed greater courage than anyone else in this incident. If it were not for her, we would not have been able to uncover Cedric Maxwell’s crimes.”

 

“……”

 

A brief silence ensued.

 

The Emperor’s face remained unreadable as ever.

 

“And I love Robellin Dines deeply with my heart.”

 

At Ian’s final words, a faint sigh escaped the Emperor’s lips.

 

However, that was all.

 

“Very well. I understand, so you may leave.”

 

The Emperor slowly raised his hand and gestured for him to go.

 

He seemed disinclined to discuss this topic any further.

 

Ian wanted to firmly ask the Emperor’s true stance regarding Robellin, but just then, a voice calling him rang out from outside.

 

“……I will visit you again after the trial concludes.”

 

In the end, Ian silently bowed his head and exited the bedchamber.

 

For a long while, the Emperor could not avert his gaze from the back of his departing son.

 

 

***

 

 

The Imperial Court was thick with tension for the noble trial held after a very long time.

 

As an incident that shook the entirety of Heriet, the gallery was exceptionally packed with people.

 

Behind the nobles seated in the gallery, even commoners who managed to secure standing tickets crowded the courtroom.

 

Those who failed to secure a spot gathered in front of the tribunal, forming a massive sea of people.

 

“How could a person do such a thing……”

 

“I heard he made several nobles inhale the poison grass right inside the Imperial Palace. Rumor has it that Count Preston won’t live much longer.”

 

“My goodness, how horrific.”

 

Because Cedric had been highlighted as the empire’s new young leader just a few weeks ago, the public was all the more appalled.

 

Just then, people’s gazes shifted to a single spot.

 

“Oh my, over there……”

 

Robellin, another key figure of this incident, was entering the courtroom alongside her friend Cornelia.

 

People stopped whispering and traced Robellin’s movements with their eyes.

 

The fact that she played a major role in uncovering Cedric’s crimes was already widely known, but this was her first time appearing in a public setting.

 

“……”

 

Robellin also knew full well what this sudden, unnatural silence signified, but she pretended to be unfazed as she entered the gallery.

 

Those who were already seated shuffled over to make space for her.

 

‘Maybe I should have just sat in the special VIP seats.’

 

Watching people glance at her, Robellin regretted refusing Ian’s offer for the first time.

 

Ian had wanted her to watch the trial safely and comfortably, but Robellin hadn’t wanted to receive special treatment unnecessarily.

 

She had felt burdened, thinking it would draw even more attention to her.

 

However, despite choosing general seating, her mere presence was already drawing every single eye in the room.

 

“Bell.”

 

Just then, a warm hand wrapped around hers from the side.

 

Cornelia, who had come along, was holding Robellin’s hand firmly.

 

“I’m right here with you, so don’t worry too much.”

 

“……Thank you, Connie.”

 

At Cornelia’s affectionate words, a gentle smile finally formed on Robellin’s face.

 

The tension in her mind melted away, replaced by a soothing warmth.

 

Yes, there was nothing to worry about anymore.

 

All the people she loved were safe now.

 

“His Highness the Crown Prince enters!”

 

At that moment, alongside the attendant’s announcement, Ian stepped into the courtroom together with Brian.

 

Attending as the representative of the Emperor, Ian’s shoulders felt all the heavier.

 

“……”

 

Heading toward the imperial seating, Ian surveyed the gallery for a moment and met eyes with Robellin.

 

He gave a subtle nod as if telling her not to worry.

 

Seeing this, Robellin responded with a soft smile of her own.

 

Once Ian took his seat, the trial commenced shortly after.

 

Cedric made his appearance at the entrance of the defendant’s corridor.

 

“Look at that, that shameless bastard!”

 

“The disgrace of Heriet! Rot in the fires of hell!”

 

“Bring back our Count! You demon!”

 

Fierce jeers erupted from the gallery.

 

From outside the windows, the shouts of the enraged crowd echoed in as well.

 

They were all people who had been directly or indirectly harmed by Cedric.

 

“Order, order! Quiet in the court!”

 

Even as the Chief Justice hammered his gavel repeatedly, the commotion did not settle easily.

 

In the end, order could only be restored after the Imperial Guards stepped in to restrain the crowd.

 

Everyone looked drained from the uproar that occurred before the trial even began, yet Cedric alone maintained a calm face.

 

“Defendant, Cedric Maxwell.”

 

Amidst the collective tension, the Chief Justice unfolded the document listing Cedric’s charges.

 

“Do you admit to all the charges: treason using the Devil of Fernin, complicity in the murder of Duke Bolton, inciting Lady Spencer to inflict bodily harm upon Lady Bennett, the murder of Grand Duke Gray, the murder of Prince Maximilian and framing Crown Prince Ian Heriet for it, blackmailing Lady Dines, and inciting the Empress to attempt the assassination of the Emperor?”

 

Whenever Cedric’s charges were read out in chronological order, people could not hide their astonishment.

 

Each of these was a major incident capable of rocking all of Centerfield on its own, yet he stood alone at the center of every single one.

 

‘Hearing them all at once like this makes it sound even more horrific.’

 

Even Robellin, who was already well aware of Cedric’s sins, was appalled all over again.

 

On top of that, his other identity—the existence of Troy—had not even been revealed yet.

 

She thought that if even that became known, all of Heriet might just explode.

 

Looking to her side, Cornelia was also shaking her head in disbelief.

 

“Defendant, state your answer.”

 

Yet despite astounding everyone, Cedric himself maintained a nonchalant expression.

 

“Defendant, do you admit to all the charges just read?”

 

When no answer came from Cedric, the Chief Justice asked once more.

 

Only then did Cedric’s gaze slowly turn toward the judge.

 

His eyes were shining menacingly.

 

“I cannot admit to them.”

 

At Cedric’s shameless response, groans of dismay echoed from the gallery.

 

Ian also let out a scoffing laugh as if expecting nothing less.

 

“This tribunal has secured testimonies from key witnesses, including Pedro, the former personal physician of Duke Bolton. Furthermore, we have confirmed that poison grass was indeed cultivated in the basement of the Maxwell townhouse. How do you explain this?”

 

The judge pressed him calmly while looking down at the documents.

 

However, even amidst the outpouring of explicit evidence and testimony, Cedric didn’t so much as bat an eye.

 

“The claim that I cultivated poison grass is also a frame-up.”

 

“Defendant, are you implying that the evidence has been perjured?”

 

“Yes, I have merely been falsely accused; the real culprit is someone else.”

 

“Who might that be?”

 

“The real culprit behind the poison grass incident is……”

 

At the Chief Justice’s question, Cedric’s gaze slowly turned toward the imperial seats.

 

His eyes met Ian’s, and in an instant, the corners of Cedric’s lips twisted into a mock sneer.

 

“His Highness the Crown Prince.”

 

At Cedric’s statement, a stir ran through the courtroom.

 

Everyone’s eyes instantly turned to the imperial seating where Ian was located.

 

“In the first place, weren’t the ones who searched my residence the knights of the Crown Prince’s Palace? Their testimony lacks credibility.”

 

As Cedric shamelessly added this, Ian gritted his teeth.

 

“Elaborate on your testimony.”

 

“The reason His Highness is pinning all these crimes on me…… is because I am the biological son of the Empress. It is to cover up the Imperial Family’s misdeeds.”

 

“Nonsense!”

 

Unable to suppress his rage, Ian sprang up from his seat.

 

He had expected Cedric to deny the charges to the bitter end, but he hadn’t imagined he would be this brazen.

 

“Your Highness, everyone is watching.”

 

“……”

 

Beside him, Brian restrained Ian, who looked ready to charge into the defendant’s box at any moment.

 

At those words, Ian took a deep breath, barely managing to control his emotions before sitting back down.

 

Cedric leisurely continued his defense.

 

“It is a well-known fact to anyone that His Highness kept my brother, the Prince, in check. When you consider who ultimately benefited from the poison grass incident as well, isn’t the answer crystal clear?”

 

Cedric glanced sideways at the imperial seats and smirked.

 

Just seeing Ian’s distorted expression was reward enough for him.

 

‘How is it, Ian Heriet? Did you think I would crumble meekly just like this?’

 

Perhaps if he steered the atmosphere well like this, a counterattack might still be possible.

 

Cedric’s expression was already intoxicated with a sense of triumph, as if he had already won the trial.

 

“……”

 

Robellin narrowed her eyes as she looked at Cedric.

 

A surge of anger rose within her as well at Cedric’s brazen attitude, but she still strove to maintain a calm expression.

 

‘It’s not over yet. It’s okay, Robellin.’

 

That was merely Cedric’s final desperate struggle before his complete collapse.

 

Of course, controlling her emotions wasn’t easy despite knowing that.

 

As Robellin raised a hand to soothe herself, the Chief Justice, having cleared the courtroom once again with his gavel, spoke up.

 

“We have heard the defendant’s defense. In that case, we shall call the final witness.”

 

Cedric, who had been laughing triumphantly, froze in an instant.

 

‘The final witness?’

 

Everyone who could possibly come out had already appeared, so who could possibly be left?

 

Since he hadn’t called a witness on his end, it must have been prepared by Ian’s side.

 

“Bring in the witness.”

 

Amidst the murmuring voices, the courtroom doors opened and a person walked in.

 

Confirming who it was, Cedric’s eyes trembled.

 

‘Coco……!’

 

His confidante who had vanished like a ghost after Norman’s death.

 

Coco, whom he had desperately searched for to no avail, was standing right here, right now.

 

For a moment, Cedric felt the strength drain from his legs.

 

Coco stared straight ahead with an unshakeable expression.

 

“Will the witness state their identity?”

 

At the judge’s prompt, Coco opened her mouth with a serene expression.

 

“My name is Coco. I am the daughter of Norman, who was Marquis Maxwell’s butler, and I have worked for the Marquis for over ten years.”

 

In that instant, the courtroom fell dead silent.

 

Among the nobles in the gallery, many remembered the butler who had always stayed by Cedric’s side.

 

No one could predict what his daughter was about to say.

 

‘Coco……’

 

Robellin also watched Coco with a tense expression.

 

Stepping forward here was entirely Coco’s own choice.

 

“I will go myself and testify to Cedric’s crimes.”

 

“Are you really fine with that? You could just submit a written statement like the other witnesses.”

 

At Coco’s proposal, even Robellin had been flustered at first.

 

All the other witnesses feared Cedric and chose to submit written statements.

 

Yet she was planning to face Cedric in person.

 

“No, you don’t know Marquis Maxwell’s cunning nature. He won’t give up until the very end and will look for a loophole to slip through.”

 

Coco had shaken her head firmly.

 

“And I have to avenge my father as well.”

 

A strong resolve could be felt in Coco’s eyes.

 

In the end, Robellin had no choice but to accept her determination.

 

And now, watching the witness stand with a tense expression, Robellin thought to herself:

 

Coco’s judgment was correct.

 

“The reason His Highness is pinning all these crimes on me…… is because I am the biological son of the Empress.”

 

Even when backed into a corner, hadn’t Cedric completely flipped the flow with a single sentence?

 

Coco had probably anticipated this very outcome.

 

Because she was the person who knew Cedric better than anyone else.

 

“The defendant currently claims that he is the biological son of the Empress. Is this true?”

 

At the Chief Justice’s question, Coco turned to look at Cedric.

 

Looking straight into Cedric’s eyes, Coco slowly shook her head.

 

“I know nothing of that. Nor have I ever seen Her Majesty the Empress.”

 

Strictly speaking, Coco’s words were not a lie.

 

As a mere gardener’s daughter, there was no reason for her to meet Carolla Ashford at the Ashford estate.

 

However, right now, it was a lethal piece of testimony against Cedric.

 

“My father did work as a gardener for the Ashford family once. However…… I know nothing regarding Marquis Maxwell’s personal matters.”

 

“Lies! It’s all lies!”

 

Cedric shrieked with madness in his eyes.

 

“You bitch! How dare you! Where do you get off telling lies! You’re just trying to avenge your father!”

 

“Silence! Order in the court!”

 

“Khuk!”

 

In the end, two guards pinned Cedric down against the desk.

 

Cedric tried to scream, but with his neck pressed down, his voice barely came out.

 

Once the commotion settled, the Chief Justice turned his gaze back to Coco.

 

“Witness, please continue your testimony.”

 

“My father and I moved directly under Marquis Maxwell’s orders until now.”

 

“What kind of work did you do?”

 

“We distributed the Devil of Fernin. When necessary, we used it directly as well.”

 

In an instant, the courtroom turned ice-cold.

 

It was testimony that aligned precisely with the evidence Ian had secured.

 

Yet Coco herself continued her testimony with a calm demeanor.

 

“At first, we imported it, but later we cultivated and supplied the poison grass directly from the basement of Marquis Maxwell’s townhouse. It is also true that we caused Duke Bolton’s death and made exorbitant profits by selling the antidote in the south. I admit to all other charges as well.”

 

“No! This is all a frame-up!”

 

Cedric writhed in fits occasionally, but he could not break free from the firm grip of the guards holding him down.

 

No one reacted to his shouts.

 

All evidence pointed toward him, and Coco’s testimony delivered the final blow, making it impossible to even offer an excuse anymore.

 

“……Very well. We shall now deliver the verdict.”

 

When the Chief Justice spoke heavily, only then did Cedric quiet down as well.

 

Everyone’s eyes turned toward the judge.

 

“After reviewing all testimonies and evidence comprehensively, this tribunal…… sentences Cedric Maxwell to death.”

 

“Ha……”

 

“The execution will take place in three weeks. Furthermore, taking into account the great resentment of the victims of the poison grass, small quantities of the Devil of Fernin will be added to the prisoner’s meals and water until the execution.”

 

Bang! Bang! Bang!

 

The sound confirming the Chief Justice’s verdict echoed through the courtroom.

 

“This makes no sense!”

 

Cedric’s face turned pale in an instant.

 

The death penalty was bad enough, but the punishment of having to ingest the poison grass every day terrified him even more.

 

Better than anyone, he knew the agony and horrific side effects of the poison grass known as the demon.

 

“No! No! It can’t be like this!”

 

As he was dragged out by the guards, Cedric screamed in despair.

 

Yet no one sympathized with him.

 

After all, the villainy he had committed had simply returned to him as it was.

 

 

***

 

 

Even after the trial concluded, the Imperial Court remained bustling for quite some time.

 

Leaving the commotion behind, Robellin and Cornelia stood up from their seats.

 

It was just as the two stepped out into the courtroom hallway.

 

“Lady Dines. Just a moment.”

 

Turning her head at the voice from the side, she saw Coco standing there.

 

Having been arrested due to her testimony moments ago, she was surrounded by knights.

 

Cornelia quietly stepped aside so the two could talk comfortably.

 

Robellin approached carefully and took Coco’s hand.

 

“Coco, if it weren’t for you, this trial would have been difficult.”

 

Robellin spoke with complete sincerity.

 

The courage to step forward in person knowing she would be arrested, and the sharpness of mind to overturn Cedric’s claims in one go.

 

It was Coco who delivered the decisive strike of this trial.

 

“I told you. I merely took revenge for my father.”

 

“Ah……”

 

Yet Coco maintained a stoic expression.

 

At Coco’s detached attitude and the mention of Norman’s name, a complex expression appeared on Robellin’s face.

 

“I actually tried to look for more traces of Norman. In the end, I couldn’t find anything though. I’m sorry, Coco.”

 

“……It’s fine.”

 

At Robellin’s words, Coco paused for a moment before shaking her head.

 

At any rate, since she and Norman were also in the wrong as sinners, thinking that they were receiving their rightful punishment meant there was nothing to feel wronged about.

 

Of course, that didn’t mean there were no regrets whatsoever.

 

“Still……”

 

Coco muttered softly.

 

“If we had chosen the right path like you, maybe we could have……”

 

However, before Coco’s words could finish, they were buried under the surrounding noise.

 

“Pardon? Coco, what did you just say?”

 

“It’s nothing. Well then, take care.”

 

When Robellin asked back, Coco shook her head with a bitter smile.

 

At this point, hypothetical scenarios were meaningless anyway.

 

Without continuing further, Coco headed toward the detention center alongside the knights.

 

Robellin stared blankly at her departing back with an indescribable feeling.

 

“While I recognize her contribution,”

 

“……Hm?”

 

Just then, Ian’s low voice reached Robellin’s ears.

 

Startled, she raised her head and met eyes with Ian, who was looking down at her.

 

His arm was already wrapping firmly around Robellin’s waist.

 

His fingertips were drawing soft circles over her waist.

 

‘Wait, when did he……!’

 

When Robellin narrowed her eyes, a faint smile brushed past the corners of Ian’s mouth.

 

However, soon his eyes grew serious as he looked toward Coco.

 

“That woman will face banishment at the very least. Even there, she won’t be able to escape surveillance. That much is unavoidable.”

 

Ian spoke bitterly.

 

The crimes she had committed alongside her father were too severe.

 

Even if she helped this time, they could not turn a blind eye to the numerous poison grass victims in Heriet.

 

“She probably came out here prepared for all of it anyway.”

 

Nodding her head with a resolute expression, it was actually Robellin’s side that spoke.

 

She vaguely felt that this outcome might actually be a freer path for Coco as well.

 

“Robellin……”

 

Ian looked down at her with a surprised expression.

 

Since she was an affectionate woman, he had expected her to plead for Coco’s rescue.

 

However, before he could even ask about it—

 

“His Highness is here! Lady Dines is here too!”

 

“We would like to ask Your Highness’s thoughts on the trial!”

 

“Lady Dines! You played a decisive role in this matter, please say a few words!”

 

From afar, the sound of stomping feet echoed in a rush.

 

Reporters from various newsletters were charging toward them like wild beasts hunting prey.

 

Flustered embarrassment spread across Ian’s face.

 

“Oh dear, Robellin, run quickly!”

 

“I-Ian!”

 

Without time to think, Ian grabbed Robellin’s hand and began to run.

 

Startled, people instinctively cleared a path, while reporters shouted and gave chase.

 

“Your Highness! Just one word please!”

 

“Lady Dines, your thoughts on the trial ending—”

 

“More importantly, what is the relationship between the two of you!”

 

“Now, now, you cannot do this here!”

 

The courtroom hallway grew chaotic with entangled footsteps and shouts.

 

Behind Ian and Robellin running as if fleeing, Wood and his colleagues hurriedly stepped in to block the reporters.

 

“My goodness……”

 

Standing at a distance, Brian pressed his hand to his forehead as if a headache were coming on and shook his head.

 

Though the commotion continued, everyone wore relieved expressions, feeling lighthearted over the resolution of the poison grass incident.

 

Thus concluded the ‘trial of the century’ that would be talked about for a long time in the history of Heriet.

 

 

***

 

 

Cedric’s execution, like his trial, was prepared swiftly.

 

A guillotine was erected in the heart of Centerfield, and there was no one who did not know its purpose.

 

“……”

 

In the dead of night, Cedric leaned against the cell wall, his face gaunt and haggard.

 

No one came to visit him in his imprisonment.

 

The only things keeping him company were stale, dried scraps of food.

 

They were meals he mostly could not eat because of the poison grass, but occasionally, unable to endure the hunger and thirst, he would force down a bite or two.

 

As a consequence, dark, purplish bruises clung beneath his eyes.

 

“……Mother.”

 

Staring blankly into the empty air, Cedric murmured under his breath.

 

It was then.

 

Screeech—

 

The old door creaked open, and Carola Ashford stepped inside.

 

She looked exactly as she had back then, as Cedric’s mother, before she had ever sat upon the Empress’ throne.

 

Cedric’s eyes widened in disbelief.

 

“M-Mother……?”

 

Crawling toward the iron bars, he reached out with trembling hands.

 

Carolla did not avoid him; she simply stood there, gazing down at him in silence.

 

‘I knew it, everything that happened until now was just a nightmare!’

 

With an expression radiant with joy, Cedric looked up at his mother.

 

He wanted to embrace her right that very second and act like a spoiled child, complaining about the nightmare he had been trapped in.

 

However, the smile quickly vanished from his face.

 

What met his fingertips was not the soft touch of a dress, but hard, icy armor.

 

“……Ha.”

 

Everything he had seen until now was a hallucination induced by the Devil of Fernin.

 

As the hallucination dissolved like mist, the dark view of the prison cell cleared, revealing a guard who was looking down at him with utter contempt.

 

With exaggerated gestures, the guard brushed off the exact spot Cedric’s hand had touched.

 

“Tsk, getting his filthy hands on me.”

 

“F-Filthy? How dare you, to me—the son of the Empress and a Marquis!”

 

“Ha, still living in that delusion, I see.”

 

Enraged, Cedric slammed his fist against the iron bars with a loud thud, but the guard didn’t so much as bat an eye.

 

With a nonchalant expression, the guard casually set down a bowl of food and a water bottle.

 

“Here, your final meal. The execution takes place at dawn, so enjoy your last supper, Lord Marquis.”

 

At the guard’s mocking tone, Cedric’s face twisted in rage.

 

Grit his teeth, Cedric glared down at the dried bread and wilted vegetables.

 

It was a dreadfully miserable meal, yet even so, the Devil of Fernin had undoubtedly been meticulously added to it.

 

“Ian Heriet, you horrific bastard……”

 

Cedric spat out a low curse.

 

It felt as though all of this was Ian’s fault.

 

Thinking of Ian enjoying wealth and glory as the Crown Prince while he himself was shoved miserably into a hole like this made his blood boil.

 

He had heard that the foolish people of Heriet were singing Ian’s praises.

 

And amidst those blessings, he would eventually welcome a Crown Princess, too—

 

“……A Crown Princess.”

 

Cedric, who was about to flip the food bowl over, froze.

 

The mention of a Crown Princess suddenly brought Robellin’s face to his mind.

 

Tossing the bowl aside, Cedric rushed to the bars and called out to the guard who was just about to leave.

 

“H-Hey! You!”

 

“Now what?”

 

The guard turned back with an annoyed expression.

 

Yet without even a moment to feel outraged by that look, Cedric spoke rapidly.

 

“Call Bell—no, call Ro-Robellin Dines! Tell her I have something urgent to say to her!”

 

Cedric shouted, shaking the iron bars.

 

The thought that Ian and Robellin might be joined together threw his mind into a frantic panic.

 

‘That woman is being fooled by Ian Heriet right now, too. Yes! Why didn’t I think of that before?’

 

Cedric was no longer capable of rational thought.

 

He felt that if he could just convince Robellin, he would be able to put a stop to their union.

 

‘Right, maybe Ian is using my life to blackmail her into an unwanted marriage!’

 

Cedric’s delusion deepened in an instant.

 

He began to believe that Ian was doing the exact same things he himself had done.

 

He looked up at the guard with madness in his eyes.

 

“Hey, aren’t you a gentleman too? Helping a lady in distress is a gentleman’s duty in Heriet! Lady Dines is in danger! We have to protect her!”

 

Believing his delusion to be the absolute truth, Cedric was more serious than anyone else right now.

 

However, the guard merely wore a baffled expression.

 

“Is this guy completely out of his mind?”

 

The guard raised his index finger and tapped it against his temple in a spinning motion.

 

Then, stepping closer, he kicked the iron bars with a loud bang!

 

Startled, Cedric tumbled onto the floor.

 

“Get a grip on yourself.”

 

Looking down at Cedric, who was lying flat on the floor and panting for breath, the guard shook his head in disgust.

 

“Know your place. How dare a criminal order around the lady His Highness holds most dear?”

 

“Holds dear?! That’s all a lie—”

 

“I guess eating poison grass every meal really messes with your head. Your delusions are out of control.”

 

The guard scoffed.

 

“Everyone who knows anything knows that the Crown Prince can’t do a thing when it comes to Lady Dines right now!”

 

“Don’t make me laugh! Still, the daughter of a Viscount can never become the Crown Princess! The laws of this country—”

 

Cedric shouted in fury at the answer that defied his expectations.

 

Yet all that returned was the guard’s pitiful sneer.

 

“His Highness will handle all of that himself. What’s so difficult for the man who will soon become Emperor? Besides, thanks to Lady Dines driving a bolt straight through your arm, people are thoroughly satisfied.”

 

The guard advised him to stop worrying about others and prepare for his final moments instead, giving the bars another harsh kick.

 

Cedric cowered at the loud bang!

 

When he raised his head once more, he saw only the retreating back of the guard walking away.

 

“Wait! Don’t leave me like this!”

 

Cedric clung to the bars, screaming out in desperation.

 

For a long while, only his cries echoed through the dark prison cell.

 

However, no one else walked in, and no answer ever returned.

 

 

***

 

 

Cedric Maxwell’s execution was carried out early in the morning.

 

Although they had deliberately tried to avoid crowds gathering, the square was already packed with people.

 

Despite the cold weather, people paid money just to witness the end of the man who had shaken the entire empire with their own eyes.

 

Soon, when Cedric was brought in on a wooden cart, the crowd unleashed a barrage of jeers.

 

“Rot in hell!”

 

“I lost my son because of you! The guillotine is too good for you!”

 

“Bah, ptui!”

 

As people rushed forward to beat Cedric and throw stones at him, the guards grew frantic trying to restrain them.

 

In the midst of it, someone grabbed Cedric by his hair and yanked it violently.

 

“Ugh……!”

 

“Let go of me! At once!”

 

“Look at this! I pulled out the demon’s hair!”

 

When someone held up a fistful of Cedric’s yanked silver hair, the crowd laughed and mocked him.

 

Even among the guards, there were those who wore expressions saying he got what he deserved.

 

Despite the early morning hour, the atmosphere among the crowd grew increasingly overheated.

 

“Halt!”

 

At that moment, a dignified voice echoed across the square.

 

The startled crowd paused and turned their heads, spotting Ian, Brian, and the imperial guards on horseback.

 

Brian, who had shouted just a moment ago, looked around at the people and commanded authoritatively: “This execution is overseen directly by the Heriet Imperial Family! Who dares to disrupt it!”

 

“Eek! It’s His Highness the Crown Prince!”

 

The people quickly backed away, bowing their heads before Ian.

 

Dismounting from his horse, Ian slowly approached Cedric alongside Brian and the guards.

 

Looking like an absolute mess, Cedric panted heavily as he looked up at Ian.

 

“Haa, haa…… Hypocrisy until the very end, Ian Heriet?”

 

Yet there was not a trace of gratitude in Cedric’s eyes for Ian saving him from the recent commotion.

 

Instead, he glared at Ian resentfully, like a child whose belongings had been stolen.

 

“Bring my mother! Bring Mother here! To tear apart a mother and her son, are you even human?! And Bell! Bring Bell here too!”

 

“Hey! Hold him tighter!”

 

As Cedric thrashed, the soldiers beside him gripped his arms even tighter, restraining him completely.

 

Ian looked down in silence at the man throwing his final, desperate fit.

 

Then, leaning down slightly, he leaned in close to Cedric’s ear.

 

“Carola Heriet has been moved to the Western Tower.”

 

Ian whispered in a low voice that only the two of them could hear.

 

“When I mentioned your name, she shrieked that you were her son’s murderer and that she ought to tear you to pieces right then and there. It seems that to her, her only son was Maximilian.”

 

“……What?”

 

Having been isolated from society, Cedric wore a bewildered expression upon hearing the Empress’s sentence for the first time.

 

Because he had never doubted for a moment that his mother, the Empress, would want to see him despite everything that had happened, the shock hit him all the harder.

 

Cedric stood frozen on the spot, but Ian’s words were not over.

 

“And do not dare utter my fiancée’s name so carelessly with that dirty mouth of yours.”

 

Ian’s blue eyes gleamed icily.

 

If this were not a public square where everyone was watching, he would have drawn his sword and severed Cedric’s neck himself.

 

That was how unbearable it was for him to hear Cedric speak Robellin’s name.

 

“I asked if she wished to come here, but she refused flatly. Which is a relief for me.”

 

Though he had asked out of formality, if Robellin had accepted, Ian had intended to stop her by any means necessary.

 

He had no desire to let Cedric close his eyes with lingering, futile regrets until his final moment.

 

‘I am fine. I don’t particularly care to see blood.’

 

Well, such resolve was rendered meaningless anyway when Robellin turned it down without a second thought.

 

“There is no one who pities your final moments. So begone at once. You unwanted trash, Troy.”

 

“You……!”

 

Ian stepped away from Cedric after delivering his final words.

 

Cedric thrashed in fury, but the guards’ rough hands grabbed the back of his neck firmly.

 

The guards mercilessly dragged him toward the guillotine.

 

“Ugh! Hrnngh!”

 

Cedric wailed like a beast until the very last moment as he lay flat, resting his neck upon the guillotine.

 

Tears soaked in terror streamed down his face, yet not a single person felt sympathy for him.

 

And then.

 

Whoosh—

 

Along with the heavy sound of the falling blade, his cries came to a sudden halt.

 

 

***

 

 

Cedric’s death remained a major topic of conversation among the people even a week after the execution took place.

 

“How horrific it was, seeing him kick and scream like a madman until the very end. It’s still vivid before my eyes.”

 

“He looked completely wretched, didn’t he? Entirely different from his portrait in the newspaper. Was it because he ingested the poison grass, I wonder?”

 

“Hmph, he tormented people with that poison grass, so he only got what he deserved!”

 

People believed that since Cedric, the root of all this evil, had been eliminated, there was nothing left to worry about and that everything was finally over.

 

Of course, there was someone who did not think that way.

 

“……Duke. When exactly will I be able to have some personal time?”

 

Ian was tapping his fingers on the desk with a dissatisfied expression.

 

Piles of documents were stacked high in front of him.

 

The procedures for compensating the victims of the poison grass, the allocation and taxation of the confiscated property of the Marquisate of Maxwell, handling the Marquis title now devoid of a successor—there was an overwhelming amount of work to be done.

 

Since the Emperor could not rise from his bed, everything fell entirely upon Ian’s shoulders.

 

“This workload is absurd. For the first time in my life, I’m actually considering stepping down from the Crown Prince position.”

 

Ian slumped face-first onto the desk.

 

Watching him, Brian let out a soft sigh from the side.

 

“Your Highness, please do not say such things even as a joke.”

 

Brian spoke in a stern voice beside the complaining prince.

 

To think that a man who had stayed up for days on end during the poison grass investigation without faltering was now showing weakness.

 

Of course, Brian knew the reason all too well.

 

Because Ian was frantically busy, it had been days since Robellin had last been able to visit the Crown Prince’s Palace.

 

Now that they could finally meet without minding the gazes of others, work was blocking their path once again, leaving Ian beyond disappointed.

 

“If you finish up to this point, I will invite Lady Bell to the Crown Prince’s Palace.”

 

“…….”

 

In an instant, Ian’s ears perked up.

 

Although he remained slumped over the desk, Brian did not miss it and continued his sweet temptation.

 

“If you get up right now and finish all of this, I will vacate the room completely for about half a day.”

 

Ian’s shoulders flinched.

 

However, seeing no sign of him sitting up just yet, Brian played his final card.

 

“Of course, if you dislike the idea, you may simply rest now……”

 

“Ahem, I never said I disliked it, did I?”

 

Just as Brian made a show of gathering the documents back up, Ian quickly sat up and grabbed his arm.

 

A faint, knowing smile brushed past the corner of Brian’s lips, but he quickly maintained an indifferent face.

 

And the “Robellin effect” was truly formidable.

 

“Send an investigator to Land’s End. Wood would be the right fit. Divide the degree of damage into levels 1 through 5 and proceed with compensation sequentially accordingly.”

 

“Yes, Your Highness.”

 

“Use the property of the Marquisate of Maxwell to aid the victims. Have the House of Nobles allocate the budget accordingly.”

 

“I shall do so.”

 

Ian processed the work endlessly like a runaway horse.

 

Without drinking even a single drop of water, he wrapped up the amount set by Brian in a mere two and a half hours.

 

‘I thought it would take at least half a day. Had I known, I would have asked him to do a bit more.’

 

Brian licked his lips in secret regret.

 

Unaware of Brian’s inner thoughts, Ian slapped the desk lightheartedly and rose from his seat.

 

“Now then, shall we go pick up Robellin?”

 

“Pardon? Your Highness is going to pick her up yourself? If you wait here, I will send someone to the Dines residence—”

 

“No, I shall go myself. I want to see her even a bit sooner, you see.”

 

Ian patted Brian’s shoulder and fastened his sleeve cuffs.

 

However, his outing did not go as planned.

 

“Your Highness! Your Highness!”

 

The moment Ian was about to leave the office, Paula rushed inside, panting for breath.

 

Patting her chest as she gasped for air, she finally managed to open her mouth.

 

“Haa, Your Highness. Just now, I, huff, came back from the Emperor’s Palace……”

 

“His Majesty? Is he feeling unwell?”

 

At Paula’s unusual reaction, the expressions on Ian’s and Brian’s faces stiffened instantly.

 

However, Paula was slow to answer as she tried to catch her breath.

 

In the end, Ian tried to bypass Paula and head directly to the Emperor’s Palace himself.

 

“Oh my, Your Highness! It’s not that!”

 

However, Paula grabbed Ian’s collar and shook her head.

 

“Please wait just a moment. What I came to tell you is that His Majesty…… toward Lady Dines……”