Invitation of the Crescent Moon - Chapter 21-30

21

“That’s uncertain, but since multiple people fled from the fire scene, there’s a strong possibility it was one of them.”

It was a strange situation. Both the large-scale fire at the poorhouse and people fleeing the scene immediately after the fire broke out.

Drushia furrowed his brow and stroked his chin.

“People receiving treatment at the poorhouse fled as soon as the fire started. They can’t all be arsonists, and they were there because they needed help.”

Why did they run away? Where did they disappear to? Who started the fire at the poorhouse and why?

“The security forces are searching other poorhouses. They should be able to find the escapees soon.”

“But why specifically Lady Igraine’s carriage?”

“Pardon?”

“Most people being treated at the poorhouse are commoners with nowhere to go, right? Even if they were fugitive criminals, they wouldn’t dare think of boarding a noble’s carriage.”

“The runaway might have connections to the Igraine duchy.”

There was only one conclusion Drushia could draw from the current situation. He couldn’t help but smile at how things had become so entangled.

“One thing is certain. I’ll have to meet Lady Igraine.”

The two aides closed their mouths with somewhat tense expressions.

“Send an official letter to Lady Igraine. Tell her I’m requesting a meeting.”

Mihail’s eyes widened. An official letter from the House of Talion to the House of Igraine. And requesting a meeting, no less.

Though he didn’t dare say it aloud, the thought “Is this really necessary?” was clearly written on Mihail’s face. It wasn’t as if he would interrogate a high-ranking noble, and meeting her would likely just result in a battle of nerves. It might be better for the aides to handle communications.

But Drushia seemed to have already made up his mind. His face, which had been subdued all along, finally showed some life. With an enigmatic expression, he muttered to himself.

“I need to make sure she has no way out.”

****

The old archives occupied most of the sunniest spaces in the annex. It was a place that served as both a repository for a vast variety of books and a storage room for all kinds of documentary materials.

Among these, the place Ashika found was the first-floor library, which housed more than half of all books published in the Empire. The bookshelves on the walls reached the high ceiling, making a ladder essential to retrieve books from the top.

Ashika carefully leaned against the ladder, making sure not to step on the hem of her dress. She had already sent the archive attendant away, saying she wanted to be alone.

She precariously hung onto the ladder, scanning the books near the ceiling with her eyes.

‘There’s too little information about my mother.’

Ashika’s mother was the eldest daughter of an obscure count’s family with no territory or wealth. Weive himself had arranged the strategic marriage for his son, but why he chose such an obscure family remained a mystery both then and now.

‘A noble family not even in the genealogy records.’

Her mother, who died shortly after giving birth to her daughter, was said to be the last descendant of that family. As a result, Ashika had no relatives on her maternal side.

She brushed back her long flowing hair in frustration. She tried to understand what was happening to her, but finding answers seemed impossible.

‘I can’t even ask anyone about it.’

If she brought it up, it would be the perfect story to be treated as mentally ill. What would happen if rumors spread that the sole heir to the duchy might be insane?

‘Collateral branches would rush in to propose alternative heirs.’

If Ashika was deemed problematic, even Weive would find it difficult to continue supporting her.

‘What’s important to Grandfather is the family. He might even adopt from a collateral branch.’

That was the worst-case scenario she could imagine. So for now, she couldn’t ask others for help. She had to deduce the situation on her own.

‘There were no hereditary diseases on my father’s side.’

The House of Igraine had been an unremarkable, trouble-free family for generations. Native to Tridelia, they were more skilled in business than politics, steadily accumulating wealth through various enterprises and trade.

They lacked even the mysterious founding myths that most other families had. It was a family so unremarkable that it was almost monotonous.

‘But why is this happening to me specifically?’

After anxiously scanning book titles, one caught her eye.

“The History of Marriage Alliances?”

It was on a bookshelf quite far from the ladder. Ashika stretched out her arm to reach the book. As she stood on tiptoe to close the precarious distance, just as her fingertips were about to touch it—

“Ah!”

She slipped from the thin ladder rung. Her body lost balance, collided with the ladder, and fell down. Fortunately, it wasn’t very high, so the impact wasn’t severe, but the way she sprawled on the floor was undignified.

“Ouch, that hurts.”

Ashika rubbed her elbow where it had hit the floor and swallowed her tears.

This was unimaginable in normal circumstances—both hanging from a ladder herself and falling from it to roll on the floor. Ashika was unaware of how her own behavior had changed.

‘Good thing I sent the archive attendant away earlier.’

She was just raising her upper body when there was a rustling sound as her necklace spilled out. It was the necklace she’d never taken off and had almost forgotten about.

Unconsciously, she grabbed the necklace to push it back inside her clothes but paused.

“What’s wrong with this?”

The diamond-shaped pendant had a blue-purple gemstone embedded in it. One in the center and two on each side facing each other, making five in total. However, something had changed from before.

“When did this break?”

One of the small facing gemstones was completely cracked and looked like it might crumble. Like that jewel she’d seen at the imperial palace. The texture under her fingertips was smooth, but the gem, full of spider web-like cracks, had already lost its luster.

“This wasn’t such a fragile gem.”

Out of curiosity, she had even tried scrubbing it with diamond earrings. Even then, the jewel hadn’t received a single scratch. How had it broken now?

A clue that seemed within reach yet remained elusive flickered in her mind.

“Necklace, rare gems. Rare raw stones…”

Ashika stood up, forgetting her pain. After hiding the necklace inside her clothes, she began scanning the library shelves again from the beginning.

“Origins of Mysterious Powers, Founding Myths, Legends and Treasures, Cursed Gems… Could it be this?”

While she was absorbed in the new clue, the door to the archives opened. Knocking sounds had been heard for a while, but due to the distance from the bookshelves to the door, she hadn’t heard them.

“My Lady.”

“Ah, Julma.”

“You weren’t in your office, so I looked for you.”

Ashika put the book she was holding back on the shelf. Somehow, she didn’t want anyone to know what information she was searching for.

“If you needed a book, why didn’t you ask the archive attendant to bring it to you?”

“I had to find something myself.”

On a nearby table lay volumes of books too heavy to hold with one hand. Julma’s gaze unconsciously turned to the stacked books.

“Major Houses of the Capital, Noble Genealogies, History of Empire’s Representative Territories, History and Legends of Noble Families… What is all this? Are you trying to check information about noble families from the founding of the Empire?”

“Isn’t it good to know in advance? I want to choose a proper family this time.”

“Are you saying you’re choosing a fiancé while looking at history books?”

Seeing Julma’s incredulous face, Ashika subtly covered the books she had been looking at with her body.

“It’s not something I should leave entirely to Grandfather. There might be little-known family traits or hereditary diseases.”

Why did her serious explanation seem awkward? Julma carefully tried to fathom her master’s intentions.

‘Maybe it’s because she has no romantic experience.’

A lady who searches through noble family trees to scout her next fiancé—no matter how you look at it. Julma felt frustrated.

“Invitations have increased notably lately. Wouldn’t it be better to attend a ball instead?”

“It hasn’t even been a month since the broken engagement. I should observe mourning for at least three months.”

Ashika said this while standing up.

“I’ve been in the archives too long. I should go outside.”

She subtly changed the subject, feeling Julma’s gaze. Though it felt like an excuse, Julma quietly followed. As they left, Ashika didn’t forget to ask the archive attendant to tidy up.

Ashika left the annex and turned toward the garden pathway. It felt refreshing after being surrounded by the smell of old books.

“By the way, what was so urgent that you came to the archives?”

“Ah, yes.”

Julma suddenly remembered his forgotten purpose.

“A letter has arrived from the House of Talion.”

Ashika stopped abruptly. Her face, mixed with surprise and doubt, waited for what would follow.

Julma took out the letter from his breast pocket and held it out.

“A messenger came by just now. It is indeed a letter from the House of Talion.”

Ashika didn’t immediately take it, but looked down at the letter Julma was holding out. It felt strange to see the Talion seal on the envelope and her name written in an elegant hand.

‘He wrote it himself.’

She recognized it at a glance. Despite having only seen his signature on agreement documents, she knew the handwriting that wrote her name was Drushia’s.

“Aren’t you going to check it?”

This was the first contact since the incident at the meeting. Even though it was just a letter, her heart was pounding.

Ashika took the letter with a tense expression. She wanted to go somewhere quiet and open it alone, as if it were her own secret.

‘What am I thinking?’

Finding her own desire amusing, Ashika broke the seal and opened the letter right away. Her face immediately hardened.

“He’s proposing a direct meeting?”

“He wants to meet, doesn’t he?”

Julma’s voice got louder. It wasn’t common for the Duke of Talion to send an official letter to the Young Duchess of Igraine requesting a direct meeting.

“Julma, hasn’t the issue of building construction in the Grand Duchy been resolved?”

“Yes. They’ve agreed to the newly calculated costs.”

“Since we’ve resolved the winter budget execution issue as well, the next official meeting should be next spring.”

“That’s right. There’s been no other contact from the Grand Duchy.”

Wondering what this could be about, Julma’s face also showed perplexity.

Ashika hadn’t been managing the Grand Duchy affairs for long.

Weive’s last meeting with the previous Duke of Talion was 14 years ago, right after the accident. He had been extremely reluctant to face Talion.

Since then, the management of the Grand Duchy was handled by aides from both sides, and issues like garrison troops, supplies, and administration were dealt with routinely.

The problem arose 5 years ago when Drushia himself, rather than Talion’s aide, appeared at the negotiation table. Drushia relentlessly pushed Igraine’s aide, who had no authority and could only flounder each time.

After being unilaterally dominated in the negotiation process repeatedly, Ashika finally stepped in herself. It was from the year she came of age, four years ago.

He was so meticulous during negotiations that Ashika had to stay up at night collecting information about the Grand Duchy and preparing a month before each meeting date.

‘He was an irritatingly persistent man.’

But this time, things had gone too easily. That seemed strange, and now this.

“It’s unlike Duke Talion to request a meeting without stating his purpose.”

Ashika agreed with Julma’s opinion. She let out a sigh without realizing it.

‘Why do I feel like my debt keeps growing?’

From the mistake she made at the imperial palace, to handling the security force matter on her own, to receiving help with Coral’s problem. And then showing an unseemly side of herself at the meeting place.

That was why she found it difficult to readily accept the request to meet.

‘What if he brings up that issue belatedly?’

He was always unpredictable, striking when least expected. Simply avoiding him seemed the best option. If she refused to meet, what could he do?

“Shall I reply?”

“Since it’s an official letter, the refusal should also be official. As for the reason for declining… say that I’m resting due to fatigue from a series of incidents.”

Even as she spoke with displeasure, her hand holding the letter was careful. Julma tried to take back the now unnecessary letter, but Ashika didn’t let go. Julma awkwardly withdrew his hand.

Shortly after Julma left, the sound of urgent footsteps approached. Coming from the direction of the main gate was Jeanne.

“My Lady.”

Ashika quickly looked around. After confirming that no other servants were nearby, she spoke.

“How did it go?”

“They said he’s awake. What should we do?”

“I need to see him in person. I’ll prepare and come down, so have a carriage ready. One without the family crest.”

“Yes, I understand.”

After giving instructions, Ashika hurried to her room. By the time she finished preparations and left the mansion, it was just past noon.

 

22

It was a building closer to a small house than a mansion. Despite its neat exterior, dust had accumulated inside as it hadn’t been cleaned for a long time.

Since it was an unused vacation home, even servants didn’t reside there. It was essentially an abandoned place. It was a location left alone because it offered neither particular advantage nor disadvantage.

There were several such vacation homes within the capital, and Ashika often used them for personal purposes. Especially in situations like now, when she wanted to avoid her grandfather’s gaze.

Two men sitting in the hallway jumped to their feet when they spotted Ashika.

“Oh my, my lady, you’ve arrived.”

“Greetings!”

Despite being much bigger in stature than Ashika, their attitude was cautious. A commoner and a Young Duchess would normally never meet—the social divide was clear. No matter how delicate the lady appeared, she was undoubtedly a formidable figure to them.

“It’s been a while.”

Ashika acknowledged their greeting with a slight nod. Jeanne stepped forward right after.

“How’s the injury?”

“He lost a lot of blood, but the wound doesn’t seem too deep. The physician said to just be careful with the burn, so we’ve been diligently applying medicine.”

The black-haired man answered Jeanne’s question.

These two disheveled men were Jeanne’s former mercenary companions. Jeanne, who came from a common background, had talent with the sword but no money. Therefore, she had taken whatever work came her way to pay for lessons, and those connections continued even after she entered the duke’s household.

Ashika, who had no authority over the knighthood, needed associates untouched by Weive’s influence, and the connections Jeanne provided proved quite useful.

Ashika lowered her voice while looking at the closed door.

“How is he handling meals?”

“Don’t worry. He’s eating like he could devour an ox.”

“Despite looking thin, he must be skilled with a sword. His body is quite exceptional.”

“Has his identity been confirmed?”

“Well…”

“He refuses to speak with anyone except for you, my lady. He won’t cooperate with anything other than eating, sleeping, and receiving treatment.”

“Ha.”

The unidentified man who had allowed himself to be captured was quite shrewd. Knowing he couldn’t do anything immediately, he seemed to be focusing on recovery as much as possible.

“I’ll talk to him. Open the door.”

“He has been docile throughout, but please be careful nonetheless.”

Ashika nodded quietly at the cautionary words.

When the door opened, a stale smell rushed out. The scent of dust, medicine, and the acrid smell of blood that hadn’t been completely cleaned away.

“Wow, the Young Duchess has finally arrived. If you were going to provide a room, couldn’t you have given me a clean one? How could you put a guest in a room that hasn’t even been cleaned?”

“What is this fellow mumbling about? You’re ungrateful even after being spared?”

Jeanne’s expression crumpled in anger. The man, still lying on the bed, just turned his head to meet Ashika’s gaze.

His clothes were soiled with blood and soot as he hadn’t changed, and his shoulder-length gray hair was a mess from sweat and dust. However, despite his exhaustion, his blue-gray eyes remained clear.

“What kind of posture is that when your benefactor has arrived?”

“I’m a patient. You even called a physician for me, have you already forgotten?”

The man smoothly countered Jeanne’s consecutive rebukes. Ashika’s face showed disbelief.

“How can you be so brazen?”

“You’re not going to do anything to me right away anyway. My mouth still works, so I should say what I need to say. Look at my condition. No matter how much I’ve rolled around on the streets, I’ve never lived this filthy.”

The man openly expressed his dissatisfaction.

“And could you please sit down? It’s already difficult with my body in this state, and it’s hard to look up at you with my neck strained.”

“Huh.”

“Well, this is…”

Even Jeanne was at a loss for words. His audacity was so excessive that it made those scolding him feel foolish. Ashika’s stern expression began to relax, and then her voice deepened.

“Jeanne, I think we picked up the wrong thing. I thought it was a person, but it seems we’ve got useless trash that can’t even be utilized. You know how to dispose of it, right?”

“Of course. I’ve never disposed of a person before, but disposing of a person or waste should be similar. Should I call the guys outside?”

“Call them and clean this up. Make sure the cleanup is thorough, leaving no traces.”

Ashika turned away mercilessly, as if there was no need to even consider it.

The man’s eyes widened, and he hastily tried to get up from the bed.

“W-wait. Young Duchess…, ugh.”

His half-raised body collapsed back onto the bed. Watching the trembling man, Ashika stopped in her tracks and turned around.

“Haah, Young Duchess, you and I have things to discuss…”

The man gasped for breath, his face contorted with pain.

“Do you actually intend to talk properly?”

“Yes, yes. Of course.”

The man’s expression became urgent, fearing she might abandon him again.

When they first met in the carriage, Ashika couldn’t take her eyes off his wounds. The man realized then that Ashika’s pale face wasn’t due to fear, but because she was shocked at seeing him soaked in blood.

She was a tender-hearted woman masquerading as detached. That’s why he had unwittingly let his guard down. Still, he was facing none other than the Young Duchess Igraine.

Ashika spoke coldly with an expressionless face.

“I’m sure you understand the weight of what you’ve said. You must also know that it would be simpler to silence you quietly than to ask for reasons.”

“That’s a bit…”

Though stumbling over his words, the man didn’t refute her.

“Don’t try to climb up. And don’t delude yourself into thinking you hold the initiative in this matter.”

“…Yes.”

Though her tone was calm as she spoke methodically, it carried weight due to its firmness. The man responded in a subdued voice. Whether from pain or not, sweat beaded on his face, but he no longer showed signs of discomfort.

‘How can someone be so self-willed?’

The status of a young duchess is anything but trivial. It’s a rank not easily challenged. Yet, from the start, the man’s attitude had been unrestrained in front of someone who should intimidate him.

While thinking how strange this was, Ashika’s gaze lingered on his shoulder where blood was seeping through. She felt uncomfortable, as if she was tormenting a patient when she hadn’t done anything.

At Ashika’s gesture, Jeanne brought a chair.

“Jeanne, leave us for a moment.”

“My Lady?”

“That chain on his ankle, it doesn’t reach this far, right?”

A long chain connected the man’s ankle to the bedpost. It was a precaution taken from the moment they arrived at the vacation home.

“That’s true, but…”

“Jeanne.”

At her firm voice, Jeanne closed her mouth. It was an indication that she would not allow any further objections. Reluctantly, Jeanne quietly withdrew from the room.

An awkward silence descended upon the room now that they were alone. With the garrulous man suddenly quiet, the atmosphere was different from before. Despite being disheveled, his fair skin and well-proportioned features were neat.

‘He doesn’t seem like someone who would be rolling around on the streets.’

“Um… Young Duchess.”

A somewhat tense voice emerged under Ashika’s piercing gaze.

“Shouldn’t you first reveal your identity?”

The man’s expression momentarily stiffened. The clear blue-gray eyes sank deeply.

“My name is Nile.”

“And your family name?”

“Could I tell you that later? Just as you can’t trust me, I find it difficult to trust you. At least for now.”

There was no pretense felt in his calm response. Ashika readily agreed. She focused more on the immediate events.

“You were at the poorhouse fire scene that day, weren’t you?”

“…Yes.”

“Are you sure it wasn’t you who set the fire?”

“Ha, am I crazy? People went there to survive…..Has the arsonist not been caught yet?”

Nile’s expression changed when the poorhouse was mentioned. Suppressed anger was palpable in his truncated words.

“I heard that many people fled from the poorhouse that day. It seems several have already been caught and handed over to the security force. Thanks to that, the security force is having a hard time.”

“The security force? Why send patients to the security force?”

“We don’t know if those people are patients or arsonists disguised as patients. No, if they were patients, why did they run away in the first place? There are many strange aspects to this incident. It’s also questionable why someone like you was there.”

No matter how she looked at it, Nile didn’t appear to be destitute enough to seek refuge in a poorhouse.

“I…”

Even within her calm tone, there was a sharp edge to be felt. Thinking that she wouldn’t be easy to deal with, Nile moistened his dry lips.

“I was there because I needed treatment. I don’t know if you’re aware, but that place was the only treatment center in the empire that provided free high-quality medical care.”

Ashika’s expression showed a mix of understanding and confusion.

“What kind of treatment?”

“You probably won’t understand even if I tell you. It’s a rare incurable disease.”

“The poorhouse in the capital was treating rare diseases?”

“Yes.”

Nile kept his answer brief, conserving his words. Even the small bits of information he held needed to be saved for now. If people had been caught by the security force, it would become known soon, but he needed time.

“Patients with rare diseases entered the facility after being promised treatment support. I heard that’s why many people gathered there.”

“Then why did you run away?”

“I didn’t run away; I was trying to chase the arsonists. They were disguised as poorhouse residents, but they were clearly armed. I ended up succumbing to the smoke inhalation.”

Ashika’s doubts grew deeper. What could be the reason for setting fire to the poorhouse, going so far as to disguise themselves?

A fire at the capital’s finest poorhouse and treatment facility. Mysterious fleeing individuals and arsonists. The security force rummaging through every corner of the streets to find them. This fire had kept the middle of Palmred Street in an uproar until now.

‘I really don’t understand what’s going on.’

She couldn’t figure out what this incident meant or why it was so suspicious.

“You said you came from the Grand Duke’s Castle?”

“Yes, Young Duchess.”

Nile swallowed a tense breath as he answered.

“Explain. The reason you claim to have come from the Grand Duke’s Castle, which was closed down decades ago. The reason you dare say you came from a place that is strictly sealed off by knights of Igraine and Talion.”

“Before that.”

Nile cautiously glanced at Ashika. Her eyebrow raised, wondering what excuse he would make now.

“I need medicine. Could you get that for me first?”

“Are you playing word games with me?”

“It’s not an excuse; it’s a matter of life and death for me. With the treatment center burned down, I have no way to get the medicine right now.”

“So you’ll only speak after I get you medicine?”

“Well, not exactly, but I need to stay alive first.”

He seemed to be yielding, but in the end, Nile was trying to slip away like a slippery eel. Both amusing and frustrating, Ashika was curious to see how far this outrageous conversation would go.

“What will you do if I refuse?”

“Either way, I’ll die—sitting still or without medicine. One way or another, I’m doomed, so I have no choice.”

“Is the medicine that urgent? Do you have a disease that will kill you immediately without it?”

“Not exactly, but the disease rapidly worsens if I don’t take medicine regularly.”

Though speaking brazenly, Nile couldn’t hide his anxious demeanor. It felt like a wounded animal recognizing its savior and clinging to them.

An uncomfortable feeling rose from the bottom of Ashika’s heart. She felt that she had picked up a very strange fellow indeed.

“So you want me to take full responsibility and save you since I’ve already saved you once? Is that what you’re saying?”

Nile nodded with a tense expression.

A scoffing laugh, “Ha,” escaped from Ashika’s lips.

If what Nile said was true, his consistently brazen attitude was somewhat understandable. If he was going to die either way, there would be nothing to fear.

“If you get me the medicine…”

“If I get it?”

“I’ll do whatever you ask.”

“What?”

Ashika narrowed her brow, not understanding Nile’s words. She wondered why he would go so far for mere medicine. However, Nile’s expression as he spoke was serious.

“I’m serious.”

“Why should I trust you?”

“You’ll need me soon enough.”

He was an increasingly intriguing man. With a pale, anxious face, he was bargaining with his own lifeline, yet he remained remarkably confident.

“I can’t understand what you’re saying.”

“It doesn’t matter if you don’t understand right now. What’s important is that things you’re unaware of are happening, and you’ll need help.”

Ashika quietly stared at his face. It wasn’t a gaze trying to discern his true intentions or to intimidate. That calm silence rather made Nile tense.

“What makes you trust me enough to do this?”

Nile flinched and hunched his shoulders in surprise.

His body and mind were at rock bottom. Knowing that his life wouldn’t last long at this rate, he had been on the verge of giving up everything. But when he saw the woman in the carriage who couldn’t take her eyes off his wounds, a glimmer of hope seemed to appear.

Ashika’s instinct was right. Nile was unknowingly clinging to someone who might save him. Saying he didn’t want to die like this. Asking to be saved.

The person Nile had originally intended to meet wasn’t the Young Duchess Igraine. But in his desperate state, the carriage that caught his eye happened to be Igraine’s.

If he had gone to Duke Talion as initially planned, the Duke would have calculated Nile’s usefulness and decided whether to save him. But this woman was someone who would save him first and then calculate his usefulness. That was the crucial difference.

“I’ll answer that too once you get me the medicine.”

Saying that, Nile rummaged through his belongings. He took out a folded piece of paper half the size of his palm and tossed it towards Ashika. Keeping a sufficient distance from Nile, Ashika picked up the paper.

“A prescription?”

Ashika’s lips parted slightly. He was truly an amazingly brazen man. But Nile’s voice was both respectful and desperate.

“Please, Young Duchess.”

 

23

Marilyn and the maids were busy arranging Ashika’s hair. They meticulously gathered every strand, pulling it up and securing it firmly.

While leaving her hair to the maids, Ashika stared blankly at the letter in her hand.

“This is the third one now, isn’t it?”

“Yes, that’s right. What will you do about it?”

Julma asked from a few steps behind, careful not to interfere with the maids’ work.

The Duke of Talion was a man with sky-high pride in his family. Yet this was the third time he had requested a meeting despite her refusals.

“What would I do? I have no reason to meet Duke Talion.”

As she spoke, Ashika carefully folded the letter and put it away.

Julma’s gaze turned peculiar watching this. What did she intend to do with that letter? His expression revealed this question.

Ashika, seemingly unaware of her own actions, frowned in thought.

‘Does he really have something important to discuss? Or does he want to receive thanks for his help last time?’

It was true that she had received assistance at the council hall, but it was an awkward matter neither wished to bring up again. She thought he was pretending not to know.

‘This makes me uneasy somehow.’

This was the first time someone had been this persistent, and despite her rejections, she felt a creeping anxiety.

“And there’s one more problem. About what you asked us to acquire last time.”

“What about it?”

Julma kept his words careful, mindful of the maids.

“The messenger returned empty-handed. It was too expensive to afford.”

“Didn’t I tell you to send enough money?”

“Yes, you did, but it still wasn’t enough.”

“How much could it possibly cost…”

Suddenly, Ashika recalled Nile’s words promising to do anything if she would just obtain the medicine for him. And how people had gathered when they heard the poorhouse was providing free high-quality treatment.

‘They treated such an expensive illness at the poorhouse?’

She wondered what information Nile actually possessed. This went beyond merely suspicious.

‘I should keep him alive first, then question him.’

Since he had essentially offered his life, he wouldn’t easily run away.

“Provide whatever support is needed. Also, tell the caretaker to clean the place.”

She remembered how Nile had expressed displeasure at his own disheveled appearance.

‘I’m concerning myself with the strangest things.’

Though that wasn’t how it started, somehow she felt like she was caring for a stray animal.

“Yes, I’ll follow your instructions.”

Julma gave a slight bow and left.

Despite it being a rare outing, Ashika felt somehow uneasy. A series of strange and suspicious events, none with clear reasons, made her feel all the more anxious.

****

There was commotion in front of Baroness Isna’s mansion. The main gate was wide open with workers going in and out, while outside the walls, people gathered to peek inside.

“What day is it today? If I’d known it would be this chaotic, I would have brought more guards.”

Libron, who had accompanied Ashika instead of Jeanne, looked around worriedly.

“The Baroness occasionally holds special events. They’re quite interesting, so even those without invitations get curious. Don’t worry, they’ll have enough security staff.”

Ashika stepped into the garden with casual confidence.

In the center of the garden, all the usual decorations had been removed and replaced with animal cages taking up half the space. There seemed to be dozens of cages of various sizes, each containing different animals.

Birds with dazzlingly vibrant colors, small cute four-legged creatures that looked like dolls, and creatures with long bodies like lizards but covered in fluffy fur. The cacophony of sounds that had been audible since their arrival came from these animals.

“As you can see, today’s theme is rare animal exhibition and auction.”

“Baroness Isna is truly eccentric.”

Libron muttered with a sigh at Ashika’s explanation.

There would be no one else in the Empire besides Baroness Isna who would bring wild animals into the center of a noble residence and hold an auction.

“It’s the Baron who’s the odd one, not the Baroness. Who else would import these creatures?”

“I didn’t know you enjoyed such things, my lady.”

“I enjoy the Baroness who shows these things. Libron, wait here.”

After positioning Libron at a spot with a clear view of the garden, she proceeded inside. On the opposite side from the animal cages, gazebos and tables for relaxation were arranged in rows.

“Oh, Lady Igraine! Welcome.”

The Baroness, who had been busily moving through the venue, spotted Ashika and rushed over.

“You’re showing us something truly extraordinary today, Baroness.”

Ashika expressed genuine admiration.

“My husband has recently become obsessed with collecting rare animals. They’re all different kinds, but they’re all docile, so don’t worry.”

The Baroness smiled warmly and beckoned to Ashika.

“Lady Igraine, come over here. There’s a really adorable creature here.”

In the middle of a table where noble ladies had gathered was a cage the size of a birdcage. The attendees startled but couldn’t take their eyes off the cage.

“Oh my, look at this. Its face looks like it’s smiling.”

“It has such a pretty voice.”

“What is this exactly? A monkey?”

It was a monkey about the size of two palms put together. With its round face covered in fluffy white fur, it was so cute one would want to hug it.

A young lady who appeared to have just come of age spoke excitedly.

“It seems gentle. Could we take it out of the cage?”

“My lady, I don’t think that’s a good idea. I’ve heard this fellow is more clever than it looks. We’re planning to auction it, so it would be better if you participated.”

At the Baroness’s explanation, the lady looked disappointed.

“I’m not even allowed to keep a cat at home.”

While many nobles kept pets, there were just as many who detested them.

“Then at least enjoy looking at them today, my lady.”

The Baroness laughed gently, consoling the disappointed lady.

As Ashika took a seat at one of the tables, a waiting maid brought tea and refreshments. Watching the bustling garden gave her a feeling that all her scattered thoughts were flying away.

The Baroness had already disappeared, busy attending to coming and going guests. She was giving everyone plenty of time to view the exhibits before the auction began.

“I’m glad I came.”

Perhaps she had been unknowingly exhausted after enduring the ordeal of a broken engagement. It was a relief to be among people without being the center of attention. Ashika leisurely sipped her tea while watching people move about the exhibition.

However, before she could even finish half of her tea, a small commotion erupted at the next table.

“Oh my! Oh my!”

“What should we do?”

Just as Ashika’s gaze shifted sideways, a white blur suddenly flew into her line of sight.

“Huh!”

“Kyaaaaaaa!”

The scream came from a noblewoman sitting right beside her.

Ashika froze as she felt something gently attach itself to her face. The baby-soft monkey’s four limbs clung to her face, grabbing her hair, before it leaped off toward the center of the garden.

“Lady Igraine!”

The teacup Ashika had been holding had already shattered, and her clothes were a mess. Not screaming was the only way she could maintain any dignity.

The commotion continued afterward.

“Someone catch that one!”

“Another cage has been opened!”

“Guards, bring nets!”

The tiny monkey, no bigger than two palms, had lifted the locks on several cages. A few birds flying away was manageable, but when a long lizard-like creature crawled out, the garden descended into chaos.

“Lady Igraine, are you alright?”

Ashika blinked her dark eyes and, realizing there was no further threat, regained her composure.

“I’m fine… Yes, I’m fine.”

Though she managed to answer, her shoulders rose and fell as she gasped for breath from the shock.

“I thought you might have fainted while sitting.”

Several alarmed noblewomen gathered around Ashika. The maid who had been serving her also approached to examine her clothes.

“What should we do? Your dress is ruined.”

Unfortunately, she had worn a light sky-blue dress today. The dark brown tea had spread unattractively across her chest.

“Wouldn’t it be best to at least clean the stain briefly? What would you like to do?”

The maid offered a handkerchief to Ashika and volunteered to guide her. Ashika hesitated momentarily before rising from her seat.

The guards were chasing after the escaped animals, and the garden was in the midst of chaos. It seemed best to leave the area for now.

“Where should I go?”

“Please follow me this way.”

The garden’s layout had been changed for today’s event. Nearby were several gazebos for attendees, and a little further away, tents had been set up.

Following the maid’s guidance, Ashika entered one of the tents. Unlike typical etiquette rooms, it was filled with all sorts of miscellaneous items stacked up to the ceiling. It appeared to be a space for event staff.

‘It’s like a storage room.’

As confusion crossed Ashika’s face, the maid carefully responded.

“I thought this would be better than the noisy event venue. Would you mind waiting for a moment?”

With those words, the maid left the tent. Shortly after leaving, she returned with a thin cape.

“If you would remove your outer garment, I’ll clean the stain and bring it back. In the meantime, please wear this.”

The maid with clear brown eyes looked at her. She was a young girl with a youthful face, not yet of age. After hesitating briefly, Ashika gestured to the maid.

“Could you help me with just the top?”

Over her dress, she wore a decorated outer garment with delicate lace trim at the edges. The maid’s movements were awkward as she helped remove the waist-length decorative outer garment.

“I’m sorry. I’m not skilled at handling clothes like these.”

The calluses on her hands suggested she wasn’t a serving maid.

‘The Baroness must be overwhelmed today. She’s not usually this unprepared.’

The mansion seemed too far away, which was probably why she’d been brought to the tent, but something felt off. Though somewhat perplexed, Ashika brushed it off, considering how unique today’s event was.

“I’d appreciate it if you could hurry.”

“Yes, I understand. I’ll be back in a flash.”

The maid looked around the tent and found a round chair for Ashika.

“Please rest here in the meantime!”

Leaving a bright smile, the maid rushed outside. She didn’t forget to close the tent entrance on her way out.

The inside of the tent was bright but somewhat stuffy. Despite being in the shade of trees, the midday heat made the air humid and oppressive.

Ashika gently perched on the chair the maid had provided. The round wooden chair was hard and uncomfortable, causing her to shift her weight several times. She sighed heavily, wondering what all this was about.

“Maybe I should have just gone home.”

But she immediately shook her head. This was a rare outing, and she didn’t want to return to the mansion so feebly.

“Perhaps I should keep a pet? It was cute.”

Despite the impudent creature having stepped on her face, she found herself growing increasingly fond of it. The mere thought brought a smile to her face.

“It seemed small enough to fit right in my arms.”

As she thought this, she suddenly stiffened, straightening her back.

“No, I can’t.”

If she kept something she loved close by, she might unwittingly show her emotions. That could inadvertently reveal her true feelings. Regrettable as it was, she couldn’t reveal any weakness over such a trivial matter.

Sitting stiffly with her back straight felt strange. A space completely isolated from the distant noise of the event venue, where she was entirely alone. With barriers on all sides, there were no eyes watching her.

As tension gradually left her body, her gaze shifted around the tent interior. Before she knew it, Ashika had risen from her seat and was examining the stacked items.

Round nets, large neatly folded meshes, thick ropes, and various metal rods of unknown purpose.

“They were frantically looking for nets earlier, I wonder if they caught them.”

Though the shabby tools used by laborers were certainly new to her, they didn’t feel unfamiliar. That was quite strange.

“Why is there a sickle in a place like this? Is it a gardener’s tool?”

“So you even know what a sickle is used for.”

“Ahh…!”

Ashika reflexively covered her mouth to stifle her scream. As she turned around, she immediately recognized who it was.

“Whew, I didn’t expect the tent to be this hot. You’re quite adept at making people suffer, Lady Igraine.”

Ashika stood frozen, her eyes as wide as they could possibly be.

 

24

The man who had endlessly appeared in my dreams was now standing before me, looking more refined than in my dreams. Golden hair that appeared even softer in the gentle light of the tent and blue eyes that seemed somewhat dark.

Ashika momentarily thought she might have entered another dream, like the strange experience she had before while awake.

“…Rushia…”

It was a small murmur, like a whisper. Drushia’s brow furrowed, creating a strange expression.

“Do I need to get used to that nickname?”

“Ah…”

Good heavens, this is reality!

Ashika wished she could take back her words.

“What is this… Duke Talion, why are you here?”

Drushia’s brow furrowed even more at Ashika’s sudden change in attitude.

First surprise, then joy and some indescribable intense emotion, followed by embarrassment. He felt strange about her reaction, though he didn’t know what response he had expected.

Could it be because of what happened the last time they met? While Ashika was still flustered, Drushia’s gaze quickly scanned her.

He had been curious all this time. He thought they might have some occasion to meet, but since he rarely participated in social activities, there was almost no chance for them to encounter each other outside. Nor were they close enough for him to kindly ask if she was alright.

‘It must have been quite a shock. Seems like she’s fine now.’

More than just fine. Perhaps because of the soft light in the tent, Ashika seemed to emit a mysterious glow.

The stark contrast between her smooth, white skin and glossy black hair. With her hair completely twisted up, her white, slender neck was fully exposed.

Under the cape she had casually draped around herself, the thin dress clung tightly to her upper body, making her bustline particularly prominent. Following the long necklace chain, his gaze naturally drifted to her cleavage.

He couldn’t distinguish whether the heat rising within him was due to the warmth of the tent or his own burning emotions. Drushia loosened his tight collar and spoke in a deeper voice.

“Weren’t Talion and Igraine officially in a cooperative relationship? Is it acceptable to arbitrarily disregard even official relationships?”

To think she was this composed all along, yet there had been no occasion to see her face. He felt somewhat annoyed.

“Ah, the letters.”

“So you do remember. I sent them not just once, but three times.”

“Didn’t you already receive my reply?”

Ashika barely regained her composure. She reassured herself that her rapidly beating heart was merely due to nervousness.

“That you were resting due to physical and mental fatigue? How could one rest among these strange beasts?”

His sarcastic tone was blatant. Even just seeing his darkened eyes, one could tell how upset he was.

Not just once, but three times. The moment Drushia received the third rejection letter, he stormed out of his office.

What happened next was instantaneous. He sent someone to track Ashika’s movements, which he had already been monitoring, and had been waiting here for a couple of hours. He was furious, wondering why he had to go to such lengths.

Drushia openly displayed his unpleasant emotions.

“Like a thief fearing his own footprints, is there a reason you’re avoiding me to this extent?”

“Fearing my footprints? I declined because there was no reason to meet. You didn’t specify a reason, so you shouldn’t blame me.”

“A reason? Ah, right. If I had stated the reason in my letter, it wouldn’t have been me who was troubled. I should not have been considerate.”

“Considerate? What do you mean?”

Drushia sighed as he wiped his sweaty face. With his thin shirt sleeves rolled up, his bulging muscles were clearly visible.

Even his irritated face was so handsome that Ashika’s heart began to pound again. She felt her cheeks flush, visible even without a mirror.

‘Why is it so hot?’

Drushia seemed to feel the heat too, as his shirt clung to his body. Though the long ruffle decoration covered his neck, skin color slightly showed through near his chest.

Ashika’s gaze unconsciously moved to his chest area. A thought suddenly occurred to her.

‘Would it really be there if he took off his clothes?’

Certainly, Ashika had never seen this man’s naked body. Yet she felt that if she removed his clothes, there would be a red mark extending from his shoulder to his chest.

‘What if it’s really there? What if I know about a mark I’ve never seen?’

The robust man’s physique flinched at the end of her gaze. It was a small movement, like a shudder.

“…Lady Igraine.”

Something like a gleam flashed through her black eyes, which usually felt cold. Drushia unconsciously stepped back.

“Yes. Please speak, Duke.”

Ashika’s response came a beat late, as if she were engrossed in something.

Drushia was rarely caught off guard. Had he ever received such a direct gaze from a woman before? He felt as though his clothes were being stripped off by her gaze, which lacked any hint of sensuality.

“Sigh… Lady Igraine, I heard you were at the scene when the poorhouse caught fire?”

“The poorhouse?”

“My knights said they saw Lady Igraine there.”

“Were you there too, Duke? Why?”

Ashika’s eyes widened. Could her speculation really be correct?

“Did you go to the Rantal branch office?”

“How do you know that?”

“That day, I saw Talion’s knights running around near the poorhouse. I had a feeling.”

That feeling turned out to be right. It seems Drushia was at the Rantal branch office in reality, just as Ashika had seen in her vision. Just a few steps away from where she had been.

Seeing Ashika drift into thought again, Drushia was dumbfounded.

“It seems you’re not grasping the situation, but that day, there was a witness who saw a suspicious person getting into Igraine’s carriage.”

Ashika’s expression, which had been momentarily blank, quickly stiffened. Her briefly softened attitude disappeared, and a cold mask-like expression covered her face. It was the face Ashika showed at official events.

The change was so sudden that it was disorienting.

“Is that so?”

“Didn’t you hear me? They saw Igraine’s carriage picking up someone while we were chasing the arsonist.”

“Is that why you sent letters three times?”

“I need an explanation of what happened.”

“Why? Since when have we been on such good terms, helping each other?”

Though she was speaking calmly, her refusal was clear. Now Drushia’s mind also cooled down.

“More than ten people died in the fire that day. But even more people fled from the scene.”

Ashika silently listened to Drushia’s story. Her tightly closed lips seemed unlikely to open.

They had clashed during every negotiation, but she was a woman who would step back at the appropriate moment. That was partly why he had been so persistent in tormenting her. He found her subtle composure irritating.

But now, the atmosphere wasn’t like their usual negotiations where she would back down. She had an attitude of not sharing her information until the other revealed his.

Drushia approached Ashika with a stride and warned in a low voice.

“Lady Igraine, don’t try to outsmart me.”

The black eyes wavered for a moment but didn’t retreat.

“You’re still far from being able to deal with me. What are you hiding?”

“If you want something, say it directly instead of beating around the bush. I have nothing to lose, so intimidation won’t work. Wasn’t it Talion who was desperate enough to send letters three times?”

“You’ve grown, Young Duchess Igraine.”

The corner of Drushia’s mouth turned up. He remembered how she had been somewhat led by him when they first met at the negotiation table four years ago.

It was natural. Ashika was an eighteen-year-old lady who had just come of age, and Drushia was a current duke who had returned from a military dispatch area that was as good as a death zone.

Looking at the woman who wouldn’t back down, Drushia narrowed the distance further. He approached to just one step away and looked down at her leisurely.

“How strange that you’re not even afraid.”

With a height more than a head taller than Ashika, broad shoulders, a large frame, and a solid body trained as a knight, he could even appear threatening to women.

However, there was no fear of him in Ashika’s eyes. Thinking about it, it was quite strange.

Rather, it was Drushia who felt tense under her unwavering black eyes. That tense feeling made him perplexed.

“Fine. This isn’t just Talion’s problem.”

Wondering what he was about to say, Ashika slightly furrowed her brow.

“That day, our knights caught one of the people who fled from the scene. Originally, we planned to hand them over to the security forces, but we couldn’t.”

Drushia continued speaking from his position, still just one step away.

“They claimed to be from the Grand Duchy.”

Ashika’s composure broke. Nile had said there were more people gathered for treatment. Could they also be from the same place?

“Weren’t they people receiving treatment at the poorhouse?”

“That’s right. It seems there were quite a few people at the treatment center. Many of them reportedly came from the Grand Duchy.”

“Were they people who had received permission to travel?”

Though she knew they wouldn’t be, she couldn’t help but ask, hoping against hope.

“Seeing how they fled in droves, they must be people who left the Grand Duchy without permission.”

The person who was fleeing clung to their captor when they realized the knight was from Talion. They begged not to be sent to the security forces.

“If more people are caught and this fact is revealed…”

“It will become known that there’s a hole in the Grand Duchy’s management.”

Drushia frowned as if he had a headache.

Since the area had been sealed off for a long time, there were always people who escaped or traveled secretly. The problem was that a considerable number had flocked to the center of the capital.

“So I would appreciate your cooperation. That person who got into Igraine’s carriage, I’d like you to hand them over to me.”

 

25

Ashika bit the inside of her lip. To think someone had been watching Igraine’s carriage during all that chaos.

“If you already have the information, is there really a need to bring in all the fugitives?”

“This one deliberately chose Igraine’s carriage. I don’t think he’s the same as the other escapees.”

Ashika’s face tensed. Nile had said he would be needed, and Drushia was clearly pointing that out.

“What are you planning to do with him?”

“Obviously…”

Drushia paused mid-sentence and looked down at her face carefully.

“Are you trying to protect him now?”

Unconsciously, Ashika’s gaze dropped.

Protection? It was absurd to show such kindness to someone she had just met. However, she was also reluctant to hand over to Drushia someone who had clung to her like a lifeline, treating him like a criminal.

“It’s not so much that…”

“Not so much what?”

Somehow, Drushia seemed closer than before. A heavy, deep scent like moisture-laden wood hit her nostrils.

The thoughts that had been so clear in her mind became completely tangled. The unfamiliar yet somehow nostalgic scent consumed even Ashika’s thoughts.

“…well…”

Her wandering eyes suddenly stopped somewhere inside the tent. The rustling thing sensed her gaze and raised its head. It was the large lizard with a dark brown, elongated body that had escaped from the exhibition hall.

“…Ah!”

With Ashika’s scream, the startled animal jumped up too. As the creature the size of a human torso thrashed about, its long tail struck Ashika’s leg.

“Lady Igraine!”

Drushia tried to catch her, but it all happened so quickly. Her struck leg wobbled, and Ashika fell backward as if pushed.

Her flailing arms instinctively grabbed at anything. With a ripping sound, something tore away in Ashika’s grasp, and a dark shadow covered her body.

She thought she would hit either her back or head. There was a thudding sound as Ashika’s body landed on the floor.

“Ugh.”

However, the pressure of the weight pressing down on her body was greater than the expected pain. When she carefully opened her eyes, which had instinctively closed, she saw brilliant blonde hair sprawled across her chest.

“Haah, what is this…”

Hot breath poured directly onto her full chest. Drushia’s eyes widened as he realized the soft, plump sensation touching his face.

When he slightly raised his head, there were those pitch-black eyes looking at him. Completely frozen, too shocked even to scream.

For a brief moment, neither of them understood what had happened.

“This is…”

Drushia carefully removed his hands that had been cradling Ashika’s head and back.

“You won’t misunderstand, will you?”

Fearing Ashika might scream, Drushia raised their overlapping bodies with extreme caution.

But instead of screaming, Ashika’s gaze shifted to his chest. Drushia’s eyes followed hers and looked down at his own chest. The spot where taut, muscular bare skin was fully exposed.

The nipple protruding from the middle of his bare chest was exposed so nakedly it almost seemed obscene. The fabric that should have covered his chest was torn along with the ruffle decoration and clutched in Ashika’s hand.

Drushia’s face flushed red. In this confusing moment of not knowing whether to be angry or cover himself first, what kept him from speaking was Ashika’s strange gaze.

Ashika’s hand slowly moved toward his chest.

A long red mark stretching like a scar over the delicately sculpted chest muscles. The skin, sticky with sweat, clung to her fingertips.

‘It really was there.’

Just like in her dream. She knew where the long mark starting at the shoulder and trailing down the chest led. Though she had never seen it, she clearly remembered it.

Following that memory, Ashika’s fingertips traced his bare skin. The mark that continued from below the ribs to the center of the lower abdomen and deep into the inner thigh. However, the belt at his waist prevented her from tracing further down.

A large hand slowly approached and grasped her small, white hand. With a clear intention, yet careful not to startle her.

Drushia placed Ashika’s hand beside her head and pressed it down firmly. As his half-raised body tilted back down, a deep shadow fell over her.

Those deep blue eyes came right up to her face, and she felt hot breath near her lips. The body heat touching her was hot, and their entangled lower bodies were hot too.

The firm flesh pressing against the inside of her thigh was even hotter. That burning hot thing, crushed by his weight, squirmed.

There was an irresistible heat entangling them. Something binding them together so intensely that it made her mind dizzy. Just from the contact alone, she felt a powerful sensation swirling throughout her body.

Drushia’s lips narrowly missed hers. Though he wanted to devour those moist lips in one breath, a thread-thin rationality held him back.

Drushia dropped his head beside Ashika’s face.

“Haaah…”

Ashika swallowed dryly and barely managed to speak.

“…this is just…”

The sensation of that firm thing still pressing between her thighs was dizzying. It felt strange, yet this man didn’t feel unfamiliar, creating an odd feeling.

“…an accident.”

“That’s right. Perhaps…”

“Perhaps.”

Drushia exhaled a long breath and rose. Rejecting the strongly drawn instinct, desperately pushing away the desire not to let go of the woman in his arms.

After Drushia stood up first, he extended his hand to Ashika. He wondered if she might refuse, but she took his hand quite naturally and raised herself up.

“Ah, I’m sorry.”

It was the first thing that caught her eye as she stood. At eye level, the man’s bare skin shimmered.

“Damn it.”

Drushia’s brow furrowed sharply. One side of his chest was exposed where the clothing had been torn. Covering it seemed ridiculous, but leaving it exposed was embarrassing.

Ashika, her face flushed red, extended the torn piece of fabric in her hand. Drushia couldn’t hide his reddened face either.

“What am I supposed to do with this?”

“Perhaps… should I go outside and call someone?”

“You want a scandal about Igraine and Talion appearing from a private space with torn clothes, is that it?”

“Ah, I see.”

“You see?”

“Well, since it seems there’s nothing I can do to help, I should just…”

Ashika began backing away toward the tent entrance. But Drushia was quicker to block her path.

“You’re just going to run away and leave me like this?”

The man growled with half his chest clearly exposed. Ashika’s face contorted strangely, not knowing whether to laugh or cry.

“What do you expect me to do? I can’t call anyone, and I can’t hide the Duke inside my clothes and take you out. Wouldn’t it be better if at least one of us left before someone discovers us?”

“You speak well. Now I understand. Is Lady Igraine’s specialty to act first and run away?”

“Act and run? What did I…”

Suddenly remembering the incident at the Imperial Palace, Ashika closed her mouth. It was something that couldn’t be excused even with ten mouths.

Though he grabbed her out of indignation, Drushia was equally perplexed. Then his scowling face suddenly lit up.

Having decided to discard etiquette altogether, he stepped toward Ashika and pulled at the cape draped over her shoulders.

“This will do.”

“W-what are you doing?”

“Your dress is fine. Concede this to me.”

“You’re going to walk out wearing a woman’s cape?”

“Would you prefer I go out with my bare skin exposed?”

Even as he spoke, Drushia was incredibly embarrassed. Seeing Ashika’s lips quiver after twitching, his face scrunched up even more.

“Don’t laugh.”

Ashika subtly covered her mouth with one hand, but couldn’t hide her shaking shoulders.

“Pfft…”

“I said don’t laugh.”

Though he growled with a grim face, it was useless. Ashika couldn’t face Drushia directly and turned her head away. Behind her, she heard the sound of a sigh barely containing anger.

“This is really…”

“My lady, are you in there?”

The flush that had been on Ashika’s face instantly drained away.

“Lib?”

“Yes, I’ve been looking for you since you’ve been gone for so long. May I come in?”

“No, just a moment.”

Ashika, turned pale white, grabbed Drushia’s arm. Surprised, Drushia gaped but couldn’t make a sound. Without giving him time to refuse, Ashika dragged him deeper inside.

In a corner filled with all sorts of odds and ends, behind stacked boxes, the space where Drushia had first hidden appeared. Ashika pushed him inside, almost shoving him in.

Drushia’s lips parted involuntarily in astonishment.

“What are you doing?”

“Shh. Keep quiet.”

Drushia’s protests were completely ignored.

After stashing him in the corner, Ashika hurriedly tried to leave. In that moment, Drushia reached out and snatched the cape. As Ashika turned around in surprise, he glared at her with a frown.

With an “Ah,” she took off the cape, and her lips trembled again. Curses rose involuntarily to Drushia’s lips. Ashika merely shed the cape like a molting skin and quickly disappeared from sight.

Although it was Drushia who had snuck in from the beginning, he hadn’t anticipated this situation.

‘What a humiliation.’

Drushia wiped his face, which was soaked with cold sweat, and let out a long sigh.

****

Darkness had fallen, and the busy sounds of the servants had died down. At a time when everyone was asleep, although the candle in the room had long been extinguished, Ashika tossed and turned, unable to fall asleep.

“It really was there.”

The so-called dispatch mark. She had heard it was like a scar that occurred when dispatch troops were injured in dangerous areas.

From the moment she saw his bare skin until the moment just before their lips met, the sensation of their bodies overlapping was still vivid.

“I must be going crazy.”

Ashika buried her face in her hands and muttered feverishly.

She knew there had been many ladies who admired Drushia before his engagement. But his nature was so unapproachable that most women couldn’t even speak to him.

“His personality should be a bit prickly.”

What good was being handsome and charming? His personality was bad. His fiancée must be tolerating it.

Yes, he was a man with a fiancée. Although it wasn’t her intention, it might have seemed as if she had seduced him. If Drushia hadn’t exercised restraint, what would have happened?

“Ha, that’s not the issue here.”

There was a more urgent problem. What Drushia had said during the day wasn’t something to be taken lightly.

‘Should I tell Grandfather?’

What she had thought was a simple fire incident involved Talion, and behind that were entangled issues of the Grand Duchy. But she immediately erased the thought.

‘Not yet.’

Weive had long withdrawn from Grand Duchy matters. If she brought up an uncertain issue, she would only be criticized for incompetence.

‘Where should I get information?’

Suddenly, she remembered a person who knew about this fire in advance.

[Come find me! The oldest art shop on Saint Reed Street. You must come!]

‘She said Saint Reed Street.’

She was clearly a woman who knew something.

‘Let’s meet her first. Then I need to talk to Duke Talion again.’

This wasn’t a matter to be overlooked. She needed to meet with Drushia and confirm the information he knew.

After tossing and turning with all sorts of thoughts for a while, she seemed to have dozed off. The moment she sensed a shadow approaching her face, a man’s hand covered her mouth.

“Hm!”

“It’s Nile, Young Duchess. Don’t be alarmed.”

A cautious voice whispered in the midst of darkness. It was a voice she had clearly heard before, but her startled heart was beating wildly.

“You won’t scream, will you?”

When no answer came, Nile added pleadingly.

“Please, Young Duchess.”

After rolling her dark eyes back and forth, Ashika nodded quietly. She realized there was nothing she could do with her own strength at the moment.

Nile removed his hand and stepped back, then found a nearby candlestick and lit it. Despite having only moonlight streaming through the window, he managed to find the object in the room.

As the shock subsided and the room brightened, Nile’s face became clearly visible.

“How…”

Ashika couldn’t close her gaping mouth.

The place where Nile was confined was on the third floor. Plus, there were guards outside. Had he escaped from there? Why had he come here?

Questions lined up in Ashika’s mind.

“I have no intention of escaping, and even less intention of harming you, Young Duchess. As I said at first, I just need help.”

Belatedly, Ashika realized that he had snuck into her bedroom.

‘My goodness. Was the mansion security this loose?’

It was a chilling realization.

“Ah, Young Duchess. Don’t be afraid. I’m special—there’s nothing wrong with the mansion’s security.”

The man who had invaded her bedroom in the middle of the night maintained an apologetic expression throughout. His repeated apologies didn’t seem false.

Ashika regarded Nile with a cool gaze before pointing to a chair behind him.

“Bring me that shawl over there.”

“The shawl? Ah, yes.”

Ashika was meanwhile trying to cover her thin nightgown with the blanket. It was not appropriate attire for conversation.

When Nile found the shawl and handed it to her, Ashika took it without taking her eyes off his face.

‘He doesn’t seem like a knight. Nor does he look like a mercenary.’

She had heard there were people like assassins who performed covert tasks. But nowhere in this man’s face could she sense such danger.

“Are you willing to talk with me now?”

“That’s precisely what I want to ask. How did you get out?”

 

26

Ashika’s tone was sharp. Given the circumstances, Nile scratched his cheek and avoided her gaze.

“Well, not really…..If you want to imprison someone, you should first install sturdy windows. They were so rotten that they fell off when I tapped them.”

“That was the third floor.”

“This is also the third floor.”

“Hah….”

She felt both dumbfounded and embarrassed. In response to Ashika’s sharp reaction, Nile cautiously observed her mood.

“You’re not curious about my trick. I came here because I wanted to talk, and isn’t that what you want too, Young Duchess?”

Ashika’s heart softened at his dejected voice. How could he be so willful? Nile was a man impossible to figure out.

Ashika shook her head as if resigned.

“Fine, let’s talk. Why don’t we start by revealing the truth?”

Ashika straightened her back while draping a shawl over her shoulders. She never expected such an absurd encounter in her bedroom, but she couldn’t just run away screaming. Above all, she wanted to hear what this man had to say.

Nile let out an exaggerated sigh and began to speak.

“In the Grand Duchy, there’s a village where patients with a serious illness live together.”

“Serious illness?”

“A very rare disease called keratinization disease.”

“If it’s so rare, how are there so many patients? If they’ve created a separate village, it must have been around for a long time. Why am I hearing about this for the first time?”

Igraine was one of the two central pillars managing the Grand Duchy. It was incomprehensible that she had been unaware of such an important issue until now.

Nile’s expression darkened.

“Because the people of the Grand Duchy are hiding it thoroughly. They fear that if the truth gets out, the Imperial Family won’t leave them alone this time.”

“It would be better to reveal it and ask for help. It might even generate sympathy that could lift the blockade on the Grand Duchy.”

The Grand Duchy that had lost its master. Once it was the culprit that shook the empire, and now it was a land thoroughly ignored.

The Grand Duchy, Arkpella, once had influence rivaling the Imperial Family as the foundation of the empire’s establishment. But eventually, that very power caused it to fall out of the Emperor’s favor.

Forty years ago, when the Grand Duke of Arkpella was weakened by illness, the Emperor’s army attacked the Grand Duchy, and overnight the Grand Duke’s castle was reduced to ruins. The charge was treason.

It is said that no one survived that night at the Grand Duke’s castle. There were rumors that even the Emperor, who led the army, barely survived after being injured.

Despite the charge of treason, people secretly criticized the Emperor for the tragedy at the Grand Duke’s castle. About the horror of that night when not even a single animal was allowed to survive, let alone people.

Not stopping there, the Emperor imposed travel restrictions on the people of the Grand Duchy. Nobles from the Grand Duchy were even forbidden to leave their domain. And the management of this was delegated to two houses adjacent to the Grand Duchy: Igraine and Talion.

A full forty years had passed since then. Public opinion that the measures against the Grand Duchy were harsh had existed for a long time, but no one dared to come forward and oppose the late Emperor’s will.

Nile shook his head at Ashika’s words.

“The opposite is more likely. It’s not contagious, but it’s still spreading.”

Nile’s answer was even more puzzling. Doubt clouded Ashika’s face.

“If the disease is spreading, you should suspect it’s contagious. Isn’t that why they created a separate village? Or perhaps you know the cause?”

“We have speculations, but they’re vague. Everyone thinks of this disease as a curse.”

“A curse?”

“Yes. The curse of the Grand Duke’s castle.”

Ashika’s eyes widened in surprise. Nile continued with a grim expression.

“All the people who got sick used to live near the Grand Duke’s castle.”

“That’s impossible. The people closest to the Grand Duke’s castle are the knights of Igraine and Talion.”

“I don’t know the conditions for contracting the disease, but there have been stories about the curse for a long time.”

It was just a rumor-like story. The Grand Duke’s castle, which had stood firm alongside the empire’s history, was reduced to ruins overnight, so it wasn’t strange for any kind of talk to emerge.

But the people who had been oppressed all along were afraid that if the disease became known, the entire area might be burned down.

“So you’re from that village too?”

Ashika scrutinized Nile with a sharp gaze. Calm gray hair and grayish-blue eyes. His clothing was simple, but unlike when he was confined in the villa, he looked neat.

“You’re a noble, aren’t you?”

Nile’s expression stiffened for a moment.

“If you think that just because I’m a young duchess, I’ve only met nobles, you’re mistaken.”

Most of the members of the United Trading Company, which had a tight grip on the empire’s distribution, were wealthy commoners. Ashika, who managed the trading company, met such people most often, aside from the nobles in social circles.

Of course, they were different from poor commoners, but no matter how wealthy they were, they were still different from those born as nobles.

“I’m just a noble in name only. I ended up going to that village while collecting information about the disease.”

It was hard to tell from Ashika’s expression whether she believed him or not. Nile continued with a tense face.

“Then a healer from the capital approached the rare disease patients, offering them a chance for treatment.”

“Are you saying a healer visited the Grand Duchy and made such an offer? Does that make any sense?”

“Of course, it didn’t start in the Grand Duchy. First, they approached a patient in Duke Talion’s territory. After hearing the news, people from the Grand Duchy began to move together.”

Ashika realized one important fact from Nile’s story.

“Were people from the Grand Duchy coming and going to Talion’s territory?”

Nile was silent for a moment before speaking again. His face was somewhat puzzled and cautious.

“You didn’t know? The travel ban on the Grand Duchy has been in place for over 40 years. It’s not strange that during that time, at least one hidden path to a nearby territory was created.”

Ashika frowned, deep in thought. The story was convincing, but it was unsettling to just accept it as “that could be the case.”

‘Why Talion’s territory of all places?’

While Igraine was guarded by hired knights and soldiers, Talion was directly managed by the previous Duke, Neoren.

‘And yet he allowed such an obvious loophole?’

Suddenly, she became suspicious. What had Neoren been doing after sending Drushia to the capital?

“If this becomes known, it won’t just be Talion that’s in trouble. After all, the Grand Duchy is the responsibility of both Igraine and Talion. And on top of that, the issue that the people of the Grand Duchy have been hiding all along will surface.”

It could become a bigger problem than expected. It was impossible to predict how far the repercussions would spread if this became known.

“If you knew it was that dangerous, why did you come all the way to the capital?”

“Because those people have no hope. You know that too, since you’ve tried to obtain the medicine.”

“Ah.”

The medicine was incredibly expensive. Getting medicine for a single dose cost more than a commoner’s living expenses for a year. If one had to take such medicine once a month, it would be practically impossible to continue treatment.

“Then what about the Grand Duke’s castle story you first told me? You said you came from there.”

Nile hesitated before answering.

The ruins were completely sealed off by the Emperor’s order. Entering the Grand Duke’s castle meant defying the imperial decree and could be considered treason, a serious crime.

“There’s definitely a hidden story in the Grand Duke’s castle. I went there to find out what it was.”

“Soldiers and knights would be guarding it, how did you…”

Ashika was about to say she couldn’t believe it, but then closed her mouth.

He was a man who had silently infiltrated a high noble’s mansion in the heart of the capital. No matter how strict the security, getting into the Grand Duke’s castle in the middle of a desolate ruin would have been nothing to him.

“This is ridiculous. It’s just ruins anyway, what was there to check?”

“Do you really think so?”

“Of course. What did you confirm by entering the Grand Duke’s castle, even defying the imperial decree?”

“That’s…”

Nile became lost in thought as he moved. With a somewhat anxious face, he paced around the room. Despite his injury that must be causing discomfort, he seemed to have forgotten about it.

“I’m not sure what I saw either.”

“Don’t change the subject.”

“It’s not an excuse, it’s the truth. Why did the late Emperor specifically order the Grand Duke’s castle to be sealed? Was it really necessary to go that far when it was already in ruins? Have you never thought about it?”

“Well…”

She had thought it might be some kind of symbol. To create ruins under the charge of treason and preserve them as an example. But what if that wasn’t the case?

“And was it really the late Emperor who reduced the Grand Duke’s castle to ruins?”

Ashika’s eyes widened.

“What did you see at the Grand Duke’s castle to say such a thing?”

“Just ruins. Yes, ruins. But it was…”

The man who had remained calm even while losing consciousness due to his injury now looked confused.

“Something felt a bit strange. This is just a feeling, so it’s hard to explain in words.”

Seeing Nile becoming increasingly unsettled, Ashika sighed.

“It’s getting distracting, would you sit on that chair?”

“Ah, yes.”

Even in the midst of his thoughts, Nile obediently brought a table chair and sat down.

‘He doesn’t have a shred of caution.’

It was because of such a natural attitude that Ashika also lowered her guard. He had an unassuming manner, like young nobles who would speak familiarly at a ball, not like a stranger.

“Then was the reason you sought me out because of the Grand Duke’s castle? The knights manage the Grand Duke’s castle, and I have no authority over the knights. If it were the Duke of Talion, I might understand…, Ah!”

A sudden realization dawned on her.

“Could it be that you weren’t looking for me at all?”

“Well…”

Nile tensed up while sitting in the chair. His demure attitude, like a child waiting for punishment, made her want to laugh.

“I see. For that reason, you would have tried to meet the Duke of Talion, not me. If not for your injury.”

In response to Ashika’s incredulous reaction, Nile hurriedly explained.

“That was my initial thought, but I changed my mind.”

“Why? Because you thought I’d be easier to deal with than the Duke of Talion?”

“No!”

Now Nile was visibly flustered.

“It’s more of a practical reason. There are already plenty of skilled knights there, and it would be difficult for me to prove my usefulness. And as you know, the cost of medicine is beyond what I can afford.”

“Ah, that medicine.”

Though the Talion ducal family had substantial wealth, they were always tight on resources due to the large number of soldiers and knights they maintained. They wouldn’t have been willing to bear the cost of expensive medicine to save one unknown person. In comparison, for Igraine, it was just a minor expense, worth not even a speck of dust.

“Then what can you offer me? What makes you think you’d be more useful to me than to Talion?”

Nile studied Ashika’s expression. He seemed careful not to offend her.

“I can be your hands and feet.”

During the few days Nile spent at the villa, he learned that Ashika operated outside the control of her grandfather, the Duke of Igraine. He also realized that Ashika, unable to move the knights, had limited manpower at her disposal.

This was not uncommon. Even between the current head of a family and the heir, there was a balance of power, and not everything was shared.

“What I need most is the medicine. If you just promise me that, it’s enough.”

This was practically like handing over a leash. For Ashika, it was a good opportunity that she had no reason to refuse. However, there was a problem.

“I can’t help with the issue of the Grand Duke’s castle. Violating an imperial decree would lead to punishment equivalent to treason. Moreover, it’s a problem involving both families.”

Nile nodded enthusiastically.

“Yes, I understand. I won’t make unreasonable demands. If you have any information about the Grand Duke’s castle, sharing it with me would be enough.”

“Why are you so curious about the Grand Duke’s castle?”

It was already in ruins. What could there be to dig up in a place where not even a single rat was said to have survived?

“I believe this disease started there. If we find the cause, we might find a way to cure it.”

“Didn’t you say there’s medicine? Isn’t that the cure?”

“No. It only slows the symptoms. This disease has no known cause or cure.”

Ashika looked at Nile’s grim expression. There was something more than desperation in his expression. Something he couldn’t share with someone he’d only met a few days ago.

‘Let’s stop here.’

There was no way this was the full story about the Grand Duchy. But Nile wouldn’t reveal all his cards at once either.

Nile had precisely offered what Ashika wanted. To unravel the accumulating questions, she needed help, and it had to happen outside of Weive’s view.

“Can you get me out of this mansion without anyone knowing?”

“What? Are you planning to flee in the night?”

Nile’s eyes widened in surprise. His expression, which openly displayed his emotions, seemed quite novel to Ashika. He didn’t seem like a bad person, as he had consistently claimed.

“I want to go out alone, but my guard knights would never let me go by myself.”

This was the immediate problem Ashika faced.

Her rare appearance with black hair and black eyes, along with Jeanne who was quite noticeable, made them stand out. Sorry to Jeanne, but she wasn’t sufficient as a companion for moving discreetly.

“Of course it’s possible, but where are you planning to go?”

“I’ll tell you later. For now, come back to the mansion tomorrow morning. Enter properly through the main gate and look for my assistant Julman. Then do as he instructs.”

Once she made her decision, the next step was swift.

Nile, who had been looking somewhat dazed, nodded. Having gotten what he wanted, he intended to follow Ashika’s instructions for the time being.

Thus, the two reached a certain agreement, and Nile quietly exited through the window as he had entered. Watching his soundless movement, Ashika quietly clicked her tongue.

 

27

Nile appeared somewhat thin in front of Julma, who had the build of an ordinary adult man. He had an appearance that seemed even more suited to administrative work than Julma, who was a typical civilian official.

“Brenile Nedrov.”

Julma quietly looked down at the hand Nile extended.

“If you’re a Nedrov, aren’t you from a viscount family in the northern border region of the Rosha River?”

When his exact place of origin was mentioned, Nile’s eyes widened. Ashika, who was sitting at the desk in the office, was equally surprised.

“You even remember such a small family?”

“As an aide of the ducal family, it’s only natural that I’m familiar with all the noble families of the Empire.”

“That’s…a lot, isn’t it?”

“Even if it’s many, it’s my job.”

Ashika closed her mouth as she watched Julma, who was on high alert.

‘I knew my aide was capable, but he’s smarter than I thought.’

“I don’t remember the family tree, so I don’t know if you’re from the direct line or a branch family, but did you say you’re my assistant?”

“That’s just an official title. I hired him because I personally needed him. I’d like you to support him, Julma, so he can move freely by my side.”

“I’ll verify his identity first.”

At Julma’s cool response, Ashika’s gaze shifted to Nile. He hadn’t mentioned his place of origin when they talked yesterday. Ashika only realized this fact after sending him away.

‘I must be losing my mind these days. How could I think of trusting someone whose identity is unclear?’

She felt as if she had been unwittingly drawn in by Nile. He was a man with an exceptional talent for breaking down others’ defenses and gaining their trust.

Sensing Ashika’s gaze, Nile quickly responded.

“You can verify my identity as much as you want, but I’d appreciate it if you could do it quietly.”

Confusion crossed the faces of Julma and Ashika.

“I… I’ve been away from home for a while.”

In his hesitant words, embarrassment and a desire to avoid the topic were evident. Though she had only known him for a few days, Ashika felt she understood that expression.

“Don’t tell me you’ve run away from home?”

Nile shut his mouth tight. Averting his gaze and pretending indifference, he looked like a mischievous child who had caused trouble and was about to flee.

Curiosity grew vigorously in Ashika’s mind, but she couldn’t bring it up in front of Julma. She could only laugh in amazement.

“I’ll assign quarters in the mansion first, as per the lady’s instructions.”

Julma settled the situation, barely concealing his displeasure. Nile exhaled in relief, trying not to show it, while Ashika’s gaze grew sharper.

****

It was late, and shops on the street were starting to close one by one. Ashika got off at the store she had previously located, using a carriage from the rental place Nile had found.

The interior visible through the glass appeared small compared to the building’s size. The lights weren’t out yet, but due to the dim indoor lighting, the inside wasn’t clearly visible.

“What kind of place is this?”

“I don’t know either.”

Nile, who had been quietly following all along, expressed his doubt for the first time. It was puzzling that they had arrived at an art shop after sneaking out through the back door without even guards.

Ignoring Nile’s question, Ashika pulled the gloomy glass door handle. A clear, bright sound rang from the bell attached to the door.

“Ah!”

The first thing that entered her field of vision as she stepped inside was the yellow eyes of a predator. Unlike Ashika, who was startled, Nile calmly remarked.

“It’s taxidermy.”

A black panther taxidermy was at eye level in the display case directly inside the door. It was much larger than a human figure, showing its fierce teeth with its nose bridge wrinkled, looking vivid.

Nile surveyed the interior with his eyes before Ashika.

“Well, I’m not sure if it’s inviting people in or telling them to leave. Are you alright?”

“Oh, I’m fine. It’s not like I’ve never seen predators before.”

Ashika calmed her startled heart, stroking her chest.

“Have you seen them before?”

“When I was in my territory, hunters would occasionally catch predators and present them. Dead ones, of course. Some nobles also keep predators as pets.”

Still, isn’t this a bit much? She felt a threat that made her want to turn around and leave immediately.

“The door is open, but there seems to be no owner.”

Ashika’s gaze methodically scanned the dim interior. Unlike what she had seen from outside, the interior was quite spacious.

From right next to the door, long glass display cases with rosewood finishing extended along one side, and the table crossing the center in front was also made of the highest quality rosewood decorated with gold. The display cases, both inside and out, and even on top, were packed with unidentifiable sculptures and accessories.

One side of the wall was occupied by large mirrors; eight high-quality lacquered mirrors were attached side by side to the wall. The reflection of the interior in the mirrors created an optical illusion that made the space look even larger.

“This is too expensive to be left unattended without an owner.”

The displayed items were hard to distinguish as junk or merchandise, but the display cases and interior decorations looked extremely expensive.

“I’ve never seen such decorations in the Empire.”

Ashika picked up a small jar on the shelf. The translucent green jar had unfamiliar material and patterns. The pottery on the table also had delicate pictures drawn with red and blue dyes, a type she had never seen before.

“Are you looking for something?”

“Ah!”

Ashika was so startled she almost dropped the jar she was holding.

A woman had appeared very close, though neither of them had noticed her approach. The wrinkled woman’s face was expressionless, making her look somewhat like a ghost at first glance.

“Are you the owner?”

The woman just looked at Ashika in response to her question. Her gaze, neither vigilant nor searching, but merely observing, was strange. Even Nile tensed at the unusual atmosphere of the woman.

“Did you make an appointment?”

“No. Do I need an appointment to meet someone?”

Instead of answering, the woman took a step back. Then she disappeared somewhere inside without even telling them to wait, leaving them unsure whether they should stay or leave.

“My Lady, I don’t want to interfere, but did you know what this place is before coming?”

Since Ashika had come without any specific plan, she couldn’t readily answer.

“Should we return with more guards?”

“Having that one person would be better than increasing the guards.”

Nile frowned at her somewhat tense voice.

“Are you serious? You said you weren’t a knight.”

“Ah, knight. Right. I’m not, but…”

A sneer-like expression flashed across Nile’s face. Though he quickly composed himself, his bitter expression hinted at a story he didn’t want to tell.

“I’m not prying. I’m just wondering if you can protect me if a situation arises.”

“Don’t worry about that. My skills won’t be easily outdone.”

“I saved you from a sword wound, so I don’t have much confidence in you.”

“That was because I was burned and had inhaled smoke, so I was careless.”

Nile looked somewhat wronged by Ashika’s distrustful attitude.

‘From the way he speaks, he might actually be useful.’

Suddenly, a thought crossed Ashika’s mind.

“Then, could you face Duke Talion?”

Nile’s eyes widened.

“Duke Talion? The Empire’s greatest swordsman?”

Why had Drushia of all people come to mind at this moment? Ashika awkwardly averted her gaze.

“That’s too absurd, right? I was just saying.”

It was a thought that had occurred unconsciously. Even as she spoke, she felt it was an unreasonable comparison. However, Nile quietly sank into thought.

“I’m curious too. I wonder how good Duke Talion is.”

Ashika’s mouth opened slightly. She thought it was absurd, but he was taking it seriously.

“Why? Do you think it’s impossible?”

“Talk sense. I’ve heard there are few in the Empire who can cross swords with that man.”

A chuckle escaped from Nile’s lips. That single laugh conveyed a clearer meaning than a lengthy explanation.

‘Why is he so confident?’

Unlike his previously natural, easy-going attitude, there was a strange sense of dissonance. She had heard knights could gauge each other’s skills just by sensing their presence, but Ashika, being an ordinary lady, was merely curious.

“She asks you to come in.”

“Ah!”

Ashika was startled once again. The woman had approached like a ghost, without any presence or sound. When Nile tried to take the lead, the woman raised her hand to block him.

“The lady goes first.”

“No…”

Ashika took a step forward, leaving Nile, who was about to object. She silently mouthed for him to stay still. Nile followed behind Ashika with a somewhat anxious face.

Past the display area, they went through a narrow passage beyond exotic boxes piled layer upon layer. It was a strange place with labyrinthine paths that kept branching. Finally, at the end of the passage, there was a small door barely wide enough for one person to pass through.

The woman, who had entered first, held the doorknob and stepped aside.

“Please come in.”

“This is… cough hack.”

As soon as she entered, Ashika coughed violently. Even in the pungent smoke, the face of the woman who had guided them showed no emotion.

“gasp What kind of smoke…cough.”

In place of the confused Ashika, Nile covered her mouth with a handkerchief and covered his own mouth with his sleeve.

“Try to endure if possible. It has hallucinogenic properties.”

Nile whispered in her ear. Ashika glared at Nile with squinted eyes. Physiological tears pooled in her eyes.

‘It’s not like I have another hole to breathe through, how am I supposed to endure?’

Her expression conveyed such a rebuke.

Unlike the two confused people, the woman calmly announced the visitors.

“Guests have arrived.”

Through the dim lighting and pungent smoke, the room was filled with a large table and shelves stacked with miscellaneous items. Just as Ashika wondered if anyone was actually there, she noticed a woman moving slowly beside the table. More precisely, it was the hem of a black dress sprawled on the floor.

“Ah, just a moment…”

A hoarse voice that made it difficult to guess the age. At the other’s command to wait, the guide stood still.

Was she looking for something? Even though the dress was sweeping all over the floor, the woman didn’t seem to mind as she stretched out her hand to feel around the corner.

Unable to bear watching the struggling woman, Ashika cautiously opened her mouth.

“Would you….like some help?”

“A box, a small black one.”

She seemed uninterested in who the visiting guests were. Ashika returned the handkerchief to Nile and bent down to the floor. Without having to search, she could see a black box mixed with the miscellaneous items under the table.

“Is this what you’re referring to?”

“Ah, thank you. How kind of you.”

The woman who had been rummaging on the floor stood up as she received the box. Ashika, who had handed over the box casually, opened her eyes wide when she faced the other person.

The woman with dark red-gold hair and deep brown eyes was beautiful and pale. Her skin, so pale it was almost transparent, seemed to emit light, and her features were so delicate they didn’t seem human. It was a chilling beauty, like something taxidermied alive.

As Ashika stood there in a daze, the woman reached out first and grasped the box.

“My eyesight is poor, so I couldn’t see what was right in front of me.”

“Ah.”

Ashika realized her rudeness and handed over the box. However, her gaze inadvertently stopped at the woman’s fingertips.

There were unknown gray spots on each knuckle of her pale fingers. Though they were faint, scattered traces, they were particularly noticeable.

Realizing where Ashika’s gaze was directed, the woman quickly withdrew her hand.

“Oh my. I never expected guests to come.”

The woman checked the herbs in the black box and then closed the lid, setting it aside. They were probably herbs to be burned in the brazier.

Then she rose from the floor and leaned back on a long chair with large cushions that resembled a bed. Her movement seemed so slow that it appeared quite strange.

‘Is she unwell somewhere?’

Only after leaning her body against the cushion did the woman exhale. As if that short movement had been tiring.

‘It’s her.’

Although she hadn’t seen the face at their first meeting, the voice, black dress, and unique atmosphere were definitely that woman’s.

“So, is it the lady who’s looking for me? Or this young lord here?”

The woman looked at Ashika and Nile in turn with a more comfortable gaze.

‘She doesn’t recognize me.’

Any hope that she might was thus feebly extinguished. If she had recognized Ashika, there would have been many things to ask, but now this woman was seeing Ashika for the first time. Realizing this fact, Ashika was at a loss for words.

“I see it’s the lady who’s come to find me.”

The woman suddenly pulled out tea utensils from one side of the table as if she had just remembered. Her movements were natural as she took out teacups, poured water from the kettle on the brazier, and prepared tea.

Only after pouring the tea and pushing the cups towards the two did the woman speak again.

“Why are you hesitating so much to speak? You don’t have to be too hesitant.”

The woman’s tone was gentle, as if she had noticed Ashika’s conflicted feelings.

“Um.. I’m just asking on the off chance.”

Ashika herself wasn’t sure if it was appropriate to bring this up to someone she was meeting for the first time.

“What? Does something seem strange? It’s okay, go ahead and speak.”

Encouraged by the woman, Ashika gathered her courage.

“By any chance, do you have the ability to see things that others cannot see?”

 

28

“Something others can’t see?”

“I want to know what you do, what abilities you have. For example, if you might be a shaman or something like that.”

“Pfft.”

“My lady!”

The woman burst into laughter, and Nile’s face turned incredulous.

“Ah, I’m sorry. It was just such an unexpected question.”

The woman covered her mouth with her hand and quickly added.

“There are a few items said to be imbued with a shaman’s spirit, but as is often the case with such things, none have been verified. Would you like me to show you?”

Ashika had never seen a shaman. They were beings that only appeared in the fairy tales her father read to her as a child. She didn’t even know if they actually existed. But whether it was shamanism or whatever else, she hoped to find clues about the strange things she had experienced.

“I don’t know how to explain this. Someone told me to come to you. They said you have abilities.”

“Of course I have various abilities. They’re not shamanism, though.”

A peculiar smile played across the woman’s face. She seemed to find the current situation quite amusing.

“For example?”

Instead of answering, the woman brought the teacup to her lips. The momentary pause in her gesture heightened the tension and anticipation of her companion. One sip, two sips. After drinking her tea, the woman put down her cup and spoke.

“Things like how this young lord here has run away from home and is having quite a hard time? Young lord, you know? That someone at home is waiting anxiously for you.”

Nile’s mouth fell open.

“You’ve been through a lot until now, haven’t you? If you don’t return soon, it’ll get worse.”

Unlike when she spoke to Ashika, the woman’s voice was merciless. Ashika turned to look at Nile with suspicious eyes. His inability to deny it while opening and closing his mouth suggested it wasn’t a lie.

“And you still say you’re not a shaman?”

“That’s a bit different.”

“Perhaps you’re from Rantal? I’ve heard people there have mysterious powers.”

“Pfft, what am I going to do with you.”

The woman burst into laughter again. Her eyes, looking at Ashika as if watching a child spouting random questions, were filled with amusement.

“Those are all just rumors. The people there are just like the people here. There are people who seem ordinary but aren’t ordinary everywhere.”

When the answer came back different from what she expected, Ashika’s expression hardened. The woman met her gaze with a face still tinged with laughter.

“So what is it you’re really curious about? The real reason you came to find me.”

Ashika’s heart grew heavy. For the past month, she had been carrying all her worries alone, with nowhere to ask and no one to discuss them with. But somehow, she had a strange feeling that this woman would understand her concerns.

Taking a deep breath and hesitating, her lips finally parted.

“I have dreams…, nightmares.”

The woman’s expression, which had been filled with laughter, hardened in an instant.

“Dreams where everything looks similar but different things happen in subtly different situations. They repeat so often that they remain as vivid as reality in my memory.”

“Why is that a problem? Repeating similar dreams is a common occurrence. It might mean nothing, or it might be a prophetic dream.”

“A prophetic… dream?”

Could it be described so simply? Ashika’s experience was closer to hallucinations experienced while awake rather than dreams.

“What is the problem that the Lady feels? Enough to worry so much?”

The woman relaxed her hardened face and asked again in a soothing voice.

Ashika’s body tensed. Though she maintained an elegant posture with her back straight, her delicate fingers were clutching the hem of her dress.

“Each time, I feel forcibly pulled somewhere. Regardless of my will.”

“So you’re afraid of losing control. Seeing things you don’t want to see, hearing things you don’t want to hear. And feeling anxious that this might mean something.”

Even though Ashika had explained indirectly, the woman had pinpointed exactly what she was feeling.

“I said it might be a prophetic dream, but the form varies from person to person. Some people read the past, some experience the future. Or it could be something else entirely.”

Something else entirely. Ashika’s fingertips twitched.

“How long has it been? Since you started having these dreams?”

“…A month, now.”

Ah, the woman let out a small exclamation.

“Perhaps, just perhaps.”

The woman continued speaking, running her fingertips over the teacup she had placed on the table.

“Someone might have something they want to tell you. Dreams are defenseless, making them an easy weakness to penetrate.”

“That’s rather vague.”

“In such cases, there should be some consistency. You just haven’t realized it yet.”

As Ashika closed her mouth, the woman spoke in a slightly kinder voice.

“Think about it carefully. And Rine.”

At her gesture, an elderly woman who had been waiting approached. She was the person who had guided Ashika and Nile here.

“Bring the blue medicine bottle from my bedroom.”

Rine, who had been standing like a ghost the whole time, quietly left the room and disappeared somewhere.

Ashika was lost in thought, and the woman remained silent as she watched her. An awkward silence descended upon the room until Rine returned.

“My lady.”

It was Nile who roused her from her deep thoughts. And somehow Rine had returned, and the woman was handing her a small medicine bottle.

“If you have trouble sleeping, mix a drop or two of this in your tea.”

She mentioned nightmares, so was the woman giving her a sleeping potion?

‘That’s not my problem.’

She also doubted whether this medicine would be of any use to her. The woman added, seeing Ashika hesitate.

“It’s not a dangerous drug, so you can take it home, experiment with it, and use it. But the medicine is a bit expensive.”

“I don’t have much money with me.”

“You can send it later through someone.”

“Why would you give me something like this? What do you trust?”

The woman quietly smiled at Ashika’s questioning expression.

“Do you think you won’t see me again?”

Her tone was certain that this relationship wouldn’t end with just one meeting.

“My name is Iben Siclaire. Although my family is now ruined, I was once a noble. Is that trustworthy enough?”

“Iben Siclaire….”

“I’d like you to call me Iben. By the way, I’ve been wondering, why is there such a strong smell of medicine coming from that young lord?”

“Ah.”

Iben gestured to Nile, who had been on edge the whole time. It was so natural, like calling a subordinate or a child.

“He was recently burned and is under treatment, so that must be why.”

“Burn ointment? No, that’s not it. It’s a stronger, more ingrained smell.”

Nile could be seen flinching. Despite his explanation, Iben tilted her head.

‘First she recited his personal history just by looking at his face, and now she can detect illness just from smell?’

Ashika turned to look at Nile, who was wearing an uncomfortable expression.

“Don’t be afraid and come here. What could I do to you when you’re the one with the strength to do something?”

“Who says I’m afraid?”

“Then tell me. Do you have a chronic illness?”

Iben laughed at Nile’s sullen response. She exuded an unusual aura, but the atmosphere had lightened from before and somehow seemed enjoyable.

“It might help if you tell me. But suit yourself.”

“Have you heard of keratinization disease?”

Nile blurted out, as if it wasn’t particularly a secret.

Contrary to expectations that she wouldn’t know, Iben’s eyes widened.

“I’m guessing you take medicine once a month? And extremely expensive medicine at that.”

“You know a lot about a rare disease.”

Nile frowned at the tone, which was notably different from how she addressed Ashika.

“But that’s not a cure.”

“I’m aware there’s no cure for this disease.”

“That’s not necessarily true. If I gave you that, what could you give me in return?”

“Are you saying there’s a cure?”

Nile’s voice rose involuntarily.

“Not a complete cure, but to some extent. When scabs form on your skin, the pain gradually worsens until it becomes unbearable. This medicine prevents that. Of course, you still need to keep taking the medicine you’re currently on.”

“Ha. I’ve heard that even the Empire’s best pharmacists couldn’t create a cure. How can I believe you?”

Nile’s gaze grew sharper than ever before. It wasn’t a simple matter, but Iben was speaking about it too casually. However, even as Nile bristled like a hedgehog, Iben’s attitude remained relaxed.

“Why do you think only pharmacists can make medicine?”

“You….”

Nile asked with a half-doubting face.

“Are you an alchemist?”

“Ah….”

Ashika let out a small exclamation.

People who could freely handle poisons, medicines, and all sorts of substances. However, alchemists were rare in the Empire. This was due to the fixed idea that while an alchemist’s medicines were powerful, they were also dangerous. Due to the tendency to particularly look down on alchemists, they had almost died out in the Empire.

“I don’t have the ability to pay right now.”

Even as he said this, Nile’s eyes sparkled. Iben thought for a moment and then curled up the corners of her mouth.

“Lady, how about leaving this man with me for a while?”

“M-me?”

Nile jumped in surprise, his shoulders twitching.

“I’m not an object. And there’s nothing much I can do anyway.”

Nile spat out words completely different from what he would say to Ashika with a serious face.

“Think of it as payment for the medicine. My lady, what do you think?”

“I… don’t think I have the right to decide that.”

As the decision shifted to her, Ashika glanced sideways at Nile.

“That’s right. My lady shouldn’t be selling me just anywhere. And we don’t even know if it’s a real cure or not.”

“Then you’re willing to give up this medicine?”

Iben spoke in a sweet tone, with her eyes narrowed. Like a witch tempting a child with candy. Even knowing this, Nile couldn’t bring himself to refuse.

“I’ll have a coachman called to take you safely home, my lady. Don’t worry.”

“Are you saying to send the Lady home alone?”

Unlike Nile, who jumped up in protest, Ashika’s expression remained calm.

‘If what the woman says is true, this is an opportunity for Nile.’

An alchemist, nearly impossible to find within the Empire. For a man who would willingly entrust his life to her because of his disease, she couldn’t ask him to throw away a possible opportunity.

“I’ll send payment for the medicine you gave me without delay tomorrow. If you could send Nile back then, that would be fine.”

As Ashika rose from her seat, Nile’s face grew even more flustered.

“You said you had abilities. Surely you’re not afraid of being with just two women?”

“My lady.”

Ashika ignored Nile’s call and asked Iben, “Where can I find a carriage?”

Iben was smiling with a satisfied look on her face.

“Rine, please guide the Lady.”

“I can go alone, so don’t follow me.”

Ashika spoke firmly and turned away. While Nile was unable to do anything, she quickly left the room alone. Perhaps because she felt that her connection with Iben would not be a light one, she didn’t feel afraid.

When she went outside, all the shops on the street had already closed. It was a night when thick clouds obscured even the moon.

****

The jostling carriage stopped in the middle of a quiet street. Seeing Ashika getting out of the carriage, the coachman worriedly spoke up.

“Are you sure this is your destination? Madam told me to take you safely home. The sky also looks heavy, like it’s about to pour rain.”

“It’s fine. I can use another rental carriage.”

Ashika hadn’t revealed her identity to Iben. So she couldn’t take Iben’s carriage all the way to the Duke’s residence.

“If you’re going to take another carriage, you should move quickly. In a little while, all the carriages on the street will be gone for the night.”

“I’ll do that.”

The coachman urged her once more and then left. After confirming that the carriage had disappeared from view, Ashika walked along the poorhouse wall.

“Ah.”

Suddenly, she felt a cool sensation on her skin along with the chilly night air and looked up. Drip, drip. Raindrops were falling. Ashika wiped away the moisture on her face with her fingertips and pulled the hood of her cloak down deeply.

Despite the late hour, there were quite a few people coming and going around the poorhouse. These were people seeking shelter outside because there was no space inside the poorhouse. As raindrops began to fall, people hurriedly got up and moved towards the building entrance and areas covered with awnings.

Beyond that, she could see the remnants of a building that had been burned completely black. Ropes had been placed around it to prevent people from approaching.

Wooden frameworks that had turned into lumps of charcoal, mud walls that had collapsed and blackened, and interiors that had been crushed beyond recognition. The old and shabby building was black and ominous, like a monster with its insides torn out.

As she got closer, the smell of charcoal was so strong that she covered her nose with her sleeve.

“You’re not allowed to go inside the rope.”

As Ashika tried to enter through the back door, a restraining voice was heard.

‘So someone was here.’

The man was tall with an unusually strong build.

“This isn’t a place for sightseeing. You should just leave—”

Suddenly, the approaching man stopped in his tracks. When his eyes met Ashika’s, his face crumpled.

“Damn Igraine.”

It was barely a whisper, but Ashika heard it clearly.

After a momentary surprise, Ashika recognized him too. The man with dark brown hair, about thirty years old, was someone she had seen about a month ago. And that was inside the security force’s detention cell.

“Why is a knight of Talion here?”

 

29

“Why is a knight of Talion here?”

The clothes he wore were not a knight’s uniform, but civilian clothes. It meant this was an unofficial visit.

At Ashika’s question, the other person’s face twisted more fiercely. He didn’t hide his hostility, as if even being questioned was unpleasant.

“They say watching fires is entertaining, but the fire went out long ago. If you need a spectacle, go somewhere else.”

“Are knights of Talion usually this rude? What is your position?”

“I have no obligation to answer.”

Ashika’s face froze coldly.

“Seeing that you’re dressed in civilian clothes, it must be because of the Grand Duke’s territory issue. Are you cooperating with the Security Force? Or is Talion acting independently?”

“Do you find prying amusing? Do you think stirring things up will reveal something? Ah, when problems arise, certain noble families prioritize covering them up, don’t they? I heard they pretend to know nothing even if dozens of people die. Have you come out to investigate in advance, fearing there might be something to criticize?”

There wasn’t even a hint of hesitation in his sarcastic tone. It was excessively rude language to dare utter to a Young Duchess.

‘I’ve never seen his face in the capital before.’

He probably hadn’t been in the domain for long.

“I see Talion’s reputation was earned by fighting with words rather than swords. No wonder you get beaten by lower knights.”

“How dare you!”

“How dare a mere knight be disrespectful to me!”

Her voice cracked like breaking ice. It was a resolute cry that seemed unbelievable coming from such a slender figure.

The man hesitated for a moment, and his face twisted like a rotten apple. His gaze, glaring at Ashika, was as menacing as if he would devour her.

“I am Baron Aegonite Delfino. Not a mere knight, but as the captain of the Talion’s knights…”

“A knight captain starting a fistfight in the middle of the capital’s streets? Now I understand Talion’s standards.”

Ashika cut off his words and lashed out. She didn’t care that he was a man of much larger build than herself.

She had tried to let it go peacefully, thinking the dispute between the knights was old grudge-settling. However, insubordination was another matter, regardless of long-standing grudges.

People in front of the poorhouse craned their necks to watch the tense confrontation. Urgent hoofbeats were also approaching from somewhere.

“I speak plainly because I can. When our family’s formal complaints were completely ignored, this is the only way to speak the truth.”

“Just what event from the past…”

“Enough!”

Right behind them, along with the sound of a horse’s neigh, a thundering shout rang out.

Ashika and Aegonite turned around in surprise. They saw a familiar figure hastily dismounting from his horse.

“Aegonite, shut your mouth.”

“Your Grace!”

“If you say one more word, I’ll send you straight back to the territory.”

At Drushia’s firm command, Aegonite’s face flushed red. He glared at Ashika with an enraged look, but Drushia blocked his view.

“Lady Igraine.”

Drushia was breathing heavily, having apparently rushed here.

“…Duke Talion.”

Her heart, which had remained calm even in front of the large knight, began beating rapidly from the moment she confirmed Drushia’s face.

“We had an unfinished conversation, didn’t we? I thought if I sent a letter, I’d be rejected again, so I’ve been waiting.”

Ashika’s brow slightly narrowed.

‘Could he possibly know all my movements?’

She had thought he might know about the Baroness’s salon since it was an official schedule. But today’s outing was conducted secretly with Nile.

“Aegonite, keep people from approaching and withdraw our personnel.”

Seeing Drushia’s angry face, Aegonite bowed his head.

There were several more knights in civilian clothes around them, not Security Force officers. They had quietly deployed personnel for investigation, but because of Aegonite, attention was now drawn to them. He was not originally so reckless, but when it came to Igraine, he acted without restraint.

‘I shouldn’t have called him to the capital. If it weren’t for grandfather’s orders…’

Drushia suppressed his rising anger.

“I will follow your orders, Your Grace.”

Aegonite glared at Ashika with wide eyes, then reluctantly withdrew from his position.

The raindrops were getting heavier. Drushia’s hair was getting wet from the rain and sticking to his face, and Ashika’s cloak hood was also soaked and drooping.

Ashika frowned at the rain splashing on her face and spoke.

“Are you possibly monitoring me?”

“If you hadn’t repeatedly rejected my letters, I wouldn’t have gone this far.”

“So you are monitoring me.”

“Let’s put the questioning aside for now. There’s something more urgent. That man Lady Igraine took away, I want you to hand him over.”

It was about Nile again. Strangely, Drushia had been on edge about capturing Nile from the beginning.

“Doesn’t Talion have other people they’ve captured?”

“Lady Igraine.”

Drushia sighed, wiping away the rain flowing down his face.

“I told you last time. That man is different from the others. I’ve already confirmed with the Grand Duke’s people. A foreigner appeared in the Grand Duke’s territory asking questions about various things. He could be an arsonist, and he’s the most suspicious one.”

“I said he’s not an arsonist. He was just at the poorhouse when he got caught up in it…”

“You’re believing what he says? When did you see him?”

Drushia raised his voice, opening his eyes wide. Feeling she had slipped up, Ashika bit her lip.

“I heard there’s a village for rare disease patients in the Grand Duke’s territory? Did you know about this, Duke?”

This time, Drushia kept his mouth shut.

“You knew, didn’t you? Why didn’t you inform our side?”

“There’s a clear division between the regions managed by both sides. I don’t have an obligation to tell you every little detail.”

“I heard it’s spreading? It could be an epidemic, isn’t hiding such important information neglect of duty?”

“No. It’s not like an epidemic.”

Drushia cut her off resolutely. Ashika’s face was clouded with questions at the attitude that matched what Nile had shown.

“What do you know? No, what are you hiding?”

“Lady Igraine, do you realize how big the repercussions of this are getting? Rumors are spreading that an epidemic patient village was hidden in the Grand Duke’s territory. I need to know why that man was there and what he knows.”

“If you want cooperation, please share the information you know.”

Ashika said, wiping the wet corners of her eyes with her fingertips. She was annoyed that her vision was obscured by the pouring rain. Suddenly, she remembered what Nile had said.

[Why did the late Emperor order the Grand Duke’s Castle to be sealed? Was there really a need to go that far when it had already become ruins?]

She strongly felt there was something more. Ashika took a step closer to Drushia and asked coldly.

“Is it true that the Grand Duke’s Castle is sealed?”

For a moment, a perplexed look crossed Drushia’s face. But it immediately hardened into a resolute expression as he retorted.

“What nonsense did that man tell you? It’s been closed for 40 years.”

“What’s in the Grand Duke’s Castle?”

“How would I know?”

“Was it really the late Emperor who turned the Grand Duke’s Castle into ruins?”

“What are you talking about?”

Seeing Drushia’s surprised face, Ashika quickly closed her mouth. These were the words Nile had thrown at her. She had blurted them out unconsciously, just in case.

The rain was getting stronger. Both of them were soaked but made no move to leave, so a knight who had been waiting approached.

“Your Grace, this is not a good place for a conversation.”

“Withdraw first with Aegonite.”

“Well, about that. The captain said he would wait for Your Grace…”

Water was now streaming down their faces. Drushia continuously wiped his eyes against the pouring rain that obscured his vision.

Even Ashika, who was wearing a hood, was soaked, with rainwater flowing down her face. It was hard to tell whether her sternly frozen face was due to anger or something else.

‘Even if I suggested we go somewhere quiet to talk, she’s not the type to follow along willingly.’

Ashika looked at a nearby knight and opened her rain-moistened lips.

“I haven’t seen that knight before. Is Baron Aegonite Delfino from the territory?”

“You’ve never seen him? That can’t be.”

“Has he been to the capital?”

As much as Igraine and Talion were adversaries, they knew each other well. But Aegonite was a face she had never seen during her entire time in the capital.

“He’s never been to the capital. But it’s funny that you talk as if you’ve never seen him before.”

As you can see, he was a person who would fly into a rage at the mere mention of Igraine, so they never even considered calling him to the capital.

“Ah.”

Ashika belatedly understood what he was saying.

“Now you remember?”

She still didn’t remember his face. But she thought she knew what time Drushia was referring to.

‘He must have been at the memorial service.’

A memorial service held near the accident site for the missing whose bodies were never found. Despite the bitter disputes between the two families, they had no choice but to attend the memorial service together.

“Do you remember the faces of people from my family, Duke?”

Her pale lips tensed. Ashika was not without things to say. Like other Igraine vassals, she too could get angry and vent her frustrations.

But if she joined in when everyone else was doing the same, they would not be able to maintain their current cooperative relationship.

“I remember.”

Ashika’s eyes widened at Drushia’s answer.

“Even if I don’t remember who I saw that day, I know how many victims there were, who they were from which family, and how the survivors are doing. I’ve even obtained portraits to imprint them all in my mind. When we couldn’t even find their bodies, wouldn’t the injured feel wronged if I didn’t do even that?”

A calm voice speaks of old wounds. Yet the weight contained in those words settled heavily on both their hearts.

“So I hope you’ll overlook my knight’s rudeness.”

Drushia’s voice remained calm.

Perhaps this was the best apology Drushia could offer. She couldn’t bring herself to get angry or question him further.

In the middle of the pitch-black sky pouring rain, a flash of lightning passed. Following it, a rumbling thunder sound made her heart plummet to the ground.

Her shoulders hunched in surprise and her face turned pale. Ashika’s expression froze in an instant.

 

30

“Let’s… continue this story next time.”

A chill ran through her body, making her tremble. Ashika tightly clenched her pale, hanging hand.

“When will next time be…?”

Before Drushia could finish speaking, Ashika turned away. She walked briskly, almost running, to the carriage she had spotted earlier.

The coachman, who had been crouching under the canopy of the driver’s seat, widened his eyes upon seeing Ashika. She only left a brief instruction to go to Duke Igraine’s residence before climbing into the carriage.

Inside, it was dark and damp. Ashika kept her mouth tightly shut and straightened her back, trying not to shrink into herself.

Shortly after the carriage began moving, the door suddenly opened.

“Wait a moment.”

The man she had just parted with jumped in with a single breath. Drushia quickly sat down and closed the carriage door.

Ashika could neither express surprise nor ask why he had done this. Her face was deathly pale, her dark pupils fixed somewhere in the dim void.

The sound of rain pounded violently on the roof of the carriage. The unfiltered noise shook the cramped space mercilessly and inevitably dredged up a fragment of memory she had tried so hard to bury.

“Lady Igraine.”

Even the man’s deep, resonant voice was buried in the threatening noise. A spasm ran across her tightly closed lips, as if she had stopped breathing.

“Ashika Igraine.”

His voice calling her again didn’t reach her. When the violent rain transformed into destructive noise digging into the edges of her memory, an affectionate voice she had heard long ago echoed in her ears.

[Ashika, wait here.]

With a worried voice, her father comforted his young daughter before leaving the carriage. She wanted to say don’t go, wanted to ask him to stay with her, but couldn’t stop her father as he left with a bright smile. Her father, who departed like that, never returned.

Crash! Boom!

The thunderous sound roared as if it would tear the entire carriage apart.

Ashika’s face, white as sheet, could neither express her fear nor remember to breathe. The vibrations of the shaking carriage felt like the memory of that day when she was caught in the landslide. Like that day when she waited for her father who never returned, trapped in destructive noise and darkness.

Drushia didn’t understand why he had boarded this carriage himself. But he couldn’t bear to let the woman flee alone with her pale face. Like himself, who had been lost while burying his parents’ empty coffins, she carried the memory of that day as a nightmare.

Drushia first saw the eight-year-old girl on the day of the memorial service, at a place where everything had been washed away without a trace.

The girl who cried endlessly with deer-like dark eyes, without making a sound or sobbing. How could such a young girl cry so poignantly?

Drushia also knew. That in truth, they just needed someone to blame. That the hatred they directed at each other contained deep wounds that only they could understand. A vicious cycle where they could only hate and resent each other.

Thus, both sides had already existed within each other, angry and sorrowful. From a certain point in the past when those emotions began.

When the thorny outer shell is peeled away, the ugly, split wound is revealed. Drushia and Ashika had been living with such wounds.

Drushia, who had been sitting quietly across from her, stood up.

“Excuse me for a moment.”

But his voice didn’t reach Ashika. Instead, the loud rain that had been consuming her like a swamp began to recede. Instead of the vibrating noise that had seized her entire body, a warm sensation settled on her ears.

Ashika blinked slowly. Was it a dream or reality that the deep blue eyes close to her were as wet as her own?

The large hands covering Ashika’s ears pulsed as if they had a heart. In sync with that subtle vibration, her heart also pounded: thump, thump.

Warm and affectionate. The touch that shielded her from fear. The warmth that reached her heart. The memories that had been thoroughly excavated sank below the surface, and her trembling subsided.

Ashika’s hand gently caressed the man’s hands that enveloped her. As if to confirm that they were real, not a dream or illusion. With that small movement, the other person, who had been still, moved in response.

When the blue eyes, with unreadable emotion, drew closer, Ashika quietly closed her eyes.

Warm breath touched her skin, followed by a soft sensation on her lips. As the slippery sensation slid between her slightly parted lips, Ashika forgot all thought.

The destructive noise cutting through the darkness, the vibrations shaking her body, all the memories of that night that had swallowed her.

Instead, humid breaths intermingled. Along with the warm and affectionate body heat of the man.

****

The ill-fated connection between the Igraine and Talion families began 40 years ago in the Grand Duchy of Arkpella.

The Grand Duchy, which had been reduced to ruins by the former emperor’s army on charges of treason. The former emperor completely closed off the Grand Duchy and imposed all kinds of sanctions on the Grand Duchy region for being the land of traitors.

And he entrusted the management of this to two houses adjacent to the Grand Duchy region: the Duke Igraine family and the Duke Talion family.

For years, the two ducal houses managing the vast Grand Duchy region pushed for a marriage alliance to unify their management system. It was entirely possible with Talion’s military power combined with Igraine’s financial power. At this time, a political marriage was arranged between Weive, the legitimate son of the Duke Igraine family, and Vanne, the legitimate daughter of the Duke Talion family.

However, unexpectedly, Weive opposed the marriage. While refusing the marriage, Weive confessed that he already had a lover and children.

Both ducal houses were shocked. The shock was even greater because the young Duke Igraine had never caused a scandal in society.

Nevertheless, both families pushed forward with the marriage, claiming that illegitimate children were just that—illegitimate. In the midst of a complex situation involving the refusal of the parties involved, the interests of the families, and the knights stationed in the Grand Duchy region, an unexpected tragedy occurred.

Weive’s lover and children were attacked by unknown assailants. In this attack, the lover and the younger child died, and only the eldest son, Lanche, was rescued with severe injuries.

No one knew who was responsible. Was it Duke Talion who was determined to make this engagement successful, or Duke Igraine who could not overlook his son’s misconduct? Rumors abounded, but the deaths of the two were buried without capturing the culprit.

Less than half a year later, the Duke died, and Weive, who inherited the title, married Vanne Talion as planned. Of course, their relationship was not good, and Weive declared Lanche, whom he had officially recognized, as his heir.

About two years later, as the relationship between Weive and Vanne improved, Vanne became pregnant. The atmosphere between the two previously uncomfortable houses was also beginning to improve.

But another tragedy struck. Vanne was found dead in the main bedroom of Igraine. According to the testimony of the first discoverer, it was confirmed that Vanne had hanged herself, and it was concluded as suicide.

However, Neoren, Vanne’s brother, did not believe this. He strongly protested, demanding a thorough investigation into his sister’s death, but Weive dismissed the Talion family’s protest.

Vanne thus disappeared in an unexplained death, along with the child in her womb.

The relationship between Igraine and Talion rapidly deteriorated over this issue. Everyone in Talion questioned Vanne’s death, and Neoren demanded the return of the body, saying that he could not bury his sister in the cursed land of Igraine. However, Weive rejected all demands.

In the Grand Duchy where both sides’ knights were stationed together, the two knight orders faced serious conflicts several times over this issue. But the two families, who had to cooperate under the emperor’s orders, could not fight. The two families were barely able to calm down by turning away from each other.

Weive’s son Lanche grew up, married, and Ashika was born. As time passed, the feelings between the two families also diluted somewhat.

The territories of Igraine and Talion were intertwined with the Grand Duchy between them, and the Grand Duchy was struggling with continued drought and lack of supplies. In response, Talion proposed building a dam on the upper reaches of the Rosha River.

The Rosha River was a fairly large river that started in Talion, passed through the Grand Duchy, and entered the Igraine territory. Lanche strongly agreed. The construction continued for five years under Talion’s leadership with full support from Igraine.

And on the day celebrating its completion, dozens of key figures, including vassals from both families and construction officials, visited the site. No one predicted that it would suddenly start pouring rain from what had been a clear sky.

Then the accident happened. The completed dam collapsed rapidly with an explosion, releasing an enormous amount of water. Everyone at the scene was caught in the rapid currents.

In an instant, everything was washed away. Only a few survived; most of the attendees lost their lives that day.

From that day, rain began to pour, causing the surrounding rivers and tributaries to overflow. Even in the rain, both families continued searching for the missing. They found bodies washed up along the riverbank, but most had already been swept downstream.

From then on, it was a race against time. The longer it took, the farther the bodies would drift, and they might never be found at all.

Even in the rain, Talion’s knights and people risked their lives to continue the search. During this process, accidents continued to occur, and deaths began to mount.

Weive ordered the search to be stopped, reasoning that they could not increase the number of casualties. The Talion side vehemently opposed. Their position was that they would continue searching until the end, even at the risk of their lives.

As resistance grew fierce, Weive banned Talion from entering Igraine territory. Most of Igraine’s missing had been found, and most of those not found were Talion’s people.

The rain continued to pour. As if a rainy season that had never existed before had arrived. About a month after Weive had thus blocked the search and imposed the ban, he lifted it. Due to the long passage of time, no more bodies were found.

It was a time when people from both Igraine and Talion were unable to recover from the shock. Both families gathered at the accident site for a memorial service and held funerals in their respective houses. Most of the Talion side had to bury empty coffins without even having bodies.

From then on, the fighting began.

People from Igraine territory who lost family in the accident claimed that Talion, who had led the construction, should be held responsible, while Talion bitterly criticized Weive’s blockade that prevented them from even finding the bodies of their families. They did not hesitate to accuse Weive of being responsible for Vanne’s death as well.

The relationship between the two families deteriorated rapidly. Large and small conflicts occurred from time to time in the Grand Duchy where troops from both sides were stationed.

But guarding the Grand Duchy was the emperor’s order. Weive and Neoren officially declared that they would no longer hold each other responsible and urged their vassals and knights to remain silent.

It was a tragedy buried without even finding the cause of the accident because everything had been swept away. Those who lost the target to vent their anger and sorrow turned their arrows at each other.

And after 14 years—still too brief a time to erase the families they had lost.