~Chapter 58~
“I…”
Aisha spoke carefully, choosing her words with caution.
“I’ll go back.”
Yes. That was the natural answer.
Killian’s expression turned slightly bitter, though he understood her choice.
Of course she would be afraid.
She was a noble lady raised like a delicate flower in a greenhouse.
Killian began to nod, accepting it—when suddenly Aisha continued.
“I was wrong.”
Her next words were unexpected.
“I shouldn’t have just stood by and watched. I should’ve fought too.”
“…What?”
“Why didn’t I even think of that? Damn it.”
“Aisha, what are you trying to say?” Killian asked, unable to hold back.
“I mean exactly what I said. I need to fight too.”
Aisha’s face was resolute.
“Like you, Duke. In the way I can fight best.”
Her mind began to turn quickly. The frightened noble lady who had trembled through the battle was gone.
‘Theorn’s message… it must mean they found solid proof against Roselia.’
Killian wasn’t reckless. If he was heading toward the palace, he had a reason.
And then she remembered what he once said—about the right of mansion inviolability, the tradition that protected noble estates from royal interference.
At the time, she hadn’t understood why he didn’t use it. Now she did.
‘If he used it too soon, Roselia would’ve accused the Winters family of rebellion.’
That’s why Killian had endured until now.
‘He doesn’t just need to clear his name. He has to win an official summons back into power. And to do that, the first thing I need to do is…’
Write.
Aisha’s eyes sharpened, like a predator spotting prey.
“Take me to Theorn. I’ll join up with Till immediately.”
“…What?”
“Don’t you get it yet? I’m going to write. A special edition of Sunday’s Exposé!”
“….”
“And to do that, I need information. I need to know exactly what situation we’re in. Tell me, Duke. What’s your plan?”
Killian stared at her, momentarily losing focus.
Again, Aisha was going far beyond his expectations.
So much so, he was struck silent.
“Duke, we don’t have time, so hurry—!”
Her words stopped abruptly.
Killian had suddenly reached out and touched her cheek.
“…Huh?”
Blinking in surprise, Aisha realized he was gently wiping the blood off her face.
It was almost laughable—he himself was drenched in blood, yet he cared about the stain on her cheek.
“Roselia has called an emergency noble council.”
“….”
“She’s trying to stop the nobles from splitting, to turn the tables one last time.”
“Then what’s the card you’ll play against her?”
Killian paused, then smiled faintly.
He leaned down close, whispering his plan into her ear.
As his words continued, Aisha’s eyes widened.
She couldn’t believe it.
It was too shocking.
“Now.” Killian finally drew back, his lips curving slightly.
“Doesn’t it feel more equal? Now we know each other’s intentions clearly.”
“….”
“Oh, and let me give you one piece of advice, Aisha Ashton.”
“…Advice?”
“Whatever you decide to do, once your mind is set—don’t hesitate.”
Aisha froze slightly.
“And don’t tremble. If you look weak, you gain nothing.”
He worried for her.
That she might hold herself back for his sake.
That she might stop writing freely, like she once had.
He didn’t want that.
“Now, let’s go.”
Before she could answer, Killian lifted her up again, set her on the saddle, and climbed behind her. He seized the reins firmly.
***
Emergency noble council?
At Till’s hideout.
Leaning back with his legs stretched across the table, Till wore a faint smile.
“Our dear Empress Dowager must be in quite the rush…”
Things were turning amusing.
His silver hair shimmered as he stroked his chin in thought.
‘So what is Killian Winters planning?’
He already knew Killian was hiding with Aisha in that old cabin.
At first, he expected Killian to reach out for help. After all, they had agreed to cooperate.
But Killian hadn’t contacted him once.
‘Does he already have something else to rely on?’
If it were anyone else, Till wouldn’t have doubted. But he knew Killian’s skill at gathering information was formidable.
‘Maybe… he’s already found Roselia’s weakness. Maybe that’s why he’s been hiding, waiting for the right time.’
Then… was this the start of his counterattack?
But the council had likely already begun. Could Killian overturn it now? Especially with Roselia blocking him from approaching the palace?
And if Aisha was in danger too…
Till was lost in thought, weighing who would win and how it would affect him, when he heard footsteps beyond the door.
“….”
His face hardened instantly.
Quietly, he rose and drew a dagger from his chest.
An intruder?
A spy sent by Roselia?
Or someone else?
The unknown presence came closer and closer.
When it stopped right at the door—
Till suddenly lashed out, kicking it open and grabbing the intruder by the collar.
“…Huh?”
Seconds later, his expression turned utterly dumbfounded.
“What the hell is this?”
