Chapter 56
“Ah.”
Upon hearing the name, Jayers realized why the pheromone felt so familiar.
Rikt Feronis. It was the same scent he had caught from the men who had threatened Senika during the previous hunting festival.
From Rikt emanated the same dense, fog-like scent that Senika had described.
A faintly bitter smile curved Jayers’ lips. He was even grateful that Rikt had appeared in front of him without needing to search.
‘Though I don’t quite understand why he didn’t hide, considering he should’ve been avoiding me…’
It wasn’t really important. Jayers planned to eliminate Rikt as soon as his urgent business was over.
And since Rikt was connected to the royal family, he couldn’t entirely avoid complications on that front either.
“I am Jayers Baiet.”
Though Senika’s enemy was also his, he showed courtesy just as he had with the elder before.
The location was the trickiest part. Attacking an elder in the Bai-ryong family mansion would be sheer folly.
It was clear that Rikt had deliberately chosen this setting.
Jayers deliberately didn’t hide his poison at all, aware of Rikt’s cunning.
“I heard you came to help the young lady.”
“That, and for other reasons as well.”
Rikt’s gaze toward Jayers was cunning to the extreme. Just looking into those eyes, one could sense the dark thoughts brewing inside.
So, Jayers’ intention to pass quietly was sidetracked by that gaze.
Even if they had met before, this was the first time facing each other openly. He had planned to pass without incident, but after seeing those eyes, it was impossible.
‘A little provocation shouldn’t hurt.’
He decided it wouldn’t hurt to let Rikt know he was aware of his identity, even if not a full warning.
Rikt wouldn’t do something foolish like target an heir from another family, after all.
“Have we met before?”
“Not at all.”
“Really? But your pheromone seems familiar to me.”
“Perhaps it’s because you’ve been to the Bai-ryong mansion before and passed by me on the way.”
Though Rikt’s reply was evasive, he likely understood the intent behind Jayers’ words.
“Ah… but the pheromone is surprisingly dull.”
“Excuse me? What do you mean…?”
“Compared to other members of the Bai-ryong family, the color and energy have faded. Almost like a fog.”
Rikt, whose face had been wearing a gentle smile, froze stiffly at that single remark, appearing somewhat dumbfounded.
He hadn’t expected Jayers to be so direct.
Normally, such an assessment would be correct, but unfortunately, the person before him was the unparalleled Jayers.
‘Far weaker than I expected.’
He had hidden his strength, so I thought he’d be formidable—but he was underwhelming.
Suddenly, Jayers wondered if the concealment had been because he was too weak. That would make sense.
“Oh, it’s just my personal opinion. Don’t worry. It will return to its original state soon enough.”
Jayers smiled slyly, thinking he should strike and retreat before Rikt could regain his composure.
It wasn’t to soothe him—it was more of a taunt.
“Well, I have business to attend to. Until next time.”
Passing by Rikt, who blinked in shock without a proper response, Jayers lightly brushed Rikt’s right shoulder with his left hand.
Jayers disliked even brushing past him. It was more than mere dislike—it was a reasoned aversion.
Pheromones reflect the owner’s mindset. The darker the intentions, the more the color and energy degrade.
Recalling Rikt’s pheromone from moments ago, Jayers shook his head.
‘Better to forget what’s bad for you.’
Only after Jayers had disappeared into the distance did Rikt break into a quiet laugh.
“Ha, this is fun.”
He brushed his hair back and looked around. Not a single breath could be heard in the quiet corridor.
He remembered Jayers guarding Senika during the hunting festival when she was alone, vividly.
Rikt had deliberately appeared to see if Jayers remembered him—and Jayers did.
The unexpected appearance had unsettled Rikt. Not only that, but Jayers hadn’t even played with him yet.
‘Got taken down nicely by some inexperienced kid.’
Rikt had planned to just scare him lightly, but since Jayers had provoked him, that was out of the question.
He wanted to repay several times over but thought breaking even would be satisfactory given the circumstances.
He recalled the upcoming Baeksool Festival.
‘He said he’d stay for two weeks, right?’
Fortunately, the festival occurred while Jayers remained at the mansion.
That was enough. He could show, as a warning, the extent of his power.
Rikt relaxed his stiff expression and wore a sly, cunning smile.
Waking with a slight frown at the warm sunlight streaming through the window, she stretched and got out of bed, unusually refreshed.
Lately… no, this level of freshness was almost unprecedented.
“You seem to be in great condition.”
“Huh?”
Joshua’s sudden appearance startled her slightly.
Usually, Rita would greet her in the morning, so this felt a bit odd.
But since it was Joshua, she quickly became accustomed.
She smiled brightly at him.
“Good morning, Shushu. But where’s Rita?”
“She stepped out for a bit.”
“Where did she go?”
“I’m not sure.”
Huh? But Joshua seemed unusually irritable in words, actions, and expression.
Even if bad things happened personally or if he was upset with her, Joshua usually didn’t show it. She was a bit taken aback.
“Shushu, is something wrong?”
“No.”
A pause before answering indicated that something definitely was wrong.
“Something is, right?”
“No.”
He likely realized she wasn’t fooled by his denial.
‘Wait a moment.’
Could he be hoping she’d ask, deliberately acting like this? That was entirely possible with Joshua.
He might be a bit foolish, but considering Hale placed him by her side, he must be capable both in skill and intellect.
She decided to act as if she hadn’t noticed anything.
“Why? What’s the matter? Is it something I shouldn’t know?”
“….”
“I’d be disappointed if that’s the case.”
Pouting, she crossed her arms and looked away, sensing his unease behind her.
If this was all calculated, she might have misunderstood Joshua until now.
“Well… you see…”
As Joshua began to speak, she glanced at him again.
He fiddled with his fingers, looking hesitant.
“There… was an incident early this morning.”
“Early morning? What happened?”
“Uh…”
Though she tried to set him up to speak easily, Joshua continued hesitating.
Could her deduction be wrong? Seeing him like this, it might indeed be difficult for him to tell her.
‘Could it be something at the family?’
If it were a family matter, there was no need to hide it from her.
“Did something happen to the family?”
“Eh? No! Nothing like that!”
Hmm… then what could it be? Joshua wasn’t normally the type to worry so much.
She felt frustrated. If it was something she needed to know, why not just tell her?
“Joshua.”
“Ha… until recently, Young Master Baiet was here.”
“Jayers?”
Just as she began to scold him, Joshua blurted out what had been troubling him.
But why Jayers… here?
Joshua glanced at her confused expression and added,
“He spent the night with you.”
“…Huh?”
“….”
“What did you say?!”
Joshua’s words were utterly shocking.
Did she do… anything with Jayers?
Anyone hearing it could easily misunderstand. She had slept alone last night—who spread this rumor?
She laughed weakly and touched her forehead.
“Ha… Shushu, what nonsense are you talking about?”
“….”
“Jayers, you say? That he spent the night with me?”
Joshua nodded instead of answering.
Oh no, this was maddening. Why would Jayers lie and cause such confusion?
This crossed the line of acceptable lies.
“That’s completely false. I slept alone yesterday.”
“…There are witnesses.”
“Eh? Witnesses? Then why don’t I know?”
“Because it happened while you were asleep. Last night, the guards’ testimony matched Young Master Baiet’s, and Rita and I also saw Young Master Baiet in this room until morning.”
What? It’s not a lie? Did I really… do that with Jayers?
Her expression turned serious.
“No, I don’t remember anything like that happening last night. What really happened?”
“….”
He hesitated again, as before revealing the shocking fact.
“You were ill in the early morning.”
“Me? Ill?”
“Yes.”
She had no recollection. She had woken up feeling refreshed…
Wait. Could the cause possibly be…?
