Chapter 93

“A letter from Aglia, you say.”

Etias’ brow hardened, his expression cold.

This was, without a doubt, treason.

There was no familial loyalty left to expect from her, yet to see her struggle so pathetically to cling to power was nothing short of repulsive.

“Unfortunately, the ink she used evaporates, so no evidence remains. And—”

Heros glanced down at his immaculate fingertips as he spoke.

“She also set a poisoned needle in the latch, meant to stab whoever opened it. Not that such a petty trick would work on me.”

At the end of the letter was a threat: the poison was crafted in a complex manner, and unless he cooperated, she would not provide the antidote.

A rather meticulous move.
She had tried to stir both his will to live and his desire to remain with the woman he loved.

“But Aglia knows far too little about me.”

Etias’ tone cut sharp.

“That’s why she would make such an absurd proposal.”

And that was why she had failed, her plan exposed all the way to Etias himself.

“Geoffrey Whistler.”

Etias’ eyes turned to Heros.

The guildmaster of the underground organization Scavengers, a man whose name and influence stretched across the entire continent.

After learning he had spirited Katrin away, Etias had wanted nothing more than to seize him by the throat and snarl.

“Let me ask you something.”

Yet now, they were companions of a sort—forced to remain together until they escaped.

“Do you love Katrin?”

A heavy silence settled between them.

Etias’ lips parted again.

“If so, why did you refuse? If you joined hands with Aglia, your chances of winning her would increase.”

Heros’ lips twisted into a faint smile as his clear eyes met Etias’.

“To answer your first question… my feelings run as deep as yours, Your Majesty. Above all—”

He continued firmly:

“Though I wasn’t born of noble blood like you, I know how to uphold loyalty to someone precious.”

At the words someone precious, Etias’ brow twitched slightly.

Heros lifted his gaze, locking eyes with him.

“The lady I desire is no emotionless doll.”

The butler’s usually composed voice now carried deep sincerity.

“Does that answer suffice?”

Etias studied him for a moment, then let out a faint, crooked smile.

“Seems you’re not the unscrupulous man I feared.”

“And Your Majesty, given you’ve come this far, you’re hardly a paper doll yourself.”

Their gazes met—silent recognition passing between them.

They both held one woman above all else.

After a pause, Etias spoke again.

“The order disbanding Scavengers, and the warrant against you, will be rescinded once I return to the Imperial Palace.”

Under the Rebel Emperor’s reign, Scavengers had been persecuted, and Geoffrey Whistler’s warrant had severely curtailed his actions.

At that, Geoffrey’s brows gave the faintest twitch.

Etias continued.

“But mark this well: there’s nothing I’ve pursued with true intent that I’ve failed to achieve.”

He had endured the late Emperor’s oppression and, against all odds, seized the throne.

“And my feelings for Katrin are just as genuine.”

The conviction in his voice made Heros’ brown eyes flicker faintly.

The scarecrow prince he had first faced during Dobelten’s raid now burned with a flame of desire far fiercer than before.

“I will not lose her.”

Even without summoning his shadow power, the mere declaration carried a crushing pressure.
A chilling aura that could never belong to an ordinary man, a force that prickled the skin and pressed upon the chest.

“You’ve never had her to begin with. In any case, my cooperation lasts only until we reach the Palace.”

Heros’ voice was smooth, unwavering.

“Once she’s safe, I too will do whatever it takes to win her heart.”

At that, Etias’ lips curved in a thin smile.

“Her man will be me, without question—ugh.”

Pant, pant.

Heros suddenly turned, his brows stiffening.

There, the Duke—in his Border Collie form—was gnawing fiercely at his shin again.

“You damn mutt…”

Waaang!

Crunch! Teeth sank in, drawing another surge of pain.

I welcomed the visitors who had entered the village with a bright face.

“Cain!”

The first to arrive, after clearing piles of earth and timber, were Scavengers’ members.

“We greet the Lady, and…”

Cain bowed respectfully to the man standing just behind me.

“You’ve endured much, Guildmaster.”

Heros dipped his head slightly.

I raised my brows as I looked between Cain and Heros.

“So, was it fun tricking me? Standing behind me knowing the Guildmaster was right there, hmm? That shamelessly?”

“My lady, I… I couldn’t help it…”

Cain’s reply was a mix of embarrassment and guilt.

“I never meant to deceive you on purpose. I was only afraid of the consequences…”

“I suppose so.”

I gave a wry smile and nodded.

Then, seeing Cain’s face grow even paler, I added:

“Ah—I’m not smiling because I’m angry.”

With a face steeped in an arrogant, villainous aura, I had to clarify to avoid being misunderstood.

“Ah… yes, my lady.”

Relief softened his features.

I continued:

“I already heard from Heros why you entered the ducal estate, and I’ve received his apology. I won’t demand another from you, Cain. What guilt could a subordinate bear?”

“Still, I’m sorry, my lady.”

“Anyway. Is the passage fully opened?”

Cain nodded.

“Yes. We worked with the Imperial Army to clear it. Too narrow for carriages, so we came ahead on foot. The Imperial Army should arrive soon with the wagons. Are you unharmed?”

“We’re fine. Right, Heros?”

Heros nodded, then asked Cain:

“Did you bring the supplies?”

“Yes, as requested—food, medicine, building materials.”

The Scavenger members’ packs bulged.

“Stay here and help with the restoration. With fire and flood together, disease spreads easily, so use the medicines generously.”

“Yes, sir. Elma Pharmaceuticals gave us plenty, no need to worry.”

“Also, behind the village, Lady Katrin discovered a pink sapphire deposit. Ensure the villagers can sell the stones fairly and share the profits.”

“Understood.”

If the Scavengers stayed to guard and aid the village, I could leave without worry.

“And who will escort the Lady and Guildmaster…?”

“The Revolutionary Army will, of course. Isn’t that right, Your Highness?”

Heros cast a faintly displeased look toward Etias, who was now walking over.

“It’s the Imperial Army now.”

He had just returned from helping move debris the villagers couldn’t lift alone.

Broad shoulders, hard chest showing between loosened buttons, forearms corded with muscle beneath rolled-up sleeves.

Even covered in dirt, he’s devastatingly handsome. My darling.

Etias caught my gaze, and as our eyes met, his lips moved softly.

“Let’s go home, Katrin.”

My heart thudded wildly—like a sudden arrhythmia.

Pant, pant—

As I stared at him in a daze, a warm touch brushed my hand.

Looking down, I saw the Duke in his Border Collie form, eyes bright as he licked my hand.

Instinctively, I stroked his head.

“Yes.”

Moments later, the path fully cleared, the solid wagons and soldiers of the Imperial Army lined up before us.

The man at the front dropped to one knee before Etias, head bowed.

“Punish us for daring to arrive late to greet you, Your Majesty.”

Behind him, countless soldiers bowed to Etias in unison.

“Your Majesty the Emperor!”

Their voices echoed in the air.

And watching the scene, I finally felt it with certainty—

Etias had truly become Emperor.