Chapter 32 – English Translation
‘Maybe this could actually be a better opportunity for me?’
Caliophe knew that Gilbert was unlikely to handle this matter properly anyway.
So if she resolved the issue perfectly herself…
‘I could gain a huge advantage in the fight for succession.’
When Archibald had first proposed marriage as a condition for granting her the title of count, Caliophe had known that it wasn’t just about whether she would get married or not.
She simply hadn’t figured out the real reason yet.
‘That’s why, to secure the title over Gilbert, I need to show there’s a clear difference in our capabilities—even if I have to go out of my way to prove it.’
Having completed her calculations, Caliophe straightened her back and turned to Archibald.
At that moment, he was scolding his son, who was clinging to him and whining.
“Stop being so pathetic, Gilbert! A man should have some shame. You’re in no position to talk about achievements right now.”
“That’s too harsh, Father!”
Gilbert cried out in frustration. But sensing that wouldn’t work, he composed himself and began to plead again.
“Think about it. Regardless of the situation in the territory, wouldn’t it still be better to have an extra support person? If something were to happen to Caliophe, I could swiftly request reinforcements.”
Caliophe narrowed her eyes.
It wasn’t a completely unreasonable argument. Archibald also seemed to be considering it, as a frown formed on his brow.
“I assure you, even if just a little, I’ll be of help to the territory. I’ll quietly serve my penance once I return, so please—just this once, give me a chance!”
‘Oh? That was actually… a decent argument. Thanks to that, I don’t even need to step in personally.’
Sure enough, Archibald, after some hesitation, gave conditional approval.
“If Caliophe allows it, then so be it.”
Since things were going just as planned, there was no reason for her to object.
“Well, if Uncle insists that strongly, I suppose we should give you the opportunity.”
As Caliophe accepted, Archibald gave Gilbert one last warning.
“But Gilbert. You’d better remember this. If something like the last disgraceful incident happens again—”
“I promise, it won’t! Don’t worry!”
Gilbert jumped to his feet and shouted, his face now full of color and enthusiasm.
“Thank you, Father. You won’t regret this! And Caliophe, that was a very wise decision.”
That last comment was more than enough to irritate Caliophe.
“Uncle seems to think he’s someone of importance.”
She replied coldly.
“You think you’re in a position to evaluate me? You?”
Caliophe twisted up one corner of her lips. The ridicule was evident in her expression, and Gilbert’s face flushed with anger.
But he couldn’t argue back.
Caliophe was too competent, and more importantly, his own position wasn’t strong enough to push back.
“It’d be best if we conduct our investigations separately. And, of course, we’ll each make our own way to the territory.”
When Caliophe drew the line so clearly, Gilbert looked visibly flustered.
“What? But—”
“You’re the one who insisted on contributing to the effort. So shouldn’t you be taking the lead? That achievement you’re so eager to make—better do it before I take it all for myself.”
Finishing her sentence, Caliophe smiled sweetly.
Her thin, red lips curled into an elegant arc.
But her large, beautiful violet eyes remained icy.
‘No free rides. And I’ll have to figure out what you’re really up to, too.’
As far as Caliophe knew, Gilbert had never shown any interest in managing the territory.
He was the kind of man who preferred idling about rather than working.
The only reason he coveted the title was clear:
It was for the immense power that came with being the head of the family and the access to its wealth.
If Gilbert Roman inherited the title of Count, Caliophe could almost place an advanced magic formula bet that the Verdi family’s wealth would be drained within three years.
‘There’s no way Gilbert Roman would suddenly throw himself into work for no reason. Especially when he has a perfect excuse to lie low during his penance.’
“I’ll be leaving tomorrow. You should probably hurry if you don’t want to fall behind, Uncle.”
“R-right… Father, I’ll go get ready then…”
Gilbert barely managed a farewell to Archibald before dashing out of the office.
As she watched his retreating figure, Caliophe’s eyes gleamed like a predator who’d just spotted its prey.
Meanwhile, back at the Imperial Palace, Lerazier headed to his usual training area.
Not the official training grounds used by knights and soldiers, but an open, abandoned space nearby.
It was a neglected area with barely any foot traffic—perfect for Lerazier to practice his swordsmanship in private.
“……!”
As he walked along a shortcut, Lerazier suddenly sensed someone’s presence.
He quickly ducked behind a nearby tree.
“Please help me!”
‘Hmm… that voice?’
His exceptional memory quickly recalled where he’d heard it before.
His golden eyes contracted as they scanned the area—he soon found the source.
‘Of course. That guy.’
A man so pathetic that it was hard to believe he shared Verdi blood.
A man full of uncontrollable greed.
Gilbert Roman.
“It’s urgent. I need the prince’s help!”
Then another voice responded.
“What’s going on all of a sudden?”
Damn it. Lerazier swore under his breath.
He checked his surroundings and realized—of course—it was near the 2nd Prince’s palace.
Either way, he had no intention of getting involved with that arrogant fool, so he quieted his presence further.
‘But why is Gilbert Roman with the 2nd Prince?’
And more importantly, they didn’t seem to be meeting for the first time.
Lerazier observed them closely, not taking his eyes off them.
“Caliophe Verdi is leaving for the Verdi estate tomorrow!”
At the mention of Caliophe’s name, Lerazier’s ears perked up.
“What? I thought Archibald Verdi was going to the estate?”
The 2nd Prince asked, clearly startled.
“That was the plan! But that girl Caliophe insisted on going instead and now everything’s ruined!”
Gilbert was breathless, speaking as if someone were chasing him.
“You should’ve stopped her!”
The prince’s voice rose sharply, filled with frustration over the situation spiraling out of control.
“This isn’t the place to talk. Let’s go inside and discuss it properly.”
The 2nd Prince led Gilbert away.
Lerazier retraced the recent conversation and let out a meaningful smile.
“Looks like my fake lover is going to need my help.”
He turned back the way he came.
When he arrived home, Aegis blinked in surprise.
“You said you were going out to train. Why are you back so soon?”
“Got a problem with that?”
“Does any employee actually like it when their boss stays at the office longer?”
“That’s why I’m about to disappear for a few days.”
“……What?”
This time, Aegis looked genuinely baffled.
And when Lerazier packed his sword and a heavy pouch of coins, it was clear something serious was happening.
“Take care of Arsen while I’m gone.”
Only then did Aegis realize Lerazier wasn’t joking.
“Wait, where are you going this time? I thought you finally settled down after graduating from the academy—”
“Stop right there.”
“Yes, sir…!”
Aegis shut his mouth before crossing the line.
His tendency to speak only the harsh truth made him every boss’s nightmare.
“At least tell me where you’re going.”
“Where else?”
Lerazier grinned, baring his teeth.
“To the Verdi estate.”
