Chapter 14
June 18, 2023
The once-quiet Esper Castle became busy preparing for the soon-to-arrive unwelcome guests. Security, in particular, was greatly reinforced.
“….”
On her way to the library after lunch, Irene paused and looked out the window as fully armed knights marched past. From their appearance, they looked less like guards and more like soldiers heading into battle.
Even Irene knew that the relationship between the Temple and the Esper family was poor.
More precisely, it was the Temple that spread all kinds of malicious rumors—that the Esper bloodline consorted with monsters or delighted in killing.
So it was understandable that Karlos disliked and distrusted them… but was this level of armament really necessary?
If the priests saw this, they might misunderstand and think the Esper family wanted war with the Temple.
“Is something wrong, Miss?”
Jesse, who had been walking ahead, turned and asked. Irene shook her head.
“It’s nothing.”
He must have his reasons.
Though worried, Irene decided it wasn’t her place to interfere in matters she didn’t understand and continued to the library.
Once there, Jesse asked:
“You’ll be staying here until evening again today, right?”
“I think so.”
“Then may I step out for a bit? I have something to take care of.”
Unlike before, this wasn’t an excuse. With the impending visit, Jesse was genuinely busy.
“Of course. Go ahead.”
“I’ll be back soon. Don’t go anywhere until I return.”
After emphasizing it several times, Jesse left.
Entering the library, Irene naturally sat down on the sofa. On the table lay the book she had been reading the day before.
[To My Beloved]
It was a romance novel.
After hearing Karlos say she would need to act as if she loved him, Irene had started reading romance books.
She had never loved anyone before.
She didn’t know how to act.
To love someone… or to be loved—those were things only people with experience could understand.
If her acting was poor, she wouldn’t be able to fool the priests—or clear herself of being labeled a witch.
So Irene studied love as best she could.
But the more she studied, the more confused she became.
Love was too difficult.
Everyone expressed it differently.
“Should I be more expressive?”
She needed to make it clear to the priests that she liked Karlos.
But if she overdid it, it would seem unnatural… she needed balance.
“This is so hard.”
What was he planning to do?
Irene suddenly grew curious about Karlos’s approach. She even thought it might be easier to copy him.
“Should I ask him tonight?”
What if it made things awkward?
Knock knock.
A soft knock pulled her from her thoughts.
“Come in.”
She thought it was Jesse—but it was Deus.
“Master is calling for you.”
…Ah, not Dewey. Deus.
They looked so identical it was hard to tell at a glance.
“Let’s go.”
His tone was polite, but his gaze toward Irene was cold—filled with irritation and contempt.
Why does he look at me like that…?
“Do you… dislike me?”
Ah.
She hadn’t meant to say that out loud.
Startled, Irene covered her mouth and glanced at him.
Fortunately, Deus’s expression didn’t change.
“Let’s go.”
He turned and walked out.
Completely ignored, Irene hurried after him, her ears flushed red.
After walking for some time, they stopped in front of a room at the end of the west corridor on the fourth floor.
This was… the Grand Duke’s bedroom.
Irene recalled Jesse mentioning it before and looked at the ornate door in surprise.
Deus knocked.
“Master. I’ve brought her.”
“Come in.”
Deus opened the door and gestured for her to enter.
Though reluctant to step into a man’s private bedroom, Irene had no choice.
Inside, Karlos sat comfortably on a sofa, while Dewey stood behind him.
Dewey greeted her with his eyes—but his expression hardened when he saw Deus enter.
A strange, heavy tension filled the air between the two.
Irene glanced between them, confused.
Aren’t they twins…? Are they not close?
“Have you been studying?”
Karlos’s voice drew her attention.
“I heard from Jesse that you’ve been reading romance novels.”
Irene gave an awkward smile.
“I’ve been studying diligently.”
“Love isn’t something you can learn from studying.”
“….”
“But it’s better than nothing.”
He motioned with his fingers, signaling her to come closer.
As Irene cautiously approached, Karlos suddenly grabbed her hand and pulled—
“Ah!”
She let out a small cry as she landed on his lap.
“What—what are you…?”
“When the priests arrive, we may need to do even more than this.”
Even more than this…?
Her imagination ran wild, and her golden eyes trembled.
“So, we should practice now—so you can get used to it.”
“D-Do we really need to practice—ah!”
As his hand touched her waist, Irene froze completely, letting out a strange sound.
Karlos laughed.
“You freeze at something this minor—do you really think you can act naturally later without practice?”
“….”
She couldn’t answer.
At the same time, she became painfully aware of where their bodies touched. As she shifted slightly—
Warm breath brushed over her head.
“If you keep moving like that, it’ll be troublesome.”
Troublesome… how?
She turned, confused, and Karlos let out a soft laugh.
“You’re young.”
“Who? Me? I’m not young—I’m an adult.”
“I know.”
Hard to believe, though.
He released her waist.
Irene quickly stood up, escaping his lap.
Just then—knock.
Deus stepped out to answer and soon returned, his expression serious.
“Master. The pigeons have just entered the territory.”
That explained his face.
Dewey’s expression darkened as well.
“They’ve arrived already.”
Karlos, however, smiled—though his eyes were cold.
“Dewey. Give them a grand welcome. And check what I told you earlier.”
“Yes, Master.”
“Deus, keep watch so they don’t try anything.”
“Yes, sir.”
After the twins left, Irene also tried to leave—but Karlos stopped her.
“Starting today, your bedroom will be here.”
“…What?”
Does that mean… I’ll sleep here?
With him?
Her gaze drifted toward the bed.
Unlike her own ornate canopy bed, Karlos’s was simple—but much larger. Big enough for several people.
That wasn’t the issue.
Sleeping with him was.
She hesitated.
She knew he didn’t mean anything improper—it was all to clear her name.
Still… did it really have to go this far?
Should I say something?
Would he even listen?
“Say what you’re thinking.”
His words gave her courage.
“I don’t think we need to share a bedroom… Even if people are in love, they don’t always sleep together.”
She clutched her skirt nervously.
“It might look convincing, but… it could also seem too forced. The priests might find it suspicious.”
“I see.”
After a moment, Karlos nodded.
“Fine. We’ll do it your way.”
Her eyes widened.
He listened…?
“Then I’ll prepare to receive the pigeons. You’ll meet them soon as well, so go and get ready. Jesse will come.”
“Yes.”
After leaving, Irene stood in front of the closed door, placing a hand on her chest.
A strange feeling filled her.
“…Maybe he’s not such a bad person.”
Startled at speaking her thoughts aloud again, she covered her mouth and quickly hurried away.
Not long after, word arrived that the priests had entered the castle.
Though everything was ready, Karlos didn’t go to greet them immediately. Instead, he leisurely drank tea.
Only after the steam faded and the teapot cooled did he rise.
As he headed to the audience hall, Dewey followed.
“I checked. It doesn’t seem related to that person.”
“You’re certain?”
“Yes.”
So this was an independent move by the Temple?
Strange. He had been certain that man was involved.
“Keep watching, just in case.”
“Yes.”
Soon, they arrived.
As Karlos entered, the waiting priests turned toward him.
Their faces were tired from travel—and tinged with resentment from being made to wait.
Ignoring their stares, Karlos sat at the head.
A middle-aged man stepped forward and bowed.
“I am Trope, a faithful servant of Paradigma. I greet His Grace, Grand Duke Karlos Dune Esper.”
Priests had no family names—they belonged to the Temple.
Karlos gave a slight nod, leaning back casually—clearly not welcoming.
Some priests frowned, but Trope remained unfazed.
“Thank you for receiving us despite our sudden visit. May the blessing of the Divine—”
“That’s enough.”
Karlos cut him off.
“What do you want?”
“….”
Trope paused briefly, then answered:
“We have come regarding the witch in Your Grace’s possession.”
His voice was calm, but his eyes were resolute.
“It is law that witches be burned upon discovery. Therefore, we ask that you hand her over to us.”
