HCGS 131

CHAPTER 131,……………………………………………

At the royal villa of the Hwang family, nestled along the beautiful southern beaches, Aaron’s expression was serious as he entered the study.

Though he might have been weary from the long journey, he had been lost in deep thought ever since returning from the Marquis’ residence, never once sitting down.

“…I didn’t think they’d be that kind of person.”

“Your Highness.”

“No matter how I look at it… I just can’t believe they would have done something like that to the House of Duke Oren.”

He shook his head, recalling Adel, who had shone like a natural queen under the moonlight.

Even if he couldn’t claim to have a keen eye for people or much experience, she didn’t seem like the type to deliberately harm others.

Yet rumors of the prestigious ducal family collapsing had already spread throughout the entire capital.

They said it was due to reckless business expansions and so on, but having grown up in the royal family, Aaron was naturally suspicious.

Still, seeing Chloe tearfully crumpled in the cramped hotel room, he had to admit at least one thing: that the heir of the Sergio family and his brother’s wife was no ordinary woman.

“So, Your Highness, you were deceived by appearances too.”

“…Miss.”

“Sniff… I brought you there in such a state because I wanted you to see for yourself what kind of person she truly is, but perhaps it was pointless.”

Chloe, carefully reading his expression, quickly lifted a handkerchief to wipe her tears.

The silk handkerchiefs she had brought had all been confiscated by that woman’s creditors, and this one had been handed to her by Aaron.

This is it.

Feeling the long-dreamed-of, soft texture between her fingers, Chloe regained some composure.

“You, too, were fooled by her looks and her acting, just like the Crown Prince.”

“But she is far too…”

“She’s a terrifying woman who has dominated the south and even swallowed up our family. No wonder the Crown Prince fell for her, sniff…”

“…Indeed.”

Even his icy elder brother was visibly flustered by his wife’s slightest expression or gesture.

Things that would have been unimaginable in the royal palace were perfectly natural before her.

“Still, it’s hard to judge someone from just one encounter. Even when I had people investigate her, the report said she was a little cold but wouldn’t act against reason, so I thought she would suit my brother well.”

“Not at all. That woman?”

“…So you’re saying she’s not?”

Aaron raised one eyebrow at Chloe’s slightly excited reaction.

“Of course not. The Sergio family practically controls the southern region; who would dare speak the truth about her? Anyone who did would be immediately buried alive.”

“Fascinating.”

“Yes, the whole family is… astonishing, really.”

“No, Miss. You.”

“….”

“It’s just that this is the first time I’ve heard you speak ill of someone.”

At Aaron’s gentle remark, Chloe snapped her mouth shut.

Yikes.

Quickly regaining her composure, she dabbed at her eyes with the handkerchief.

“Huh, what choice did I have? My father is already heartbroken because of Emily and now risks ending up on the streets…”

“What exactly happened?”

“I wanted to meet the Crown Prince in person, but there was no proper way. So while expanding my business, I thought I might naturally build a connection. But it seems Mrs. Sergio misunderstood.”

“How could that happen?”

“Exactly. I was only representing my family and bidding fairly, yet she treated me with such suspicion.”

The bitter words flowed smoothly before Aaron.

With both brothers having such low standards, Aaron was visibly displeased whenever he seemed to show favor toward Adel.

Before he could completely fall under the spell, some indoctrination might be necessary.

“Our family was brought to ruin by one person’s whims and games… now, how am I supposed to face my father… sniff…”

“Miss.”

“I only wished to help according to Your Highness’ wishes, but I never imagined things would turn out this way…”

Her subtle guilt-inducing words made his expression complicated.

While Chloe’s tears were disconcerting, he could not ignore the fact that his presence there was connected to her.

“In any case, to understand the situation, I must see my brother immediately. There’s no time to waste here.”

“Is His Majesty gravely ill?”

“….”

“Oh, I was just…”

“No, a fact is a fact.”

When Chloe, who had shown undue interest in royal secrets, suddenly lowered herself, Aaron’s expression stiffened again.

As His Majesty’s lucidity was fading day by day, he would have to bring his brother to serve their father’s wishes.

‘I must use any means necessary.’

Every passing moment felt precious and frustrating to him.

Though he wanted to take him by force, his brother was untouchable.

“My place is here.”

Recalling those icy, piercing eyes staring at him sent chills down his spine.

Born a prince, Aaron had never been overwhelmed by anyone’s presence, which made this all the more baffling.

“This isn’t where he belongs.”

He exhaled, the sound blending with the southern heat.

Even if his brother had a reason for leaving the palace, seeing such excessive attachment here was strange.

Attachment.

Yes, that was the only way to describe it.

To strangers, it might seem like the usual cold gaze, but to him, a blood relative who had grown up seeing him, the change was unmistakable.

“Lower your voice. Even better if you disappear.”

It all started when that woman appeared.

Everything about his normally indifferent brother changed completely.

“How did the lady come all the way here?”

“You’re the one who should explain why you’re here, after promising to watch over him.”

Even more astonishing was that woman.

Boldly approaching, holding his brother’s sleeve, shaking her head, and looking up directly into his eyes—it was simply remarkable.

So utterly focused on each other that anyone else seemed irrelevant.

“It’s better to be cautious. We need to know what kind of person she really is first.”

“But anyone we ask here will give the same answer. As I said, the south is entirely under her and the count’s family’s control.”

“Today, the banquet was almost the size of the royal palace’s.”

“Exactly. To accumulate that much wealth in this region, imagine the efforts it must have taken. And since she hasn’t made her name known in the capital, there must be something she’s hiding.”

“Something to hide?”

“…Just my speculation.”

As soon as Aaron showed interest, Chloe conveniently dodged the topic.

This was enough to tempt the suspicious prince into taking the bait.

Revealing more would only backfire if he asked how she knew.

“I just can’t quite understand. I’m worried it might tarnish the Crown Prince’s honor. That someone would know she married him and stir up needless gossip…”

“…Even so, it’s my brother’s choice. Not just anyone, but the imperial Crown Prince. He wouldn’t make such a reckless decision.”

Hmm.

Aaron leaned on the table, deep in thought.

Caught in a dilemma. Interfering with the two unusual people might only incur his brother’s wrath and make matters worse.

“What to do… my brother won’t listen to anything about his wife now. Investigating those around her is useless if that’s the case…”

“Ah! Now that I think of it, there is one suitable person!”

Muttering to himself, Aaron flinched when he saw Chloe approaching.

Could she really be that perceptive?

Today had been full of surprises, but now he had no choice but to pay attention to her voice.

“A suitable person? Didn’t you say the south already obeys her family?”

“Even so, there’s someone who can testify about her as she truly is.”

“Who could that be? Are you sure?”