Chapter 27
After Algeron left, Benedict, now alone, dressed himself.
He couldn’t return to the duchy with this lingering unease in his heart. He needed to confirm whether Algeron’s words were true.
To examine the records Algeron had mentioned, he headed to the archives.
The librarians were startled to see the duke appear in the middle of the night, but he was able to obtain the materials he wanted without issue.
He already knew quite a lot about the founding of the country. The historical account he had learned in class didn’t differ significantly from the earliest records written here.
Before the Shevon royal family was established, the continent had been overrun by monsters, and humanity—regardless of nationality or religion—had united for survival.
But when the monsters retreated to the Demon Realm and the royal bloodline of the previous age had perished…
The continent faced the threat of collapse, divided by power struggles among various noble houses.
At that time, the people rallied behind Sir Shevon, who had pierced the heart of a mighty monster multiple times, and declared him king. He was a true knight, one who bore the people’s expectations as a solemn duty.
To usher in a new era, God promised to bestow blessings upon him.
This was the extent of what Benedict had known.
[But those blessings came with a condition. Someone had to bear a curse to preserve balance in the world.
The Duke of Winfield, elder brother to the first King Shevon, stepped forward willingly out of love for his brother.]
Benedict’s eyes widened in astonishment at this incredible revelation.
[Thanks to the blessings, King Shevon became an unrivaled power, and many nobles quickly submitted and pledged their loyalty.
Without the sacred sacrifice of Duke Winfield, the world might have once again fallen into chaos.]
Benedict dropped the book with a soft thud and leaned back against the bookshelf.
Only now did he fully understand why the royal family treated the ducal house with such exceptional care.
It wasn’t just about tradition. If something were to happen to the ducal house and the curse were lifted…
Then the royal family’s blessings would also vanish, along with the world’s balance.
✦ ✦ ✦
On a quiet afternoon in the royal palace—after Benedict and Emma had departed—Algeron, who had visited his ailing mother, headed to his father’s office upon receiving a summons.
“The duke?”
Although King Antoni Shevon was widely known as a gentle and considerate man, his demeanor changed when dealing with his heir, Algeron.
To him, Algeron was a complete extension of his will. It wasn’t particularly cruel—it was simply expected that a prince obey the king.
“He has returned.”
“Do you think I asked because I didn’t already know that?”
“My apologies.”
Algeron proceeded to report the events that occurred while Benedict was staying there, omitting the part about returning the real ring.
“He attempted to meet with the duchess to visit my mother, but it did not come to pass.”
“And his reason for seeking an audience?”
“They are sisters, after all. It seemed the duchess simply wished to reconnect.”
“Impossible.”
For the first time, the king looked up from his papers to meet his son’s gaze. His expression was completely emotionless.
“They’re worse than strangers to each other.”
“Still, it’s been a long time…”
“Do you believe rot turns fresh again just because time passes?”
The king rose from his seat and stood before Algeron.
Though Algeron was tall for his age, he still couldn’t compare to a fully grown man. He instinctively shrank back under the king’s overwhelming presence.
“As the prince who inherits the sacred blessing, you know what must be done.”
“Yes.”
“Remember—both I and my father bore this burden alone. At an age younger than you are now.”
In other words, Algeron was not allowed to show weakness.
“Yes.”
“Do not forget, Prince.”
The king seized Algeron’s chin, forcing him to look directly into his eyes—as though imprinting himself into the boy’s very soul.
“If they lift the curse, it will mean the fall of Shevon.”
“Of course… I understand.”
Algeron managed to reply with lips that barely moved.
“I will not take my eyes off the Winfield Duchy. I will make absolutely certain that Benedict never finds the ‘Crystal of the Covenant.’”
The king let go of him. He said nothing more.
Algeron knew that gesture was a dismissal. He bowed respectfully and left the office.
No parting words followed. Only the sound of a page turning in the background.
