Chapter 27
The atmosphere around them grew sharp, like blades honed to a fine edge, and Gilbert quickly shut his mouth again.
“I hold Gilbert Roman, the head of the Roman family, accountable. All three of you are to reflect on your actions. You are banned from entering any part of the Count’s estate except the annex and its surroundings. For the time being, you are also prohibited from attending any social gatherings.”
“That’s outrageous!”
“Be quiet!”
Natalie cried out as if in desperation, unable to accept that, but Gilbert grabbed her arm and shot her a terrifying glare, causing her to fall silent.
“Furthermore, all financial support that was previously provided to the Roman family for living expenses will be cut off from this moment forward.”
“Th-then how are we supposed to survive? Sister!”
Nicholas, who had been staying quiet, couldn’t help but show his true colors the moment money was mentioned.
Calliope pursed her lips. That beautiful yet arrogant smile she was known for returned.
But her eyes were not smiling at all—they were cold and chilling.
“You’ll have to earn it yourself.”
Calliope spoke coldly, as though handing down a sentence.
“Did you think you could leech off House Verdi forever? If so, you should’ve crawled on the ground in submission. Maybe then I would’ve thrown you a few scraps.”
Her words were shockingly harsh—unbelievable, coming from her.
But the staff of the Count’s residence, who had been watching the whole time, looked more relieved than appalled.
That was why, even as he trembled with humiliation and shame, Gilbert couldn’t utter a word in protest.
“Remember this well. What happened today was me being lenient. There won’t be a second time.”
“……”
“Take them away.”
At Calliope’s gesture, the soldiers escorted them out. Harold followed to confirm their removal.
‘That part’s settled now.’
Calliope brushed her long hair back and let out a quiet sigh—only to hear a voice cry out in admiration.
“Good heavens, our lady is merciful indeed…!”
It was the voice of the head chef who had long overseen the Verdi family’s meals. With that, others joined in with their own outbursts.
“Ungrateful wretches who repay kindness with betrayal aren’t even human!”
“People like them ought to have their limbs X-ed, their necks X-ed, and be XX-ed altogether!”
“Don’t say things like that! I’m sure the young lady has her reasons for being this generous. Isn’t that right, miss?”
“Still, seeing them bawling their eyes out just now was so satisfying!”
Calliope gave them a slight nod before turning around. No one saw it, but the corners of her lips lifted subtly.
‘That felt better than I expected.’
She had felt a bit uneasy for not completely crushing Gilbert—but now that feeling was being washed away.
“Well, there’ll be plenty more chances to destroy Gilbert in the future anyway.”
More importantly, this wasn’t the most pressing matter at hand. Calliope recalled how Archibald’s hand had been faintly trembling.
‘I’m used to Uncle’s meddling…’
But something felt off this time.
She decided she needed to hurry and uncover her grandfather’s true intentions.
* * *
Archibald expressed sincere gratitude to Rerajie.
“Thank you very much for saving Calliope, Your Highness the Seventh Prince.”
“Think nothing of it. Lady Calliope and I are in a relationship, after all. If someone I care for is in danger, it’s only right to risk my life to protect them.”
Rerajie replied like a devoted lover. Had Calliope heard him, she’d have cringed and probably kicked him on the spot.
But Archibald, deeply fond of his granddaughter, simply smiled softly.
“I don’t have much, but I would like to offer you something in return. Is there anything you need?”
“I did not help her expecting anything in return. There’s no need.”
Rerajie declined politely. In truth, it was Calliope’s plan that had cleverly turned Gilbert’s scheme on its head, so receiving compensation didn’t sit well with him.
“This old man just wishes to do something for his granddaughter. Please don’t feel burdened by it.”
Rerajie looked at Archibald for a moment. In those eyes—the same color as Calliope’s—he saw affection, guilt, and sorrow.
“Then please explain, Margrave.”
He got straight to the point, aiming to uncover Archibald’s true intentions.
“What do you mean?”
“I mean the reason you imposed such a test on your beloved granddaughter.”
“……”
Saying she had to marry in order to inherit the title—such an absurd and sudden condition couldn’t be justified merely by the need for a family and a legal heir.
“Is there a reason you can’t speak of?”
“……”
“Or perhaps… you don’t trust me?”
Archibald’s expression was unreadable. But his eyes were sharp, revealing that his mind was still sharp as ever.
“There are things that can only be revealed at the right time. One day, Your Highness will come to understand.”
Rerajie narrowed his brows at the cryptic reply.
“I doubt I’m the only one wondering about this. Lady Calliope has probably long suspected there’s another reason behind your actions.”
“I know she does.”
“She might even have already started quietly investigating, trying to uncover your true intentions.”
At those words, a faint crack appeared in the calm mask Archibald wore. Rerajie realized he had hit the mark.
‘Calliope Verdi must not find out.’
Seeing through the situation, Rerajie decided to use this opportunity—to gain Archibald’s favor and secure his own future.
“I’ll divert her attention. I’ll make sure Lady Calliope doesn’t dig too deeply into your secrets.”
Archibald’s eyebrow twitched. A sign of interest. Rerajie continued.
“After all, the title is what matters most to her right now. When someone’s focused on their goal, little distractions like curiosity tend to fade away.”
Archibald silently observed Rerajie. His expression was unreadable. Finally, he spoke.
“Then… what do you wish to receive in return?”
Success.
Rerajie carefully chose his words.
‘One wrong move, and everything could fall apart.’
According to Calliope, Archibald Verdi had no interest in politics or power. So he had to avoid giving that impression.
After a moment, Rerajie’s golden eyes looked straight into Archibald’s.
“If someday I find myself in desperate need of help… would you assist me, just once?”
Archibald slightly furrowed his brows. He stared at Rerajie, as if something had occurred to him, and finally replied.
“I will.”
Not long after their conversation ended, Calliope returned.
She drank her tea calmly, not at all resembling someone who’d had her life threatened just hours earlier.
Archibald watched her and spoke.
“Calliope, I owe you a debt.”
“For what?”
She feigned ignorance in her reply.
“When has Uncle ever not caused trouble?”
Even as she responded nonchalantly, Calliope subtly studied Archibald’s face, hoping he wasn’t too upset.
“I know you covered it up because of me.”
“Oh my, are you calling me soft-hearted?”
Unlike her composed tone, Archibald’s eyes gradually filled with longing.
‘Even things like that… she’s just like her…’
He blinked rapidly to wipe away the moisture from his eyes, then said,
“I heard you weren’t hurt, but are you truly alright? If needed, we can call a doctor for a thorough examination.”
“He didn’t even lay a finger on me, so don’t worry.”
Calliope shrugged it off as if it were no big deal and asked,
“By the way, where on earth were you all this time? You suddenly disappeared and didn’t return for days. Do you know how worried I was?”
Touched by her affectionate scolding, Archibald gave a sheepish smile.
With a slightly darkened expression, he rubbed his furrowed brows and answered,
“I went to meet the Margrave of Orkel.”
