Chapter 33
A suffocating silence fell.
Even though he knew I was standing behind him, Laslo continued staring at the painting for a very long time.
The painting was now covered with cloth.
Laslo remembered every detail of it with perfect clarity.
The weather that day, the warmth, even the clothes he wore.
Laslo recalled the memories, then turned his head slightly to look at me. He spoke slowly.
“…Your mother, she was…”
His tone was that of someone talking to himself. He didn’t wait for my reply and continued.
“…the most enigmatic person.”
He finished speaking and returned his gaze to the painting. He remembered the place depicted in it.
The place where he first met her.
A field of flowers.
On a dark night, a mysterious woman illuminated by moonlight—enough to steal the heart of a young wolf who had only just become the family head.
Her silver hair shimmered as if dissolving under the moon, her blue eyes tinged with silver as though the moon itself had been embedded in them, and her gentle smile that seemed capable of embracing the entire world.
Yes, Lisley was an enigmatic woman.
No word described her better than mystery.
Laslo slowly closed his eyes. In the darkness behind his eyelids, that woman appeared, smiling at him with breathtaking beauty.
He had spared no sacrifice to see that smile again. He wanted to place every precious thing in the world at her feet. He loved her more than his own heart.
But she appeared suddenly, and she left suddenly.
Now, her face was no longer clear in his memory. Everything except her smile had become hazy, as though someone had smeared white paint over it.
Had too much time passed? Or was it the desperate attempt of a wolf to escape the grief of losing his companion? He didn’t know.
But one thing he was certain of.
“…I was completely enchanted.”
Utterly enchanted by that enigmatic woman. Now those feelings felt almost unbelievable.
That’s why perhaps the memories and emotions had faded. Shouldn’t a great love be remembered with perfect clarity?
Trying to recall it deeply only made it fade further. A woman forgotten quickly if not constantly evoked. Enchantment, or perhaps a spell.
Laslo let out a soft laugh. A ridiculous idea, even for him.
A spell? Hadn’t magic disappeared long ago?
His brothers had failed to find a mage to overthrow him.
Laslo shook off the absurd thoughts and turned to face me, standing behind him. He saw my clenched fist, veins bulging from the force.
What are you holding back? He disliked that she didn’t hide her emotions.
His daughter’s usual habit. She clenched her fist when suppressing something. She had done it when she lost her mother, and occasionally still showed it, so he had severely reprimanded her for not concealing her feelings.
But she still revealed emotional weakness. A great disappointment. He should have realized it when she allied with Priscilla. No matter how lenient he had been, it was time to restore discipline.
‘I’m not unaware of her anxiety about losing her position, but my daughter must be perfect.’
He had let it slide because of his own weakness, and that was the mistake.
Laslo clicked his tongue and looked at me with displeasure. My eyes were complicated, but he stopped trying to read them—there was no need.
There was something more important, so he spoke in a deliberately gentle tone.
“Do you remember your mother?”
“…”
“Erika.”
“…Yes, Father. I remember her.”
My voice trembled slightly. Laslo noticed and smiled with satisfaction.
‘She misses her mother, doesn’t she?’
He knew her mother was her greatest weakness. He hadn’t used it before because she had been the perfect daughter who carried out his orders without question.
But now it was different.
She had allied with his enemy and shown rebellion. And Beyran, head of House Regulus, had rushed and made a mistake.
‘…He must have spouted nonsense about inheriting the throne.’
He shouldn’t have overlooked it back then.
Even if they had allied for mutual benefit, there was an order. Beyran had spoken as if Laslo had already agreed.
That had provoked an already tense Erika.
And Delamont was absent.
For these reasons, Laslo was forced to use his strongest weapon.
Otherwise, the last trace of his companion would slip beyond his reach.
‘…I won’t let her escape my control.’
The very thought was disgusting. Laslo suppressed his emotions and continued.
“Your mother was worried about you until her final moment. Do you know that?”
“…I know.”
“She entrusted me with raising you well.”
“…”
“So I must secure the best position for you.”
“…Really?”
“Of course.”
Erika lowered her head in silence. Laslo continued in a soft tone.
“Don’t hold resentment because of the political marriage. I searched for the best position for you.”
“…”
“My daughter will shine in House Regulus.”
“…”
“And listen to the words of the head of House Regulus with one ear and let them out the other. His nonsense isn’t new, and I know you’ll choose what to listen to, but be careful not to keep any of it.”
Erika said nothing. She had a lot to think about. Laslo placed his hand on her shoulder and patted it twice. A rare affectionate gesture. He had been stricter ever since Erika began working as heir.
‘…This should be enough.’
Erika had always craved affection.
As a child, she would look at him expectantly for praise after carrying out his orders. She was the same now, so Laslo continued to solidify it.
“If you skillfully take control of House Regulus, I will bring you back to our family.”
“…”
“And if you hate that, I’ll build you a palace in a quiet place and send your mother’s belongings there.”
“…Father.”
Erika finally spoke. Yes, she couldn’t resist this offer. His displeasure at having to use this weapon was great, but he was satisfied. He answered tenderly.
“Yes, Erika.”
“…What am I to you?”
“You are my daughter. My perfect daughter whom I raised.”
“…Really.”
“That is an unchanging truth. You are the most precious to me, so even if my orders anger you, understand.”
“…”
“I trust you, Erika.”
So don’t disappoint me again.
Erika raised her head and looked at him. Her eyes, once filled with complicated emotions, were now full of resolve. Laslo was pleased with that.
“Then prepare for tomorrow’s meeting.”
“…Yes.”
With that, Erika left Laslo’s bedroom. He didn’t take his eyes off her until the door closed. Once she disappeared, he turned back to the painting.
“…Lisley.”
As you wished, I will hold on to my position, and the child will be perfect under my guidance.
Everything as you wanted.
“So don’t blame me for my harshness.”
Laslo stared at the painting with indifferent eyes for a long time, then moved. Tomorrow was the day of the meeting, and there was much to prepare.
The family moved actively to carry out their tasks.
Thus dawned the morning of the regular meeting, each side with their own goals.
