Chapter 21.
What on Earth Is the Reason?
Lucent Blackcarson, dressed in a white linen jacket and a sky-blue shirt, did not look like the man she once knew.
Especially compared to when Applin von Hafen had gone to meet him at the bank, the difference was almost laughable.
Lucent had always worn a flawless suit, looking like a knight clad in armor.
He carried an atmosphere so relentlessly businesslike and rational that it was suffocating, without the slightest trace of leisure.
Yet the Lucent before her now exuded the relaxed air of someone who knew how to enjoy his free time.
Applin adjusted his collar neatly and whispered.
“Lucent, Representative Johannes Branner is an executive of the Regal Club.
This is a very good opportunity for you to make an impression.”
“As if I wouldn’t know.”
Applin sincerely hoped Lucent would mingle well with high society.
It was not a wish born of vanity, but because Lucent himself was more than worthy of being a member of the Regal Club.
To be excluded solely because of status felt rather unfair.
Just as he had suffered disadvantages due to his father despite graduating top of his class at the Imperial University of Kroissen.
That was why Applin wanted to help Lucent so badly.
“The Regal Club…”
Lucent murmured in a low voice.
A gentlemen’s club that did not admit just anyone, no matter how wealthy they were.
It was a private organization of figures well known in Kroissen’s political and financial circles, as well as artists, philosophers, and businessmen.
Most of them shared royal or noble lineage.
It was an influential group Lucent had once longed to join, even if he had to gild himself in money.
Yet suddenly, the burning ambition in his chest cooled.
‘What on earth is the reason?’
Even Lucent could not understand his own contradiction.
This time, emotion overpowered reason.
The feeling that such success was now utterly meaningless grew overwhelmingly strong.
He even found himself suspecting Applin’s intentions.
“Applin, is this wifely support?
Or do you simply want a husband worthy of your status?”
It was not a question without irony.
After all, he had entered into a contract marriage with Applin because of his own vanity in the first place.
“Wasn’t it what you wanted?”
“…I did.
You’re right.”
Lucent felt a hollow emptiness at her answer.
Who was he trying to shift the blame onto?
He found himself pitiful.
“I’m sorry.
I think I may have pressured you too much.
But since we were invited, let’s consider it simple courtesy to attend.”
Applin had not anticipated the burden Lucent might feel.
They had come to Haven for what was meant to be a honeymoon and a rest.
The sudden invitation must have felt like an extension of work.
“Do you know something?”
“What?”
“You’re truly wonderful.
No one outshines you.”
“…?!”
At Applin’s bright smile, luminous as moonlight, and her candid praise, Lucent’s thoughts stopped.
His once-quiet heart began pounding loudly.
The surroundings blurred, and only Applin’s smiling figure stood vividly before him.
Warmth spread through his body, and it seemed as though moonlight was raining down upon her hair.
“Let’s go now.”
At her urging, Lucent shook off his reverie.
The two boarded the prepared carriage and headed to Johannes Branner’s villa.
After about thirty minutes along the coastal road, they arrived at the serene estate.
Servants were busy neatly parking carriages in front, as other invited guests had already arrived.
Although Lucent had many connections among journalists, this was his first private meeting with the representative of the Empire’s leading Round Time magazine.
* * *
Serge returned to the Imperial Palace and received treatment from the court physician.
Fortunately, the wound on his Achilles tendon from the dog bite was not severe, and he was told he would walk again after about a month of treatment.
However, his mother looked at him with a deep sigh.
“Serge, refrain from public activities for the time being.
Public opinion about you is not favorable.”
“With my leg like this, I have no choice but to remain in the palace anyway, Mother.”
“That aside…”
His mother spoke with a hardened expression.
“You caused several incidents at once, and I hardly know where to begin cleaning them up.
That opera singer named Marita Belmont.”
“Mother, do you believe the child is mine?”
“Whether it is your child or not, the disgrace remains the same.
At this rate, how can we find you a suitable match?”
At his mother’s sharp remark, Serge found himself puzzled.
His parents had cherished Applin more than anyone and were the very ones who first called her the Golden Apple of the Empire.
Then why, when she announced she would marry Lucent Blackcarson, did they not object but even offer the Grand Temple owned by the Imperial Family as the wedding venue?
Could it be they feared that Count von Hafen might go bankrupt investing in the New Continent or be captured and killed by rebels?
Serge asked his mother the reason.
“Do you never read the newspapers?
Revolutions are breaking out across foreign lands, and monarchies are collapsing.
Several royal houses have already disappeared.
We must prepare as well.
We are searching for a powerful alliance that can protect the Imperial Family.”
“If possible, I would prefer my wife to be beautiful.
At least as beautiful as Applin, Mother.”
“Tsksk.”
She clicked her tongue and left.
But Serge ground his teeth and vowed revenge.
His mind was filled with thoughts of repaying the humiliation he had suffered from Blackcarson.
“Max.”
Serge rang the bell sharply, summoning his secretary.
It did not take long for Max to appear.
“Find someone among the Imperial officers who excels at marksmanship.”
“Your Highness…?”
By now, Max could read his master’s intent from his eyes alone.
“How long must such vermin in society be allowed to exist?”
“Please restrain yourself for the sake of Lady Applin von Hafen, Your Highness.”
“This is all for Applin.”
“…Pardon?”
Max tilted his head before realizing the implication, his eyes widening.
Was he planning to kill Blackcarson and later take Applin as his consort?
His master’s selfishness was as shameless and consistent as ever.
Times had changed.
It was no longer possible to hang a man by royal authority without cause.
‘He’ll be lucky if he doesn’t suffer the consequences himself.’
* * *
The Branner couple were refined people.
They warmly welcomed Applin and Lucent and showed them sincere favor.
Perhaps due to his many business dealings, Lucent was not intimidated in the presence of strangers.
With his intellectual eloquence, he even surprised the invited guests.
“I was curious about the gentleman chosen by the Empire’s Golden Apple, Miss Applin.
He certainly does not disappoint.”
Mrs. Branner openly praised Applin’s discernment.
“I heard it was a love marriage.
Is that true?”
Another noblewoman asked Applin for confirmation.
“Yes…
That’s right.
He was the one who willingly took my hand when I was struggling.”
At her reply, the ladies nodded and murmured among themselves.
Perhaps they sympathized with her over Crown Prince Serge’s betrayal, looking at her with pity.
Some even offered comfort.
“In the end, it turned out well, didn’t it?
Mr. Blackcarson is far more charming than the Crown Prince.”
The ladies burst into cheerful laughter, and Applin forced herself to laugh along, her face twitching slightly.
“By the way, what are our gentlemen doing?”
They wondered how their husbands were enjoying the party.
Lucent conversed for a while with Johannes Branner before being introduced to several gentlemen.
It was surprising that he met several key figures of the Regal Club all at once.
Moreover, none of them rejected him and treated him politely.
Of course, it was likely thanks to Applin.
But there was always an unexpected variable in any gathering.
A handsome man with red hair and golden eyes approached Lucent, and the atmosphere shifted.
Naturally, he was a well-known figure Lucent recognized.
“So you are the one who stole my Golden Apple.”
Though wrapped in a pleasant smile, his vigilance was unmistakable.
“Sir Blanca de Madrid, it is an honor to meet you.”
Lucent greeted him politely.
