Chapter 44
He left behind the center of social gossip and stepped inside to fulfill the purpose of his visit.
A short while later, three men sat facing each other in a hidden chamber inside Marchioness Sheoli’s salon.
They were none other than the heads of the three ducal houses—excluding the Duke of Lucifer.
“What on earth was His Majesty thinking, approving the Duke of Lucifer’s business proposal?”
The last to arrive, Duke Hermannus, didn’t even bother to hide his rising irritation as he voiced his complaint.
Across from him, Duke Belasia leisurely lifted the wine before him and smiled.
“There must be a reason His Majesty approved it.”
“Looks like you’ve been holed up in your territory too long and haven’t caught up on the latest rumors?”
At Duke Decimo’s remark, Duke Hermannus frowned.
“You mean that nonsense about him finding his daughter? Who would believe such drivel? Didn’t Nersha herself say the child was stillborn? I saw the corpse with my own eyes.”
The so-called rumor filled Hermannus with frustration, as did Lucifer’s recent behavior.
He still remembered how Lucifer had brazenly stormed into his lands, declaring that his daughter was there and demanding cooperation, ordering him not to interfere as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
“The man is arrogant beyond his station.”
Even venting his anger wasn’t enough to cool it.
“Doesn’t he tire of gambling his life on false hope? If it were me, I’d have given up long ago.”
On top of everything, he resented having to follow Lucifer to the capital when his own territory was already busy.
Just as he reached for his wine to swallow down his fury—
“It’s true.”
“What?”
At Duke Belasia’s sudden words, every movement froze.
“What do you mean?”
“That the young lady of House Lucifer has really returned. The Duke says he found her.”
At Duke Decimo’s explanation, Hermannus barked in disbelief.
“Don’t try to fool me! Just because I’ve been away from the capital doesn’t mean you can deceive me!”
But despite his scolding, neither of the other two dukes showed any sign of jest.
Realizing it wasn’t a prank, Hermannus let out a hollow laugh of disbelief.
“Didn’t you confirm with your own eyes that the child was stillborn, Duke Decimo?”
“That wench tricked us. Hid behind her father’s back and lied.”
Grinding his teeth in fury, Duke Decimo downed his wine to calm himself, while Duke Belasia spoke again with a faint smile.
“And apparently, the girl was born at the orphanage in your territory.”
“What?”
“I hear she’s rather close to your daughter as well.”
“What are you implying?”
“If you’re curious, ask your daughter yourself. But that’s not the point right now.”
Belasia set down his wineglass, his tone turning serious.
“First, we need to get rid of the child of prophecy.”
“……True.”
“She who must not be kept alive—our lord said she’ll become an obstacle to our future. That cursed girl must be erased from this world.”
Decimo crossed his legs, his face hard with fury. He seemed particularly angered that something the three of them should have handled together had been acted on unilaterally.
“Calm yourself. I acted quickly, without waiting to gather opinions, because swiftness was necessary. Our lord advised as much. I only hurried to share the news with you afterward.”
“So Lucifer’s sudden trip to the capital—that was your arrangement too?”
At Hermannus’ question, Belasia nodded.
It was true he had been the one to persuade the uneasy emperor—spooked by Lucifer’s threatening letter—that the duke should be allowed entry.
“I’ve planted a spy there. A close maidservant attending the young lady. When she signals, we’ll cooperate and abduct the girl.”
“Not kill her?”
“Our lord wishes to confirm it with his own eyes this time, and only then end her life.”
Hermannus looked displeased, but Decimo grinned, baring his teeth as if he liked the sound of it.
“So in other words, as long as she’s alive, that’s enough.”
As his blood-red eyes gleamed dangerously, Belasia chuckled.
“Exactly. As long as she breathes, it doesn’t matter. Our lord said nothing otherwise.”
“Then it’s settled. I’ll send my men. They’re the best for this sort of job.”
Decimo slapped his knee and laughed, but Hermannus immediately snapped back.
“Don’t be ridiculous. You’d trust this mission to those failures again? Impossible. I’ll handle it myself.”
“Bold words, for someone who didn’t even know she was in his own lands.”
The two dukes glared at each other as though ready to kill. The atmosphere grew tense until Belasia defused it.
“Gentlemen, we didn’t come here to quarrel. Our lord has already dispatched people to Lucifer’s territory.”
“So the plan is to strike as soon as that fool arrives in the capital.”
Hermannus, regaining composure, nodded calmly.
“It’s all as our lord ordained.”
“Then there’s nothing to object to.”
Even Decimo, though regretful, accepted without protest.
“Once the Duke of Lucifer reaches the capital, we’ll need to keep him tied up as long as possible.”
“Just the thought of enduring that wretch’s presence already stifles me.”
Hermannus sneered, curling his lips into a sly grin, while Decimo clicked his tongue, thinking of the man’s massive frame.
“Well then, let’s suffer together for a while.”
Raising his wineglass, Belasia spoke.
The other two dukes poured fresh wine, lifted their glasses, and the three clinked them together with crooked smiles.
Two and a half weeks had already passed since the Duke of Lucifer and the young master had left.
Though Flora sometimes gazed out the window with a lonely look, she never whined about missing her family.
And really, she had plenty to do while they were away.
“You want to climb a tree, my lady?”
“Mhm! Daddy always says it’s too dangerous, so he never lets me. That’s why I wanna try it while he’s not here.”
Her eyes sparkled as she pressed her hands together, pleading earnestly. But Elena, who had worn the same gentle smile from start to finish, did not waver.
“Then you know what I must say.”
“Aw… no?”
“Yes. It’s dangerous, so no.”
No matter how she begged, the answer was firm rejection.
“Your body is small and delicate, my lady. You must be extra careful.”
“Hmph.”
And here I thought I’d have better luck asking while Basilian isn’t around.
In truth, she’d already been refused yesterday. And now again today. Pouting in disappointment, Flora stuck out her lips.
“Even if I make a duck face, it’s still no?”
But Elena was immovable.
Unfazed even by Flora’s cuteness, she pinched the little beak-shaped lips and gently wiggled them.
O-only Teacher Rian ever dared do that to me!
Flora looked up at her in shock, only for Elena to let slip a small laugh.
“So why aren’t you playing with Basilian today?”
“Basil’s busy. He’s late.”
“That must be disappointing.”
“Mhm.”
She had promised Atanas never to skip their daily walks. So even if Basilian wasn’t with her, Flora still went out diligently—always holding tightly to Elena’s hand.
“But it’s okay. ‘Cause I love spending time with you too, Elena!”
“…Really?”
“Uh-huh. I like you.”
“…How much?”
Flora was about to tease her by withholding an answer, but then she caught the glimmer of tears forming in Elena’s eyes. Her playfulness melted away at once.
“A lot.”
She took Elena’s hand and pressed it to her cheek, smiling brightly.
“I really, really love you.”
Haa… you look so down today. Consider that a gift from me.
Flora knew Elena didn’t truly like her, but she thought—surely she won’t reject a child’s affection outright. So she’d spoken on impulse.
At the little girl’s sincere confession, a faint smile blossomed on Elena’s face.
But it wasn’t the smile of pure happiness.
It looks… resigned somehow.
Flora kept staring, unable to look away. And then, suddenly, her gaze caught the hem of Elena’s skirt.
It’s… glowing? What’s that?
In that instant, Elena abruptly scooped Flora into her arms.
“Elena?”
Startled, Flora widened her eyes and called out.
Without answering, Elena ran deep into the garden and set her down amid thick bushes.
“What are you doing?”
At first Flora thought it might be a game, but Elena’s expression was too grave.
After putting her down, Elena lowered her head and said nothing for a long moment.
Sensing something wrong, Flora placed her small hand on Elena’s head. That finally made Elena look up.
“What’s wrong? Did someone hurt you?”
“…My lady.”
“Hmm? Did someone make you sad, Elena?”
Flora caught the fear in her eyes and asked softly, but Elena shook her head.
Then, forcing a trembling smile, she whispered—
“From now on… we’re going to play hide-and-seek.”
