TQV 20

Chapter 20

Emily decided to visit Roger in the hospital with Killian.

Killian had insisted it wasn’t necessary, but she couldn’t ignore someone who got hurt because of her. It just didn’t sit right with her.

“Injuries among the members are a common occurrence. There’s no need for you to worry about each and every one of them,” Killian grumbled throughout the carriage ride.

“But still, he got hurt because of me.”

“As I said before, you did nothing wrong. That guy was just weak.”

“Regardless, he got hurt protecting me. I need to see how badly he’s injured.”

Killian’s mood soured as he watched Emily fuss over another man right in front of him.

Absentmindedly, he started opening and closing his hand in front of her, caught up in his thoughts.

“What’s wrong with your hand all of a sudden?”

Emily asked, concerned by Killian’s uneasy movements.

“I think I might be injured too.”

“What? You’re hurt?”

Emily instinctively reached for his hand but stopped mid-motion.

“But you seemed perfectly fine just a little while ago.”

He had handled a knife at breakfast with no issue. Emily raised an eyebrow in suspicion.

“I have a high tolerance for pain.”

“Really? Then what do we do… Should we head back to the mansion and have it looked at?”

That was not the answer Killian was hoping for.

“No need. I can endure it.”

Reluctantly, he rested his hand back on his knee. For the first time, he felt jealous of Roger.

Roger’s house was on 7th Street in Andros. It was a neighborhood full of up-and-coming nobles and well-known figures like Roger.

“It’s an honor to have both of you visit me like this.”

Roger, who had just wanted some peace and quiet, was flustered by the surprise visit from both his boss and his boss’s wife.

“We just came to check on you briefly.”

Sensing Roger’s discomfort, Emily spoke kindly.

“It’s really not that bad,” Roger said, moving his arm to show he was okay. Thankfully, it didn’t seem like there were any fractures, and Emily let out a sigh of relief.

“Your skills have definitely declined,” Killian remarked.

Roger hung his head.

“I’m sorry.”

Though Roger didn’t typically take on physical roles, he was still a member of the mafia. Taking such a one-sided beating was a blow to his pride.

“The newspaper article was handled appropriately. While you’re recovering, train with Chambers.”

“What?”

Roger’s expression instantly twisted in horror. Chambers was infamous for his brutal Spartan training. What kind of sick joke was it to be ordered to “recover” under Chambers?

“Do you have something else to say?”

“N-no. Nothing at all.”

“Then we’ll take our leave.”

Emily shot a look at Killian, disapproving of how quickly he was ready to leave after saying what he came to say.

“Hold on a moment.”

She had the attendant bring in the items she had prepared. Gifts quickly piled up on the table.

“What is all this?” Killian asked stiffly.

“Medicinal herbs and snacks to help with recovery.”

“And the clothes and shoes?”

“Well, his acting career was interrupted, wasn’t it? I wanted to help him return looking stylish and healthy.”

“Wow, thank you, ma’am,” Roger said, deeply moved. He had received countless gifts from fans, but no one had ever been this thoughtful.

“Are we done now?”

As Roger admired the gifts, he finally noticed Killian’s irritated face.

‘Yikes, better not let that grudge be directed at me.’

Looking sheepish, Roger set the gifts aside while Emily stood.

“Thank you for that day. I hope you recover quickly.”

“Yes, ma’am… Thank you so much for coming all the way here.”

As Killian turned to leave after Emily, he glanced back at Roger’s teary-eyed expression and chuckled.

“Still, you did a good job buying us time.”

It was the first compliment he had ever received from Killian, and Roger blushed.

“Make sure you recover properly before returning to work.”

“Yes, sir! Don’t worry!”

Left alone in his room, Roger muttered to himself.

“Ugh, fine. I’ll do the damn training.”

Though they’d come out to visit a patient, the weather was too nice to just go straight home.

“Did you hear the news?” Emily held up a wad of cash for Killian to see.

“What’s that?”

“Money I won playing cards. I even got a straight flush that day.”

Killian smirked at her proud expression.

“You’re better than I thought.”

“Right?”

But her mood quickly dropped again.

“But maybe that superstition about straight flushes bringing bad luck is true. Look what happened right after.”

Killian regretted once again not finishing off that bastard Laminees when he had the chance.

“Drop by the club from time to time. It’s better if you cause trouble right in front of me.”

He threw in a joke to cheer her up.

“Excuse me, Marquess Star. Did I cause the trouble?”

“Ah, come to think of it, it was some bastard who caused it and ran.”

“Exactly.”

Emily waved her money-filled purse in front of him.

“I want to spend that bastard’s money as fast as possible. You coming with me?”

“If my father knew how filthy your mouth’s become, he’d haunt me from the afterlife.”

“Your father?”

Emily couldn’t picture anyone scolding Killian.

On the contrary, she had no trouble imagining a father-in-law cowering in front of his imposing son-in-law.

Thanks to Roger wanting to get rid of them quickly, the two now had some time and headed to a jewelry shop.

Having already been threatened by the Giuliano family, Emily planned to buy a necklace with that dirty money and hang it on her wall as a reminder to stay alert.

“Welcome, Lord Killian.”

“Any issues?”

“Everything is fine, thanks to you. Right this way.”

The owner escorted them to a VIP room in the back.

“How about this one? I set it aside especially for the lady.”

He presented a pearl necklace—120 round pearls surrounded by 12 large rose-cut diamonds. A true gem.

“It’s beautiful.”

But buying something this lovely with that man’s money felt like a waste. Emily hesitated.

Seeing her uncertain, the owner quickly brought out another item.

“Perhaps this instead?”

An opal necklace this time. The colors shimmered like a rainbow depending on the angle, giving it intrinsic value.

“Definitely not opal.”

Opals were considered heirlooms, passed down to the most beloved child, not the eldest. She couldn’t buy something so meaningful with dirty money.

Dirty money…?

Suddenly struck by inspiration, Emily spoke.

“Show me black gemstones.”

The seasoned shopkeeper didn’t ask questions. He opened the bottom drawer and brought out a jewelry box.

It contained a jet necklace—a piece adorned with onyx and black enamel over gold, featuring a finely carved cameo in the center.

“I love it. Please wrap it up.”

“Are you sure you don’t want anything else?”

Killian remembered how her eyes sparkled at the pearl and opal necklaces.

“Why? Are you offering to buy it?”

“If you want.”

“No, thank you. My neck would snap.”

Emily laughed, thinking he was joking, and paid for the jet necklace. It was pricier than expected, thanks to the artisan cameo.

By the time they left the store, dusk had settled over the city. A street band played violin and cello while couples danced nearby.

Ivan, who was supposed to bring the carriage, was nowhere to be seen.

Should I kill that bastard? Killian wondered, clearly agitated.

Emily, guessing what he was thinking, said, “I’ll stay right here. Promise.”

“…I’ll be back quickly.”

Killian hurried off, anxious. Emily sat on a bench under a streetlamp, watching the sunset.

Nearby, a mother and her child were feeding ducks by the river. With people around, she felt safe.

“Lady Star.”

Soon after Killian left, someone called to her gently. Seeing who it was, Emily quickly stood.

“Hello, Your Highness.”

Lucius’s face brightened upon confirming it was Emily. He honestly hadn’t expected to see her here.

He had been out drinking with old academy friends from Robert and was on his way back. To run into her like this—it must be fate!

She was just as beautiful as he remembered. He couldn’t even look away, afraid she might vanish.

Drawn in, Lucius approached.

“Why are you out here alone?”

“I was out with my husband. He went to get our carriage.”

“I see.”

Seeing how close the two seemed, Lucius couldn’t hide his disappointment.

“I heard your husband already spoke to you, but I still wanted to apologize in person.”

Lucius realized what she meant and shook his head with a smile.

“No, it was a cute prank.”

“He must’ve been really curious about what the Crown Prince looked like. Thank you for understanding.”

“Please, I was happy to become closer with you because of it.”

His words carried subtle emotion, and Emily gave an awkward laugh.

Just then, Killian returned with Ivan—and saw the two of them again. He closed his eyes briefly in frustration.

The issue wasn’t Emily; it was the pests buzzing around her.

He told Ivan to wait and walked toward the pair.

“Your Highness, we meet again like this.”

Lucius’s expression darkened noticeably.

Lucius had delicate features, considered attractive by young noble ladies these days. But to Killian, that soft face was just irritating.

“I ran into her on the way back to the palace.”

“A very unexpected coincidence that no one asked for.”

Killian called over Ivan.

“Take madam to the carriage.”

“Yes, sir.”

Ivan took Emily’s bags and escorted her.

“Please, get in first. I’ll follow shortly.”

“Alright. Well then, Your Highness, safe travels.”

Emily said goodbye and walked off with Ivan.

With her out of sight, the tension between the two men thickened.

“No need to be so hostile.”

Killian sighed, slowly pulled out a cigarette.

“I may be crude and lacking manners, but let me teach Your Highness something.”

He searched his pocket for a match and lit it with practiced ease.

To Lucius, that moment felt strangely long.

“In our world, showing interest in someone else’s wife is one of the Ten Commandments—strictly forbidden.”

Killian’s face, flickering behind the smoke, was cold as steel.

“Even people like us follow that rule. It’s disappointing how little morality noblemen seem to have.”

Lucius forced a smile.

“Don’t you know? In Vincent, even married folks have the freedom to flirt. Don’t be so uptight.”

“So you’re openly admitting you’re interested in my wife.”

“Wasn’t it already obvious?”

Killian let out a soft chuckle.

“As a royal, I was trying to be polite—as long as you didn’t cross the line.”

“How dare you…”

“I’m being quite respectful right now. But let me be clear—this is the last time I’ll be this polite.”

Killian checked his watch, tossed the cigarette into a portable ashtray, and adjusted his hat.

“My wife’s waiting. I’ll be going now. Take care.”

His words felt like a warning: You’d better take care of your life too.

Lucius watched Killian’s back as he walked away and scoffed. No matter how bold he acted, to Lucius, he was just a gangster.

He thought of Emily’s face—tied to a man like that—and slowly turned toward the palace.

Completely unaware that his twisted feelings were the root of everything.