Chapter 77
“Think it over again, Ian.”
“No, sir. I think it’s time I return to the Marquessate. I shouldn’t continue to impose on you. Thank you for everything.”
“Don’t mention it…”
Count Parden did not object to Ian’s decision to leave House Parden. But Ian was no fool—he could clearly see the sadness on the Count’s face. So, uncharacteristically, Ian reached out first and firmly grasped the Count’s hand.
“…No matter what position I may find myself in, I will never put you in danger.”
Ian’s words carried far more weight than they appeared. It wasn’t just a declaration of independence as the heir to the prestigious House Lloyd—it was also a clear message that he would draw a line between himself and House Parden, politically and otherwise.
“Ian…”
The Count slowly withdrew his hand after Ian’s firm promise. Then he pulled Ian into a warm embrace and said,
“You’re a fine young man. You’ve grown into someone truly admirable. Whatever your thoughts may be, I know you’ll succeed.”
“…”
“If you ever need help, just say the word. You know that I care for you as if you were my own son.”
“Yes, sir.”
Ian responded right away to the fatherly warmth. Count Parden, now looking up at the man who had grown much taller than him, gave Ian a few firm pats on the back before releasing him. He hesitated for a moment, then spoke again.
“Ian. Before you go, I have one request.”
“Please go ahead.”
“No matter where your future takes you—please take care of Aisha.”
Ian’s expression darkened at the mention of Aisha. Things had already become awkward between them due to the engagement matter. And now, how was he supposed to break the news of his departure? He feared that both Aisha and Count Parden might misunderstand his intentions.
“Sir… the engagement… I truly believe it’s not the right time yet. That’s all. There’s no hidden meaning behind it, so please don’t worry.”
“You fool… Did you think that’s why I brought this up? Ian, I trust you. And I understand where you’re coming from.”
As Ian hastily tried to explain, Count Parden laughed and patted his shoulder, easing the tension that had stiffened Ian’s body.
“A real man proposes when he can stand tall—when he has nothing to be ashamed of. That’s why you need time, isn’t it?”
The Count’s words seemed to unravel the confusion in Ian’s mind. Yes, why did he want to succeed so quickly? Was it to restore his family’s name? That was part of it. But every time he reaffirmed his goals, Aisha’s face was the first that came to mind. That was the real reason.
He didn’t want to be a man who leaned on others or showed weakness—not to Aisha. He wanted to be someone she could be proud of. Ian nodded solemnly.
“…Yes. You’re right, sir.”
Count Parden returned the nod with a warm smile full of trust. Then, as if something occurred to him, his expression turned serious again.
“Hmm… Still, as a father who cherishes his daughter, let me say just one more thing.”
This time, it was Count Parden who took Ian’s hand. With memories of his daughter from childhood to womanhood, he earnestly asked:
“Aisha, as you know, only has eyes for you. So please visit her often. Talk with her. Even that alone will make her happy. And when you think the time has finally come…”
“…”
“…Hold her hand proudly and don’t let go. Understand?”
“Yes, I promise.”
Ian tightened his grip on the Count’s hand as he gave his answer. Count Parden gently tapped the back of Ian’s hand with his other one before finally letting go. Then, stroking Ian’s hair, he spoke in a bittersweet voice—like a father sending his son off on a long journey.
“Go now. You must have a lot to prepare. I’ve kept you long enough.”
As Ian walked through the corridor beside the imperial garden, he spotted two men approaching from a distance—and his expression hardened. One of them, a neatly groomed middle-aged man walking half a step ahead, was the last person Ian wanted to see.
‘Duke Levantus…’
Duke Levantus had been the happiest when Ian shifted his political leanings toward the old noble faction. As its leader, the Duke wanted to nurture young, capable nobles from renowned families—and had quietly supported Ian’s rise within the faction.
But Ian had always kept his distance. As a hardliner who even orchestrated assassinations of the new noble faction in the past, Levantus had a notoriously bad relationship with Count Parden.
Ian quickly turned away, hoping to avoid the Duke’s gaze. But he was too late.
“Marquess Lloyd? Do you have a moment?”
With his name called out directly, there was no avoiding it. Ian shut his eyes briefly, composed himself, and turned around naturally.
“You may go now.”
The Duke gave Ian a knowing smile after glancing at his unreadable expression and gestured to his attendant. The man gave Ian a disapproving look before leaving. Alone now, the Duke stepped closer to Ian.
“I was disappointed you didn’t attend the last gathering… but I didn’t expect to run into you here.”
The Duke lightly patted Ian’s shoulder with exaggerated warmth, but unlike with Count Parden, Ian stiffened and subtly pushed his hand away. It might’ve been awkward, but the Duke withdrew without a fuss.
“No need to be so guarded. I just… have something important to say about your late father.”
Ian’s eyes widened. His parents’ deaths—supposedly in an accident—were a topic rarely brought up outside a few childish provocations during his academy years. But now, someone completely unexpected had brought it up with a meaningful expression.
“What do you mean…?”
“You’re a smart man. By now, after graduation, I imagine you’ve noticed a few strange things about your family. Doesn’t the Lloyd family’s financial situation seem… odd?”
Ian fell silent. He didn’t want to admit it, but it was true.
The buildings, lands, and heirlooms had remained intact. But the liquid assets—cash, gold, jewels—were gone. The debt was massive, and even the wages of the few remaining servants had to be paid with Count Parden’s help.
Back in school, Ian had chalked it up to his father’s failed business ventures. But the more he looked into it after graduation, the more inconsistencies he found.
“Sir, why didn’t you ever mention this? I’ll repay it all, with interest.”
“Forget it. Don’t worry. It’s just wages and a bit of debt interest. Nothing major. I can handle that much for you, Ian.”
“No, I insist on paying you back. And please don’t worry about House Lloyd anymore. It’s my responsibility now.”
“You stubborn boy… All right, if you say so.”
Even while feeling grateful, Ian couldn’t shake the questions. Business debts were his father’s fault, but what kind of creditor waits so patiently without touching property or pressing for repayment?
“Did the creditor say anything else?”
“Not really. Just to repay it slowly…”
A creditor who accepted slow repayment for over a decade with minimal interest—it defied logic. Ian couldn’t help but feel suspicious, even as he felt relieved.
“Arka Trading Company.”
Duke Levantus named the creditor while watching Ian closely. Family debt was a source of shame—he knew Ian wouldn’t take it lightly. Ian narrowed his eyes, but the Duke remained unfazed.
“House Lloyd still owes them, doesn’t it?”
“…”
“Have you looked into the Arka Trading Company?”
“…”
“From your expression, I see you have. Then have you ever wondered why they’re being so generous to your house?”
“This is my family’s matter. I don’t appreciate excessive interference.”
Ian didn’t hide his irritation. But behind his sharp tone was a flicker of doubt—one the Duke noticed immediately. Smirking, he continued:
“From your family’s perspective, it’s not so bad. They haven’t seized any assets despite the debt. But isn’t it odd? Merchants obsessed with money don’t usually act so courteously.”
“…”
“Do you know why your father owed the Arka Company so much?”
“Businesses collapse. It happens.”
“So naïve… You really don’t know anything, do you? Of course, no one would’ve told you.”
The Duke clicked his tongue, his tone patronizing. Ian clenched his fists at being looked down on like a clueless child—but still, he didn’t walk away.
Noticing Ian was still listening, the Duke narrowed his eyes and went on:
“The debt is indeed your father’s fault. But think about it—your father, who once negotiated directly with the emperor, suddenly collapsed overnight. And why would the Arka Company continue helping House Lloyd without reason? Haven’t you ever questioned that?”
“…”
“Guilt is a heavy burden. And when it involves two lives… your family’s debt might be the lightest part of it all.”
The Duke’s words grew increasingly cryptic—and with them, Ian’s heartbeat quickened. A sense of dread overwhelmed him. Duke Levantus, staring into Ian’s stormy blue eyes, whispered like the serpent that once tempted the first humans.
“Ian. There’s something I want to show you. In fact, all those invitations I sent before… this is the reason I wanted you to come. But you kept turning me down.”
