Chapter 77.1

Anastasia’s hands trembled after she received a message from the head of the police department. She put down the phone so hard that the wood decoration fell from it.

“An anarchist called Sharon was killed by the Grand Duke. They found the diamond there. As the Grand Duke testified for Sir Canillian, I think it’ll be best if we leave the case as it is. It’ll be great trouble if you’re found guilty of perjury.”

Anastasia collapsed on her chair.

The Grand Duke testified?

“For… A man?”

The Grand Duke destroyed the noble’s name and the Grand Duke Family’s prestige. It was obvious how the nobles would take it when they found out he spent a night with Canillian who barely became an adult.

It might be the Ihar that will be shamed, not her. She smiled satisfyingly as she thought this.

Anastasia thought that if Kieran was to receive a new title after marrying the princess, it should be grand duke. If so, even the Ihar family, the noble of the nobles, will be placed under the Vale family.

But the war with the barbarians increased the Ihar Family’s name even higher.

She tried to calm herself down while glaring at the family painting across her. She thought of her parents. They married her to the Vale family trying to become nobles and poured all their wealth to make the Marquis who he was.

It could be said it was Anastasia Vale who was half responsible for making the Gliad Vale of now.

“Donan.”

Donan came to her side as Anastasia called him.

“Yes, ma’am.”

“They found the diamonds. At where an anarchist was killed.”

“What should I do?” asked Donan.

Anastasia tapped on a card that was on the table.

It came three times after the war. It was from Ian Sergio, who was requesting to visit officially.

After the death of Rowan Sergio, he also received a title after a new king was placed.

The red seal of Grand Duke Sergio, which was different from Geore’s royal seal, crumbled in Anastasia’s hand.

“Let’s have a party. To apologize for making a fuss. Big. And fancy.”

***

It didn’t even take half a day for the rumour to spread.

One was that the shop’s owner Sharon was killed as an anarchist, the other was that Canillian Vale and Grand Duke Claude del Ihar had something between them.

Claude was displeased with the newspaper calling him ‘gay’. He threw it in the fireplace.

The maid who said she found the diamond between the creases on the floor apologized profusely for her greed.

Canilia just put the maid under probation. She punished her by telling her not to leave the house for three days and had Pepe look at her.

It fit her. She was still too kind and had sympathy for others.

But today was a bit different.

Claude remembered how Canillia grilled the inspector and touched his lips as he smiled. Owen commented on that while putting down the wine.

“We have to go back to your territory soon. You left it empty for too long, my Lord.”

“Of course.”

“Can we leave for Del Casa in 10 days?”

“10 days….”

It was long but short.

He nodded, dismissed Owen, and then went into his bedroom with wine in his hand.

Canillia was sitting there looking serious as she was examining Fallen. Fallen didn’t seem to care that she was watching him as he was dozing off.

Canillia saw Claude coming in and asked, “How did you train him so he would come back? Is he coming to the Duke’s place?”

“You use his instinct. Birds have their inner sense of direction. A few kinds of birds can memorize that direction, but it’s only hawks like Fallen that can be used in wars.”

“I heard you can use pigeons. But this guy can also attack. Mm… Also very proud.”

“He’s very opinionated.”

This was the first time she came into his space. He was always alone and his mother wasn’t exactly a social person so the Duke’s place was always closed for those kinds of activities.

But right now, Canillia was there in his most private space. Especially just finishing bathing and smelling incredible.

Claude caressed Fallen’s beaks and pulled Canillia’s arm. She came into his arms without resisting and he kissed her and took her to the chess table.

Her eyes sparkled as she saw the chess pieces that were made with ivory.

“Do you know how to play chess?”

“I know the rules.”

“Shall we?”

“Yes.”