Chapter 42

When he brought his mouth to her ear, her tense body flinched.

He smiled softly at her honest reaction and opened his mouth.

“If that is what you wish for.”

People around them held their breath, trying to listen to the conversation between the two. Meanwhile, Anthony was as quiet as a corpse.

A thin, icy silence hovered over the place.

Calix’s stern gaze scanned the people who stood there one by one.

Then he whispered to Asella in a gentle voice for all to hear.

“You can even kill them if you want.”

A chilling silence fell upon the place for a moment.

There was no one here who had not noticed the eerie meaning of Calix’s words.

‘What the hell has he done?’

‘Still, they’re a brother and sister; she wouldn’t go that far.’

The nobles looked at each other in disbelief. It was frustrating enough that they didn’t know the exact reason behind the situation in front of them, but they were sure that something unusual was happening.

In the end, their gazes settled in one direction.

The Grand Duke was looking down at his bride, and the Grand Duchess was being held to his chest.

What was she thinking? There was no reply coming from her beneath the veil. The people waited with bated breath for her response.

At that moment, the silence that had been holding their breath was broken by someone’s voice yelling.

“You’re going too far!”

It was Philip, and his voice reflected the bewildered emotion in it, regardless of his attempt to somehow maintain his composure. His face, which had turned red, could not hide his frustration.

But Calix was unconcerned and gave him a sharp warning.

“Not at all.”

“Why do you torment people so much? This is outrageous. It was just-”

“Just?”

A frown crossed Calix’s face.

“I didn’t realize that someone who is supposed to be the acting Marquis would be so incapable of grasping the situation.”

He was definitely smiling, but his face didn’t feel like he was smiling at all. At the sound of Calix’s voice, harsh like a winter wind that stung his skin, Philip began to grow numb.

“If I dispose of it myself, I won’t be able to see anything good.”

As if he had been waiting for this, Ryzen held up a sword with both hands and held it out to Calix. Grabbing the handle, he spun the sword lightly and held it upright as the sharp silver blade of the sword shone brightly.

As he faced the sharp blade that seemed as if it could tear his body apart even at the slightest touch, Philip realized that he had no choice in the matter.

“I will obey Her Highness’ command!”

“…”

“So please, put your sword back!”

Philip began to beg with his back bent as if he was almost folded in half.  His pride was thrown out the window before the fear of death that was right in front of him.

He had no time to feel shame or contempt.

Calix watched him for a moment, then turned his gaze to Asella.

“Have you made up your mind?” He asked.

She slowly closed her eyes behind the veil and opened them.

‘Perhaps this is an opportunity.’

Philip and Anthony, or whoever they were… they could not ignore the decisions made here. Everyone in this room was a witness to what had happened today.

“Yes.”

With the small gesture of Asella’s head, the long veil fluttered.

Calix loosened his arms grip around her waist and stood behind her. Naturally, Asella turned to face Phillip.

“…”

Up until now, she had no choice but to stand down and watch helplessly.

But if she could use this opportunity…

All she needed now was the courage to do something for her sister.

She felt like she was about to burst into tears, and she clenched her fists. It was not easy for her to open her lips and speak.

“Don’t forget. You said you will accept whatever punishment you’ll be given.”

Apparently noticing Asella’s hesitation, Calix spoke up, which gave her the courage she needed. She uttered the words which, in normal cases, would never be able to say.

“Please send Mariel to the Academy.”

The Imperial Academy was one of the best educational institutions in the Empire.

It offered the highest level of education and produced outstanding talents under the best professors.

‘If she could only get in…’

She was a bright child.

Once Mariel is at the academy, her talent will thrive, and she will quickly make a name for herself with her superior skills.

‘She won’t be sold off like I was.’

Mariel would spread her wings out there. She could have a different life than she did.

“…Then I will spare Brother’s life, and the others too.”

This was the only gift that this powerless sister could give to her one and only younger sister.