Chapter 25

Translator and Editor: Lea and Ishy

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Chapter 25

The formality and righteousness of the nobles that had been passed down along with the history of the empire was nothing more than a single human custom in front of this man.

Nishir forgot who was in front of him in the midst of embarrassment and opened his mouth.

“Pardon me for saying this, but–”

“As long as every word sounds fine.”

However, this time, Nishir had no choice but to say it.

“Your Highness is the owner of the great Kravant.”

A family of contributors to the founding of the country—A family that saved the Balkan kingdom from collapse and turned it into an empire.

One could not even properly explain the history of the empire without mentioning the name of Kravant.

Even now, the empire enjoyed an unprecedented abundance and prosperity under the protection of Kravant.

My Lord will wed his bride with humble preparations?

No matter how long the contract marriage lasted, it couldn’t happen under Nishir’s watch.

In addition, it could’ve also been the first and last marriage in his master’s long life.

Therefore, Nishir wanted to prepare a grand wedding if possible.

But Lennox smiled, twisting his lips.

“You don’t need to give me an excuse to let flies enter your mouth.”

Even though it did not match its high reputation and great power, Kravant had many things hidden.

Except for the achievements of the founding period, no other information or internal circumstances were exposed.

Most of the previous emperors did not even know the face of the Duke of their time.

In other words, it meant that many were anxious to line up with Kravant if they had a chance.

The greedy monkfish people.

“It’s just annoying to call them. I’ve also reached an agreement with Olivia Brienne on the wedding.”

“But, Your Highness.”

Lennox’s eyes narrowed when Nishir finally made an effort to speak.

“Nishir Hosen,” he warned in his cold voice.

Before he knew it, Nishir felt the room turn into a chilling silence. The feeling of his head and shoulders being pressed down was not an illusion. Shivers ran down his back.

He didn’t dare raise his head to see his master’s face.

“Should I say more?”

Nishir realized that he had narrowly stepped over the line.

Or, it was already over him.

Kravant’s cold-blooded sheath demanded only one fair thing from its subordinates.

Absolute loyalty.

Perhaps it was a matter of course. Lennox was Kravant himself.

The shadows, including Nishir, were practically parasitic on him.

“Answer me. Nishir.”

In the stiffening silence, Lennox’s dull voice rang out.

Nishir managed to raise his head and face his master.

Perfect face with no flaws. His curved lips were drawing a smooth smile.

But his frighteningly cold eyes revealed that he was not smiling.

Nishir—who recalled the Duke was a master who could not accept any questions or objections—swallowed.

He had no other answer to give.

“No, Your Highness. I understand your orders.”

The tightness in the air was loosened instantly.

Only then did Nishir ask carefully, after finally being able to breathe.

“Where should we go for the wedding?”

“…”

He did not expect him to answer immediately.

Nishir, who was politely lowering his eyes, glanced up.

Lennox—who looked somewhat awkward—was rubbing his temple with the hand holding his chin.

“I forgot to ask,” he mumbled while frowning as he recalled his conversation with Olivia.

“Wouldn’t a simple wedding be sad?”

“Unfortunately, I’m not in a position to choose. If we can speed up the marriage, we can skip the wedding customs altogether.”

She said she didn’t even want a wedding present where she was unable to provide the dowry.

“But of course, if Your Highness gives it to me, I will not refuse and receive it thankfully.”

She said that with two opposing looks saying, ‘Will you still give it to me? You really won’t give it to me, right?’

Lennox smirked, his straight closed lips collapsing into a smile.

“…!”

Nishir was startled at his master’s sudden change of expression.

It was because he noticed Lennox’s faint smile.

It was neither a twisted laugh, nor a contemptuous snarl, nor a cynicism that was worth freezing your spine.

Slightly curved eyes, accompanying a natural smile. A comfortable expression that said he was reminded of a good memory.

Nishir could swear that he never saw his master like this before. It was also an incredible sight to view upon.

Nishir stopped as if he had hardened in his place and blinked.

When the unfamiliar peace and warm atmosphere began to permeate the office.

Crash! A strong red spark arose from Lennox’s wrist.

It caused Lennox to jump up from his seat.

“Your Highness! Are you alright!”

Nishir urgently shouted, but instead of answering back, Lennox kicked open the door.

“Olivia Brienne!”

Something had happened to her.

***

Ash—who did a perimeter sweep around the mansion—reported the news with a bright face.

[Everyone must be asleep. There’s no one.]

“What about Carinne?”

[I haven’t seen her yet. Maybe she’s still in the vacant lot or the back of her room?]

“That’s a relief.”

I patted my chest and packed my handbag.

I had to escape this place before Carinne could plan something different.

“Let’s get out of here before we get caught.”

[Shouldn’t it be better to wait until the Duke arrives?]

“He’ll arrive soon. If I should wait, it would be safer to wait outside the mansion.”

Ash must have understood it, and he didn’t want to stay for another hour in his enemy’s private residence.

I opened the door carefully.

The hallway was still dark.

However, thanks to the slowly rising sun, it was difficult to see the way.

From the hallway to the stairs leading to the central entrance, I hurried my steps.

As I pushed the front gate open, the unique chilly breeze of dawn rushed inside.

“Haa…”

I—who had been extremely nervous when coming down—finally let out the breath that I had been holding.

I didn’t even have the time to fawn over the beautiful garden.

Across the middle of the garden, I saw the main gate at the end of the straight line.

It wasn’t that far. Nevertheless, I was experiencing unexplained impatience and anxiety.

Like someone was chasing me.

I wonder if that thought became a seed.

“Olivia, where are you going?”

“…!”

The voice was calm in a tone that was neither too high nor too low. The soft and slow way of speaking felt alluring.

It was my first time hearing it, but I could tell who she was even before I could confirm.

My grip automatically tightened around the straps of my bag.

Carinne Brienne.

Biting my lips, I slowly turned around.

A distance of about 10 steps away, she stood facing me.

Her overflowing red hair caught my eyes. Her pale skin contrasted with it.

Her almond-shaped purple eyes glowed with unusual energy in them.

She was a breathtakingly fascinating beauty. But I felt suffocated in a different sense.

‘When did she come back to her original body?’

When I overheard the conversation earlier, Carinne insisted on staying in Mary’s body despite Richard’s dissuasion.

‘But why…’

She hadn’t appeared all this time, so why now?

My fingers trembled.

“It’s been a while since you saw me. Right?”

“…Sister…”

Clogged with fear, when I forcibly opened my lips, a voice like a suppressed moan came out.

“It’s still dawn, but why are you here…”

Opening her pretty eyes in a circle, she tilted her head.

“I normally don’t get enough sleep in the morning. I wanted to get some air.”

“Is it okay for you to walk outside in the early morning breeze? I heard you weren’t feeling well.”

“Are you worried about me?”

Carinne smiled, pouting her lips.

“I was surprised. I can’t believe you’re awake at this time. It’s not like usual.”

Is it my illusion that I sound like I have bones in my throat?

Carinne took a step toward me.

I instinctively bit myself and glanced toward the main gate.

“Did you not sleep well last night? Or, did you wake up from sleeping?”

Her purple gaze was as cold as ice.

My mouth dried up in fear that I would be exposed to everything soon.

“It’s just… I couldn’t sleep.”

Carinne stared at me. I added another excuse.

“That’s why I wanted to take a walk. Like you.”

Her cold gaze finally relaxed a little.

She smiled brightly.

“I see. I didn’t disturb you, did I?”

“No, it’s okay.”

I hurriedly shook my head. I was so nervous, my palms were sweating.

I was at the point that I prayed to God again, who I never believed in.

‘Please, let me move on this time.’

Carinne followed my head, which kept glancing behind me to get out of here.

When she saw the main gate, she exclaimed a little, “oh!” Then she smiled mysteriously as her eyes found the bag in my hand.

Shivers ran down my back.

‘She caught me trying to escape!’

As my muscles contracted with tension, my heart began to beat faster.

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