CH 291

There was no emotion in Duke Daniel's eyes, which seemed to be fired up.

There was just a deep, murky darkness.

His chest seemed to be blocked by an unknown pressure.

Then, Mason bowed his head to the Duke.

"Greetings, Duke Daniel. This is Mason Fren, the secretary of the west palace."

"Did you say His Highness is looking for me?"

"He wants to talk to you about the returning harvest festival."

"Don't you think that's not enough justification? There is no way His Highness, who is wise and competent, would call me for such a thing."

And on top of that, at this late hour.

At the same time as the Duke finished speaking, he rolled up one corner of his mouth.

At the appearance that seemed to see through him, Mason bit his lips and remained silent.

"…"

"You should have come with a plausible excuse."

Wearing gorgeous jewel rings on each joint, the Duke's fingertips scoured Mason's face in a slow motion.

He was definitely different from the people he had met before.

A fishy smile appeared on the Duke's face. Mason's eyes trembled slightly.

Gulp.

Mason swallowed dry and moistened his throat, dry from the tension.

Then, he continued, keeping a stinging gaze.

"I'm sure you're familiar with it, but… His Majesty's health is deteriorating day by day. We can't even find the cause, so there's no progress in treatment. His Highness is very anxious, and he is having a hard time."

The Duke's eyes narrowed at Mason's sincere words.

It was evidence of a change in Duke Daniel's mind.

Keeping his gaze down like he was about to drive a wedge, Mason continued.

"His Highness has requested help."

A heavy silence filled the interior.

A private invitation from the arrogant Crown Prince, who acted according to principles…

It was a pretty tempting offer.

Given the situation, it seemed that he couldn't find an excuse to arrest him.

"That's right, it's a problem that's… difficult to deal with for those who have little experience. It's only right for an adult of the royal family to step up and help."

"But, my Lord…"

Milton, who was watching the situation, called for Duke Daniel.

Entering the palace like this was too dangerous.

It was less than a day after he failed to assassinate the daughter of Count Serdian.

A hasty move was poison, not profit.

Besides, the sudden change in the attitude of the Crown Prince, who was hostile towards him…

The suspicion was greater than the joy.

But the person standing opposite him seemed to think differently.

Duke Daniel's eyes had already turned dazed, drunk with the power and greed to come.

He looked like a traveler following a mirage.

"Make preparations. I have to go to the royal palace."

***

"Secretary Louis, you're coming back soon, aren't you? Trying to adjust to that finicky person every day… I'm having a hard time alone. Where on earth have you been?"

"His Highness must be waiting for you."

"Acting unfriendly… That's why the butterflies come flying."

Mason, who was muttering to himself, smiled and tidied up Louis' collar.

At the same time, a small piece of paper came inside his clothes.

Feeling the foreign touch on his skin, Louis frowned and looked at Mason silently.

"The choice is yours."

After Mason finished speaking, he tapped Louis's shoulder a couple of times, then turned around and headed out.

Soon after, he left the Duke's mansion with the carriage that had already been prepared.

***

Ah…

Louis, who was sitting down, let out a heavy sigh.

At the same time, he put the piece of paper he was holding down on the bedside table.

[Come to the detached palace. If you have made up your mind.]

A neat but powerful handwriting.

It was the secret letter that Mason had hidden inside his collar a while ago.

He knew what he wanted. What he had to do.

However, people are sly creatures.

If he found the hidden ledgers and evidence in the house and brought it to the Crown Prince… His family would fall.

The comfortable life he had enjoyed so far. The delicious food that was provided to him every time, the comfortable place to stay, the fancy jewelry and clothes, the numerous servants, it would all be gone.

Knock, knock, knock.

A regular knock was heard beyond the closed door. Even though he couldn't see him, he was sure it was Mattel.

Louis straightened his disheveled appearance and looked at the door.

Click.

Immediately, the door that had been closed opened with a heavy screech.

"I have prepared some tea."

The neatly dressed old gentleman said, coming into the room with a warm smile.

"It was a long night. You should go to sleep."

"I thought the Young Master might need me."

The old gentleman finished speaking and put the steaming teacup on the desk.

"It's peppermint tea…"

"There's nothing like it when you're troubled. It calms the weary mind and body."

Was it because of his warm smile? Was it because a long time had passed?

The wrinkles on Mattel's face had deepened a little.

Louis slowly reached out and brought the teacup to his mouth.

As the sweet peppermint scent lingered on the tip of his nose, his complex emotions were sorted out a little.