CH 292

Clink.

Soon after, a thin piece of metal clinked against the desk, making a sharp sound.

Louis' gaze naturally turned towards the sound.

On the desk, there was a heavy bundle of keys that could open every door in the mansion.

"How did you…"

"I thought you might need it."

"…"

"I heard what you talked about with Milton in the study a while ago. As I get older, I lose sleep at night."

The old gentleman, who had finished speaking, turned around slowly.

Mattel seemed to know his plan already.

There was no way the quick-witted Mattel could not have seen Mason's furtive movement.

Is there anyone who can deceive someone who has lived in this mansion for more than a dozen years?

"Are you not going to… stop me? You'll lose everything. Aren't you afraid?"

Louis asked the old gentleman in a trembling voice.

Soon after, Mattel spoke in a slow voice while keeping his posture.

"I've spent a long time here. As much as the time I've spent here, I've seen many terrible things happening in this mansion."

"…"

"But I couldn't leave. Because I had to protect you."

The old gentleman closed his eyes and recited in a low voice.

Each of his words contained the time that had passed.

Louis remained silent, unable to find an answer.

"I think my long-cherished wish will be fulfilled today. Young Master… Please live a different life than Duke Daniel. A liar can never be happy."

"Mattel…"

"I'm glad you've become a great adult."

After he finished speaking, the old gentleman disappeared through the open door.

***

Trudge, trudge.

The chilly night air wrapped around the body of the three people who were walking in line. There was not a single presence in the dark royal palace.

Even the guards who were always standing guard over the palace, and the maids who could be seen from time to time, had disappeared.

Since it was a private summon, the Duke's escort was minimal.

The attendants who always accompanied him were also exempted today.

Milton's gaze, who was following in the back, slowly glanced around.

Click.

After a long ordeal, it seemed that they had finally reached their destination.

Mason, who had been leading the way, reached out as he opened the door that had been closed.

"Wait here for a moment, His Highness will come to you soon."

"Don't make me wait too long."

"Of course."

Duke Daniel nodded in satisfaction and stepped forward.

Milton, who was following him, was also about to step into the room when Mason held out his sheath in front of him and blocked his way.

"I'm sorry, but I'll take the Secretary somewhere else."

"Somewhere else? I have a duty to protect the Duke."

"This is a place to discuss important issues. It's not a place to be with a secretary. This is the royal palace, so please follow the customs of the royal palace. I will guarantee the Duke's well-being."

"…"

Milton chewed on his lips, unable to find anything to answer Mason.

***

As it was late, the interior was filled with silence and stillness.

There was only the moonlight coming through the window and the lit candles all over the room, fluttering with a red light.

Tap. Tap. Tap.

The man inside the room tapped the desk with his fingertips, as if anxious.

Despite quite some time passing, the person he had been waiting for didn't have any intention of coming.

Soon after, the man kicked back the chair he was sitting on and stepped towards the door, sighing deeply.

Soon, the man could feel the cold touch of the iron doorknob.

Click.

The side that opened the door wasn't his side. Someone grabbed the doorknob from the other side and turned it.

The door that was firmly closed opened with a heavy metallic sound.

The man's eyes turned wide when he found the other person.

"Your… Your Highness."

Theon tilted his head and rolled up one corner of his mouth at the man's surprised voice.

Then, he stretched out his long legs and headed to the table on the other side of the room.

Trudge, trudge.

Milton's gaze moved quickly, following Theon's movements.

Immediately, Theon, who sat down, pointed to the seat opposite him with the tip of his chin.

Why did the Crown Prince, who clearly wanted to meet his master, come here?

Unlike his wish, his questions were not easily answered.

The more time passed, the more the gray eyes that contained the moonlight urged Milton.

Soon, his steps approached Theon as if he was possessed by something.

"I think you have come to the wrong room. Duke Daniel is waiting in the room at the end of the hallway."

"I guess I must look like an idiot who can't differentiate that much."

"…"

"Did you say your name is Milton?"

"That's correct."

After a short answer, cold sweat suddenly spread over Milton's forehead.

"I heard your family is near the border…"

"!"

"Don't worry. I don't intend to hurt them."

"Why… are you doing this to me?"

Along with anger towards Theon, Milton's face was filled with fear as he asked the question.

"Why do you think?"

"…"

"I know the terrible things you've done with Duke Daniel."

"… The Duke has always maintained an upright life."

"I see Duke Daniel has kept a naive and honest man by his side. But misguided loyalty is the way to create a monster."

Theon shrugged and gave a shallow smile.

He then swept up his disheveled black hair and continued with a low voice.

"Your family has come to the capital."

"To the c-capital?"

"I don't think you're evil in nature. It must have been an inevitable choice to protect your family. What I was conveyed was the same as I had thought."

After speaking, Theon's gaze slowly turned to Milton.

His gaze, which had been helplessly shaking, was wandering around aimlessly.