Chapter 39
“You, so you really went to the Mipedian family…?!”
Devon spun around and glared at me, his face full of rage. Well, it wasn’t intentional, but it happened anyway.
“I’m certain of it. Duke Edmund Mipedian will kill you. He cherishes his sister dearly.”
Gulp. Devon swallowed hard at my cold words. The expressionless look in my eyes made it clear that I wasn’t making an empty threat—I was simply stating a fact.
I smirked and pushed Devon’s chest lightly.
“So, if you don’t want to be exposed and killed, stop making useless threats and stay quiet.”
Devon glared at me, then irritably reached into his jacket. His face turned pale when he saw the communication device buzzing urgently in his hand.
Of course, it would. Thanks to an anonymous informant, his personal safe, which had been well hidden in his office, was now being thoroughly searched by imperial investigators for tax evasion.
Feigning ignorance, I blinked and asked, “What’s wrong? Is there a problem at your office?”
As soon as I mentioned “office,” Devon’s eyes widened. His gaze, questioning how I knew about it, quickly turned into a fierce glare—he had realized I was the informant.
“You… You reported me…”
Yes, that’s right. I smiled slyly as Devon gritted his teeth and glared at me.
‘Nice timing, Rainbutton.’
I inwardly celebrated and smirked.
“What if I actually sell off the mine, huh?”
I scoffed at his growling words.
“You won’t. All your assets will be frozen.”
“Th-Then, what about my sponsorship—”
“Don’t worry, I plan to pay back double later. But shouldn’t you be worrying about yourself? Your office safe is about to be emptied. Are you sure you’ll be okay?”
I tilted my head, motioning for him to leave. Devon flared his nostrils, let out a hot breath, and ground his teeth before storming past me.
“Just wait and see.”
Yeah, yeah. I waved him off with a relaxed smile. Despite his bravado, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed behind him as he ran away, probably checking if anyone was chasing him.
Making sure no one was watching, I leisurely strolled through the banquet hall and passed through the corridor. Then, stepping onto a nearby arched terrace, I chuckled to myself.
The early summer night breeze carried the fresh scent of the season.
I took a deep breath of the refreshing night air, letting my chest rise and fall.
Ahh, the clean and crisp air of a place untouched by even a single strand of Dien’s hair! So exhilarating! So satisfying! It’s the best!
Once I receive the certificate verifying the authenticity of the will, I’ll immediately negotiate a divorce and have him thrown in prison. Then, a happy solo ending! Just thinking about my smooth plan made me hum with joy.
As I laughed to myself and leaned against the terrace railing, gazing at the garden, I suddenly heard a voice.
“Lady Etricia. Lady Etricia…!”
Hmm? Am I hearing things?
Pant. Pant. Then, from the far end of the corridor, I distinctly heard someone gasping for breath. Seeing a figure emerging from the dim shadows, I rubbed my eyes to make sure I wasn’t mistaken.
“Lady Lilien?”
Haah. Haah. Lilien, now close, bent over, holding her chest as she caught her breath. I was puzzled. Why was she here instead of among the crowd?
Seeing my confusion, she quickly explained.
“I heard from others… That you had a fight with Viscountess Dien, and that she even tried to hit you! Are you alright?”
She straightened her back and looked into my eyes as she spoke. Surprised by her unexpected words, I froze.
“Is that why you came here?”
Lilien, her face flushed, wiped her sweat-dampened hair with the back of her hand.
“Even if others don’t know, I understand the situation. I was so worried… Seeing you alone in the corner, I thought it might be because of that.”
“No, it’s just… that did happen, but enjoying the banquet energetically after such an incident would seem odd, so I stepped out on purpose…”
“On purpose?”
Oh, right. Edmund must have foreseen the situation and had Viscountess Dien investigated, but Lilien wouldn’t have known.
I had hoped she would enjoy the banquet, but now I was the one ruining her good time.
I awkwardly smiled, reaching for my handkerchief—only to remember that I had used it earlier to wipe off Devon’s jaw. Disgusted, I tossed it away and instead used my sleeve to wipe the sweat off Lilien’s forehead.
She had run all this way out of concern for me. I see… Even after Count Buell left, there was still someone who cared about me.
Realizing that, a strange feeling bloomed in my chest, like a field of tiny popcorn flowers. It tickled, making me want to scratch at it—just like how a wound itches as it heals.
Feeling unexpectedly embarrassed, I repeatedly smoothed down Lilien’s bangs.
She blinked her round, brown eyes and hesitated.
“I’m sorry. You introduced me to some good people, but I ran off like this…”
“It’s fine. The banquet will continue until dawn. I’m fine, so go back and enjoy yourself.”
From now on, she would be mingling with many people, her influence in high society growing.
Lilien pouted and avoided my gaze. She didn’t seem willing to leave.
“What is it? Is something wrong?”
“I… I just feel happier being with you, Lady Etricia…”
Surprised by her answer, I widened my eyes before smiling warmly.
“Hmm, then shall we enjoy the terrace breeze together? It’ll help clear our heads.”
“I didn’t drink, but… How much did you have, Lady Etricia?”
“Just a little wine. It was sweet and tasty.”
“I thought it was bitter…”
“Hmm, maybe it’ll taste better with cheese or crackers. Want to try it together tomorrow evening?”
“Yes!”
As we walked, Lilien trotted behind me, sticking close like a puppy unwilling to leave its owner. The sight made me chuckle.
If I returned inside, I’d only encounter more drunks. I decided to stay outside and enjoy the fresh air with her a little longer.
Lilien and I were leisurely strolling through the garden when we heard the faint voices of some nobles echoing from a nearby corridor. As they approached, their voices grew clearer.
“Baron Dampt, who runs a trading company, looked pitiful clinging to Duke Mipedian like a
cicada just to get some investment. I can’t say I don’t understand, though.”
“Indeed. Seems like a new wind is blowing in the dukedom.”
“Ha! More like a bloody wind.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“Tsk tsk, you really don’t know anything, do you? Don’t you know that all the branch families
who once held real power in the dukedom were kicked out? They claimed the young Duke
Mipedian had lost his mind after his parents’ death and blocked his succession.”
“Really? I heard they’ve all gone missing now and no one dares talk about it.”
“Maybe they were killed. Honestly, back then, who would’ve thought he’d survive and make a
comeback? Everyone assumed he’d be torn apart by monsters.”
“Now that you mention it… I’d forgotten about that. Didn’t he say the monster turned into a
human? Maybe it was just the confusion of a child witnessing his parents’ murder.”
“How would we know? At least now, we won’t be hearing the cries of the dukedom’s people
anymore.”
“That’s good news, I suppose.”
The conversation soon faded as they went off, probably to have another drink back at the
mansion.
I frowned.
They said young Edmund was branded as delusional? That he testified the monster
transformed into a human? That it was just the confusion of a child who saw his parents
die?
In the original story, it only briefly mentioned that Edmund lost his right to inherit due to the
schemes of the branch family, then went into the forest and later returned. That was it.
Before meeting Devon, I had lived under the protection of Count Buell, believing the world to
be as beautiful as a blooming flower and people as warm and accepting as a wide field. The
impact of Edmund’s past had never reached the young me.
Ah… I sighed quietly. In this moment, I finally understood everything.
Why young Edmund had to leave the capital for nine whole years.
I knew his life hadn’t been easy… but hearing it for real left a bitter taste in my mouth. I
couldn’t stop picturing that prematurely mature boy being led around by his older sister.
While I was deep in thought, Lilien, who had been quietly standing beside me, suddenly
choked up, trying to hold back tears.
“I… I hate those people.”
“You mean the branch family?”
Lilien nodded and buried her face in my chest. I was a little surprised but gently patted her
back.
“But I hate that monster that killed our parents even more. I would understand if Edmund
took revenge. Does that make me a bad person?”
“What if I killed Devon? What would you think of me then?”
“K-Kill him?!”
Lilien looked up in shock, her pupils trembling. When I nodded, she paused for a moment,
then opened her eyes wide.
“I’d become your accomplice.”
There was even a fierce resolve in her upright gaze.
I pulled her head back against my chest and chuckled quietly.
“I’d forgotten. We’re practically members of the Devon Victims Alliance. Unfortunately, I’m
not going to kill him. But when it comes to revenge… I understand you both better than
anyone.”
“Etricia…”
Lilien buried her face even deeper in my embrace, trembling with emotion. Her shoulders
shook with resentment, and I kept patting her gently. She sniffled like a child and murmured
through her tears.
“Everyone said Edmund was crazy. Even the retainers who first believed him eventually
turned their backs.”
“I see.”
“It made me so angry and frustrated. I should’ve done something… If only there had been
another witness, maybe they would’ve believed him. But I stupidly testified honestly…”
“Lilien, you didn’t do anything wrong. You can’t lie in court.”
“B-But I…”
Her tears soaked into my chest, hot and wet. Her arms around my waist clung tighter than
ever.
She was someone who got winded just running to the terrace. How angry and hurt must she
have been to sob like this, gasping for air?
I held her tight, letting her know she could cry all she wanted. As if that permission broke the
last dam holding back her emotions, Lilien finally let it all out, pouring out the sorrow she had
buried for so long—for the first time, feeling truly understood and comforted.
