Chapter 42
Caesar Maes had never hesitated, no matter how important the decision.
He always knew how to win—without the need for lengthy contemplation.
But now, he looked as if he was facing an unusually complicated dilemma.
His lieutenants exchanged uneasy glances before Aden stepped forward.
“We shouldn’t bring the knights into Hohan District on the day of the engagement, correct? Lady Odette warned that there would be a confrontation with the earl’s mercenaries.”
“So she did. As if she were truly on my side.”
Caesar’s voice was cold, his tone as sharp as a blade biting into flesh.
Aden felt a shiver run down his spine.
“…Lady Odette is one of your greatest allies, my lord. She has skillfully distracted the earl with her brilliant schemes, and—”
“Aden. Shut your mouth.”
Caesar ripped the letter in his hands in half.
Aden’s heart pounded violently.
He didn’t know who had written that letter, but one thing was certain—
Whoever sent it is as good as dead.
Swallowing hard, Aden awaited his orders.
“Aden.”
Caesar’s low voice cut through the silence.
“Yes, my lord?”
“Station the remaining knights at the exits leading out of Hohan District. No one—not even an insect—leaves without my permission.”
“I-Is someone trying to escape?”
Caesar did not answer.
Instead, he turned to face the window, his back rigid and heavy with unspoken emotions.
“Why is it all just land?”
Odette let out a deep sigh.
The one billion gold the earl had promised her was not in cash—
It was in land deeds.
And worse—she wouldn’t even have the right to claim them until after the wedding.
I’ll have to use them as collateral for a loan.
With the borrowed money, plus the gold she had made from selling the dresses and jewelry she had bought,
She could settle down anywhere.
After researching her options, she had found that the safest escape route was to the Eastern Continent.
It was far away, and while there were many cargo ships traveling back and forth,
Passenger ships only sailed twice a year.
Even if they realize I’ve gone there, what could they do?
Even if Caesar sent men after her, they wouldn’t know where in the vast continent she had disappeared to.
“But where did my travel guide on Napolitan go?”
As she searched for the book, a strange shiver ran down her spine.
“What are you looking for?”
Caesar Maes was leaning against the doorframe.
“L-Lord Caesar? What brings you here at this hour?”
He did not answer.
Instead, he entered the room, brushed past her, and walked toward the window.
A frightening chill radiated from him, sending a tremor through Odette’s body.
What is this? Did something happen?
“I thought you were attending a social gathering.”
If he wanted to build his influence, he should have been out networking.
Odette furrowed her brows, studying him carefully.
Did something go wrong?
Unlike his usual disheveled appearance, tonight he had slicked back his dark hair, wearing a light blue jacket and navy trousers.
Even though he was already strikingly handsome, dressing elegantly only amplified his beauty.
If looks alone determined power, Caesar Maes would rule the Empire.
And yet—
When his red lips curled into a lopsided smirk, his narrowed gaze brimming with amusement,
He was dangerously seductive.
As she stepped closer, she caught the scent of roses.
A white rose was pinned to his lapel.
Did he dress up for me?
Odette quickly shook off the absurd thought and asked,
“May I ask what kind of gathering required such an extravagant outfit?”
“…A date with you.”
“Why waste time on dates? We have revenge to focus on.”
She poured him a cup of tea and set it before him.
But Caesar ignored it, tucking his hands into his pockets with a mischievous smile.
“Actually, I had too many invitations tonight. I was deciding where to go.”
So he wasn’t struggling with a setback—
He was struggling to choose between offers.
That was a problem she could help with.
Odette smiled.
“I see. If you tell me who has invited you, I can help you decide.”
Without waiting for his response, she leaned in close, her lips brushing near his ear as she whispered,
“You know I have a knack for these things.”
Caesar lowered his gaze, studying her carefully.
“Do you really think you have a good sense for this?”
“Of course. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t have been able to become your trusted strategist.”
She flashed a bright smile, and for a moment, he simply stared at her.
Then, he tilted his chin toward the stack of papers on the table.
“And what’s that?”
“Oh, this? The land deeds from the earl—the one billion gold he promised me.”
“You don’t seem happy about it. Shouldn’t you be?”
“Of course not. Land? How stingy.”
Caesar scanned the documents before turning his gaze back to her.
“…This appears to be fertile land in the west.”
“I’m not interested in farming.”
“So it’s only about money and jewels for you?”
“Exactly.”
Caesar reached out, lightly tugging her hair, tilting her head just slightly.
Then, he leaned in, whispering into her ear—
“Don’t be upset, Odette. I’ll give you the Tereba mines.”
Tereba—a wasteland Caesar’s biological father had once purchased.
Not long ago, Odette had revealed its location to him after seeing it in a dream.
The earl had been secretly stealing gems from it for years, but the mine was so rich that it barely made a difference.
Odette blinked in shock, stumbling over her words.
“W-Why are you suddenly giving me a mine?”
“I already told you. I’ll give you everything I own—so long as I can have you.”
His long, firm fingers slid between hers, lacing them together.
The possessiveness in his grip sent a shiver down her spine.
“Love me, Odette.”
“…I already told you I do.”
“Say it like you mean it.”
Every time she breathed in, his dark magic seeped into her body, entering through her nose and lips.
Her mind screamed no, but her body began to betray her.
“I love you.”
“And I love you.”
His whisper was sweet as honey.
She wanted to believe him.
She shouldn’t. But maybe, a part of her already did.
She didn’t want to end up like the original heroine—
Clawing at her own chest, tormented by love.
Living a life where Caesar dictated her happiness and despair—
Where she had no self, no pride, only the desperate craving to be loved.
Caesar didn’t want love.
He wanted ownership.
And in the end, he would take her for granted, leaving her to wither in neglect.
No. I won’t let you steal my heart.
As Odette fought to guard herself, and Caesar fought to claim her,
Their opposing divine and dark forces clashed in an invisible battle.
“Please….”
“Please, what?”
His fevered gaze burned into her, but his expression remained cold and relentless.
Tears welled up and spilled down her cheeks.
“Do you want me to kiss you?”
If he kissed her, he would drain every last drop of her divine power.
She would be left utterly weak.
But a traitorous thought whispered—
Wouldn’t it be easier to just let him take what he wants and escape this situation?
“Yes.”
“How obedient.”
Caesar gathered her in his arms and captured her lips.
His heartbeat pounded violently against her chest.
In the end, had they both lost?
What the hell am I doing here?
Odette sat in a smoky, dimly lit social club, surrounded by the heavy scent of cigars.
Caesar had vanished into a private room to meet with someone—leaving her alone.
“Hohoho, so how many times did you do it?”
“Do you really think I was in any state to count?”
Even in broad daylight, noblemen and courtesans were drinking and exchanging lewd stories.
Men who attempted to approach Odette were swiftly blocked by Aden,
Who stood at her side like an impenetrable wall.
With a deep sigh, Odette slumped onto the table.
I don’t have time to waste like this.
Lately, she had gained a new ability— She could now manifest her divine power into solid orbs.
Now I can keep my strength hidden from Caesar.
