Chapter 034

Adrian’s gaze momentarily hardened with coldness.

His eyes met Alejandro’s across the stage.

Adrian froze, as if confronted by a viper. However, Alejandro was the very picture of ease.

His crimson eyes softened, and then he turned his head, as if he hadn’t seen anything at all.

His brother possessed what Adrian could not. His had everything Adrian desired.

Adrian bit his lip.

Alejandro didn’t realize how precious the things he had were. Adrian clenched his fist. Next to Alejandro sat Iliana Millane.

And there were many eyes glancing at Alejandro, but he just sat there as if it were only natural.

No one here was aware of Adrian.

They didn’t even think that the second prince, who was in poor health, would be here. They simply assumed he was someone resembling the second prince.

While no one was conscious of Adrian, only he felt painfully aware of this world, a feeling so wretched it was suffocating.

Adrian’s insides boiled. If only he could take away all those things that Alejandro didn’t even realize were valuable.

He wanted to claim them as his own.

Adrian’s yearning shifted from Alejandro to Lady Millane and then to Evelina Regnis.

She was originally Adrian’s. She was brought here to save Adrian, so she belonged to him, and since Empress Rielin had brought her as a sacrifice, she also belonged to her.

’I have to get her back, no matter what.’

Why should Alejandro, who had everything, also take what belonged to Adrian? The life that Alejandro led, which Adrian had seen with his own eyes, was brilliant, and Adrian was trapped behind a perfect barrier that he could never overcome.

A long-standing inferiority complex ignited a hot flame within Adrian. He clenched his fist.

“I want to meet Lady Regnis in person.”

Siena flinched.

Distracted by other thoughts, Siena shrugged her shoulders. She still hadn’t found Sera.

‘Could it be that this event will end like this? It’ll be too late once we go inside the castle!’

The only promise made by Lord Delint was the prohibition of carrying weapons. Siena wetted her lips. And at that moment, she spotted a flickering shadow behind the stage.

‘Sera!’

Siena bit her lip hard.

“Siena!”

Adrian raised his voice. Siena opened her eyes wide.

“Oh, Your Highness. I’m sorry.”

Siena cleared her throat.

“Don’t worry, Your Highness. I’ll make sure you meet her.”

* * *

Sera smiled brightly. It was impressive that Evelina had brought her this far. Evelina must be the only one who could have angered the Empress to this extent.

‘Oh, and there’s the Crown Prince.’

In any case, this time Evelina wouldn’t be able to escape. Mercenaries were swarming around the boat dock. What Sera needed to do was keep Evelina occupied until the mercenaries could do their job.

Sera waved her hand towards Evelina.

“Congratulations, Lady Regnis! I really believed you would succeed!”

“Oh my, Sera! Thank you for coming all this way! Did you enjoy the show?”

“Of course! As Lady Regnis promised before, it was truly a perfect show. I assume everything was sold out again?”

“Yes! Everything that went on stage! It all sold out.”

Evelina smiled brightly.

She knew the second show would also be a success. Even in the noisy and chaotic backstage, Evelina looked happy. After congratulating Evelina, Sera led her outside.

“I’m actually planning to write an article about this show, and I need Evelina’s help.”

It felt completely natural.

No one around them paid attention. Nobody expected anything to happen.

“I have a few questions. Can you answer them?”

“Yes!”

Evelina nodded vigorously. At that moment, a cold smile flickered across Sera’s lips. The sounds of laughter from the crowd began to fade away.

As she earnestly answered Sera’s questions, they moved a bit away from the stage.

“Oh, I think I can hear you better now. So, the intention behind this show is…”

Sera’s voice gradually grew quieter. And at that moment.

Thud!

A man dropped from the tree and struck Evelina’s neck. Every movement was as smooth as flowing water. With Evelina collapsing from the blow to her vital point, Sera sighed as she supported her.

“Hm, I think I should get hurt a bit too. Could you drop me off at a suitable place?”

It was a precaution for any unforeseen circumstances.

“The remaining payment is here.”

“Yes. I will do as you wish.”

Sera nodded and began to follow the mercenaries. Hesitating, she threw the notebook and pen she was holding onto the ground. Leaving no trace would prevent suspicion.

Sera valued her disguise. In many ways.

* * *

Sera was dropped off on a suitable path. It was a secluded road, so it would be a bit of a struggle, but that was something Sera had brought upon herself, so it wasn’t a concern. What mattered to them was still the unconscious woman.

“So now we just need to take this woman to the capital.”

“Right. With her, we can make a fortune.”

The mercenaries burst into loud laughter. To them, Evelina was just a money pouch.

“What do you want to do once we make some money?”

“I want to buy a house! And a wife like a bunny…”

“With your face? Good luck with that!”

“Can’t I at least dream?”

“Oh, wait a minute. What’s that little kid?”

The mercenaries squinted their eyes. A small girl with a tired face, standing by the side of the deserted road, waving her hand, caught their attention.

“Hm, what’s going on?”

One of the mercenaries stepped forward to talk to the child. She looked like she was between nine and eleven years old.

“I, I am… Lady Aria, the daughter of Count Delint. Could you please take me to the Delint residence? I will definitely reward you!”

The daughter of Count Delint?

Isn’t she the next heir of this huge and wealthy tourist spot? The mercenaries’ eyes lit up simultaneously. She was still young enough not to grasp their intentions. Why not just keep her quietly and return her for a suitable reward?

The mercenaries whispered among themselves.

“This is also money! Is there any reason to refuse money rolling in?”

“Well… that’s true. Should we see how sweet money can be?”

For that reason, Aria was allowed to join them. At first, Aria’s eyes widened as she saw the sleeping Evelina.

“Wait, why is Evelina here…?”

“Why, you little thing.”

Aria’s eyes widened. This wasn’t part of her plan. She was on her way back after failing to meet Jaymon.

The boat dock was farther than she expected, and there were too many people. Searching through that crowd for Jaymon was impossible. Feeling defeated, she had reached out to passing carriages, but this was the only one that stopped.

And there was Evelina, deeply asleep.

Aria’s heart sank. She had received countless warnings about situations like this. That’s why she should never wander around without adults.

Aria turned to look at the man who was grinning.

The face that had seemed kind now looked scarier than that of a ghost.

“Y-you can’t be…”

“Who would have thought a money bag would roll in like this!”

The man burst into laughter. His bright yellow teeth stood out the most.

“I wonder how much your father will pay. They say there’s plenty of money in Delint?”

Aria trembled. The mercenary licked his lips.

“The price for this girl has already been set, so there’s no room for negotiation. But you are different.”

Waves of fear rippled in Aria’s large eyes.

“The price I call is the value. Little girl, tell me, how much do you think your father can give?”

Aria huddled tightly next to Evelina.

‘Father…!’

The mercenary grinned even wider.

“There’s no need to look so scared. I treat hostages very well, you know? If your father pays on time, you’ll be able to return safely.”

Aria swallowed her tears. Her hand clung desperately to Evelina’s arm.

At that moment, Evelina woke up.

“Oh, you finally woke up!”