Chapter 4.2

Cassian, who had been looking over the documents with an indifferent gaze, let out a dry chuckle without realizing it when the still-unfamiliar white sleeve came into view.

In the prenuptial agreement, she had made demands as if she desired a newlywed life overflowing with affection more than anyone else.

‘…I didn’t expect to be the one feeling mistreated.’

Who would have thought he’d be treated like this? 

Cassian recalled the day he went to work in his formal uniform. That was the first day Rosena had chosen his work clothes.

“Your Grace, are you receiving a medal today?”

“No. My wife made me wear this.”

“Ah, yes. …What?!”

It was quite a sight to behold the faces of the nobles, who were secretly eavesdropping, filled with shock and horror.

There were even rumors that the couple had fought on their very first day.

“T-The Grand Duchess told you to wear that?”

“Is there a problem?”

“Oh, no? Your wife has excellent taste. Hahahaha! It suits you very well.”

Excellent taste, indeed. She was openly trying to make him look foolish.

And that day, Cassian was tormented all day by all sorts of questions from everyone he met. Rosena didn’t stop at just one day. She continued her outrageous choices for his work attire today as well.

“What should I do?”

Cassian fell into thought, wondering how he could put an end to this situation. However, his worries were quickly cut short by a knock.

Knock, knock. 

“Come in.”

As Cassian granted permission, Marquess Rashtein, with narrowed eyes, entered and bowed lightly.

“Your Grace. Your attire today is also quite fresh. I thought you only knew the color black, hahahaha! You look much brighter too!”

“Your business.”

Cassian cut him off curtly, annoyed. It was only natural, as the marquess was spouting nonsense like how his complexion had brightened and he seemed happier since his marriage.

Marquess Rashtein’s eyes must have been mere decorations. Or he was feigning ignorance to deliberately provoke Cassian.

“Isn’t it good to have a wife now to take care of you?”

Yes, it seemed to be the latter. Marquess Rashtein was joking in a playful voice.

“Marquess.”

“Yes, Your Grace.”

“For someone who’s been divorced, you talk a lot.”

“…Cough.”

As Cassian retorted sarcastically, Marquess Rashtein, who had not gotten the better of him, handed over the report he was holding.

The thick report contained information related to the temple. It was also an issue the Emperor was personally hearing the report on.

“Why is His Majesty interested in such a small organization? Religion isn’t allowed in the Agzent Empire, but aren’t places like this common in other countries?”

“Marquess, do you know the Agzent mythology?”

“Of course… I do, but that’s just a myth, isn’t it?”

No one believed myths were facts. Ancient tales often exaggerated impossible events. The temple was a religious organization that worshipped ‘Aurelia,’ the main deity who governed all gods appearing in the Agzent mythology.

They didn’t just believe in a god. They deluded people with absurd claims of being able to wield the ‘power of the goddess’ with twisted hearts, causing chaos in the world.

At that time, magical development was slow, so it was interpreted that they enchanted the ignorant by demonstrating healing spells using magic.

However, the present day was different. The empire possessed the Magic Tower, where the continent’s most skilled mages gathered, and with the groundbreaking development of alchemy, it was entering an era of prosperity.

This meant it was not an era where imperial authority could be shaken by cheap tricks.

Marquess Rashtein furrowed his eyebrows, as if unable to understand.

“Yes, His Majesty is greatly concerned about such myths. What were the interrogation results?”

“Yes, the priest we let loose as bait seems to be a swindler who doesn’t know anything.”

“You confirmed that he had a symbol engraved on the back of his hand, didn’t you?”

Priests affiliated with the temple had geometric symbols engraved somewhere on their bodies. Among them, those with blue-colored markings were presumed to be key figures within the temple.

So, it was strange that he was confirmed to be a nobody.

“We gave him truth serum, but there was no significant gain. He claims he was just waiting at a location instructed by his sponsor to receive supplies. It was confirmed that he knows nothing about who the sponsor is.”

“…Waiting for supplies at an instructed location?” 

Cassian’s expression hardened terribly.

“What are the coordinates of the location where that priest was?”

“Actually, there’s something to report regarding this. It was discovered that relative coordinates were used in this process.”

Relative coordinates.

These were coordinates researched independently by the Agzent Empire, not the official ‘absolute coordinates’ used on the continent.

The Agzent Imperial Family had invested enormous budgets, mobilized skilled mages and alchemists, and conducted research for over 10 years.

If someone supporting the temple sent supplies using relative coordinates, it meant the rumor that information leaked immediately after the research was successfully completed was true.

“Things are getting more complicated.”

Things were escalating more than expected. The Agzent Empire had many enemies. If it became known that there was an internal problem, other countries that had been watching for an opportunity would not stand idly by.

Relative coordinates, simply put, were coordinates that allowed for secret movement that others couldn’t track. The ‘absolute coordinates’ officially used on the continent left a trace every time someone used them. However, relative coordinates set a specific location as a reference point and reset the coordinates based on that point, making them difficult to figure out without knowing the reference location.

And their applications were limitless. If enough magical power was secured, large-scale armies could be moved very secretly.

At least one fortunate thing was…

“Relative coordinates won’t leak outside.”

“How can you be so sure?”

“If what His Majesty truly fears is happening, then what the temple’s sponsor wants is imperial power.”

Cassian concluded that there was someone within who was using the temple to seize imperial power.

If they truly wished to possess the empire completely, they wouldn’t sell off such crucial information that would always give external enemies an opportunity for invasion.

Furthermore, the one supporting the temple must be someone very familiar with the history of the Agzent Empire. They are also a powerful figure with enough authority to access secret imperial information.

‘I thought it was excessively meticulous, but they were using relative coordinates.’

He had considered them a trivial religious group, but the secret to their unusually strong stealth ability was hidden in this.

Marquess Rashtein spoke cautiously.

“Um, by the way, Your Grace. If imperial power is the goal, wouldn’t simply obtaining relative coordinates be enough for the sponsor? They could launch a surprise attack anytime.”

“They must be trying to shake the foundation of the current imperial family first by receiving help on the condition of restoring the temple. The illusion that a divine being brings has always been, and still is, tremendous. For now, it seems they had no choice but to ally with the temple.”

“……”

“Even if things go wrong, they can pin everything on the temple, so there’s no harm in using them.”

Cassian gave a cold laugh.

“And there are only a few families in the empire capable of such a crazy act.”

In that case, all families that could be suspects simply needed to be investigated.

“Find out if any families have recently started new businesses or established foundations. Also, if any have suddenly increased their operating funds.”

“Understood.”

“You may leave now, Marquess.”

Cassian rose from his seat.

Marquess Rashtein, who had finished his report and was about to leave the office, looked at Cassian with surprise.

“Where are you going, Your Grace?”

“I’m leaving work.”

“…Huh? Did I hear that correctly?”

“I said I’m leaving work.”

Marquess Rashtein’s eyes widened in disbelief.

My goodness. Marquess Rashtein muttered, staring blankly at Cassian’s retreating back as he left the office.

“What the hell, what did I just hear? Can marriage really change someone this much? No, that can’t be right?”

It was the first time he had witnessed Cassian Baltinart leaving work on time since joining the Imperial Intelligence Agency.

* * *

“Ugh, I’m dying. I can’t believe looking through ledgers is this exhausting.”

As soon as Rosena entered her room, she collapsed onto the bed without resistance. She’d only been in the office for a few hours, but her eyes were strained and her whole body ached. It seemed to be because it had been a long time since she’d sat at a desk.

Her eyelids felt heavy, and she was about to give in to her fatigue without bothering to lift them.

Oh, I feel like I’ve forgotten something. What did I forget?

She groaned with an inexplicable unease, furrowing her brow. 

“Ah, that’s right.”

Flash. Rosena’s closed eyes snapped open. 

“When does Cassian get off work?”

She had completely forgotten. Cassian, who had gone to work, hadn’t returned home yet. Based on what Ted had said today, he seemed like someone who was always incredibly busy.

“So that means he works late?”

She didn’t know. She hadn’t asked, and Cassian wasn’t the type to talk about himself much either.

The two, who had never really had a proper conversation, knew nothing about each other. No, correct that. Cassian might know many things, but Rosena knew almost nothing about him.. 

Rosena slowly sat up.

“So, should I wait or not?”

Do wives usually stay awake waiting for their husbands to come home from work? Well, she didn’t know.

She had received bridal training, so she knew in theory that she should wait, but she wasn’t sure if that was actually the case. Rosena was only knowledgeable in theory. Up until now, it hadn’t been a big concern because it was simply what she was supposed to do. Choosing clothes for Cassian or managing the household affairs were all things she had learned in her bridal training.

But this felt a little different. Was she really supposed to give up sleep over this? How was she supposed to know when Cassian would arrive?

“Should I just go to sleep if I’m tired?” 

Rosena’s expression grew more serious.

“Still, it would be a shame if no one was there to greet him after he’d been working.”

Just imagining the situation, Rosena felt entirely disheartened.

Hmm…

But if he works overtime, does he eat at the Imperial Palace?

…No, wait a minute.

“What? Why am I worrying about this?”

Rosena flinched and sharply slapped both of her cheeks. Then she quickly found a plausible reason.

“No, I can worry about it.”

If people see a stray cat on the street that’s hurt, it’s natural to worry about it, so isn’t it okay to worry about the meals of someone living in the same house?

Fortunately, Rosena’s struggle didn’t last long.

Soon after, news arrived that Cassian had returned home.

“Welcome home, Cassian. You’ve worked hard today.”

“Yes. I’m home, Rosena.”

Rosena, who had come out to the front entrance to greet him, observed the surrounding atmosphere. It was a bit chaotic, which suggested that Cassian’s returning home on time was an unusual occurrence. 

Cassian, who stepped down from the carriage, paused for a moment, as if he hadn’t expected Rosena to be waiting, then approached her.

“Will you be getting off work around this time tomorrow too?”

“I’m not sure. I don’t know what might happen.”

“Judging from the looks on your people’s faces, it seems you left quite early today. What time do you usually come home?”

“Why are you curious about my work hours?”

Rosena replied as if it were obvious. 

“Well, I can’t fall asleep waiting for you to come home, can I? I’m just asking for a little cooperation for a peaceful evening for both of us.”

However, there was no answer even after a long time. 

Raising her head, puzzled, she saw Cassian staring at her with a strange expression.

As Cassian’s gaze met Rosena’s blue eyes, he turned his head away. 

“Will you wait?”

“Pardon?”

“Will you wait for me even if I’m late?”

“…As long as you’re not too late?”

Rosena answered vaguely, her voice trailing up at the end. 

Cassian’s face grew even stranger.

“What is it? Just say it if you’ve got something to say.”

“Weren’t you uninterested?”

“In what?”

“In anything. You’ve never asked about things like this before.”

Rosena cleared her throat awkwardly. It wasn’t wrong, but hearing it from him directly made her feel a little sorry. Still, they were officially married, and she didn’t even know the bare minimum she should. 

She was trying to choose her words to answer when Cassian replied flatly.

“I think I’ll be arriving around this time from now on.”

“Oh, really? Then you haven’t had dinner yet, right? In that case, let’s eat together after you change. I haven’t eaten yet either. The chef prepared a special nutritious meal today. They say people around here eat nutritious meals during this time of year.”

“…Is that so?”

“Yes. Good thing I asked them to prepare Cassian’s portion too, just in case. Oh, I’ve gotten kind of close with the chef. That way, he’ll make us lots of delicious food, right?”

Rosena chattered without a break. She couldn’t talk like this to her subordinates without losing her dignity, so once she started talking, it all came out. 

As they talked about this and that, they had already entered the mansion and arrived in front of the dressing room.

“Then go get changed.”

“Will you go to the dining room first?”

“Hmm, I’ll wait in the study.”

“Understood.”

Suddenly, as Cassian was about to go inside, he paused and looked at Rosena. 

Thinking he wanted to have a staring contest, Rosena didn’t avoid his gaze and looked up at him without flinching. 

Suddenly, Cassian sighed. And, quite surprisingly, unexpected words flowed from Cassian’s lips.

“When do you think you’ll be in a better mood, Rosena?”

“Huh?”

“How much longer do I have to wear these outfits to work? Should I reflect more?”

“……”

“At the Imperial Palace… No, I’ll go to the study. Wait there.”

Cassian went inside, seemingly unable to say the last part. His appearance was like someone who had endured and endured until finally throwing a tantrum, and Rosena was shocked.

‘What did I just hear?’

Her bewildered, trembling eyes couldn’t leave the closed door. For just a moment, Cassian Baltinart had seemed cute. 

And Rosena was surprised that she had even thought such a thing and covered her mouth. The thought of Cassian being cute came before the fact that she had won this small fight.

“Are you crazy, Rosena?”

Where in that man could possibly be considered cute?

Rosena shook her head and turned towards the study on the third floor.

Rosena had told Cassian she would be in the study, but she was currently lost.

If someone asked how one could get lost in a house, the answer would be that it’s possible in the Baltinart mansion.

This was because, unlike the first and second floors of the main building, the third floor had a complex, maze-like structure. It was said that the structure was made complex to guard against potential external intrusions.

“…Hmm. This seems to be a hallway I’ve never entered before.”

She felt like she had been walking for a long time, but she couldn’t find the central area of the third floor. She felt that if she could just get back there, she could find her way, but it was nowhere in sight. Rosena let out a small laugh. With things as they were, she decided to just walk wherever her feet took her.

“Huh?”

Unlike the other ordinary rooms, a door carved with the Baltinart family crest was visible. It seemed to be a portrait room, something noble families usually had somewhere in their mansions.

“So there was a portrait room here.”

Rosena cautiously opened the door and went inside. 

“Wow.”

And she couldn’t help but admire it. It gave the impression of being in a museum. From the first Grand Duke of the Baltinart family to his direct descendants, portraits were lined up in order.

The portraits seemed to be under a preservation spell, as they had a very clear and clean appearance, without any fading colors or dusty corners.

“So black hair has been a family trait since the first generation. Wow, he really looks like Cassian.”

The Baltinart family seemed to be characterized by black hair and red eyes. And unrealistically handsome appearances.

“Oh? It’s Cassian.”

Rosena, who was engrossed in admiring the portraits, discovered Cassian’s portrait. It seemed the portrait hadn’t been replaced yet, as it showed him at a younger age than now. And…

“Huh?”

Next to it was another mysterious portrait covered with a black veil. Aside from the Grand Duke and his wife, wasn’t Cassian the only direct heir? However, when she had spoken with Ted, she hadn’t heard any mention of other siblings.

So, who could be the owner of this portrait? It must be a direct bloodline of the family if it was in the portrait room.

‘Anyway, it seems to have a preservation spell on it, so it should be fine to just lift it for a moment, right?’

Just as Rosena was about to pull off the black veil,

“You said you’d be in the study.”

“Cassian?”

“What are you doing here?”

Cassian looked once at the veiled portrait, then at Rosena.

“…Oh, I was going to the study, but I got lost halfway. Then I saw what looked like a portrait room here, so I was just looking around for a bit. But how did you know I was here?”

“You weren’t in the study, so I came to check, thinking you might have mistaken the path. This place looks similar to the hallway that leads to the study.”

“Ah, that’s why I got lost.”

Without hesitation, Rosena took her hand off the veil she was holding and turned to Cassian.

“Let’s go.”

“Yes. Thank you for coming to find me.”

Rosena did not make the mistake of asking who the owner of that portrait was. 

Because the moment his gaze fell upon it, Cassian’s eyes had sunk deeply.