Chapter 69
Claude knows what kind of man he is. He would bet that he knows him better than Adrian Grimaldi does. That’s why he agrees with the King’s reason for distancing himself from Spencer Grimaldi.
“My father did that because he knew the Count was the type to do such things.”
How dangerous he is.
“Why do you think magical terrorism suddenly occurred in peaceful Konya?”
Especially when turned into an enemy.
“Did the Count sponsor it?”
How many people must hold grudges against Count Grimaldi? He’s even willing to betray his own child.
“Did you urge Luigi to return?”
“You know I serve only Your Highness now.”
Spencer Grimaldi said, with an innocent face as if he hadn’t done anything. Perhaps Spencer truly thought so. That he was innocent.
“I merely…”
Created just a tiny ripple.
“Simply arranged for a small misfortune to befall His Grace Marquis Luigi Francovan.”
Claude glared at Spencer Grimaldi.
“Coming to Palesa was the Marquis’s own decision.”
Count Grimaldi was clearly a control freak.
“If not that, it could have been Lady Connolly’s will. Unlike Duke Woodpecker, you know well the relationship between Marquis Francovan and Lady Connolly.”
“Are you saying you threatened Luigi to make Lady Connolly call him to Palesa?”
“I merely acted for Your Highness’s benefit.”
“For my benefit?”
“Isn’t it better to eliminate those who are becoming dangerous?”
“…”
“Your Highness knows too. How the current King ascended to that position. And how I placed His Majesty there.”
The current King had two older brothers. Both died. Duke Woodpecker died while riding in a carriage, and the previous King gradually weakened and died not long after ascending the throne.
Everyone says it was illness, but Claude knows. The man who had held him since childhood when he sucked his thumb. The man who cared for his lord’s son instead of embracing his own children, who neglected his own children in his territory yet placed a sword in Claude’s hands when he became prince—what Count Grimaldi had done.
“Killed them all.”
Claude clenched and unclenched his fist.
“Your Highness.”
The Count was dangerous. Not someone to keep around long. The King knew this, and Claude didn’t. So he had picked up the snake the King had discarded.
“Rather than taking and raising an ignorant child…”
But now he knows. That this was a dangerous choice.
“Isn’t a snake experienced in politics better?”
The Count must have thought he’d chosen the easiest one to handle.
“Yes.”
More than Luigi with House Connolly behind him.
And more than Woodpecker with his territory and trusted retainers.
“I suppose so.”
It was a mistake.
❖ ❖ ❖
Yuls’s morning started earlier than usual. While Billy was adjusting the Duke’s attire, the Duke told Gavin it would be better to return to their territory early.
“I’ll make preparations. How early do you plan to return?”
“Let’s leave right after today’s audience with the King. We shouldn’t stay long. Tell everyone.”
At Yuls’s words, Gavin’s eyes widened in surprise. Yuls, who usually moved according to set schedules, disliked sudden changes. It was strange for him to say they would return like this.
“Wouldn’t it be too early a return?”
“Luigi’s arrival makes me uneasy.”
Yuls said. This year had many differences from usual. Adi Grimaldi, Claude’s earlier arrival, his invitation to Count Grimaldi and letting him stay at his residence, and Lady Connolly’s request and Luigi’s return.
In some ways, it might not be that strange, but an inexplicable uneasiness made the back of his neck cold.
And Yuls’s intuition usually proved correct.
“Your Grace, perhaps… does it feel similar to that time?”
Gavin asked. Yuls’s intuition was trustworthy. Bert occasionally suggested it might be due to the witch’s blood. Though everyone dismissed this possibility, they couldn’t help wondering. It was this sense that had allowed him to be the only survivor when everyone in House Woodpecker was killed.
“Understood. I’ll inform all the servants.”
Gavin said. Adi narrowed their eyes. They couldn’t understand changing schedules just because of unease. Billy asked while helping Yuls into his jacket.
“Then what are your plans regarding Count Grimaldi?”
“I forgot about that.”
Yuls answered as if talking to himself, looking at Adi. Since he had invited him, he couldn’t just drive him away because he was leaving.
“Tell him he can stay here as long as he remains in Palesa if he wants. It’s my space anyway.”
“Yes, I’ll convey that.”
“And Adi.”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
“Go get your transfer papers. The Second Knight Division commander’s signature should be there. You can pack as soon as you return.”
“Understood, Your Grace.”
When Adi remained standing after answering, Yuls smiled slightly.
“That means you can leave early.”
At that laugh, everyone fell silent. Gavin and Billy exchanged glances before looking at Adi. Joel’s words kept coming to mind.
‘I’m telling you, those two are getting sticky!’
However, thanks to this, it was an early end to the shift. Though night guard duty was tiring, there wasn’t anything particularly dangerous. Of course, there had been assassins before, but since the King’s arrival, security had been strengthened so much that outsiders couldn’t slip in. Adi returned to their quarters. They thought they could sleep after putting down their heavy sword and visiting the administrative office.
…Still, thinking they should carry a dagger just in case, they were strapping it to their waist when they ran into Roy coming out of the bathroom.
“Off work already?”
Adi frowned at the sight of him dripping water onto the floor, his hair not properly dried. They didn’t expect him to come out fully dressed, but at least not in such a natural state.
“They told me to get transfer papers from the administrative office. Then to pack my things.”
“Pack?”
“Did you get your papers?”
“Got them ages ago. But why pack? Is the transfer some kind of exile? We agreed to go together, Adi.”
Roy spoke while trying to embrace them. Adi pushed Roy away. They didn’t want to be hugged by someone who was wet. Roy didn’t press further. Shaking the water from his hair, he asked, “But really, why pack?”
“His Grace apparently plans to return to Woodpecker today?”
“Today? Suddenly?”
“Yeah. He said he feels uneasy.”
At those words, Roy stopped. Then he asked, “He feels uneasy?” When Adi nodded, Roy quickly knocked on Bert’s door.
“My lord! My lord! Wake up quickly!”
What’s wrong with him…
Adi looked at Roy with an uncomprehending face before turning away. Getting to the administrative office was the priority.
“My lord! His Grace said he feels uneasy!”
Adi left the lounge. They heard Bert’s door bang open, but it wasn’t their concern.
The sky was dark again today, though it had been somewhat clear yesterday. There were traces of raindrops on the ground, but no more were falling, and they were gradually drying up.
Perhaps because it was early morning, few people were in the corridors and outside. The servants hadn’t arrived yet, and only palace attendants and maids were about. That made someone’s movements more noticeable.
Not long after leaving the residence, someone was following them.
Regular footsteps, keeping a certain distance.
With someone’s presence following neither too close nor too far, Adi wondered if they were imagining it. It wasn’t difficult to check. When they deliberately slowed down, the other person also reduced their speed. Adi crossed the garden after passing through the corridor. Then turned right again.
Adi turned right once more. One more right turn from here would bring them back to the starting point. They paused before turning. The footsteps also stopped.
“…”
They were definitely being followed. Good thing they’d brought the dagger. Adi slowly turned right while gripping the weapon. They deliberately went forward making footsteps, then quietly returned back, afraid their presence would be noticed if they made no sound.
They could feel their pursuer approaching nearby.
Adi adjusted their grip on the dagger. Judging by the shadow, the person was slightly taller than them. From the head and clothing, a man. Age couldn’t be determined from the shadow, but the body seemed well-trained. The moment the man turned around the pillar, Adi held the dagger to his throat.
“Adrian.”
The name was called. A familiar voice.
“…Father.”
“That’s a fine dagger.”
Spencer Grimaldi said. Adi’s hand holding the dagger trembled. Another shadow approached from behind them. As Adi noticed and tried to turn to defend, a strong impact struck their nape.
Adi gradually collapsed. Someone’s military boots came into view. One heel was particularly worn.
It was Lev Jid. They wanted to ask why they were doing this, no, why they were doing this so quickly, but couldn’t do anything. Their vision quickly turned black.
“Take them.”
The last thing they heard was the Count’s voice.
