Chapter 16
The Latran Empire was a country located in the center of the continent, with the Membroux Mountain Range running through its middle and occupying over 60% of its territory. As a result, the empire had a well-developed mining and dairy industry.
The mountain ranges were particularly rich in gemstones—Latran jewels were considered premium and widely traded as luxury goods.
Many noble houses whose lands were nestled in the mountains grew wealthy through active mining operations.
The western region of Latran was farmland, serving as the empire’s breadbasket. Where the Membroux range ended and the fertile plains began, there lay a barren stretch of land called Alphen—a completely abandoned area.
“There really is nothing here.”
That was Adler’s first impression upon seeing Alphen.
Aside from the sparse grass used by local herders for grazing cattle, there was truly nothing. It was empty, dry, and desolate.
“There’s more hidden here than meets the eye.”
Tericia surveyed the surroundings with a relaxed expression.
“They say land used for pasture usually grows something.”
“Well, yes—but not anything particularly useful.”
“The fief is small, and the only water source is a narrow stream. It’s unsuitable for crops.”
“Honestly, it’s smaller than the average estate manor.”
“That’s why buying it won’t be difficult. Mother even seemed to be looking for a way to sell it.”
Lady Boren had thought buying land directly from the imperial auction would bring some gain. But the empire had only put it up for sale to fill the treasury—because it was useless, even to them.
A plot barely big enough for four or five villages, without proper water access to support farming—land that served no purpose. Its sheer barrenness was what made Tericia like it even more.
“I plan to plant flowers here.”
She extended her arm and gestured from left to right across the field.
“Flowers and herbs. Ingredients for making fragrance.”
“You’re going into the fragrance business?”
“Yes.”
Not exactly that alone, but close enough. As the wind lifted her hair, Tericia gently tucked the strands behind her ear. There was no need to reveal everything just yet.
“Will flowers even grow here? The biggest issue with this land is water. It does rain, but not enough to sustain a proper garden. There’s said to be a small stream nearby, but it’s just that—a stream.”
“You’ve done your homework.”
She looked at Adler with an approving expression.
“It doesn’t seem suitable for a garden at all. But… you said there’s a hidden water source?”
“Yes, there is. It’s not visible, but I’m certain a waterway runs beneath this land.”
Tericia spoke with confidence.
“Mother can’t freely act right now, so chances are she won’t thoroughly investigate who’s buying this. But I can’t purchase the land under my name. So for now, I’d like you to buy it for me.”
Adler could do it himself, but even asking one of his siblings would be enough. As much as his family had disowned him, his siblings still didn’t ignore his requests.
“That’s something I can absolutely do.”
He hesitated for a moment.
“This may just be my overthinking, but…”
There was something about this plan that felt off. The more he heard, the more one thought kept creeping into his mind.
If this was all for the family’s benefit, there would be no reason to do it in secret. This felt more like…
Adler debated, then asked outright.
“…Are you planning to leave the family?”
Tericia responded with a vague smile instead of an answer.
“…Do you plan to abandon the young master? Abandon Rashid?”
“Abandon? Do I even have the right to do that?”
“Are you being sincere?”
“……”
Tericia offered an awkward smile. She still didn’t give a clear answer. Adler took a careful breath before choosing his words.
“You know how much he relies on you, don’t you?”
“He’s grown up now.”
Physically, sure…
Adler kept his thoughts to himself.
“He’s going to be leading the knight order now, so I suppose he can stand on his own.”
Her voice held a quiet pride.
“Rashid doesn’t need me anymore. He’s grown up so well… I’m sure he’ll lead just fine.”
Tericia spoke as she looked out over the vast, empty land before them. Because of that, she didn’t notice the increasingly pained expression forming on Adler’s face.
Does she really still not understand what kind of person he is?
His temples began to throb. He had thought the only hopelessly oblivious person in the world was Roben Heinz—but now it seemed there was someone even worse.
How can she not see it when he makes it so obvious?
Unbeknownst to her, Rashid Hespelt had always kept his true self perfectly hidden in front of his sister.
While they were apart—unable to see her or speak to her—he had replayed the same thoughts again and again. And with each repetition, his feelings only grew stronger.
On the surface, he seemed calm. But to Adler, his attachment was near obsession.
“So what if it is obsession? As long as I have her, that’s enough.”
Rashid had never bothered hiding his emotions from Adler or Heinz. They were the only two who had seen him without a mask.
It’s the price of tying bonds too early, Adler thought, letting out a sigh.
“I’m truly worried.”
Not for you, but for the young master.
“You’re worrying for nothing.”
Adler almost laughed aloud. That man—the moment he figures out what his sister is planning—would turn the entire estate upside down without hesitation.
“He’ll oppose it.”
“Of course he will.”
“……”
“But I shouldn’t be here. My presence only brings trouble to Rashid. Like Mother…”
Or Count Clu.
People would only try to use her to strip Rashid of his power and rightful place.
I can’t let him suffer because of me.
Tericia bit her lip.
“I might be the one holding him back.”
“Lady Tericia…”
“If there’s a chance I’ll bring him harm, then it’s better I disappear.”
She spoke as if she had already experienced the consequences once before—as though it were inevitable that she would end up hurting him. And yet, it was clear that this decision was rooted in love.
A strange relationship, truly.
Just the thought of Rashid’s reaction when she declared her independence was already giving Adler a headache.
I shouldn’t have listened to any of this.
It would’ve been easier not knowing both sides. Adler exhaled heavily.
＊＊＊
“Welcome back, Sister.”
When she returned to the estate, it was Rashid who came to greet her.
“You didn’t have to come out. You must be busy.”
“I was just about to rest when I saw your carriage pulling in.”
Rashid offered his arm as Tericia stepped down from the carriage. Behind her, Adler disembarked and locked eyes with Heinz, who stood just behind Rashid.
When Heinz gave a firm shake of his head, Adler immediately grasped the situation. Rashid had likely been in the middle of receiving a report or discussing knight order matters.
Then he must’ve seen the carriage and rushed straight out.
“That’s perfect. I bought cookies and cake so we could have tea together. Do you have time?”
“If it’s tea time with you, Sister, I’ll always make time.”
Rashid cheerfully accepted the invitation, completely ignoring his knight commander’s frantic head-shaking. He even subtly shifted to block Tericia’s line of sight so she wouldn’t notice Heinz’s expression.
Tericia asked a maid to prepare refreshments, and then she and Rashid went inside.
Behind the flurry of servants now moving quickly, Adler and Heinz were left standing outside.
“No matter how many times I see it, I just can’t get used to it,” Heinz muttered.
“He used to be so adorable when he was little.”
“……”
Adler agreed, though he wasn’t foolish enough to say it aloud.
“But aren’t you supposed to be the commander of the knight order? Why do you look so free right now?”
“…I don’t even know anymore. I really don’t.”
“Hang in there.”
Adler gave a dry chuckle and patted his friend on the shoulder.
＊＊＊
As Tericia and Rashid entered the mansion, the first person they ran into was Lady Boren.
Tericia’s body stiffened the moment she saw her mother. It was a small reaction, but one Rashid—holding her hand and supporting her by the waist—noticed immediately.
His brow furrowed sharply. Sensing the shift, Lady Boren flinched.
“If you lay a hand on my sister again—”
It was as if Rashid’s chilling warning echoed in her ears again. Unable to endure it, Lady Boren quickly turned and walked away.
“……”
The suddenness of it left Tericia dazed. Her mother had never ignored her like that before.
“What’s wrong with Mother…?”
“She must be busy with something.”
Rashid answered calmly, but Tericia’s eyes narrowed slightly as she looked at him. Something felt off, but she couldn’t quite place it.
“Is there something on my face, Sister?”
“…No. Nothing.”
Shaking her head, Tericia followed Rashid into his office.
Inside, the cookies, cake, and tea she’d brought were already laid out. Rashid pulled out her chair first before taking the seat across from her.
“Did your trip go well?”
“Mhm.”
Tericia’s face brightened.
“I viewed the land and found a broker right after. I think I’ll be able to finalize the purchase soon.”
“That’s great. Is there anything I can do to help?”
“Just sending Adler with me was more than enough. He’s handling everything.”
“Don’t get too close to him.”
“…What?”
Rashid pushed the plate of cake toward her as if he hadn’t said anything unusual.
“Please, go ahead.”
“…Okay. You should try it too—I got a recommendation for this place. It’s supposed to be really good.”
When Tericia took a curious bite of the cake, Rashid followed suit.
“You’ve got a sweet tooth, huh?”
She watched him take a large bite without hesitation and smiled.
“I like whatever you like, Sister.”
Rashid returned her gaze with a gentle smile, as if it were the most obvious truth in the world.
