Chapter 31
Thud.
A sharp crack split through the wall.
Adler and Heinz froze in place, their eyes shifting toward Rashid.
Rashid stood with his head slightly bowed, his hand still pressed against the wall. His jaw was clenched tight, and he muttered under his breath.
“That lunatic bastard…”
It almost sounded like his teeth were grinding together. A powdery trail of stone dust crumbled from the wall where his fist had struck.
From what Adler knew, this mansion had once been a fortress—famous for its solid construction.
It was so sturdy that only the interior had been remodeled; the stone framework and walls had been left untouched. Even brushing against a wall in the hallway could leave someone winded from the impact.
“How is that even possible?”
He glanced at Heinz in disbelief.
“Not just anyone could do that.”
Heinz answered with a casual shrug, his eyes carrying the same message. Meanwhile, from the speaking tube that had been left open, Tericia’s voice continued to flow steadily.
“What exactly are you trying to say, Uncle?”
“I mean what I said. That man will take everything from you—and in the end, he’ll drive you out of the ducal house. My poor, unfortunate niece.”
Tericia said nothing. She simply sat with her hands folded neatly on her lap, her back straight, and calmly looked at Count Clu.
“You were raised with your father’s love, weren’t you? You’re nothing like that boy who grew up wild and unruly after being banished to the annex.”
“…”
“Even if your bloodline is humble, you were still the Duke’s daughter—brought up in privilege and wealth. You’ve grown used to the life of nobility.”
“…”
“If someone like you lost everything and was cast out—reduced to living like a commoner, crawling in the dirt—how could I ever face your late mother in the afterlife?”
Still, Tericia said nothing.
Perhaps thinking he had frightened her, Count Clu continued, pressing his advantage.
“If you want to survive, you need to hold your ground in this house. While your father is still alive, you have to secure your position—and build the strength you’ll need to stand against Rashid.”
“And you think you can help me do that, Uncle?”
“Exactly. I’m the only one who can. I’m a direct descendant of the Hespelt line—and the most beloved son of the previous Duke.”
That’s why he passed down the title and the land to you, Tericia thought.
She realized now that her father’s favoritism hadn’t helped Count Clu at all. If anything, it had ruined him.
The current Duke of Hespelt—Rashid—was a problem because he refused to show affection. But the previous Duke had been just as flawed—he’d poured all his love into one son and ignored the rest.
No one seems to know what balance looks like.
She thought of Rashid for a moment. It was a wonder he had turned out as well as he had, considering everything.
“I will be your strength,” Count Clu said. “I’ll help you find your rightful place in this house.”
“Ahem.”
Tericia turned her head and gave a small, polite cough.
“Excuse me. It’s been a while since I last went out. My throat’s a bit sore.”
She lifted her teacup and took a slow sip. Her fingers tightened slightly around the handle.
It was taking more restraint than she’d expected not to throw the tea in his face.
Lowering the cup slowly, she carefully chose her next words.
“Uncle, I…”
Her voice was calm and composed.
“I’m not after Hespelt. I’m just grateful. As you said, someone like me—born from nothing—is sitting here, at the head of the table, above even you, Uncle… all because of His Grace the Duke.”
“…!”
“The Duke took in someone with no blood ties and gave her the title of lady. That alone is something I’ll always be grateful for.”
Count Clu’s face began to redden.
“I don’t know what kind of misunderstanding you’re having…”
Tericia went on, without the slightest hint of hesitation.
“But I have no intention of going against Rashid, Uncle.”
“…!”
“Rashid is the rightful heir to the House of Hespelt. Unlike you, he’s the only legitimate direct descendant.”
She had said it—acknowledging that Clu’s bloodline was now part of the cadet branch. Count Clu’s face twitched in anger.
“To oppose Rashid would be to betray the Duke’s kindness. How could I ever do such a thing?”
Tericia gently placed a hand over her heart, as if feeling the weight of her emotions.
“I’m not someone who forgets a kindness, Uncle.”
“…”
“So please… don’t say such frightening things to me again.”
She shook her head, as though the very idea was absurd.
“Tericia, you—!”
“And one more thing.”
Her voice cut through his words like a blade.
“Whether I stay in the Ducal House or leave—that’s my decision. Even if I end up in the streets or live as a commoner, what does it matter? It’s my choice. I’ll bear the consequences.”
Tericia’s eyes were firm, her voice unwavering.
“At the very least, you should know your place, Count Clu.”
His face turned a deep shade of red, as though it might burst. But her rising fury and scorn hit him harder than anything else.
“How dare you—without so much as a request—demand to meet the Lady of Hespelt as if it were your right. You’re just a count from a cadet branch.”
Bang!
Count Clu sprang to his feet. His chair clattered to the floor, and the teacups spilled across the table.
“You—someone like you—!”
He shook with rage, pointing at her, unable to hold back his anger. But even in that moment, Tericia’s expression remained calm and composed.
“Please make sure to schedule a proper appointment next time before visiting. The Hespelt Duchy is not a place where just any count can come and go as he pleases.”
With a fresh, polite smile, Tericia glanced lightly toward the door.
“You wouldn’t be mistaken about where the exit is, would you? It’s that way.”
“…You’ll regret this!”
As Tericia essentially ordered him out, Count Clu gritted his teeth. Though his body trembled with fury, he didn’t move right away.
“I’ll be seeing you again, Count Clu.”
Clenching his fists, he finally turned and stormed out. The storm had passed, leaving behind an eerie silence.
Only then did Tericia exhale deeply and lean back against the sofa. Her cold hands trembled slightly, so she clasped them together to hide it.
“Sara.”
“Yes, my lady?”
“Sprinkle some salt.”
“Yes, right away.”
As if she had been waiting for the command, Sara quickly left the room. Tericia slowly closed her eyes, sinking deeper into the chair as she let her body relax. She felt utterly drained.
Dealing with that man was still exhausting. The instinctive revulsion she felt around him wasn’t something she could control.
A part of her feared he might pull a hidden dagger and stab her the moment she let her guard down. Still…
“How dare he… go after Rashid’s place…”
That was the one thing she could never allow.
It was clear she needed to rest for the remainder of the day. No more decisions. No more plans. Just rest.
“My lady, would you care for some tea?”
At some point, Mandy had returned and was tidying up the disheveled table, placing a simple tray of tea and fruit in front of her.
“The young duke asked that it be prepared.”
She spoke gently, gauging Tericia’s reaction.
“Rashid?”
“Yes, he said to make sure it was served right away…”
“…I see.”
She was tired. All she wanted now was to sit quietly and do nothing at all.
The soft sound of the door closing echoed faintly, and silence returned to the room. Tericia stayed still, eyes closed.
The delicate scent of tea lingered in the air.
As the sun began to set and the room darkened with the fading light, Tericia finally opened her eyes.
The warmth of midday was gone. The air in the parlor had turned cool. The tea on the table had gone cold. She looked at it for a moment, then lifted the cup and took a sip.
“…Bitter.”
This bitterness would likely repeat itself. Again, and again.
Perhaps Count Clu would never give up.
There were always those who craved Hespelt’s wealth and power. To people like that, a clueless, title-only noblewoman like her must look like an easy target.
They’ll keep trying to use me as a pretty puppet while aiming for Rashid’s seat.
A bitter smile crept onto her lips.
Maybe she’d have to leave this place sooner than she’d expected.
Placing the teacup down, Tericia stood and stepped outside.
Rashid was standing there, as if he had been waiting.
He looked at her with his usual calm expression, but in his eyes, something deeper lingered.
The hallway was empty. He must have dismissed the others—there was no one but the two of them.
“Rashid.”
“You must be tired… after meeting someone so unpleasant.”
He lowered his head slightly as he spoke.
“Uncle?”
“I’m sure he found his own way out.”
There was a note of indifference in his voice.
“…”
Tericia looked at him quietly. It felt like they hadn’t faced each other like this in a long time.
He wasn’t a child anymore. The little brother who once made her heart ache was nowhere to be seen.
He had grown taller than her, his shoulders broad and strong, his waist slim, his legs long and graceful.
She had to admit it.
He wasn’t a boy anymore. He was a man. A grown man—and a stranger now.
Rashid met Tericia’s gaze without saying a word. Then, slowly, a gentle smile spread across his face.
“Sister.”
Her heart dropped.
She thought she was fine. But spending nearly a week in the same house without speaking to him had left a wound—one she hadn’t noticed until now.
“Rashid…”
As she looked at him, he reached out and tucked a loose strand of her hair behind her ear, his eyes never leaving hers.
Her clear, violet eyes trembled—this time not with fear or sadness, but with relief. Seeing that he trusted her… believed in her… it made her heart stir.
His long fingers brushed gently along her cheek, barely touching her.
“You’ve always said that you’re my sister, and I’m your little brother.”
In his golden eyes, her face reflected clearly.
Soft waves of golden-brown hair, warm amethyst eyes, a small but proud nose, full rose-red lips.
He took in every feature, then returned his gaze to her eyes—liking how they reflected only him.
If only she could look at him, and only him.
“This relationship—where you’re my sister, and I’m your brother…”
“…”
“How long do you think that can continue?”
“…Rashid?”
A soft smile touched his lips.
“I don’t want to be your brother anymore.”
“—!”
Her violet eyes widened and trembled. It was his doing—he was the one shaking her.
And Rashid was satisfied with that.
“From the moment you took my hand in the forest that day…”
“…”
“I never once saw you as my sister.”
Rashid gently tilted her chin upward.
“Tericia.”
And slowly, he leaned down—and kissed the lips she had parted in surprise.
