Spoiler The Girl and the Beast/She and The Beast/The Lady and the Beast

Waw how come primo is such a dumb, willingly become a puppet toy just cuz he is too lazy to think

 

I had that impression too

RawTrombonerose, NFFW, you've been warned. Sorry I had the most crazy week

Spoiler: C16p4

"So, I was really confused on how who and why that rumor started."

In the end, Adolf suddenly raised his voice. Astina, who had been distracted all along, turned her head and looked back at him. When she blinked her eyes, Adolf screamed as if he was shocked.

"Have you been listening to me at all?"

"Oh, I was looking out the window."

In Astina's indifferent reply, Adolf covered his forehead and buried himself in the backrest.

"You think I'm talking about me? I'm talking about you!"

Adolf even hit his chest as if he was frustrated. In his view, the situation is very serious because Astina has been calm all along.

In recent years, the atmosphere surrounding the Atalenta family has been unusual. The children song about the evil Grand Duchess that someone intentionally spread is now well know, and there are also stories.

The Grand Duke's illness was not the kind that ordinary people could understand. How can they make sense that a man will become a beast?
Many of the changes happened after the Grand Duchess appear were put into question. But no matter how much they think about it, it doesn’t look like something that a normal human can do.

Her reputation that started with “awesome” now worsen day by day. Even children who didn't know anything about Atalenta often said, "Atalenta has a witch." Parents were naturally frightened by the insult their children were making to high-ranking nobles often try to cover the children mouth as they speak. The good deeds of Grand Duchess is rarely heard of, but the bad rumors spread like wildfire. Adolf even wondered who would spread that story.

But how can the person herself remain so calm?

Astina didn't express her feelings very often when she was at the Academy, but now she is even harder to read. Adolf had been focusing on what's going on the streets, but Astina doesn't even bother listening to it. Contrary Adolf's worried look, Astina did not show much reaction. Instead, she tapped the window as if to call his attention.

"Let’s talk about something else. How's Arthur doing these days?"

"…...You mean the cousin of the Grand Duke? The bastard...… still the same. He was slacking off and got caught by Sir henry, so he was hit and made to run the field."

Adolf replied, shrugging his shoulders.

Theriod's first punishment for Arthur was to write a letter of apology. This is because he thought Arthur should recognize what he did wrong. However, Arthur, as if defying his cousin, filled the paper with "why Sir Henry's penis is precious." Henry was deeply moved by Arthur's praise, and of course his newfound emotions caused him to collapse again. Eventually, Theriod was forced to leave Arthur's training to Henry.

Thanks to this, while others were wielding swords, Arthur had to carry a bucket of water and act as a squire. Arthur was in a rank that prohibit anyone to act disrespectfully against, so the new tasks came awkward to him and the other squires. Only Henry, the victim, tried to supervise Arthur whenever he passed by. Although he was a man, his position was a knight of the Order, so Arthur had to be polishing with a dry duster during training with Tristan and Atalenta's knights.

"How's the atmosphere among the Knights? Does everybody get along?"

"Cause we have been here for so long? I'm sure Atalenta doesn't know what to do when they're dealing with these guys. But I fare better because I'm caught up in training."

"You're saying it hasn't changed much.”

"Well, you can't be drunk after the first drink, can you?"

Adolf shrugged at Astina's point.

It was then. Boom, someone came in slamming the door. Astina, who turned her head, looks a bit puzzled.

"Your Highness……?”

Theriod was gasping loudly for breath. He looked at Adolf and Astina, and soon came close to the table as if he were checking them. He calmed down his breath and sport a beautiful smile around his mouth.

"Wife, I think we should get going."

Adolf tilted his head when he saw all this happens. Strangely enough, whenever he comes to talk to Astina, the Grand Duke would appears out of nowhere. Thanks to this, Adolf had never been able to meet with the Grand Duchess for more than half an hour
Adolf, who was wondering, suddenly got goosebumps when he met the questioning tone in Theriod's eyes.

'Is he…?'

Adolf realized that he was now the next item in checking, so he opened his mouth. He had never seen Astina as a romantic partner, so Theriod's reaction was surprising to him. Between Astina and Adolf, there was never a romantic atmosphere, but more of a close comradeship.

Or more like a competition!

It was the competition that brought them together in the Academy.

Naturally, Adolf recalled the old days. When he was defeated in a battle with Astina and couldn't even get into the training ground, he had to get close to Benjamin. At that time, Benjamin became Astina's friend and often trained with her.

In the end, Benjamin asked his friend to forgive Adolf. Astina said, "No problem, if he comes and apologize in person, I will accept."

Adolf still can't forget what he heard when he visited Astina.

'Are you ready to apologize to the log?'

‘…….’

At that time, he thought it was just a joke, but now that he think about it, it wasn't just a joke. Astina initially refused to admit that Adolf had disrespected her. It was the honor of the log that Adolf has attacked, and not her own.

It is too aristocratic for a 12-year-old child to talk about honor. As such, Adolf has always felt that he and she are in a hierarchy relationship when dealing with Astina. When Astina told him something, Adolf accepted it.

Regarding Adolf, he couldn't think of any beautiful memories when he thought of her. He actually only had the memory of being beaten up by Astina. When Astina smiled, the day was less grim, and when she frowned, it was a day he has to crawl back and not walk.

There was no reason to create a misunderstanding anyway, so Adolf stepped back. Adolf asked without expressing himself.

"Where are we supposed to go?"

"Well, there are so many strange rumors as you say, I thought I'd go to the temple and donate some money."

"But you don’t even have that much faith...….”

Adolf replied with a puzzle. Astina smirked and shrugged.

"Because I don't believe in God."

"Wife, neither do I."

Theriod, who was next to her, intervened as if to get back attention.

It was obviously difficult for the cursed Atalenta family to have faith in God. But Theriod looked more excited to have something in common with his wife after a long time.

Adolf, who had never had a particular religion but has some respect for the state religion as a Carabellian, had mixed feeling. Adolf murmured admirably.

"Soul mate, soul mate...….”

"I'll take it as a compliment."

Astina, who answered joyously, picked up the hat she had left on the table. She lightly press it on her head and put her hand on Theriod's arm.

The two left Adolf behind and closed the door. Adolf stood still and looked behind them. They were a couple who look right in many ways. It was not unusual for noble couples to have mismatch appearance, but these two are so compatible, so it was fascinating to watch. He was wondering how can "The Astina" was to get married, but he was a little relieved that she seemed to be doing quite well in the end.
As soon as Adolf was about to get teary, as if he were looking at his married sister, Theriod turned back. Theriod, who looked back at Adolf, wore a smile more similar to the winter chill. Although the door closed immediately, Adolf, who had good fuselage vision, could clearly notice it.

Adolf scratched the back of his head. The misunderstanding was just absurd rather than anger-inducing.

"He's more childish than I thought...….”


* * *

"How did you come to know him?”



Theriod asked nonchalantly. The road was not rough, so it was quite quiet in the carriage. Unlike the relaxed face, however, he was very focused on Astina's response. Astina did not think much about it and calmly reciting the story.



"When I entered the academy, there was some commotion about the right to use the training ground. I had a duel with that friend then.”



Theriod’s mouth fell open. He thought they were close from the beginning because we had things in common, but there were surprisingly violent memories hidden behind. His wife must have had a great deal of compassion to accept Adolf as a friend after suffering such discrimination.



Theriod asked without hiding his admiration.



"Does Lord Adolf say he'll allow you to use the training ground if you fight him and win?"



"It's not exactly how it happened.… Adolf just wanted me out. I'm not going to accept whatever given to me, so I just asked for a duel."



"Did you win?"



Astina shrugged her shoulders. As if you don't know.



At the same moment, a small laugh broke out between Theriod and Astina. Theriod said with a smile around his mouth.



"It feels a little different now.”



"He's a good friend.”



Theriod had a really bittersweet feeling. Didn't Astina offer to be a friend to the forced Grand Duke? Even Theriod got a chance from her sympathy, but he was not in a good mood when he confirmed that the same mercy was given to others.



Theriod always wanted to be validated. If she has someone she will love from now on, he needs to be sure it would be him.



Theriod suddenly reached out and place his hand on Astina’s. Astina's eyes returned to the warmth that touched her skin. Theriod slowly raised Astina's hand and kissed her briefly.



"But you have too many friends.”



There was a thin line of masculinity, possessiveness, and obsession hidden between the words.



Almost immediately, Astina moves closer to his face. The sun was covered from his eyes. Astina looked up at Theriod's shiny hair in the sun for a brief moment. It was like a bunch of stars.



Astina suddenly said.



"It's hot."



The carriage was moderately cool. The hands of Theriod, who was facing each other, had a pleasant touch of warm, and it went quite well with Astina's cold hands.



Theriod, who knew it was a lie, refused to let her go.



"Your hands are cold."



To prevent her from moving, Theriod has been closing his knuckles. Even if she shakes his arms, he won't let her go. Theriod dragged Astina's hand toward him and began to play with it.



Astina asked with a smile.



"Are you jealous again?”



"If I do, will you love me more?"



Astina raised one eyebrow at Theriod's cute response.



"Well, you still my only one husband.”



"……is that a big deal?"



" What if I have a girlfriend?"



"I think it's the same...….”



"There's only one man who's this cute."



“…….”



Her eyes were glued to the hand she held tightly together with Theriod. At first glance, a provocative smile hung around Astina's mouth.



"Would it be ok for you?”



Astina rose from her seat and climbed onto Theriod. Theriod looked up at Astina with a puzzled look on his eyes. Astina wrapped her hands around Theriod's cheek and bowed her head. As their lips touched, Theriod naturally intertwined his tongue with hers.



Theriod slowly caress Astina's back. The touch moving toward her waist and went further down. Astina quickly took off her lips when he touched her lower body. Astina gasped and said.



"Your clothes will crumple."



"……Shall we stop here?”



Theriod asked regrettably. After the intimate touches, he was getting more thirsty.



Astina held out her tongue for a moment and moistened his dry lips. The hesitation were short and the permission was quick.



Astina answered, closing the curtain on the jerk window.



"No."



No one had to say first, but they bumped their lips again. Theriod completely embraced Astina, who was touching her neck. A big hand dug through the raised skirt. Her underpants and underwear fell off almost instantaneously. Theriod threw it randomly into the chair across them.



Astina also pulled down Theriod's bottom. He was already excited to the limit of exploding . This unusual situation came as a great stimulus for Theriod, who had always been doing "night work" in bed to avoid unexpected refusal..



The dress Astina wore has a colourful slip on the inside which matched with decorations on the outside. The corset was bound by a string to strengthen the slip part. Theriod pulled the ribbon that was holding the string and released it. A single layer of clothing inside was revealed between the loose straps. Pulling it down all at once revealed her bare skin immediately.



Theriod buried his face in Astina's breast. Astina's shoulders shrank when he sucked her nipple into his mouth. Astina groaned as she hugged Theriod's neck.



"Huh..."



The sudden intercourse excited Astina, too. Her lower half was already ready to accept Theriod.



Astina position his manhood above her entrance and slowly sank down. The explosive swelling of the male pushed open the narrow entrance and penetrated her cleft. Astina shivered as she felt the pillar fill her inside. Accepting Theriod was somewhat burdensome, so the two always had to take more time with the foreplay.



At that moment, the wagon rattled greatly by the bumps on the road.



"Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh..."



Suddenly, Theriod’s was stuck inside all at once. Astina stopped breathing. It was because of the pain, but it was also because his pillar has totuched the right place



Astina repeatedly put strength on her legs to get up and down. The lumpy pleasure gradually climbed up onto her waist. Theriod, who was frowning and breathing hard below her, sucked on Astina's lips. He looked at Astina's face and asked.



"Difficult, isn't it?"



Astina shook her head and moved faster. Her cheeks, full of redness, made it easy to guess the pleasure she was feeling.



Theriod was also out of his mind and couldnt focus on her anymore. His lips covered Astina's earbuds and soon scoured the tender flesh. Before they knew it, their back was sticky with sweat. Theriod clasped her hips and guide her up from below. The rattling of the carriage and the sound of pedestrians passing by were distant. Astina tore off the hem of her clothes and tilted her head back.



"Hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...!”



She couldn't stand the moans pouring out of her. Even if she bites her lips, it's just a temporary measure, and the sound that leaked little by little between the cracks soon grew out of control. The more her head became mushy with pleasure, the more relaxed her legs were. When Astina grumbled to hold back her groans, Theriod tilted his head toward her, licking her lower lip with the tip of his tongue and completely swallowed her lips. At least while she was in his mouth, there was no room for another sound.



"Huh, uh, uh...…,”



Astina also sucked in his tongue affectionately. Theriod thought maybe she loved kissing while having sex. That was the same for him.



Theriod grabbed her hand, which was sliding under his shoulder, and made her wrap them around his cheek. The eye contact made him especially excited. He deeply caught her distorted expression as she moved.



"Oh, yeah, ah!"



Wheels bounced back from the bumps on the road. Astina let out a scream of groans. The movement, which had been shallow until a while ago, was sharply pushed deeper inside. Astina just completely sank onto Theriod's She reached out slowly as if she were rushing Theriod. Theriod bit her index finger instead of letting it hold him back. When his tongue sucks in the knuckles it felt lewd. Astina casually rubbed her lower lip with his thumbs. It was at the same time that Theriod squeezed her thigh.


His movements changed so roughly and fast that he thought they couldn't be faster. Astina almost cried and hung on to Theriod. Theriod looked at Astina's face collapsing with pleasure and cursed inside. When he saw her at her peak, the great deal of excitement made him dizzy.



"Ahhhh!"



His peak came earlier than usual. Astina couldn't even get his thing out of her in time and had to gasp for breath. Her stiff thighs hurt, and her sweaty body was uncomfortable, so she couldn't manage to organize her clothes.



"How much does it cost to make this...…there won't be another similar.”



Astina rubbed her smeared lips with a sick sound. Theriod lifted Astina up and roughly cleaned up with her underpants. Since it became an item that could not be worn again, the underpants were crumpled and thrown to the floor. It was fortunate that he didn't throw away her underskirt. The skirt was wide and large, so he didn't have to worry about being caught.



Astina opened the top of the dress. Except for her sweaty bangs and smudged makeup, she didn't look that different. Theriod checked Astina's clothes and opened the window to ventilate them. The hot air suddenly escapes, and then it cooled down a bit. And the couple came back together.



Theriod, who had been silent for a while, said a little bit of shame in a young voice.



"I'm like... I'm like an animal.”



He can't believe he can't control his lust and start working her in the carriage. They were even on their way to pray to the temple. He has nothing to say even if he will be treated like the animal that he hated so much.



Astina, who had set him on fire, said as she rubbed her temple.



"It's good that neither of us is religious."









* * *







It was not long before they arrived at the temple. Naturally, all traces of the love affair were erased. Theriod and Astina got out of the carriage with an ascetic face suitable for the sanctuary. If a passerby look at them, they will have no idea of what happened inside the carriage.



The temple, which had been notified in advance, had a priest on standby to help them. A likable-looking priest approached the Grand Duke and his wife as if he had waited. He greeted with all his kindness.



"May all your choices always be guarded by Carabella. Thank you for visiting the Temple of Carabella."



"It's an honor to be welcomed here."



"Honor, it's obvious. Let's go inside. The vicar is waiting."



He reached for the passage and said. The prayer was a superficial purpose, but what the temple really expected was something else. As a natural result, Astina and Theriod were first escorted to the reception room, not the prayer room.



Inside, an elderly-looking vicar was waiting for the Grand Duke and his wife. After the greetings, he guided the Grand Duke and his wife to a comfortable seat. The vicar said with a easy-going smile.



"I hope you didn't feel uncomfortable on your way here."



"The entrance was crowded, but thanks to your guidance, I came in comfortably. The temple was more crowded than when I visited it before."



Theriod answered so and held Daeshinwan's hand together. Theriod was also one of the nobles who was not interested in the temple, but he naturally referred to his previous visits. The intimate attitude relieved the tension on the vicar's face. The church, which was not familiar with the nobles, has suffered difficulties in dealing with many aristocrats in recent years. The atmosphere soon improves as they speak comfortable. Feeling relieved, Daeshinwan swept the back of his neck as if he were embarrassed.



"Haha, I've got a lot more believers these days. It's an unprecedented boom."



"I'm glad that diplomatic relations are drawing attention now."



Theriod's eyes overflowed with faithfulness. Unlike his declaration of ignorance in front of Adolf, the couple naturally played the role of ardent believer. Astina thought Theriod would not need any guidance in the future, as she had to find something to point out.



Astina came straight to the point because she didn't want to lose so much time here.



"I'd like to give you a little bit of money in my family so that you can continue to follow God's teaching."



The money offer changed the priest's face at once. Despite the heightened suspicion that the Grand Duchess was a witch, the temple seemed to have no intention of refusing donations. While they were coming all the way here, they have caught the surprise in some of the more simple-minded priest. When they said a considerable amount of money, the vicar, who had been quite emotionless, was completely bent. No matter how much one looks at it, it was a group that was far from the ideal priests.



While the vicar disappeared to pick up the paper for a while, Theriod whispered in Astina's ear.



"You are very interested in giving worldly goods for those who serve God."



"That's because they are so poor. I don't know, but they've been suffering from budget problems all along. Perhaps because the Pope suddenly feels rich. The problem is he's only a pawn."



Theriod shut his mouth and held back his laughter at Astina's harsh evaluation. Not knowing that the couple in front of him insulted his boss, the vicar returned with all his kindness. Instead of writing this and that down on the paper, he raised his head. This is because he saw the anti-aircraft rain covering his mouth and yawning lightly.



Visiting the temple was part of a task for the believers to keep the image of the newly found fame going for the temple. Each has a different reason, but somehow they diligently walked in and out of the temple's threshold fulfilling their own purposes.



Children, who followed their father, were often bored with the prolonged story. When the vicar recalled that the Grand Duchess was only 19 years old, he raised a smile around his mouth. This is because he felt like he's seeing his granddaughter.



"Oh, I don't know if you're bored with this. If you want, I'll call another priest to guide your visit."



A welcome smile came to Astina's mouth. She answered calmly.



"Then shall we?”



"Yeah, well, there's a kid I could ask for...….”



"No, I'm sure you're all busy, so I can't bother you."



Astina, who gently refused, then swept Theriod's shoulder.



"Grand Duke, please come to the prayer room after you finish talking. I will pray for our happy marriage."



Astina said so and put out her cheek to Theriod. Theriod kissed lightly on top of it and let go of Astina's hand with regret. The Vicar forces out cough at the couple's love scene.



Astina took off the excited bride's face and left the room. There was no hesitation in her movement across the corridor. She didn't need someone's guidance. She was the one who ordered the design of this temple.



Astina walked diligently toward the prayer room. Unlike the crowded entrance, the inside, which was restricted to the public, was quiet. But Astina couldn't help but stop her feet on the way. It was not different from the place she remembered. Rather, it felt like she discovered the past that he had almost forgotten.



Astina looked up at the statue on the wall and suddenly opened her mouth.



"Well done.”



The white face without color and warmth was as if looking in the mirror. She tried to pass by as it was, but an unexpected explanation came in from the back.



"The first empress, Lady Martina. It was the imperial family that helped build this temple, so the church built a statue to commemorate her dedication.”



Astina turned her head toward the voice. Behind her stood a handsome man with blond hair and green eyes. The man introduced himself with a smile.



"Hello, I'm Dennis Jordan, the chief priest."



He was the man who took away Atalenta's treasure the last time she went out with Theriod. Astina naturally remembered him.



He slowly approached with his back straight and stood next to Astina. He slowly turned his eyes in the direction of Astina's eyes. At the end, there was the face of Queen Martina. He spoke admirably.



"A great beauty, isn't it?"



"Well, I think she had a lot to show beside her face."



Dennis showed signs of embarrassment for a moment when Astina responded with a bored look. But soon there was a kind smile around his mouth.



"Of course it is. Like I said, this temple is her legacy.”



Astina didn't answer. Denise, who was waiting for her reaction, soon asked with a long face.



"Anyone who came today...Are you working for the Grand Duchess?”



Astina swallowed a laugh in her mouth. That man, who seemed very interested in what was going on in the world, couldn't have not known the face of the Grand Duchess. What is the reason for pretending that their meeting was coincidental?



"I thought you were talking to me.”



"I didn't know. I was trying to help you because you seemed lost."



"I'm not lost. Belache students often go to and from the temple. I've already memorized the location of the prayer room."



"I see. Can I tell you a funny story so that you don't get bored?"



Dennis has been talking to her gently. He turned his eyes to the statue Astina was looking at and asked.



"Do you know that Martina was from the Letta Gypsy?"



It was an era when even Martina's high-profile martial arts remained history and penetrated into boring books. Those who have read some of the lines in the book may know it, but there were many ignorant people.



However, it is a question that is usually dismissed by those from the prestigious Belache. Astina answered dumbfoundedly.



"There's no way you don't know."



"Then do you know what kind of people Letta Gypsy was?"



Dennis asked one question after another. Is he trying to draw sympathy with common interests? Astina spoke the old persecuted word in an indifferent voice.



"Do you mean the old tale of the Aretans being the devil's children?"



"You do know."



"Unfortunately, there are no other countries on this continent that can go against Carabella. Bellace's political science department usually teaches things from the past."



"Once upon a time, as you said, the Arethians had magical powers. It was usually only for women, but it was sometimes passed on to men. Well, it was very rare anyway, so the leadership of the Arethians was usually women.”



The story she knew didn't inspire much emotion. Astina asked back in a soft voice.



"Do you mean Martina, who is from the same background, would have gained power with that magic?"



"It could be."



"That's great."



"Well, if you know how the Aretans have rejected men, you'll probably have a little different assessment."



"Wasn't that exactly the opposite of what Caravella is today?"



There were things that Martina had to give up, absorbing a large number of colonies. It takes a lot of work to change everyone's mind, she was exhausted from the long war and didn't want to achieve anything anymore. The Letta Gypsies, which were her foundation in the first place, were a minority, and there were no one left. Carabella only incorporated the names of the continents, and most of them were forced to forego their past.



Dennis looked caught off guard at Astina's point. Dennis had never felt a great sense of trouble in Carabella's patriarchal society, as he was of the preferred gender.



"Well, if you say so, I have nothing to say."



Dennis shrugged his shoulders, acknowledging it calmly. Then he squinted and stared at Astina.



"Anyway, the Devil's Daughter was the only one that could climb."



"I'm not sure what you're talking about."



"The devil's hands may be softer than you think.”



Only then did Astina turn her eyes and stare at Denise. Dennis smiled as if he knew everything.



"But the sound that surrounds your ears, even though it is sweet, doesnt mean that it's not a devil's whisper."



Astina easily recognized who he wanted to warn through Martina. He's talking about Isis. Dennis was now looking to see if there was a connection between the princess and the Grand Duchess



Astina slowly looked down at his face from top to bottom. Dennis had a conceited look on his face, but the tension was read from the corners of his mouth. He didn't ask this question because he really knew something. This was a lure. Then she doesn't have to reveal all the cards she has.



Astina just tilted her head.



"I don't understand what the priest is trying to say. If the Queen Martina is the devil's daughter, who can benefit from siding with her?"



A little contempt flashed through Dennis' eyes. This is because he wondered if she used a difficult way of speaking that a dumb woman should use.



"What I'm telling you is that she doesn't have an heir...….”



It was when he opened his mouth to correct his words in a more direct direction. Astina blocked him first with a clear voice.



"Isn't it His Majesty Elsier who inherited her throne? Or... the Carabella Church, which founded this temple with her support?"



Dennis' face was embarrassed when his affiliation was mentioned. Astina burst into laughter, not hiding her displeasure.



"It's no different either way, both were on her side.”



Dennis hurriedly began to pick up the words he wanted to say.



"Lady, what I'm talking about doesn't concern Queen Martina."



"Then who were you talking about?”



“…….”



It was a disaster. Dennis couldn't answer easily. He couldn't pressure to see if the Grand Duchess had any connection with Isis here. There's no one who's gonna confess this to you unless they're stupid.



He thought the other side would be embarrassed first if he made such a clear analogy, but she became more confident as he his now speechless. On the other hand, Astina was relaxed. She looked up at the statue in front of her, sweeping her chin admirably.



"It's interesting because the temple is decorating with a statue of the devil's daughter."



She rolled her eyes and stared at Denise.



"What should I do after witnessing a priest who has been sprouting such blasphemy? I can go back to the Crown Prince and tell him, or I can make the Emperor reprimand you for cursing his ancestors."



Astina squinted her eyes and asked.



"Are you having fun?"



"What?"



"You said you were going to tell me a funny story. I asked if what I just said was funny enough to deserve this."



Dennis eventually decided to change the tactic. He looked surprised as if he didn't really mean it.



"Oh, my God, it was a metaphor. I apologize if you were offended. I swear I didn't mean to offend anyone. I'm just telling you the story of Martina's birth."



But Astina didn't let go of her sharp eyes. She swept under her chin with her index finger as if she were very sorry.



"Father Denise, do you know which institution you representwhen you speak?"



Dennis looked puzzled as if he couldn't get the gist of the question. Nevertheless, his gaze was unconsciously directed at Astina's lips. Is she warning him not to make light of his tongue?



But Astina raised her finger and touched her temple.



"Head. Priest, when you speak, please think. Since I've studied theology for a long time, I'm sure you'll be aware of it, but don't you think you misunderstand the level of education level up here?"



Dennis bowed his head with a look of hurt pride. There was nothing else he could do but apologize from the standpoint of the book.



"I'll repent."



"I don't want to make a fuss, so I'll let this go today."



"There's no excuse for myself."



"That's enough of the empty apology. You may go now. You don't have to follow me to the prayer room.”



Astina turned her head as if he were pathetic. Denise's face quickly turned red as she acted to offend him. Denise mumbled and bowed his head instead of making a mistake. It was a pity for Astina, who wanted to play a bit more.



Dennis didn't mean to let her go either. However, he decided to choose a safer way.



"Your Highness the Grand...… I'm familiar with your voice, have you met me before?"



Dennis pulled out a blow of remorse. The evidence to weigh down the Grand Duchesswas in his grasp. But Astina did not panic and responded smoothly.



"Well, I don't remember very well, but maybe I ran into you once."



Dennis raised his eyebrows at him.



"Didn't you come to the temple to look for something?"



He meant the treasure he took away. Astina made an unpleasant impression as if he was saying something out of the blue.



"No, sir."



Astina turned away first. The coldness was reflected in the fast-moving walk. Dennis looked up only after the sound of her shoes disappeared. His face was grimly distorted. Dennis mumbled, chewing on his lips.



"That motherfucker...….”



No, it was a shame to see it, but as a result, it was exactly what Dennis intended. Dennis tried to calm his breath and smiled leisurely. By denying the allegations, she was not suspicious of purchasing black market's goods.



Dennis clenched his fist as he saw the Grand Duchess leaving without knowing that she had strangled herself. The princewas on his side. And he had no intention of letting go of today's insult. Previously, he only tried to undermine the Grand Duchessin Primo's name, but now he has set this heart on it.



He recited like a curse.



"Let's see if you can be so confident after being locked up for assassinating her."











* * *

 

Kyaa welcome baaacckk and thanks for the super long part. Its like a gift in the middle of the night XD hopefully everything is fine over there.
How bold Theriod now with the snusnu And let us see how Dennis plays his card

 

Thanks for the chapter

 

All is fine we just don't have wifi haizzz

Spoiler: C16P5

"Nadia, you're so beautiful today."



"Oh, how many times have you said that today? I'm blushing."



Nadia smiled shamefully at the lady-in-waiting's compliment. However, what the maid said was not a lie at all. She was already pretty, but today she was more beautiful than usual. It was thanks to all the hard work her attendances have done.



Today was a monumental day for Primo as he will be declared the next successor. Considering that Primo was originally supposed to be named as successor on the first day of the harvest festival, this was quite late.



Originally, it was in the tradition to hand over the cup of successor and present it to everyone on the same day, but this time the emperor separated the ceremony and the day of announcement. The emperor recognized Primo as the Crown Prince immediately after the Pope delivered his successor's cup despite the strange look. The emperor's fame increase immediately after the Pope's blessing has shown how affluent the Carabella religion actually is.



Although the time was delayed, Nadia was able to relax as the successor didn't change. Everything's working out, even though it's a bit mixed up, right?



"Will he also like it?"



"Of course, he always likes you."



As if the answer comes from someone unreliable, Nadia borrowed a hand mirror from her maid and check her face again. It was a long time till the beginning of the ceremony, but Nadia had come to the palace at the call of the Princess Isis. The encounter with Isis always made her nervous.



Nadia wanted to get along with Isis because the Princess Isis was Primo's one and only sister, and she was also Primo's best political companion.



'Always be careful in front of the Isis. It's all because of her setting eyes on you that you've been chosen to marry His Majesty Primo. Always be thankful and respectful to her, okay?’



It was what Nadia's mother repeatedly asked. In fact, Nadia's mother used to put more effort into coaxing Isis than her son-in-law Primo. Count Abelar was not short of power, but it was also true that he was somewhat a weak candidate to act as the future king's support. Although the leader sometimes marries the less powerful family to balance out the power scale, this time it was not the case. Nadia's luck was just strangely fell in with the current political situation.



There were a total of two Fidelio emperors who married less powerful families .



Elsier von Fidelio, who was from the south, married several women who came from the north to even out the power. However, all the sons of Empress Edelin died young. It was Queen Caterina, the latter concubine, who benefited from it. Queen Caterina, who was from the West, became the most influential figure in the palace when she gave birth to a son. Empress Edelin had no sons, and eventually the son of Catherine, was chosen as successor. That is the second emperor, Luzio von Fidelio.



At the request of his western mother, Fidelio II supported his mother's side with power. When he was still successor, he even married the woman his mother had chosen as his support. However, shortly before Fidelio II ascended to the throne, Queen Caterina was ousted after failing to assassinate Empress Edelin .



Naturally, Luzio was also suspected to be involved in the assasination. The track record was very doubtful, but it was only a testimony. Fortunately, Luzio was able to preserve power because there was no other suitable successor. However, his power was reduced to the point where he had to watch Empress Edelin.



Later, Empress Edelin intervened in Luzeo's marriage and pushed Chloe from the north into the palace. Fidelio II was unable to avoid annexation under the pressure of the Empress, and was later put in the opposite situation this time as Queen Chloe gave birth to a son.



The son of Queen Chloé was Ezele de von Fidelio, or the present state.



As Ezeleed was not the sole successor, he had to go through neck-to-neck race with the other prince. With the help of northern forces, he managed to kill all his brothers who could claim succession and struggle to ascend the throne. Empress Isabel was from Jasperreo, the first contributor to the aid, and his marriage to her also a political treaty.



Count Abelar, who raisedNadia, was a relative of the Jesperreo family. The close political ties that have led to blood ties have not been loosened over the past few decades. The deep connection of the Emperor's relative overlapped with the Queen's relative, so that Count Abelar was lucky to produce the next Empress. For Nadia, it was not good enough to say that Isis was a lifelong gift since she not only put this marriage on Primo's plate, the Princess actually insisted on it


Nadia had no intention of missing this amazing opportunity to raise her status. She wasn't a very ambitious person, but her lust and desire for fame were a different matter.



Who wouldn't be tempted to become the most powerful woman in the country?



Nadia was not unaware of Primo's debauchery. Nadia's mother, however, said she had to endure a brief flirtation during his immature days and it would naturally disappear upon marriage. Then she added that if a woman is good, the man does not go outside.



Nadia thought she was not a woman who was not enough to be treated badly by the opposite sex. Now, she can't spend much time with Primo because she's studying at the academy, but I was confident that she would be loved enough if they held a formal ceremony. She was still naive enough to think that everyone will think like she does.



Nadia opened the door with a nervous face. The queen was waiting for her with a friendly smile as always. Nadia's face naturally brighten up with a smile.



Isis was also an aspirationsfor Nadia. Nadia, who is scheduled to be the next empress, also went through a harsh education, but she could not help but feel small when she stood in front of the Princess Isis. Beautiful appearance, sophisticated speech, and a brain to boost. The woman is the embodiment of grace.



Nadia, who stared blankly at Isis's fingertip with a cup of tea, came to her senses belatedly. Because Isis was telling her something.



"What?"



Soon after her consciousness return, Nadia's face turned white. She can't believe she didn't focus on the conversation. Nadia bowed her head with an apologetic look.



"I'm sorry, my lady, I've got distracted.”



It was a mistake that ordinary young women would not reveal. Lady Nadia was too soft-hearted to take on the heavy responsibility. Instead of reprimanding Nadia, Isis smile affectionately.



"No, it's because my early call prevented you from sleeping in. I'm rather sorry."



It was not a consideration made up for pretense. The feelings Isis had for Nadia were surprisingly close to favortisism. Isis didn't like people who didn't show their thoughts. No one is as good at hiding their true intentions as Isis, so this may be a self hate thing. But Nadia's intentions were simply transparent.



If Nadia were to join the imperial family, would she be able to endure it as she should? Like Belita's last prophecy, Isis' arranged marriage will only make Nadia's life terrible. The new bride would have to give up on getting the groom's affection from the first day of her marriage.



"He's my brother, but he's not very interested in managing his life. I'm in charge of my palace now, but you'll have to take over after you become the Crown Princess. You have to do a lot of other things. If you miss anything, you should take care of it. It's going to be very hard.”



Saying so, Isis frowned slightly.



There was a slight fatigue in the way her temples frown. Nadia speculated that Isis's attitude might have been due to the earlier incident. Nadia plucked up her courage and stood up from the other side. Then she sat next to Isis. Isis stared at Nadia, who grabbed her hands with puzzled eyes.



"It's all right, my lady. I'm confident that I'll work harder than anyone else. And…... don't be too lonely."



"Lonely?"



When asked by Isis, Nadia nodded several times as if she understood everything.



"I'm sure you'll feel very different because your only brother's wedding is coming soon. Please consider that your brother is not going away, but you're just having another younger sister. I will visit you more often like a sister."



Nadia spoke softly. Only then did Isis understand Nadia's meaning and open her es wide.



"Sisters?"



"Of course, I don't think you can really treat me like a family. However, just as you have been the support of King and Queen, ando, I would like to help you. I don't have much power right now, but...….”



Nadia blushed as she blurted out the end of her words.



She is like a kind princess in a fairy tale. Come to think of it, Count Abelar was very harmonious with his family. In particular, Nadia's brother said that he cared very much for his younger sister, who is born when his father has become quite old, and raised her almost on his back. In many ways, there was nothing she has in common with Primo. Isis turned her head back and made a clean face.



Oh, my God, me thinking of you as I do Primo! You're just worried about that?



However, Isis nodded her head instead of laughing at the innocence of a young lady who doesn't know anything about the world.



"Hmm, sister...…. That's something I've forgotten for a long time.”



At Isis' words, Nadia naturally recalled other princess who had been ousted while seeking for the throne. But for Isis it is meaningless as they share nothing other than the same blood. Everyone had different mothers, so even that part would have been cut down by half.



It was time for Nadia to awkwardly raise her hand. Isis reached out and grabbed her wrist. The power of the queen's grasp was stronger than expected. It seemed to leave a mark, but Nadia looked embarrassed instead of striking it out.



Before she knew it, Isis was about a span apart from Nadia. Nadia thought Isis' eyes were colder than usual.



Isis whispered in a secret voice.



"Nadia, you know what? Actually, I have a sister who died when I was young.”



"Huh? Really?"



Isabelle had another daughter? Nadia opened her eyes round to a story she had never heard of. Isis narrowed the gap further and looked into Nadia's face. Nadia felt as if she was being dismantled alive by the glare of her eyes.



"Yes, she look just like you. Young, pure, weak...… most of all, I had a lot of affection for her."



"I've never heard of this before."



"Yeah, she's a sister who died a long time ago. There were so many children in this palace back then! She didn't even have the presence to be mentioned by anyone.”



Nadia clenched her finger and clenched her fist. Nadia asked as if she was possessed.



"How did she happen to die so young...….”



"Well, I don't know about that. Why did she die? It was a really meaningless death, and now that I think about it, it's so frustrating.


A crooked smile came to Isis's mouth. Isis whispered.



"If you don't know, if you don't have the power, you will soon learn That your life is held only by others! At some point, even if you’re slaughtered, it would be a meaningless and clueless death."



"I don't know what you're talking about...… I don't understand."



Isis let Nadia go. Nadia finally took a breath. Isis has just concluded her speech with an air of elegance that is contrary to what she had saidbefore.



"Now you probably can't feel what it's like. But you have to be more thoughtful than your subordinates. Even the little decisions of the ruler have a big impact on the residents. So it's reasonable that only those who are fully qualified have power."


Isis's eyes contained a glimpse of affection. Isis continued with a sweet voice.



"If you make a wise choice, I think I can also remain on good terms with you. Yeah, like a sister."



"Is there anything I can do to help?"”



Nadia quickly asked again when she said it was a wise choice. Isis responded with a charming smile with his eyes.



"Have you heard that the Grand Duchess is a witch?”



"Wasn't that a bad rumor? Whenever a new socialite appeared, she would always get caught up in gossip."



"That's what I thought at first. But the more I talk to the Grand Duchess, the more I feel strange. I feel like I keep forgetting something...… I think I get more tired on the day we meet.”



Nadia's expression became serious after Isis said. Isis continued, rubbing her forehead as if she was in trouble.



"I wish it was just a simple feeling. But there's nothing wrong with being careful about these things, is there?"



"Of course."



"It's not easy to get it investigated because I’ll look like a psychopath. So, can you keep an eye on the Grand Duchess for me?"



"Keep an eye on her?"



"Yes, wasn't it a glorious day for my brother to be crowned crown prince? He’s finally at a high point, and I'm very nervous that something will happen. I want you to ease my anxiety."



For my brother, who will be your husband. Isis added in a quiet voice.



Nadia's face turns determined. She replied with a strong nod.



"Yes, I will. I'm glad to be able to help you like this.”



"Well, I’m glad to have some help. "You're going to marry my brother, and you're going to be my family soon, aren't you?"



Nadia's face added relief. It's true that she was nervous because the Grand Duchess was a strange thing, but she didn't think that a friendly princess would have made her do anything dangerous. In fact, all Isis asked was to watch the Grand Duchess. Isn’t that the least she could do?



"Okay, then I'll go say goodbye to the Empress. Don't tell her you came to see me. My mother is often sulky because she thinks you're looking to me more than to her. I'm giving you a chance to get points."



"Yes, my lady."



Nadia burst out laughing at Isis' joke. Nadia rose from her seat and went to the door. Then she suddenly stopped walking. This is because the belated curiosity came to her head. Nadia turned her head and asked Isis.



"Well, my lady. What's your sister's name?"



"Oh, that?"



Isis asked back casually, followed by a short reply with a smooth smile.



"That was a lie."



"What? You're lying?”



"Lady Nadia, train more so that you don't get fooled by the atmosphere. And you'd better memorize all the imperial family charts until we meet again next time, right?



Isis said so and put down the teacup. Nadia came out crying after a long silence. There were many maids waiting outside, but Nadia was not even in a dignified position. She leaned her back against the wall as soon as she left the door. Her heartbeat slowly return to normal.



Nadia gave a deep sigh with her hands raised above her chest.



"That's why I'm nervous...….”









* * *

 

Spoiler: C16P6+7

C16P6

Time flies by and Primo finally got the news he was expecting. As if to save time, the squire himself also steps into the palace. The banquet hall was very big, as it is used to declare the next ruler of Carabella. Only few important people were ever invited.

Everything was going well, so Primo can sincerely sport a smile on his face. Next to him was Isis. Since he was not the only one who up for the throne, he had to show sufficient sincerity and appreciations to his supporters.



Belita was among the visitors, who had yet to return to Selen's estate. Her appearance was very unusual. Those royal members who didn’t support Primo weren’t present.

It was difficult to say that the absence of the imperial family was simply a matter of interest. Most of them are crippled, imprisoned, locked up in a monastery, or already dead. The only way to be spared was to marry an aristocrat who was living far away, as in the case of Belita. Everyone was interested in how Belita would curse Primo's future. But Belita betrayed their expectations and only walked past Isis. The aristocrats swallowed their disappointment hidden under a peaceful face, saying they missed a fun fight.



It was elsewhere that the conflict actually broke out. Grand Duke Atalenta and his wife appeared. This is the high time of the rumour that the Grand Duchess is a witch, and suspicions arose in the social circle that she was asorbing their energy. The Grand Duchess then significantly reduced the number of outings as if the suspicion were true. It was belatedly reported that the Grand Duke and Duchess visited the temple and gave some donation, but that alone was not enough to dispel the rumor. In a short moment, the hall was in uproar.



Someone broke the nerve cord that was pulled tight. Belita's cheerful voice rang out in the hall.



"Oh, my... ..... Oh, my God.”



"Princess Belita!"



The maid in the back was surprised and gave way for Belita. All the people standing around her were lost in thought, but Belita didn't care. Belita said, fanning the wind.



"I don't know how you dare to attend this happy occasion. I'm sure you don't know the rumors going around.”



It was a sarcastic comment. Even if the Grand Duchess was really a witch, Belita was not in a position to accuse her. Belita was the woman who sent for Primo’s literal assassination and not just a simple curse.



Knowing they can’t just let offenses flying at them without fighting back, Theriod, who was standing next to Astina, stared at Belita with cold eyes.



"That's rude, Mrs. Selen."



Belita blushed at Theriod's response. Although it is traditional to take on the husband’s title, she was a princess. However, the Grand Duke skipped her royal title and speak only of her husband’s. No matter how great the Grand Duke was, Belita would not have been treated her this way if she were still in the imperial family.



It was made clear to Belita that she now had no connection to the royal family. Belita's mother had long been put in a separate palace by the Empress after losing her son. The emperor did not pay much attention to a concubine without her son. Needless to say, she is a daughter who has already lost her dowry.



Belita's gaze momentarily turned to Isis. Belita's eyes were young with all kinds of jealousy, hatred, and a slight sense of defeat for the winner.



But Bellita soon cleaned her face as if nothing had happened. Selen's wife, who used to be a princess, lost her status, but was not short of money at all. Selen’s estate included a large mine, most of which were where diamonds were mined. Belita assumed that it was Isis' last save of face. If Belita had been married to a man who had nothing to show off, the royal family would have been criticized by the public for not having any mercy.



Belita put a blade on every word in her soft voice.



"Oh, your Highness, I wouldn’t dare being disrespectful. If you think in the position of the hosts who really can't accept your regards as good ones, it would be polite to avoid attending the event...…. I can't fathom that the Grand Duchess, who has been ostracized, now come to this place."



Everyone held their breath as the fight was about to take place. However, the ending was surprisingly bland, contrary to the unexpected and dramatic start. Primo, the host of the banquet, stepped up to clear the atmosphere.



"Belita, what the hell are you implying? There's obviosly nothing you don’t dare say when you're excited. I don't want to make a fuss, so just sit down."



Primo gently teased his half sister. Belita reluctantly followed Primo's orders. Primo quickly approached Theriod and asked for a friendly handshake.



"I apologize for my sister's rudeness. Selen saidhe couldn't attend because she was too busy."



"……It's a happy day for you to be appointed crown prince, so let's leave all this aside so the ceremony can continue. Congratulations in advance on becoming the new sun in the Empire."



Theriod held Primo's hand with a reluctant face. His attitude was clearly showing displeasure, but Primo only smiled brightly.



Everyone knew the rumor that the Grand Duke was obsessed over his wife, but they didn't imagine that he would show discomfort even in front of Primo to protect her. When it was revealed that he was an opponent that could not be harnessed easily, the curious eyes on the Grand Duchess disappeared as if they had never existed.



Everyone sat down and the banquet began in earnest. The successor's cup had already been handed over, so this is only a formality. Therefore, it didn’t last long. First of all, the emperor set up Primo in front of the podium and held a short ceremony. The men, who had been Primo's supporters, chanted the name of their new successor, showing signs of excitement.



Afterward, there was a big drinking party. The atmosphere naturally became more and more excited while they continue eating and drinking the prepared food and alcohol. The delicious food delighted their tongue and their cheeks stained with sweet wine glistened beautifully.



"Your Highness, why don't you make a nice toast?"



A nobleman next to Primo recommended a toast. Primo seemed to despise flattery, but liked it very much when he complimented her unnoticeably. Surprisingly, Primo did not accept the opportunity. He urged Isis to stand up instead.



"Isis, it is not wrong to say that this joyful occasion was held thanks to you. I can't help but praise you because you helped me both physically and mentally. I'll give you my congratulatory address, so pray for me."



After taking the heavy responsibility, his son, who had no idea, finally came to his senses. A naturally pleased smile came to the emperor's face. He came along and encouraged Isis.



"Yes, Isis. How can you ignore this commendable request when your brother wants you to? Hurry up and get up.”



When her father came forward, the princess had no other choice. In the end, Isis stood up with a shy look and started a toast.



"Then pardon me, but I'll raise my glass first. I will dedicate this drink to a new emperor who will go down in the history of the Empire."



The incident happened in an instant. Everyone chanted the name of the new successor, and Isis drank the cup at the peak of their excitement.



At the same time, the body of the empress fell down helplessly.



The audience's eyes grew bigger. It was such an unrealistic situation that no one immediately understood what happened. They seemed to think that this was a bad joke of the princess. However, contrary to their expectations, Isis' body was lifeless and red blood flowed from her mouth.



Primo was the first to come to his senses. Primo jumped up and crossed over to his sister. The screams of the ladies beat the ceiling with the sound of plates breaking. Primo hugged Isis' body and tapped her on the cheek.



"Isis! Isis!"



The princess' face was pale. Primo, who had been shaking Isis' shoulders for a long time, raised his blood-stained eyes.



"It's poison! Someone poisoned my sister's glass!"



It was noisy all around. Nadia hurriedly approached Primo's side, calming her trembling body. When she looked closely at the face of the princess, Nadia could not help but cover her mouth. There was no blood on Isis' cheeks. Nadia reflexively looked back at the Grand Duchess sitting next to Isis. Even though a person fell right next to her, the Grand Duchess only looked a bit surprised.



As if it were a well-adjusted script, someone else intervened in time. A servant, who had been shaking all along, fell on his knees. He clenched his eyes and shouted.



"It's the Grand Duchess, Your Grace!"



A cold silence swept the whole hall. Primo, who carefully put down Isis, approached him with a ferocious face. Primo suddenly pulled the servant's collar.



"What do you mean?"



"I saw Her Highness the Grand, Grand…… putting something into the cup of the Empress Isis."



Due to Primo's frightening face, his servant couldn't even open his eyes properly. Primo threatened him again.



"Why didn't you tell me in advance when you saw something so suspicious? What are you trying to do?"



"Well, I'm telling you now. It was so sudden, I couldn't say it because I might see it wrong...….”



The servant, who answered so, eventually burst into tears. Primo violently let go of his collar. It was the Grand Duchess that he approached this time. Primo asked with a ferocious look.



"Is it true?"



Astina answered without any hesitation.



"It's a lie."



"Then what is this testimony that you put something suspicious in Isis's glass?”



Primo didn't falter and asked back. In this situation, anyone would be shaken, so the calm attitude of the Grand Duchess was hardly discriminate her. Astina logically defeated the doubt.



"Why would I poison her in front of everyone? If I had a plan, I would have ordered the servants instead of getting my hands dirty."



"Who would try to assassinate the Princess at a dinner with the Emperor? You tried to make use of that mentality, but unfortunately, you got caught."



Primo snorted and refuted Astina. He already seemed to be convinced that the Grand Duchess was the culprit.



"I'm locking up your residence. It's to be heavily guarded. "If I check for poison in her silverware, I’m sure I’ll find evidence."



Primo's guess was plausible, but the guards could not move forward. The same was true of the aristocrats, who quickly stepped back. They don't have the courage either. Was the anti-aircraft expenses of normal status? Although it was said that the army of the Grand Duke has diminished over the year, they are still Atalenta. She could not be recklessly accused there yet to be any evidence. They had a lot to lose to have Atalenta as enemy based on the word of a servant.



At the lukewarm response, Primo looked around, swallowing down his irritation. Was one testimony not enough to arrest the Grand Duchess? Although Dennis was later scheduled to manipulate public opinion with God's will, Primo wanted a more direct shot.



If it was Isis, it would have been easier for her to control the audience. A little bit of regret flashed across Primo's eyes. However, Isis, who were always helpful, has already fallen down from poison, so regretting it was meaningless.



Fortunately, Primo soon found a good prey. He found Nadia patting Isis on the back. Primo glared and fixed his eyes on Nadia. Nadia was an easy woman to get carried away by the atmosphere. If he pressed her, he thought he would get the answer I wanted.



Primo strode up to Nadia and grabbed her arm and shook it. Only then did his focus return to Nadia's eyes, which were mesmerizing.



"Didn't you see it, Lady Nadia?"



"What? I'm...."



"Speak up! You were sitting next to Isis! Did you see the Grand Duchess trying to kill my sister?"



Nadia was in confusion. She thinks she needs to hurry up and take Isis away, but the palace physician still hasn't arrived. This was also due to Primo's arrangement of the palace's residence and his choice of a distant banquet hall.



Isis's back, which was so thin that the bones could be seen, was really cold as a skeleton. The cool sensation shook Nadia's hands. Shouldn't Nadia force the water to pass out so she throw up the alcohol she drank? No, but before that, is it more important to catch the killer first? What if that servant is wrongly blaming the Grand Duchess? Or is it really the Grand Duchess?



All kinds of thought vortices consume Nadia. The last thing came to Nadia’s mind was the last conversation with the murdered princess, Isis.



'Yes, wasn't today a glorious day for my brother to be crowned crown prince? He’s finally at a high point, and I'm very nervous that something will happen. I want you to ease my anxiety.’



Isn't it strange that this kind of incident happened as soon as she heard that the princess was suspicious of the Grand Duchess?



If the anti-aircraft defense was really a witch, Isis may have already recognized that she is to be suspected if something was to happen. Nadia felt goose bumps from her waist. Other witnesses have already spoken. It was the truth that the servant risked his life. Along with the death of the princess, his courage could not be wasted.



Nadia closed her eyes tightly. Her determined cry echoed through the hall.



"Yes, I saw, I saw her!"



As the number of witnesses increased to two, the crowd shook. It was a remark made by the daughter of the Earl, not by a servant who might have faked it. It had to be taken differently. Besides, wasn't Isis the one who arranged the marriage between Nadia and Prince Primo?



Primo and Nadia were close to Isis, but they did not have any conflict. There is no way they would fabricate a lie in the face of the death of the Princess. Sharp eyes poked at Astina's back, cheek, and eyes at the same time.



But Astina calmly asked back.



"Then let's check. I'm sure Lady Nadia said she saw what I put in her glass?”



Nadia just nodded, biting her lips. Astina's eyes narrowed.



"Lady, then do you remember what color was the drug I put in that glass?"



For a moment, Nadia gasped. She shuddered and looked back at Primo as if she were looking for a savior.



"That's...."



"Was it solid or liquid? Or was it some kind of powder."



Nadia's cheeks turned as pale as Isis's. Astina asked again quietly.



"What color was it?"



Nadia couldn't answer. Astina just rolled her eyes and looked back at the servant who knelt down.



"Yes, how about you, because you've seen something the same thing as Lady Nadia, you're sure to give me the same answer?"



"Well, I'm far away. I haven't seen that...….”



Then the Grand Duke stepped forward. Theriod hugged Astina on her shoulder as if she were protecting her. Theriod's roar rang the whole banquet hall.



"You’ve seen her put something in, but you don't know what it is. What the hell is that supposed to mean?"



The servant bowed his head with Theriod's chewing gaze. Theriod turned his head and shot Nadia this time.



"Lady Nadia, can you take responsibility for your remarks?"



"What?"



"It is certainly a felony to try to assassinate the Princess. But a misjudgment can claim an innocent life. So I ask you again. Can you take responsibility for what you said?"



Nadia clasped the hem of her skirt. For her, who had only been raised in a protected space, the incident was too much to handle. A princess collapsed vomiting blood, and the suspect refused to the crime. Nadia wanted to turn back time if she could. Then she can save Isis by stealing her glass in advance.



Just before a big teardrop fell from Nadia's eye, Primo blocked her.



"You still raise your voice after everything has been discovered! She wasn’t close, so how could she even look at the drug? You're holding on to something absurd!”



Primo played a very plausible role of the grieving brother. He shouted, covering his distorted face.



"I believe you all heard the rumors of a witch, and still I have invited you to this joyful occasion, and you kill my sister in return?!”



Primo's sister and his fiance stared fiercely at the shameless man who was trying to intimidate them. Then he hid Nadia's anxious face in her arms. Primo wrapped Nadia's cheek and asked affectionately.



"Are you all right, Nadia? There's nothing to be afraid of. I'll protect you from this vicious woman.”



His hideous eyes glanced at the guard. Primo waved his arms and shouted like he was the embodiment of the devil.



"What are you doing, arrest the Grand Duchess!"



The hesitated guards eventually approached Astina. Since there were two witnesses, they could not avoid the investigation. They dragged the barely moving Astina in a violent way. The banquet ended horribly after the Grand Duke assaulted a security guard who twisted the arm of the Grand Duchess.









* * *

C16P7


After the Grand Duchess was captured, scary facts were revealed one after another as if it was now time. The priest Denise, who was famous for capturing criminals, revealed that the Grand Duchess had bought things that cursed the imperial family. Then, rumours was circling that the dark energy surrounded the Atalenta mansion. It wasn't a very plausible rumour, but that holds no value to the public.


I can't believe the Grand Duchess attempted to assassinate the Empress!


People paid more attention to the incident that happened before their eyes. Primo broke rumors of an assassination attempt and spread it agressively, and the fact that the Grand Duchess was a witch became almost conclusive. Even the excellent performance of the Grand Duchess was seen as a flaw by those who disparaged it.


The fact that she is good at using swords, her fluent speech, and even her genius temperament as a child, all proved that Astina was a witch. Passing through the tavern of the capital, they could get all kinds of false rumors about the Grand Duchess flowing out of it. The radicals of the group staged a protest to arrest and behead the Grand Duchess.


The Grand Duke collected petitions from place to place, but it did not seem to be effective. After several letters bearing Atalenta's seal were sent to the imperial family, the Grand Duchess was eventually detained in a amore amicable guestroom, not in a cold stone-wall prison. It was not a full solution, but it was very merciful for someone who tried to hurt the imperial family. Of course, the public responded cynically, saying, "Money and power are everything." However, if Isis had not finally awoke, even the Grand Duke could not have discussed his wife's release.


Fortunately, five days after the incident, Princess Isis came to her senses. It was literally the heaven's help. Nadia's continued patting on the back made most of the alcohol fell out, so she was able to avoid the fatal death. Shee could not leave the hospital because she was weak so she had not been able to serve for a long time, but it was also a miracle that her life was spared. The poison she drank was a rare one, and it’s fair to say few who drank it survived, if not to say none.


The princess was not aware of the accusations made after her fall, so even though she woke up, there was little progress in the investigation. Nadia didn't go out because she was kept in the mansion, saying she had weakened due to the trauma. In the end, Dennis, who had been preaching the claim that the Grand Duchess was a witch, stepped into the palace as a witness. This is because the famous temple could not ignore the rather metaphysical claim that the Grand Duchess was a witch.


Dennis was thrilled at the thought of trampling on the arrogant Grand Duchess. Although Isis' survival was troubling, Dennis managed to maintain his satisfaction level. Isis can always die of other external diseases, a side effect of the poison she drank.


Indeed, the Grand Duchess, who couldn’t sneak past the strict guard several times, looked more haggard than before. It wasn't that she didn't sleep or they didn’t feed her, but the fact that she was deprived of her freedom must have been too much for the lady.


Dennis sat on the chair and smiled kindly around his mouth.


"Good morning, Your Grace. It's been a long time since I saw you again. How have you been?"


Astina crossed her legs and responded indifferently.


"Well. The priest seems to have been quite well without me asking you the same. You look like you've gained some weight on your cheeks.….”


Dennis, whose weight gain was suddenly pointed out, looked flustered. It was almost mistaken that he was the one being interrogated


However, the Grand Duchess is now the one at a disadvantage. Dennis wore a blatant sneer around his mouth.


"Huh, you're so thoughtful. But I think you're in a situation where you have to worry about something else."


He took out paper, ink, and a pen with an unpleasant look. Dennis wrote down the date on the top and turned the pen lightly. He asked, similarly with a strange voice.


"What is the exact date of your marriage to the Grand Duke?”


Astina didn't answer. Dennis looked up and stared at Astina for a long time. As the silence continued, he shrugged once, and then asked the next question.


"What is the time of his rise from illness? Was there any indication of a time point before the marriage at which you visited the Atalenta Duchy?"


Again, Astina did not give an answer. Dennis threatened that she would receive an aggravated punishment if she didn't confess, but her silence didn’t change. Whatever answer she gives, it would be interpreted according to the will of the listener. Astina's life, which had no problems so far, was now in tatter.


The gap between Astina's eyebrows was narrowed as Dennis' frightening disadvantages and several penalties. At last, Astina burst into laughter. Astina crossed her arms and shot Dennis with a contempt look.


"What a foolish thing…….”


Denise was dumbfounded by the tone of disdain felt in the voice of the Grand Duchess. He was speechless. Denise asked her again as if it were absurd.


"Did you mean me?"


As he came to see her being frightened, the actions of the Grand Duchess were only hurting his feelings. His suspicion increase, she must be hiding something if she is that confident.


But it was a ridiculous guess. If the Grand Duchess had anything under her sleaves, it should have been revealed before she was trapped here. All that was waiting for her was a witch trial and a stigma that she could never escape. She must not believe even her husband, the Grand Duke, can’t protect his wife. The Grand Duchess, who grew up in a common Count family, must have married into a noble family for power, and now she reached a point where she cannot tell her place. Even in this situation, she still thinks she had the upper hand and keeps that cheeky attitude of hers? Dennis finally exploded


"Oh, my God, look at you! Who's the real stupid one?”


He then pointed at Astina's front. It was a shameful act that he could not have made before the Grand Duchess was accused.


"I'm sure you could have done that when you were out there, Your Grace. Don't forget that I'm asking you questions that will shake your life."


"Is that the will of the temple?"


Astina even threw away her respectful attitude. Dennis answered the sharp question with a relaxed look.


"It is certainly God's servant's job to enlighten the non-believers."


"Wasn't it the church's specialty to burn the non-believers rather than to enlighten them?"


"There are some people who are infatuated with evil beyond enlightenment, and that is also an inevitable punishment."


"I don't believe in God. It's not that I didn't understand theology, I just didn't want to."


Astina naturally reached out and picked up the paper in front of Dennis. Dennis couldn't stop her sudden movement. On the paper were the questions he had written for an interview with the Grand Duchess. They were literally items whose intentions were too obvious. If there was any advantage point for Astina, he was ready to erase it right away. Astina tore it again then again. She spoke in a friendly voice, letting go of the paper that was split in pieces.


"What about a believer who falsely makes up God's will? Your God must be yourself, not Carabella, and you are deceiving everyone and deceiving me that your will is God's will.”


Dennis, who got read, blushed. He shouted in an angry voice.


"What the hell are you saying now? If you thought the temple would just sit there and watch--"


"Do you deserve to keep the temple in your mouth? You're a priest. That doesn't mean you're a messiah."


Astina leaned her upper body and drag her face close to Dennis. Then she looked into his dark green eyes. Astina asked in a whisper.


"You don’t even now the size of my power, do you know what do you look like now? an ugly demon.”


Astina finished her retort and calmly sat back in her place. Dennis bit his lips and closed his eyes. He then managed to pretend to be calm by taking a slow breath. It wasn't long before a smile came to his mouth. Even though the opponent was in a tight spot, she must still not aware of her situation, so she seemed to believe false promise again.


"I don't think I’ll get the right answer today, so I'll get up."


Dennis said, raising himself from his seat. But before turning around, he didn't forget to warn the Grand Duchess with an eerie voice.


"I'm looking forward to seeing where you can keep that cheeky mouth in the next two days' trials."


"I will surely repay you those words without missing a beat."


Astina answered in a cheerful manner. Eventually, Dennis, who couldn't beat the Grand Duchess, went outside slamming the door. Astina stared at the tea water Dennis had not touched. The moderately cold glass was at the perfect temperature to drink at once.


After a while, the maid, who confirmed that the visitor had left, sneaked back to the room. A note was in the hand of the maid. The maid reached out carefully and handed it to Astina.


"Your Highness. This is…."


"Is it from the Grand Duke?"


The maid shook her head and smiled lightly.


"No."


Astina listened to it carelessly. Astina's eyes had already caught the contents of the paper.





* * *




As soon as the morning came, Nadia rushed to the palace to visit Isis. It was thanks to the court's order finally allowing her to visit Isis, who had refused visits, saying she needs to rest. Nadia, who ran in the hallway regardless of the screaming maid who was worried about their master's dignity, opened Isis' door as if a storm.


Inside, Isis was sitting on the bed waiting for Nadia. Although she had a rather pale complexion, she seems to be in good condition for a patient. Tears welled up in Nadia's eyes. Nadia exclaimed, delighted.


"Princess!"


"Did you worry a lot?"


Nadia preressed her breath with tears at Isis' friendly question. Nadia took a quick step and sat by Isis' bedside. I couldn't even think of the manners I had learned throughout my life. Nadia suddenly grabbed Isis' hands and shed tears over them.


"You don't know how worried I was. Oh, my God. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .….”


Nadia sobbed, unable to finish her speech. Isis's face, which had no blood, was still fresh in her memory. The body warmth that was slowly cooling down, and the blood that was flowing around her mouth. It was like a dream to be able to have a conversation with the princess, alive.


"I think you must have suffered a lot."


"Hahahaha, no. It's like a dream to see the Princess again...….”


Isis reached out and wiped Nadia's eyes. Isis, who was looking into Nadia's tears on her fingertips, spoke out as if something was unclear.


"But Lady, what the hell happened in the hall? I don't remember very well. I just drank a glass, but I was getting heartburn...…. When I woke up, everyone said that the Grand Duchess poisoned my glass."


"Yes…?"


Nadia asked back with a trembling voice. Nadia remained confined to her mansion the whole time, not having the courage to say that she had said what she had not seen, nor to confess the truth. However, Isis, who was sick, asked about the criminal himself. Nadia curled her finger without realizing it. How should she explain this situation?


"Yes, they also say Lady Nadia was a witness. Is it true that the Grand Duchess is the culprit? It's not like the Grand Duchess to poison my glass.….”


As if Isis had just come to her sense, she looked at Nadia and said. But before Isis could finish the question, Nadia, who had a nervous face all along, burst into tears. Nadia had her face buried in Isis's lap and gave a vague voice that was hard to understand.


"Hahahhhhhhhaha. What the hell am I supposed to do?"


"No, Lady Nadia. What's wrong?"


Isis asks. Nadia took a short breath before bringing the subject up. She was worried that the princess would accuse me of being a liar, but Nadia also had to say it. Isn't all she did was for the Princess? Isis was the one who asked her to keep an eye on the Grand Duchess, so she can tell her the truth. Such a smart woman will also be able to tell her the solution to this mess.


Nadia opened her mouth in tears.


"Actually, I didn't see anything. His Highness Primo's roar made me nervous, and I remembered that the Princess had suspected the Grand Duchess.….”


Isis listened to Nadia and reached out to her hands as if to stop her tears. The gentle expression of the princess had already been severely hardened. Nadia was embarrassed by the unexpected response and shut her mouth. Isis asked Nadia back as if she could not believe it.


"No way, do you mean you lied to everyone?"


The hiccups came out of Nadia's neck. Nadia replied, covering her mouth that was blinking irregularly.


"Yes? Yes…."


"Didn't you see anything?"


The princess's attitude was clearly different from what she had expected just now. Nadia saw for the first time a strange look-confusion. Nadia, who had always seen Isis's kindness as a blessing, was quite shocked. Is Isis disappointed at the fact that she lied?


Nadia hurriedly gave justification to her fault.


"Didn’t the servant already give a testimony? It's probably true that he saw it."


However, Isis only rubbed her temples as if she had a headache. Nadia carefully asked Isis, looking at him.


"Don’t tell me……Are you disappointed?"


In the meantime, Isis burst out laughing as if she was dumbfounded, seeing a poor woman worried that the favor of the Princess would fade away. Nadia followed Isis shaking his head with anxious eyes. Isis sighed deeply, and soon spoke as if she cares deeply for Nadia.


"Huh..." Lady Nadia. That’s not the problem. It has nothing to do with you. Why couldn't I have done anything to stop tailing the Grand Duchess? Isn't it because of Atalenta's name? You can't be hasty."


Nadia was terrified at the words of Isis. Only then did she realize what she had done. If the Grand Duchess was not the culprit, she did not dare to imagine what kind of retaliation would come back at her. Didn't Nadia see how much the Grand Duke cover for the Grand Duchess?


Nadia remembered a security guard who faced the wrath of the Grand Duke because he grabbed Astina arm too recklessly. She could clearly recall his big eyes staring at herself.


The Grand Duke stared straight at Nadia and said,


Lady Nadia, can you take responsibility for your remarks?


If Nadia cannot take responsibility for her argument, what will the Grand Duke do?


Nadia hurriedly grabbed Isis' collar.


"Ha, what do I do now? Now I can't say it's something I didn’t see”


Isis pat Nadia's back as if to calm her down.


"I'm sure you've been asked to attend the trial as a witness, right?


"Huh? Yeah, I got a call, but...….”


"You don't have to go against Atalenta because of my brother. If it is true that the Grand Duchess did it, it will be revealed at the trial, so lady should not attend the trial on the pretext of being sick."


"Well, can I do that?"


It was a good suggestion for Nadia, but there was still some anxiety in the back of her mind. Nadia knew that not attending the trial would be a false. Primo's subsequent anger was also something to worry about. But what scares her more is the aftermath of the lie. Atalenta's resentment was not something that would end with just a few words of criticism. Isis also pointed that out.


"If she’s not the one who committed the crime, you'll be kicked out of the countryside and spend your whole life in distress, let alone marriage to my brother. Lady wouldn't want that, would she?"


"But didn't you also suspect the highness of the Grand Duchess? According to the servant, the Grand Duchess could really be the culprit...….”


"Lady Nadia, even if the Grand Duchess is the real culprit, does it change the fact that you lied?"


Nadia opened her mouth to refute, but Isis pressed her first.


"Think about it. Can you coerce the servant without even meeting him? Can you explain when the Grand Duchess poisoned me?"


Nadia eventually shut up. If the two witnesses' statements are mixed up, it will create more terrible consequences than absence. Even the authenticity of the remarks made by the servant would be questioned.


Isis made a remark as if she were advising Nadia.


"It is more important to preserve your safety than to catch a criminal who you’re not sure has committed the crime. Please listen to me."


Nadia nodded as if bewitched by the consideration of a merciful Isis. Isn't it not polite to go against the opinion of the princess when she says this?


In a situation where he wanted to escape anywhere, Isis kindly found a way for Nadia. There was no reason to refuse. Even if Primo is disappointed by his change of words, he will soon be relieved if Isis persuades him.


Nadia, who made up her mind, nodded loudly again.


"Yes, my lady. I'll do that. I'll be absent from the trial."


A satisfied smile came to Isis's mouth. It was the image of the benevolent princess which Nadia had seen over and over again.





* * *




The date of the trial came quickly. On the long-awaited date, the plaintiff had to face a great embarrassment, because Nadia Abelar, who was considered as a decisive witness, declared her absence. She didn't come out of the mansion on the pretext that it was hard to stand properly because of the shock she suffered from the incident. Isis, who drank poison, appeared in court hence making it a ridiculous excuse.


However, Princess Isis also doesn’t look well. Her complexion was remarkedly haggard compared to before. Everyone's sympathy naturally gathered at the pitiful sight. As Isis stumbled without taking a proper step, Primo, who was standing next to her, approached and try to help her.


"Isis, how are you?"


It was such a sweet voice. Surprisingly, his worries weren't just pretentious. Primo was not sorry that Isis survived, even though he didn't trust her as much as before. It was thanks to the recent experience of how troublesome life is without Isis.


Primo had to spend the busiest hours of his life preparing for the trial. It was especially troublesome to capture the owner of the black market that the Grand Duchess had bought the goods from. They were able to continue their business for a long time because they had connections with public officers. The government office hesitated to investigate them further, and eventually, Primo had to accompany the guard to find out the truth.


So Primo had to endure the whining of the nobles who supported him because they themselves were the old regulars of the black market. In the end, Primo ended the complaint by promising to return the merchant after the trial. Thus, the owner of the black market shop was able to spend quite a comfortable time before the trial, which was not to Primo's taste. The relieved man diligently cooperated with the investigation by confessing the size of what the Grand Dukes couple bought.


Shortly after everyone sat down, the main character of the incident appeared. The Grand Duchess stood in front of the court under the guidance of knights with a determined look on her face.


The Grand Duchess was wearing a white dress with little decoration. It was a trial that began when the sun was still on the top of their head, so a ray of light was flowing from the round ceiling. The Grand Duchess stood exactly in the middle of it. Even though her reputation as a witch hasn’t subsided, her light was reflected in a holy manner.


After a few simple procedures, the trial began in earnest. Dennis was on the bench as a witness and a jury.


"Good morning. Dennis Jordan, the chief priest of the Carabella Church."


Dennis, who finished bowing, slowly completed his oath as a court witness. His eyes were glistening with faith.


"Okay, Reverend Dennis, tell me what you saw."


The judge allowed Dennis to speak while sitting. Dennis took a long breath as if he were shaking. He then began to testify in a determined tone.


"Yes, this is when we had a purification ceremony on the street. Two weeks ago, we saw something suspicious. We met at the scene where His Highness the Grand Duke and Her Highness the Grand Duchess, who were disguised under the clothes of the commoners, returned after buying unclean things.”


"What is that unclean thing?”


"It was a ceramic with a dark energy. There were many other things besides that, but the energy flowing out of that ceramic was especially dark, so it stood out even from afar. We assume that the object was going to contain a curse on the imperial family."


Curse on the imperial family, then it isn’t only Princess Isis she tried to target?


Dennis kept silence as if to tease everyone's curiosity.


"Maybe she tried to assassinate the Empress Isis in a more direct way when we took away the supplies she had bought for the curse."


Dennis slowly turned his eyes and stared at Astina. He asked in a confident manner.


"Isn't that right, Mrs. Rosé Anderson?"


The eyes of those observing the trial at were stained with curiosity at the unfamiliar name. When the satisfactory response came back, Dennis's mouth caught a big smile.


"The pseudonym, Rose Anderson, is an introduction that came from her mouth when I ran into Her Highness, the Grand Duchess. Why would her Highness the Grand Duchess have tried to hide her identity when she could have confidently identified herself and asked for a formal investigation on the goods?”


Of course, there will be no moron who gives his real name when he gets questioned on his way back from the black market. The nobles, who were well versed in collecting antiques, were screaming inside, but they did not side with the Grand Duchess. Those who don’t know, if only look at the details of the incident, will believe Dennis.


Denise, who achieved his goal, made a short silence and ended her remarks.


"That's it."


The next to appear was the merchant of the black market. Unfortunately, he was shaking greatly and he rarely turned to the Grand Duke and Duchess.


The judge pointed his finger at the pottery Dennis submitted as evidence. This is because he was reluctant to touch it himself because it was said to have an ominous energy.


"Is this what you sold in your store?"


"Yes."


The manager replied with a nod. The judge asked again.


"Who did you sell it to?"


"The Grand Duke and Duchess purchased it."


The crowd was agitated again. This made the Grand Duchess look more guilty. Perhaps even the Grand Duke could be accused of treason. The judge's eyes became sharp.


"What else did they buy?"


"It was ceramics, paintings, and ancient books."


"What did they say was their use?"


As the question and answer progressed, Primo's mouth was filled with a satisfied smile. Primo knew that Astina liked ancient books. The Grand Duchess had an unusual record of only asking for books in return for her services to find his successor's Cup.


Primo thought she was out of her mind at the time, but now he was very pleased. There wouldn't be a very plausible cause for collecting such goods. Isn't it something she bought as a hobby? Even if she make excuses and say she likes antiques, it will only be treated as a confession that you are a witch. Dennis also had the same idea as Primo, so he expected the merchant to answer the question that followed.


However, the manager glanced at the Grand Duchess and rolled his eyes down with a frightened look. It wasn't long before he said with a little sob.


"They were the treasures of Atalenta."


It was such an unexpected remark that most people couldn't understand it immediately. While everyone was silent, only the presiding judge asked back again.


"The treasures of the Atalenta family?”


"Yes, Your Highness the Grand Duchess said you came to retrieve Atalenta's treasures that flowed into the black market...….”


Dennis' expression slowly hardened to understand what the merchant meant.


What the hell is that bugger talking about? If there was such a fact, he should have said it earlier. If so, Dennis could have given up on the case of pottery and put another number. However, the merchant only said that he knew nothing. He thought it was true because the merchant gave him the history of the items purchased by the Grand Duchess without hesitation, like he was not giving out important information.


Dennis tried to hide his confusion. He had to go back to the beginning of the plan. Didn't Isis say he didn't have to go near the black market to get the place all to herself?


Isis had never mentioned anything that the Grand Duchess had bought. As if she doesn’t know anything. Was it simply a coincidence that they captured the scene where they thought it was a disgrace to the Grand Duchess? Or was it all her plan?


There were too few clues given to hastily conclude something. Dennis turned his eyes to the center of the court that Astina stood in. Astina was bowing her head as if she were ashamed of the family's disgrace. Although it was an act for the eyes of others, it was to hide the satisfaction in her eyes.


Astina felt satisfied that the contents of the note, which said she handled the case about the witness well, were realized as it was. It was none other than Isis who tried to make a secret communication. The game has already taken place, and Astina was detained as a criminal, so it was up to the person who was free outside to deal with the remaining evidence.


Primo kept Atalenta in check, so he didn't give the Grand Duke a chance to touch the witness. As soon as the assassination occurred, the manager was detained under heavy security at the palace. For Isis, however, the palace was like her own front yard. The prey had put his neck in front of her nose, and there was nothing easier to do. Above all, Isis, who was in the position of a complete victim of the assassination, had a very free radius of action. Isis was actually awakened earlier than the official announcement, and she immediately began to act on her sickbed.


Isis's request to see the merchant was not that difficult. Of course, it would be simpler to list the facts than to lie. Of course, Isis gave a clue that the objects should not be known in advance as treasures of the Grand Duchy.


The merchant, who lived to please the nobles, quickly recognized which side he had to stick to in order to survive. In fact, Isis influenced the nobles under Primo to ensure the safety of the manager. The man must have had his own trust that his promise would be kept. The manager looked terrified as if he was worried about the punishment to be handed down later.


Everyone's voice has grown with a very plausible performance. Now the manager had revealed that he had handled Atalenta's stolen goods. It was natural that the credibility of the remarks would increase as he would not falsely testify about the facts which were unfavorable to him.


At that time, Astina sobbed and opened her mouth.


"Can I give you more details.


The voice of the Grand Duchess was very pathetic. There was a testimony that could overturn the situation, so the people had to listen to her remark. The presiding judge gave a favorable permission.


"The defendant can speak."


"As the witness said, Your Highness and all the things I bought are treasures of Atalentas. I'm ashamed, but there were many unpleasant things to take care of because I couldn't properly manage the familiar when His Highness was not feeling well. They stole Atalenta's property and sold them while the owner was away, and most of them were in the witness's business. Since we're in the capital, we're trying to get them back."


"Ha, if you're so confident, why did you use a pseudonym without telling the truth? If it's a treasure of the Grand Duchy, it's worth getting it back, and you didn’t even ask the temple to return it!"


Dennis stepped in hurriedly. Thanks to this, the group was able to recall that the Grand Duchess used an alias.


But Dennis's comments were exactly what Astina had been waiting for. Astina said, shaking her shoulders even more sadly.


"How can a family blabber about this dishonorable thing outside? Of course, I had to deal with it in secret. And since the priest said he felt an ominous energy in the pottery, wouldn't we have been anxious to insist on returning it?"


Most of the nobles gathered in the court looked sympathetic. The family's treasure circulating outside meant that the situation was not good so they have to sell things or that they were not properly managed. In either case, it was not a good thing to make public. The Grand Duke, who had been away from society for a long time as a noble, would have been more sensitive to such rumors.


She continued as if to appeal.


"I've kept my mouth shut for the honor of the Grand Duke, but the longer the silence, the more the rumour of being a witch is thrown on my face. But if I had that ability, why would I bring the cursed object back to Atalenta? Perhaps that's why you suffered from the disease."


In fact, the timing of Atalenta's treasure being stolen and the time when Grand Duke regained his health were coincidentally similar. Instead of denying the sinister energy the temple claimed to find, Astina used it in her favor. The lie looks more realisticthan the truth.


The judge asked the merchant.


"Can you confirm that it was originally from Atalenta?"


"Yes, I will submit the relevant books that I have arranged."


The merchant received a bunch of paper from squire waiting behind him. The book he submitted carefully contained traces of buying things from Atalenta's familiars. Naturally, there was no sign of manipulation. As the presiding judge did not raise any objections, public opinion naturally leaned to the innocence of the Grand Duchess. Dennis felt that the trick of accusing the Grand Duchess as a witch would no longer work.


Was this the reason why she was so confident when Ihevisited him last time? Dennis bit his lips, but soon regained his normal appearance. He doesn't know how the coerced the merchant in captivity, but Dennis had one more trump card left. The rumor that the Grand Duchess was a witch was just a trick to add a plausible backstory to the assassination of the empress. Dennis intervened politely as if he was sorry.


"In our temple, we read the ominous energy of the object, but we do not know the intentions contained in it. If the assumption that you are a witch was a misunderstanding, I would like to express my condolences to the Grand Duchess."


As the temple quickly accepted the claim of the Grand Duchess, the buzz grew even louder. But Denise's comments seemed to pour cold water on the overheated atmosphere.


"But that can't be proof that you didn't assassinate the Empress Isis. There's already a clear witness to that."


Dennis finished his speech by raising the corners of his mouth in a cringe. Nadia was absent from the trial, but there was one more witness created by Primo.


The presiding judge called in a servant who claimed to see the crime of Grand Duchess as Dennis demanded. The servant, who appeared as if he had waited, repeated the arguments he made at the banquet hall. The point was that he saw the Grand Duchess put medicine in Isis's glass in the midst of cheer, but he could not inform anyone in advance because it could be a misunderstanding.


After the servant finished his remarks, Dennis opened his mouth with a victorious tone.


"Listening to the testimony of the servant, we paid attention to the nature of the drug. It was because of the assumption that the source of the poison might be able to help us find a clue."


Then he picked up a stone about the size of three fingers, which was placed on the table. Dennis spoke up.


"It's an official sample. It's an ore that produces gold, silver and copper, and is usually used as a combustion agent."


Dennis lifted it up so everyone could see it. It was a red-colored ore looks as if it was soaked in blood. What is that stone doing here?


Dennis quickly solved the questions in the audience.


"If you separate it and refine it...…it's an arsenic that we know of."


His cold voice rang the courtroom. Dennis' fierce eyes caught everyone's breath. The poison Isis drank was already revealed by the court who examined her.


Denise approach the stands, making his low voice louder.


"Because they are light-resistant, they are very demanding minerals that must only be stored in the dark and taken out when used. The refined form of arsenic is not an easy item to get because it is prohibited to the civilians. I think everyone knows that in the past there was an unsavory use of this poison in the imperial family."


The emperor nodded unpleasantly at the words. This is because what Denise mentioned is nothing less than a disgrace to the imperial family. It was the assassination of Queen Caterina, who was the biological mother of Fidelio II. The poison used at that time was also arsenic.


Since then, the Imperial Palace has enacted a law to allow only those authorized by the state to distribute arsenic-related drugs. It also meant that the suspect line would be narrowed down considerably.


“ Your Honor, As you know, there are many mines in the southern part of the Atalenta Duchy, and most of the minerals that are distributed in the Empire are mined there. Is there anyone else who can easily get this poison as they can? I'd like to ask for a close investigation into the Atalenta mines."


The resources of Atalenta, which Primo wanted to covet, were once a shackle to the Grand Duke's neck. There would be errirs in human work, so there must have been a difference between the amount of mining recorded and the amount of ore actually loaded. Even if Atalentar had been thoroughly managed, buying a small amount could have still gone unnoticed.


Dennis concluded his remarks with a sense of satisfaction.


"That's it."


Dennis stood waiting for the judge's ruling. But the judge said something against Dennis' expectations.


"I've heard what Denise said. "Before the decision, the last witness should come forward."


Dennis looked back hurriedly at the unexpected situation. What do you mean another witness exists? All Dennis had prepared was the merchant of the bloody black market who betrayed him and the servant who had just stepped out.


Did Lady Nadia decide to attend now?


However, the woman who stepped forward was a completely different person than expected, and his identity gave Denis as much chills as his unexpectedness. No, maybe it was Primo who was more shocked. Primo even stood up from his chair and reached out the railing. Primo's eyes were stained with more shock.


"This is Agatha Eloise, the second daughter of an author."


Agatha appeared in the courtroom, revealing a bright look that was different from what she always showed to Primo.


Agatha Eloise, officially the daughter of Eloise's best author and, unofficially, the mistress of Prince Primo. She was a person who everyone knew, but at the same time, no one could say anything about. She was not invited to the imperial banquet, where Primo established himself as a successor because she was supported only in the dark. But why did she claim to be a witness? Naturally, everyone's curiosity peak.


When the disturbance died down to some extent, Agatha opened her mouth with a loud voice.


"I know the real culprit of this incident."


"What do you mean? Who is it?"


The judge asked back, frowning. The direction of the incident was out of control again due to the shocking remarks that appeared at the end of the trial.


Agatha answered clearly at the gazes stabbing her.


"It is Prince Primo."


A cold silence fell on the court. Some of the weak even kept their mouths shut. It was confusing. The crowd could not even dare to guess Agatha's intention.


Agatha was definitely Primo's woman. Even if it was true that Primo tried to kill Isis, Agatha was in a position to hide it. She, who had obtained great power under the protection of the prince, directly accused him.


The judge pointed at his forehead as if he had a headache.


"Is there any reason for your Highness Prince Primo to assassinate the Empress Isis?"


"Obviously, their relationship looked good with the naked eye, and the Empress was doing her best for him...… He has always felt inferior to the Princess."


Was it the last agony of the woman who accused her lover? Agatha's voice was shaking slightly.


The emperor turned his head, coughing as if he were uncomfortable. It was already open to the court that Primo had a strange rivalry with Isis. Isis has always been in the position of giving advice to Primo, and it has not always suited Primo's taste. However, Primo was forced to comply with Isis. Her words have never been wrong. Every time Primo realized his incompetence, he used to relieve his bad feelings by playing a trick on the courtiers.


Agatha breathed slowly as if she were very nervous. Agatha opened her dry lips as if confessing.


"As you all know, I have nothing to gain from this testimony. I have been in a relationship with His Majesty Primo, and I have received a lot from him. But, but...….”


Agatha stopped talking and shed heavy tears. Her face was as miserable as she saw her lover's death. In fact, it was not a very wrong metaphor because she was now breaking up with her lover forever.


Agata sobbed as she buried her face in the handkerchief.


"Gasp…, black. I was so afraid. How can he order a man to kill his sister, if he was human? It was my conscience to decide not to love a murderous murderer anymore."


As for Primo, he felt ridiculous and wanted to grab the back of his neck. Wasn't Agatha the one who whispered at his ear to kill Isis? Whatever her intentions were, what this situation is saying was clear.


Agatha betrayed Primo.


If they knew what Agatha had been whispering with a greedy look, the eyes of sympathy poured toward her would quickly turn. However, if Agatha's enticements were made, she would confess to have done Primo's crimes with him.


Primo's eyes showed a big glow. He felt like I wanted to grab her by the hair and pull her out right away. They spent last night together, and her change was just horrifying. If he had not listened to her words, he would not turn his back to the public opinion.


Denise, who stood on Agata's right, quickly calmed Primo. He greeted Agatha with a cold voice.


"She’s crazy. Why would the prince, who will soon inherit the empire, feel inferior to his sister? Everything is just her brain delusions. For daydreaming and framing a member of the imperial family, you'll have to set an example and punish her greatly."


"Yeah, we can’t take her words seriously. Didn't Denise dig up the source of the poison, too? Investigation of the Grand Duchy comes first."


The presiding judge helped Dennis to settle the atmosphere. However, Agatha looked determined when Dennis made the threatening remark. She answered calmly.


"Yes, but the only thing that the priest Denise suggested was simple chemistry. I have solid evidence of the origin of the poison."


"Evidence?"


The judge asked back in a perplexed voice. More and more big things continued to emerge in situations where it was already burdensome to rule on a Grand Duchess. He wanted to stop the trial at this point, but Agatha seemed to hold the key. The presiding judge could not even give an eye to the seats of the imperial family. It was a wise decision. It would have been hard to concentrate fully on the ruling if you faced the prince's scary expression.


Primo's hands were shaking with anger. The skin with nails stuck in it turned white. He recalled several traces of Isis' assassination momentarily. It is difficult for enemies to dig, but anyone who was entirely on his side will have to know.


Agatha couldn't not know. She knew everything about Primo. Because he thought a woman wouldn't understand even if she heard him, so he’s been carrying out all the plans in front of her!


"Sellen's estate is geographically located in the same south as Atalenta. The Selene estate is famous for its quality diamonds being mined, but it also produces other ore as well. And Selene's wife, the Princess Belita, has a long hating relationship with the Princess Isis."


"As you claim, not one member of the imperial family led the assassination?"


The judge asked carefully. Agata nodded with a determined look.


"Yes, His Highness Prince Primo conspired with Her Grace Belita to kill his sister."


The judge closed his eyes. A huge accusation on one powerful figure has already hit him. He asked in a somber voice.


"You told you you had proof of him. What is it?”


"This is the correspondence between Prince Primo and Queen Belita. Can I read it for you?"


"Okay."


Agatha came up with the judge's permission and brought out the letter. Although the assessment was inconsistent with the current situation, Agatha's movements contained a pure aristocratic elegance. She read the letter in a loud, clear voice.


I have confirmed what you said to me. We were in a bad relationship before marriage, but now that my brother has reached out his hand, there is no limit to my joy. It's time to make a rice wine from the BELDA flowers blooming in Selen's estate which are well-glazed. All preparations are done, so you don't have to worry. If it tastes good, I will send a bottle to the palace as a gift.]


The BELDA flower was a red flower that bloomed in the mine area. Everyone who knows the appearance of the BELDA flowers just remembered the appearance of the arsenic, which was lifted by the former priest Dennis. The vivid red light.


Although it was a sentence that was written in code, it didn not lose value in this case. This alone was not enough to question Princess Belita. This is because it did not contain direct clues to the crime.


However, when Agatha began to recite Primo's replies, everyone could not help but sighing.


Why are you suddenly telling me that? I'm not interested in alcohol, so just answer if you've thought about my suggestion. Didn't you talk to me because you wanted to deal with Isis in this year?]


Perhaps frustrated, Primo's letter was scribbled with annoyance. Unlike Belita's attempt to hide her track record by mixing slang, Primo didn't even seem to understand the meaning.


Laughter broke out among the aristocrats for his low-quality speech. They also had some sympathy for Belita, who was on the verge of being exposed by a partner who handled things in a rule of thumb.


Even Dennis, who was listening quietly, turned his head, kicking his tongue as if it was pathetic. But soon they shut up because Primo was in the same spot with his eyes glaring.


Primo's face turned red. He shouted.


"This is all the Witch's doing!"


Despite his protest, people around him responded coldly. The judge received the letter from Agatha, checked the contents, and handed it over to the waiting handwriting appraiser. Royals’ handwriting was carefully mastered so that it did not require contrast. The appraiser soon noticed that the writing was Primo's. The appraiser trembled and said.


"Princess Belita and Primo...…the Prince's…… The handwriting, yes."


As if he couldn't bear the pressure, the man closed his eyes when he said Primo's name. Primo left his seat and stood up. Primo shouted like a maniac.


"All of this is a setup! Isis, you tell me. How can I do such a thing to you...….”


At the moment, Isis struck out Primo's stretched hand as if it were creepy. She swung and asked back in an incredible manner.


"My brother...… you…?"


At the same time, the emperor jumped up from his seat. Anger was fluttering in his eyes.


"Primo, is this real? You're the one who really...…!”


The emperor was pouring out his anger, and then he shut up. Primo was his successor. If the emperor rebukes him, Primo's forces will not be able to recover. The emperor sank into place with a deep sigh.


Just like the banquet hall where the princess collapsed, the atmosphere of the court was also chaotic. The presiding judge ruled in silence amidst the ravages of confusion.


"I'll pass the verdict. This court will acquit the defendant Astina van Atalenta. The defendant in the attempted murder of Isis von Fidelio's daughter has changed, so we will investigate and hold another trial three days later."





* * *

hi damn wifi still doesnt work will post when I can

 

Spoiler: C16P8

* * *




"Oh, curse it, curse it, my son...…, curse it……. What am I supposed to do about this?”


Empress Isabel burst into tears loudly. Standing still as statues, the maids did not know what to do. She didn’t cry this much when the Isis Empress fell down after taking poison. The empress, who couldn't even eat, was not able to control her emotions this time.


Considering where this incident might push the Empress, she is not overreacting. How much time and efforts did she spend to support Primo to be king? She has done everything she had to, without hesitating bloody her hands to clear his path, 30 years of fighting in the imperial palace has been ruined overnight. The night that she received news Primo had been detained inside his room.


"Princess Isis has arrived."


The maid who came in after opening the door carefully announce. The empress raised her head, delighted at the person she had been waiting for.


"Really? Tell her to come in.”


She had never welcomed her daughter so gladly. The empress even ran to the door without any care for manner. Isis, who was about to come in after the door was opened, saw her mother running out, hence she stopped in place, feeling embarrassed. The empress embraced her daughter as if Isis herself were overwhelmed with emotion.


"Isis, my daughter, oh my beloved daughter."


The empress stroked Isis' cheek as if she was more worried for Isis.


"Come on, come on, sit down. I can’t make sense of all this commotion."


The Empress and Isis sat face to face, separated by the table between them. At the top of the table was a plate of refreshments prepared at the empress’ order. She thought all of them were Isis's favorites. The problem was that all the memory the Empress has of Isis remains at the time she was thirteen.


Isis did not touch the apple crumble filled with a lot of walnuts. This is because at the seventeen year old, she got severe fever, and became allergic to nuts and she hasn’t touched them since. Isis rarely opened her mouth, but only sipping her tea. The atmosphere was very different from the usual friendly conversations they have together


The empress sometimes fidget her hands or rolled her eyes nervously as if her body was not of her control. Soon after, the Empress who had made up her mind, sent all the maidens out of the room. Then she carefully asked Isis, looking at Isis.


"Have you met with your father? The Emperor...… what will he do with your brother?”


"Well, I don't know that yet."


Isis replied in an estranged manner. In truth, Isis had never met the emperor in private after the trial. Isis wanted to talk to her mother first.


"Isis, dear. Look at this mother of yours. I can't sleep or eat a meal because of anxiety. I'm sure you're having a hard time, too, but...…can't you help Primo for this mother? Go beg his Majesty to forgive your brother."


The empress, who could no longer restrain herself, immediately brought up the main point. Naturally, Isis froze. She had already expected the request from the time the empress called her in, but she still doesn’t feel good facing her mother’s favoritism. It was clear that the empress cared more about Primo's power than Isis's livelihood.


Was the son who tried to kill her daughter that precious? That's why she expects her daughter's unconditional forgiveness to be a given fact.


Is it possible she’s not Isis’ biological mother?


But the foolish expectations never bothered Isis. Like the Empress, sadly, her mother wasn’t very precious to Isis.


Isis opened her mouth with a benevolent smile.


"Why me?"


"What?"


Her cold voice, contrary to her facial expressions, made Empress Isabel unable to understand Isis' words. Isis asked again with a clear voice.


"Why should I do that?"


Isis' rebellious attitude almost made the empress faint. But the empress soon came to her senses. For Isis, who almost died because of Primo, it was natural to react like that.


"Isis, what do you mean? What would you do without your brother? If your brother becomes an emperor, he’ll be indebted to you! If your brother goes down, we all lose our chance! How come you don't know this simple fact? Even if your brother made a mistake, you two are still brother and sister. Would Primo do that if you had been more courteous to him?”


The empress spoke with a pressing tone. Empress Isabel was well aware of the fact that her daughter was intelligent. Right now, even if she hates Primo, once Isis abandoned him, she would eventually lose power too.


However, as soon as she was done speaking, Isis laughed at the Empress f. It was loud enough to reach the ceiling. The empress was at her wits' end and just fixated at her daughter's unfamiliar expression.


At that moment, Isis continued with a determined voice.


"You should be glad, all this is thanks to you, mother. Didn't I get a chance because my mother raised Primo to be such a loser?"


The Empress could not understand what Isis said. She could never imagined such words coming from her daughter.


"Isis, what the hell...… what the hell are you talking about...…?”


The empress asked back in a trembling voice. Isis mocked her mother without erasing the smirk around her mouth.


"Oh, my God, my poor Empress. Would your son have had the brains to come up with all those plans?"


goosebumps rise from the queen's back. After hearing this, she couldn't help but notice what her daughter was saying. Isis was now saying that she herself had Primo cornered


It was something that the Empress could not understand. So far, Isis has been trying to make Primo emperor, and now the fruit of her work is in front of her. So why is Isis turning from Primo now?


It was impossible to guess the motive or the mastermind of her plot. This is because so many things were intertwined in this trial. From a Grand Duchess rumoured to be a witch, who supposedly poisoned Isis to the priest of Carabella Church and Nadia, who was caught in the gap. It's impossible to know when did they all start and how many people were involved.


The empress tried very hard to calm her twitching hands. The empress stuttered, holding her left hand with her right hand.


"Isis, you, why...…?”


"Primo doesnt have what it takes to be emperor. That's why mother failed."


"So, who else would you choose? Who would you help instead of your own brother?"


The Empress suddenly recalled Benjamin, who had just returned to the palace. The Empress had little interest in the princes she had cleaned up in the distant past, but only Benjamin was remembered clearly. Partly because Benjamin showed his brilliance from an early age, but the biggest reason was his sister. The empress remembered that Isis once hung out with a fallen princess who acted like a freak.


Aileen, yes. That was her name. It was Empress Isabel who cleaned up the evidence of the princess that Primo killed, so she knew her name. Seeing Isis bending to Primo after Aileen was killed, the empress only thought her daughter was fearful of her brother. It was true that she had some doubt at first, but Isis had been faithful to Primo for eight years. It was too long to hide her feelings.


But all this time, Isis was just polishing her blade of revenge?


"Are you going to make Benjamin an emperor instead of Primo?"


The empress asked in a cracked voice with her eyes wide open. It was a plausible guess, but Isis was enraged by the answer. Isis answered haphazardly.


"No."


"Then who is it, who are you supporting?"


Isis burst into laughter. Isis did not hide her contempt and mocks the Empress.


"My mother has always been blind . As if you can't see me even if I'm sitting in front of you, as if you can't hear me even if I shout….”


The empress immediately understood. Her eyes have grown as big as they can. The empress screamed.


"That's ridiculous! How could you dream such a stupid dream? You're telling me that your brother's future is in ruins because of such a delusion?”


"I think I've already proven whether my cause is delusional or not."


The empress bit her lips when Isis answered. In fact, Isis succeeded in getting rid of Primo, and the Empress is nowcornered. It was so resentful that the empress forgot that it was her daughter who sat in front of me.


"What about the other princes? Do you think they'll stay still if Primo disappears?”


"You mean the ones whose power has already fallen to the ground because the Jasperreos have trampled on them? some of them have already sided with me."


There were countless other royals that Primo killed and disposed of meaninglessly, as if he were dealing with bugs. Human relationships are multi-faceted, and they sometimes regard enemies of their enemy as friend.


The empress breathed in at the unexpected information. The Empress rolled her head desperately to point out the gap in Isis' argument.


"Yeah, what about Benjamin who's been hiding all this time? I guess you don't know the news that he's been coming and going to His Majesty's room lately. No matter how smart you are, do you think you're going to make him your successor?”


"Oh, my God, what should I do? I'm not as stupid as Primo."


Isis burst into laughter as if she were genuinely amused. It was Isis who consistently arranged the meeting to make Benjamin his favorite son. Benjamin was willing to whisper to the emperor why Isis should be a successor. Throughout the years of breathtaking waiting, Isis has made a very good case for herself.


"Mother, abandon Primo."


Isis's whisper was low and seductive. It sounded like a devil's whisper.


"You understand that the Grand Duke of Abelar is in great trouble, right? Jasperreo, who has a great relationship with him, will not be able to avoid Atalenta's retaliation."


"You must have whispered to Nadia's ear! Oh, my God!


"Well, you're going to have to thank me for this. Because Nadia didn't attend the trial because she listened to me, fortunately, Count Abelar had a way out."


"What...?


"Maybe Count Abelar will be able to pull out without much damage. I'll ask the Grand Duchess for leniency, saying Nadia couldn't help it under my brother's coercion. People will sympathize with Nadia who tried to hold on to her duty toward a fearful betrothed."


Isis added in a light tone that does not match the weight contained in her words.


"Of course, that only holds as long as she cooperates with me.”


The empress shot back fiercely, trembling at the betrayal.


"What if you don't save Nadia? Primo is your brother. Why don't you know that Abelar is the same as Jasperreo when it comes to supporting your brother? You're gonna kick go against all four of us? That's ridiculous!"


"The North has been in great power for a long time."


Despite the anger of the empress, Isis's response was relaxed. Isis slowly looked around the Empress's fancy room as if she were savoring it. Then she swept her chin and let out a baritone voice.


"Well Jasperreoga was so strongly in support of my brother that I had to find another force.”


The Empress didnt expect there was something even more surprising, I couldn't get my head around the secret that went on. The empress completely forgot her usual dignity. The empress barely groaned with a split neck.


"No way, you..." Atalenta...?”


Isis stared at her mother with a satisfied look. Thanks to the support of the Grand Duke, persuading his mother has become more smooth. Empress Isabel seemed to have lost her motivation. The empress couldn't hide her shock and just reeled. The empress murmured with a bewildered face.


"Do you think you'll be safe against your own mother?”


"Mother, don't think about anything strange. I know a lot of things. I'm fully prepared not to die alone. In fact, I can't help but wonder what the people will make of everything that's going to be published before my coffin is in the ground."


The queen's body was greatly shaken by Isis' warning. It was a declaration that if she touched Isis, retaliation would return to everyone. It was also true that a terrible thought passed through her head at the moment, but the empress had to scrap the scheme before she could even plan it properly.


Isis has been taking care of everything under the command of Primo. If Isis had intended to betray him from the beginning, she could not have revealed her dishonesty to him . Even if the empress safely ousted Isis, it would be hard to expect a good ending.


Tears finally came out of the Empress' eyes. The empress gave her last strength and shouted a boiling resentment.


"How could you do that to your brother? What did your brother ever do to you!"


Isis wanted to fake a smile. It was Isis's plan that cause the current situation, but it was Primo's decision, not anyone else, that eventually put her plan in motion. If Primo had not tried to kill Isis, Isis wouldn't have to find another way.


Isis finally spoke in an angry voice.


"You have to decide right away. My mother knows that you've done much more for Primo than you did for me. It's all thanks to me that he's been here all this time without any incident. He is not worthy enough to get another chance."


"Even though you abandoned your brother..."


"Please look at the reality you're facing now, Mother! Your proud father is holding his breath, and your beloved son is only one step behind the guillotine!"


The eerie voice scared the empress. The queen's lips were now tightly sealed and did not open. Finally, Isis' eyes, which saw what she wanted, were filled with joy.


Isis was intimidating her mother but she did not feel any guilt. This was the shield that had protected her and the way she would live for the rest of her life.


"There's only one hand left for you."


“…….”


"Would you be the mother of an empress and feign ignorance, or would you be imprisoned for losing both of your children and for assasinating the imperial bloodlines?"


The empress clenched her fist without saying a word. Uncontrollable tears flowed over her white skin.


Isis stood up from her seat without hesitation. She looked down at the empress with cold eyes and gave another notice.


"Mother, don't make me become a heartless daughter. Please remember that it is only the love between the mother and daughter that is protecting you."

 

things are getting so exciting

 

Spoiler: C16P8+9

* * *




"Oh, curse it, curse it, my son...…, curse it……. What am I supposed to do about this?”


Empress Isabel burst into tears loudly. Standing still as statues, the maids did not know what to do. She didn’t cry this much when the Isis Empress fell down after taking poison. The empress, who couldn't even eat, was not able to control her emotions this time.


Considering where this incident might push the Empress, she is not overreacting. How much time and efforts did she spend to support Primo to be king? She has done everything she had to, without hesitating bloody her hands to clear his path, 30 years of fighting in the imperial palace has been ruined overnight. The night that she received news Primo had been detained inside his room.


"Princess Isis has arrived."


The maid who came in after opening the door carefully announce. The empress raised her head, delighted at the person she had been waiting for.


"Really? Tell her to come in.”


She had never welcomed her daughter so gladly. The empress even ran to the door without any care for manner. Isis, who was about to come in after the door was opened, saw her mother running out, hence she stopped in place, feeling embarrassed. The empress embraced her daughter as if Isis herself were overwhelmed with emotion.


"Isis, my daughter, oh my beloved daughter."


The empress stroked Isis' cheek as if she was more worried for Isis.


"Come on, come on, sit down. I can’t make sense of all this commotion."


The Empress and Isis sat face to face, separated by the table between them. At the top of the table was a plate of refreshments prepared at the empress’ order. She thought all of them were Isis's favorites. The problem was that all the memory the Empress has of Isis remains at the time she was thirteen.


Isis did not touch the apple crumble filled with a lot of walnuts. This is because at the seventeen year old, she got severe fever, and became allergic to nuts and she hasn’t touched them since. Isis rarely opened her mouth, but only sipping her tea. The atmosphere was very different from the usual friendly conversations they have together


The empress sometimes fidget her hands or rolled her eyes nervously as if her body was not of her control. Soon after, the Empress who had made up her mind, sent all the maidens out of the room. Then she carefully asked Isis, looking at Isis.


"Have you met with your father? The Emperor...… what will he do with your brother?”


"Well, I don't know that yet."


Isis replied in an estranged manner. In truth, Isis had never met the emperor in private after the trial. Isis wanted to talk to her mother first.


"Isis, dear. Look at this mother of yours. I can't sleep or eat a meal because of anxiety. I'm sure you're having a hard time, too, but...…can't you help Primo for this mother? Go beg his Majesty to forgive your brother."


The empress, who could no longer restrain herself, immediately brought up the main point. Naturally, Isis froze. She had already expected the request from the time the empress called her in, but she still doesn’t feel good facing her mother’s favoritism. It was clear that the empress cared more about Primo's power than Isis's livelihood.


Was the son who tried to kill her daughter that precious? That's why she expects her daughter's unconditional forgiveness to be a given fact.


Is it possible she’s not Isis’ biological mother?


But the foolish expectations never bothered Isis. Like the Empress, sadly, her mother wasn’t very precious to Isis.


Isis opened her mouth with a benevolent smile.


"Why me?"


"What?"


Her cold voice, contrary to her facial expressions, made Empress Isabel unable to understand Isis' words. Isis asked again with a clear voice.


"Why should I do that?"


Isis' rebellious attitude almost made the empress faint. But the empress soon came to her senses. For Isis, who almost died because of Primo, it was natural to react like that.


"Isis, what do you mean? What would you do without your brother? If your brother becomes an emperor, he’ll be indebted to you! If your brother goes down, we all lose our chance! How come you don't know this simple fact? Even if your brother made a mistake, you two are still brother and sister. Would Primo do that if you had been more courteous to him?”


The empress spoke with a pressing tone. Empress Isabel was well aware of the fact that her daughter was intelligent. Right now, even if she hates Primo, once Isis abandoned him, she would eventually lose power too.


However, as soon as she was done speaking, Isis laughed at the Empress f. It was loud enough to reach the ceiling. The empress was at her wits' end and just fixated at her daughter's unfamiliar expression.


At that moment, Isis continued with a determined voice.


"You should be glad, all this is thanks to you, mother. Didn't I get a chance because my mother raised Primo to be such a loser?"


The Empress could not understand what Isis said. She could never imagined such words coming from her daughter.


"Isis, what the hell...… what the hell are you talking about...…?”


The empress asked back in a trembling voice. Isis mocked her mother without erasing the smirk around her mouth.


"Oh, my God, my poor Empress. Would your son have had the brains to come up with all those plans?"


goosebumps rise from the queen's back. After hearing this, she couldn't help but notice what her daughter was saying. Isis was now saying that she herself had Primo cornered


It was something that the Empress could not understand. So far, Isis has been trying to make Primo emperor, and now the fruit of her work is in front of her. So why is Isis turning from Primo now?


It was impossible to guess the motive or the mastermind of her plot. This is because so many things were intertwined in this trial. From a Grand Duchess rumoured to be a witch, who supposedly poisoned Isis to the priest of Carabella Church and Nadia, who was caught in the gap. It's impossible to know when did they all start and how many people were involved.


The empress tried very hard to calm her twitching hands. The empress stuttered, holding her left hand with her right hand.


"Isis, you, why...…?”


"Primo doesnt have what it takes to be emperor. That's why mother failed."


"So, who else would you choose? Who would you help instead of your own brother?"


The Empress suddenly recalled Benjamin, who had just returned to the palace. The Empress had little interest in the princes she had cleaned up in the distant past, but only Benjamin was remembered clearly. Partly because Benjamin showed his brilliance from an early age, but the biggest reason was his sister. The empress remembered that Isis once hung out with a fallen princess who acted like a freak.


Aileen, yes. That was her name. It was Empress Isabel who cleaned up the evidence of the princess that Primo killed, so she knew her name. Seeing Isis bending to Primo after Aileen was killed, the empress only thought her daughter was fearful of her brother. It was true that she had some doubt at first, but Isis had been faithful to Primo for eight years. It was too long to hide her feelings.


But all this time, Isis was just polishing her blade of revenge?


"Are you going to make Benjamin an emperor instead of Primo?"


The empress asked in a cracked voice with her eyes wide open. It was a plausible guess, but Isis was enraged by the answer. Isis answered haphazardly.


"No."


"Then who is it, who are you supporting?"


Isis burst into laughter. Isis did not hide her contempt and mocks the Empress.


"My mother has always been blind . As if you can't see me even if I'm sitting in front of you, as if you can't hear me even if I shout….”


The empress immediately understood. Her eyes have grown as big as they can. The empress screamed.


"That's ridiculous! How could you dream such a stupid dream? You're telling me that your brother's future is in ruins because of such a delusion?”


"I think I've already proven whether my cause is delusional or not."


The empress bit her lips when Isis answered. In fact, Isis succeeded in getting rid of Primo, and the Empress is nowcornered. It was so resentful that the empress forgot that it was her daughter who sat in front of me.


"What about the other princes? Do you think they'll stay still if Primo disappears?”


"You mean the ones whose power has already fallen to the ground because the Jasperreos have trampled on them? some of them have already sided with me."


There were countless other royals that Primo killed and disposed of meaninglessly, as if he were dealing with bugs. Human relationships are multi-faceted, and they sometimes regard enemies of their enemy as friend.


The empress breathed in at the unexpected information. The Empress rolled her head desperately to point out the gap in Isis' argument.


"Yeah, what about Benjamin who's been hiding all this time? I guess you don't know the news that he's been coming and going to His Majesty's room lately. No matter how smart you are, do you think you're going to make him your successor?”


"Oh, my God, what should I do? I'm not as stupid as Primo."


Isis burst into laughter as if she were genuinely amused. It was Isis who consistently arranged the meeting to make Benjamin his favorite son. Benjamin was willing to whisper to the emperor why Isis should be a successor. Throughout the years of breathtaking waiting, Isis has made a very good case for herself.


"Mother, abandon Primo."


Isis's whisper was low and seductive. It sounded like a devil's whisper.


"You understand that the Grand Duke of Abelar is in great trouble, right? Jasperreo, who has a great relationship with him, will not be able to avoid Atalenta's retaliation."


"You must have whispered to Nadia's ear! Oh, my God!


"Well, you're going to have to thank me for this. Because Nadia didn't attend the trial because she listened to me, fortunately, Count Abelar had a way out."


"What...?


"Maybe Count Abelar will be able to pull out without much damage. I'll ask the Grand Duchess for leniency, saying Nadia couldn't help it under my brother's coercion. People will sympathize with Nadia who tried to hold on to her duty toward a fearful betrothed."


Isis added in a light tone that does not match the weight contained in her words.


"Of course, that only holds as long as she cooperates with me.”


The empress shot back fiercely, trembling at the betrayal.


"What if you don't save Nadia? Primo is your brother. Why don't you know that Abelar is the same as Jasperreo when it comes to supporting your brother? You're gonna kick go against all four of us? That's ridiculous!"


"The North has been in great power for a long time."


Despite the anger of the empress, Isis's response was relaxed. Isis slowly looked around the Empress's fancy room as if she were savoring it. Then she swept her chin and let out a baritone voice.


"Well Jasperreoga was so strongly in support of my brother that I had to find another force.”


The Empress didnt expect there was something even more surprising, I couldn't get my head around the secret that went on. The empress completely forgot her usual dignity. The empress barely groaned with a split neck.


"No way, you..." Atalenta...?”


Isis stared at her mother with a satisfied look. Thanks to the support of the Grand Duke, persuading his mother has become more smooth. Empress Isabel seemed to have lost her motivation. The empress couldn't hide her shock and just reeled. The empress murmured with a bewildered face.


"Do you think you'll be safe against your own mother?”


"Mother, don't think about anything strange. I know a lot of things. I'm fully prepared not to die alone. In fact, I can't help but wonder what the people will make of everything that's going to be published before my coffin is in the ground."


The queen's body was greatly shaken by Isis' warning. It was a declaration that if she touched Isis, retaliation would return to everyone. It was also true that a terrible thought passed through her head at the moment, but the empress had to scrap the scheme before she could even plan it properly.


Isis has been taking care of everything under the command of Primo. If Isis had intended to betray him from the beginning, she could not have revealed her dishonesty to him . Even if the empress safely ousted Isis, it would be hard to expect a good ending.


Tears finally came out of the Empress' eyes. The empress gave her last strength and shouted a boiling resentment.


"How could you do that to your brother? What did your brother ever do to you!"


Isis wanted to fake a smile. It was Isis's plan that cause the current situation, but it was Primo's decision, not anyone else, that eventually put her plan in motion. If Primo had not tried to kill Isis, Isis wouldn't have to find another way.


Isis finally spoke in an angry voice.


"You have to decide right away. My mother knows that you've done much more for Primo than you did for me. It's all thanks to me that he's been here all this time without any incident. He is not worthy enough to get another chance."


"Even though you abandoned your brother..."


"Please look at the reality you're facing now, Mother! Your proud father is holding his breath, and your beloved son is only one step behind the guillotine!"


The eerie voice scared the empress. The queen's lips were now tightly sealed and did not open. Finally, Isis' eyes, which saw what she wanted, were filled with joy.


Isis was intimidating her mother but she did not feel any guilt. This was the shield that had protected her and the way she would live for the rest of her life.


"There's only one hand left for you."


“…….”


"Would you be the mother of an empress and feign ignorance, or would you be imprisoned for losing both of your children and for assasinating the imperial bloodlines?"


The empress clenched her fist without saying a word. Uncontrollable tears flowed over her white skin.


Isis stood up from her seat without hesitation. She looked down at the empress with cold eyes and gave another notice.


"Mother, don't make me become a heartless daughter. Please remember that it is only the love between the mother and daughter that is protecting you."





* * *




"Oh, damn it!”


Primo couldn't resist the rising anger and kicked the wall. It's been a while since he was confined to his room, but the occasional anger has not subsided at all. Primo collapsed in the grass as he screamed. He rummahes through his hair furiously.


"Curse, what the hell is this...… caged like a dog……!”


In his first helpless situation, he eventually sobbed at the end of his . Primo rubbed his face with his right hand. He looked terrible, but he didn't even have the strength to care about that.


What made him most upset was that he didn't even understand what the situation outside was like. When the Grand Duchess was accused of Isis' death, he thought everything was going well.


But it was simply a misjudgment. Isis survived without dying, and it became Primo himself, not the Grand Duchess, to be dragged out by the guards after the trial.


Primo originally planned to ask for a public trial. Primo invited as many people to the trial as possible so that the Grand Duchess could not recover. This is because he thought the audience when they returned home, would spread the rumor to their relatives, friends, or subordinates. But now the rumor they were going to spread was about the fallen prince less than a week after he became successor.


Primo's teeth were gritted even at the thought of what happened in court. It was even more so considering the betrayer who appeared in front of him. Agatha, who would have expected the arrogant little girl to accuse the prince?


Primo never dreamed that the letters he exchanged with Belita would be in Agatha's hands. Primo's letter, which Agatha submitted, was not even sent to Belita. The moment he finished his order and tried to seal the envelope, he belatedly recognized the meaning of the mentioned flower.


He threw the paper on one side of the desk and wrote a new letter. He even hummed because he liked his newfound brilliance, writing a brief message saying that he was expecting the taste of alcohol to be strong.


How did he handle the first letter that he didn't send then?


Primo, who was looking back on the past, soon opened his eyes. While he was about to burn the paper off the candle on the desk, he remembered Agata was coming on to him. He was so excited to see her take off her clothes in front of hus eyes that he rushed to the bed together with her.


The next day, the desk was cleaned up, and Primo thought the other letter would have been cleaned up too, so he forgot it quickly. The letter must have been stolen at that time.


Primo clenched his fist and said grimly.


"I'm gonna tear that bitch apart...….”


"No way, that's what you will do to me?"


Primo suddenly looked up. This is because jr heard the voice of someone who should not be here. Primo, who confirmed the woman's identity, distorted his expression at the absurdity of it..


It was Agatha.


Agatha was wearing much simpler clothes than usual, and when he looked closely, it was like a maid' clothes. Did she sneak through the security and hide here? Even before Primo asked, Agata came forward and explained.


"I asked the guards to leave for a while. There's something I really want to tell you."


Then she closed the open door carefully. Facing under the light, Agatha looked very emaciated. Her lips were dry and her cheeks were filled with tear marks, and her shoulders, which he always lusts after, were drooping from guilt.


But the pitiful sight did not arouse any sympathy from Primo. Primo rose up and immediately approached her.


"How shameless you are to show your face here!"


Agata raised her hand, which was holding a handkerchief rolled up and clean off her eyes. She spoke appealingly.


"Your Highness, please listen to me for a moment. I can explain everything."


"What? Explanation? How dare you open your mouth in front of me...…!”


"Huhuhu, I didn't testify on my own accord!"


Primo's body hardened for a moment. He stopped trying to swing at Agatha and asked again to see if he had misheard.


"……what does that mean?"


"Oh, my God...Her Highness Isis noticed the plan and threatened me. If I don't testify, she'll kill me and all my family. I really couldn't help it. Your Highness…!"


"What? ……did she?"


"The Princess seemed to know that it wasn't the Grand Duchess who used poison, but the Prince...…. I'm so, so scared, hu...….”


Agata eventually buried her face in both hands. Primo burst into laughter several times, then leaned his head back and screamed loudly. Now he has a rough idea of what happened. All this was the doing of Isis. The clever girl must have recognized the real culprit who tried to kill her and tried to avenge herself by joining hands with the Grand Duchess to remove their common enemy


It would have been easy to take out the priest that frames the Grand Duchess as a witch anyway. Then, when everything was revealed, all the shocking scenes in the court were just some abominable performances? Primo forgot that he was the one who tried to kill his sister first and was filled with anger.


After spouting several bad words, he stared straight at the good prey in front of him. Primo had no hesitation in venting with his brutal hobby. He swings his fist at Agatha. Primo's fist were large enough to cover Agatha's entire face. Agatha collapsed on his feet. Even when he saw Agatha moaning, Primo felt no pity.


"Who cares if your family and you die or not? How dare you bite me like a dog when I was about to take over the Empire to save lives !"


Primo stopped trying to swing his fist at Agatha again. This is because he suddenly had a good idea.


You said the security guard was gone?’


He really had someone to beat, so he ‘t help but get nervous. Primo opened the door and left. Indeed, all the guards who were guarding the door were gone. Primo took a long step and headed straight to the palace where Isis stayed. The courtiers who saw him would hide behind the pillar or drop the object they were holding.


For some reason, Isis's palace was not heavily guarded. Primo only encountered frightened maids, not armed guards. He was prepared to have a physical fight, but things were going better than he thought.


Vulnerable women could not block Primo's path. Primo kicked Isis's door without hesitation. The hideous appearance scared the maids inside to the point of screaming. Right away, it wa clear Primo didn’t come here with good intention, this was even clearer when they saw his angry face.


We must protect the Princess.


The maidens who supported Isis quickly blocked in front of their princess. They shouted as if they were putting out a warning.


"Your Highness the Prince! What a sudden visit!”


"Her Royal Highness is not fully recovered yet! She needs to rest, so go home!"


"Can't you all get away?”


Primo, who answered coldly, strode to the front of Isis. He pushed the maids who were blocking him without hesitation. The aristocratic women, who had never dealt with violence, were terrified and could not rise up.


Finally, Primo stood right in front of Isis. Isis looked up at such Primo quietly and asked.


"What's the matter? I understand your confinement hasn't ended yet."


"You abominable...…!”


Primo couldn’t hold in his anger and hit Isis. The hit was so strong that Isis couldn't stay up and collapsed. The maids who were watching Primo's atrocities covered their mouths.


"Oh, my princess!"


"Get out and call the guard! Your Grace, are you all right?"


Lady Bonita, who was the closest to Isis, drape herself upon the princess as if protecting her. However, Primo grabbed Bonita Young-ae's hair without hesitation.


"Ahhhhhhhhhh!"


Everyone's eyes were widened in astonishment. The maids were terrified at the scene of an unimaginable assault. Primo, who easily cleared the interrupters, shook his fist at Isis again.


"This is all your doing! What are you going to do with all this?"


Isis was like a pawn to be used and thrown away by him. Would she have been able to survive if it wasn't for Primo? Without the brother, Isis would have stayed as one of those faraway land like Belita. With Primo chosen as the next emperor, wouldn't Isis able to wield even more power? How dare she bite her brother's neck without grace, Primo could not contain his anger.


He lost his temper and poured his anger out over Isis' skinny body. Isis, who had been moaning a couple of times, was soon completely limp and could not even make a small noise. In the room, only the disastrous assault thump and the sobbing sound of the maids were heard.


But before Primo was able to feel better about Isis, a security guard was heard running to the room from afar. Primo finally took his hand off Isis. Primo kicked Isis once more and spit over her.


"Fuck!"


The sprawling body of Isis wiggled pitifully. The maids glared at Primo with a look of hatred.


"Her Royal Highness!"


"What a terrible...…!”


"You should be thankful for the quick feet of the palace guards. But you can't be relieved. If my confinement ends and I'm released, they won't stop me.”


Primo, who pointed his finger at Isis, soon turned around. Primo stepped out of the hallway as quickly as he did when he came into Isis' room. No matter how reckless he is, he knew that nothing good can come if he ran into the security guard now. He was going to go back to his room like this and act like he know nothing. The servants are the only witness . How will Empress Isabel handle them?


The maids hurriedly gathered around Isis when they found out that Primo had disappeared. Their faces were all ruined with tears.


"Are you all right, Princess?"


"How dare he......! Even an emperor with heaven and earth must protect his own. How can he hurt his sister so much?"


Isis, who they thought fainted, slowly touched the ground and raised herself up. Her whole body was squeaking, so she felt extreme pain just by doing that simple move. However, Isis' expression, which was covered by hair, was infinitely rational.


Isis looked up, erasing her cold eyes. Faced with the worries of the maids, Isis's face was filled with pitiful expressions.


"…...Bonita, I need to see my father. Will you give me a veil?"





* * *




The emperor received an unexpected visitor late at night. The servant announced that Isis had come with a messed up face.


Isis was the emperor's most cherished daughter among his many children, and in fact, it was acceptable to say that she was more important than Primo. This is because Isis warmly took care of her father, who often visited the emperor and became his companion even though she had no work to report. She left useful advice for the emperor, without pretending to know his will.


It was the first time that such a daughter woke up from her sickbed and asked for a meeting. After the trial, the emperor refused to accept any guests to organize his thoughts, but he could not refuse Isis' visit. To be honest, he also wanted to have a few drinks with her. The emperor did not hesitate to give his permission.


Before long, Isis opened the door and came in. His daughter was dining a surprising ensemble. It was covered by a long veil that stretched to her feet, so he couldn't even see his face well. The emperor was a little embarrassed, but he assumed that his daughter, who had not yet escaped from critical condition, hid her haggard face. When he saw her staggering in on her feet, he felt sorry for her.


"Praise the glory of the Empire, Your Majesty."


There was not an ounce of awkwardness as Isis praise the emperor. The emperor answered kindly, hiding his praise.


"Yes, it's been a long time since we've seen each other alone. Come and sit down."


The emperor ordered his servant to bring him expensive liquor. The servant soon quickly brought ice, alcohol, and glasses.


"Would you like a drink with me?”


The emperor even recommended drinking, picking bottles himself, but Isis shook her head.


"I'm not feeling well. It's too much for me yet."


"Yes…."


The emperor, who had not thought of it before, awkwardly filled his glass. Then he stared at Isis as if he felt sorry for her.


"……do you hate your brother a lot?"


"Father, I forgave my brother."


It was surprisingly clear that no one would ever forgive a person who tried to kill them. The emperor stared at Isis with a guilty look. He's been sitting on the sidelines of Primo's ugly deeds. It had piled up and piled up to reach the disastrous act of using poison to his sister.


Isis then said in an aloof manner, rolling up the veil.


"But fear is another matter."


The king deeply lamented at the sight of Isis. The scar on her face was not severe, but her arms and neck were all bruised. The wound was glistening with dried up blood as she had not been treated. It was enough of a month's injury to live in the palace.


"Servant, call the physician!"


The emperor shouted at the servant who stood in a hurry. Surprised, the servant took a quick step outside.


The emperor got up and approached Isis himself. He tried to caress his daughter's cheek, but when he realized that there was not a place remains intact, he relaxed his hands. The emperor groaned with an appalled look.


"Who did such a horrible thing...….”


However, he could easily guess the criminal. Who in this palace dares to assault the Princess?


Isis bowed her head with a burst of tears.


"Your Majesty, I'm so scared. How can he treat me like this when I’ve been working hard for you?"


"He ended up...….”


Sure enough, Isis gave an answer that was not different from his expectations. The emperor stepped back, closing his eyes as if he were defeatede. He sank down on the chair and bowed his head. He was too ashamed to look at his daughter.


Isis collected his breath and soon spoke calmly.


"Your Majesty, you know that I have been hiding my brother's flaws in both material and mental aspects. But now my brother...He’s way over the top."


“…….”


"It certainly takes cruelty to gain power, but the king must also have the kindness to maintain power. But my brother's anger are at times too much, and I'm afraid that even the loyalists who supported him will turn their backs on him later."


Just like me.


Isis did not have to finish her sentence. The Emperor must be keenly aware of it.


The emperor knew that there was no way to support Primo anymore. It was not that the emperor did not do his own research. However, the outcome was no different from what the court found. Primo was the one to kill Isis by the hand of Belita.


Even if he had Primo locked up, he could not tell Isis to forgive her brother once he saw Isis's body, which was all bruised. The public sentiment was not the only thing that about a criminal who tried to kill his sister wasn’t the only problem. Primo even insulted Atalenta, who was always quietly lowering himself.


Shortly after the trial, the emperor clearly remembered the warning that Atalenta had left.


'Your Majesty, we Atalenta never forget these feelings of Humiliation and Revenge. I will be waiting for a wise decision.’


There was deep anger under Theriod's eyes. The Grand Duke was never going to forgive Primo for trying to pin the crime on the Grand Duchess. It also meant that if Primo's actions were to be buried, the imperial family would have to face Atalenta's anger.


In the midst of the commotion, the Pope sneaked out his feet quickly. At today's service, the Pope made a very clever choice. Earlier, he knew of Primo's injustice and wanted to wash away the evil of his heart with baptism, but he lamented in front of everyone, saying that it was impossible. He then claimed that the unclean energy in the capital was coming from Prince Primo.


Denise, who had called the Grand Duchess a witch, was expelled from the church for manipulating God's will. And his whereabouts were never found. Even without deep investigation, they could fully guess that Atalenta's hand was involved. Thanks to this, Caravella's status has not subsided much, so it was still a good deal for the pope. He offered up a chief priest to avoid Atalenta's anger.


However, the emperor's decision isn’t as easy as his. Primo was not a chief priest, but a prince of a country, and he was in a position to abandon his own son, not a stranger. The Emperor's forehead was distorted by deep agony.


But he didn't take long to make a decision. The emperor had to pay for saving his son. The affection of the people was only a problem, and Primo's abdication was not even a matter of discussion. Everything was pointing toward throwing Primo away.


"……You're right, Isis. Abolition is a given. But that's separate from the punishment for that child. The greatest harm has been done to Isis, so I'll try tolet you decide. What should I do?”


The emperor asked in a soft voice. His daughter hesitated for a moment as if she was burdened with the choice given to her, but did not delay her answer for long. Immediately Isis opened her mouth and said.


"Royal brother is certainly a member of the noble House of Fidelio. I don't want to make a big fuss and ruin our reputation again. However, since he was pushed out of the position he thought was his overnight, he will definitely need a short period of time to recover from the shock."


Isis paused and looked at the emperor's expression. He looked deeply moved by his daughter's considerations. A light smile came to Isis's mouth. She returned the wise answer as the emperor expected.


"Now that the Crown Prince has been deposed, you will soon have to train a new successor. I don't think my brother will just sit there and watch that happen. I'm telling you, but why don't you send him down to the countryside for a few years so that he can control his mind?”


The emperor had a hunch. The few years that Isis said won't end in a year or two.


However, what the emperor felt afterward was not pity, but rather a coolness as if his sick tooth had been removed. It's an issue that he’s been putting off all along because he’s worried about kicking his son out to a faraway place. Thinking that it was a request made by Isis, the victim, made it easier to make a decision.


Can we have the victims and perpetrators who almost got poisoned in the same palace?


If Primo is not kicked out of the palace, Isis will have to live in fear of being assaulted all the time. The bruises engraved on her body proved that Primo was not a person who listened to the orders.


Isis' advice never harms the emperor. The emperor nodded with a cool expression.


"Yes, I'll do what you say."

 

Hi unfortunately I will be MIA this week cause I have to be on the move, hopefully not for too long, Ill try to post some bt and piece here and there if possible

Spoiler: C17P1

"Madam!"


The trembly butler eventually burst into tears. Astina smiled awkwardly instead of getting out of the carriage. It was actually her who was detained and escaped, but strangely enough, those waited for her back at the mansion look worse.


Astina kicked her tongue briefly.


"You must have been worried.”


"How can I not worry? Oh, my God, I was afraid something might go wrong at any moment, so I couldn't even fall asleep."


As if to prove his words, Oliver points to the red veins in his eyes. Only a very few number of people knows the whole plan. In particular, she has never mentioned anything about the butler, so he must have been anxious. Oliver's resentful voice was easy to understand.


"But... what's wrong with my husband's face?"


Yes, why does the Grand Duke look like that when he knew everything and even acted together with her?


Astina approached Theriod looking dumbfounded. His face looked more haggard than ever. When she saw him at the trial, she thought he was acting, but he had the same face even after she returned to the mansion.


"I'm worried, too...….”


Theriod's voice cracked when he spoke. It seems that it was the Grand Duke who stayed up for even longer.


Astina asked in a suspicious manner.


"……...wasn't it an act breaking the guard's arm?”


"Didn't he grab you too harshly?”


Theriod asked back as if he was stating something natural. In fact, at the time when Astina was bound at the banquet, the guards' instinct to touch a witch made him a bit harsh. Astina endured the pain because the plan would have gone wrong if she resisted. In truth, it was painful.


Theriod, however, seemed to have seen her slight frown in the meantime. Astina had originally accepted it as the Grand Duke's strategy to show affection. Isis also mentioned the incident, saying that it was effective to scare Lady Nadia Young-ae, as she would have propose the same idea.


But it wasn't acting, it was sincere.


It was ridiculous, but she couldn't say anything late because everything went well anyway. Instead, Astina shrugged to show that she was okay. Theriod had a light smile around his mouth, but he could not hide the bag under his eyes. Eventually, he raised his hand to rub his eyes with a sign of fatigue. Theriod was able to make tired voices only after a long sigh.


"I thought you would be sent back on the day of the trial, but then you didn’t come so I thought something went wrong."


"It's natural. The procedure was a little complicated."


It is not just a normal crime, but an attempt to harm the royal family. Naturally, the release process was much more complicated than usual. Astina was only released from custody three days after the trial date.


Indeed, it was close to a probation period that corresponds to the time needed for the emperor's decision. Should he ignore the results and abandon public opinion, or should he choose Atalenta and Cthe Princess? The latter was a near impossible task, and Isis put an early end to all potential the nonsenses that can interfere with his decisions..


All the plans that they made demanded sacrifices. Without cutting their own flesh, one could not cut toher opponent's bones. An example was that Isis was able to demand Primo's deportation only after she had bruises all over his body. Although she did not suffer physical pain, Astina also took some of the risk. She had to experience a big resentment from the Grand Duke because of this incident.


Astina was convinced that everything would work out, but at the same time, she found it difficult to make others understand her reckless moves. She was very grateful to Theriod for trusting her and doing many things for her. In compensations for his wife's stubbornness, Theriod had to endure a flawed reputation and public contempt throughout the whole time.


However, Theriod's concern was very different.


"Are you safe and sound?" Did you get into any trouble? I can't check with my own eyes whether your bed was comfortable or if you ate well...….”


Theriod, who spoke at the end of his speech, slowly stretched out his arms and wrapped Astina's cheek. It was a lukewarm gesture, but the temperature Astina felt was higher.


Astina's eyes were wide open. It was unfamiliar to her that people were worried about her well being rather than the damage she was making.


It is a only rational that every human being makes will lose something for others to win something. Astina chose the lpss side without hesitation because the princess' power was more important than her own For Astina, a brief confinement was really nothing. But it felt strange to see Theriod worried like this.


The tired face of the Grand Duke soon told us that Astina was the person he valued the most. Although he respected his wife's decision, he was worried all along. It was unfamiliar to Astina, who didn't care much for herself.


Astina mumbled with a smile.


"I always break my promise."


Astina was always worried more about Theriod, saying she would live for him. At this point, there is no harm in saying that the caretaker and the cared for have completely reversed their role. Astina felt a little sorry for Theriod, followed by a strange tickle in the chest.


Theriod had vaguely said he would wait for her love. Astina didn't think he had such a passionate feeling, butnow she can’t doubt his words anymore. The affection of the man, which used to feel like a hot potato, was already at a comfortable temperature for her.


If she had to leave Theriod right away, would she be able to turn her back as firmly as she could in the beginning? Would it be sad or sad? It now feels different from when I first came to Atalenta.


Astina reached out and caress his cheek. They put their heads together while covering each other's faces. The tip of her nose brushed against him, and Astina got his lips first. Theriod also gently closed his eyes after touching hers. Astina kissed him and thought about the familiarity and the dullness of things.


A kiss with an old lover has long been removed in her memory. Astina couldn't even think of how it felt now. It's because it's been so long since she kissed him too. The only thing that was clear to her was the present feelings, and the memories left in her heart were simply insignificant in comparison.


She can no longer recall the small details of the old relationship. She can no longer name half the food he liked. What book did he read often? What about the scent that brushed the tip of her nose when he confessed? All she had left now was the intense resentment of the last minute they sahred. The short happiness was nothing more than a memory that made her more heartbroken.


Her long-suffering heart now tastes other people's affection and heart rushing whispers so it’s throwing away things that hurt her.


Astina said impulsively.


"I missed you, too.”


Theriod closed and opened his eyes surprised by Astina's whisper. Would a half confession be enough for him? A bright smile came to his face. Theriod said, holding her completely in his arms.


"Good morning, my love."


Oliver, who was coughing loudly behind him, shook his hand without saying a word and waves to the servants. Then he quickly turned around and disappeared, too. Theriod didn't know because it was in the back direction, but Astina, who was standing opposite him, could see the whole thing.


Astina's mouth smirked at their disciplined exit. Thanks to this, their will to not ruin the mood has completely disappeared.


"Why are you laughing?"


Theriod asked with a puzzled look at the sudden response. Astina answered, shaking her head.


"It's amazing, the fact that the servants have changed this much.”


"Because everyone was worried about you."


Theriod seemed to think Astina was talking about her return. However, what reminded Astina of her early marriage was that at the back of the Grand Duke, the place looked like a cursed castle.


"I mean, Your Highness. The servants when you are at your best are more fun than I thought.”


At that time, servants always acted as if they were walking on thin ice. Their expressions were stiff as if there was nothing to laugh about, and the only thing surrounding the mansion was a gloomy atmosphere. But now she can feel the warmth of people from them. It was a distinctly different atmosphere compared to when Astina first went down to the Atalenta estate.


"Oh, except for the familiars who sold off the heirloom."


Astina added as if she remembered it belatedly. Theriod gave her a light smile. Astina pressed Theriod's lower lip with her fingertips. Touching the red skin, she asked as if she was joking.


"What should I do now?"


It was entirely up to Isis to secure an empty successor seat. If Atalenta publicly supports Isis, it will make the emperor suspicious of the expulsion of Primo. Astina's role as a shadow helper had to stop. It also means that Astina has much more free time than she has ever possesed. And Astina has yet to decide how to fill the empty time.


Unlike what she had originally decided, to live quietly in this life, she now involved in many things. She was wondering if she took a vacation heading to Atalenta, but it wasn't at all a vacation. Rather, her studies at the Bellache Academy were just a short break before all the marriage ordeal. Astina was confident that she would not have been as busy as she was in her past life. But the Grand Duke had a lot of work in the family and a lot of work outside to resolve.


Theriod, tired enough of the out-of-courtesy obligations, gently stopped her from working.


"I don't know what going to happen from now on, but I'll try to avoid dangers as much as possible."


He seemed to be worried that Astina would be greedy and get another dangerous work. It was a meaningless worry. To be honest, she also wanted to rest now.


Astina briefly shrugged and asked back.


"Well, since I've done everything I wanted to do, shall I do what the Grand Duke wants to do now?”


"What I want to do?"


"Yes, it’s only fair."


But Theriod was a man who didn't have much desire. There was no ambition for him to create a fortune, and Atalenta was already a family with too much to maintain.


If he has to name one thing he desires...….


"That's--"


Theriod, who was looking into Astina's eyes, paused. He covered his mouth to avoid blurting out something stupid. It wasn't long before his face turned red. He weas sure this was an unintended reaction from Astina. There were certainly times when she seduced him with sexual nuances, but this time it was not the case.


Did excessive abstinence bring all kinds of imagination?


Astina's eyes narrowed.


"The Grand Duke is…" you pretend not to be, but you’re very bright."


"I didn't imagine anything strange."


Theriod corrected it urgently. Astina pushed his shoulder away leisurely.


"If you can confidently recite what you just thought in front of others, I'll believe you."


"I was going to tell you about a date.”


Theriod answered Astina's teasing as if she were unfair. Astina's eyes grew a little bigger.


"Date?"


It's an unexpectedly touching word. Come to think of it, she’s rarely been out with Theriod. They only went out and took care of things when they had work, but they never moved just for the purpose of spending time together.


Her half-baked relationship with Theriod often reminded Astina of what she had forgotten. For example, what steps do ordinary lovers take when building intimacy? Spending time together is important, but more importantly, how to fill that time. Astina, who had been dating only through sexual contact, was somewhat stabbed.


"……Well, I've been very busy. From now on, let's try the date thing as you said.”


Astina roughly glossed over her words and asked quickly so that he would point it out.


"So, where do you think our first destination should be?”


"Is there anything you want to do?"


Theriod laughed back and asked. Astina rubbed the tip of her chin and spat out some stereotyped answers.


"We can walk down the street, I can prepare your lunch and go on a picnic. If you have an immature desire to go to the night market in disguise, I can also match that."


Theriod's mouth was shut by Astina's response. Theriod, who had been silent for a while, continued to ask back.


"……… immature, isn't it all romantic?"


Astina couldn't stop laughing. It was a cool smile that she can finallly pour out after a long time. Theriod watching Astina, lightly blushed.


He is a man who she can tease in many ways. Theriod was already a handsome man, but he was also quite cute when he blushed.


Astina wiped off her laughter and said with a straight face. She used a playful tone, but it was not just a mere joke

"Great, I like it. I mean it."


Definitely not love. Astina was able to affirm because she was well aware of the hot and passionate feeling. But isn't love the words that define feelings for Theriod?


The fiery love she had in the past only hurt her. As much as she loved it, she was still groaning at the remaining scars. On the contrary, Theriod's affection comforted Astina. If asked which type had a stronger impact, Astina could answer the latter without hesitation. If it's such a comfortable feeling was offered for her, wouldn't it be enough for her to take a rest with that person?


There are enough couples in the world who live by loyalty or affection. Astina thought she had at least a deeper feeling for Theriod than for them. Seeing his face thinner than before makes her want to feed him something because she has accumulated affection without even knowing it.


Astina foresaw that their marriage would always be full of respect and consideration for each other. In it, Astina cannot say for sure that she would love him, but she was confident that she would be happy. Slowly forgetting the remnants of the past.


"……I hope I didn't mishear it, did I?”


Theriod asked back with a dazed voice. Astina shrugged past him.


"If you want to pretend you heard something wrong, you can."


"No, I heard it right. It was very catchy.”


Astina's corners of mouth bent pleasantly at his hasty pursuit of her





* * *

 

Hi, I will make the next update in the next 24hrs, suffered from jet lag

 

Thank u so muchhh for all ur translation❤
Have a good rest n dont forget to drink a lot of water

 

Spoiler: C17p2

"……Is something good happening?"


Oliver asked as if he had no idea. But the Grand Duke’s behaviour was too obvious, such as glancing at him, turning the pages hasily, or closing and opening the window, it felt like that of an infant child who demanded attention.


When Oliver asked, Theriod shrugged his shoulders with an expression that he couldn't help it. Theriod sat down on the chair and laid his hands on his stomach. Theriod then replied in a relaxed voice.


"A pleasant thing, what could it be?"


'The return of your wife.’


Oliver managed to respond without laughing. Then, he politely tightened his head and greeted Theriod.


"I guess I'm wrong. Then I'll say goodbye...….”


"Wait."


Theriod hurriedly lifted himself up and pointed at the desk. Unlike his urgent behavior, his voice was quite relaxed. No, it's not really relaxed, but rather anxious. In fact, nervousness permeated in the eyes of the Grand Duke who caught the butler.


Theriod said, pointing at his forehead as if he couldn't help it.


"I’ll tell you since you insisted."


Even though he didn’t insist, Oliver quietly stopped in place. Oliver had experienced something similar several times when the Grand Duchess wasn’t here.


In fact, Oliver's sleeplessness was partly caused by his owner's whims, as Theriod, who could not overcome anxiety, often called the butler in even at dawn. Theriod stood Oliver in front of him and asked again and again what the palace's underground prison was like, whether the humidity and temperature level were appropriate, and whether meals delivered were good. Then, when the answer that he didn't like came back, he wrapped his head and groaned. Watching his one-man show with sleepy eyes, the elderly butler was reminded of the Grand Duke’s cousin. Oliver, who has never found anything in common between the Grand Duke and Arthur, find similarity in their ruthless behavior of waking up the butler.


In response, the Grand Duke decided to stop beating around the bush. Theriod raised his chin and immediately brought up the main point.


"Do you know what it means when a woman says she likes a man?"


"……it means a good thing?"


Theriod raised his eyebrows as if Oliver's answer was not satisfactory. Theriod countered by knocking on the desk with a loud noise.


"No! This is very special. She’s not saying this to anyone at all.”


At first glance, even though the servants are of certain age, doesn’t mean they are immune to loving words. For Oliver, the Grand Duke's love affair was just cute.


He is the master who had to act mature since he was young due to the absence of his parents. It was new to him because he felt like Theriod was getting back the childhood he lost. It was difficult for Theriod to deciphers the big problems of first love and adolescence.


"Yes, if you heard it from someone special, you'd be right."


Oliver grinned and accepted Theriod's words. In fact, even in his opinion, the Grand Duchess did not seem to be a person who would say such things casually. Because she wasn't the type to look at others and say that she liked what she hated what. Perhaps what she said to the Grand Duke came from the bottom of her heart. That's why the Grand Duke can't hold back his grin.


Oliver took the watch out of his arms and glanced at it while maintaining a smiley face. As usual, time flew by when hr finished an interesting conversation. However, Oliver skillfully pushed the Grand Duke out of the office.


"I think the wagon's ready by now. Put the boring stuff behind you and get out of here."


"Is it already that time?"


At Oliver's urging, Theriod got up from his seat. After Astina returned home and the surrounding area was somewhat organized, Theriod planned for the date. The Grand Duke couple stayed in the capital longer because they had to wait and see until Isis’ power was stabilized. Theriod was planning to visit all kinds of attractions with his wife. However, in order to enjoy their time together, they turned to the suburbs for the first outing.


The Grand Duchy of Atalenta had lots of land besides the castle-like territories. Today, they were scheduled to head to the nearest villa he had purchased.


The villa, which situated at about two hours ride from the Duchy, had an unusually large area compared to a simple building. This is because they bought all the nearby areas, including the lake in the center. With a panoramic view of the beautiful lake, the previous Grand Duke and Duchess had spent most of their summer vacation there. After the Grand Duke and Duchess died in an accident, it became a abandoned space where no one but the caretaker visited.


This was also the first visit for Theriod, who could not leave the Atalenta estate until he became an adult. The familiar must have managed it diligently, so the condition was not very ugly, but it was unclear whether Astina would like the place. Usually, young people were more interested in things such as theater and shopping than in a quiet villa.


But Astina was much more excited than Theriod had expected. She preferred relaxation to tourism, and she liked the natural scenery as an older person would. It wasn't unusual considering her mental age, but it wasn't obvious to Theriod.


Anyway, the two of them planned to swim leisurely, eat delicious things, and enjoy the leisure time for a long time. Of course, since it is an adult's trip, it is not just a vacation to get drunk at a villa.


To suggest staying out on the first date, Astina's maid ‘s eyes were filled with joy, and she was so happy she had jumped up and down.


"I've loaded the luggage in advance. I'm sure your Highnesses are all set, so let’s go to the dress room first."


"Yes, you've had a hard time dealing with this and that in a hurry. I'm sorry, but I need you a little more until the day after tomorrow. It won't be a problem without me because I've taken care of urgent matters roughly.”


In order to take a full two-day vacation, Theriod was buried in his work until he left. Oliver nodded and examined the documents on the desk. He expected Theriod to have been unable to concentrate on acting busily, but he was wrong.


Oliver, who was pointing out Theriod's signature, raised his head as if he had just remembered.


"By the way, a painting dealer put in a message. He’d like to dispose of a portrait of the Atalenta family I was keeping. I heard he was introduced to the merchants who testified at the trial. Should I make an appointment?"


Theriod pulled out a memory that hadn't been shut long in his head. The biggest reason for visiting the black market was to make Primo misunderstand the flaw of the Grand Duchess. However, this did not mean that he only used the means of regaining the treasure of the Grand Duchy. Just as Astina appealed to the court, she could not let the family's artifacts wander outside.


Theriod allowed it without going through a long time of trouble.


"I'm going to have to make a visit. Tell him I'll go with my wife."


In the meantime, Oliver nodded silently as he watched the Grand DUke of taking care of his wife.


It seems like yesterday that Theriod and Astina had a ceremony, but the one year mark is already approaching. The couple is also close, so wouldn't it be good to look forward to good news on this trip? Oliver saw the couple off with a pleased face, holding unspeakable expectations for the owner.


"Then have a safe trip."





* * *

 

Thank you for the spoiler @Evilnature!!
Take care!! I’ve learned that the best way to quickly get over jet lag is adjusting the meals times

 

Tried water but no good haizzz

Omg details plsss
Hi everyone so my boss called saying the project will be on hold indefinitely due to budget problem so Ill take a short rest today then after 48hr from this post Ill update regularly! Yay!
Also I forgot to cite but all my raw are from Trombonerose

 

Spoiler: C17p3

They arrived quite quickly as the villa wasn’t far from the capital. Of course, it was still quite boring to stay in the carriage for two hours. But, Astina and Theriod, based on previous experience, knew some useful games to reduce travel time. The couple, who had a little foreplay, got out of the car looking a bit different from when they got in. The horseman turned turned back to the capital because the couple wanted to stay in the villa by themselves.


Theriod and Astina put their luggage inside the villa first, then changed their clothes and came straight out to the lake. Because it was near time for the sunset. Oliver, who has visited the villa several times with the former Grand Duke and Duchess, left some useful advice to Theriod. The lights of the sunset makes the lake turns red together is the most beautiful, so if the Grand Duke want to set the mood, don't miss it.


Fortunately, by the time Astina and Theriod reached the lake, the sun was still shining. The lake was very beautiful, just like the when the former Grand Dukes fell in love. It wasn't just the sunset that Oliver praised, but the lakeview in general.


There was a corner where the blue light shone stabilized the mind. Astina looked down on the waterline. The sun broke into pieces in the quietly fluttering waves. The light wind blew and the rustling sound of the leaves rang.


Astina murmured as she swept away her messy hair.


"It's beautiful."


"I know, I'm glad we came."


Theriod also spoke admirably. It was their first trip alone, and fortunately, the place he chose was excellent.


The two looked around the lake without saying a word. It was such a memorable space that they wanted to invite a painter to paint. They felt guilty about using such a place as a private property.


It felt strange to think that there were only two people in this wide place. It felt like they stepped into a hidden space of fairies that no one knew. As they listened to the sound of the water, the cries of reality that made them dizzy gradually became distant.


"Sometimes when you come to a deserted place...… I feel like time has stopped."


Astina tilted her head and said.


Suddenly, she felt the warmth interlocking at her fingertips. Astina lowered her gaze quietly. Theriod was warping his hands on Astina's hand. His knuckles surrounded her pleasantly. Astina relaxed her arms and left him silent.


Theriod said with a light smile around his mouth.


"You're thinking something similar to me. I wished time would stop like this."


Theriod sighed and continued.


"But then the sun sets."


It hasn't been long since they arrived, but he felt regrets thinking that they have to leave here again tomorrow afternoon. Astina must have noticed the sign, so she returned an exciting answer.


"We can come back next time."


It was touching promise for Theriod. It meant that he was included in the future she planned. However, Theriod asked back with a playful air.


"Every summer?"


Astina, who is not familiar with the former Grand Duke and Duchess, stared at Theriod with a curious gaze. Theriod did not say that this was the place his parents visited together every year. Astina nodded her head calmly, perhaps taking it as a joke.


"Then we better go play in the water."


"Wife, it's a little cold to go skinny dip now."


Before Theriod could finish his advice, Astina removed the robe around her shoulder. After taking off her shoes, she ran into the water before Theriod can stop her. Panicked, Theriod rushed after her.


Astina, who dipped her foot in the splashing water, turned around and looked back at him. Then she took water in her hand and splashed it at him. Because it was unexpected, Theriod had no choice but to suffer the prank. Theriod looked down at his wet coat with a puzzled look. When Theriod looked up, Astina splashes him again. Her face was unusually playful.


Theriod muttered in a betrayed voice.


"…...You said it was immature to go to the night market...….”


It was Astina who treated his romantic idea as childish. So he expected that she would just walk around even when she came into the water, but what with this quick transformation?


Astina, however, did not care and wet Theriod's hair again. Now he looked like a completely wet mouse. She said in a pleasant voice.


"Okay, I'll correct it. I don't know if it'll be as fun as I thought. Actually, it's been 100 years since I played in the water, so I'm a little excited."


Astina's words made Theriod laugh. He raised his eyebrows once. After collecting himself again, he took off his jacket like Astina. Theriod strode toward Astina without delay. The wide stride helps him caught up to Astina in no time. To retaliate, Theriod hugged Astina from behind to stop her from moving.


Astina struggled with her legs and rebelled.


"That’s cheating."


"Who's really cheating right now?”


"If I break free, you'll get hurt.”


Astina's funny warning reminded Theriod of her sword skills. He didn't think it was not possible. However, she would not be as heartless enough to break her lover's arm.


Instead of letting her go, Theriod decided to soothe her in a different way. He whispered profusely.


"Then try blocking this, you won't be able to do it."


Astina, who had closed her eyes in anticipation of cold water splashing on her face, soon opened her eyes again with a soft touch on her cheek. Theriod was kissing her cheek. He couldn’t kiss her lips because I was holding her from behind.


When Astina was still puzzled, Theriod relaxed from the hand that was holding her. Astina turned and faced him instead of escaping from his arms. Then she slowly hugged Theriod's neck.


"Well…."


The two lips mingled gently.


Just in time, the water was rising on their ankle. Contrary to ice-like water, Theriod's lips were warm. She briefly forgot to shiver at the temperature difference, and I forgot everything else in my tongue. The arms holding the Theriod became more powerful. Astina mischievously bit Theriod's tongue. Theriod, who smirked through his breath, sink his lips deeper.


"Sigh…."


A light sigh came from Theriod. Despite the contact, he still feels a constant thirst. After a long time, Astina opened her eyes quietly. She didn't think they had kissed for that long, but the sunset was already sitting on the lake.


Theriod raised his hand and wiped Astina's lips. Astina shrugged her shoulders for a moment due to the cold touch. She looked at Theriod's wet clothes and said.


"……Your hands are cold. It’s all cause of my prank."


"Was it cold?"


"I thought the Grand Duke would feels colder than I do."


"Thanks to your prank, I got a chance to steal your lips, so that's fine."


Theriod said so and stared at her with affection. Astina, who thought the deal was riddiculous, smiled ear to ear as if she was dumbfounded. Theriod reached out to Astina and knitted her.


It's cold to stay in the water. The two walked out of the lake and headed toward the clothes they had taken off.


"Wait a minute."


At Theriod's call, Astina stopped trying to put her foot in her shoes and paused. Then Theriod, who caught her, took off one piece of her clothes. He crumpled it together and sat with his knees bent in front of Astina. Astina looked at Theriod with a curious look. It was not until Theriod urged her to raise her hand over her shoulder that Astina understood what he was going to do.


"If your shoes get wet, it's uncomfortable to walk."


Then Theriod wiped the water off his feet. It was simple to balance walk bare feet, but Astina leaned silently on his shoulder. At Astina's eye level, his fine silver hair looked a bit shaded.


Theriod never once made Astina regret her decision to accept his heart. She was definitely over-loved and always receiving.


Astina spouted out.


"That's interesting."


"What do you mean?"


"I'm sure you said you've never been in a relationship before, but you act like such a playboy."


Theriod coughed out as if he had a sore throat. Soon, Theriod, who had calmed down, looked up at Astina with a puzzled look. Astina made an excuse with a awkward voice.


"It's just something I saw around me."


"My wife is really talented in breaking the ice too. It's not your first time doing this."


Astina's eyebrows were furrowed. Theriod stood up after giving Astina shoes instead. He decided to ask a few more questions while I was at it.


"What kind of person was he?"


"I don't know who you're talking about."


"I won't hold grudges, so be honest with me."


Theriod crossed his arms at Astina's smile. He was confident as if he had the right to know. Astina replied with a smirking smile.


"He was very handsome."


"More than I am?"


Theriod's eyes were filled with competitive. Astina doesn't know what to say. If they have the same face, how can she judge who is more handsome? The only difference between Theriod and Theodore was their hair color. If she focus only on his face, she will bury herself in the past. In fact, when he dyed his hair, he was confused with her ex-lover.


Astina answered vaguely.


"I can't tell the difference.”


"I don't think there's anyone like that in the capital...….”


"What?"


"No."


Theriod, who was muttering inaudibly, turned away as if he didn't know. Theriod's vocie was so low that no one else could hear, so she could not refute. It was uncommon for her to be at the mercyof a Theriod.


It is the social world that people who can spend longer time decorating themselves than anyone else. Theriod was the best-looking man among them. Having been challenged in something he has great confidence, Theriod was unable to maintain composure. He knew that Astina could not give up on her ex-lover yet.


"What was his personality like? Was it better than mine?”


Theriod, who had been agonizing for a while, soon identified his other strengths. Astina asked again as if she finds the question absurd.


"What are you going to do if I say yes?”


"I was asking a very clever question. If he was a more faithful man than me, you wouldn't have come to me.”


Astina was speechless. It wasn't wrong.


If Martina had died without any regrets, would her next life have existed? Astina often thought that she might have been reborn to achieve what she did not have in the past. It was comfortable to think that meeting a man like Theodore, who had given her all his life, was a bad joke of God. It hurt her pride to be swayed by the word fate.


"Yes, he was a very bad man."


With her new lover in front of her, Astina spoke ill of her past lover. In fact, Theodore was a very selfish man. There were many more important things to him than Martina. Unlike Theriod who always put Astina first.


"If I could turn back time, I wouldn't love a man like that.”


However, Theriod didn't look very happy despite her repulsive reaction. Theriod grinned and said,


"But he's still in your heart."


Theriod's hand touched his eyes. Tears flowing through her eyelashes soaked Theriod's fingers. Only then did Astina realize that tears were in her eyes. Astina blinked quickly. Fortunately, the deep sorrow of the past only cause a drop.


"I forgot everything."


"Lie."


Astina eventually closed her eyes to avoid Theriod. She didn't want to see his face at this time. She murmured in a tearful manner.


"……I shouldn’t have told."


"I'm sorry to make you cry. From now on, I'll only be jealous inside.”


Theriod soothed Astina.


Astina gave strength to her hand. The tip of her nails stuck in her palm and she felt a tingling sense. Theriod, as always, pulled her hand open.


"When did you break up with him?"


"……about a hundred years ago."


"No more boring jokes."


Theriod retorted. Astina seemed to think that she should say a joke to evoke the atmosphere. she said it knowing that he would accept it that way, but suddenly Astina wanted to be angry that it wasn't like that. However, he couldn't raise his voice over things he didn't know.


Astina opened her eyes and captured Theodore's face in sight. He spoke with resentment.


"No matter how long...… it will never be completely erased."


Because your existence always makes me think about him.


"That's a little sad for me."


Theriod replied with a blurred look.


Astina knew. Theodore doesn't make that face. So what's in front of her is a different person from what she remembers.


At first, she was happy to find something that distinguish Theodore from Theriod. But now she feels even better when she finds herself willing to find a difference. She feel like she’s getting to see Theriod.


"Great, every human being overcomes pain."


Theodore is a scar that has already been lodged deep inside her chest. Even if it is healed, the scar will not be erased. But maybe it won't hurt anymore. If it becomes so cloudy, after a faint dilution, Astina will be able to leave Theriod alone.


"I don't know how long it takes, but I always care more about you today than yesterday. Someday, I'll put the Grand Duke first.”


“…….”


"I'm working hard on my feelings, so I hope the Grand Duke wait for me."


Finally, a smile came to Theriod's face.


Astina thought Theriod was a passionate lover, but Theriod also had a woman who was too calm to responds his one-sided love. Every time he realized that Astina was trying for him, Theriod got hope. No one puts their effort into meaningless endeavours.


Theriod said, stroking Astina's cheek.


"Waiting is not difficult. Because I always need you."


"Because I can heal you?"


"Well, sometimes you make me violent."


Theriod wrapped Astina around her waist and pulled her. Astina took steps toward him, narrowing the relationship between the two again. As it was, Theriod overlapped lips with Astina. He lightly sucked in his lower lip and pulled up the corners of his mouth in eye contact with Astina.


He asked with a low split voice.


"I love you ...…can you tell me that once?"


The two had only a finger between their lips. Astina hesitated for a moment, but she wanted to tell him if he was satisfied with something like this.


Eventually, Astina said.


"I love you……"


"Be more determined than that."


"I love you."


"………try one more time."


Astina, as much as Theriod, hoped that this would be a prophecy. Praying that the empty confession would be filled with sincerity, the hesitation was erased from Astina's voice. She spoke more clearly.


"I love you, Theriod."


Theriod breathed in a short breath with an overwhelming air. Then she buried Astina's lips. Astina slowly closed her eyes and held him in her arms. The entangled tongue was as sweet as expected.


Astina didn't want to lose this love that comforted her.


"Let’s not wait until we go to the villa."


After a long kiss, Theriod whispered. Astina nodded with a light smile.





* * *

 

Amo el capítulo queooh:

 

I don’t know if you heard about this too... but I’ve read a couple of articles that showed that when you times your meals in the time zone you are going to be, the rest of your circadian circle should follow. I found this page that gives some insights on the matter! Hope its helpful
https://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-tips/travel-warnings/food-as-a-jet-lag-cure

 

I created an account just for this thread, I got hooked on the manwha and then the novel updates. Wow! Thank you for your hard work translating @Evilnature ! Thank you to @Trombonerose for the raws.

I feel like that art piece they are gonna see coming up may have a connection somehow to drive the plot forward more, maybe a portrait of King Theodore or Martina, maybe Theo will get flashbacks. I'm enjoying this story.

 

Raw Trombonerose,
I would edit more but all my blood had been drained through my nose

Spoiler: C17P4

Theriod woke up early in the morning. He got up from his seat and headed slowly to the terrace. When he pulled back the curtain and opened the window, a cool breeze brushed against his neck. The cold wind got through all the clothes and reached his skin, but the early morning air gave a sense of freshness rather than unpleasantness.


Theriod put his arm against the railing and stared out the window for a moment. The balcony of the villa's second-floor bedroom overlooked the lake. The trees surrounding the lake were reflected on the gentle waves. The foggy forest looked dreamy. The sound of the water and the bird's chirping continued like a lullaby. The light gradually spread over the ridge.


"Well…."


Theriod turned his head at the figure behind his back. Perhaps because of his persistent attacking last night, his wife showed no signs of waking up, even though this is usually the time she gets up.


Theriod closed the window and went back to Astina. Last night’s trace was still on the bed. Theriod paused instead of picking up the clothes lying on the floor. Astina's underwear fell off, or maybe she kicked it off while sleeping.


Theriod turned his stiff neck to his sleeping wife. Fortunately or unfortunately, she managed to keep the blanket on. Why does he feel embarrassed even though he’s already seen it countless times?


Theriod was generally satisfied with his life these days, but one thing he didn't like was his unusual attitude toward his wife. Flustered emotions often led to poor decisions. Theriod was a married man who had to trust his spouse, and it was doubtful whether that behaviour would be seen as attractive to his wife.


After much consideration, Theriod woke Astina up and tried to dress her, but she dropped the blanket suddenly. It was fortunate that I closed the window quickly. If all the air in the room was drained, Astina, who had nothing on, must have caught a cold.


Theriod bent his knees to meet Astina's eye level. Even though she moved quickly, she did not seem to be able to wake up yet. Theriod reached out and slowly swept her hair. Soft hair poured down between his fingers.


Theriod suddenly opened his mouth and called Astina.


"Wife."


His voice was so low it barely reaches her ears. Even though no one responded, Theriod once again mumbled the words.


"……Wife."


Being in a married relationship with her was not new, but it was very satisfying. Maybe it's because they're getting closer to their ideal marriage.


Astina's kiss was no longer to solve the curse, and Theriod was not afraid that she would leave. Things that he didn't dare to wish for had become his daily routine.


What if all this is a dream and she's not around when he wakes up?


Theriod was simply breathtakingly happy, frightened by his excessive luck. It was only for a short time even though he tried to hold himself together and reminded himself that he should not wish for anything more. Theriod had expectations whenever she showed affection. It won't be long before she says she loves him.


Theriod murmured like a sigh.


"I'll wait and see."


"I waited without a sigh . Mister, you combed my hair too hard."


Theriod stopped combing Astina's hair and paused. Astina was staring at him with her eyes open. His eyes were clear, not like someone just woke up.


Was she pretending to be asleep?


Theriod asked in a perplexed voice.


"When did you wake up?"


"When the Grand Duke got out of bed."


Their get-up time was almost the same. It made him ashamed to think that she was listening to everything he said to himself. Even though he didn't do anything wrong, Theriod immediately checked his mumbling. Even if he thinks of it again and again, there were not many words that he said out of his mouth.


It was a good thing. It might have been a burden for her to hear of his excessive greed. In that sense, it was fortunate that Astina didn’t hear his murmur.


"Why did you pretend to be asleep?"


At Theriod's interrogation, Astina rolled her eyes for a moment and stared to the left. Soon she replied with a shrug.


"Just cause."


"Just cause?"


"I've been waiting for you to steal my lips, as I've seen you done it for a while."


The low-pitched voice was strangely seductive. The embarrassed Theriod hardened into place. A satisfied smile came to Astina's mouth. Her prank on him always worked.


Unlike Theriod, who did not move, Astina stood up from her seat without hesitation. Then Theriod quickly turned to the other side. Anyone could tell that it was an obvious move to avoid attention. Astina asked in a surprise-like voice.


"……What's wrong with you?"


They were married, and the couple had never neglected their night duty. So it was even stranger that he acts weird when seeing her naked body. At night, she looked the same and he did more than this, but he changes just because it's dawn?


Astina crossed her arms and looked down at her innocent husband for a moment. She gave him a proper escape as an experienced woman.

"Would you like to wash up with me?”

The manager of the villa, who had already set the fire, quickly poured warm water at the call of the Grand Duke and Duchess. While the bathtub was getting filled, Theriod and Astina stood side by side and brushed their face and teeth. Until then, Theriod could afford to counteract Astina's jokes.

However, when it came time to take off his gown and take a bath, he could not hide his tension. It was his first time seeing her body in such a bright light. Skinship were usually done at night, and because of this, they were always half covered by darkness. Theriod immersed himself in the water with his eyes fixed somewhere in the tub tile.


The bathtub was large, but not enough for both adult men and women to have their personal space. The bathtub in the couple's bedroom is pretty clear.


The natural feeling of the bridge was clear. Astina sat across the street and turned over to see such a Theriod.


"Are you uncomfortable?"


"……No way."


"I don't think you're looking my way…….”


Theriod was not confident not to react to his wife's naked body. He didn't want to be a dog who came in to wash up and put up there, so he kept his cloudy eyes closed. Suddenly, Astina felt a little annoyed because of her shy husband.


Astina lifted a foamy towel and said, "Don't sweep my arm."


"Could you wipe it for me?”


"What?"


"My body."


Theriod's face quickly turned red. He picked up the towel with a trembling hand. Astina watched him with curious eyes, and then she rose from her seat. Then she settled down between Theriod's legs. I could feel the man's redness behind his neck.


As the blatant behavior change, Theriod couldn't help but realize the meaning. Theriod sighed.


"……You're making fun of me.”


"It's strange. How many nights have we spent together and still, what are you ashamed of?….”


"When I was a kid, I read that people who do it outside the bedroom are sexual perversions.”


It would have been a terrible thing if a few prodigal nobles heard of it. In addition, Theriod and Astina have already been done it in spaces outside the bedroom, so by that standard, they have been sexual perversions for a long time.


Astina smiled and leaned her back against Theriod's chest.


"A perv…. That's funny,.”


"That's what I'm saying."


"So, you don't like me because I’m a pervert?"


Astina asked back as if to tease Theriod. Theriod foamed Astina without a word with his red hand. Astina narrowed her eyes as she glanced back toward Theriod. She whispered seductively.


"If a perv wants to do something pervy...…what should you do?"


Astina bit Theriod's forearm while she was at it. Frustrated, Theriod drops the towel he was holding. He closed his eyes and breathed a long sigh.


"Really, really...… I can't let my wife do it."


"I'm hurt because my husband is so cautious."


Theriod burst out laughing at Astina's harsh reply. From his perspective, he could look down at Astina's body. Theriod reached out and grabbed Astina's chest lightly. A light sigh poured from Astina's mouth. Theriod swept around her stomach and moved his hand further down. His fingers dug between her legs, opened the lips and pressed near the clit. Astina put her legs together reflectively. However, his hands, which already invaded, refused to move away.


"Uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh..."Oh…. Oops."


He rubs the clit, pinching it briefly, and sweeping it repeatedly. Astina's breath had become rough before she knew it. Her wet bottom may not only have water in the bathtub. Theriod bit Astina's ear in a cute way. He asked in a pleasant voice.


"Are you in a good mood?"


"You're getting better and better.”


Astina answered back like a sigh. She reached back, swept Theriod's neck, and shook her body. In response to her, the stimulus grew stronger. He began to rub the thickly swollen clit with his fingertips. It's very quickly.


Astina eventually declared surrender.


"Sigh, uh, I can't stand it, stop...….”


Astina said so and pushed Theriod's hand away. She was trying to get away from him, but when he lowered his head to the bathtub, it became a form of temptation. A sigh came out of Theriod. Theriod lightly swept Astina's hip with his fingertips. Then she felt a thing firmly pressed behind her.


Theriod spoke in a suppressed voice.


"I'll put it in."


"Do You have to say something like that, huh?Don't."


Astina looked back and briefly shed her eyes. Theriod smiled around his mouth and shrugged briefly. Then he pushed his desire into her. Astina's fingertips were slowly clenched. She felt like a huge bat was splitting her in half from the bottom half of my body. At first, her lower abdomen was always numb under pressure. After she accepted everything, it didn't feel that good.


Theriod said a concerned voice.


"It's pretty tight. I'm gonna have to wait a little longer and move...….”


"That's enough for me."


His consideration was rejected. Nevertheless, Theriod's concerns could not be completely erased. Theriod, who was worried that Astina would get hurt, put some consolation word in his mouth.


"I wish it were a little smaller...….”


"Are you kidding me?"


Astina stared at Theriod as if he were talking nonsense. Theriod paused at his wife's strong attitude. Astina groaned and dragged Theriod's arm.


"Okay, I'm going crazy, so please...… move."


The curves he can see from the back, the depth of pleasure that is engulfing him, and the low split voice. Everything stimulated Theriod's desire. Eventually, Theriod buried himself completely in her. Astina trembled with her lips biting. The pleasure came so suddenly.


"Sigh, ah...!”


Before she was able to adapt to the size, the large pillar exploded inside without mercy and escaped at once. Theriod penetrated inside her as easily and deeply as if they had been one body from the beginning. Apart from the rough movement, inserting the aftermath of last night's relationship was easy. Perhaps it was because her bottom was too wet, Astina couldn’t hold back the pleasure.


"Yes, ah, ha, ha! Yes!"


Moving in a bathtub containing water required greater power than on land. Astina barely held out so she wouldn't slip and kept tightening her thighs. Theriod's forehead narrowed due to the sudden contraction. There were sweatdrops on his chest before he knew it. The steam from the hot water had already made the surrounding area hot. The more he breathed in, the more his throat burned and his temperature rose.


Astina's knee slipped because she lost her balance for a moment. Shee didn't fall in the water because s she was holding the bathtub edge with her hands, but her posture was not stable. But instead of lifting her up, Theriod grabbed her thigh and pulled her lower body toward him. The speed of penetrating inside is the same as before. Without consideration.


"Stop, oh, yeah, it's...…, ah!"


"You're always testing me--"


"Sigh, ah, ah...…!”


"I'm a little mischievous, huh...…. Don't be angry."


Theriod said so and buried Astina's lips on his shoulder. After sucking the skin, there was a deep red mark on the spot. If possible, he wanted to dye his whole body like this. He wouldn't have considered his title.


At least he already know how to get her red under him.


"Oh, my God, my God! Wait, don't you think it.…!”


The man's hand touched her bottom again, which had already become sensitive. When stimulated again by the movement, which had been heated until its peak, it convulsed. Astina couldn't breathe properly for a while because she was in a flash of excitement. In the meantime, the lower part of her body were stimulated with only the cords. She couldn't even moan because her whole body was shaking. Astina tried to twist her body, but it was not even possible because the place was not free. As soon as his middle finger rubbed the clitoris, Astina hardened.


"Oh, my, that’s better...… first, ah! Haaaaah!"


She couldn't even make a proper statement and reached the climax. From the lower half of the body, her lips unconsciously opened as a strong pleasure ran through her spine. The most terrible thing was that even though she climaxed, Theriod didn't stop moving. The thrusting the pillar that was stuck inside remained the same. Perhaps because it penetrated into the shrinking interior, the presence of his desire was especially clear.


"Stop, oh, Terry...… Odd, stop, move...…! Ah, ah!"


"Hoo…… could you do me a favor, wife?"


Astina looked back at Theriod with teary eyes. She felt like she could do anything for him. Theriod took off his hand, perhaps reading the meaning from Astina's expression. Astina waited for his answer, breathing heavily. He said, bringing his lips close to Astina's lips.


"Kiss me, please."


Astina didn't hesitate to bite his lips. As soon as she pushed her tongue into his mouth, he also entwined her deeply. The kissing sounded particularly obscene.


"Yes, uh, yes, ah...…!”


Theriod heated her up again with a shallow movement. The two lower half of the body, which is closely attached, hardly separated like two persistent lips. His neck was stiff because he had his head tilted back, but Astina still accepted his kiss pleasantly because she felt obscene sharing his saliva. Nevertheless, he did not forget to sweep his neck with his fingertips. His skin was ripely pink after she played with it. Astina finally took off her lips and said with satisfaction.


"Ha, hhhh…"- It's pretty."


"Then you loved it, haha...…. You should give it more to me."


Then Theriod entered again with strength. Astina bit her lips and rised again. It took a lot of preparation to swallow such a pillar in her lower half. If it's going to make her die soon.


Sure enough, Theriod's movements gradually changed rapidly. His lower abdomen felt like it was sore. Astina barely pulled her neck out of the bathtub, breathing out.


"Ah, ha, ha, ha, ha!"



Perhaps because she had never recover from her peak properly, her climax arrives faster than before. Under intense pressure, Astina managed to hold onto the handle outside the bathtub. The hips did not even come to their senses to dance to her open legs. The water in the bathtub fluttered and poured out. Astina couldn't stop and collapsed.


"Oh, oh, oh, oh!"


"Ha…… Hhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...….”


The shrinking vagina frantically tightened around his desire. A short groan of Theriod was heard from the back. The pillar, which had been coveting inside her in slow motion, soon escaped. His flesh was rubbed between her hip bones, and she could feel the biting sensation. Semen flowed through a concave valley. Astina distantly thought it was fortunate that it flowed. The amount of semen left inside was no problem.


If her lower part doesn't seem to close easily, would it be a waste of time? Astina held her breath for a long time with her head down because the lingering feelings did not disappear easily. There seemed to be still a thrilling sensation all over her body.


Theriod hugged such an Astina and sat her on his lap. The bathroom was full of smoke, so it wasn't that cold even though they were sitting outside the bathtub.


Astina let Theriod wipe her body. It was a brilliant achievement considering that he couldn't even look at her body earlier.


Astina murmured in a stretched voice.


"I should be out by noon, but I don't have any energy.”


"I don't want to go back either. I've worked hard."


Theriod grinned and sympathized. Then he bit her nipples lightly. It was with some resentment towards his wife who made him look like an eagle. Astina's body flinched at him. She knew very well where Theriod's overwork came from. Because the cause was herself.


Astina apologized because she was touched.


"……I'm sure you had a lot of work to do without me. I'll help you now."


Originally, he did not mean to blame the amount of work, but Theriod did not bring up the words of correction. It was because her face, which admitted her mistake, was very lovely.


Theriod couldn't stand it and hugged Astina. He couldn't figure out how to deal with the overwhelming emotions from deep inside his heart. The man in a fever of love spoke like a baby maniac.


"Shall we just live here together?"


Astina replied, pressing down on Theriod's nose.


"You keep acting cute."





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love it thanks, yeah my meals are pretty fucked up,
sorry bossy want a project report so I couldnr post yesterday