Franz suddenly raised his head and looked around. He could see nothing but a narrow path lined with cypress trees that were taller than he was.
It was as if he was now in Judith's labyrinth. If he wanted to see the scenery outside, he had to get out of the labyrinth. To know what was outside the labyrinth, and if there really was an outside of the labyrinth, he had no choice but to walk around until he found the exit. There was nothing he could do but believe that there would be an exit somewhere.
Franz looked down at Judith again. She didn't look excited after telling him all the facts. She didn't show any fear mixed with appeal, nor did she look angry at him for suspecting her. She looked calm and confident as if it had to be done.
It made Franz's mind a little uneasy. Still, it seemed that nothing would change. This labyrinth was too quiet, too deep, too cozy. And too lovely. Wasn't it too precious and precious to be destroyed by fear and doubt?
“Was it really because of me that you did that... that? Was it for my sake alone?”
Judith looked up at Franz with her clear eyes. They seemed empty, but they also seemed to be hiding something unspeakable.
“Even if there is another reason, it will be of no use telling Your Highness.”
“Judith.”
“Your Highness, you cannot understand. So, please think of it that way. If you dare to accuse me of deceiving His Majesty, the founder of the nation, then do so. I will not feel wrong. I do not hold any grudges against you.”
Anyway, Krald had pushed her into the middle of the trap, and there was no turning back now. At that moment, Judith truly thought that it would not matter if Franz came to hate her. She had been too busy hiding her anger to think of many possible scenarios.
At that moment, Franz's arm pulled Judith into his arms. Her body, which had been leaning forward without resistance, was leaning against his firm chest. Judith, who was at a loss for words for a moment, raised her hand hesitantly and hugged him. It was still the familiar and affectionate body temperature. It was so warm that even the freezing winter seemed to retreat in surprise.
“...Even if everyone else doubts your intentions, I can’t be the only one.”
“...”
“If you say so, then fine. If you can’t say it, then it’s fine. But I just want you not to hide anything from me about what’s going to happen next. Whether it’s setting a trap or taking someone’s blood.”
For a moment, Judith stared at him with surprised eyes. This was something she had never expected to hear.
“What I’m saying is, no matter what happened, no matter what you’re hiding, I’ll believe it.”
“What if I were to frame someone in the future? What if I were to lie to you? What would you do then?”
When Judith asked, a slightly bitter smile appeared on Franz's lips.
“But I will still believe.”
Franz never found out the secret that Judith was hiding. He didn't even know if there really was such a secret. It might not have been like that when he first met her, but it was different now. He had to accept that even if the suspicion that had once taken hold did not disappear so easily, even if there was a suspicion that she seemed to know the whole ending, he had no choice but to accept it.
Should he lose Judith by questioning and pursuing her, or should he pretend to be blinded by love?
It was as if he was now in Judith's labyrinth. If he wanted to see the scenery outside, he had to get out of the labyrinth. To know what was outside the labyrinth, and if there really was an outside of the labyrinth, he had no choice but to walk around until he found the exit. There was nothing he could do but believe that there would be an exit somewhere.
Franz looked down at Judith again. She didn't look excited after telling him all the facts. She didn't show any fear mixed with appeal, nor did she look angry at him for suspecting her. She looked calm and confident as if it had to be done.
It made Franz's mind a little uneasy. Still, it seemed that nothing would change. This labyrinth was too quiet, too deep, too cozy. And too lovely. Wasn't it too precious and precious to be destroyed by fear and doubt?
“Was it really because of me that you did that... that? Was it for my sake alone?”
Judith looked up at Franz with her clear eyes. They seemed empty, but they also seemed to be hiding something unspeakable.
“Even if there is another reason, it will be of no use telling Your Highness.”
“Judith.”
“Your Highness, you cannot understand. So, please think of it that way. If you dare to accuse me of deceiving His Majesty, the founder of the nation, then do so. I will not feel wrong. I do not hold any grudges against you.”
Anyway, Krald had pushed her into the middle of the trap, and there was no turning back now. At that moment, Judith truly thought that it would not matter if Franz came to hate her. She had been too busy hiding her anger to think of many possible scenarios.
At that moment, Franz's arm pulled Judith into his arms. Her body, which had been leaning forward without resistance, was leaning against his firm chest. Judith, who was at a loss for words for a moment, raised her hand hesitantly and hugged him. It was still the familiar and affectionate body temperature. It was so warm that even the freezing winter seemed to retreat in surprise.
“...Even if everyone else doubts your intentions, I can’t be the only one.”
“...”
“If you say so, then fine. If you can’t say it, then it’s fine. But I just want you not to hide anything from me about what’s going to happen next. Whether it’s setting a trap or taking someone’s blood.”
For a moment, Judith stared at him with surprised eyes. This was something she had never expected to hear.
“What I’m saying is, no matter what happened, no matter what you’re hiding, I’ll believe it.”
“What if I were to frame someone in the future? What if I were to lie to you? What would you do then?”
When Judith asked, a slightly bitter smile appeared on Franz's lips.
“But I will still believe.”
Franz never found out the secret that Judith was hiding. He didn't even know if there really was such a secret. It might not have been like that when he first met her, but it was different now. He had to accept that even if the suspicion that had once taken hold did not disappear so easily, even if there was a suspicion that she seemed to know the whole ending, he had no choice but to accept it.
Should he lose Judith by questioning and pursuing her, or should he pretend to be blinded by love?
The answer was not difficult to come by. If he did not want to break this maze, he had no choice but to stay. Even if he could never find the exit.
“Because I can’t lose you.”
Franz whispered. Judith had a vision of a dark red liquid sloshing from his fingertips and dripping down, dripping down. She saw the blood-like poison seeping under his feet. It was enough.
About ten days after the wedding, Iland was sitting in the palace, pretending not to know anything and acting like he was extremely dull, despite the glares from the Rotair officials he encountered.
For those who had to endure all his whims and nervousness while serving him from Tien, days were like disasters, but Iland showed a calm demeanor in places where the eyes of the Rotair could be seen. However, since he was born with neither patience nor insight, even his superficial pretense was reaching its limit.
When the nobles of Tien began to feel uneasy, thinking that if things continued this way, an unmanageable accident might occur, the chamberlain of Magnus' palace came to see Iland.
“His Highness the Crown Prince has some free time today and has permitted an interview. He wishes to meet briefly with His Majesty the King of Tien at the Magnus Palace.”
As soon as the attendant finished speaking, the Tien nobles present there each let out a silent scream and fell into deep thought.
The person whom Iland persistently demanded an interview with was King Jedercayer, not Crown Prince Franz. Even though Franz was acting as regent in place of the King, he could not be considered the same as Iland, who already held the throne of a country.
It's unclear whether Franz himself had said, 'I hereby authorize the interview request,' or whether the arrogant-looking chamberlain had just been talking nonsense, but either way, it was quite rude.
Whether it was a regrettable situation or not, Iland was not a person who could tolerate someone trying to ignore him. It was just as the nobles of Tien had expected. After the words of the chief chamberlain, Iland stood up suddenly, kicking the chair next to him after a moment of gaping like an idiot.
“What did you just say? Say it again!”
Iland shouted at the top of his lungs, his face not changing at all. His attitude was so calm that it was almost absurd, so others guessed that this was all Franz's intention, but Iland, who was so furious that he didn't even have time to think about it, started to rage.
“What did a man who dare not even look me in the face say? The Prince has permitted an interview? I am the King of a country! I requested an interview with King Jedercayer, so how could a Prince like him come forward!”
“Your Majesty...”
“You bastard, don’t come out and get out of here!”
Iland kicked away the noble who tried to stop him and then looked back at the chamberlain. However, he still did not raise an eyebrow. Having worked in the palace of King Rotair for a long time, he had already become accustomed to the unspeakable cruelty of Queen Gilsis and the second Prince, Krald. No matter how much Iland, who was just an unwelcome guest, acted out, there was no way he would be flustered or scared.
“If that is your intention, I will return to the Magnus Palace immediately and inform His Highness the Crown Prince that His Majesty the King of Tien has refused to meet with him.”
“What? What did you say?”
“I don’t know if you know this, but it is His Majesty the King’s will, and no one else’s, that His Highness the Crown Prince should take charge of state affairs.”
Even though Iland might have cut off his own neck at any moment, the chief of the chamberlain's attitude was calm. He continued.
“Your Majesty has placed the Crown Prince in the position of regent because he trusts in His Highness’ wisdom, and His Highness has also devoted himself to state affairs without fail every day for the sake of His Highness’s will and for the sake of the alliance with Rotair. If the King of Tien cannot agree to this will of His Highness, I have no choice but to convey it to His Highness.”
Iland was almost taken aback by the unhesitating words of the experienced sergeant. If only he could call the soldiers and drag them out like he used to in Tien, it would be a relief, but this was a foreign country, and he was not even in a position to be welcomed or respected. Iland did not want to admit it, but he knew it well.
If Franz wanted to accept the interview he requested, he could have come here himself. He must have known this fact, but he sent his attendant to have Iland come first, so there must have been some intention. Iland snorted loudly as if he found it ridiculous.
'Does this green punk dare to pick a fight with me? Are you holding a grudge because of what happened last time?'
Iland ground his teeth so hard that they made a cracking sound.
"Try insulting my wife one more time in front of me and I'll turn that helpless tongue into food for crows."
In Iland’s opinion, Franz’s words were an outrageous insult. It wasn’t a bad suggestion to Franz himself, but how dare he... when he didn’t even know how the world worked.
“Your Majesty, if you reject the Crown Prince’s offer, we will have no choice but to turn back.”
Someone whispered in Iland's ear as he was squirming with fever. That was right. If it were up to him, he would kick that insolent servant away right now, but if he did that, he would have to leave the Rotair right away, and he would never have the chance to get tangled up with him again.
The blood vessels that had been prominent on his flat forehead gradually subsided. Although he had finally calmed down, Iland's expression was still distorted as if he was about to start a riot.
“Tell the Prince that I will go there soon.”
The old servant nodded and left without saying a word. Because of his attitude, another table was overturned. Iland's angry screams could already be heard through the closed door.
When the chamberlain returned and told him these words, Franz nodded with an expression of amusement that was unusual for him. However, as soon as the chamberlain left, the smile disappeared from his face.
“We have succeeded in making King Tien angry, so now the question is how to corner him.”
Duke Vergy, who had been listening to him, had a cautious and complicated expression on his face.
“Your Highness is right, but will he really fall for it?”
“I don’t know. But I have no choice but to try.”
“You want to make the Second Prince of the South and King Tien collude with each other...”
The Duke muttered as if he was talking to himself. Franz was lost in thought. And he thought back over and over again what he had heard from Judith yesterday.
"Your Highness knows that my brother has been eyeing the Grand Duchy of Melgun for a long time. Try to tell him that the second Prince is in the southern counties. He will surely use his power behind the scenes to collude with Krald."
“Because I can’t lose you.”
Franz whispered. Judith had a vision of a dark red liquid sloshing from his fingertips and dripping down, dripping down. She saw the blood-like poison seeping under his feet. It was enough.
***
About ten days after the wedding, Iland was sitting in the palace, pretending not to know anything and acting like he was extremely dull, despite the glares from the Rotair officials he encountered.
For those who had to endure all his whims and nervousness while serving him from Tien, days were like disasters, but Iland showed a calm demeanor in places where the eyes of the Rotair could be seen. However, since he was born with neither patience nor insight, even his superficial pretense was reaching its limit.
When the nobles of Tien began to feel uneasy, thinking that if things continued this way, an unmanageable accident might occur, the chamberlain of Magnus' palace came to see Iland.
“His Highness the Crown Prince has some free time today and has permitted an interview. He wishes to meet briefly with His Majesty the King of Tien at the Magnus Palace.”
As soon as the attendant finished speaking, the Tien nobles present there each let out a silent scream and fell into deep thought.
The person whom Iland persistently demanded an interview with was King Jedercayer, not Crown Prince Franz. Even though Franz was acting as regent in place of the King, he could not be considered the same as Iland, who already held the throne of a country.
It's unclear whether Franz himself had said, 'I hereby authorize the interview request,' or whether the arrogant-looking chamberlain had just been talking nonsense, but either way, it was quite rude.
Whether it was a regrettable situation or not, Iland was not a person who could tolerate someone trying to ignore him. It was just as the nobles of Tien had expected. After the words of the chief chamberlain, Iland stood up suddenly, kicking the chair next to him after a moment of gaping like an idiot.
“What did you just say? Say it again!”
Iland shouted at the top of his lungs, his face not changing at all. His attitude was so calm that it was almost absurd, so others guessed that this was all Franz's intention, but Iland, who was so furious that he didn't even have time to think about it, started to rage.
“What did a man who dare not even look me in the face say? The Prince has permitted an interview? I am the King of a country! I requested an interview with King Jedercayer, so how could a Prince like him come forward!”
“Your Majesty...”
“You bastard, don’t come out and get out of here!”
Iland kicked away the noble who tried to stop him and then looked back at the chamberlain. However, he still did not raise an eyebrow. Having worked in the palace of King Rotair for a long time, he had already become accustomed to the unspeakable cruelty of Queen Gilsis and the second Prince, Krald. No matter how much Iland, who was just an unwelcome guest, acted out, there was no way he would be flustered or scared.
“If that is your intention, I will return to the Magnus Palace immediately and inform His Highness the Crown Prince that His Majesty the King of Tien has refused to meet with him.”
“What? What did you say?”
“I don’t know if you know this, but it is His Majesty the King’s will, and no one else’s, that His Highness the Crown Prince should take charge of state affairs.”
Even though Iland might have cut off his own neck at any moment, the chief of the chamberlain's attitude was calm. He continued.
“Your Majesty has placed the Crown Prince in the position of regent because he trusts in His Highness’ wisdom, and His Highness has also devoted himself to state affairs without fail every day for the sake of His Highness’s will and for the sake of the alliance with Rotair. If the King of Tien cannot agree to this will of His Highness, I have no choice but to convey it to His Highness.”
Iland was almost taken aback by the unhesitating words of the experienced sergeant. If only he could call the soldiers and drag them out like he used to in Tien, it would be a relief, but this was a foreign country, and he was not even in a position to be welcomed or respected. Iland did not want to admit it, but he knew it well.
If Franz wanted to accept the interview he requested, he could have come here himself. He must have known this fact, but he sent his attendant to have Iland come first, so there must have been some intention. Iland snorted loudly as if he found it ridiculous.
'Does this green punk dare to pick a fight with me? Are you holding a grudge because of what happened last time?'
Iland ground his teeth so hard that they made a cracking sound.
"Try insulting my wife one more time in front of me and I'll turn that helpless tongue into food for crows."
In Iland’s opinion, Franz’s words were an outrageous insult. It wasn’t a bad suggestion to Franz himself, but how dare he... when he didn’t even know how the world worked.
“Your Majesty, if you reject the Crown Prince’s offer, we will have no choice but to turn back.”
Someone whispered in Iland's ear as he was squirming with fever. That was right. If it were up to him, he would kick that insolent servant away right now, but if he did that, he would have to leave the Rotair right away, and he would never have the chance to get tangled up with him again.
The blood vessels that had been prominent on his flat forehead gradually subsided. Although he had finally calmed down, Iland's expression was still distorted as if he was about to start a riot.
“Tell the Prince that I will go there soon.”
The old servant nodded and left without saying a word. Because of his attitude, another table was overturned. Iland's angry screams could already be heard through the closed door.
When the chamberlain returned and told him these words, Franz nodded with an expression of amusement that was unusual for him. However, as soon as the chamberlain left, the smile disappeared from his face.
“We have succeeded in making King Tien angry, so now the question is how to corner him.”
Duke Vergy, who had been listening to him, had a cautious and complicated expression on his face.
“Your Highness is right, but will he really fall for it?”
“I don’t know. But I have no choice but to try.”
“You want to make the Second Prince of the South and King Tien collude with each other...”
The Duke muttered as if he was talking to himself. Franz was lost in thought. And he thought back over and over again what he had heard from Judith yesterday.
"Your Highness knows that my brother has been eyeing the Grand Duchy of Melgun for a long time. Try to tell him that the second Prince is in the southern counties. He will surely use his power behind the scenes to collude with Krald."
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