“Even so, he is the Prince of the empire, so wouldn’t that be a bit difficult?”
Aiden pouted as he watched the Marquis trying to persuade her as gently and affectionately as possible.
His face, covered in a thick beard, was swollen and puffy, having already been scolded by his brother for his reckless words and actions that were not a good example to his nephew.
“You don’t know anything. Look at Thea’s ambition. She is truly a general. Anyone can see her fearless attitude as if she would make even the Prince kneel at her feet...”
"Shut up."
Aiden, with his mouth tightly shut, glanced around.
Even his mother, the Marchioness, who always treated Aiden kindly no matter what kind of accident he got into, looked at him with a cold gaze.
Dorothea shrugged as she saw her youngest uncle being bullied.
“I was just thinking about it. If it’s really that difficult, I won’t bother to think about it.”
All she wanted was a sheep in wolf clothing wandering around outside, trying to tame it.
There's no way she can bring in livestock if all her family members who live with her are against it.
Fortunately, Dorothea, who gave up so easily, was met with sighs of relief and admiring looks.
Wood, who had just come back from running an errand for Colin, looked at his master with a look of astonishment after hearing the whole story.
“Are you trying to do something similar to me to the Prince?”
"No."
What gave Wood, who had lost his future after being consumed by murderous intent, a 'human life' was the contract he made with his sister who was by his side.
In addition to his innate murderous nature, he was different from Luke, who carried around a curse containing someone's bitter resentment on his body.
“If you leave that kid alone, he’ll really turn into a monster.”
Dorothea didn't want a sword that had lost its way to take people's lives indiscriminately, and she didn't want an ending where even a sharp sword would break in the end.
If she could seal his murderous nature and keep him by her side, wouldn't he be able to live as a normal human?
“I was just thinking about it.”
If there was any risk of her family being hurt or sacrificed in the process, there was no reason to roll up her sleeves.
Dorothea is so worried, but it might be better to just leave it alone rather than worrying about it by being stubborn.
“He's turning into a monster? Is he turning into one of those walking corpses I saw before?”
“No, it’s just a brutal murder that puts on a human skin and kills people mercilessly.”
“Isn’t that a problem too?”
Wood's face hardened as he realized that, although Dorothea's words were absurd, there was no lie or empty talk among them.
Is it possible that the Prince of an empire could become a serial killer?
Wood, who had been unconsciously opening and closing his callused hands, grimaced as he recalled the subtle sensation he had felt a long time ago.
At the time of his revenge, he was half-mad, but the feeling he had at that time was still vivid.
The feeling of the sword cutting through a person, the blood splattering on his clothes, the smell of blood stinging his nose, but rather than being disgusting, one side of his heart pounded with excitement.
It was this child who pulled him out of the swamp where he was turning into a monster.
Before the dazzling light had even faded from her eyes, Dorothea opened her mouth.
“I’m going to the theater, so prepare a carriage.”
"Theater?"
Dorothea nodded in response to Wood's question about suddenly wanting to go to the theater and added lightly.
“While you were down there, the theater must have been performing continuously. I should go collect the money.”
“...”
"Why?"
“No matter what, a noble lady, what is a harp, harp?”
At Wood's disapproving remark, Dorothea tilted her head slightly to the side and then seriously changed her words.
“Then to collect money? Or to earn some pocket money? Or to extort money?”
“No, that’s fine.”
He'd rather collect the money.
Wood, who had inwardly given up on everything, shook his head as he quietly went to call a carriage.
It's definitely not like he's worried about the Prince's future or that he's worried about people getting hurt by him, so he's sealing his killing intent.
“I guess she just wants to bring along another handy errand boy.”
In the meantime, the theater has become an even more splendid and magnificent space.
“We decorated some of the audience seats as private spaces so that even those who criticize our works as commercial can comfortably visit the theater, and the number of visitors has definitely increased.
Wood grimaced at the suggestion that a secret space where one can hide oneself was more popular than a “good seat” with a good view of the play.
“Is there really that much to be pricked about?”
“Aren’t you noble people risking your lives to save face?”
Revan replied lightly, glanced at Dorothea, and quickly corrected himself.
“Of course, our Miss Thea would not do something so foolish as giving up immediate benefits just for the sake of saving face.”
"...That."
Isn't that a bit ambiguous to call a compliment?
No matter how eccentric Dorothea Highclere may be, she is still a noblewoman, but isn't she just a person who doesn't care about her appearance and only cares about money?
Wood was about to refute when he felt a surge of emotion deep in his heart.
“Well, it depends on what the benefit is.”
“...That sounds like what you’re saying is that if the benefits are greater, pride doesn’t really matter.”
Dorothea smiled at Wood's gaze, who was looking at her as if he had discovered a rare creature.
“I told you. It depends on what kind of face you have and what kind of benefit you have.”
She quickly glanced over the ledger, confirmed that there were no errors, and closed the thick file with satisfaction.
Revan, who had been looking at Dorothea with a tense face, finally let out a sigh of relief.
“Well done. Starting from the end of this month, send the profits and dividends to the nobles who invested in the theater.”
"Yes."
Originally, this would have been something he would have done by beating the ground and crying, saying he would die from pity, but Revan just nodded obediently.
“Oh, but.”
Revan spoke cautiously.
“Officially, the biggest investor in this theater is His Highness the Third Prince, as you know....”
Didn't he get ripped off by the young lady?
Revan trailed off, unable to finish his sentence.
In this situation, if they send him back the profits and the dividends, wouldn't it be like bragging, 'We made this much money by building a building that we stole from your money?'
Considering the Third Prince's temper, he couldn't help but fear the consequences.
"It's okay."
Dorothea answered calmly, a faint smile on her lips.
“He didn’t invest it with any particular hope of profit. So there’s no need to return it.”
Even Dorothea, who dares to strike the Emperor, probably doesn't want to cause any more unnecessary friction with the Princes.
Dorothea added, glancing at Wood, who seemed to be secretly relieved after hearing the conversation.
“But I should at least show my gratitude for the kindness he showed me.”
“Then should I send you the proceeds?”
“Send it to His Highness the Crown Prince. To His Highness the Third Prince, the most respected and beloved brother in the world.”
Unlike Revan, who knew nothing about the matter, and obediently took out a new ledger after hearing the order, Wood's facial muscles twitched.
Wood whispered softly behind Dorothea as she left the dressing room, her dress hem fluttering.
“Are you thinking of picking a fight with the royal family?”
“Well, not really.”
“Aren’t the two of them already on bad terms because of you? In this situation, if you send the dividend that should go to the Third Prince to the Crown Prince...”
“Richard will probably be a bit upset at having to be locked up for a while.”
“Knowing that!”
The girl's mouth took a bite of the cold arsenic.
“But he’s still alive. He can have stomachaches, be irritable, and even angry. He’ll still reign like a King in the palace.”
Dorothea's eyes, blue and bright, straightened.
A cold and chilling sensation like blue ice hardened Wood's body.
Only then did the immature servant feel the cool, cold anger hidden deep in his master's heart.
“Why are you so angry? What did he do?”
Instead of answering Wood's questions, Dorothea turned away and walked away in silence.
Soon, those who had been practicing for the performance began to come down from the stage and gather around Dorothea one by one.
"Miss."
“Welcome, Miss.”
“Are you sick?”
“Your face is half gone.”
All of these chattering people were dressed neatly and had bright expressions, unlike when she first saw them.
There was no trace of the time when they wandered the streets like a bum, receiving insults and hateful looks.
Mine, who was the first to take the seat next to Dorothea, took something out of her bag and handed it to her with a bashful smile.
“Oh my, the precious candy I received from your noble lord....”
“I guess she wanted to give it to you, young lady.”
Dorothea, who had been staring blankly at the candy, patted the child's head.
Although everyone else was dressed neatly, Mine's appearance was so good that one would believe she was a young daughter of a noble family.
Hair that flows smoothly, cheeks that are plump from eating well, smooth and soft skin, and even a luxurious, custom-made dress that fits her body perfectly.
Wood was surprised at the sight of her appearance becoming brighter.
'Who would believe that these people here were once poor?'
Surrounded by them, Dorothea still had a pale complexion, but she had a strangely gentle aura about her.
'I feel strange.'
It felt very strange that those eyes, which had been emitting lifeless energy just a moment ago, now held the comfort and warmth of someone just before falling asleep.
“Would you like to see me act out my death scene? I’ll die so realistically.”
“Please also look at how brutally I act when I threaten the heroine!”
“There’s a scene where the protagonist gets slapped by their opposing father-in-law. Please also check out the artificial leather that was made to make it feel more realistic!”
In front of Dorothea, who had a gentle smile on her face, people each boasted their wildest boasts.
Wood scratched his head in embarrassment as he watched Mine applaud while listening to the thick curses being hurled by the man playing the role of a gangster.
'There's something pretty and fairytale-like about it, so why does it have to be a soap opera?'
Dorothea, who had been quietly listening to the passionate members' stories, lightly clapped her hands.
“I’m going to put up a new play.”
The members surrounding Dorothea exchanged glances with excited faces.
“Is this a love story again?”
"Yes."
Elasticity poured out.
Dorothea opened her mouth to those who were filled with anticipation about what kind of heartbreaking story she would perform next.
“It’s the story of a noble young man who lost everything and fell into ruin.”
Mine's head fell back as she dozed off next to Dorothea, who was smiling affectionately and unraveling the story.
Without saying anything, Freed placed his hand on the small neck and supported it, then slowly laid the child on Dorothea's lap.
The Ice Knight's eyes lingered on the innocent face that was sleeping without knowing anything.
“Honey, this seems too expensive.”
The woman held her breath for a moment as she saw the red brooch placed in a case lined with luxurious silk.
The brooch, which had a brilliantly shining ruby in the center and was surrounded by tiny diamonds, caught people's attention even with just a quick glance.
In addition, the tassel and fringe decorations made of platinum and amber contributed to making the brooch look even more luxurious.
The hand of the woman holding the brooch, which looked like it could easily cost the price of a mansion, trembled.
Colin frowned at Cosette's bewildered reaction to receiving the jewel rather than her joy.
“A gift? Why not give something delicious and precious? Since Uncle Aiden just caught a bear, should you give her some of his precious bear bile? Do you want to take it to my aunt?”
Even though he was a grim reaper in human skin, he was sure that no woman would enjoy chewing and swallowing live bear bile full of bear spirit.
That's why he went to a jewelry store on purpose and bought the item after receiving a recommendation.
'You don't seem to like it that much.'
Surely, he should have really brought bear bile like Dorothea said.
Colin, who was troubled by his wife's unexpected reaction, thought about it for a moment and came up with an excuse that would allow him to get out.
“It’s a gift from Thea. She chose it, and I paid for it.”
At least he can escape the stigma of lacking sense.
“If you don’t wear it, she’ll be upset.”
Despite the mention of Dorothea, Cosette still hesitated and refused to wear the brooch.
When Colin, who had been staring blankly, reached out his hand, the woman's slender shoulders trembled for a moment.
"Ah..."
Even though he saw her face saying, “Oh, no,” Colin picked up the brooch without saying anything and placed it on her right breast.
She hesitated, unable to bring herself to touch the brooch, and eventually put her hand down.
What bothered her more than the dazzling light of the jewel was the pallor of her only husband's face.
'I heard Thea's health also deteriorated a lot.'
Cosette, who was following Colin to his room while holding his coat in one hand, slowed down when she saw her son watching them from a distance with a faint smile.
“Are you planning to go out somewhere?”
Philip smiled and nodded.
“If you’re going to Thea...”
“I’m going to see my new friend. Maybe I’ll stop by Thea’s later in the evening.”
Cosette nodded to Philipp's words and followed Colin, who had disappeared into the room, with her eyes as she urged him urgently.
“Tell her that I appreciate the brooch, but that she doesn’t need to go overboard. It’s too much for me to wear.”
Philipp, who burst into a soft laugh, whispered affectionately to Cosette, who was looking at him with a puzzled look.
“If it were Thea, she wouldn’t have given you that gift. It was my father’s choice. From beginning to end.”
“...”
“By the way, Thea recommended bear bile.”
For a moment, a look of relief crossed Cosette's face, which had been filled with surprise.
Philip, who had been giggling with his hand covering his mouth, turned around and said, "I'll be back."
The paper in Philip's hand, as he headed to the carriage, contained an address scribbled by someone.
Benjamin More. Craside Street. 65 Rootbury.
Aiden pouted as he watched the Marquis trying to persuade her as gently and affectionately as possible.
His face, covered in a thick beard, was swollen and puffy, having already been scolded by his brother for his reckless words and actions that were not a good example to his nephew.
“You don’t know anything. Look at Thea’s ambition. She is truly a general. Anyone can see her fearless attitude as if she would make even the Prince kneel at her feet...”
"Shut up."
Aiden, with his mouth tightly shut, glanced around.
Even his mother, the Marchioness, who always treated Aiden kindly no matter what kind of accident he got into, looked at him with a cold gaze.
Dorothea shrugged as she saw her youngest uncle being bullied.
“I was just thinking about it. If it’s really that difficult, I won’t bother to think about it.”
All she wanted was a sheep in wolf clothing wandering around outside, trying to tame it.
There's no way she can bring in livestock if all her family members who live with her are against it.
Fortunately, Dorothea, who gave up so easily, was met with sighs of relief and admiring looks.
Wood, who had just come back from running an errand for Colin, looked at his master with a look of astonishment after hearing the whole story.
“Are you trying to do something similar to me to the Prince?”
"No."
What gave Wood, who had lost his future after being consumed by murderous intent, a 'human life' was the contract he made with his sister who was by his side.
In addition to his innate murderous nature, he was different from Luke, who carried around a curse containing someone's bitter resentment on his body.
“If you leave that kid alone, he’ll really turn into a monster.”
Dorothea didn't want a sword that had lost its way to take people's lives indiscriminately, and she didn't want an ending where even a sharp sword would break in the end.
If she could seal his murderous nature and keep him by her side, wouldn't he be able to live as a normal human?
“I was just thinking about it.”
If there was any risk of her family being hurt or sacrificed in the process, there was no reason to roll up her sleeves.
Dorothea is so worried, but it might be better to just leave it alone rather than worrying about it by being stubborn.
“He's turning into a monster? Is he turning into one of those walking corpses I saw before?”
“No, it’s just a brutal murder that puts on a human skin and kills people mercilessly.”
“Isn’t that a problem too?”
Wood's face hardened as he realized that, although Dorothea's words were absurd, there was no lie or empty talk among them.
Is it possible that the Prince of an empire could become a serial killer?
Wood, who had been unconsciously opening and closing his callused hands, grimaced as he recalled the subtle sensation he had felt a long time ago.
At the time of his revenge, he was half-mad, but the feeling he had at that time was still vivid.
The feeling of the sword cutting through a person, the blood splattering on his clothes, the smell of blood stinging his nose, but rather than being disgusting, one side of his heart pounded with excitement.
It was this child who pulled him out of the swamp where he was turning into a monster.
Before the dazzling light had even faded from her eyes, Dorothea opened her mouth.
“I’m going to the theater, so prepare a carriage.”
"Theater?"
Dorothea nodded in response to Wood's question about suddenly wanting to go to the theater and added lightly.
“While you were down there, the theater must have been performing continuously. I should go collect the money.”
“...”
"Why?"
“No matter what, a noble lady, what is a harp, harp?”
At Wood's disapproving remark, Dorothea tilted her head slightly to the side and then seriously changed her words.
“Then to collect money? Or to earn some pocket money? Or to extort money?”
“No, that’s fine.”
He'd rather collect the money.
Wood, who had inwardly given up on everything, shook his head as he quietly went to call a carriage.
It's definitely not like he's worried about the Prince's future or that he's worried about people getting hurt by him, so he's sealing his killing intent.
“I guess she just wants to bring along another handy errand boy.”
***
In the meantime, the theater has become an even more splendid and magnificent space.
“We decorated some of the audience seats as private spaces so that even those who criticize our works as commercial can comfortably visit the theater, and the number of visitors has definitely increased.
Wood grimaced at the suggestion that a secret space where one can hide oneself was more popular than a “good seat” with a good view of the play.
“Is there really that much to be pricked about?”
“Aren’t you noble people risking your lives to save face?”
Revan replied lightly, glanced at Dorothea, and quickly corrected himself.
“Of course, our Miss Thea would not do something so foolish as giving up immediate benefits just for the sake of saving face.”
"...That."
Isn't that a bit ambiguous to call a compliment?
No matter how eccentric Dorothea Highclere may be, she is still a noblewoman, but isn't she just a person who doesn't care about her appearance and only cares about money?
Wood was about to refute when he felt a surge of emotion deep in his heart.
“Well, it depends on what the benefit is.”
“...That sounds like what you’re saying is that if the benefits are greater, pride doesn’t really matter.”
Dorothea smiled at Wood's gaze, who was looking at her as if he had discovered a rare creature.
“I told you. It depends on what kind of face you have and what kind of benefit you have.”
She quickly glanced over the ledger, confirmed that there were no errors, and closed the thick file with satisfaction.
Revan, who had been looking at Dorothea with a tense face, finally let out a sigh of relief.
“Well done. Starting from the end of this month, send the profits and dividends to the nobles who invested in the theater.”
"Yes."
Originally, this would have been something he would have done by beating the ground and crying, saying he would die from pity, but Revan just nodded obediently.
“Oh, but.”
Revan spoke cautiously.
“Officially, the biggest investor in this theater is His Highness the Third Prince, as you know....”
Didn't he get ripped off by the young lady?
Revan trailed off, unable to finish his sentence.
In this situation, if they send him back the profits and the dividends, wouldn't it be like bragging, 'We made this much money by building a building that we stole from your money?'
Considering the Third Prince's temper, he couldn't help but fear the consequences.
"It's okay."
Dorothea answered calmly, a faint smile on her lips.
“He didn’t invest it with any particular hope of profit. So there’s no need to return it.”
Even Dorothea, who dares to strike the Emperor, probably doesn't want to cause any more unnecessary friction with the Princes.
Dorothea added, glancing at Wood, who seemed to be secretly relieved after hearing the conversation.
“But I should at least show my gratitude for the kindness he showed me.”
“Then should I send you the proceeds?”
“Send it to His Highness the Crown Prince. To His Highness the Third Prince, the most respected and beloved brother in the world.”
Unlike Revan, who knew nothing about the matter, and obediently took out a new ledger after hearing the order, Wood's facial muscles twitched.
Wood whispered softly behind Dorothea as she left the dressing room, her dress hem fluttering.
“Are you thinking of picking a fight with the royal family?”
“Well, not really.”
“Aren’t the two of them already on bad terms because of you? In this situation, if you send the dividend that should go to the Third Prince to the Crown Prince...”
“Richard will probably be a bit upset at having to be locked up for a while.”
“Knowing that!”
The girl's mouth took a bite of the cold arsenic.
“But he’s still alive. He can have stomachaches, be irritable, and even angry. He’ll still reign like a King in the palace.”
Dorothea's eyes, blue and bright, straightened.
A cold and chilling sensation like blue ice hardened Wood's body.
Only then did the immature servant feel the cool, cold anger hidden deep in his master's heart.
“Why are you so angry? What did he do?”
Instead of answering Wood's questions, Dorothea turned away and walked away in silence.
Soon, those who had been practicing for the performance began to come down from the stage and gather around Dorothea one by one.
"Miss."
“Welcome, Miss.”
“Are you sick?”
“Your face is half gone.”
All of these chattering people were dressed neatly and had bright expressions, unlike when she first saw them.
There was no trace of the time when they wandered the streets like a bum, receiving insults and hateful looks.
Mine, who was the first to take the seat next to Dorothea, took something out of her bag and handed it to her with a bashful smile.
“Oh my, the precious candy I received from your noble lord....”
“I guess she wanted to give it to you, young lady.”
Dorothea, who had been staring blankly at the candy, patted the child's head.
Although everyone else was dressed neatly, Mine's appearance was so good that one would believe she was a young daughter of a noble family.
Hair that flows smoothly, cheeks that are plump from eating well, smooth and soft skin, and even a luxurious, custom-made dress that fits her body perfectly.
Wood was surprised at the sight of her appearance becoming brighter.
'Who would believe that these people here were once poor?'
Surrounded by them, Dorothea still had a pale complexion, but she had a strangely gentle aura about her.
'I feel strange.'
It felt very strange that those eyes, which had been emitting lifeless energy just a moment ago, now held the comfort and warmth of someone just before falling asleep.
“Would you like to see me act out my death scene? I’ll die so realistically.”
“Please also look at how brutally I act when I threaten the heroine!”
“There’s a scene where the protagonist gets slapped by their opposing father-in-law. Please also check out the artificial leather that was made to make it feel more realistic!”
In front of Dorothea, who had a gentle smile on her face, people each boasted their wildest boasts.
Wood scratched his head in embarrassment as he watched Mine applaud while listening to the thick curses being hurled by the man playing the role of a gangster.
'There's something pretty and fairytale-like about it, so why does it have to be a soap opera?'
Dorothea, who had been quietly listening to the passionate members' stories, lightly clapped her hands.
“I’m going to put up a new play.”
The members surrounding Dorothea exchanged glances with excited faces.
“Is this a love story again?”
"Yes."
Elasticity poured out.
Dorothea opened her mouth to those who were filled with anticipation about what kind of heartbreaking story she would perform next.
“It’s the story of a noble young man who lost everything and fell into ruin.”
Mine's head fell back as she dozed off next to Dorothea, who was smiling affectionately and unraveling the story.
Without saying anything, Freed placed his hand on the small neck and supported it, then slowly laid the child on Dorothea's lap.
The Ice Knight's eyes lingered on the innocent face that was sleeping without knowing anything.
***
“Honey, this seems too expensive.”
The woman held her breath for a moment as she saw the red brooch placed in a case lined with luxurious silk.
The brooch, which had a brilliantly shining ruby in the center and was surrounded by tiny diamonds, caught people's attention even with just a quick glance.
In addition, the tassel and fringe decorations made of platinum and amber contributed to making the brooch look even more luxurious.
The hand of the woman holding the brooch, which looked like it could easily cost the price of a mansion, trembled.
Colin frowned at Cosette's bewildered reaction to receiving the jewel rather than her joy.
“A gift? Why not give something delicious and precious? Since Uncle Aiden just caught a bear, should you give her some of his precious bear bile? Do you want to take it to my aunt?”
Even though he was a grim reaper in human skin, he was sure that no woman would enjoy chewing and swallowing live bear bile full of bear spirit.
That's why he went to a jewelry store on purpose and bought the item after receiving a recommendation.
'You don't seem to like it that much.'
Surely, he should have really brought bear bile like Dorothea said.
Colin, who was troubled by his wife's unexpected reaction, thought about it for a moment and came up with an excuse that would allow him to get out.
“It’s a gift from Thea. She chose it, and I paid for it.”
At least he can escape the stigma of lacking sense.
“If you don’t wear it, she’ll be upset.”
Despite the mention of Dorothea, Cosette still hesitated and refused to wear the brooch.
When Colin, who had been staring blankly, reached out his hand, the woman's slender shoulders trembled for a moment.
"Ah..."
Even though he saw her face saying, “Oh, no,” Colin picked up the brooch without saying anything and placed it on her right breast.
She hesitated, unable to bring herself to touch the brooch, and eventually put her hand down.
What bothered her more than the dazzling light of the jewel was the pallor of her only husband's face.
'I heard Thea's health also deteriorated a lot.'
Cosette, who was following Colin to his room while holding his coat in one hand, slowed down when she saw her son watching them from a distance with a faint smile.
“Are you planning to go out somewhere?”
Philip smiled and nodded.
“If you’re going to Thea...”
“I’m going to see my new friend. Maybe I’ll stop by Thea’s later in the evening.”
Cosette nodded to Philipp's words and followed Colin, who had disappeared into the room, with her eyes as she urged him urgently.
“Tell her that I appreciate the brooch, but that she doesn’t need to go overboard. It’s too much for me to wear.”
Philipp, who burst into a soft laugh, whispered affectionately to Cosette, who was looking at him with a puzzled look.
“If it were Thea, she wouldn’t have given you that gift. It was my father’s choice. From beginning to end.”
“...”
“By the way, Thea recommended bear bile.”
For a moment, a look of relief crossed Cosette's face, which had been filled with surprise.
Philip, who had been giggling with his hand covering his mouth, turned around and said, "I'll be back."
The paper in Philip's hand, as he headed to the carriage, contained an address scribbled by someone.
Benjamin More. Craside Street. 65 Rootbury.
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