“The royal family of Vintergar is fully aware of that possibility. Of course, they will also feel a considerable burden. Since this invitation came first, they will feel a moral responsibility for any unpleasant incidents that occur on our side. Even if by some chance the crime is revealed to be the work of an insider on our side, the burden will remain the same. Therefore, in this situation, rather than distrusting and suspecting them, it would be wise to accept their cooperation as favorably as possible and use it to your diplomatic advantage.”
No one could refute that opinion. Inviting the enemy leader to a reconciliation banquet and murdering him was an atrocity that occurred only in the ancient struggles of pagan power. Trieste and Vintergar were not enemies and had never faced each other in war.
“Therefore, we will keep this matter a secret in Trieste for the time being, but we also ask you to remain in self-restraint for the time being. As it is for your own safety, please refrain from going outside the palace, and always bring a guard with you even within the palace. I will see you again at the dinner.”
Everyone left the hall without a word at the arrogant order of the guests. Even the nobles who were not usually friendly to the Blackwells looked very scared that they would be the next target. They all followed the Duke's orders without question as if the young Duke were the King's representative. Their fear of death was more important than their pride.
When Kyle was left alone with Jerome, he took off his mask and showed his anxiety. On top of searching for Angie, he was now worried about the Emperor's sudden disappearance, and his head was about to explode.
“Grand Duke Winston is suspicious. It is not known because it is an unofficial schedule, but His Majesty planned to meet the King and Queen as soon as the parade and festivities were over. He wanted to give them strength for the abolition of the monarchy in Trieste and for a national election next month.”
“So... that’s what you decided in the end.”
Rainier VIII was determined to protect himself. He wanted to spend the rest of his life enjoying life as a free man, free from the anxiety of being assassinated by his relatives or executed by his people.
In fact, he had lived a rather miserable life even now that he was over forty. He was only revered as the Emperor of a country on the surface, but even after the death of his Empress, he was afraid that he would be murdered by his bride's family, so he did not remarry and lived in extreme suspicion and anxiety.
He even showed no interest in the Eternity ritual. It seemed that Rainier VIII's attachment to life was not focused on immortality that would allow him to enjoy absolute power forever, but rather on living each day without worry and having fun.
“The timing is very strange. Why did he suddenly disappear today, the day after he made that decision? His Majesty said he would not tell anyone in the Privy Council about his decision, but I can’t guarantee that. Looking at the current situation, it seems like someone dragged him out of the secret room and hid him somewhere. They quickly tried to stop him before the royal family of Vintgar heard of his intentions.”
Jerome nodded with a serious expression at his words. It was as the Duke said. If that were the case, then there was a spy of Grand Duke Winston among the delegation brought from Trieste, but he had no idea who it was. Since the list of delegations included only those who were close to the Duke of Blackwell, everyone was excluded from suspicion, but at the same time, they were also suspected.
“First, let’s do our utmost to search for His Majesty, and then as for Angie... Let’s proceed with that.”
“Understood, Master. I know Madam is also anxious, so I will reassure you and pay the utmost attention to security.”
Kyle didn't respond as if he was telling him to do whatever he wanted but then called his confidant back. Something seemed to be coming to mind in his eyes.
“Is he still here?”
“If you are referring to Michael... Yes. He is in the palace. It is the job of the Shadow Guard to protect the Duke and his wife without being noticed as much as possible.”
“I’ve never felt his presence before. Unlike the other four. That’s why I asked.”
Kyle's eyes sharpened. It was Jerome who recruited Michael into the Shadow Guard with his approval. Jerome was also reluctant to accept Michael as the illegitimate son at first, but he could not help but acknowledge his abilities.
Michael was excellent with both swords and guns and had an outstanding talent as a soldier. He did not have the natural agility of Master Kyle, but his ability was such that it would be a shame if he were not used as a bodyguard. John Fitzroy and Edward were both excellent warriors during their lifetimes, and it would not be an exaggeration to say that their genes were passed down equally to both sons.
Jerome didn't tell the young master, but one of the reasons he recruited him into the guard was that Michael had removed the stray from Louis Dunst that had been attached to him like a leech about a year ago. At that time, Michael had told Jerome about Mrs. Dunst's spy, so he was able to send the spy to the border in time. At that time, Michael had said it without a care.
"I am no one's pawn. Mrs. Dunst has indeed shown me exceptional favor, but I have no intention of using her to betray my master or to collude in anything that would harm the family."
Jerome didn't entirely trust that, but at least he was relieved to know that Michael wasn't Louis Dunst's puppet.
“Actually, Michael is now with Lady Leticia. I made that arrangement because I thought it would be better for him to guard Madame while he was in Vintegar.”
He didn't say that because he was afraid of offending Kyle. In some ways, Michael also had a hard time understanding. Rather than taking care of his half-brother and his wife and acting like a breadwinner, it would be better to receive a large amount of independence money and live without any contact with the Duke's family.
The master was a cold and ruthless man. He could be ruthless to the point of being scary. But he was not mean. He would gladly give Michael more money than he wanted.
The dislike and wariness that the young master currently harbors toward Michael is not because Michael is an illegitimate child of the family, but because of his past relationship with Angie Ridsdel. The basis of controlling the emotions of the young master, Kyle, is not his sense of superiority or sense of restraint as an heir, but his absolute possessiveness and monopolization toward his woman.
“Pretend Michael Randleman is out of the palace, but keep someone attached to him. Allen Hardy, the oldest of the Shadows, would be a good choice.”
“Yes? But...”
“Keep that in mind while you’re in Vintergar. This is an emergency situation where you can’t trust anyone.”
“Yes, I understand. If there is anything suspicious, I will take action to report it immediately.”
Jerome answered immediately. He seemed to understand the young master's mind, but he understood that he still did not trust Michael. Of course, it was not unreasonable, since he could not fully trust him yet.
“I heard that His Majesty King Vintergar has invited you alone to a private dinner... Is that alright?”
“I guess they want to discuss it just in case. They also seem uneasy. I’ll get ready first, so you can go out.”
Just as Jerome was about to turn around and bow his head, Kyle's body tilted forward and he fell over. He felt a cold pain in his heart. He unconsciously grabbed his chest and put one knee on the carpet.
“Your Highness! Are you okay? I will call the doctor!”
Kyle shook his head, groaning through his clenched teeth.
“I just felt a little dizzy. I guess I’m just tired from not being able to sleep last night. Don’t worry, it’ll get better with rest.”
Jerome, who was about to pull the rope, hesitated. The young master had always hated seeing a doctor. Perhaps because he had always suffered from medication and treatment since childhood, he rarely sought treatment until he felt like he was going to pass out or was about to faint.
“You can go out, Jerome.”
Kyle straightened his back and let out a low sigh. Only then did his confidant reluctantly leave the room again. As soon as the door closed, Kyle’s back buckled again. He barely managed to hold on to his upper body, which was about to collapse, as both hands pressed hard against the carpet.
A cough that had been suppressed until Jerome left burst out. Other red dots were scattered on the red swirl-patterned carpet. It felt like an invisible hand was piercing his chest and squeezing his heart.
Kyle gritted his teeth and endured the pain while panting. The dull pain made his vision turn white and seemed to seep into his spinal cord. He barely managed to get up and leaned against the wall. When he pressed the hand that had been covering his mouth against the tapestry, a dark red stain was imprinted on it like a seal.
The frequency of the attacks had changed from months to weeks, to now every two weeks. He had never vomited blood in a public setting where he was not nervous. It was a blessing in disguise. However, he could not delay treatment indefinitely.
I have to hold on. For the next two weeks... at least until I can find Angie and return to Trieste.
The disappearance of Rainier VIII also came to mind and then disappeared. A strange premonition came over him. An indescribable, ominous, and eerie thrill ran down his spine.
If that premonition is true, this is where Rainier VIII's fate will end. And isn't Grand Duke Winston behind the curtain? If everything goes as predicted, Trieste will be in for a huge turmoil.
Kyle straightened the brooch on his jacket lapel. The pure white eagle, the symbol of the Blackwell family, was flying with its wings spread wide.
No one could refute that opinion. Inviting the enemy leader to a reconciliation banquet and murdering him was an atrocity that occurred only in the ancient struggles of pagan power. Trieste and Vintergar were not enemies and had never faced each other in war.
“Therefore, we will keep this matter a secret in Trieste for the time being, but we also ask you to remain in self-restraint for the time being. As it is for your own safety, please refrain from going outside the palace, and always bring a guard with you even within the palace. I will see you again at the dinner.”
Everyone left the hall without a word at the arrogant order of the guests. Even the nobles who were not usually friendly to the Blackwells looked very scared that they would be the next target. They all followed the Duke's orders without question as if the young Duke were the King's representative. Their fear of death was more important than their pride.
When Kyle was left alone with Jerome, he took off his mask and showed his anxiety. On top of searching for Angie, he was now worried about the Emperor's sudden disappearance, and his head was about to explode.
“Grand Duke Winston is suspicious. It is not known because it is an unofficial schedule, but His Majesty planned to meet the King and Queen as soon as the parade and festivities were over. He wanted to give them strength for the abolition of the monarchy in Trieste and for a national election next month.”
“So... that’s what you decided in the end.”
Rainier VIII was determined to protect himself. He wanted to spend the rest of his life enjoying life as a free man, free from the anxiety of being assassinated by his relatives or executed by his people.
In fact, he had lived a rather miserable life even now that he was over forty. He was only revered as the Emperor of a country on the surface, but even after the death of his Empress, he was afraid that he would be murdered by his bride's family, so he did not remarry and lived in extreme suspicion and anxiety.
He even showed no interest in the Eternity ritual. It seemed that Rainier VIII's attachment to life was not focused on immortality that would allow him to enjoy absolute power forever, but rather on living each day without worry and having fun.
“The timing is very strange. Why did he suddenly disappear today, the day after he made that decision? His Majesty said he would not tell anyone in the Privy Council about his decision, but I can’t guarantee that. Looking at the current situation, it seems like someone dragged him out of the secret room and hid him somewhere. They quickly tried to stop him before the royal family of Vintgar heard of his intentions.”
Jerome nodded with a serious expression at his words. It was as the Duke said. If that were the case, then there was a spy of Grand Duke Winston among the delegation brought from Trieste, but he had no idea who it was. Since the list of delegations included only those who were close to the Duke of Blackwell, everyone was excluded from suspicion, but at the same time, they were also suspected.
“First, let’s do our utmost to search for His Majesty, and then as for Angie... Let’s proceed with that.”
“Understood, Master. I know Madam is also anxious, so I will reassure you and pay the utmost attention to security.”
Kyle didn't respond as if he was telling him to do whatever he wanted but then called his confidant back. Something seemed to be coming to mind in his eyes.
“Is he still here?”
“If you are referring to Michael... Yes. He is in the palace. It is the job of the Shadow Guard to protect the Duke and his wife without being noticed as much as possible.”
“I’ve never felt his presence before. Unlike the other four. That’s why I asked.”
Kyle's eyes sharpened. It was Jerome who recruited Michael into the Shadow Guard with his approval. Jerome was also reluctant to accept Michael as the illegitimate son at first, but he could not help but acknowledge his abilities.
Michael was excellent with both swords and guns and had an outstanding talent as a soldier. He did not have the natural agility of Master Kyle, but his ability was such that it would be a shame if he were not used as a bodyguard. John Fitzroy and Edward were both excellent warriors during their lifetimes, and it would not be an exaggeration to say that their genes were passed down equally to both sons.
Jerome didn't tell the young master, but one of the reasons he recruited him into the guard was that Michael had removed the stray from Louis Dunst that had been attached to him like a leech about a year ago. At that time, Michael had told Jerome about Mrs. Dunst's spy, so he was able to send the spy to the border in time. At that time, Michael had said it without a care.
"I am no one's pawn. Mrs. Dunst has indeed shown me exceptional favor, but I have no intention of using her to betray my master or to collude in anything that would harm the family."
Jerome didn't entirely trust that, but at least he was relieved to know that Michael wasn't Louis Dunst's puppet.
“Actually, Michael is now with Lady Leticia. I made that arrangement because I thought it would be better for him to guard Madame while he was in Vintegar.”
He didn't say that because he was afraid of offending Kyle. In some ways, Michael also had a hard time understanding. Rather than taking care of his half-brother and his wife and acting like a breadwinner, it would be better to receive a large amount of independence money and live without any contact with the Duke's family.
The master was a cold and ruthless man. He could be ruthless to the point of being scary. But he was not mean. He would gladly give Michael more money than he wanted.
The dislike and wariness that the young master currently harbors toward Michael is not because Michael is an illegitimate child of the family, but because of his past relationship with Angie Ridsdel. The basis of controlling the emotions of the young master, Kyle, is not his sense of superiority or sense of restraint as an heir, but his absolute possessiveness and monopolization toward his woman.
“Pretend Michael Randleman is out of the palace, but keep someone attached to him. Allen Hardy, the oldest of the Shadows, would be a good choice.”
“Yes? But...”
“Keep that in mind while you’re in Vintergar. This is an emergency situation where you can’t trust anyone.”
“Yes, I understand. If there is anything suspicious, I will take action to report it immediately.”
Jerome answered immediately. He seemed to understand the young master's mind, but he understood that he still did not trust Michael. Of course, it was not unreasonable, since he could not fully trust him yet.
“I heard that His Majesty King Vintergar has invited you alone to a private dinner... Is that alright?”
“I guess they want to discuss it just in case. They also seem uneasy. I’ll get ready first, so you can go out.”
Just as Jerome was about to turn around and bow his head, Kyle's body tilted forward and he fell over. He felt a cold pain in his heart. He unconsciously grabbed his chest and put one knee on the carpet.
“Your Highness! Are you okay? I will call the doctor!”
Kyle shook his head, groaning through his clenched teeth.
“I just felt a little dizzy. I guess I’m just tired from not being able to sleep last night. Don’t worry, it’ll get better with rest.”
Jerome, who was about to pull the rope, hesitated. The young master had always hated seeing a doctor. Perhaps because he had always suffered from medication and treatment since childhood, he rarely sought treatment until he felt like he was going to pass out or was about to faint.
“You can go out, Jerome.”
Kyle straightened his back and let out a low sigh. Only then did his confidant reluctantly leave the room again. As soon as the door closed, Kyle’s back buckled again. He barely managed to hold on to his upper body, which was about to collapse, as both hands pressed hard against the carpet.
A cough that had been suppressed until Jerome left burst out. Other red dots were scattered on the red swirl-patterned carpet. It felt like an invisible hand was piercing his chest and squeezing his heart.
Kyle gritted his teeth and endured the pain while panting. The dull pain made his vision turn white and seemed to seep into his spinal cord. He barely managed to get up and leaned against the wall. When he pressed the hand that had been covering his mouth against the tapestry, a dark red stain was imprinted on it like a seal.
The frequency of the attacks had changed from months to weeks, to now every two weeks. He had never vomited blood in a public setting where he was not nervous. It was a blessing in disguise. However, he could not delay treatment indefinitely.
I have to hold on. For the next two weeks... at least until I can find Angie and return to Trieste.
The disappearance of Rainier VIII also came to mind and then disappeared. A strange premonition came over him. An indescribable, ominous, and eerie thrill ran down his spine.
If that premonition is true, this is where Rainier VIII's fate will end. And isn't Grand Duke Winston behind the curtain? If everything goes as predicted, Trieste will be in for a huge turmoil.
Kyle straightened the brooch on his jacket lapel. The pure white eagle, the symbol of the Blackwell family, was flying with its wings spread wide.
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