The death of the Emperor caused a cataclysm, and Targayel leapt headlong into the tumultuous waters.
Amid the relentless rage, Shan was doing everything he could to protect Targayel and Elze. It was for Elze's sake that he decided to meet with Blahar, whom he hated even to see a single hair.
He felt bad when he heard that Blahar had been acting stiff, but then immediately accepted the meeting when Elze said she was coming.
As expected, Blahar started to slap Elze like a horny dog the moment he saw her. Shan had to work hard to keep himself from wanting to punch Blahar in the face right away.
If it were up to him, Shan would have killed Blahar and all. He wanted to throw away all these complicated political fights and run away with Elze. If he could hide deep in the mountains and live alone with Elze, that would be the happiest life.
But that was an extremely selfish thought. Unlike Shan, who only needed Elze, Elze needed other things.
She loved Targayel. She loved her only blood relative, Astin. She considered the Elijahs as family. She loved her friends, her subordinates.
There were times when he would resent her. It was because he was dissatisfied that he couldn't completely occupy her heart. However, it was only occasionally, and most of the time, Shan thought positively.
If Elze had not loved Targayel, she would have simply abandoned her family, which was already on the verge of collapse. She would probably have wandered the continent alone, living as a mercenary.
But she was determined to protect her family and entered into a political marriage with Shan. It was her love for Targayel that kept her bond with Shan from breaking up. So he thought it was only right to repay her by protecting Targayel, and he acted accordingly...
“What are you going to give me? Will you give me Elze?”
It was inevitable that he would get angry whenever this situation arose. Shan’s mouth naturally twisted when he heard Blahar’s words. Since the other party was Blahar, he had not expected a normal meeting.
But at least he should have said something. Blahar, who was smiling brightly, said it as a joke, but everyone here knew that he was serious. Maybe that was why Shan spoke a little harshly.
The meeting was finally settled after the threat of surrender to the Heglatan royal family was mentioned. As soon as the conversation was over, Shan ran out of the barracks with Elze. He did not want to leave her in the same space as Blahar, even for a moment.
Coming outside, he felt much better, and his breathing became clearer. As soon as he got outside, Elze started to whisper in horror.
It was nice to hear her surprised voice as she thought that he was sincere in saying that he would leave Duke Seraph alone. It was also nice to see her eyes widen like a rabbit's when he told her that it was a lie.
Shan whispered in Elze's ear. For such a beautiful wife, he can do it over and over again. Shan repeated his vow to tear the Duke Seraph's limbs apart in front of her.
“You can do all you want to me, hurt me, and I will love you even for that.”
Those were words filled with sincerity. If only he could just stay by Elze's side...
There were times when he felt anxious. There were many nights when he couldn't sleep because he was worried about what would happen if Elze left him.
Elze loves Shan. But there were always beasts swarming around her. They were strong, always trying to sneak in at any moment. And they wanted to take Elze by any means necessary.
There was no coexistence. In the fierce, bloody battle over who would take over or who would be taken away, Shan had protected Elze so far. But he knew. In the end, they were no different from Shan. There was only one difference between them and Shan.
Shan was chosen by Elze.
Funny enough, Shan has been thinking lately that it's a good thing he's the demon of the millennium.
Because he was a demon, he had a connection with Elze, the savior. If it weren't for that connection, maybe Shan would have been in the position of Duke Seraph or Prince Blahar. And the position next to Elze would have been taken by someone else.
Just imagining it made his blood boil. It was absolutely unacceptable. He would never let her be taken away. Shan was trying his hardest to protect Elze. Looking into her clear blue eyes, Shan slowly grabbed the back of her hand and pulled it away.
“So, even if someone like Blahar shakes you, don’t fall for it...”
He placed his lips on the white back of her hand as if he were branding it. Then he whispered with the most attractive face he could make and the most seductive voice he could.
“Just stay by my side, Elze.”
Any reason is fine. Whether it's his heart, his body, his power, his wealth... whatever it is, he will throw everything he has and bind her heart to him.
Shan looked at Elze, whispering in his heart the words he couldn't bring himself to say. Elze's eyes slightly clouded as he met hers. She nodded slowly.
Shan, who had received what he wanted, smiled broadly and took his lips off the back of her hand. As Shan’s lips parted, Elxe seemed to have come to her senses belatedly. She quickly looked around.
“...”
But everything had already been done. The knights waiting near the barracks, whether Targayel or Heglatan, were all looking this way with their mouths wide open.
“Uh...You, in a place like this....”
As Elze scolded Shan with her face red as if she was going to burst, a round of applause was heard from behind her.
“Hey...”
The one who was the subject of the applause was Blahar. He came out of the barracks, crossed his arms, and sneered.
“This is just a blatant love game. How can I live like this alone?”
Shan responded generously to Blahar's grumbling.
“Aren’t we a married couple? This is nothing, it’s not even a love game.”
“...”
Blahar made a face as if he had chewed something at Shan's words. Shan put his arm around Elze's waist as if he was trying to show him more and pulled her to the side. Blahar said with a serious expression.
“Play lots of love games. They won’t last long.”
Blahar continued to curse, saying that once he became Emperor, it would only be a matter of time before he could take Elze away. Shan listened to him with a relaxed expression.
It won't last long, it will last a lifetime. It will never be taken away. So Shan could easily let go of that level of jealousy-filled curse. Of course, he would say a word or two.
“Work hard, Prince.”
At the Prince's voice, Blahar finally lost his temper and became enraged.
“Serev!! Bring the Flamberge right now!!”
Serev sweat profusely as he tried to stop him from shouting at him to bring him the Flamberge, saying that he would kill Shan. And in front of such a Blahar, Shan smiled like a winner.
The Emperor's death was a foregone conclusion. The Emperor, who had been bedridden for a long time, was nothing more than a shell in name only. So far, Crown Prince Raymond has been handling various affairs on behalf of the Emperor. It was Crown Prince Raymond who fought the Hundred Years' War.
And now, Raymond had received all the powers of the Emperor. As it was the tradition of the Baluars to hold the coronation ceremony a year after the death of the previous Emperor, he was not yet called His Majesty the Emperor. However, it was only a title.
Now the Emperor of Baluar was Raymond Montes Baluar.
As the new Emperor, he had a mountain of work to do, but Raymond stayed in his study and did not move. Burying himself on the small single sofa in the study, Raymond muttered in agony.
"Father..."
As the Crown Prince, he thought it was nothing special to do the Emperor's work.
But when he actually ascended to the throne as the true Emperor and became the first person in the empire, the Emperor and the Crown Prince were very different.
There was no one left to take responsibility for Raymond's decisions anymore. In the past, even if he had made a slightly wrong judgment, it would have been a momentary mistake by the dignified Crown Prince who was taking over for the sick Emperor.
But not now. Now everything depended on Raymond. Every word, every gesture, had a heavy meaning. The burden Raymond had to bear was so enormous that it seemed endless.
Raymond tilted the bottle he was holding. He tried to pour it into a glass, but his hands were shaking, and he couldn't do it properly.
In the end, Raymond threw down the glass and drank the entire bottle. He couldn't bear the pressure unless he drank. When he was locked in the dark study and drank several bottles by himself, he heard a voice in the darkness.
"Your majesty."
Raymond shouted harshly.
“Who are you? I told you not to let anyone in.”
But, seeing the man's figure through the dim candlelight, Raymond put down the bottle of alcohol he was holding.
“Duke Seraph...”
Duke Seraph smiled faintly at Raymond's call. His smile was eerily beautiful even in the dim light. But for some reason, a chill came over him, and Raymond slid his arm down.
Duke Seraph approached Raymond quietly. He whispered calmly.
“At times like these, you must be determined.”
Raymond nodded heavily at the words of Duke Seraph. Then, while roughly adjusting his attire, he offered him the seat opposite him. Duke Seraph sat down without hesitation. Suddenly, it occurred to him that his white gloves were particularly noticeable today. Raymond shook off the useless thoughts and asked him a question.
“How are the funeral preparations going?”
The entire funeral preparations for the late Emperor were left to Duke Seraph. As expected of Duke Seraph, who had an obsession with perfection, his work was always neat and tidy. As expected, Duke Seraph answered confidently.
“Everything is going perfectly. But...”
He lowered his eyes slightly. Then he spoke in a slightly lower voice.
“Targayel will surely make a move. It would be a disgrace to the path the late Emperor is taking by instigating a funeral.”
“...”
Targayel... The name stuck in his throat like a fishbone. Raymond coughed for no reason. Duke Seraph, who saw Raymond’s eyes waver, spoke as if he was trying to console him.
“Don’t worry, Your Majesty. I will take care of everything. Your Majesty, just relax and focus on state affairs.”
His voice was full of trust and confidence. The comfort it offered to the weary Raymond was sweet. Raymond couldn't suppress the urge to lean on it.
“I only trust you.”
At Raymond's words, Duke Seraph laughed quietly.
“After the funeral, Your Majesty will become a true Emperor without any obstacles...”
He whispered with an angelic face.
“Only then will the perfect Baluar Empire be born.”
An official document was sent down from the palace. It was a document informing of the late Emperor's death and requesting that Count and Lady Targayel attend the funeral.
Elze and Shan had already prepared to leave before the official document arrived. They had already sent letters to all the places they needed to contact before the official document arrived.
Marle, who remained in the capital, had already made all preparations perfectly. Duke Wade also had a secret meeting with the nobles. Catinson had solidified his power in the Imperial Knights.
Outside the capital, they were preparing for battle in case of an emergency. They had firmly established ties with Demis, the caretaker of Hemov, Elze's territory, and Hayden, who would now become Count Mapel. The territory they ruled was a support for Targayel in case of an unexpected final situation.
The last to receive a definitive answer were the Kingdom of Britain and the Kingdom of Ryeo, who promised to cooperate with Targayel.
In all this preparation, Targayel never mentioned the word treason. But the ominous atmosphere made most people suspect that something was about to happen. With many minds spinning, Targayel set out for the capital.
Targayel's vassals were divided into three groups and followed the Count and his wife. They had to move secretly, as they would be punished if their movements were revealed to the outside world.
Only a few knights and Ilwooz moved with Elze and Shan. Hayden made it seem as if Targayel's vassals were still staying in the Mapel County.
And a week before the funeral, Elze and Shan arrived at the Targayel mansion in the capital. Shan was beside Elze, holding her hand tightly. Elze held his hand, looked out at the gray brick mansion, and called out her name softly.
“Targayel...”
It was their return only a few months after being banished to the border. Marle came out to greet Elze and Shan, who had gotten out of the carriage, at the front door. He spoke with a big smile on his face.
“Welcome. We’ve been waiting for you.”
Marle, who was meeting the master and master couple for the first time in a long while, was so happy that he didn't know what to do. He was anxious to take care of them and talk to them.
Before the meeting with Marle, they took a short break. Shan talked to Marle to receive and organize the reports of what had happened, and Elze, who was tired, relaxed in the bath. As she soaked in the hot water, she felt like all the fatigue from the frantic climb up from the border was completely gone.
“Phew...”
Elze exhaled hot air in the steamy bathroom. She rubbed her fingers against the marble bathtub, lost in thought. There was something she hadn't told Shan. There was a conversation he had told Elze without Shan's knowledge when he had met with Blahar at the border.
"Elze."
While Shan spoke briefly with Serev, Blahar whispered to Elze.
"Just in case. If something really dangerous happens, stick to Duke Seraph. He won't kill you."
At Blahar's words, Elze muttered with a hollow laugh.
"I think it would be better to die..."
But Blahar did not laugh at Elze's words. He said with a hardened expression.
"I'm not joking."
There was not a trace of mischief in his red eyes.
"If you stay there, I'll come rescue you. Even if you don't like it, just stay still.'
"..."
Elze didn't answer him. But looking into Elze's eyes, Blahar seemed to have guessed what kind of answer he would get. Blahar smiled bitterly and muttered.
"So you're saying there's no need to save it?"
He lowered his eyes slightly, his golden eyelashes fluttering slightly.
"I don't want to send you, actually. But you're going, right? Targayel is there, and Shan Cirxus is there."
Blahar looked really sad. He was genuinely depressed. He looked at Elze and spoke softly.
"Someday, I will make your eyes look at me."
Blahar was mysterious. He was similar to Duke Seraph but different. He was equally crazy, but unlike Duke Seraph, who was unpredictable, he was honest and reckless. He revealed his desires as they were, and he shined brilliantly.
He was hot and burning hot when he was hot, but once the result was decided, he was clean and had no aftertaste. She wanted to hate him to the point of killing him, but when she saw his actions, the steam went out. He had the charm to attract people, and he was definitely the material of an Emperor. Elze muttered while splashing water with her hands.
“... I crossed a river from which I cannot return.”
Thinking back to the time when she got stabbed in the back of the head by Blahar, her head still feels cold. If she received his affection twice, she would lose her body.
Even if the rebellion succeeds and the Targayel Empire is established, the matter of Heglatan remains. Blahar was a formidable opponent.
Elze, who had been lost in thought, looking far ahead, got up from the bathtub. It was not the time to be so leisurely. It seemed like she needed to move around diligently.
Elze, who had finished bathing early, was dressed up by the maids. It was awkward to be served after such a long time. As she was quietly leaving herself to them, the head maid quietly approached her and spoke.
“Madam, a letter arrived a week before your arrival. It is Master Harbin.”
“Master Harbin?”
“I heard that the sword you entrusted to him has been completed. We went to get it, but he said he would only give it to you, so we had no choice but to tell you.”
Elze had commissioned Master Harbin to make Tarkun's two-handed sword. He had estimated a year ahead of time, but it was completed faster than she had expected. It may have been a little faster because it wasn't two swords like the rapier and the mangosh. Elze informed the head maid of the schedule.
“I’ll go myself. I’ll go tomorrow.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
The Elijahs were moving secretly with Targayel's vassals. They, too, would enter the capital in two or three days. However, they were not allowed into the mansion and had to hide somewhere else.
Elze thought she should take the sword herself and give it to Tarkun. It would be perfect if she could give it to Tarkun when he entered the capital.
The next day, Elze dressed simply and appeared at the Place de la Manueline, accompanied only by a few escorts.
Shan wanted to come out too, but he couldn't because he had so much work to do. As soon as he returned to the capital, he spent the whole day looking at documents and meeting nobles. Elze also had a lot to do. She had to quickly take her sword and go back to the mansion to work.
It had been a long time since she had been to Manuap Square. The lion statue wearing a crown in the middle of the square was still the same. And Master Harbin’s weapon shop had not changed at all. After the Hundred Years’ War, when she returned to the capital, she had first met Shan here. She felt good seeing the memories that had remained intact. Elze smiled brightly and entered the weapon shop.
“Master Harbin!”
“Oh, you’re here! I’ve been waiting for you, ma’am.”
A short, old man greeted her at the counter with a smile. Elze smiled faintly at the title of madam. Most things remained the same, but some things had changed. The relationship between Habin and Elze was one of the few things that had changed.
“I came to get the two-handed sword, Harbin.”
Harbin chuckled at Elze's affectionate words.
“I’ve been waiting for you. This is truly a masterpiece! Of course, it’s not as good as the rapier and mangosh I made for you.”
Harbin went into the blacksmith shop at the back of the store, saying he would get a sword. The two-handed sword was so big that it seemed to have been left in the blacksmith shop.
While he went to get the sword, Elze took a good look around the shop. Just looking at the shiny swords brought peace to her mind.
Elze was looking at the longsword when the bell on the door rang. Thinking that it was a guest, Elze turned around without thinking but froze in place.
Clear blue-gray eyes looked at Elze. He, dressed in a shiny gray coat, called her name softly.
“Erzenes.”
Elze answered him slowly.
"...Your Excellency the Duke of Seraph.”
It was Duke Seraph. How did he come here? Of course, he knew that Targayel had come to the capital, but she didn't think he would know her personal schedule. Elze showed her displeasure at the unexpected meeting.
“Are you following me?”
“I just came to buy a sword.”
“That’s something even a child wouldn’t believe.”
Duke Seraph held his breath at the cold response. He whispered in a beautiful voice.
“Actually, I came here because I have something to tell you.”
“I don’t want to hear it.”
Even as Elze turned away coldly, Duke Seraph did not stop talking.
“I came here to persuade you one last time. Please stop what you are thinking. Why are you choosing the hard way and making unnecessary sacrifices?”
“That’s ridiculous,” Elze said to him with a dumbfounded laugh.
“It is truly ridiculous to hear Your Excellency worrying about sacrifice.”
Elze was about to shoot at Seraph more.
"Uh..."
Master Harbin, who had briefly gone to the back to get a sword, looked around, mumbling. He was at a loss, holding a two-handed sword in his hand, at the sight of a strange guest.
The atmosphere between Elze and the customer seemed too awkward to greet, but it was also too precious to pretend not to know, so Elze was at a loss as to what to do. She just turned around and left the store.
“Master Harbin, I’ll come back next time.”
But as soon as he left the store, Duke Seraph immediately chased after Elze. He grabbed Elze's arm.
“Countess.”
As Elze tried to throw his arm away, the Duke called out her name again with great force.
“Erzenes... !”
At the same time, a group of men appeared in the alleyway. They formed a circle around Elze and Duke Seraph. Judging from the swords on their waists and their demeanor, they were knights in plain clothes. Elze was shocked and shouted at Duke Seraph.
“Are you thinking of kidnapping me right now? In broad daylight?”
Duke Seraph narrowed his eyes. He spoke quietly, lowering his voice.
“I just want to talk in a quiet place. Please give me a moment.”
“Take someone away when shr don’t want to, that’s kidnapping!!”
At Elze's shout, Duke Seraph's eyes turned cold. He answered in a dry voice.
“Then I would call it kidnapping.”
“...!”
This crazy... ! Elze barely managed to hold back her swear words. It seemed like words wouldn’t be enough. It was at that moment when she thought she should show off her skills. The clattering sound of horse hooves leisurely echoed through the alley. A low voice could be heard.
“As expected.”
A black steed entered the alleyway slowly. Elze was startled when she saw the man riding on the horse.
“Shan? How did you get here...”
He should be having lunch with other noblemen by now, chatting and drinking with them. When Elze called out in surprise, Shan smiled crookedly and said,
“I heard that a rat was following you, so I came running. You’ll be acting up as soon as you get back to the capital.”
As soon as the person who had been attached to Elze reported the appearance of Duke Seraph, Shan put everything aside and came running.
Duke Seraph looked at Shan expressionlessly. He seemed very offended that his conversation with Elze had been interrupted. However, Shan was also offended. Shan glared at Duke Seraph and asked.
“Is this your last struggle, Your Excellency the Duke of Seraph?”
With a slurp, Shan pulled out the longsword he had on his waist. He then aimed the sword straight at Duke Seraph from his horse.
The knights in plain clothes all drew their swords. However, Shan paid no attention to it. Instead, he just twisted his mouth and spoke.
“If you wish, we can settle this here.”
A cold air flowed. The two men looked at each other with murderous eyes.
Within, Duke Seraph smiled slowly. The smile spreading across his lips was beautiful as always. With his sculptural features in perfect symmetry, he looked up at Shan and spoke politely.
“First of all, how about you get off your horse, Count?”
Shan dismounted obediently, still holding his longsword in his hand. The knights drew their swords closer to Shan. Shan flicked the tip of his sword in front of them, who were tense.
It was truly pitiful, the moment Shan's sword moved a little, the knights of Seraph all flinched. They had already been completely suppressed by the momentum. They didn't even realize that they flinched, and when they realized it later, their faces hardened. Shan giggled at that sight and said.
“Your Excellency, is it okay for you to waste your soldiers like this?”
And then he narrowed his eyes, smiled, and whispered.
“What are you going to do if I kill them all?”
In front of Shan, who was filled with a dangerous aura, only Duke Seraph and Elze were unharmed. Duke Seraph took a step forward and spoke to Shan.
“You are so arrogant.”
Shan fired back straight away.
“Your Excellency, you too were arrogant.”
Shan looked around at the knights. Then he clicked his tongue with a laughable expression and said,
“You tried to kidnap my wife with just this much... You must know that she is Elijah’s Elze.”
Shan said, walking slowly towards the Duke.
“Anyway, please step aside. How vain it would be if our settlement were to be made in a back alley like this.”
There was not a single hint in Shan's words that he might lose. It was just an attitude of being lenient for the sake of Duke Seraph. Duke Seraph, who had been quietly watching his attitude that was beyond confidence and even arrogant, opened his mouth.
“I have no business with the Count. I just wanted to have a quick chat with the lady.”
“Erzenes does not wish to speak to Your Excellency.”
Shan looked at Elze pitifully as if he didn't know that.
“Don’t harass married women.”
“...”
It seemed that the word married woman was surprisingly fatal. Duke Seraph's poker face, which he had barely maintained, crumbled.
Duke Seraph bit his lower lip hard. His red lips curled beneath his straight teeth, and a crunching sound was heard. He glared at Shan with a murderous look in his eyes, then turned around roughly.
The knights who had been standing awkwardly looked at the Duke in surprise. They all looked visibly embarrassed. They had always seen him smiling calmly, so this was the first time they had seen him react so emotionally.
But Duke Seraph had no time to worry about such things now. He spoke in a very low and rough voice.
“Stay back.”
“Ha, but Your Excellency...”
A creaking sound of something falling was heard in front of the hesitating knights.
“!!”
The knights all opened their eyes. Shan threw the longsword he was holding onto the floor. Shan shrugged and spoke to the knights who were looking at him.
“You may take the sword if you wish.”
“...”
The knights hesitated and then took Shan's sword. Then they retreated to a place out of sight. As soon as they confirmed that the surroundings were empty, Duke Seraph spoke fiercely.
“It seems you are very proud of your marriage to Erzenes.”
He spoke to Shan with sparkling eyes.
“As if you could have been anything and had her.”
And Shan didn't miss Duke Seraph's words.
“What do you mean by that now?”
Duke Seraph said briefly with a loud laugh.
“Even if you pretend to be innocent and hide your claws, your dark intentions are the same.”
As Shan flicked his sword, Duke Seraph flicked his chin.
“I don’t really want to be tied down with you... Aren’t you also a seed just like me?”
“...”
“There is only one difference: she is by your side.”
Duke Seraph spoke as if driving a wedge in front of the silent Shan.
“Don’t be proud that you just happened to be lucky enough to have a title husband.”
He took a deep breath and slowly spoke, chewing each word.
“If it weren’t for you... I would have been by Erzenes’s side.”
Shan's eyes sank deep into the depths. A mature look of life appeared above the darkened purple eyes.
But Shan couldn't refute. Normally, Shan would have taunted Duke Seraph to the point of death, but now, he kept his mouth shut. Elze blinked. It was the first time she had seen him look so insecure.
As Shan was left speechless, a triumphant look crossed the face of Duke Seraph. The Duke was about to poke Shan’s wounds and trample them. Elze, who had been observing the fight between the two men, spoke for the first time.
“You are wrong.”
Elze's voice echoed clearly in the quiet alley. Shan and Duke Seraph looked back at Elze.
“You are completely wrong. My husband is nothing like Your Excellency."
Elze's words were directed at Duke Seraph, but her gaze did not leave Shan. Shan's eyes trembled slightly as they met. Elze looked at Shan for a while, then turned her gaze to Duke Seraph.
“And I think you’re mistaken. We didn’t have to become a couple.”
Elze stated in a soft but firm voice.
“It was my choice to accept the political marriage.”
"...Then."
Duke Seraph asked slowly.
“Are you saying that if it weren’t for Shan Cirxus, you wouldn’t have accepted the political marriage?”
“Of course. If it were someone like Your Excellency, I would have kicked the marriage out long ago.”
The answer, without hesitation, was like a sharp blade. The words that pierced his heart were so sharp that Duke Seraph closed his eyes. He slowly sighed and opened his eyes again. And then he spoke in a hazy voice.
“I think that way sometimes.”
Duke Seraph's hand moved. He slowly took off the gloves he was wearing. The white leather gloves came off, revealing long, white fingers.
“If it had been me instead of Shan Cirxus... you would have fallen in love with me.”
His hands exposed to the sun were foreign, as it was extremely rare to see his bare hands, as he suffered from obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Duke Seraph treated everything in the world as filth. He used to live in a glass castle, but not like now. He revealed his true self that he had hidden deep inside.
Only for Elze.
“We would have been a good couple. I would have given everything to you, Erzenes.”
Duke Seraph slowly extended his hand.
“Why... did it turn out like this?”
His hand lightly touched the back of Elze's hand. The sensation of his fingertips grazing her was cool. Elze quickly pulled her hand back. Duke Seraph laughed at Elze's avoidance of contact. He said with a bitter smile.
“I guess it’s too late now.”
Duke Seraph let out a small sigh and put his gloves back on. He then shook out the wrinkled hem of his coat and straightened it.
There was no trace of his broken appearance. He returned to being a perfect and beautiful doll again and smiled brightly.
“Then let me change the question.”
Duke Seraph called Shan's name.
“Shan Cirxus.”
And asked a question.
“If you were in my place, wouldn’t you have acted like me? Wouldn’t you have been obsessed with her and been clingy?”
Shan smiled crookedly and answered without hesitation.
“I would have just given up and wished her happiness. Isn’t that love?”
But as soon as he heard Shan's answer, Duke Seraph burst into laughter. He said with a face that looked like it was hilarious.
“You should lie in moderation.”
Shan did not deny Duke Seraph's words. Shan smiled as if he had been caught.
“Ah. I feel like if I hear something like this, you’ll fall.”
Elze, who had been moved by Shan for a moment, thought, “That must be so.” Shan and Duke Seraph were not great men who would let Elze go so easily.
Anyway, Shan's words seemed to be the answer that Duke Seraph wanted. Duke Seraph smiled and said.
“I feel a little better now. That’s the end of our conversation.”
He whispered, gently running his finger down the corner of his mouth.
“Now... all that remains is to choose who will smile at the last moment.”
And with those words, he turned around. A neat voice flowed out from his neat back.
“I will see you at the funeral. Please come dressed in proper mourning attire.”
Duke Seraph paused for a moment, then muttered quietly.
“Let’s decide on that day who the mourning clothes will be for...”
He walked slowly. The Duke did not look back, as if he was carefree and without any regrets. Elze and Shan looked at him until the Duke’s back disappeared. And as soon as the Seraph Duke disappeared, Shan quickly turned to look at Elze.
“Elze.”
Elze thought Shan would ask her if she was hurt anywhere and what she had talked about with Duke Seraph. But what he said was completely different from what Elze had expected.
“Can I kiss you?”
"What?"
“Answer me quickly.”
Elze felt dizzy at Shan's urging. How on earth could things have turned out this way?
“No, right now, that is...”
As Elze was flustered and groping, Shan's eyes widened. He suddenly hugged Elze. Then, looking at Elze warmly, he whispered.
“Sorry, just let me see this once.”
The hot breath poured over his face.
“...I feel like I can’t stand it anymore.”
And then, what came next to Elze was a hot heat. Her lips, which had been cold in the early spring air, suddenly caught fire. He chewed, licked, and sucked her lips without thinking. As her waist naturally bent back, Shan’s hand held her firmly.
He pushed so hard that Elze staggered. Elze was swept away by the kiss that dug deep into her without coming to her senses. Their tongues went back and forth for a long time with a sticky sound. The kiss ended only when a tingling sensation lingered around the edge of her lower abdomen.
"Ha..."
Elze took a deep breath. Shan, not satisfied with the passionate kiss, placed several light kisses on her face.
“Elze, you know what?”
Shan said with a bright smile.
“You make my heart flutter in places I never expected.”
The cloudy and dark gaze he had when confronting Duke Seraph was nowhere to be found. He asked questions openly, his eyes shining clear as violets.
“What if my heart bursts because of you?”
“...What are you talking about?”
Despite Elze's beating, Shan shook his head and spoke.
“I really can’t imagine a world without you anymore...”
Elze couldn't figure out which part of the conversation with Duke Seraph had made his heart flutter. In any case, if Shan was happy, that was enough for her. Elze, who was in Shan's arms, smiled along with him, infected by his happiness. But on the other hand, there was a persistent thought in her head.
What on earth was Duke Seraph trying to say?
Anyway, his plan was reckless, so it would have been nothing more than the same old nonsense telling her to give up or come to him. Elze had no intention of listening to it in the first place.
While thinking that way, on the other hand, she was a little worried that she hadn't heard what he had to say. Maybe she had gotten a clue as to what Duke Seraph was up to.
However, there was no chance to meet Duke Seraph after that. And the time given to Elze and Shan was also short. Less than a week passed by quickly, and the day of the funeral arrived.
Amid the relentless rage, Shan was doing everything he could to protect Targayel and Elze. It was for Elze's sake that he decided to meet with Blahar, whom he hated even to see a single hair.
He felt bad when he heard that Blahar had been acting stiff, but then immediately accepted the meeting when Elze said she was coming.
As expected, Blahar started to slap Elze like a horny dog the moment he saw her. Shan had to work hard to keep himself from wanting to punch Blahar in the face right away.
If it were up to him, Shan would have killed Blahar and all. He wanted to throw away all these complicated political fights and run away with Elze. If he could hide deep in the mountains and live alone with Elze, that would be the happiest life.
But that was an extremely selfish thought. Unlike Shan, who only needed Elze, Elze needed other things.
She loved Targayel. She loved her only blood relative, Astin. She considered the Elijahs as family. She loved her friends, her subordinates.
There were times when he would resent her. It was because he was dissatisfied that he couldn't completely occupy her heart. However, it was only occasionally, and most of the time, Shan thought positively.
If Elze had not loved Targayel, she would have simply abandoned her family, which was already on the verge of collapse. She would probably have wandered the continent alone, living as a mercenary.
But she was determined to protect her family and entered into a political marriage with Shan. It was her love for Targayel that kept her bond with Shan from breaking up. So he thought it was only right to repay her by protecting Targayel, and he acted accordingly...
“What are you going to give me? Will you give me Elze?”
It was inevitable that he would get angry whenever this situation arose. Shan’s mouth naturally twisted when he heard Blahar’s words. Since the other party was Blahar, he had not expected a normal meeting.
But at least he should have said something. Blahar, who was smiling brightly, said it as a joke, but everyone here knew that he was serious. Maybe that was why Shan spoke a little harshly.
The meeting was finally settled after the threat of surrender to the Heglatan royal family was mentioned. As soon as the conversation was over, Shan ran out of the barracks with Elze. He did not want to leave her in the same space as Blahar, even for a moment.
Coming outside, he felt much better, and his breathing became clearer. As soon as he got outside, Elze started to whisper in horror.
It was nice to hear her surprised voice as she thought that he was sincere in saying that he would leave Duke Seraph alone. It was also nice to see her eyes widen like a rabbit's when he told her that it was a lie.
Shan whispered in Elze's ear. For such a beautiful wife, he can do it over and over again. Shan repeated his vow to tear the Duke Seraph's limbs apart in front of her.
“You can do all you want to me, hurt me, and I will love you even for that.”
Those were words filled with sincerity. If only he could just stay by Elze's side...
There were times when he felt anxious. There were many nights when he couldn't sleep because he was worried about what would happen if Elze left him.
Elze loves Shan. But there were always beasts swarming around her. They were strong, always trying to sneak in at any moment. And they wanted to take Elze by any means necessary.
There was no coexistence. In the fierce, bloody battle over who would take over or who would be taken away, Shan had protected Elze so far. But he knew. In the end, they were no different from Shan. There was only one difference between them and Shan.
Shan was chosen by Elze.
Funny enough, Shan has been thinking lately that it's a good thing he's the demon of the millennium.
Because he was a demon, he had a connection with Elze, the savior. If it weren't for that connection, maybe Shan would have been in the position of Duke Seraph or Prince Blahar. And the position next to Elze would have been taken by someone else.
Just imagining it made his blood boil. It was absolutely unacceptable. He would never let her be taken away. Shan was trying his hardest to protect Elze. Looking into her clear blue eyes, Shan slowly grabbed the back of her hand and pulled it away.
“So, even if someone like Blahar shakes you, don’t fall for it...”
He placed his lips on the white back of her hand as if he were branding it. Then he whispered with the most attractive face he could make and the most seductive voice he could.
“Just stay by my side, Elze.”
Any reason is fine. Whether it's his heart, his body, his power, his wealth... whatever it is, he will throw everything he has and bind her heart to him.
Shan looked at Elze, whispering in his heart the words he couldn't bring himself to say. Elze's eyes slightly clouded as he met hers. She nodded slowly.
Shan, who had received what he wanted, smiled broadly and took his lips off the back of her hand. As Shan’s lips parted, Elxe seemed to have come to her senses belatedly. She quickly looked around.
“...”
But everything had already been done. The knights waiting near the barracks, whether Targayel or Heglatan, were all looking this way with their mouths wide open.
“Uh...You, in a place like this....”
As Elze scolded Shan with her face red as if she was going to burst, a round of applause was heard from behind her.
“Hey...”
The one who was the subject of the applause was Blahar. He came out of the barracks, crossed his arms, and sneered.
“This is just a blatant love game. How can I live like this alone?”
Shan responded generously to Blahar's grumbling.
“Aren’t we a married couple? This is nothing, it’s not even a love game.”
“...”
Blahar made a face as if he had chewed something at Shan's words. Shan put his arm around Elze's waist as if he was trying to show him more and pulled her to the side. Blahar said with a serious expression.
“Play lots of love games. They won’t last long.”
Blahar continued to curse, saying that once he became Emperor, it would only be a matter of time before he could take Elze away. Shan listened to him with a relaxed expression.
It won't last long, it will last a lifetime. It will never be taken away. So Shan could easily let go of that level of jealousy-filled curse. Of course, he would say a word or two.
“Work hard, Prince.”
At the Prince's voice, Blahar finally lost his temper and became enraged.
“Serev!! Bring the Flamberge right now!!”
Serev sweat profusely as he tried to stop him from shouting at him to bring him the Flamberge, saying that he would kill Shan. And in front of such a Blahar, Shan smiled like a winner.
***
The Emperor's death was a foregone conclusion. The Emperor, who had been bedridden for a long time, was nothing more than a shell in name only. So far, Crown Prince Raymond has been handling various affairs on behalf of the Emperor. It was Crown Prince Raymond who fought the Hundred Years' War.
And now, Raymond had received all the powers of the Emperor. As it was the tradition of the Baluars to hold the coronation ceremony a year after the death of the previous Emperor, he was not yet called His Majesty the Emperor. However, it was only a title.
Now the Emperor of Baluar was Raymond Montes Baluar.
As the new Emperor, he had a mountain of work to do, but Raymond stayed in his study and did not move. Burying himself on the small single sofa in the study, Raymond muttered in agony.
"Father..."
As the Crown Prince, he thought it was nothing special to do the Emperor's work.
But when he actually ascended to the throne as the true Emperor and became the first person in the empire, the Emperor and the Crown Prince were very different.
There was no one left to take responsibility for Raymond's decisions anymore. In the past, even if he had made a slightly wrong judgment, it would have been a momentary mistake by the dignified Crown Prince who was taking over for the sick Emperor.
But not now. Now everything depended on Raymond. Every word, every gesture, had a heavy meaning. The burden Raymond had to bear was so enormous that it seemed endless.
Raymond tilted the bottle he was holding. He tried to pour it into a glass, but his hands were shaking, and he couldn't do it properly.
In the end, Raymond threw down the glass and drank the entire bottle. He couldn't bear the pressure unless he drank. When he was locked in the dark study and drank several bottles by himself, he heard a voice in the darkness.
"Your majesty."
Raymond shouted harshly.
“Who are you? I told you not to let anyone in.”
But, seeing the man's figure through the dim candlelight, Raymond put down the bottle of alcohol he was holding.
“Duke Seraph...”
Duke Seraph smiled faintly at Raymond's call. His smile was eerily beautiful even in the dim light. But for some reason, a chill came over him, and Raymond slid his arm down.
Duke Seraph approached Raymond quietly. He whispered calmly.
“At times like these, you must be determined.”
Raymond nodded heavily at the words of Duke Seraph. Then, while roughly adjusting his attire, he offered him the seat opposite him. Duke Seraph sat down without hesitation. Suddenly, it occurred to him that his white gloves were particularly noticeable today. Raymond shook off the useless thoughts and asked him a question.
“How are the funeral preparations going?”
The entire funeral preparations for the late Emperor were left to Duke Seraph. As expected of Duke Seraph, who had an obsession with perfection, his work was always neat and tidy. As expected, Duke Seraph answered confidently.
“Everything is going perfectly. But...”
He lowered his eyes slightly. Then he spoke in a slightly lower voice.
“Targayel will surely make a move. It would be a disgrace to the path the late Emperor is taking by instigating a funeral.”
“...”
Targayel... The name stuck in his throat like a fishbone. Raymond coughed for no reason. Duke Seraph, who saw Raymond’s eyes waver, spoke as if he was trying to console him.
“Don’t worry, Your Majesty. I will take care of everything. Your Majesty, just relax and focus on state affairs.”
His voice was full of trust and confidence. The comfort it offered to the weary Raymond was sweet. Raymond couldn't suppress the urge to lean on it.
“I only trust you.”
At Raymond's words, Duke Seraph laughed quietly.
“After the funeral, Your Majesty will become a true Emperor without any obstacles...”
He whispered with an angelic face.
“Only then will the perfect Baluar Empire be born.”
***
An official document was sent down from the palace. It was a document informing of the late Emperor's death and requesting that Count and Lady Targayel attend the funeral.
Elze and Shan had already prepared to leave before the official document arrived. They had already sent letters to all the places they needed to contact before the official document arrived.
Marle, who remained in the capital, had already made all preparations perfectly. Duke Wade also had a secret meeting with the nobles. Catinson had solidified his power in the Imperial Knights.
Outside the capital, they were preparing for battle in case of an emergency. They had firmly established ties with Demis, the caretaker of Hemov, Elze's territory, and Hayden, who would now become Count Mapel. The territory they ruled was a support for Targayel in case of an unexpected final situation.
The last to receive a definitive answer were the Kingdom of Britain and the Kingdom of Ryeo, who promised to cooperate with Targayel.
In all this preparation, Targayel never mentioned the word treason. But the ominous atmosphere made most people suspect that something was about to happen. With many minds spinning, Targayel set out for the capital.
Targayel's vassals were divided into three groups and followed the Count and his wife. They had to move secretly, as they would be punished if their movements were revealed to the outside world.
Only a few knights and Ilwooz moved with Elze and Shan. Hayden made it seem as if Targayel's vassals were still staying in the Mapel County.
And a week before the funeral, Elze and Shan arrived at the Targayel mansion in the capital. Shan was beside Elze, holding her hand tightly. Elze held his hand, looked out at the gray brick mansion, and called out her name softly.
“Targayel...”
It was their return only a few months after being banished to the border. Marle came out to greet Elze and Shan, who had gotten out of the carriage, at the front door. He spoke with a big smile on his face.
“Welcome. We’ve been waiting for you.”
Marle, who was meeting the master and master couple for the first time in a long while, was so happy that he didn't know what to do. He was anxious to take care of them and talk to them.
Before the meeting with Marle, they took a short break. Shan talked to Marle to receive and organize the reports of what had happened, and Elze, who was tired, relaxed in the bath. As she soaked in the hot water, she felt like all the fatigue from the frantic climb up from the border was completely gone.
“Phew...”
Elze exhaled hot air in the steamy bathroom. She rubbed her fingers against the marble bathtub, lost in thought. There was something she hadn't told Shan. There was a conversation he had told Elze without Shan's knowledge when he had met with Blahar at the border.
"Elze."
While Shan spoke briefly with Serev, Blahar whispered to Elze.
"Just in case. If something really dangerous happens, stick to Duke Seraph. He won't kill you."
At Blahar's words, Elze muttered with a hollow laugh.
"I think it would be better to die..."
But Blahar did not laugh at Elze's words. He said with a hardened expression.
"I'm not joking."
There was not a trace of mischief in his red eyes.
"If you stay there, I'll come rescue you. Even if you don't like it, just stay still.'
"..."
Elze didn't answer him. But looking into Elze's eyes, Blahar seemed to have guessed what kind of answer he would get. Blahar smiled bitterly and muttered.
"So you're saying there's no need to save it?"
He lowered his eyes slightly, his golden eyelashes fluttering slightly.
"I don't want to send you, actually. But you're going, right? Targayel is there, and Shan Cirxus is there."
Blahar looked really sad. He was genuinely depressed. He looked at Elze and spoke softly.
"Someday, I will make your eyes look at me."
Blahar was mysterious. He was similar to Duke Seraph but different. He was equally crazy, but unlike Duke Seraph, who was unpredictable, he was honest and reckless. He revealed his desires as they were, and he shined brilliantly.
He was hot and burning hot when he was hot, but once the result was decided, he was clean and had no aftertaste. She wanted to hate him to the point of killing him, but when she saw his actions, the steam went out. He had the charm to attract people, and he was definitely the material of an Emperor. Elze muttered while splashing water with her hands.
“... I crossed a river from which I cannot return.”
Thinking back to the time when she got stabbed in the back of the head by Blahar, her head still feels cold. If she received his affection twice, she would lose her body.
Even if the rebellion succeeds and the Targayel Empire is established, the matter of Heglatan remains. Blahar was a formidable opponent.
Elze, who had been lost in thought, looking far ahead, got up from the bathtub. It was not the time to be so leisurely. It seemed like she needed to move around diligently.
Elze, who had finished bathing early, was dressed up by the maids. It was awkward to be served after such a long time. As she was quietly leaving herself to them, the head maid quietly approached her and spoke.
“Madam, a letter arrived a week before your arrival. It is Master Harbin.”
“Master Harbin?”
“I heard that the sword you entrusted to him has been completed. We went to get it, but he said he would only give it to you, so we had no choice but to tell you.”
Elze had commissioned Master Harbin to make Tarkun's two-handed sword. He had estimated a year ahead of time, but it was completed faster than she had expected. It may have been a little faster because it wasn't two swords like the rapier and the mangosh. Elze informed the head maid of the schedule.
“I’ll go myself. I’ll go tomorrow.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
The Elijahs were moving secretly with Targayel's vassals. They, too, would enter the capital in two or three days. However, they were not allowed into the mansion and had to hide somewhere else.
Elze thought she should take the sword herself and give it to Tarkun. It would be perfect if she could give it to Tarkun when he entered the capital.
***
The next day, Elze dressed simply and appeared at the Place de la Manueline, accompanied only by a few escorts.
Shan wanted to come out too, but he couldn't because he had so much work to do. As soon as he returned to the capital, he spent the whole day looking at documents and meeting nobles. Elze also had a lot to do. She had to quickly take her sword and go back to the mansion to work.
It had been a long time since she had been to Manuap Square. The lion statue wearing a crown in the middle of the square was still the same. And Master Harbin’s weapon shop had not changed at all. After the Hundred Years’ War, when she returned to the capital, she had first met Shan here. She felt good seeing the memories that had remained intact. Elze smiled brightly and entered the weapon shop.
“Master Harbin!”
“Oh, you’re here! I’ve been waiting for you, ma’am.”
A short, old man greeted her at the counter with a smile. Elze smiled faintly at the title of madam. Most things remained the same, but some things had changed. The relationship between Habin and Elze was one of the few things that had changed.
“I came to get the two-handed sword, Harbin.”
Harbin chuckled at Elze's affectionate words.
“I’ve been waiting for you. This is truly a masterpiece! Of course, it’s not as good as the rapier and mangosh I made for you.”
Harbin went into the blacksmith shop at the back of the store, saying he would get a sword. The two-handed sword was so big that it seemed to have been left in the blacksmith shop.
While he went to get the sword, Elze took a good look around the shop. Just looking at the shiny swords brought peace to her mind.
Elze was looking at the longsword when the bell on the door rang. Thinking that it was a guest, Elze turned around without thinking but froze in place.
Clear blue-gray eyes looked at Elze. He, dressed in a shiny gray coat, called her name softly.
“Erzenes.”
Elze answered him slowly.
"...Your Excellency the Duke of Seraph.”
It was Duke Seraph. How did he come here? Of course, he knew that Targayel had come to the capital, but she didn't think he would know her personal schedule. Elze showed her displeasure at the unexpected meeting.
“Are you following me?”
“I just came to buy a sword.”
“That’s something even a child wouldn’t believe.”
Duke Seraph held his breath at the cold response. He whispered in a beautiful voice.
“Actually, I came here because I have something to tell you.”
“I don’t want to hear it.”
Even as Elze turned away coldly, Duke Seraph did not stop talking.
“I came here to persuade you one last time. Please stop what you are thinking. Why are you choosing the hard way and making unnecessary sacrifices?”
“That’s ridiculous,” Elze said to him with a dumbfounded laugh.
“It is truly ridiculous to hear Your Excellency worrying about sacrifice.”
Elze was about to shoot at Seraph more.
"Uh..."
Master Harbin, who had briefly gone to the back to get a sword, looked around, mumbling. He was at a loss, holding a two-handed sword in his hand, at the sight of a strange guest.
The atmosphere between Elze and the customer seemed too awkward to greet, but it was also too precious to pretend not to know, so Elze was at a loss as to what to do. She just turned around and left the store.
“Master Harbin, I’ll come back next time.”
But as soon as he left the store, Duke Seraph immediately chased after Elze. He grabbed Elze's arm.
“Countess.”
As Elze tried to throw his arm away, the Duke called out her name again with great force.
“Erzenes... !”
At the same time, a group of men appeared in the alleyway. They formed a circle around Elze and Duke Seraph. Judging from the swords on their waists and their demeanor, they were knights in plain clothes. Elze was shocked and shouted at Duke Seraph.
“Are you thinking of kidnapping me right now? In broad daylight?”
Duke Seraph narrowed his eyes. He spoke quietly, lowering his voice.
“I just want to talk in a quiet place. Please give me a moment.”
“Take someone away when shr don’t want to, that’s kidnapping!!”
At Elze's shout, Duke Seraph's eyes turned cold. He answered in a dry voice.
“Then I would call it kidnapping.”
“...!”
This crazy... ! Elze barely managed to hold back her swear words. It seemed like words wouldn’t be enough. It was at that moment when she thought she should show off her skills. The clattering sound of horse hooves leisurely echoed through the alley. A low voice could be heard.
“As expected.”
A black steed entered the alleyway slowly. Elze was startled when she saw the man riding on the horse.
“Shan? How did you get here...”
He should be having lunch with other noblemen by now, chatting and drinking with them. When Elze called out in surprise, Shan smiled crookedly and said,
“I heard that a rat was following you, so I came running. You’ll be acting up as soon as you get back to the capital.”
As soon as the person who had been attached to Elze reported the appearance of Duke Seraph, Shan put everything aside and came running.
Duke Seraph looked at Shan expressionlessly. He seemed very offended that his conversation with Elze had been interrupted. However, Shan was also offended. Shan glared at Duke Seraph and asked.
“Is this your last struggle, Your Excellency the Duke of Seraph?”
With a slurp, Shan pulled out the longsword he had on his waist. He then aimed the sword straight at Duke Seraph from his horse.
The knights in plain clothes all drew their swords. However, Shan paid no attention to it. Instead, he just twisted his mouth and spoke.
“If you wish, we can settle this here.”
A cold air flowed. The two men looked at each other with murderous eyes.
Within, Duke Seraph smiled slowly. The smile spreading across his lips was beautiful as always. With his sculptural features in perfect symmetry, he looked up at Shan and spoke politely.
“First of all, how about you get off your horse, Count?”
Shan dismounted obediently, still holding his longsword in his hand. The knights drew their swords closer to Shan. Shan flicked the tip of his sword in front of them, who were tense.
It was truly pitiful, the moment Shan's sword moved a little, the knights of Seraph all flinched. They had already been completely suppressed by the momentum. They didn't even realize that they flinched, and when they realized it later, their faces hardened. Shan giggled at that sight and said.
“Your Excellency, is it okay for you to waste your soldiers like this?”
And then he narrowed his eyes, smiled, and whispered.
“What are you going to do if I kill them all?”
In front of Shan, who was filled with a dangerous aura, only Duke Seraph and Elze were unharmed. Duke Seraph took a step forward and spoke to Shan.
“You are so arrogant.”
Shan fired back straight away.
“Your Excellency, you too were arrogant.”
Shan looked around at the knights. Then he clicked his tongue with a laughable expression and said,
“You tried to kidnap my wife with just this much... You must know that she is Elijah’s Elze.”
Shan said, walking slowly towards the Duke.
“Anyway, please step aside. How vain it would be if our settlement were to be made in a back alley like this.”
There was not a single hint in Shan's words that he might lose. It was just an attitude of being lenient for the sake of Duke Seraph. Duke Seraph, who had been quietly watching his attitude that was beyond confidence and even arrogant, opened his mouth.
“I have no business with the Count. I just wanted to have a quick chat with the lady.”
“Erzenes does not wish to speak to Your Excellency.”
Shan looked at Elze pitifully as if he didn't know that.
“Don’t harass married women.”
“...”
It seemed that the word married woman was surprisingly fatal. Duke Seraph's poker face, which he had barely maintained, crumbled.
Duke Seraph bit his lower lip hard. His red lips curled beneath his straight teeth, and a crunching sound was heard. He glared at Shan with a murderous look in his eyes, then turned around roughly.
The knights who had been standing awkwardly looked at the Duke in surprise. They all looked visibly embarrassed. They had always seen him smiling calmly, so this was the first time they had seen him react so emotionally.
But Duke Seraph had no time to worry about such things now. He spoke in a very low and rough voice.
“Stay back.”
“Ha, but Your Excellency...”
A creaking sound of something falling was heard in front of the hesitating knights.
“!!”
The knights all opened their eyes. Shan threw the longsword he was holding onto the floor. Shan shrugged and spoke to the knights who were looking at him.
“You may take the sword if you wish.”
“...”
The knights hesitated and then took Shan's sword. Then they retreated to a place out of sight. As soon as they confirmed that the surroundings were empty, Duke Seraph spoke fiercely.
“It seems you are very proud of your marriage to Erzenes.”
He spoke to Shan with sparkling eyes.
“As if you could have been anything and had her.”
And Shan didn't miss Duke Seraph's words.
“What do you mean by that now?”
Duke Seraph said briefly with a loud laugh.
“Even if you pretend to be innocent and hide your claws, your dark intentions are the same.”
As Shan flicked his sword, Duke Seraph flicked his chin.
“I don’t really want to be tied down with you... Aren’t you also a seed just like me?”
“...”
“There is only one difference: she is by your side.”
Duke Seraph spoke as if driving a wedge in front of the silent Shan.
“Don’t be proud that you just happened to be lucky enough to have a title husband.”
He took a deep breath and slowly spoke, chewing each word.
“If it weren’t for you... I would have been by Erzenes’s side.”
Shan's eyes sank deep into the depths. A mature look of life appeared above the darkened purple eyes.
But Shan couldn't refute. Normally, Shan would have taunted Duke Seraph to the point of death, but now, he kept his mouth shut. Elze blinked. It was the first time she had seen him look so insecure.
As Shan was left speechless, a triumphant look crossed the face of Duke Seraph. The Duke was about to poke Shan’s wounds and trample them. Elze, who had been observing the fight between the two men, spoke for the first time.
“You are wrong.”
Elze's voice echoed clearly in the quiet alley. Shan and Duke Seraph looked back at Elze.
“You are completely wrong. My husband is nothing like Your Excellency."
Elze's words were directed at Duke Seraph, but her gaze did not leave Shan. Shan's eyes trembled slightly as they met. Elze looked at Shan for a while, then turned her gaze to Duke Seraph.
“And I think you’re mistaken. We didn’t have to become a couple.”
Elze stated in a soft but firm voice.
“It was my choice to accept the political marriage.”
"...Then."
Duke Seraph asked slowly.
“Are you saying that if it weren’t for Shan Cirxus, you wouldn’t have accepted the political marriage?”
“Of course. If it were someone like Your Excellency, I would have kicked the marriage out long ago.”
The answer, without hesitation, was like a sharp blade. The words that pierced his heart were so sharp that Duke Seraph closed his eyes. He slowly sighed and opened his eyes again. And then he spoke in a hazy voice.
“I think that way sometimes.”
Duke Seraph's hand moved. He slowly took off the gloves he was wearing. The white leather gloves came off, revealing long, white fingers.
“If it had been me instead of Shan Cirxus... you would have fallen in love with me.”
His hands exposed to the sun were foreign, as it was extremely rare to see his bare hands, as he suffered from obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Duke Seraph treated everything in the world as filth. He used to live in a glass castle, but not like now. He revealed his true self that he had hidden deep inside.
Only for Elze.
“We would have been a good couple. I would have given everything to you, Erzenes.”
Duke Seraph slowly extended his hand.
“Why... did it turn out like this?”
His hand lightly touched the back of Elze's hand. The sensation of his fingertips grazing her was cool. Elze quickly pulled her hand back. Duke Seraph laughed at Elze's avoidance of contact. He said with a bitter smile.
“I guess it’s too late now.”
Duke Seraph let out a small sigh and put his gloves back on. He then shook out the wrinkled hem of his coat and straightened it.
There was no trace of his broken appearance. He returned to being a perfect and beautiful doll again and smiled brightly.
“Then let me change the question.”
Duke Seraph called Shan's name.
“Shan Cirxus.”
And asked a question.
“If you were in my place, wouldn’t you have acted like me? Wouldn’t you have been obsessed with her and been clingy?”
Shan smiled crookedly and answered without hesitation.
“I would have just given up and wished her happiness. Isn’t that love?”
But as soon as he heard Shan's answer, Duke Seraph burst into laughter. He said with a face that looked like it was hilarious.
“You should lie in moderation.”
Shan did not deny Duke Seraph's words. Shan smiled as if he had been caught.
“Ah. I feel like if I hear something like this, you’ll fall.”
Elze, who had been moved by Shan for a moment, thought, “That must be so.” Shan and Duke Seraph were not great men who would let Elze go so easily.
Anyway, Shan's words seemed to be the answer that Duke Seraph wanted. Duke Seraph smiled and said.
“I feel a little better now. That’s the end of our conversation.”
He whispered, gently running his finger down the corner of his mouth.
“Now... all that remains is to choose who will smile at the last moment.”
And with those words, he turned around. A neat voice flowed out from his neat back.
“I will see you at the funeral. Please come dressed in proper mourning attire.”
Duke Seraph paused for a moment, then muttered quietly.
“Let’s decide on that day who the mourning clothes will be for...”
He walked slowly. The Duke did not look back, as if he was carefree and without any regrets. Elze and Shan looked at him until the Duke’s back disappeared. And as soon as the Seraph Duke disappeared, Shan quickly turned to look at Elze.
“Elze.”
Elze thought Shan would ask her if she was hurt anywhere and what she had talked about with Duke Seraph. But what he said was completely different from what Elze had expected.
“Can I kiss you?”
"What?"
“Answer me quickly.”
Elze felt dizzy at Shan's urging. How on earth could things have turned out this way?
“No, right now, that is...”
As Elze was flustered and groping, Shan's eyes widened. He suddenly hugged Elze. Then, looking at Elze warmly, he whispered.
“Sorry, just let me see this once.”
The hot breath poured over his face.
“...I feel like I can’t stand it anymore.”
And then, what came next to Elze was a hot heat. Her lips, which had been cold in the early spring air, suddenly caught fire. He chewed, licked, and sucked her lips without thinking. As her waist naturally bent back, Shan’s hand held her firmly.
He pushed so hard that Elze staggered. Elze was swept away by the kiss that dug deep into her without coming to her senses. Their tongues went back and forth for a long time with a sticky sound. The kiss ended only when a tingling sensation lingered around the edge of her lower abdomen.
"Ha..."
Elze took a deep breath. Shan, not satisfied with the passionate kiss, placed several light kisses on her face.
“Elze, you know what?”
Shan said with a bright smile.
“You make my heart flutter in places I never expected.”
The cloudy and dark gaze he had when confronting Duke Seraph was nowhere to be found. He asked questions openly, his eyes shining clear as violets.
“What if my heart bursts because of you?”
“...What are you talking about?”
Despite Elze's beating, Shan shook his head and spoke.
“I really can’t imagine a world without you anymore...”
Elze couldn't figure out which part of the conversation with Duke Seraph had made his heart flutter. In any case, if Shan was happy, that was enough for her. Elze, who was in Shan's arms, smiled along with him, infected by his happiness. But on the other hand, there was a persistent thought in her head.
What on earth was Duke Seraph trying to say?
Anyway, his plan was reckless, so it would have been nothing more than the same old nonsense telling her to give up or come to him. Elze had no intention of listening to it in the first place.
While thinking that way, on the other hand, she was a little worried that she hadn't heard what he had to say. Maybe she had gotten a clue as to what Duke Seraph was up to.
However, there was no chance to meet Duke Seraph after that. And the time given to Elze and Shan was also short. Less than a week passed by quickly, and the day of the funeral arrived.
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