(127) For your self-destruction (2)
As soon as Langster returned, Ariana went to see Geor.
“Oh, little brother. I was just about to call you over for a glass of water.”
Geor, who was lying on the sofa, said with a smile as always.
After a long struggle to suppress the rebels, Geor returned looking utterly haggard. Ariana felt a sudden pang of pity and regret, but she couldn't delay any longer.
“Geor, I have something to tell you alone.”
Geor, seeing Ariana's gaze, seemed to sense something; his lips hardened, and he nodded to his subordinates. Ariana took water from the silver pitcher on the side table and offered it to Geor.
The tips of Geor's fingers trembled slightly as he accepted the glass of water.
Instead of drinking the water, Geor looked up at Ariana, holding the glass with both hands.
"Ariana, this guy's got a bit of a headache. How about we sit down and talk?"
“Geor, I’m going to meet Duke Obelius.”
Geor bowed his head deeply.
His dark blue hair flowed down his face. Ariana unconsciously reached out toward his head, but stopped just before touching it.
“I wish you would come with me.”
Geor slowly raised his head. His face was distorted with sadness.
“You’re so mean, Ariana.”
"That's right. That's the kind of person I am. Do you regret not killing me beforehand?"
Geor squinted one eye.
“I pray to God every night. There are three things I always pray for. Do you know what they are?”
“...”
"First, peace of mind. Second, the health of my family. Third."
Geor reached out. His fingertips touched Ariana's hand. He carefully took her hand and spoke.
“Your safety.”
The area his hand touched was hot.
It often happened like this.
Ariana wanted to shake his hand off, but his sad eyes made it impossible. So she wrapped her other hand around the back of his hand and said,
"Come with me, Geor. If you wish for my safety, don't slow my pace."
“Yes, that’s right. God said there’s nothing so wrong as justice left unpunished.”
Duke Obelius knew it was time to return to his domain. No, it was already far too late.
‘If I had known it would end this easily...’
At first, he thought it was an epidemic and feared he would contract it, so he remained in the capital. After learning it was perfume, he was so shocked that he fell ill and was unable to return.
Then, he heard that investor information had leaked, and the resentment of the residents was reaching a fever pitch. If only he had made an effort to return and resolve the situation at that time, things wouldn't have gotten to this point.
A cure was discovered sooner than expected, and Ariana used her own money to purchase the cure, saving many people.
Now that the damage caused by the perfume has been removed, Duke Obelius's reputation has plummeted for not being present at a crucial moment.
'Ariana. Ariana. Ariana!'
He didn't like her from the beginning.
When she returned from the North, he had to somehow save that life.
Since Wiona and Averaster were developing a good relationship, it seemed best to avoid causing trouble in the White family until they were married. So, Ariana's problem was put on hold.
'That little girl can do something like this!'
Ariana's name, once thought to be incapable of anything, echoed across the continent. Ariana lit up not only her own name, but also that of her companions.
Ariana did what even the Eastern Lord and Geor could not do.
He was accused of being a Duke who had invested in a business that was ruined by his own greed, even using operating funds. Therefore, it became more important for his son, Geor, to maintain his position as the Eastern Little Lord. Only by holding that position could the Obelius family be protected.
But it was only a matter of time before Geor was pushed out and Ariana took his place.
Rather than trying to resolve the situation in his territory, Duke Obelius was concerned about how to deal with Ariana and maintain Geor's position.
Then the servant came and informed me.
“My Lord, His Excellency the Eastern Little Lord and the Princess have arrived.”
His heart sank. He never dreamed Ariana would come here in person. There was no connection between Ariana and Duke Obelius.
'Did this woman notice something?'
No, that can't be true.
He's been very careful and hasn't done anything to Ariana in the past year.
'Are you here to point out that I'm still in the capital?'
That's impossible. Even though Ariana was the Princess of the East kingdom, she wasn't in a position to speak ill of the Duke. Perhaps if she were the Little Lord, it might be different.
'By the way, Geor, why did this guy bring Ariana?'
While he was thinking about it, the door to the study opened, and Ariana and Geor came in.
The moment he saw Ariana, Duke Obelius couldn't breathe.
‘When did you become like that...?’
He couldn't take my eyes off Ariana.
She exuded an aura unbecoming of an eighteen-year-old woman. With every step, elegance blossomed like a flower, and her eyes, fixed squarely on the Duke of Obelius, were filled with a deep fire.
She was so intense that she was barely noticeable, while Geor and Catherine, standing behind her, were considered background.
As Ariana approached, Duke Obelius lowered his head on his own.
"Princess."
“Duke Obelius, it’s been a while.”
“Yes, I have been busy lately and haven’t been able to visit you.”
Suddenly, Duke Obelius raised his head, feeling very annoyed by this situation.
"By the way, what brings you here? I'm surprised you're visiting without prior notice."
Despite the accusations of rudeness, Ariana's expression remained unshaken. She looked at Duke Obelius with a bewildering smile and spoke.
“There have been many unfortunate incidents, and the Duke’s territory is in turmoil, so why are you guarding the capital?”
"I haven't been feeling well. And that's not something you should be pointing out, Princess. I don't know if you'd mind, but since you're of age, wouldn't it be best for you to focus on finding a spouse as soon as possible?"
Duke Obelius didn't notice Geor's complexion darkening.
“I will find my spouse when the time comes, so you don’t have to worry, Duke.”
"I'd like to reciprocate what you just said. I, too, will return to my fiefdom when the time comes, so you don't have to worry about the state of my fiefdom, Princess."
"Actually, the Duke's domain is outside my purview. It's not something I should be interested in."
“But why are you doing this...?”
“Duke. Are you worried that I might take his place as the Eastern Little Lord?”
Duke Obelius glanced at Geor. Geor, with a stern expression, silently stood behind Ariana.
'You pathetic bastard. Did you fall for that girl's tricks and say something useless?'
Duke Obelius said with a fixed expression.
"I don't understand why you think that, Princess. The position of Little Lord is not my concern."
"Yes, it's not a matter for the Duke to worry about. But what will be the punishment for the Duke's concern? Removal of title? Or even extermination?"
"Princess!"
Duke Obelius raised his voice.
"That's harsh! Even if you're a Princess, not everything you say is forgiven."
"Duke, why are you so excited? If you weren't concerned about the position of heir apparent, there would be no reason to be excited."
"Since the Princess is now trying to frame me with such absurd accusations, I have no choice but to protest to protect myself. This matter will not be quietly overlooked. I will meet with His Excellency the Lord and formally protest..."
“Can you do it?”
Ariana interrupted Duke Obelius. She stared at him intently.
“I asked if you could really bring this matter to the attention of the Duke.”
Only then did Duke Obelius notice the earnest gaze in Geor's eyes. Feeling that things weren't going well, Duke Obelius calmed down.
"Princess, why are you acting like this? I'm already feeling uneasy because of other issues, and it's bothering you too."
"When I finished my trial and returned to the East, someone had shot a silver needle into the horse's thigh. I found that person."
Duke Obelius clenched his fist.
That can't be true.
"You probably wouldn't believe that. You would have gone to great lengths to give them your orders. But I guess you didn't realize there was a way to track them down, one by one. Or did you think I wouldn't be so persistent?"
“Princess, I don’t understand what you are talking about.”
"During hunting season, there was another attempt on my life. Assassins were lying in wait where I was summoned in Isaac's name. At that time, the Duke was out for a walk with Isaac, wasn't you?"
“Well, it was so long ago that I don’t remember.”
"But my brother, who's here, remembers clearly. Geor went there in my place and uncovered the bastards' mastermind. He was slightly injured in the process, though."
That's a lie. There's no way they could have figured out the mastermind so quickly. The assassins didn't even know who had given them the order. But they couldn't say that in front of Ariana.
"Also, on my way to the North, you hired commoners to try to kill me. My older brother, who's here, found out who was behind it. He saved me."
Duke Obelius glared at Geor with wide eyes.
"Come to think of it, isn't it curious? How did the person trying to kill me learn of my plans for the Northern Territory? Aren't you curious, Catherine?"
Ariana suddenly looked straight at Catherine and asked.
Catherine, who had been standing politely with her hands clasped together, was startled and hiccupped when asked a question unexpectedly.
Duke Obelius clicked his tongue inwardly.
Why is that idiot acting like that!
"Did that woman sell out the Princess's information? If so, I'd rather kill her right here and now...!"
Duke Obelius drew his sword to keep Catherine silent.
Chae-Ang-!
But the sword was blocked by Geor's sword.
Duke Obelius glared at Geor with disbelief. Geor spoke calmly.
“Duke, you are too hasty.”
“Geor...”
“Oh, my. It’s been over ten years since I became the son of the Duke, and you still call me by my name so carelessly?”
“You little punk, no matter what, I’m your biological father!”
At the sound of Duke Obelius's cries, Geor closed his eyes tightly and then opened them again. The moment he met his son's stern gaze, the Duke realized Geor had abandoned him.
As soon as Langster returned, Ariana went to see Geor.
“Oh, little brother. I was just about to call you over for a glass of water.”
Geor, who was lying on the sofa, said with a smile as always.
After a long struggle to suppress the rebels, Geor returned looking utterly haggard. Ariana felt a sudden pang of pity and regret, but she couldn't delay any longer.
“Geor, I have something to tell you alone.”
Geor, seeing Ariana's gaze, seemed to sense something; his lips hardened, and he nodded to his subordinates. Ariana took water from the silver pitcher on the side table and offered it to Geor.
The tips of Geor's fingers trembled slightly as he accepted the glass of water.
Instead of drinking the water, Geor looked up at Ariana, holding the glass with both hands.
"Ariana, this guy's got a bit of a headache. How about we sit down and talk?"
“Geor, I’m going to meet Duke Obelius.”
Geor bowed his head deeply.
His dark blue hair flowed down his face. Ariana unconsciously reached out toward his head, but stopped just before touching it.
“I wish you would come with me.”
Geor slowly raised his head. His face was distorted with sadness.
“You’re so mean, Ariana.”
"That's right. That's the kind of person I am. Do you regret not killing me beforehand?"
Geor squinted one eye.
“I pray to God every night. There are three things I always pray for. Do you know what they are?”
“...”
"First, peace of mind. Second, the health of my family. Third."
Geor reached out. His fingertips touched Ariana's hand. He carefully took her hand and spoke.
“Your safety.”
The area his hand touched was hot.
It often happened like this.
Ariana wanted to shake his hand off, but his sad eyes made it impossible. So she wrapped her other hand around the back of his hand and said,
"Come with me, Geor. If you wish for my safety, don't slow my pace."
“Yes, that’s right. God said there’s nothing so wrong as justice left unpunished.”
***
Duke Obelius knew it was time to return to his domain. No, it was already far too late.
‘If I had known it would end this easily...’
At first, he thought it was an epidemic and feared he would contract it, so he remained in the capital. After learning it was perfume, he was so shocked that he fell ill and was unable to return.
Then, he heard that investor information had leaked, and the resentment of the residents was reaching a fever pitch. If only he had made an effort to return and resolve the situation at that time, things wouldn't have gotten to this point.
A cure was discovered sooner than expected, and Ariana used her own money to purchase the cure, saving many people.
Now that the damage caused by the perfume has been removed, Duke Obelius's reputation has plummeted for not being present at a crucial moment.
'Ariana. Ariana. Ariana!'
He didn't like her from the beginning.
When she returned from the North, he had to somehow save that life.
Since Wiona and Averaster were developing a good relationship, it seemed best to avoid causing trouble in the White family until they were married. So, Ariana's problem was put on hold.
'That little girl can do something like this!'
Ariana's name, once thought to be incapable of anything, echoed across the continent. Ariana lit up not only her own name, but also that of her companions.
Ariana did what even the Eastern Lord and Geor could not do.
He was accused of being a Duke who had invested in a business that was ruined by his own greed, even using operating funds. Therefore, it became more important for his son, Geor, to maintain his position as the Eastern Little Lord. Only by holding that position could the Obelius family be protected.
But it was only a matter of time before Geor was pushed out and Ariana took his place.
Rather than trying to resolve the situation in his territory, Duke Obelius was concerned about how to deal with Ariana and maintain Geor's position.
Then the servant came and informed me.
“My Lord, His Excellency the Eastern Little Lord and the Princess have arrived.”
His heart sank. He never dreamed Ariana would come here in person. There was no connection between Ariana and Duke Obelius.
'Did this woman notice something?'
No, that can't be true.
He's been very careful and hasn't done anything to Ariana in the past year.
'Are you here to point out that I'm still in the capital?'
That's impossible. Even though Ariana was the Princess of the East kingdom, she wasn't in a position to speak ill of the Duke. Perhaps if she were the Little Lord, it might be different.
'By the way, Geor, why did this guy bring Ariana?'
While he was thinking about it, the door to the study opened, and Ariana and Geor came in.
The moment he saw Ariana, Duke Obelius couldn't breathe.
‘When did you become like that...?’
He couldn't take my eyes off Ariana.
She exuded an aura unbecoming of an eighteen-year-old woman. With every step, elegance blossomed like a flower, and her eyes, fixed squarely on the Duke of Obelius, were filled with a deep fire.
She was so intense that she was barely noticeable, while Geor and Catherine, standing behind her, were considered background.
As Ariana approached, Duke Obelius lowered his head on his own.
"Princess."
“Duke Obelius, it’s been a while.”
“Yes, I have been busy lately and haven’t been able to visit you.”
Suddenly, Duke Obelius raised his head, feeling very annoyed by this situation.
"By the way, what brings you here? I'm surprised you're visiting without prior notice."
Despite the accusations of rudeness, Ariana's expression remained unshaken. She looked at Duke Obelius with a bewildering smile and spoke.
“There have been many unfortunate incidents, and the Duke’s territory is in turmoil, so why are you guarding the capital?”
"I haven't been feeling well. And that's not something you should be pointing out, Princess. I don't know if you'd mind, but since you're of age, wouldn't it be best for you to focus on finding a spouse as soon as possible?"
Duke Obelius didn't notice Geor's complexion darkening.
“I will find my spouse when the time comes, so you don’t have to worry, Duke.”
"I'd like to reciprocate what you just said. I, too, will return to my fiefdom when the time comes, so you don't have to worry about the state of my fiefdom, Princess."
"Actually, the Duke's domain is outside my purview. It's not something I should be interested in."
“But why are you doing this...?”
“Duke. Are you worried that I might take his place as the Eastern Little Lord?”
Duke Obelius glanced at Geor. Geor, with a stern expression, silently stood behind Ariana.
'You pathetic bastard. Did you fall for that girl's tricks and say something useless?'
Duke Obelius said with a fixed expression.
"I don't understand why you think that, Princess. The position of Little Lord is not my concern."
"Yes, it's not a matter for the Duke to worry about. But what will be the punishment for the Duke's concern? Removal of title? Or even extermination?"
"Princess!"
Duke Obelius raised his voice.
"That's harsh! Even if you're a Princess, not everything you say is forgiven."
"Duke, why are you so excited? If you weren't concerned about the position of heir apparent, there would be no reason to be excited."
"Since the Princess is now trying to frame me with such absurd accusations, I have no choice but to protest to protect myself. This matter will not be quietly overlooked. I will meet with His Excellency the Lord and formally protest..."
“Can you do it?”
Ariana interrupted Duke Obelius. She stared at him intently.
“I asked if you could really bring this matter to the attention of the Duke.”
Only then did Duke Obelius notice the earnest gaze in Geor's eyes. Feeling that things weren't going well, Duke Obelius calmed down.
"Princess, why are you acting like this? I'm already feeling uneasy because of other issues, and it's bothering you too."
"When I finished my trial and returned to the East, someone had shot a silver needle into the horse's thigh. I found that person."
Duke Obelius clenched his fist.
That can't be true.
"You probably wouldn't believe that. You would have gone to great lengths to give them your orders. But I guess you didn't realize there was a way to track them down, one by one. Or did you think I wouldn't be so persistent?"
“Princess, I don’t understand what you are talking about.”
"During hunting season, there was another attempt on my life. Assassins were lying in wait where I was summoned in Isaac's name. At that time, the Duke was out for a walk with Isaac, wasn't you?"
“Well, it was so long ago that I don’t remember.”
"But my brother, who's here, remembers clearly. Geor went there in my place and uncovered the bastards' mastermind. He was slightly injured in the process, though."
That's a lie. There's no way they could have figured out the mastermind so quickly. The assassins didn't even know who had given them the order. But they couldn't say that in front of Ariana.
"Also, on my way to the North, you hired commoners to try to kill me. My older brother, who's here, found out who was behind it. He saved me."
Duke Obelius glared at Geor with wide eyes.
"Come to think of it, isn't it curious? How did the person trying to kill me learn of my plans for the Northern Territory? Aren't you curious, Catherine?"
Ariana suddenly looked straight at Catherine and asked.
Catherine, who had been standing politely with her hands clasped together, was startled and hiccupped when asked a question unexpectedly.
Duke Obelius clicked his tongue inwardly.
Why is that idiot acting like that!
"Did that woman sell out the Princess's information? If so, I'd rather kill her right here and now...!"
Duke Obelius drew his sword to keep Catherine silent.
Chae-Ang-!
But the sword was blocked by Geor's sword.
Duke Obelius glared at Geor with disbelief. Geor spoke calmly.
“Duke, you are too hasty.”
“Geor...”
“Oh, my. It’s been over ten years since I became the son of the Duke, and you still call me by my name so carelessly?”
“You little punk, no matter what, I’m your biological father!”
At the sound of Duke Obelius's cries, Geor closed his eyes tightly and then opened them again. The moment he met his son's stern gaze, the Duke realized Geor had abandoned him.
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