Chapter 09
“You look like something’s bothering you, my lady.”
I jumped and turned around. Venus was standing there with his hands behind his back, bent slightly forward, looking at me. I quickly glanced behind him. Thankfully, Sir Balock wasn’t there.
“You’re back late.”
“It’s okay. You’re busy.”
“A little bit.”
Things had been chaotic in the family lately, so Venus was dressed in the Lefevre knight uniform as well.
That’s right…
Venus was a knight so beautiful that even the maids would sneak glances at him. Yet oddly, not a single one ever approached him to confess. I kind of understood why.
Venus wasn’t someone you wanted to fall in love with—he was someone you just wanted to admire. Of course, I never told him that. I didn’t want to hurt his feelings.
He really had a dazzling face. That’s why I made sure we had a portrait painted together every year.
“You didn’t forget we’re doing our portrait tomorrow, right?”
“Of course not.”
The painters changed every year. Because every time, the artist would look like they were about to faint from seeing Venus. Especially when the sunlight hit his long, shiny hair—it glowed like something from heaven and left people speechless.
Venus can’t be human…
Thinking the same thought as always, I asked Venus,
“Venus, what do you think about the Oparts?”
“They’re amazing. Thanks to them, injuries among knights dropped by over 90% in the last six months.”
“That much?”
“Yes. There’s still room for improvement… but the knights think of them as divine gifts.”
Enrico, seriously…
How many people is he saving?
“Enri is really incredible.”
“Yes. He truly is.”
He’s a genius, no doubt. But that made me a little worried too.
He’ll have to pause the research when he joins the military.
I knew why Enrico had been so obsessed with his research, barely sleeping. The Oparts were purely Lefevre’s secret technology. Once he joined the military, he would have to put his research on hold for security reasons.
That’s probably why he was trying so hard to finish everything now. But some things in life just can’t be rushed with effort alone.
Some things need time. Like the Oparts, which Enrico was pouring his soul into.
“The royal family is also very interested in his Oparts.”
“So that’s why they keep sending people over.”
“Yes, exactly.”
I had noticed too. If Enrico ever asked for support for his Oparts research, the royal family wouldn’t hesitate to help. But in return, they’d probably expect to get their hands on some of Lefevre’s technology.
That research was something Enrico had given up sleep and health for.
I looked up at the sky. Spring was coming. The biting cold was slowly fading. The best thing would be if Enrico didn’t have to go into the military. But since he was a direct descendant of the Lefevre family, there was no way around it.
Unless… another direct heir went in his place.
I wasn’t good at research. Maybe, like when I picked up the sacred sword, I’d discover some hidden talent if I tried—but right now, I have no interest in it.
Enricor…
I was born as Blandea and fought with all I had just to survive. I also hurt Schloitz deeply. That’s something I’d carry with me for life.
Even so, I was selfish. I accepted the love my family gave me. I always tried to give back that love, to show I deserved it. I had a great relationship with Enrico. Everyone in the household knew we were close siblings. I truly wanted only good things to happen to him.
And right now, he was doing everything he could, working himself to the bone on the Oparts.
“Venus.”
“Yes, my lady?”
“Do you think… Schloitz, the Commander-in-Chief… really won’t recognize me?”
My voice trembled without me meaning to. I cleared my throat.
“Do you think he won’t? Or… will he?”
“If you act the opposite of how you used to, he might not.”
“What was I like before?”
“You were very confident. So now, try the opposite—stay shy and reserved. But don’t overdo it from the beginning, or it’ll look suspicious. Just on the first day, act like a cheerful noble lady—show a little of your true self. Then, starting the next day, act like his cold presence is overwhelming you more and more.”
“…….”
“What is it?”
“Nothing. That was just… very detailed advice.”
Venus smiled gently.
“I saw how nervous you were, my lady.”
That night, at dinner—where Enrico was still too busy to attend—I told my mother and father,
“I’ll join the military instead of Enrico.”
