HTNSA 83 🔐

Chapter 83

If Eila were to rise through the ranks under the First Prince, it wouldn’t be difficult for her to regain her former status.

Becoming one of his direct subordinates could also mean their relationship would grow dangerously close.

The Count tugged at his mustache as he subtly pressured Freya.

“I’m only telling you this because you should stay vigilant.”

Freya nodded, her eyes red and bloodshot, biting hard on her lower lip.

‘I think I finally understand how Rosia feels.’

Up until now, Freya couldn’t quite grasp why Rosia was so agitated over her soon-to-be fiancé.

After all, noble marriages were always determined by family interests.

Whether Kadin gave his heart to Eila or not had no relevance—Rosia had no reason to care.

‘Besides, Kadin isn’t the type to settle down with just one woman.’

On the other hand, Darian wasn’t just handsome—he was also capable and possessed a commendable character.

Moreover, he currently stood as the most likely candidate to become emperor.

‘And among all the young ladies in the Empire, I’m the only one who qualifies to be his consort.’

Aside from a few families, no household held as much sway in the imperial court as the Count of Arma.

And among those of suitable age for Darian, only she and Rosia fit the criteria.

‘But Rosia is already set to marry Kadin.’

That’s why Freya had always waited patiently, believing Darian would eventually be hers.

She had no doubt that she’d soon ascend as the Empress of the Empire.

After all, the current empress would never willingly accept Eila—now stripped of the Blanche family name—as a fellow imperial consort.

But if, by some chance, Eila were to become a concubine after Freya had secured the empress’s seat…

‘Unthinkable. No matter who it is, I absolutely cannot yield that position to Eila.’

Anyone else, maybe. But Eila—never.

Just remembering all the friction between them at the Academy was enough to make her sick. And now, even after joining the imperial court, she’d be forced to keep seeing that irritating face?

Freya, face twisted with venom, turned to Count Arma.

“Don’t worry, Father. She’s still a commoner, after all. Her Majesty the Empress will use her briefly and then discard her like a pawn. You know what kind of person Her Majesty is.”

“I hope you’re right…”

“Trust Her Majesty, Father.”

Of course, regardless of what the Empress planned, Freya had no intention of leaving Eila alone.

‘She dared to touch what’s mine. She’ll pay for that.’

Once she returned to the Academy, Freya would no longer sit back and watch Eila from the sidelines.

Her eyes glinted coldly.

Just as rumors began to spread that Eila had become the master of the dragon—

Felix, after a long journey, had almost reached the Duchy of Agenta.

‘Why would he call me all the way to the duchy?’

He still couldn’t grasp the duke’s intentions.

Lately, the Duke of Agenta had stayed at his townhouse in the capital just to tutor Felix, and Felix had never once thought the facilities there lacked anything for learning.

‘So why go through all the trouble of summoning me to such a remote place? What kind of special training is he planning?’

Initially, Felix had expected the journey to be grueling, given the distance between the duchy and the Academy.

But his assumptions couldn’t have been more wrong.

‘I’ve never had such a comfortable long-distance journey in my life.’

When he first saw the carriage sent by the duke, Felix had kept a composed face, but inside he was stunned.

The carriage was so extravagant that it looked fit for a direct heir of the family—not just a mere pupil.

‘Even if I’m his only disciple… this is overkill.’

Even more shocking was the identity of the person who came to escort him.

“I’m Hamel, the Vice Commander of the 2nd Knight Order of Kistar. I’ve come to escort Sir Felix.”

“…?”

“These are the 2nd Order knights.”

“All of you… came to escort me?”

“Yes, sir. We’ll make sure you travel in comfort and safety.”

The carriage, enchanted with what seemed like powerful magic, was unbelievably luxurious.

On top of that, the entire 2nd Knight Order was deployed for his protection.

‘I figured maybe one or two guards would come, but this is overwhelming…’

And the surprises didn’t stop there.

Even after arriving at the duchy, the excessive hospitality continued.

“We’ve arrived, Sir Felix.”

Hamel personally opened the carriage door.

His courteous manner was already disconcerting, but what really shocked Felix was the sheer number of people who had come to greet him.

‘Did they summon every servant in the duchy for this?’

As he stood frozen by the unexpected situation, a familiar figure approached quickly, cutting through the crowd of servants.

“The Duke…?”

The Duke of Agenta strode briskly toward him, flanked by Lieutenant Yetien and his butler—both of whom Felix recognized. They must’ve run out the moment they heard he’d arrived.

Once he reached Felix, the duke clasped his hand firmly and gave it a vigorous shake.

“Welcome to House Agenta, Felix.”

His voice, strangely warm, made Felix’s eyes flicker with confusion.

Granted, the duke had always treated him with unusual kindness compared to others.

But never this intimately.

Felix glanced around awkwardly.

The expressions of the gathered servants felt… off.

The lieutenant and butler behind the duke were already pulling out handkerchiefs to wipe away tears, while some servants had their heads bowed, shoulders trembling.

Even the 1st Knight Order of Kistar, who had also gathered to greet him, had reddened eyes.

‘What is going on?’

Felix was bewildered but couldn’t focus—he was being led into the mansion by the duke’s firm hand.

“Once you’ve rested from the trip, I’ll show you around the duchy.”

“You’ll give me a personal tour, sir?”

“Yes.”

The duke himself, offering a personal introduction to his estate?

Felix had never imagined such a welcome prior to arriving.

Still disoriented, he was approached by the butler, who bowed deeply.

“Sir Felix, please allow me to assist you.”

With utmost courtesy, the butler took his luggage and led him toward his room.

After a short walk, they reached a beautifully ornate, antique door that made Felix pause again.

“This… is my room?”

The butler opened the door and replied,

“Yes, please use this room during your stay. If you find anything lacking, don’t hesitate to let me know.”

“…”

“Is something wrong with the room…?”

“Ah, no. Not at all.”

It seemed the butler misunderstood Felix’s silence as dissatisfaction.

Seeing the anxious expression on his face, Felix quickly shook his head, then stepped inside.

And found himself speechless.

It was too vast, too luxurious—far beyond anything one would prepare for a mere guest.

Felix gulped at the sheer grandeur of the room—the likes of which he’d never stayed in before.

The butler respectfully bowed and withdrew.

“Please call if you need anything at all.”

The moment the butler left, Felix slumped onto the sofa, dazed.

‘What is going on…? This is way too much just to welcome a student.’

Felix wasn’t a fool.

Everything he was receiving right now was far too extravagant for someone of his station.

And kindness without reason was something to be wary of.

Despite that, an inexplicable restlessness stirred in his chest.

There was a warmth in the gazes directed at him…

And within that warmth, a desperate longing—almost impossible to put into words.

‘Let’s just wait and see.’

With a faint sigh, Felix ruffled his own hair.