Chapter 10
“Why is that, Grand Duke?”
Morin tilted her head forward to see where Assad was pointing. There was nothing written where his finger indicated. Only after receiving the old woman’s puzzled gaze did Assad suddenly regain his senses. He quickly composed his expression as if nothing had happened.
“It’s nothing.”
He casually slipped the document back into his chest.
“I will handle this matter quickly myself. The seizure of the Lisitsa estate will be lifted within today.”
“Very well, Grand Duke.”
“Then I’ll take my leave. I have work to finish.”
Assad quickened his steps, leaving Morin behind. In his mind, the document he had just tucked away remained vividly imprinted.
‘There’s definitely something here.’
Normally, official rewards clearly state when, why, and by whom the honor was granted. Just as Assad’s own name was recorded as a hero who eliminated a traitor. The Imperial Palace would be even more strict in recordkeeping. Rewards and punishments had to be clearly documented to maintain authority.
But in this document…
There was nothing written about why Lisitsa had been granted a title and estate by the Imperial Family.
‘This might be related to that incident. I should have Shuri investigate.’
Assad’s steps grew faster as he left the palace.
*****
Tuk, tuk, tuk.
A steady tapping sound echoed in the Grand Duke’s office.
Having returned from the palace, Assad looked restless. Still in his uniform, he sat without changing and kept tapping the armrest of his chair. By the time the household servants were going mad from the sound, Shuri bravely stepped forward as their representative.
“If you keep doing that, the pain in your right hand—which you’ve only just recovered from—will return.”
Ignoring the twisted complaint from his aide, Assad spoke instead.
“Shuri. What’s the status of the investigation on Mia Lisitsa?”
“You’re like a ghost, Your Grace. I was just returning after meeting a maid from the Lisitsa estate.”
Standing before his master’s desk, Shuri pulled out a crumpled note from his pocket and began his report.
“The Lisitsa family has two daughters born one year apart. The eldest, Mia, and the younger, Valentina. As you may already know, the younger sister is more beautiful than the elder.”
“Is that so.”
Shuri looked at him as if doubting whether the Grand Duke’s eyes were even functioning, but Assad quickly waved it off to smooth things over.
“I heard Mia Lisitsa was usually someone who didn’t stand out. She recently went out more often, but most of her time was spent quietly in her room writing a diary or doing embroidery. Even when guests visited, her father would only introduce the younger daughter Valentina, and Mia was often not even called to the reception room. It was a life that naturally made her withdrawn.”
“I don’t understand.”
Assad recalled those light green eyes that had met his without fear. That was far from someone “withdrawn.”
“If what I said is proven true, then Your Grace’s treatment of me will have to change from now on.”
A woman who could speak so boldly would not have lived such a life.
“I know a way for the future to be happy without bloodshed. You wouldn’t want your people to die or get hurt, would you?”
Mia’s confident voice resurfaced clearly in his mind. He had met many people, but none had ever stated their desires so clearly.
“But on that morning, she behaved as if someone else had entered her body.”
Assad’s eyes sharpened.
“What kind of behavior?”
“After being scolded the night before and going to bed looking dejected, Mia Lisitsa appeared extremely cheerful in the morning. As if she had become a completely different person.”
Shuri shuffled through the small note containing his findings.
“The maid said it too. When she brought clothes into the room that morning, Mia grabbed her hand and danced. She said it was the first time in ten years of service she had ever seen something like that.”
“That’s enough, Shuri.”
Assad pressed both temples. A headache was coming on.
“Bring Mia Lisitsa to the tea room. No—escort her there.”
After a deep sigh, he added with difficulty:
“If possible… without making her uncomfortable.”
*****
What a strange woman. She instinctively understands when she holds the advantage.
Assad thought this while facing Mia Lisitsa, who sat with her legs crossed and arms folded.
They were in the Uriel estate’s tea room, where the afternoon sunlight shattered into white brilliance. The ceiling was high and refreshing, and outside the window was a soft green view. A refined teapot and sweets favored by young ladies were placed on the table. Steam rose gently from the warm tea, but Mia didn’t touch it.
“Have some.”
“Speak.”
They spoke almost simultaneously. Assad was slightly faster.
“Since this was prepared for you, at least drink.”
“No.”
Mia’s refusal was sharp as a blade.
“I don’t want to throw up everything I eat when I’m being hanged. So speak first. Why did you call me?”
Assad leaned back and pressed a hand to his forehead.
This woman—answering so clearly—could not possibly be the same timid girl from the Lisitsa household.
His headache worsened.
“Fine. I’ll be direct. I don’t want my people shedding blood due to things going wrong. As you said, what is this way for everyone to be happy without bloodshed?”
“So you trust me now?”
“Yes… to some extent.”
Mia’s eyes widened as she leaned forward slightly. She sat at the very edge of her chair, clearly wanting confirmation.
“So you’re guaranteeing my safety? Whether it’s hanging, burning, or beheading—it has nothing to do with me anymore, right? And you won’t cripple me or… that kind of thing…”
She hesitated.
“Say it.”
“W-would you… force me into… like… a bedroom or something like that?”
Assad felt a headache coming on again.
What kind of monster does this woman think I am?
He barely restrained himself.
“Yes. None of that will ever, for your entire life, happen. So you can relax.”
Only then did Mia’s face brighten. She quickly grabbed a fork, cut a large piece of cake, and stuffed it into her mouth. Cream smeared around her lips as she ate hungrily. Assad watched her with a complicated expression.
So the future of Uriel territory depends on the words of this gluttonous woman.
Mia, noticing his gaze, muttered defensively:
“I haven’t eaten properly for days.”
After finishing every plate and even the teacup, Mia finally stopped. Assad remained seated, arms crossed, tapping his foot as he waited.
Now full, Mia smiled and spoke.
“For the happy ending, as in the original story, my younger sister Valentina just has to marry the Crown Prince—no, His Highness the Crown Prince.”
“What?”
“In the original, Valentina eventually becomes Empress, and the Empire prospers under the Emperor’s rule. It says there was never a more virtuous ruler.”
“Hmm…”
Assad leaned back, groaning in thought. Mia continued as if reading his mind.
“It’s not difficult. Differences in status or the existence of concubines don’t matter. The Crown Prince and Valentina are destined to fall in love. You just need to make sure they meet as in the original story.”
“When is that?”
“You’ve already missed the first opportunity.”
Assad straightened.
“Missed it?”
“Yes. The day you brought me here. I was supposed to become your secretary that day so Valentina could meet the Crown Prince as in the original.”
Assad replayed Mia’s words from that day.
“Grand Duke, I will become your secretary in place of my family’s debt…”
Ah. So that strange proposal had a reason after all.
A small question in his mind was resolved. He even felt slightly apologetic for calling her foolish.
“Then that ridiculous collection of belongings and the hair you took…”
“Oh, that has nothing to do with me now.”
Mia waved her hands.
Assad said nothing, resting his hand against his lips.
“Next is the debutante ball. The date has already been moved up, as I said, right?”
Assad nodded.
“In the original, the Crown Prince falls in love with Valentina at that ball and asks her to dance. Even fate must be prepared for properly so nothing goes wrong!”
Mia began carefully watching Assad’s expression.
“So…”
She hesitated.
What is she about to say?
Assad’s eyes narrowed in suspicion.
“Do you perhaps… need a person?”
