“Hm, then let’s change your assignment. Tail, go to the information guild and fill in where they’re short on hands.”
“Understood.”
Lexion clicked his tongue inwardly as he watched the Crown Prince’s gaze that seemed to say, ‘That should do it, right?’
So he’s attaching a watcher. It was as if he had instinctively sensed that something was being hidden.
Lexion hadn’t yet revealed the fact that the Tower Master was involved. Even if it became a variable, he believed now was not the time. He planned to report only after confirming the Tower Master’s true intentions.
“I’ll take my leave, then.”
“I’ll soon invite you, your wife, and the young duke. Be sure to come together. This—I’ll have you place your seal on it then.”
Seeing the paper fluttering in his hand, Lexion gave a formal bow according to palace etiquette and left the reception room.
The door closed behind him without a sound. The man the Crown Prince called ‘Number Two’ followed Lexion outside.
He was the first to kneel when the Crown Prince, then still a mere prince, had drawn his sword. Because of that, he had survived along with his commoner mother and now served as a shadow knight.
Though he had to live within the bounds of his permitted range of movement, he had survived nonetheless—from a ruthless butcher who spared no half-bloods.
“How is His Majesty doing?”
A sidelong glance. He looked at Lexion. The man who stood at the pinnacle of intelligence was asking—what was the intent behind that question?
The Crown Prince had once said never to lie to Lexion. That if he ever turned his back, he would become the most fearsome enemy.
“I don’t understand the question.”
“Ah, was my question too broad?”
A dangling red earring drew attention. The man waited silently for the conversation to continue.
“I was curious about the opinion of someone who sneaks into His Majesty’s bedchambers and observes his face daily.”
Lexion halted. The man who had stopped walking stared at Lexion’s back as he moved away.
“……”
That was a secret even the Crown Prince didn’t know.
From a distance, Lexion briefly turned his head. Looking at the man who stood still like a shadow, he smiled faintly.
“I know your rage runs just as deep as His Highness’s. So hold yourself back. Until the time is ripe.”
His hand flinched before he realized it. In times of danger, his body instinctively responded—his training to stab the enemy had become muscle memory.
The Emperor’s many illegitimate children—all victims.
The Emperor had tried to flaunt his power by producing superior offspring. But when do things ever go as planned?
The illegitimate children had all perished under the cold blade. No— not just the illegitimate ones. Even the children of the Empresses had failed to survive in this imperial palace.
What crime had the bereaved mothers committed?
Once, women in the capital had gone out of their way to make themselves look dirty or unattractive—to avoid catching the Emperor’s eye. To avoid bearing and then losing unwanted children. That’s how terrifying the Emperor was.
“You know how much His Highness despises bastards. That’s how deep his feelings toward the Emperor run.”
“I’m aware.”
“And yet, he’s unexpectedly sentimental.”
That’s why thirteen illegitimate children had been allowed to live. So they could serve their purpose—an act of mercy to those who dared not covet the Crown Prince’s seat.
“Hm, I suppose that’s enough. It’s disgusting praising a friend with my own mouth.”
Haha—a laugh seemed to echo from somewhere, but Lexion ignored it. Only then did the veil that covered the entire hallway disappear.
Lexion confirmed it with a cold gaze, then turned to the man.
The man, whose golden hair that should’ve shone brilliantly was dyed black, was cloaked entirely in black fabric.
“For the time being, leave the capital and locate the guild members I’ve lost contact with. While you’re at it, check on the Duke’s whereabouts and report back.”
“Understood.”
“If you encounter the Duke, don’t fight him. Run. If you die at someone else’s hands, His Highness will be deeply distressed.”
“…Understood.”
As the man vanished into the darkness, Lexion passed through the long corridor alone and exited the palace.
He let out a weary breath and looked up at the dark sky.
The palace’s lights were so bright that no stars could be seen.
There was no time to enjoy newlywed bliss—too many things needed doing.
‘How can I win over Milena’s heart?’
She had set a deadline—one year. At this rate, she’d disappear without a backward glance, saying it was a good experience.
“Lord, what are you doing? Why’re you moping alone?”
Gerard, who had driven up the carriage at some point, chattered noisily.
“Madam is exploring Saint Street with the young master. She said she’d head straight to the mansion afterward. Shall we return to the duchy as well?”
“We’re going to Hector’s lab. Also, find me a gemsmith. I need to make a wedding ring.”
He had to work hard to win favor from his wife.
He couldn’t afford to be abandoned like this.
Coming out of Madame Blanc’s atelier, Milena held Ashdel’s hand as they strolled down the shopping street.
The dazzling sparkle of the street reminded one of a festival.
They dropped by a doll shop—Milena and Ashdel looked like the perfect mother and son.
Ashdel, carefully selecting an accessory for his usual bunny doll, had a look of utmost seriousness.
Even when Milena offered to buy him anything he liked, he shook his head.
He said he couldn’t just spend his aunt’s money recklessly.
“Well then, Ash, should we ask them to make clothes for your doll when we get our outfits tailored?”
“Huh? Really?”
“Of course. Right, Jenny?”
“Yes! Absolutely! Or I could make them for you! I’m actually really good with a needle, you know!”
“You?”
Ashdel looked at Jenny skeptically, then suddenly turned his head as if sensing someone’s gaze.
He had detected something—exactly as Lexion had taught him.
Though the bright interior reflected off the glass, making it hard to see the outside clearly…
“What is it, young master?”
“Ah, it’s nothing. Stay close to Auntie, okay?”
“Huh? Young master?”
Jenny hesitated between Milena, who was looking at a display, and Ashdel, who was heading toward the door.
Then she hurried to inform Milena.
But in that short moment, Ashdel had already stepped outside.
Ding! A clear chime rang as he exited and stared across the street into a dim alley between buildings.
Following Lexion’s teachings, he spread his magical senses wide and—
“Huh?”
There were three figures in robes: a man, a woman, and a child. They looked like a family.
And then, he caught sight of a petite woman—blonde hair, pink eyes, and a soft face he could never forget.
Lariate was looking right at Ashdel.
“Mom…?”
Just as Ashdel reached out his hand toward the opposite side—
“Ash!”
A fast-moving carriage brushed past the tip of his fingers.
Suddenly pulled back, Ashdel found himself in his aunt’s arms.
“Ash! Are you okay?! Why’d you go out alone? It’s dangerous!”
Jenny shouted at the speeding carriage in frustration, but Milena heard nothing.
“Auntie… over there.”
Ashdel pointed with a trembling finger. Milena followed his gaze—but nothing was there.
“What is it?”
She examined the child again, let out a breath of relief, and helped him stand.
Ashdel, still dazed, couldn’t take his eyes off that spot.
“Ash, what did you see? Hm?”
“Mom was…”
“What?”
“Mom was there…”
Milena’s expression twisted in an instant.
Lariate came to the capital?
She frantically scanned the surroundings, but there was no sign of her.
“Jenny, we’re returning to the mansion immediately. Prepare the carriage.”
“Yes, young lady!”
While Jenny called the driver, Milena brought Ashdel back into the doll shop to calm him.
“Oh my, are you all right? Carriages usually don’t speed in this district. That was close.”
“We’re fine. Could you please give us a seat for a moment?”
She handed over a gold coin, and they were shown to a small area inside the shop.
Ashdel, sitting among the dolls, looked pale.
“Ash.”
Milena knelt and met the sulking child’s eyes.
“Ashdel Luxen.”
He had been staring blankly at the floor but raised his head when she called.
“Do you want to return to the North now?”
If they waited there, they might encounter Lariate.
Ashdel’s pink eyes widened.
“N-No! I want to stay with Auntie!”
With teary eyes, Ashdel pleaded.
Don’t abandon me, they begged.
“I’ll be good! Please let me stay with you, okay?”
Milena stroked the red rims of his eyes.
“If you don’t want to go, I won’t send you anywhere. Then… do you want to see your mother?”
“……”
The child fidgeted with his fingers, unable to answer.
