Chapter 27: How a Mercenary Deals with Uninvited Guests  (5)

After his brief talk with Allen, Valentin left the room.

Even inside, he could feel the castle’s unrest. He decided to find a shady pavilion in the messy garden—any place quiet enough to block the glaring sun.

“I don’t mind if my cat is a bit fiercer.”

Valentin often feigned illness and retreated because he was highly sensitive to gazes.

The moment he stepped out, countless eyes seemed to tug at every strand of his hair. Even though it was better now, it still bothered him.

Walking toward the garden, he forced himself to ignore the prying stares and winced at the bright sunlight.

“If I can feign madness for so long and they still treat me this way… maybe she’s the real lunatic.”

Being extraordinary at court meant being watched. His mother, the second consort, had a powerful ambition—she even forced a seer to receive a prophecy for her son’s future.

Though the son thrived, she wasn’t as clever. After the emperor died, both his consorts vanished from the palace, leaving only Elrba, now empress.

The first consort might be in heaven or hell, but at least she was with her child. The second? Starved in some crumbling warehouse, her body vanished in ashes—while her boy survived and now hides in the shadows.

Valentin sighed. “Maybe this outing was pointless.” He limped through the garden in search of a pavilion but found none.

“Let’s see how long that lasts.”

Suddenly, off behind tall shrubs, he heard Phinette yelling. He turned his head and saw her and Regina.

Curiosity got the better of him—he crept closer and listened to their tense exchange. It seemed Phinette demanded Regina bow before the Count’s arrival. Regina was coolly refusing. Phinette opened her mouth, met Regina’s gaze for a moment, then fled.

Valentin couldn’t help but smile bitterly—just as he expected.

He watched Regina for a moment as she took in the breeze, letting her anger fade.

“Does looking at the sky make you feel better?”

Valentin looked up too, squinting in the sunshine bouncing off the pavements.

Then he dropped his chin and looked directly at Regina.

The world felt oddly calm in that moment, as though something big had shifted.

A carriage carrying Shubel, the Count of Renzier, reached the walls of Valmen. Hungover but eager for the flames of chaos he believed he had set, Shubel read the messenger’s report and roared in pain.

“What?! They failed?!”

He gripped his head.

“Count, are you alright?!” the messenger asked.

Shubel growled, “Damn it! That damned woman mercenary!”

He slammed his hand on the carriage window, flipping the stunned messenger inside.

He stormed out of the carriage into Valmen’s modest courtyard, sneering at its shabby walls.

“Why am I the only one out here? Where’s Prince Valentin…no, Duke Julius?”

Only Phinette the maid, Head Steward Confe, and a handful of staff from the Renzier household—sent to welcome him—stood there. The Duke and Duchess were nowhere in sight.

“Not coming out to greet me?” he demanded.

Phinette flinched, stepping forward with a bow. “We’ve been told to host you in the reception room. They…they declined to appear.”

Till now she’d been wary of bringing Regina, but her face twisted with fear as she delivered the news. The Duchess and Duke were upstairs—and she was too afraid to explain further.

“Very well,” Shubel snapped. “Lead me to them.”

Shubel shoved a few staff aside and stomped up the stairs, barging into the reception room. He was met only by empty chairs and a single trembling maid.

“You’re telling me neither of them is here?!” he screamed.

Phinette stammered, “I—and Confe—will bring them immediately. Please be patient.”

Shubel slammed a fist into the worn sofa, shattering it. “Bring my knights! Now!”

At that moment, the reception room doors swung open.

Shubel froze.

A woman entered, graceful and calm. Draped in a flowing yellow gown, Regina glided in beside Prince Valentin, his arm linked with hers.

She looked…astonishing.

Valentin was dressed simply—no riot of accessories or ornate robes. He selected clothing that felt like him.

Shubel watched, nearly bowing, until he saw the sword Regina held at her side.

“That sword…?” he murmured.

Regina offered a slight smile. “Oh, this? It’s for protection. You never know what trouble might wander in by moonlight.” Her tone was firm, her watchful gaze unrelenting.

Shubel’s eyes glinted with intent as he appraised her.

Regina took a silent breath and introduced herself:

“Allow me to present myself: Regina Julius, wife of the Duke.”

“That’s…well, admirable timing,” Shubel managed, trying to hide his surprise. He stewed over how quickly she’d positioned herself beside Valentin.

“I heard shouting about you. Came quickly. I must admit, I half-expected you to greet me with a yell.” he continued.