HDBMTD 24

Chapter 24

“This is…”

Inside the case were a silver flashlight and a necklace adorned with a red ruby. Aria picked up the flashlight and murmured softly.

“This is military equipment.”

Electronic devices were at risk of malfunctioning or exploding when exposed to magic.

The special alloys used to protect such devices were so rare that they were reserved for military use. Acquiring one for personal use was extremely expensive.

As a result, such gadgets had become difficult to use in everyday life.

“Regulations have loosened somewhat since the war ended,”

Nocturne said calmly, lifting the necklace.

“This necklace can also serve as a lantern.”

He stepped behind Aria and gently fastened the necklace around her neck.

Aria flinched at the firm hands brushing against her nape. A soft click sounded, and the cold metal draped down over her chest.

His low voice came from behind her.

“Turn the dial here, and it lights up.”

His hand reached over hers, guiding her to grip the pendant.

Nocturne whispered as he helped her find the dial attached to the locket. The brightness could be adjusted by turning it.

Just as he said, the light brightened gradually when she turned the dial.

Once she had it under control, Nocturne released her hand. For some reason, Aria felt her breath catch and release.

“Keep it. Don’t carry dangerous things like a regular flashlight.”

“You brought this because you were worried about me?”

“Well…”

She watched his eyes gradually lower. Before she could identify the emotion flickering inside them, he turned his head away.

“A person who stumbles around like a newborn fawn shouldn’t be carrying a lantern. Since I’m staying in the annex, I’d be worried if there was a fire or something.”

Nocturne sounded like he was just concerned for his own safety, which made Aria laugh.

“How touching. You’re worried not just about me, but also about my house. You really are the perfect fiancé. Thanks so much for the gift, Nocturne.”

“…”

Nocturne fell silent, seemingly at a loss for words. Taking the opportunity, Aria packed up the items and waved goodbye.

“Goodnight, my love.”

As she turned to leave, a voice answered from behind.

“Have a peaceful night, Your Highness.”

Aria’s eyes widened. When she looked back, Nocturne was already walking away.

As she resumed her steps, her stride felt unexpectedly light.

Lucien had told her not to ignore her pain for others’ sake — but Aria wasn’t really repressing anything.

There had been times when she suffered, reading the hidden hostility in the hearts of those she loved. There were moments of biting loneliness when she realized no one truly loved her.

But those were childhood memories.

With Nocturne’s unconditional, pure love, Aria had become strong — strong enough to weather any storm.

Even now, in the worst of times, she could think:

“My life is still perfect.”

She believed she had been loved enough by her family. It wasn’t like they never supported her — if anything, she’d received more than her brother Padva.

Looking back, perhaps her mother had wanted to give more to Padva, but that no longer mattered.

All those past hurts and deficiencies had led her to yearn for a true mate, and in the end, she found Nocturne — and that was all that mattered.

If her family rejected her, then so be it. Losing her right to the throne just meant shedding an old burden. She had already accomplished everything she wanted — why not live quietly, in peace?

“Yes. Once I break Nocturne’s brainwashing and leave the palace, I’ll do just that.”

Aria was full of hope, convinced that everything would work out in the end.

The next morning, Nocturne was nowhere to be seen, and Willow arrived alone.

“His Grace departed urgently to subdue a beast that appeared over the capital. He said he’ll return late and asked me to deliver the contract. The effective date is set for tomorrow.”

“Over the capital? Is it dangerous?”

“It’s an airborne type, which makes it harder to track, but His Grace has handled this kind before. He’ll return by 9 PM at the latest.”

Aria nodded. That wouldn’t disrupt her plans much.

“Alright. Come in and have a seat.”

“Yes. And also…”

Willow glanced at the maids. Picking up on the cue, Aria quickly dismissed them. They were used to being excused during contract matters, so they left without issue.

As Aria unfolded the contract Willow handed her, he suddenly spoke.

“I wanted to thank Your Highness.”

The sudden gratitude made her look up. Willow sat with the composed posture of a knight, his eyes warm.

“Whenever I enjoy something good or gain an opportunity, I always remember the princess who once took my hand as a child.”

“Ah…”

Aria slowly recalled the moment he spoke of.

As a child, Aria had been enraged to learn that Nocturne, despite being an exceptional Esper, had nearly died multiple times simply for being an orphan. She had then established an institution to support other children like him.

Among those sponsored were the Rixen brothers — Willow and his older brother.

It had been Aria who arranged for them to be adopted by the Viscount Rixen family.

“It was because you were exceptional that you stood out.”

“Without Your Highness, I would’ve died being exploited in an orphanage.”

Willow smiled as he recalled the past.

“You were just fifteen back then. But to me, that little girl seemed like a god.”

“You were even smaller. Just twelve. You’ve grown so much.”

Willow gave a gentle smile.

“You’re still beautiful, Your Highness.”

“…Thank you.”

It was a common compliment, but the first she’d heard since the incident. Aria shyly sipped her tea and lowered her eyes. Willow continued.

“I made up my mind back then — that once I became an adult, I’d repay you. So please…”

His gaze turned serious.

“Don’t sign that contract.”

“What?”

Aria frowned, and Willow lowered his voice.

“His Grace is aware that Your Highness has been using suggestion on him.”

“…!”

“He’s known from the beginning. He only played along to gather information.”

Aria stiffened, staring at the contract in her hands. Willow calmly explained.

“The day after Your Highness spent the night with him, His Grace was furious. Enraged that, in his brainwashed state, he had been manipulated by the prince and princess — even with scented candles involved.”

“I never teamed up with my brother.”

“I believe you. But His Grace didn’t. He assumed Your Highness’s contract proposal was just another order from the prince. So he accepted the deal to get closer to you and find Padva’s weakness. That’s why he agreed — though he couldn’t bear the disgust and abandoned it midway.”

“Then… are you saying…”

“Yes. His Grace despises you.”

Aria’s pupils trembled in shock.

This was what Nocturne had done: Driven by contempt, he had left. But determined to find a weakness in her, he had returned — enduring his revulsion for that single goal.

“His Grace is also using suggestion on Your Highness. That’s why he wanted to renew the contract.”

Aria reread the contract closely. One clause supported this idea:

[1. Both parties shall act in good faith and sincerity in executing and fulfilling this contract.]

This was the clause Aria had intentionally aimed for, to forcibly create trust and break down mental barriers.

But this line was standard — a generic part of most agreements.

Had Nocturne targeted that too?

Then she saw something different:

[3. If either party is found to have intentionally provided false or omitted information, the other party may, after a process of clarification, terminate the contract.]

Originally, it had stated: “The other party may terminate the contract immediately with written notice.” But now, a “clarification process” had been added.

As if he wanted to interrogate the liar before ending things.

“Why would he add that?”

“Because he doesn’t trust you. He plans to treat you like a criminal and question you.”

Willow’s voice became firm.

“His Grace gave you a gift recently, didn’t he?”

“Ah…”

Aria’s hand instinctively touched the space between her collarbones. Willow’s brown eyes followed the motion — and landed on the ruby embedded in her necklace.

“It contains a tracking device. If you plan to escape, take it off before you move.”