HRNGDS 27

~Chapter 27~

Delphina looked at Ivelina with calm, sunken eyes.

The reason Ivelina always maintained a kind image with other noble families was exactly this—manipulation.

The Empire’s nobility didn’t care that she had bullied Delphina at the academy. In fact, they accepted it as natural.

“The Duke of Rikaion kindly took Delphina in. Can’t she at least make Ivelina feel better in return?”
“Exactly. She should be grateful someone saved her from living like a street rat.”

‘Because I’m weaker than Ivelina.’

The same was true now. Cal was a commoner, and Delphina was still in a lower position compared to Ivelina. Ivelina tried to use that imbalance to her advantage.

If Delphina had actually gotten hurt here…

Ivelina would have feigned innocence. She likely would’ve said Delphina tripped and falsely accused her.

Even if the matter reached the Imperial court, Delphina’s chances of winning were slim—especially with most nobles, including the Emperor, siding with the Duke of Rikaion.

‘Even if Calyx testified, it wouldn’t matter. It would be a hollow victory.’

A commoner’s testimony didn’t hold much weight in noble trials.

The class system was deeply unfair—and Ivelina knew exactly how to exploit it.

“Ivelina,” Delphina said.

“Even if you’ve come to the North, don’t think your position has changed,” Ivelina sneered.

“You’re still Delphina Rikaion. Don’t forget that. Just follow orders like always. Don’t do anything unnecessary!”

“I’m no longer Delphina Rikaion,” Delphina replied firmly.

“What?”

“The moment I arrived at the Grand Duke’s castle, I became Delphina Roheim.”

Ivelina scoffed at her.

“You haven’t even received official permission for the engagement from His Majesty. Don’t get ahead of yourself.”

“Do you even know what it means to become the Grand Duchess of the North?”

“What? What does it mean?”

“It means I’ll have a higher status than you.”

Delphina smiled as she stared straight into Ivelina’s eyes.

“Keep acting the same way. See how long I let you get away with it.”

Ivelina fell silent. She had never imagined Delphina would fight back.

Until now, Delphina had always endured everything quietly—even when things were unjust.

“I’m going to return to the Grand Duke’s estate and expel you and the Rikaion people from it.”

“O-on what grounds?”

“You tried to harm me. Isn’t that reason enough?”

“But like I said, there’s no proof—”

“How foolish. Do you think this is the Rikaion household? Just like you once accused me without proof, I can do the same to you now.”

“In the North, my word is proof. There’s no need to involve the Imperial court. You’ll be thrown out disgracefully. Can you imagine how pathetic that’ll look?”

Ivelina glared at Delphina. She never expected such vicious words from her.

What she didn’t know was that Delphina had people she treasured now. And when someone threatened them, she was willing to become just as vicious.

Ivelina screeched.

“You wretch! If you throw me out, I’ll go straight to the capital and tell everyone what kind of monster you’ve become!”

“Everyone there will call you cruel. That you’re tormenting your poor cousin after getting engaged to the Grand Duke. Even Kasen will hate you! Do you want him to despise you?”

Kasen was always Ivelina’s ultimate weapon.

She had often told Delphina:

“Delphina, if you act up, Kasen will hate you. Men like obedient, sweet girls.”
“So let him talk to other women or sleep around—just let it go.”

Now, in hindsight, it was all nonsense.

“Sure, call me a villain. I don’t care anymore. Let them call me whatever they want. It doesn’t matter now.”

Ivelina’s mouth hung open, dumbfounded. She muttered weakly,

“Don’t pretend to be strong. You’re scared right now. Your kindness was your only good trait—now everyone will see that’s gone too!”

Calyx spoke to her calmly.

“So this is what the Lady of Rikaion is really like.”

“What? Lady of Rikaion?”

“Yes. Lady of Rikaion.”

Delphina smiled, watching Ivelina, who clearly had no idea.

She didn’t know who Calyx really was. If it weren’t for the system interface, even Delphina wouldn’t have known.

‘That he’s Calyx Artman…’

So Delphina silently rooted for Ivelina.

‘Go on, keep acting like your usual awful self, Ivelina.’

Calyx turned to her and said,

“Don’t worry. I’m not the kind of person who hits others just because we don’t agree. Unlike someone.”

Ivelina called for her guards.

“Restrain that commoner immediately! He dared insult me!”

Delphina shook her head, watching.

She had been quiet for a reason—Calyx seemed to want to resolve this himself.

<Calyx Artman>
Status: Extremely angry.
Currently deciding how to cause a proper scene.

Ivelina’s guards arrived—but none of them dared to lay a finger on Calyx.

“Lady Ivelina, may I give you some advice?”

“What nonsense are you saying? Kyle, Derrick! What’s wrong with you two?”

“M-my lady, you have to run! He’s not an ordinary man!”

“What? What do you mean?”

“We… we can’t win against him!”

Their faces were ghostly pale. Ivelina was bewildered.

Why were her trained knights afraid of a commoner who wasn’t even armed?

Then it happened.

Calyx pulled something from his pocket.

A badge.

Engraved on it was the name of one of the most noble men in the Empire.

Ivelina blinked in disbelief.

‘Calyx Artman…?’

The strongest knight in the Empire—why was his name on that?

Calyx spoke slowly.

“You seem to like playing with power, so I’ll play along.”

“I am Calyx Artman. So—do you have your proof now?”

* * *

As soon as Kasen heard rumors that someone resembling Calyx had been working on the fortress wall, he rushed there.

‘Why would he work as a laborer?’

Calyx was always unpredictable. But Kasen couldn’t imagine a high-ranking noble and Sword Master pretending to be a commoner in the North.

Just then, Kasen saw a commotion—people had gathered around, murmuring.

And he heard Ivelina yelling.

“Do you have any idea how serious it is to impersonate a noble?! You’ll die for impersonating Sir Calyx!”

Kasen frowned and approached the crowd.

‘If Calyx is actually here… and sees his fiancée acting like this… he might be deeply disappointed.’