Chapter 52
The voice that slipped from my lips sounded shockingly dry.
But my body told a different story. Cold sweat dampened the inside of my clenched palm, and my fingertips tingled.
I couldn’t tell if it was embarrassment, shame, or anger.
“Do you mean that… seriously?”
I deliberately hardened my expression, speaking with a clipped, cold tone.
Rachel didn’t answer.
Her silence itself was an affirmation.
Her gaze remained cold, her eyes frozen solid with suspicion that refused to thaw.
‘…Damn it.’
If I lost control and raised my voice now, all it would do was hand her leverage—leverage she’d immediately deliver to my father.
‘Damn it. What should I do?’
I decided I had to first find out exactly what she wanted.
“So, what then? Do you plan to sit in the room and watch us spend the night?”
I clicked my tongue and gave a short laugh of disbelief.
Rachel shook her head.
“No. There’s a simpler way.”
“And what’s that?”
“A magic stone. I have one inscribed with recording magic. Through it, I can confirm your night with His Grace.”
She added, in a voice that sounded almost merciful:
“Just once. After that, I will never doubt my lady again.”
I bit down on the inside of my cheek. Then, narrowing my eyes, I scrutinized her carefully.
Her reaction gave her away. This outrageous demand wasn’t my father’s order. Her gaze wavered faintly, betraying unease.
Rachel was asking this on her own—without my father’s approval.
If I played this well, I could spare myself from the constant performance in front of her from now on.
After all, hadn’t I been pushing him—pushing us—far too much already?
‘…There’s no choice.’
This was both a crisis and an opportunity.
And there was only one way out.
“Fine.”
My voice was firm.
“But after this, your role here ends. From this moment on, our trust is finished.”
At that, Rachel’s face twisted ever so slightly.
I didn’t let the opening slip away.
“Once your little ‘confirmation’ is over, I’ll be sending you back to my father. A dog that doesn’t trust its master has no place here.”
A flicker of turmoil crossed her expression—hesitation, frustration, then burning anger.
Just as I thought. This was her own reckless gamble.
‘That makes things even easier.’
I curved my lips into a sharp smile.
“What’s wrong? Did you do all this without even having the resolve to see it through?”
I tilted my head, staring at her with cold, mocking eyes.
“That’s not the Rachel I know. When you lectured me, you were so proud, so righteous. But now, in the decisive moment, you’re retreating?”
My words rang clearly in the silence, sharp as glass.
“You always said it, didn’t you? That I was born a noble and had to bear the responsibilities of one. You corrected my words, my posture, my behavior—every little thing.”
I paused, then narrowed my eyes at her.
“Ah, but Rachel isn’t a noble. So she doesn’t have to take responsibility for her words, is that it?”
“My lady…!”
Her voice broke. Her face flushed red with fury, shame, and humiliation.
I smiled quietly.
Her clenched jaw trembled, lips pressed tight, pride straining to burst free.
Finally, she snapped.
“Very well! If I’m wrong… then I shall leave this mansion!”
“…So you were prepared to go that far.”
I nodded slowly and rose to my feet.
“Good. Then watch carefully. See with your own eyes the result of your suspicion.”
* * *
That evening.
‘Is Denok still not back?’
I bit my lip as I gazed out the window.
I had spoken boldly before Rachel, but in truth, I hadn’t breathed a word of this to the man himself.
And today of all days, he was away.
Out inspecting external businesses with his newly appointed aides.
At this rate, he wouldn’t return until nightfall—leaving us no time to discuss, no chance to plan.
‘Why today, of all days…’
A frown pulled at my brow. I exhaled heavily.
My heart thumped unevenly, like a broken clock hand stuck in place.
Just like my mind, frozen, unable to find a way out.
If the night were recorded, how could we possibly discuss this freely?
And then—
Knock, knock.
A composed knock sounded.
And there she was—the last face I wanted to see.
Rachel entered, hair bound high, bowing her head deeply as if to flaunt her courtesy.
In her arms she carried a small object.
“That’s…”
“The recording stone I mentioned. I’ve already set it into a statue’s eye. His Grace won’t notice.”
Ah. So she did know this was something that must never reach his ears.
Suppressing bitter laughter, I turned to look.
It was a wooden statue of an eagle, wings spread wide as if ready to soar.
Exquisitely carved, brimming with a craftsman’s touch.
But the eyes—smooth, gleaming, unnaturally bright—betrayed the stone hidden within.
‘So that’s where it is.’
Those eyes would record everything in this room.
“Tomorrow, I’ll retrieve the statue.”
“Yes. By tomorrow, everything will be clear.”
I replied coldly.
Rachel set the statue in a corner, positioned perfectly to overlook the bed.
Then she left.
‘From this moment on…’
It had begun.
My throat went dry. I swallowed hard, then drifted toward the vanity.
It was the only spot barely out of the statue’s line of sight.
The mirror reflected a pale, tense face.
I smoothed my hair with trembling fingers, thinking:
When he returns… what expression should I wear when I face him?
* * *
Meanwhile, late that night, the gates of the ducal estate opened quietly.
Denok returned, accompanied by the weary Kyle and Emil.
It had been a long day. Inspections of the territory’s businesses had left no time to rest.
Fatigue weighed on his shoulders, but his face remained as composed as ever.
Vernon stepped forward to greet him, taking his coat.
“And the lady?”
The question had become a habit.
Vernon nodded.
“She has already retired to her chambers. Though… she was searching for you all day. It seems she has something important to say.”
Denok blinked.
For an instant, his lips loosened in surprise, but he quickly masked it with his usual calm.
“I see.”
Moments later, he stood before the familiar door. He knocked softly.
Silence.
Had she already fallen asleep?
He hesitated, then gently turned the handle.
“Edi—”
“Denok!”
The door swung open, and warmth rushed into his arms.
Red hair brushed his shoulder.
A faint scent of roses filled the air.
Denok froze, breath caught, and then inhaled deeply.
✨ End of Chapter 52 ✨
