A thick book was placed heavily on the table. Was this entire book filled with design sketches? Her dedication was impressive.
As expected of someone considered one of the top three, Blanc was a person of constant effort. That effort was reflected in every page of the sketchbook.
As Milena carefully flipped through each page, Blanc spoke with a hint of subtlety.
“Since you’ll be attending the banquet, you absolutely must choose at least one dress. Time is tight.”
“Banquet?”
“Oh dear, you didn’t know? His Highness the Crown Prince’s birthday banquet is fast approaching.”
Milena’s brow twitched. Just as she was about to comment on Blanc’s testing tone—
Knock knock. The head butler entered with an invitation placed on a silver tray.
“Excuse me. It’s an urgent matter that the young madam must confirm personally.”
“What is it?”
“An invitation from the Imperial Palace.”
The card bore the imperial seal and was so luxurious it felt burdensome to touch. Milena carefully opened it.
“Do I have to reply to this?”
It was an invitation addressed to her, Ashedel, and Lexion to attend an event at the Imperial Palace. Why? she wondered.
“They said no reply was necessary,” Blanc murmured after sneaking a glance at the contents beside her.
“Young Lord Lexion and His Highness the Crown Prince are close. It seems His Highness is curious about the Lady and the Archduke.”
“The Crown Prince and Lexion are close?”
“Yes, His Highness considers him a dear friend.”
Only His Highness, that is. Blanc’s tone tilted slightly. Did Lexion consider him a close friend as well? Blanc simply shrugged.
“You, can you make doll clothes too?”
Ashedel, who had been watching quietly, suddenly asked.
“Oh my, of course!”
Although time was tight, Blanc had just enough leeway to grant the young lord’s request.
“There’s no set date, so I guess I’ll have to discuss it with Lexion first.”
“Hmm, you’ll need something to wear into the palace, right? I’ve got some practice pieces I made—how about I adjust them to your size and bring them over?”
Blanc, while taking measurements for the rabbit doll Ashedel had, spoke casually. Ashedel’s eyes lit up as he asked her to make the doll’s hat and tie match the outfit.
Blanc, full of service spirit, accepted every request. Before long, she had finished drafting the designs for the Lady’s dress and accessories, and a significant amount of time had passed.
After seeing Blanc off, Milena had dinner with the Grand Madam and other members of the Silbert family as usual. Then she stood from her seat.
“Young madam?”
“Let’s go, Jenny.”
“Eh? Y-Yes!”
So you’re finally going. Jenny looked ready to cry as she informed the head butler and quickly prepared a guard and a dark carriage. They set off into the streets.
At that same time
Lexion was in the main office of the information guild headquarters, busily handling overdue work.
[I’ve sent the invitation to your wife, just so you know.]
“You couldn’t even wait a moment, could you?”
[I’ll be attending the next meeting myself.]
“Understood.”
[So make sure you come too.]
“Ha… Why me?”
His voice came out sharp and annoyed. Of all the times… why call him just when things were finally heating up with her? If it weren’t the Crown Prince, he would’ve thrown him out.
[Your wife hasn’t been attending any social events, has she? Using pregnancy as an excuse. Someone’s got to kill the noble ladies’ curiosity.]
“So you’re going to parade her around during the noble assembly?”
[Just a brief appearance will quiet things down.]
“It’ll cause more noise. Unfortunately, my wife’s a bit too beautiful.”
[Ha! So the great Lexion Silbert has fallen hard, eh?]
“Yes, thanks to someone, I haven’t even enjoyed my honeymoon.”
[Kukuku. Now I’m even more curious. Take a vacation after the birthday banquet.]
Lexion gave a hollow laugh. The birthday banquet marked a crucial moment when the Crown Prince would begin taking center stage. As someone who had to work behind the scenes for him, Lexion knew he wouldn’t get to rest.
“I’ll pass on hollow offers.”
[Oh come on, I’m serious.]
“Then, I’ll see you soon—with my wife.”
Lexion dismissed the black orb that transmitted the Crown Prince’s voice.
He was working not only on the Crown Prince’s affairs but also using his intelligence network across the capital to find clues about the Tower Master.
Ding. The clear ring of a bell made Lexion raise an eyebrow. The secret door connected to the guild’s headquarters had been opened.
“Guildmaster, we have a guest.”
“I said we’re not accepting visitors right now. Have Gerard turn them away.”
If the vice-guildmaster could’ve turned them away, they wouldn’t be here. The staff member looked flustered.
“Well, it’s someone… important.”
The quill pen stopped mid-sentence.
“Who?”
Upon hearing the visitor’s name, Lexion’s lips twisted.
“Well, this is unexpected. Bring me a mask.”
He rose from his seat and buttoned the sleeves he had rolled up for work.
To think this day would come. That Calion Luxen would personally come here.
Donning the mask handed to him, Lexion opened the secret door.
In the capital’s city center, a grand auction house stood among the flashy shopping district.
It was a place certified by the royal family—frequented by nobles.
Although it looked elegant on the surface, beneath it was the heart of a massive intelligence network.
Before an item went to auction, speaking a certain code phrase to a staff member enabled special transactions. The higher the item’s value, the more likely you were to meet a high-ranking guild member.
Calion Luxen came alone, handing over a pouch full of diamonds as per protocol. His retainers had been left outside.
Following the guide, the duke stepped into the underworld known by those in the know. He walked along a red-carpeted, elegant hallway without paying it any attention.
Eventually, he reached the top floor and was face-to-face with the mysterious guildmaster.
The sight caused a slight crack in Calion’s usually blank expression.
He narrowed his eyes at the man and spoke.
“You’re the guildmaster?”
In the center of the spacious drawing room stood a man dressed in all white from head to toe. White shoes, a white suit, white hair, white gloves—he stood with perfect posture, one hand over his chest and his head slightly bowed.
“Indeed.”
What drew the most attention was the mask on his face. When the man raised his head, Calion was met with a rabbit mask, its ears perked.
“I am the master of Hart.”
His voice carried a faint echo, as if it were doubled, with a trace of amusement.
Calion watched for a moment, then took a seat. What mattered was not the appearance, but capability.
As if he had never reacted, he spoke flatly.
“Let’s get to the point.”
The guildmaster smiled lightly from the seat across from him.
“In quite a hurry, I see.”
“From this point on, nothing I say is to be leaked.”
“But of course. We are merchants who deal in information. The value of our silence depends on the price paid.”
Calion pulled out a blank check and placed it on the table.
“Find my wife.”
The guildmaster stared at the check, then asked thoughtfully,
“I’ve heard the rumors in the north. The Archduchess’ body disappeared, didn’t it? Are you looking for a corpse?”
The probing remark earned a cold, arrogant glare from Calion.
“We don’t even know if she’s dead or alive. Find out. Notify me the moment you confirm her location.”
“The empire’s territory is quite vast. Is there a chance she crossed into another kingdom? Are there no clues at all?”
“I don’t know.”
“Hmm.”
The guildmaster tapped the check lightly with his gloved fingers.
“This will cost quite a bit.”
“Name your price.”
As the guildmaster hesitated, Calion’s silver-gray eyes bore into him. His gaze narrowed onto the mask’s magical aura. Crackle—his vision sparked as if from static. He tried to see the face behind the mask, but failed.
“If you’re thinking of refusing, I’ll be taking your tongue.”
A deadly threat—now that the guildmaster knew the Archduchess might be alive, he intended to silence him if necessary.
Behind the mask, Lexion’s lips twisted with irritation. But his voice remained calm.
“A client of your stature—I wouldn’t dare refuse. Give me some time, and I’ll deliver results you’ll be satisfied with.”
As if that concluded the conversation, Calion rose from his seat.
“Send your reports to the Visel County.”
The Visel family was one of the northern vassal houses, acting as proxy for the Archduke in the capital.
Once the Archduke left, Lexion removed the rabbit mask, slumped onto the sofa, and tilted his head back.
“This is perfect. I was looking for the Tower Master anyway. Might as well find the Archduchess too, hand her over to the Duke, and earn a profit.”
He closed his weary eyes for a moment. If only Milena were here… He longed to hold his wife in his arms.
“Guildmaster! T-Trouble!”
“What is it?”
“Your wife is here!”
Wife? He had dealt with so many noblewomen clients…
“Be specific. Which wife from what family?”
“Silbert. Your actual wife!”
Startled, the staff even changed how they addressed him.
“Well, I did want to see her… but I didn’t mean for her to come here.”
When can i read this😭