Chapter 13
Lucifer listened to the report in silence, his demeanor calm.
Yet the silence filling the room carried a chilling sense of intimidation.
“Why did he suddenly change his mind?”
“…A separate letter arrived from Damian Abiche.”
“Read it.”
“I understa—”
“No. I’ll read it. Hand it over.”
Lucifer took the letter.
**[Wishing for your continued peace.
First and foremost, I express my deepest gratitude for your consideration toward my family.
The matter regarding Katrina Abiche has been reconsidered after much deliberation.
Please understand that this decision was made following the counsel of a highly esteemed individual close to our family… (omitted)
…May health and well-being always be with you.]**
“Hah. That’s so Damian Abiche.”
Lucifer clicked his tongue.
In translation, it meant someone’s influence had caused Katrina’s monastery exile to be canceled.
And the fact that Damian used the term “highly esteemed” meant…
“Raymond, huh?”
Yes.
It could only be Crown Prince Raymond Ascliffe.
But why?
Raymond had no reason to help Katrina.
“That’s strange.”
Why would Raymond help her?
“Did she have something on him?”
That must be it. There’s no way that finicky Raymond would do something like this otherwise.
Lucifer didn’t like this situation at all.
“I was looking forward to it.”
For the plan to fall apart like this.
He had no intention of letting the situation continue unchecked.
He had waited so long for Katrina to open her eyes again.
“How long I’ve waited…”
His fingertips began to tap lightly on the desk without him realizing.
The rhythmic sound echoed through the room, laced with a bit of anxiety and unease.
But he had no plans to let it go.
He wanted to pay it all back.
The Wishing Stone had apparently been moved to the temple.
They decided not to entrust it to House Rockfenheim anymore, saying they could no longer be trusted.
And now, discussions were underway to determine which noble house would next take custody of the Wishing Stone.
Only two families had stepped forward to take on that role:
Duke Abiche’s family.
And Marquess France’s family.
The latter was the female lead’s family.
The Wishing Stone, while dangerous due to its power, also came with many benefits for the family that held it.
The biggest benefit: political immunity and the right to maintain more private soldiers than permitted by law.
Additionally, having a say in appointments within the imperial palace was a significant advantage.
Naturally, many noble families desired to hold the stone.
Traditionally, those opportunities were first offered to the Four Great Houses…
But this time, things were a little different.
Because Silas had tried to steal the Wishing Stone, other nobles were rebelling, saying the Four Great Houses could no longer be trusted.
The temple would ultimately decide which family would get the stone.
A public meeting would be held in a month to make the final decision.
‘So before that, I have to resolve the monastery issue.’
She had to solidify her position in the family within a month.
And the first step was Raymond.
‘No matter what, I have to get Raymond to attend the Unity Banquet with me.’
She had to show that things were moving the way the Duke of Abiche wanted.
That’s why Katrina planned to offer Raymond a deal today: she’d make him his medicine, and in exchange, he’d be her partner at the Unity Banquet.
But…
Damn man.
Katrina kept thinking.
Still the same old habits.
“Ahem, My Lady. If you could just wait a little longer…”
Katrina was currently in the Imperial Palace.
She had been sitting in the reception room, waiting for Raymond for over an hour.
As her expression darkened, the attendant tried to soothe her gently.
But that didn’t make her feel any better.
Katrina drank her tea to calm her irritation.
‘Seriously, hasn’t changed a bit.’
Back when she was engaged to the Crown Prince, their meetings were regularly scheduled.
And Raymond flaked on them like clockwork.
Katrina once waited three hours for him without knowing if he’d even show up.
And what did he say afterward?
“You love me, don’t you?”
That’s how he confirmed Katrina’s place in his life.
…She had thought maybe this time would be different.
Even though she held his weakness now. Even though she knew how to craft the aroma that could soothe his pain.
What kind of nerve did he have?
‘Hold it in.’
She had to maintain a cordial relationship with Raymond.
That was the reason Duke Abiche didn’t send her to the monastery.
Bang!
Just then, the door burst open.
‘Came sooner than I thought?’
She expected to be kept waiting another two hours.
“This is a message from His Highness, the Crown Prince.”
Oh.
It wasn’t Raymond who entered.
It was his aide.
“His Highness asks that you return for today.”
Unbelievable.
‘…Hold it in.’
She needed to make Raymond her partner.
“His Highness is very busy. He’ll send a messenger to Abiche again.”
…Unbelievable.
“He also said you may leave the gift behind.”
Oh, come on.
She almost screamed.
Clearly, Raymond wasn’t taking her seriously.
Thinking that he might’ve changed after the last time was laughable.
‘Ten years of this nonsense.’
From the very first moment they met, Raymond never took Katrina seriously.
Amazing how consistent he was.
Even though she’d brought a fragrance to ease his curse.
Raymond’s message was clear:
He still saw himself as the superior in this relationship—emotionally and otherwise.
But Raymond, even though I’m desperate now…
That doesn’t mean I want to relive this cursed past.
I’m done.
“Bring him here.”
Katrina gave in last time. And that gave Raymond confidence.
It told him: Katrina Abiche can be treated this way.
It wasn’t an exaggeration to say she made him who he was.
So now…
She would remake Raymond from the ground up.
“I’m not leaving.”
The aide’s expression turned cold at Katrina’s words.
“What are you saying, My Lady?”
Katrina slammed her teacup down loudly.
“Right now.”
“What are you standing there for?”
She pushed the dazed aide.
Until now, Raymond held all the power in this relationship.
Because Katrina loved him.
Because Han Seryeong just wanted to go home.
But now, she wanted to take back control.
She was the one who had given it up, so it was still hers, right?
“His Highness isn’t someone with a flexible schedule.”
“That’s a strange thing to say. So I am someone with free time?”
Katrina suddenly stood up, startling the aide.
“It’d be wise to choose your words carefully from now on.”
“….”
“This is the last time I’ll be patient.”
Who do you think had the luxury to waste 10 years waiting here for 3 hours at a time?
“…I misspoke, My Lady. My apologies.”
“I accept the apology.”
“But His Highness’s schedule is truly—”
“Then why did he summon me?”
“There was a sudden change…”
“Then he should’ve informed me through his attendants an hour ago.”
“….”
The aide had no words.
As expected.
This was clearly Raymond’s fault. No amount of excuse would make it right.
“I’m not blaming you, Sir.”
“…If even you act this way, it puts me in a difficult position.”
“Then just relay my words to His Highness. That much you can do, right?”
“I can do that much.”
“Good.”
Raymond, let’s see if you can stay still after hearing this.
“Here’s what I want you to tell him…”
Katrina leaned in and whispered something.
The aide’s face went stone cold.
“Deliver it.”
