Chapter 9
“Yes, it is…”
“Speak.”
The guest hesitated, as if something was bothering him. Seeing this, Junpei slowly shook his head.
“Don’t tell me… that foolish Mia Lisitsa wrote the threat letter herself? That girl who used to pick up the fork Grand Duke Ulliel used and treasure it?”
“It must be a trick to clear herself of the accusation. Otherwise, there is no way to explain the identical handwriting.”
Junpei fell silent, deep in thought.
“What should we do, Junpei? Now that the woman has cleared herself of the threat charge, they will start looking for the real culprit. I fear the Grand Duke’s reach may extend to you as well.”
The air grew heavy. Junpei walked around the pond several times, his leather shoes stepping softly. The guest stood still on the gravel.
Finally, Junpei stopped.
“Did that woman recognize you?”
“No.”
The guest hesitated, then continued.
“That is what’s strange. If she knew the threat letter was forged, she should have felt something was wrong when she saw my face at the Ulliel mansion.”
Junpei pressed his lips tightly together. After walking around the courtyard again, he finally spoke.
“For now, keep watching both the Grand Duke and the woman. I will read the prophecy book and seek the will of God.”
The guest bowed deeply.
“Yes, Junpei. I will follow your orders. I am always your loyal servant.”
Soon after, the guest disappeared through the path between the lattice windows.
Junpei parted his long silk robe and took out a small book from his chest. The pages were yellowed, filled with strange letters not from this land. Yet he seemed to read them without difficulty.
After studying it for a long time, he pressed his forehead.
“Mia Lisitsa… There’s almost no information about her except that she is Valentina Lisitsa’s older sister.”
He shut the book with irritation. On the cover, the title was written in those strange letters.
Junpei frowned and read it quietly, as if chanting a spell.
“The Moon That Reflects Your Face.”
*
The imperial palace was always the same.
It stood proudly at the center of the capital, shining as if it would never fall. Even now, while the Emperor lay sick in bed, nothing had changed.
Assad had just passed through the grand gates. With clear reluctance, he walked down the corridor toward the audience chamber.
“A young man walking slower than an old woman—how shameful.”
An old lady, wrinkled like a dried rose, appeared behind him.
“Lady Morin Fridiel.”
Though she barely reached his chest in height, her eyes were still sharp.
“In the palace, keep your mouth shut, your chin down, and your steps quick. Didn’t the former Grand Duke Ulliel teach you that?”
Her sharp words had not dulled with age. Assad smiled gently and offered his arm.
“It seems I have shamed my late father. Please lend me your guidance today as well, Lady Morin.”
“Hmph.”
She snorted but placed her hand on his arm. Despite her harsh tone, she had always cared for Assad since he was young.
As they walked, they talked lightly.
“I heard a hot spring was found near the border of our lands, but your people are blocking access.”
“You must have received wrong information. It lies within Ulliel territory. You should reconsider the competence of your subordinates.”
“Is that so? Many patients in Fridiel territory need such a place. Perhaps you could show some kindness and allow shared use?”
“If you show kindness by supplying your rare herbs to us for free, I might consider it.”
Morin sighed.
“You arrogant brat. If you weren’t the son of a traitor, you would have been perfect for my granddaughter Sigrid.”
Assad only smiled quietly.
*
Soon, they entered the audience hall.
“Head of Ulliel, Head of Fridiel have arrived!”
Junpei Masabiel greeted them with a frown.
“You’re late.”
Beside him stood a silent woman with red hair tied high—Rosaim, the second daughter of the Sadiphiel family.
Morin replied casually.
“It’s not easy for an old woman to move quickly. It’s been a while since all four great families gathered.”
The hall was magnificent. A red carpet split the room, leading to a golden throne. Four marble pillars stood tall—symbols of the four great families.
Light poured in from stained glass above, forcing everyone to lower their eyes before the imperial authority.
“The Crown Prince has arrived!”
Junpei knelt first. The others followed.
The Crown Prince walked forward and sat on the throne without hesitation.
“Rise.”
After they stood, he spoke.
“I have summoned you to move the debutante ball earlier.”
Assad’s eyebrow twitched. He remembered Mia.
Could it be…
Junpei responded smoothly.
“A wise decision, Your Highness.”
The Crown Prince nodded.
“In one month, the imperial palace will host the debutante ball. As usual, your families will host yours in order afterward.”
The heads bowed.
Then Assad spoke.
“With the Empress gone, who will host the ball?”
The Crown Prince smirked.
“Didn’t know you cared about such things, Grand Duke.”
Junpei chuckled.
“The ball will be hosted by Kisha Astrid. I hear she has some connection with you?”
Assad lowered his head silently.
Seeing no reaction, the Crown Prince looked bored.
“You may all leave.”
As the meeting ended, Assad couldn’t stop himself.
“How is the Emperor’s condition?”
The Crown Prince turned sharply, then smiled coldly.
“You are loyal, Grand Duke. But there is no improvement. If there were, I would inform you.”
There was meaning behind his words.
*
After leaving, Assad’s mind was troubled.
At the center of it all was Mia Lisitsa.
Her ridiculous prediction… was true.
“…Grand Duke!”
“Ah—yes?”
He returned to reality.
“I called you several times,” Morin said.
“My apologies. Please continue.”
“It’s about the transfer of executor duties. A low noble named Lisitsa has requested the return of their confiscated estate.”
Ah. Mia Lisitsa’s shameless father.
Assad frowned slightly.
“And?”
“According to imperial law, property granted by the imperial family cannot be confiscated.”
“…Are you saying the Lisitsa estate was granted by the imperial family?”
Something felt wrong.
Morin handed him a document.
“Look at this record.”
Assad read it.
Ten years ago, the Lisitsa family had been granted a noble title and an estate by the imperial family.
That was… around the time the Ulliel rebellion was suppressed.
But something else shocked him.
Assad pointed at a specific line in the document, disbelief in his eyes.
