Chapter 37
Struggling against harsh reality to realise his ideals, only to leave this world without enjoying the joy of victory – that was my favourite character.
Seeing him in person after being reincarnated into the novel made it impossible to take my eyes off him.
Enduring countless humiliations as a puppet prince, unable to enjoy even the bare necessities, carrying all burdens alone.
Yet the unwavering flame burning in his chest was so dazzling.
Even without the letter I saw after reincarnating, or the Watch, I might still have chosen to help him.
For giving bread to the starving and blankets to the freezing is simply human kindness.
Therefore, I didn’t want to waste time unbinding myself now.
“Once Prince Etias achieves his goal, will you reveal your sponsorship to him, my lady?”
“…Heros.”
“His goal is to reclaim his throne, isn’t it?”
His challenging tone made me sigh softly and lower my gaze.
Then, raising my brows like Katrin, I spoke.
“Do you think I’m that simple?”
“……”
“My father, the Duke, was at the heart of the imperial faction that treated Etias like a thorn. Do you think a few acts of sponsorship will wash away that sin?”
I smirked faintly at Heros.
“They’ll undoubtedly try to kill me. To soothe the public, oppressed by the Emperor’s tyranny.”
Crossing my arms, I continued.
“But don’t worry. I have ways to escape. Think about your own future instead. Don’t waste time on useless thoughts.”
The dangerous gaze he once sent me, holding my dagger to his own throat, still lingered in my mind.
I knew that strong people, physically or mentally, always attracted followers who longed for their strength.
Even his confession of finding his identity was probably related to me.
“You’re a good person, Heros. But you can’t stay by my side forever. Surely there’s someone out there who will appreciate you more.”
His eyes wavered before he lowered his head slightly.
It was a rejection in the form of telling him to find another master.
“To comfort you… I’m not the kind of person you think I am.”
His gaze grew darker whenever I made choices like the true villainess Katrin.
“Just as you wear a mask, so do I.”
In reality, I was just a weak human who struggled on, tearfully enduring everything.
“No.”
After a brief silence, Heros’s voice reached me.
“No matter who you are, my lady, you are my only master.”
He slowly knelt down before me and kissed the top of my foot.
Even though it was dirty, he didn’t care.
I saw his sharp nose bridge and defined features as he raised his head.
“Butler Heros will serve you to the very end.”
His brown eyes shone with such sincerity that my chest ached slightly.
“So don’t even think of pushing me away.”
[Spring is coming. How about trying lighter clothes now? ૮₍ •͈ ꇴ •͈ ₎ა]
Karon beamed brightly as he placed a bulk spring clothing order for the revolutionary army.
Recent generous sponsorships allowed them to rebuild their lodgings and barracks and prepare new clothes for everyone.
What delighted him most was finally being able to order a proper uniform for his lord.
Even when they had money, Etias insisted on spending it where it was most urgent, so his own worn clothes were never replaced.
Thankfully, he never refused his sponsor’s suggestions.
“Please use the most luxurious and expensive fabric for his ceremonial robes.”
Karon was excited imagining his lord, who always wore the oldest clothes in the citadel, finally looking dignified.
“And prepare comfortable everyday clothes in good materials too.”
Just recently, Etias returned after being away for two days, his clothes shredded as if attacked.
Though unhurt, his dishevelled appearance worried Karon. Etias, however, offered no explanation.
From the branches stuck in his torn clothes, Karon guessed he had visited the Frozen Lands.
‘Did he lose something at the villa?’
He had many questions but could not press his silent lord.
As his vassal, all he could do was support him wholeheartedly.
“The order is complete. Shall we go now, Your Highness?”
They were to receive intelligence today from a provincial allied group at a teahouse.
Etias, lost in thought, lifted his gaze and nodded.
His blue eyes glowed deep green like a forest’s hidden swamp.
☕ [Teahouse Encounter]
They soon arrived at their destination.
After ordering, the server brought their tea – along with an unexpected plate of biscuits.
“These were sent over by that gentleman… oh, he’s gone.”
When the server bowed and left, Etias picked up a biscuit.
He tapped it lightly, and the outer cookie cracked to reveal paper baked inside.
The paper contained a coded message.
“Before spring leaves, a new spring can begin.”
At his words, Karon flinched.
It seemed all regional allies were now prepared.
The blazing fire to overturn the nation was about to ignite.
If they didn’t overturn it, only destruction awaited.
It was a game that had to begin – and he was its master.
Etias burned the note in the table’s candle flame and lifted his teacup.
“Will you really use it on Lady Elemoer?”
A sudden voice behind them made Etias’s hand stop.
Men chatting behind him lowered their voices.
“She’s already broken off the engagement.”
Then came a grating voice.
“Doesn’t matter.”
Hearing that, the man opposite sighed lightly.
“You know… this was hard to get. If my brothers find out I stole it, they’ll kill me.”
“That’s why I’m paying you ten times the usual price. Take it without complaint.”
Seeing Etias’s brows twitch, Karon whispered softly.
“Let’s leave, Your Highness…”
But Etias remained seated silently.
Philios’s voice continued.
“Just once is enough. If she loses her mind just once, I can do anything. Don’t worry.”
“Let’s hear the plan.”
“When Father goes to pay the business rights balance, I’ll go instead. When we’re alone in the reception room, I’ll give her the drink. When she gets all hot and clings to me, I’ll embrace her and make her sign the annulment reversal and wealth division papers.”
Karon shook his head and whispered bitterly to Etias.
“What trash of a man.”
Etias’s eyes glinted with cold fury.
Philios, oblivious to their gaze, stood and left with Regallo family guards.
“……!”
Moments later, as the broker counted the money Philios gave him, a shadow loomed over him.
Etias stood there.
His priority was to find out what drug was being sold.
“W-who are you?”
Panicking, the man hid the money in his clothes as Etias pulled out his official badge.
The citadel’s officials handled various civil matters, including crime investigations.
“O-official?!”
Seeing Etias’s cold gaze, the man hurriedly pulled something from his pocket and threw it at him.
“Kuk.”
Black smoke exploded, blocking Etias’s view, the pungent smell making him cough.
Clang—
The table overturned, teacups smashing as Etias shielded his face with his arm.
The broker fled the teahouse at full speed, dashing into back alleys.
The drug he just sold Philios wasn’t a normal one – it was a dangerous illegal substance used for vile crimes.
If caught, it meant prison. He couldn’t let the official catch him.
“Huff… I should be safe now.”
Thinking he’d lost his pursuer, he stopped.
But then—
Sssss—
The shadows at his feet began to creep up his body.
“Hiiik! What is this?!”
Terrified by the sensation of snakes slithering up him, he tried to shake it off, but it was impossible.
The shadow coiled tightly around both his ankles as if obeying someone’s command.
“Dark Veil.”
It was the powerful ability passed down the Clyde royal line, known only to Karon aside from Etias himself.
“Kugh.”
The man fell, losing his balance. The shadows melted back into the ground and vanished.
“What the hell…!”
As he panicked, a pair of shoes came into his vision.
“Y-you…!”
It was the citadel official who had let him go earlier – Etias.
A chillingly low voice flowed from his lips.
“Hand it over.”
