Sharpenen Habel.

He is Violet’s second elder brother.

In the novel, he is the character who constantly teases and trips Violet, but later cries and regrets his actions.

He was undoubtedly a main character in the novel.

If he knows me, it’s certainly not a good sign.

I’m the character who dies after being cursed as the male lead’s ex-girlfriend until the end. And Habel is the role that ultimately regrets and reforms.

Even if Violet doesn’t have a bad impression of me, those around her might not know.

‘If he’s already regretting, he might dislike me.’

Serdis, at the center of gossip. Even a passing lady would know who he’s interested in if asked. And it’s easy to notice that it’s me just by seeing him talking to me.

And if they’re family who’ve watched Violet’s long-time crush from the sidelines, they might have reason to dislike me.

Then I need to be more careful. So that he doesn’t harbor hostility towards me. And so that he doesn’t block Eleanor’s path because of me.

“If it’s alright with you, could we talk privately?”

I asked carefully, trying to keep my face as relaxed as possible.

“You want to talk to me alone?”

Then I slowly observed Habel’s expression. He didn’t seem to be hostile towards me.

“Yes. If that’s okay with you.”

“Of course, that’s fine!”

Rather, he seemed nervous. I’m not sure why, though.

“Then where shall we go?”

“J-Just a moment, please.”

Suddenly, Habel turned around and started fixing his hair.

For whatever reason, seeing Eleanor tilt her head at the sight, it didn’t seem to be a common occurrence.

“Eleanor. The captain isn’t angry, is he?”

I discreetly asked Eleanor as I moved closer to her.

“He’s not angry, he seems to want to make a good impression.”

“A good impression? On whom?”

“Well, obviously……”

As Eleanor was about to answer, Habel turned back around. Because of that, I couldn’t hear the rest of her response.

‘Surely he doesn’t want to impress me.’

There was no setting in the original work where Habel was interested in Anette. If he had disliked her, he would have disliked her.

“You didn’t say anything strange about me, did you?”

Habel looked at her suspiciously.

“I was just praising the captain who was working hard to look good.”

“Hey, when did I ever try to look good.”

“‘Hey’? Your language is rough considering Prince Bi is here.”

At her words, Habel cleared his throat with an expression that said ‘oops’. Then he glanced at me and took a step closer.

“The place might be humble, but I’ll guide you.”

His attitude was unexpectedly full of goodwill.

“Eleanor. Then I’ll see you later.”

I nodded in understanding and then gave Eleanor a look. Soon realizing, Eleanor winked with one eye.

“Take your time talking.”

I need to keep Habel occupied for a while. So Eleanor can go and look into the matter.

The place he took me to was the barracks of the Second Knight Division.

As I looked around the neatly organized barracks, Habel scratched the back of his head and mumbled something.

“Ah. We don’t have tea cups. Would you mind waiting? I’ll be right back.”

“What? You’re going yourself, Sir Habel?”

When I asked in surprise, Habel opened his mouth in an ‘Ah.’

“Should I send the kids?”

“A maid or servant……”

“Ah, right. That’s an option.”

Habel spoke without looking me in the eye, seemingly embarrassed. Suddenly, silence fell.

‘Eleanor must have left by now.’

Fearing he might go outside and discover Eleanor’s absence, I quickly stopped him.

“We don’t need tea. Let’s just sit and talk for a moment.”

“But… I heard that Your Grace enjoys various medicinal teas. I had specially prepared a medicinal tea for this day, so it’s a shame.”

Prepared for this day means…

“You knew I was coming?”

“Ah, no, not that. I was just… waiting, you could say.”

Habel rolled his eyes around.

‘Waiting for me?’

You were just waiting for the day to beat up someone who’s practically Violet’s love rival?

His black-gloved fist clenched with a cracking sound.

Eek.

Come to think of it, he seemed more breathless than before. As if he had been waiting just for this day.

“Um… Captain. You know I’m married, right?”

I have no interest in Serdis at all.

I’m not Violet’s love rival!

“Of course I know… that.”

But why are the muscles in his jaw clenching?

Unlike before, displeasure was clearly visible on his face.

“I’m on good terms with Lady Violet. We’re on the same side, you could say.”

I smiled softly, letting him know that I was a harmless presence.

“I know that too. Even though I didn’t ask, the butler blabbers on about what Violet does and who she meets.”

“Then you must know well. That I have no ill feelings towards the young lady. And that there’s nothing between His Highness Serdis and me.”

As I hurriedly added an explanation, Habel finally stopped wandering his eyes and looked at me.

Though he did look away before even three seconds had passed.

“Related to that, I have a question for you, young la… no, Your Grace.”

Habel asked.

“Yes. Anything. Just ask. I’ll answer everything.”

I nodded willingly, waiting for his question. Habel seemed to ponder for a moment.

“Don’t feel burdened, just ask. I don’t want any misunderstandings.”

“Why… didn’t you get engaged to His Highness the Prince……”

My mouth opened involuntarily at his question.

“As I said earlier, I had no feelings for His Highness Serdis!”

Forget feelings, we never even properly dated.

I know why such a misunderstanding arose.

Because Serdis is at the peak of high society’s interest, who he meets is the nobles’ greatest concern.

“I never dreamed of a future with him for even a moment. And I’m already married to the Duke. The Duke is all I have.”

“I was curious about that too. Is there a reason you chose Duke Blanchitache over His Highness Serdis?”

“He’s cool, isn’t he?”

“Specifically, what part of him is cool and how?”

“First of all, I like black hair. Above all, he’s a knight who doesn’t lose to enemies, and despite his strong body, he has a doll-like face. Do I need to say more?”

“Ah, for those reasons.”

Habel seriously pondered my words and then slightly drew his sword to look at his reflection.

“But Your Grace Bi.”

“Yes.”

“Don’t I also fit those reasons?”

He grinned.

‘What fits?’

What does it matter if my ideal type matches Habel?

Not fully understanding his words, I awkwardly smiled along with him.

“By the way, please don’t punish Eleanor. Actually, there are circumstances I couldn’t tell you about, and since I can’t resolve them myself right now, I asked Eleanor for help.”

“Punish? I should praise her for wanting to help Your Grace the Duchess, not punish her.”

“But earlier you said you’d punish her.”

“That was before I knew it was Your Grace Bi. Now that I know, of course I’ll help.”

The unexpectedly willing answer surprised me.

Wasn’t he wanting to beat me up?

“Have your doubts about me been cleared?”

Habel nodded with a bitter smile.

“Hah… It’s disappointing, but what can I do?”

I don’t understand what’s disappointing.

If anything, I’m the one who’s disappointed because Habel’s image is different from what I thought.

I liked the image of him being an older brother who teases Violet but secretly takes care of her, but meeting him in person, this is…

‘He seems like a teenager going through puberty.’

He looked like someone lost in his own world.

Since he said he’d help, I guess I can end the conversation now?

I glanced discreetly towards the entrance of the barracks. Then Habel called out to me urgently.

“Your Grace. When are you leaving for the North?”

If only Hertian was here, we could leave right away without any problems.

The problem is that Hertian isn’t here.

“I think we’ll stay a bit longer before going.”

Habel’s expression noticeably brightened.

“Then is there a chance to see you once more before you go North?”

I have no intention of coming unless it’s for Eleanor, but somehow it felt like I shouldn’t say no.

“I will.”

“Then I’ll serve you the medicinal tea I prepared.”

“I’m curious about what kind of medicinal tea it is. I’ll be heading back to the palace now.”

“Yes. It was a pleasure.”

Finally, I left the barracks. Seeing that Eleanor wasn’t in sight, it seemed she had already left. Despite my refusal, Habel insisted on escorting me to the entrance.

“It seems the carriage hasn’t arrived yet. I should wait with you.”

“The carriage won’t be coming.”

When I answered calmly, he tilted his head.

“If the carriage doesn’t come, how will you go? Didn’t you say earlier that the palace was far away?”

“I’ll have to walk, I suppose?”

“What do you mean……”

Habel seemed to realize what kind of situation this was while speaking.

Everyone knows how Hertian is treated and what his position is within the imperial palace.

It was natural that I, as his partner, would receive the same treatment.

‘I don’t mind what kind of treatment I receive, but.’

At that moment, Habel suddenly spoke up.

“Walking in the imperial palace has its own charm. I also ate too much lunch earlier and my stomach feels uncomfortable, so shall we walk together to aid digestion?”

“It’s quite far, are you sure you’re okay with that?”

“How far can it be within the imperial palace? It’s nothing.”

“If that’s the case… don’t be surprised if the palace is a bit of a mess.”

Habel excitedly followed behind me.

Hertian’s eyes slowly opened.

But it was so dark he couldn’t tell if they were open or closed.

‘Surely an arrow flew, and at its end I saw Anette.’

He held his throbbing head as he recalled the situation before losing consciousness.

An arrow had flown towards Osen, and while chasing after whoever had attacked, he saw Anette.

The sight of her ivory-colored hair hanging limp as she was carried on someone’s back.

Instinctively, he knew it was a trap. But what if it was the real Anette? What if they had taken Anette hostage to corner him?

With that thought, his body moved on its own. He couldn’t ignore even the slightest possibility.

So he and Osen gave chase, entered the forest of the imperial palace, and as soon as they saw the thick fog, they lost consciousness.

And when he opened his eyes, he found himself trapped in a dark cave.

“Osen, are you there?”

As Hertian’s voice echoed, rustling sounds were heard from nearby.

“Can you see me? I can’t see anything! Where are you!”

Osen, who had been holding his breath trying to assess the situation due to the lack of visibility, jumped up upon hearing Hertian’s voice.

“How many battles have we been through together that we can’t recognize each other’s presence?”

“I’m just an ordinary person. Unlike you, master, I’ve been fighting for my life!”

“Judging by your intact voice, you seem to be fine.”

At Hertian’s words, Osen cleared his throat, seemingly embarrassed.

“I’ll take a look around. To see if there’s a way out.”

Osen, his eyes now accustomed to the darkness, located where Hertian was and moved towards the wall. But he hadn’t even taken three steps.

The cave suddenly lit up. Bright enough to clearly see the other collapsed Blanchitache knights.

“F-Fire! There’s a fire!”

And at the end of Osen’s pointing finger, fierce flames rose up. Flames rising from countless piles of paper serving as firewood.

It didn’t take long for the two to realize the identity of the paper piles.

“Those are… your letters, aren’t they, master?”