The Duke gazed at me silently.

The scarlet light illuminating the tent cast shadows on Sion Belphegor’s face. His gaze was intense.

As the steam from the tea cups dissipated, both the Duke and Arcadia remained silent.

Perhaps both were contemplating where to start with the ‘story about the South’ I had thrown at them.

Why did my half-mask, covering my original face, feel so cumbersome at this moment?

After taking a deep breath, I spoke lowly.

“I received training in the South. An unnamed orphan learning swordsmanship at the estate.”

An orphan.

I had no intention of revealing that I was the true princess, daughter of the deceased crown prince and a saintess.

“That’s when Lady Medea took me in. But as I said, I was treated contemptuously. Just an accessory, like me, like Yora with half his tongue cut off.”

“Can you prove it? That the South is secretly building their army?”

Belphegor asked.

“The evidence is…”

I paused, closing and opening my eyes, recalling the past.

“Only what I have seen, heard, and experienced. For now.”

“…”

“The South’s estate employs more than half who can handle swords. Not only employing those who already knew swordsmanship but also training ordinary people as soldiers. But that’s not all. I once overheard Lady Medea and Lady Berk discussing Duke Rahel secretly gathering free-status mercenaries for an army. And…”

I took a sip of the cold tea.

“Reducing military supplies meant for the North and diverting those taxes to build the South’s army.”

“Diverting military funds.”

The Duke murmured.

All this I came to know after becoming the White Butterfly. After I started assassinating those Medea wanted, she gradually shared her shed snake skins.

With blood on my hands and unable to turn back, she finally shared those secrets with me, who had become an irrevocable part of her life.
The remnants of numerous shedding to become a larger serpent.

I only realized how long these traces had begun after I died.

“When the Northern Knights came to subdue the barbarians in the South, Lady Medea said, ‘The Rahel ducal family of the South begged His Majesty the Emperor, complaining that the Northern Knights and their army, under the pretext of guarding the empire’s borders, used too much tax, leaving insufficient funds for the central and southern regions. Therefore, the North coming to aid the South is only fair.'”

“…”

“Perhaps the South will say the same about your poisoning attempt and Arcadia’s ambush. That the South was too weak to fend off outside assassins. And His Majesty the Emperor… will probably agree with them.”

Mentioning the Emperor caused a pain in my heart.

But it’s unavoidable. In my previous life, the Emperor ended up siding with the South, ultimately leading to the death of the Duke, this man before me.

Sion Belphegor’s expression changed.

“How do you know all this?”

“I was an insignificant worm, despised. They had ears but never considered I could hear. Yet, I was always close to them.”

“I’ve never heard the tax story.”

“As I mentioned, I have no way to prove the South has been doing this. But I know the person who ambushed Arcadia wasn’t an outsider, but from the South.”

“You know?”

Arcadia asked, surprised.

“Yes, a familiar face. One I saw often in the estate.”

“The Black Worm, you said?”

The Duke inquired.

“Yes.”

“Did you know about this?”

“Yes. She told me. It was obvious even a fool could tell that assassin was sent by the Duke of the South. I just forgot to mention it to the deputy.”

“Forgot?”

Arcadia’s cheeks puffed up more than before. He coldly asked me,

“So, did you also learn swordsmanship in the South for that reason? To join the South’s secret army?”

“Perhaps. But I was able to escape before that happened. Thanks to being rescued.”

I bowed to the Duke, and to Arcadia as well.

The Duke stood up and placed the tea pot inside the stove.

“What’s the reason for telling me all this now? To prove your usefulness?”

“I want to be helpful.”

And,

What I’m about to say is not just necessary but what I want to say.

“The reason I didn’t tell you earlier is”

I swallowed dryly.

“because it wouldn’t be useful yet.”

“Why?”

The Duke asked.

“Because as of now, Your Highness does not have the power to defeat the Duke of the South.”

“Impudent!”

Arcadia burst out angrily.

Yes, it’s a presumptuous statement. But it’s the truth.

Sion Belphegor appeared intrigued.

“So, you’re saying this now to gain trust?”

“Yes. I want to earn your trust.”

“Esdel.”

“Yes.”

“I will use what you’ve said when I’m sure of it.”

Thankfully.

I stood and bowed deeply. The Duke spoke again.

“And, you mentioned you were trained?”

“Yes.”

“How skilled are you?”

“I will show you tomorrow.”

I can’t reveal that I’m a Sword Master. Doing so would attract attention not only from the North but from the South and the entire empire.

Then,

“I’ll be your final opponent.”

Arcadia said. I couldn’t believe my ears.

“What?!”

Why would he want to cross swords with me?

He’s in a different league. The deputy commander of the Northern Knights.

Why?