Even though news of Helena’s death spread among the nobles, they did not seek out Callis. One might have expected some shallow sympathy for the sake of their characteristic pretense, but the reality was indifference.

There were no comforting letters for him left alone or personal condolences for Helena, who hadn’t even received a funeral. The Duke’s residence was silent without anything commonplace. The only welcoming gestures were the countless requests from journalists looking for a sensational story.

Cedric, seemingly indifferent, was the first to ask Callis about his well-being.

“To Duke Argent,

I heard the news. Your ex-wife gained notoriety; it’s truly a lamentable matter.

I wonder if I should offer consolation to you, who have nowhere else to go, but when would be a good time?

I hope you respond as soon as possible.

Cedric Theodore.”

His tone was arrogant, fitting his position. The casually scrawled handwriting revealed a shallow sincerity in the letter.

It was an unexpected promise made without notice.

“You look upset.”

Cedric, who was sitting with his legs crossed, immediately gestured towards the table. It was a sign to pour the drinks.

With an efforted smile, Callis lowered his body and reached out. The bottle, adorned with elaborate gold, was quite heavy. He had brought an expensive drink despite asking for comfort.

The two glasses filled by Callis clinked. Soon, the two of them gulped down their drinks.

“The taste is good.”
“Ugh! Cedric exclaimed in admiration, wiping his mouth. To evaluate the taste while claiming to console someone who lost their ex-wife, it was truly a grotesque act.

“Yes, yes. It’s good. It must be because Your Grace brought good liquor.”

“How can you tell again? Seems like you’ve made some money with your business, and
It was about the time when I grew tired of dealing with someone who didn’t consider my situation. A large pouch was thrown in front of Callis.

“Open it.”

“Yes, yes?”

“Don’t make me say it again. Open it right now.”

Soon, Callis hastily picked up the pouch.

“…This is!”

Curiosity-filled eye
The reddish-golden hand once again reached for the liquor bottle. He skillfully tilted the heavy bottle with just one hand. Soon, the empty glass in Callis’s hand was also filled with the red liquid.

In the short moment, there was a lot of conversation going back and forth, making the atmosphere chaotic. Urging
Since his time in the imperial palace, he was notorious for having a difficult personality. As soon as the former emperor and empress passed away, he moved to another country. Although he lacked other skills, he was clever enough to gain the favor of the Sahir Emperor, and before long, he rose to the position of a duke.

Ev
Thanks to that, the standards for judging Callis have been lowered. The fact that he was not involved in Helena’s crimes was revealed, leading to sympathetic public opinion.

With each complication, his mistakes were quickly covered up, making him a fortunate man.

‘I can also revenge against that damn woman!’

Callis, forgetting the past when he suffered for his unwarranted ambitions, made a new resolution—to repay the disgrace to the two men and women with Cedric Theodore!

“So, what should I do now, Your Grace?”

“With that money, attend banquets from time to time and show your face. It doesn’t matter whether the public opinion is good or bad; it’s good to receive people’s attention.”

“Yes, I understand. And then…?”

It was a frightening proposition to receive the attention of the nobles. Even if he attended banquets, he was sure not
“Honestly, I would prefer you not to participate in the hunting competition, but it doesn’t seem like you’ll just stay in the empire obediently. Isn’t that right, Cloé?”

“You know me too well.”

Kun eventually let out a short laugh. When his diamond-shaped eyes, which stretched long on both sides, were half-folded, the intimidating impression softened a bit.

“Why would you prefer me not to go? It’s almost like a festival, such a huge event.”

“There’s no reason to expose you to dangerous situations.”

“…Dangerous, you say?”

“Every year, there are casualties.”

However, the hunting competition is a gathering of knights to eliminate monsters. Knights often set out together, hoping for each other’s safety.

Moreover, since most attendees are nobles, safety is a top concern. Knights who do not participate in the hunting competition were also assigned separately to take care of noble ladies who had to stay alone.

Whether it’s the former, where Cloé can be careful, or the latter, where accidents are inevitable like carriage accidents, it’s unnecessary worry.

“I’ll be careful.”

Although it seemed strange to be cautious about such things, Cloé was pleased with Kun’s considerate concern.

“So, what kind of practice should we do?”
Cloé’s eyes naturally moved toward his waist. A sword with the emblem of the royal family engraved on it was hanging from his waist.

“It seems that a sword might be too much for you, so I decided to change the equipment.”

Kun, who was looking at his slender wrist like a twig, raised an eyebrow in an exaggerated manner.

He brought a bag that had been placed on the horse’s saddle and opened it. Soon, a hefty weapon was handed over to Cloé.

“A bow?”

The bow was a weapon suitable for Cloé, who was not adept in close combat.

“It should suit you well. Just shoot from a distance when you see something.”

“…What, what do you mean?”

“Well.”

“…”

“Whether it’s a person, an animal, anything.”

He casually uttered such a creepy statement with a cheerful smile on his face.