On the evening of that day when the flag-raising ceremony, known as the flower of the founding festival, was scheduled. An unexpected extra edition covered the entire empire.

The content was the news of the death of Kedilen, the master of the Erdi Marquis family.

Kedilen, who was preparing in the waiting room to participate in the flag-raising ceremony, was attacked and died on the spot.

The person identified as the culprit was Aden, the Duke of Habertz and the leader of the Kan tribe, who was found covered in blood in the waiting room.

The feud between the two families and men, which had been entangled countless times in less than a year, had already been reported dozens of times.

The drama of passion, which had gone to the brink of war due to a dispute over one woman, finally ended with a cruel death.

The founding festival, which should have been full of peaceful and joyful events, was tainted with turmoil due to that terrible incident.

Some raised their voices that they could no longer tolerate the atrocities of the Kan tribe and that they should be dealt with.

Others also suggested that if the Kan tribe couldn’t self-cleanse, they should be helped from the outside.

Even though no confirmation, evidence, or verdict had been announced that Aden was the culprit, many had already determined the perpetrator.

In their minds, the Kan tribe were barbarians who knew no honor. It wasn’t strange that Aden had killed Kedilen according to his temperament.

Moreover, the anger was even stronger because it had subsided due to the commotion that Ludmila had disappeared just as war was about to break out.

In response to the growing public opinion, Jeffrey held a direct press conference in place of the ailing Emperor.

“Nothing has been revealed yet regarding the death of Marquis Erdi. The investigator has expressed the opinion that an autopsy should be performed, so we are seeking permission from his sister, Countess von Vyrn. If Countess von Vyrn allows the autopsy, we can proceed with the investigation immediately.”

However, there was no statement anywhere that Aden was not the culprit.

Whether it was due to being conscious of public opinion or an intentional avoidance of speech, it was uncertain, but because of this, the speculation that Aden was the culprit gained more weight.

On the morning of the third day since the incident occurred.

It was exactly noon that day when Aden, who had been detained and investigated, was released.

Under the intense golden sunlight that seemed to tear the eyes, Benjamin, holding tofu, was the one who greeted the released Aden.

The journalists who had gathered like ants, having heard the news from somewhere, had long since scattered due to the use of force by the private soldiers Benjamin had brought.

Thanks to this, Aden, who could be peaceful until he boarded the carriage, nodded his chin as he received the tofu handed by Benjamin.

“How’s the situation?”

As he stared at the snow-white tofu and took a bite with a sigh, Benjamin let out a chuckle.

Throwing his gaze at the scenery of the street bustling with the founding festival through the window, Benjamin hesitated for a moment before pulling his dry lips.

“The worst. Do I need to say more than that?”

Benjamin, who cut his words short as if there was no need to explain further, leaned back in the carriage seat, exhaling softly.

Benjamin, who had been staring intently at the sight of Aden swallowing the tofu crudely like a starving beast, lowered his tense shoulders.

“It seems they intend to properly address this issue as soon as the founding festival is over. A nobleman killed a nobleman. Moreover, he killed the master of the Erdi family, who could be considered at the forefront of the new nobility. In addition, because it happened right before the flag-raising ceremony, all the old nobility who value honor have risen up. They even issued a statement saying that the killing of Marquis Erdi can never be overlooked.”

“Those who used to criticize Marquis Erdi as a merchant, not a nobleman, are now making a fuss when they see an opportunity.”

Aden twisted the corner of his mouth after chewing and swallowing the last piece of tofu.

Benjamin, who had been silently watching Aden wipe off all the residue on his hands with a handkerchief, withdrew his smile.

As if that wasn’t enough, Benjamin frowned, letting out a deep sigh along with rubbing his face dry.

“Aden. The situation is really serious this time. You probably know this too, but this time, there might not be a next time.”

It was just that it hadn’t been well known to the public yet because it was still during the founding festival period, but preparations were being made for articles to be published all at once to coincide with the end of the festival.

By then, there would be no way to resolve it anymore.

“We need to find the real culprit. No, even if we don’t find the culprit, we need evidence that you’re not the culprit.”

“If it’s something like that, I’ve already finished all the testimonies.”

Aden, who recited the contents of the investigation that had been conducted for three consecutive days until this morning, observed Benjamin’s reaction.

Benjamin, who had heard the story, also grimaced and muttered curses quietly.

“It’s a thoroughly fabricated and staged case. Those who had seen me all matched their statements saying they hadn’t seen me, and even the Crown Prince denied meeting with me. As a result, I was there but might as well have been a non-existent ghost.”

“Damn them.”

“The reason for releasing me after creating such a situation is obvious. They want me to run away. To flee to Habertz. So they want to create a pretext for war. They’ve even set it up so that I have no choice but to choose that. If I don’t leave this place, I’ll be put on trial as soon as the founding festival is over, and ultimately, I’ll be executed.”

Given the current atmosphere, there would be no problem even if he were sentenced to the extreme punishment of burning at the stake.

And even if that sentence were handed down and Aden died, Habertz couldn’t be free from responsibility.

They would have to pay massive compensation and damages, as well as fines.

That amount was not something Habertz could afford.

Since it would be demanded from all the businesses owned by Marquis Erdi, Kedilen, if that happened, Habertz would go bankrupt that very day.

“What are you going to do, Aden?”

“For now, I have to go back. There’s nothing good about staying here any longer.”

“But if you go back like this, the way to prove your innocence will disappear, and you’ll end up being framed as the culprit.”

“There are only two days left until the founding festival ends. Do you think I can prove my innocence within that time?”

“That’s…”

Aden, who nodded his chin at the hesitating Benjamin, threw his gaze out the window.

“Jeffrey has set many traps to catch me but failed. This trap is more solid than any other time. He won’t easily show its weakness.”

He couldn’t suppress the sarcasm that flowed out when his situation, deep in anguish inside the carriage, contrasted with those laughing and chatting without any worries outside.

“It’s my fault for foolishly failing to grasp Jeffrey’s intentions.”

“No need to blame yourself. Even the most excellent beast can’t avoid all dozens of traps. Only humans with precognition or gods might be able to grasp all of that.”

“Even so, it doesn’t change the fact that it’s my fault.”

I shouldn’t have accepted that proposal. Belated regret washed over him, but the situation had already unfolded.

Aden, who had twisted the corner of his mouth crookedly, closed his eyes tightly.

As darkness came, a face that suddenly flashed clearly made him feel empty.

To think that face would come to mind even in this situation. Aden looked at Benjamin with a bitter smile.

“Even if I’m sacrificed, the war will eventually break out as long as it doesn’t end there.”

“…I guess I’ll have to issue the call to arms again as soon as we get back.”

For himself, and for Benjamin. The misaligned anguish that each held quietly filled the carriage.

Aden, who had been looking at the scenery full of beautiful sunlight, closed his lips tightly. It was a moment in the calm before the storm where chaos was predicted.

It was two days ago that Ludmila was asked to draw a picture to be used for the festival.

At that time, as before, Mrs. Merrybolde approached Ludmila, who was busy knitting with a needle, and made a subtle suggestion.

“I heard you can draw a little.”

Wondering where she had heard such a story, Ludmila recalled that Bionia had been talking with Mrs. Merrybolde not long ago.

Bionia had seen her quietly drawing at home a few times, and it seemed she had mentioned it.

“It’s just an unremarkable skill. It’s just a hobby.”

“I think it would be better than people like us. Besides, you don’t need to draw well. It’s a map picture to be used at the festival, so it’s fine as long as you can roughly identify the locations. How about it?”

Ludmila was embarrassed by the sudden proposal to draw. Although they said it was okay, it wasn’t a skill worth showing to anyone.

Moreover, a map that most people participating in the festival would see. It felt burdensome.

But was it because of Mrs. Merrybolde’s desperate look, and the self-loathing that washed over her every time she saw her own still unsightly results, even though she had become accustomed to sewing?

Ludmila eventually accepted the proposal.

Thanks to this, she didn’t need to gather with other women to chat and do needlework or embroidery, and she was able to return to a somewhat peaceful daily life.

Occasionally, Angar, Bionia, and Mrs. Merrybolde would visit to chat, and peaceful days continued as Ludmila gradually painted on a large canvas during that time.

Today too, Ludmila didn’t put down her brush until late at night after having dinner.

The sound of crickets and grasshoppers from outside the window filled the room.

As the mood of summer deepened, that sound became more distinct.

At such times, she felt the time she had spent here, and a certain thirst deepened accordingly. It was especially so when holding a brush.

When she held the brush, it felt like returning to that scenery.

To that day when she first sat there and held a brush after receiving an art supply store as a gift from Aden.

It was then that she thought of wanting to give a painting as a gift to Aden.

It was a selfish choice filled with the desire that even if she left, Aden could think of her, hoping that he would remember her name every time he looked at the painting.

“I wonder if he’s doing well.”

She wondered if he was keeping the two paintings she had given or if he had thrown them away.

He had said he would place them right above his head where he worked, but had he really done so?

As such curiosity arose, the desire to see that scenery made her mouth go dry.

She thought she had forgotten much of her longing for Aden by now, but when she picked up the brush, she was still back there.

As if to soothe that longing, Ludmila slightly opened her mouth and hummed softly.

The sound of wet crickets responded to her humming, crying more intensely.

Following the deepening mood of summer, the scattered sound of humming quietly swam across the dark night sky.

It was a very peaceful summer day.