There was no one who didn’t know the personality and character of the Cork Marquisate. Despite being a major noble, they served the empire without arrogance and dedicated their lives to the welfare of both the imperial subjects and the commoners.

However, for the Cork Marquisate to be involved in the notorious human trafficking that had caused a stir in the empire – this undoubtedly had to be the scheme of the Empress.

Belligue, gnawing at his lips anxiously, sat back down and inquired about the current situation.

“So, what evidence links the Cork Marquisate to human trafficking?”

“That has not been revealed yet, but it seems a secret ledger was discovered during the search for the human trafficking ring.”

“A secret ledger?”
The ledger that didn’t show up when I investigated suddenly appeared out of nowhere. It felt oddly suspicious ever since Belligue, the Marquis, was appointed as an investigator.

“Tsk.”

Belligue clicked his tongue at their behavior.

“So, what’s the current situation?”

“Things seem rather unusual. It would be best for us to delay the trial as much as possible, but whether the Empress will stay quiet…”

“She’ll probably try to conclude it as quickly as possible.”

Since Marquis Cork was not guilty in the first place, they would likely try to resolve this matter as soon as possible. However, why go to the trouble of reopening a case that had already been concluded and corner Marquis Cork?

While Marquis Cork did support the Crown Prince, he had little interest in political activities. Consequently, he didn’t hold much political influence.

Therefore, there was no reason for the Empress to falsely accuse him to such an extent. Moreover, human trafficking was a case that implicated nobles, so why?

Belligue was pondering their intentions when a sudden thought flashed through his mind.

“No way.”

Human trafficking was a serious crime.

Not only would nobles have to forfeit their lives, but their noble status could also be revoked. And if the Marquis Cork’s family were to be judged guilty…

Belligue’s clenched fist turned white.

“Darn it. So, that was their aim.”

The noble who had certified their marriage and the priest who had officiated it were both from the Cork Marquisate. If the Cork Marquisate were found guilty, they would expel Anthony, the Marquis’s son, from the temple.

No, expulsion would be fortunate.

If they nullified the marriage, which had never been formally recognized in the temple, the marriage of the two witnesses would also become invalid.

The quill pen that the Marquis held shattered without mercy.

“Where is Lena now?”

“The Duchess hasn’t returned from Sunjung Palace yet. But why, all of a sudden, the Duchess…”

“Explanations later. Prepare a carriage. We’re going to Sunjung Palace right away.”

With things as they were, they needed to return with Lena to the Fermannes territory as soon as possible, before the Empress could do anything else.

Anxiety was evident in Belligue’s footsteps as he left the study.

With the sound of the door locking, pitch darkness engulfed the space between the two.

Simultaneously, the shuffling footsteps quietly echoed through the darkness.

One step.

Another step.

As Blertheus gradually approached her, cold sweat trickled down her back.

Lena wanted to leave this suffocating room right away, but she couldn’t. The cold wall blocked her way.

“Why are you so tense?”
Looking at himself, who appeared to be very tense, he asked with a voice that seemed genuinely curious.

Is he asking because he really doesn’t know?

Her eyes, which had become accustomed to the darkness, scanned Blertheus’s face.

“I already knew, that man…”

Perhaps it was natural for the Second Crown Prince, the Empress’s son, to know about the Emperor’s death.

Even though he was caught by me, the sight of the man looking so relaxed sent shivers down my spine.

“Just to clarify, I didn’t kill him.”

Well, he probably didn’t kill him. He just let it happen.

Lena chewed on her lip, contemplating the situation.

“Now that he knows I’ve found out, what will he do to me? Try to kill me?”

It was at this moment, while Lena was thinking about what kind of magic she should use to prepare for the worst-case scenario, that he subtly smiled as if he sensed her thoughts.

“If you’re thinking of using magic, it’s better not to.”

“…”

Blertheus swept Lena’s hair behind her ear.

“I know you better than anyone. More than that guy who’s probably clueless about what to do by now.”

Blertheus’s words tangled up her thoughts. Then, the following words from the man made the blood rush from her entire body.

“Have you been having strange dreams lately?”

“…What?”

Looking at Lena, who stupidly asked again, the corners of his eyes twisted languidly.

“It’s not just a simple dream, you probably already know… Aren’t you curious? Who you are.”

“…What on earth are you?”

Lena stared at him, forgetting to use honorifics.

“My identity.”

Blertheus caressed her cheek with his finger.

“You still haven’t recognized me.”

Due to the proximity of the man’s face, his breath tickled Lena’s face.

“Pity.”

She couldn’t stay here any longer.

A warning beep rang in Lena’s mind. She had to get away from this man as soon as possible.

She pushed away the man’s hand that was stroking her cheek.

“…I don’t understand what you’re talking about, Your Highness. I’ll take my leave now.”

Then, as she quickly tried to pass Blertheus.

The gentle touch from earlier was replaced by him roughly seizing Lena’s wrist. She tried to pull her wrist from the man’s grip, but it was a futile struggle.

“Let go, please.”

“No.”

“Your Highness.”

Ignoring Lena’s plea, Blertheus tightened his grip on her wrist even more.

“Sorry, Lena. You can’t leave the palace anymore.”

In the darkness, his red eyes glinted chillingly.

“Forever.”