“Did you bring that kind of news just now?”

“I’m sorry!”

“Instead of wasting time apologizing, figure out how to persuade her by any means necessary.”

How long has it been since it was known that he was dead, and already there were talks of remarriage?

Unacceptable. As long as he was alive and well, he absolutely couldn’t allow that.

Beck couldn’t contain his anger and repeatedly slammed the desk.

“You said it was for Kraten.”

“For Kraten?”

“A family without a master is bound to become vulnerable.”

“Using that as an excuse, you’re probably planning to reunite with your former lover.”

Beck’s lips twisted in disdain.

They had always wanted to cling to each other. It was undoubtedly not for Kraten’s sake but to use Kraten as an excuse for their reunion.

“There was no mention of Viscount Peren among those who sent letters. Besides, Viscount Peren is not in the capital right now.”

“That’s probably unnecessary. Maybe they’ve already written the marriage contract from the engagement….”

“Your Highness, calm down a little.”

“Do I look calm? How did I marry with Lebiana!”

Beck’s fist slammed again, and the desk rang loudly.

In his mind, the marriage of Lebiana and Calix had already become a settled fact.

“It can’t be like that. Absolutely not.”

“But the situation has gotten much worse. If she’s revealed, we might be involved as well.”

Whether Margaret was truly a retainer of Felt was not important. She was a pretext to officially expel Felt’s people and a warning at the same time.

A warning issued a decade ago about digging up the past events.

“Mistake? Hah, that’s funny. Have I forgotten who I am? I am Kraten. Viscount Kraten!”

Beck bared his chest, making a sound loud enough to be heard. It was inconvenient to forget who he was, pretending to be dead.

“In the public opinion, Kraten is the victim. In other words, I also fall into that category. It’s not all bad.”

“Yes, but…”

Septer subtly avoided Beck’s gaze. It was unrealistic to categorize Beck as a victim.

Beck was associated with the events a decade ago. With the past exposed, there was nothing good for him.

If the news of his being alive spread, he would be immediately attacked using his past actions as an excuse.

“Why, don’t you trust me?”

“No. How could I dare? I was only concerned about Your Highness’s safety.”

“Concern? There’s no need for that. Anyway, I will be the one who wins in the end.”

It’s an advantage for one to stick together, but as soon as one falls away, it’s actually a benefit.”

“But both sides won’t let it be that way.”

“Really? That person, no, Felt also thinks I’m dead.”

He had always been afraid of Felt’s retaliation. Many nights were spent staying awake with anxious eyes.
However, despite the passage of so much time, he didn’t make a move. He didn’t know that he was alive. That would be an opportunity.

“Or, do you have separate plans in mind?”

“Yes, of course.”

Beck, who arrogantly raised his chin, glared menacingly under the spotlight.

“Just make the Emperor want me.”

“Is that possible?”

“If we provide an opportunity to firmly grasp his hostility.”

“When you say hostility…”

“That’s right. We’re going to betray Viscount Peren. Of course, we’ll take a generous payment for the betrayal.”

“The Emperor’s side has already betrayed you. Can we trust him?”

When it came down to it, Beck was in this situation because of the Emperor. It was not a good choice to deal with him again now.

“Of course, I can’t trust him. The deal is just for show.”

“For show?”

“What we need is time. Time to sever the ties between the Emperor and Viscount Peren.”

After the hunt, hunting dogs are usually dealt with. There wasn’t much difference just because it was the Emperor’s hunting dog.

“To consolidate imperial power, the time will come when we have to strike the most influential Viscount Peren. Like Felt, that guy.”

Honestly, where would that blood go?

Beck sneered, clenching his fists. The reason Viscount Peren and Kraten were expelled from the imperial family was that their power had grown beyond what was needed.

“So, what are you going to do from now on?”

“Just wait and see. That’s the wise choice. However…”

Beck’s expression distorted. Was it because he couldn’t meet her directly? He missed Lebiana even more.

“You said you’ve recovered all your memories?”

“Yes, I’m sure I remember everything.”

“…”

Beck’s lips made a short sound.

Despite rational judgment, he couldn’t just stand still when thinking of Lebiana being embraced by another man.

Even if it wasn’t Viscount Peren, Beck knew better than anyone that there were more than a few men who were infatuated with Lebiana.

“But you still pretend to worry about me. You must resent me more than anyone.”

“It seems you cherished the young lady very much.”

“Well, yes. She’s my daughter!”

“…”

“How unfortunate, isn’t it? Just when my real daughter has returned to the capital, I happen to lose my life. But now I feel fortunate.”

“What are you talking about?”

“It’s too late, but at least she came back to repay me for raising her.”