“Of course, as you said, I am busy, but I’ll make sure to find time in the future. After all, you are not just anyone; you are my family.”

Herdin suppressed a smirk at the mention of the word ‘family’ flowing from Ivan’s lips.

Come to think of it, the people in this household seemed peculiarly attached to the word ‘family.’ They seemed to treat it like a leash on an unruly dog.

That word was annoying.

If only it weren’t for that damn ‘family,’ his wife wouldn’t have had to go through such things.

The way they guilt-tripped Blair into a sense of responsibility just because she was family, while hypocritically claiming her as such, was absurd.

Ivan, seemingly oblivious to the underlying tension, lowered the teacup and asked.

“Do you like chess?”

“Come to think of it, I haven’t played since I was young.”

“Then let’s showcase your skills for a change.”

Despite Herdin’s unwillingness, Ivan reluctantly called for the chessboard to be prepared.

The thrill of competing against an opponent of equal skill and the satisfaction of narrowly securing a victory made the game enjoyable.

However, ever since the death of Cashion, Herdin, who lacked a suitable opponent, had lost interest in chess a long time ago.

“Let’s begin.”

Ivan, who had lived as a crown prince and emperor, rarely faced defeat in games.

If he were to defeat such a person, it might stimulate his competitive spirit. Herdin intended to lose gracefully.

If he ever felt that this wasn’t his adversary, he wouldn’t propose such trivial games again.

The game proceeded exactly as Herdin intended.

As the gap widened, and Ivan gained the upper hand, creating a sense of ease, they finally delved into the main topic.

“Have you also heard the rumors circulating in the court?”

“My wife was kidnapped, and the mastermind is said to be Empress Taehwang-hu, all due to an incident ten years ago… Is that the rumor you’re talking about?”

“Yes. Lately, I’ve been quite troubled by this baseless rumor.”

Ivan contemplated where to place the chess pieces, lifting them in thought.

Although it’s an unfounded rumor, we can’t just sit back and watch the declining authority of the imperial family, don’t you agree?”

After finding a suitable position, he set down the chess pieces, and with a strange tone, he commanded.

“You will explain.”

“What kind of explanation are you referring to?”

“An explanation that Blair’s kidnapping has nothing to do with her mother.”

Herdin chuckled at Ivan’s words.

“… It seems you’re not curious whether the lady was really kidnapped or who was behind it.”

For a normal older brother, wouldn’t it be natural to worry first about a younger sister who was allegedly kidnapped?

However, he behaved as if his only concern was the security of the imperial family and his own dignity.

Even though he had anticipated this, the fact angered him anew.

“That child is now your wife, so you should handle that matter yourself.”
Ivan responded to his intellectual remark without any hesitation and went a step further.

“By the way, it would be good if you could clarify your position on that incident ten years ago. Even now, as a family, isn’t it absurd that the incident is still mentioned?”

“…”

“If you explain, there won’t be any more fuss about baseless rumors, don’t you think?”

Herdin’s lips twisted at Ivan’s words. To him, the incident from ten years ago was dismissed as a mere amusing tale.

His initial intention to graciously lose changed.

“I think what’s needed is not an explanation but evidence.”

With that reply, Herdin moved his chess piece, attacking Ivan’s knight precisely without a hint of hesitation.

Ivan, who had confidently traversed the chessboard just a while ago, hesitated at the unexpected move.

Although he had only made one mistake, a sudden sense of crisis engulfed him, as if the flow of the game had dramatically reversed.

“The stories in those rumors are all true.”

The eyes of the two met over the silent chessboard.

Even after seeing Ivan’s rigid expression, Herdin casually continued.

“Of course, I think Her Majesty can know enough. It’s challenging to doubt a mother as a son.”

“…”

“Soon, Her Majesty will bring evidence that you can understand, so I hope you will render a fair judgment as you did before.”

At that moment, faint chimes signaling the hour echoed from a distance.

It seemed like the conversation could end here.

“It seems Her Majesty has won the game. There seems to be another matter I should attend to first. May I be excused?”

Herdin thought Ivan would willingly leave.

However, contrary to his expectations, Ivan loosened his stern expression and brought up another topic.

“If your claim is true, it would be regrettable as a mother’s child. You should render a judgment equivalent to that. First of all…”

He tapped his fingers on the chessboard as if contemplating a suitable judgment.

“It would be best to start with a divorce from Blair.”

To Herdin’s surprise, a subtle crack appeared in his once indifferent eyes.