“Lord Rembrandt had a conversation with Lord Hujak. He said he saw ‘Christina’ being kidnapped. He recognized her because he had seen my wife before. It seems like Lord Hujak thought it was an attempt to destroy evidence. Lord Hujak is flustered.”
Tristan raised his eyebrows.
“……Your Grace. Are you using Ohr?”
“It’s okay. I didn’t overdo it.”
“Immediately, a barrage of nagging ensued.
“This is not wartime. It wasn’t necessary to listen to their conversation right away, and please refrain from mentioning it anymore. We are trying to find a way to restore His Majesty’s vision, and the subordinates who are making an effort are frustrated.”
Their expressions were visibly upset.
“……Okay.”
Agreement that it wasn’t wartime.
Partial agreement that it wasn’t absolutely necessary for eavesdropping.
Nevertheless, when there is an opportunity to understand the opponent’s stance, one tends to act by using eavesdropping.
Because there isn’t always information about conversations that might be worth hearing between them.
It’s a habit to eavesdrop when there might be such information if possible.
“Still, when there is a conversation worth eavesdropping, it’s better to eavesdrop, I think.”
“……. ”
Arthur coughed awkwardly.
“…Enough nagging. Someone who can hear is approaching.”
“Yes.”
After a while.
The testimony of the knight requesting a meeting with Arthur was decided.
Since the meeting where the four of them were together, somewhat forcibly arranged by the Crown Prince, it was their first official face-to-face encounter.
They shook hands in a simple manner.
“…Are you not going to look for her?”
That was Rembrandt’s first greeting.
It was about Reyna’s disappearance.
Arthur, without hiding anything, raised an eyebrow and replied nonchalantly.
“I sent my subordinates. It’s not a situation where I can show myself searching directly. Also, there is a relationship with the Marquess.”
To Rembrandt’s composed and calm response, Arthur smiled awkwardly.
“It seems a bit inappropriate to meet you in such a high-handed manner for the first time. I apologize.”
“No, it’s okay. Considering the current situation, I think it’s understandable. Thank you for your concern.”
Rembrandt looked at Arthur.
…He’s surprisingly calm.
I thought he would have a more special consideration for her.
Maybe he had a prejudice because of what happened last time.
Arthur spoke calmly.
“I heard from my subordinates. You witnessed the situation directly. I think that’s why you came to visit.”
“…Yes, to some extent.”
“Can you tell me about the situation?”
Rembrandt felt a strange feeling as he looked at Arthur.
It seemed like he expected Arthur to be angrier or more anxious.
Arthur listened quietly and expressed gratitude.
“Thank you for telling me.”
It was a static response.
Quite different from what was expected.
“…Even though I was there, I couldn’t prevent what happened. I’m sorry.”
“No, it’s my knights’ duty.”
Arthur spoke calmly.”
“And, thank you for the proposal you gave before. I should have greeted you earlier.”
Arthur added after a brief pause.
“I appreciated the suggestion to send maids. Although I said the proposal was fine, I declined it because it might be uncomfortable for the Marchioness and wasn’t urgently needed.”
“Oh, no. If you didn’t feel uncomfortable, I’m relieved.”
“If it had been urgent, I would have asked for it. Thank you for your kindness.”
Rembrandt hesitated briefly, fiddling with his clasped hands.
“I don’t know how you’ll take it, but… I was asked by Prince Kyle to take care of your convenience. I think if I have the capability to gain your trust, I would like to consider the request if the opportunity arises.”
Though you may suspect me as a surveillance measure for the Empress, it was a sincere expression of concern, aligning with the position of the Crown Prince.
Arthur glanced at him briefly and smiled faintly.
He seemed a bit more at ease.
“Yes. If needed, I’ll request assistance.”
“…”
Rembrandt bowed and stood up.
Arthur smiled again and extended his hand.
“I’ll contact you again.”
Although there was no conclusive evidence, Rembrandt was almost certain.
…Reyna is safe.
Arthur has already done something.
Perhaps he had prepared a more reliable security measure for Reyna with the Marquess than what I did.
Maybe this person has already prepared to ensure the safety of ‘Reyna Astalin’ before returning to ‘Christina Julius.’
Christina, as if she couldn’t believe the news, squinted her eyes and questioned.
“Reyna… what?”
“So… the butler hesitated to answer calmly.
“It seems like she’s been kidnapped.”
Christina rose from her seat, giving him a cold stare.
“Details.”
The butler continued speaking.
Listening to the entire story while standing, Christina smirked and set fire to the poem with a cold look.
“…”
Ah.
I didn’t think about this…
“…”
And then, the chilly gaze turned to the butler.
“Surely it’s the deed of mother or father, and I didn’t know? Then I have no reason to trust you.”
The butler raised his head with a worried expression.
“No, no. That wouldn’t be the case. If the Madam had done such a thing, she would have discussed it with the young lady. It’s unlikely to be the master either. The two of them are very angry about this incident. It seems like the actions of a third party.”
Christina asked coldly, squeezing her lips.
And after silently burning one poem with an angry face, she said.
“When the witness statement is organized, bring it to me too. And find out the whereabouts of Taylor Lorenson and Brody.”
The butler nodded.
“Understood.”
Stirring the ink on the blotter and adding another comment.
“Reyna’s grandmother too.”
The Male lead Always Seduces Her with His Beauty (Matriarchy)
Xin Jiao Zhou is the leader of the world’s premier sect. She has just experienced betrayal from all sides, was poisoned in an assassination attempt, and faced death squad attacks while the poison was taking effect. After finally clearing out the scum from her sect, she was drugged again while trying to detoxify.
After waking up from a night of unconsciousness, she gained a “beautiful and kind-hearted” husband.
Xin Jiao Zhou: “???”
He fell ill.
She came to see him, bringing breakfast.
As she put down the breakfast and was about to leave, his hand slipped while holding the spoon. “Clank!”
She turned around upon hearing the noise.
He looked up at her, his eyebrows drooping: “My hand… has no strength.”
“Shall I… feed you?” she asked tentatively.
He opened his mouth cheerfully: “Ah—”
Thinking she was drowning, he jumped in without hesitation to save her, but nearly drowned himself. In the end, it was she who swam over to rescue him, giving him air underwater.
After emerging from the water, his ear tips turned red. He lightly brushed his cheek, tucking his sideburns behind his ear, revealing delicate, pink-tinged ear tips. He lowered his gaze, too embarrassed to look at her.
Xin Jiao Zhou: He’s truly beautiful, kind-hearted, and adorable.
A certain someone when disciplining subordinates behind the scenes: “If they don’t obey, just kill them.”
What’s that? She might already have someone she cares about in her heart? A certain someone: Find out who it is, kill them, and then there won’t be anyone.
What? She met a man by the riverside? What? That man even hurt her? A certain someone: Whichever hand hurt her, chop off his entire arm.
Love at first sight without realizing it, gradually falling in love, slowly getting closer…
Family and national grudges, schemes and desires, good and evil, crime and punishment, she and he face the future together, seeking justice with passion!
A naturally dark female lead who could accidentally destroy the world but is actually an honest person VS a weak, pitiful, and helpless but skilled fighter, beautiful white-cut black male lead
My heart is not of stone, how steadfast is your love? — Tao Yuanming “Imitating the Ancients (No. 3)”
— Reading Guide —
Cold female lead & dramatic black lotus with hidden yandere traits male lead
