“Lenisha-nim will be fine.”

Thunk.

For no apparent reason, Cassius, who had been wandering around the mansion’s hall, stopped at Lindsey’s words.

Lindsey stared at Cassius with an awkward expression.

Only then did Cassius, realizing he was behaving strangely, slowly wiped his face.

Cassius sighed.

“…You seem fine.”

It was difficult for Cassius to accept the fact that he was left behind by Lenisha.

Among the worst, he was thinking of the worst possible scenarios.

Lexus was out of his mind.

A lunatic who could ruin anything.

It felt like watching venomous creatures and snakes gather in one place and waiting for them to fight and win.

Who would win, Lenisha or Lexus?

Lindsey nodded slightly.

“When you have no choice but to trust, you have to trust. Lenisha-nim will contact you soon. She won’t abandon you like this, and she won’t give up.”

“There might be dangers for Lenisha.”

“As much as the Duke worries, there may not be as much danger as he thinks.”

Lindsey raised her lips.

“Lenisha-nim hasn’t been idle all this time.”

“…”

“She has prepared many things through Turiel. She has diligently gathered people. There are many people in the imperial city who move with money.”

“…So, you believe in the power of money.”

“Lenisha-nim knows how frightening money can be. She doesn’t give anyone a chance. What that means is… She doesn’t offer an amount that would require someone to hold hands with her. So, once those who have joined hands with Lenisha-nim don’t look elsewhere.”

Lindsey explained gently.

In the past years, Lindsey had observed Lenisha.

Those who joined hands with Lenisha wanted to sell information to her, not hold hands with others.

Except for variables like Henryna and Gail this time.

“Lenisha moves people with money, and the Emperor moves people with their lives.”

“That’s the difference. In the end, people will pursue immediate gains, won’t they? Even if the Emperor holds the lives of his family, there are far more people pursuing their own interests. Loyal individuals like Count Calliot are rare.”

Cassius turned his body completely to gaze at the mansion.

It was a small fortress prepared by Lexus for Lenisha.

The grand mansion closely resembled Lenisha.

Cassius blinked slowly.

He couldn’t be the same as others.

“……I’m thinking of making a slightly different choice.”

“Duke?”

“I can’t just wait.”

The story that Lenisha entered the palace spread widely. The news of a minor incident that occurred just a few hours ago shook the social circles, and the rumor reached Gail as well. Gail, with a face gaunt and thin, stood up from his seat and then sat down heavily. Gail swept his head with hands like a withered tree. Lenisha is not a person to hesitate. Gail confirmed that once again this time. Lenisha walked into the palace on her own and stood by the Emperor’s side. What Lenisha desires, what she is heading towards, Gail still doesn’t know. Gail has already been in decline. However, no matter how much he regrets it, Viscount Calliot cannot come back to life. Gail has only one option left. ‘Claim that the Emperor’s child is yours. Then, I might offer you a pardon.’ The voice that was coldly accusing is unforgettable. Claiming the child in Queen Canary’s belly as his own would lead Gail to his death. Gail bit his lip. A bitter scent filled his mouth. Even now, a guest came to Gail, who couldn’t grasp anything. She was a woman vividly coloring the dreary mansion. Like spring, like a blazing red summer. “Madam Turiel.” The envoy of death that Lenisha sent visited Gail. “It’s nice to meet you like this again, Gail Calliot.” The emphasis in her pronunciation seemed to awaken Gail’s situation. A cold smirk played on her small face, mocking Gail. “What brings you here?” “What a dog needs is a leash, right? Lenisha-nim’s testimony.” Madam Turiel spoke with a leisurely tone. Her eyes seemed to pierce through Gail. Gail shivered. It felt like the coldness thrown into a snowy field enveloped him. “Now that the leash has come off, you have to make a choice.” Madam Turiel laughed in red. The neatly arranged white teeth between her flamboyant lips stood out conspicuously. It looked like she would tear Gail apart with those teeth. Gail’s lips trembled. “My family…” “They are safe. Under Lenisha-nim’s protection in a very secure place. From now on, they will live in Hiloshine.” Lenisha handed Casius over to Turiel. And Casius’s knights moved for Lenisha. Trained knights on the battlefield didn’t take long to get Gail’s family in their hands without Lexus’s dark power. Gail’s face grew even darker. Gail’s hand on the desk trembled. “In the end…” “Yes. In the end, that’s how it happened. Did you forget the fact that everything comes back? This time, it’s your turn to pay the price.” Gail’s head dropped.
Claiming that the child inside Queen Canary’s womb is Gail’s child would lead him to death.

Gail bit his lips.

A pungent scent filled his mouth.

Still unable to grasp anything, a guest came to Gail.

She was a woman who brightly colored the dreary mansion.