The Viscountess Himierd’s eyebrow slightly raised.

“Rigicus, it’s a place name I’ve never heard before. Is it an interesting place?”

Laila knew she had no interest in this topic, but decided to continue the conversation pretending not to notice.

“As I just mentioned, Rigicus is a very small village. It’s probably not even marked on maps. People work all year round. Those who are well-off also herd sheep, but there aren’t many.”

The Viscountess made a sound, “Hmm.”

“Did you also raise sheep, young lady Laila? I’ve always wanted to try livestock farming.”

Eustar playfully interjected.

“Livestock farming? I didn’t know you had such a dream, Himierd.”

Viscountess Himierd said.

“Widows usually have many dreams, Your Royal Highness.”

Laila unconsciously glanced at her face and then looked away. However, the Viscountess noticed Laila’s gaze and smiled mischievously. Like someone who enjoys throwing naughty jokes and seeing others flustered.

“You seem surprised that I’m a widow.”

Viscountess Himierd was clearly a person with many facets. She was the same person who appeared noble and somewhat intimidating when they first met, but on the other hand, she seemed to have a sensitive side like a frightened young animal.

That sensitivity seemed to make her cynical, which in turn led to a mischievousness that was difficult to deal with.

Laila pondered her response and then nodded honestly.

“You look very young.”

The Viscountess laughed sharply and briefly. She didn’t seem displeased, but it was enough to make Laila flinch.

“That’s kind of you to say. But being a widow has nothing to do with age. It’s fate. Fortunately, I’m not the type of widow who endlessly caresses her husband’s portrait while dressed in mourning clothes.”

Eustar looked at Viscountess Himierd carefully with a subtle smile. The Viscountess quickly noticed his intention and returned to her usual graceful demeanor.

“It was an inappropriate topic to bring up at the dinner table. I apologize, young lady Laila.”

“No, it’s alright.”

Though she answered calmly, Laila felt quite uncomfortable.

While the Viscountess Himierd’s attitude made her uncomfortable, there was an even bigger problem. As the night deepened and the darkness outside thickened, the very air of the royal palace seemed to become more stifling.

As time passed, Laila’s gaze fell more frequently on Eustar. It wasn’t just the air becoming stifling.

It felt like soon she wouldn’t be able to breathe properly… However, neither Eustar nor even Viscountess Himierd seemed affected.

“Laila?”

Eustar, who had been talking with Himierd about the livestock industry, finally turned his head towards Laila.

He immediately noticed that something was wrong with Laila. Her face was pale, and it was visible that she was struggling not to gasp for breath.

“What’s wrong? Are you not feeling well?”

“It seems… so. Excuse me, but may I get up? I’d like to go outside for some fresh air.”

“I’ll go with you.”

Laila shook her head.

“No, it’s alright. I can go alone. I won’t go far.”

No sooner had she finished speaking than she pushed back her chair and stood up. The sound of her footsteps rushing across the long dining hall left only an echo before quickly disappearing.

Viscountess Himierd, who had been quietly looking at Laila’s empty seat, put down the utensils she was holding.

“It seems to be the first time I’ve seen Your Royal Highness care so much about a particular person.”

Now there was no mischief or cynicism in the Viscountess’s voice. Only the monotonous intonation characteristic of the capital’s nobility remained, in a very polite form.

Eustar looked at the Viscountess with gentle but distant eyes.

“Because she’s a special person. I think you understand.”

“Of course I understand. I never doubt anything Your Royal Highness does. You know that, don’t you?”

“I know well. I’m always grateful to you.”

Eustar raised his glass half-filled with alcohol. Viscountess Himierd gazed intently at his smile before raising her own glass to lightly clink against his.

As the alcohol went down her throat, she suddenly felt a throbbing pain somewhere in her body. It was a familiar pain from long-lasting loss, but no matter how many times she experienced it, it was never pleasant.

“Since she’ll be staying at the royal palace for a while, I need to ask you a favor.”

Viscountess Himierd’s fingers gently stroked the surface of her glass. She had a thoughtful expression.

“Should I teach her etiquette?”

Eustar burst out laughing.

“No, there’s no need for that. Just take care of her so she doesn’t feel uncomfortable. She’s not used to places like this.”

“No one can get used to this place. You saw her rush out just now, didn’t you? I’m just enduring it too. At night, this becomes a place where you absolutely don’t want to stay. Despite how beautiful it is.”

The Viscountess felt goosebumps rising on her forearm hidden under her sleeve. The night at Sierou Royal Palace was dangerous. Even high-ranking officials who had to stay at the palace constantly often felt the urge to run far away at night.

The Viscountess continued.

“That young lady, she’s a real witch, isn’t she? I wonder if she’ll be able to endure this place. Your Royal Highness seems to consider her a special being, but to me, she appears to be just a young girl. But pitifully, because of her innate sensitive abilities, she’ll probably sense the ominousness of this place tonight. She’ll feel it as soon as she lies in bed. The vague fear of something about to burst out of the wardrobe, pressing down on her. Like when she was five or six years old, not daring to look under the bed.”

“It’ll be alright. If she were staying here alone, I’d be worried too, but at least I won’t be leaving the royal palace tonight.”

A very small sound, ching, echoed in the quiet dining hall. It was the sound of the Viscountess flicking her glass with her fingernail. The thin glass could be felt trembling.

Viscountess Himierd, who had been pressing her lips together with a stern expression, spoke.

“Your Royal Highness, I know it’s rude and presumptuous, but I’d like to say something.”

“It’s best if you don’t, Viscountess.”

“His Majesty is now beyond hope.”

Eustar’s fingertip struck the edge of the table with a thud. Viscountess Himierd looked at the napkin under his hand.

As his fingers moved, the napkin crumpled helplessly. There was no trace of anger to be found anywhere on Eustar’s face, but the intent of his gesture was clear.

“I told you last time that while you’re free to pity me, don’t project it onto me.”

The Viscountess retorted.

“I’m not the only one concerned about the royal family and the country, Your Royal Highness. You should know that fact.”

“I know very well. But that too is your or your people’s freedom. It has nothing to do with me. My elder brother will gradually get better. When he holds the royal wedding, an heir will be born. The throne should belong to that child. Not to me.”

“Your Royal Highness!”

“Let’s stop this conversation, Viscountess.”

Eustar wiped his mouth with a napkin and said to clear the plates. Viscountess Himierd closed her mouth with a sigh as if there was nothing she could do, but she showed no sign of being intimidated or afraid.

She would bring up this topic again anytime. It would be fortunate if King Ord Hyanmorik regains his former self as Eustar said. But what if he doesn’t?

“Laila is late.”

“Shall I send someone to look for her?”

“No, I’ll go check myself. Have your dessert. I heard the chef prepared pastries, which you like.”

An almost invisible smile appeared on Viscountess Himierd’s lips. It was the first real smile she had shown today.

“You still remember stories from the old days.”

“Is it not the case now?”

“I still like them, but I’ll be excusing myself for today. I’ll check if Laila’s bedroom is prepared and then retire to my quarters.”

Eustar nodded. Viscountess Himierd kept her head bowed until his footsteps faded away, only raising her gaze when they became almost inaudible.

As he turned back into the corridor flickering with light, his long hair swayed slightly behind his back. It was like the shadow of a strong and lonely beast traversing rocky mountains.

She had known for a long time that she could never have him. A widow who lost her husband, a traitor dreaming of pulling down the sick king and placing the man she adored beyond measure on that throne.

A key official who had to handle all sorts of affairs in charge of the royal court’s internal affairs. There were many expressions to describe her, but none of them were enough to reach Eustar.

Still, Viscountess Himierd was always satisfied with her position. Just being in the position of a close aide who could serve him closely.

However, watching his back was always accompanied by a faint pain. As if she had swallowed something bitter, her throat felt tight and her breath was choked.

Laila, who had left the dining hall, took a deep breath to inhale even a little clearer air. It still wasn’t refreshing, but it seemed better than being inside the palace.

‘What on earth is it because of……’

Laila had never felt such a sensation before. This suffocating air was a first. Not only was it difficult to breathe, but it also made her heart uneasy. It was as if…..

It’s like holding a box full of scorpions and writhing insects, Laila thought. A small box where swollen insects that would burst with yellow body fluid if pressed crawled desperately…..

It felt like anxiously holding onto such a thing, not knowing when the lid would open. Or the anxiety that she might be sucked into it…..

She walked aimlessly through the garden, not even properly aware of the direction. With the light lit inside the corridor, the outside was as bright as day.

But the darkness where the light didn’t reach looked as dangerous as an assassin. It seemed like if she approached, something like black claws would suddenly pop out and scratch her heart.

“This is a strange place.”

Laila muttered as if mumbling. But once she uttered it, that sentence became even clearer in her mind. She turned her body abruptly to face the royal palace. The lights illuminating the corridor seemed to flicker eerily like conscious living things.

“This is a strange place.”

She said again. This time her voice was a bit clearer.

It was at that moment.

—Then why don’t you come here, child. To a safe place.