Hidden from the Emperor’s anti-magic policies, the family had been contracting mages to maintain their covert operations, keeping their activities undetected.

Viare couldn’t comprehend the full extent of the underworld’s machinations.

It was clear that the Ruschev family she knew was no longer the same.

“Sister, that’s all I know. Now it’s your turn to share.”

“…….”

“What brought you here?”

Viare hesitated before deciding to show him a cufflink she had been keeping secret.

“I want to know the owner of this cufflink.”

She believed the organization behind the symbol was connected to Dension’s death.

“……Why do you have this?”

Viare quickly fabricated a response.

“I found it at a banquet hall by chance. It’s not an ordinary symbol.”

“You didn’t show it to anyone else, did you?”

Gaizen, his expression turning grim, shot a sharp look at her.

Viare had tried several times in the past to find the owner of the symbol but never succeeded.

However, Gaizen seemed to know exactly what it represented, in great detail.

“No, you’re the first. What is it?”

“It’s… an assassination organization.”

“What…?”

“I’ve never seen them myself.”

According to him, the organization was comprised of murder-crazed assassins.

The backers were likely influential or wealthy, as the group was so secretive that even the information guild couldn’t identify them.

As Viare watched Gaizen speak, she sighed in relief.

Her brother wasn’t lying.

But there was a lingering question.

‘Why would Father…?’

He clearly knew the symbol belonged to an assassination organization yet deliberately deceived Viare.
‘He acted as if it was the first time he’d seen it.’

Viare kept pondering why her father had acted that way in the past, but no clear answer came to mind.

‘Was he trying to hide something?’

The belated sense of betrayal she felt towards him actually calmed her mind, like cold water dousing her emotions.

She decided it was time to confront the truth. Perhaps the truth was closer than she thought, and this motivated Viare to take action.

She couldn’t just stand by, especially if she intended to reach into the information guild under the Ruschev umbrella.

After a chilly autumn filled with cold winds, a harsh winter quickly approached.

In the early hours of the evening, Viare visited the study of the Duke, who was working late.

“Father, it’s me.”

“Yes, Bia. What brings you here?”

“I’ll be of age next year, and there’s something I’d like to ask of you.”

It was probably the first time since she was a child that Viare had directly asked her father for something.

The Duke’s eyes widened at his daughter’s request, but he soon smiled kindly.

“Of course, I should fulfill my daughter’s wish.”

Encouraged by her father to speak freely, Viare confidently replied.

“I want to help Gaizen at least until he comes of age.”

“What? Why would you……”

“You know he’s still a child.”

“But hasn’t he been managing well so far?”

Viare, although not to the extent of Gaizen, had also learned basic duties as a member of the Ruschev family.

Of course, no one had ever expected her, raised so delicately, to handle the rough tasks of the Cheil Trading Consortium.

“Are you doubting my capabilities?”

“Not at all, Bia. But you know, this isn’t something you can decide on your own….”

Seeing her father’s reluctance, Viare decided to add a bit of sympathy to her plea.

“I have no intention of coveting Gaizen’s position.”

She wanted more than anyone for Gaizen to become the next Duke. If that was what her brother wanted.

“Bia, it’s not that I doubt you.”

“Please consider my request, Father.”

The Duke sighed deeply and, after a moment of contemplation, looked at Viare and answered.

“Alright, I’ll grant your wish.”

Unaware of her hidden motives, the Duke probably thought he was merely supporting the amicable relationship between the siblings.