Ultimately, those who benefitted from the ruin of the Verdeum family were the current emperor of Marta Empire and his son.

She laughed bitterly at the realization that the truth she had been seeking was not different from her suspicions.

‘Was it really because of me?’

In the past, Ivan had been repeatedly rejected by Viare and failed to arrange a marriage.

Viare had also made it clear through her father that any connection with Ivan had long been severed.

Now, she understood why the duke had been so keen to hide the cufflink and its secrets.

Her father had essentially been assisting them.

Feeling a strong sense of betrayal from the duke, Viare was at a loss.

The puzzle pieces that didn’t fit were now forming a complete picture.

She had failed to protect her lover and had essentially driven him to his death.

In Viare’s bedroom, silent sobs and cries permeated deeply.

‘If only I hadn’t been so greedy for you…’

Regrets about her past, where she had selfishly clung to him, surged like a tide.

The misfortunes he should not have experienced were ultimately due to her.

Floundering in a swamp of despair, Viare couldn’t see a way out of this pit.

Barely gathering her scattered thoughts, she looked at her trembling hands.

‘I must protect Sion this time.’

If Ivan was still considering her for his plans, that would be ideal. But if Dension willingly heads into enemy territory, Viare planned to act first.
“I won’t just stand by and watch you die.”

On the day she had agreed to pass information to Dension, Viare headed early to the office of the Information Guild. Fabian had chosen the day to meet Dension when Guyzen was fully booked, keeping his promise of secrecy.

“You look pale, Lady.”

“I’m fine.”

Usually, Fabian enjoyed teasing Viare, but now he seemed genuinely concerned about her pallid complexion. He handed over the documents he had prepared, adding, “I’ve organized everything within my limits.”

This meant he hadn’t included her most sensitive personal information in the documents.

“Thanks, I appreciate it.”

“Are you really alright?”

“Don’t worry about me. I’ll be on my way.”

Viare reassured him, and with a couple of flicks of his hand, she transformed into the appearance of a man.

“If you need help, just let me know.”

“I will, thank you.”

Walking through the long corridor to the parlor, Viare quickly sorted through the documents she had skimmed earlier. As expected, none of the information related to the former Lord Verdeum’s case was included. Such information required the key of the absence of faith, which Fabian was still trying to trace.

‘Hoping for solid evidence to surface soon.’

Viare sighed deeply as she entered the parlor, opened by an attendant.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.”

“Did you bring the information?”

Viare was relieved that she was wearing a mask; otherwise, her dismal expression would have been obvious. She silently handed over the documents related to the former lord, and Dension, after quickly scanning them, smirked, “Do you really believe the information written here is true?”

“…”

“What a waste of time.”

“The information about Lady Ruschepf is here too.”

As Viare hastily tried to hand over the rest of the documents, Dension coldly looked at them and said, “No need for that anymore. I should be going.”

Feeling guilty for not being able to provide accurate information to protect him, Viare hung her head. She couldn’t fathom why he no longer needed information about her, which he had previously sought.

After sleepless nights, Viare reached one conclusion: ‘The engagement with the Crown Prince.’

To protect Dension, Viare needed more power, so she steeled her heart. It was the only way she could protect him.