Chapter 223

Chapter 223 – Unexpected Savior (4)

Translator: Atlas / Editor: Regan

Marquis Keers looked at the dried blood on Celestine’s ankle and pressed his lips tightly together. Hatred flashed in his green eyes as he bowed to greet the King.

“Your Majesty. I apologize for not greeting you sooner.”

“Marquis Keers.” For the first time, there was a small fracture in the King’s mask. He had referred to Marquis Keers before, to remind Lady Keers that her father would pay the consequences for her actions. But now he had discovered this situation.

“Your Majesty,” said Marquis Keers.

He had offered basic courtesy to the King, but though his face was expressionless, Annette could see the intense emotions hidden. Finally, the Marquis addressed the uncomfortable situation.

“I met with Lady Claire today, and then suddenly, I found myself involved involuntarily in a battle. I was afraid that some stray blade would cut my throat.”

He glanced toward Claire, who had forced him to hide in the bushes. Even when his daughter was in danger, this mysterious woman had refused to allow him to intercede. But now he understood why. It was the only way he could learn the whole truth.

He turned back to the King.

“Unfortunately, those blades were aimed at my daughter.”

For the first time, the dog bared his teeth at his master.

People called Arjen Bavaria a genius all the time, meaning it as a compliment, but really it should be a caution. Arjen had advised Claire that another witness was needed, as he expected the King to reject her testimony.

Thus, when she arrived in Deltium, Claire had sent a letter. The recipient was none other than Marquis Keers. He was not difficult to persuade; everyone in Deltium knew his weakness.

On the night of the banquet, your daughter will be in great danger. If you wish to know how and why, come to this place. It’s the only way to save her.

That first sentence was enough to spur him to agree. He would do anything to protect his daughter. After Celestine’s kidnapping, he had felt as if his world had ended. He couldn’t bear to lose her again.

But when he had reached the place in the garden specified by the note, he had hesitated.

What the hell was this?

Marquis Keers glared ferociously at Claire. He had come armed with nothing but the quill he had forgotten to leave at his desk, and so she had easily seized him and shoved him intot he bushes. His teeth gritted. She handled him as easily as if he were a doll.

“This is outrageous,” he hissed. “Your rank in the Empire means nothing here, I won’t stand for such disrespect! If you don’t release me, I will report you to the Ki–”

Claire’s hand clapped over his mouth, subdued him completely.

“Hold still,” she had said, clicking her tongue as he struggled. “I don’t want to hurt you.”

Ugh.

Of course, he wouldn’t believe her when she was manhandling him like this, but Claire Lucid wouldn’t be put off by a few hostile glares.

“You want to protect your daughter, don’t you?” She had asked seriously.

“……!!”

“There’s nothing I can say that you’ll believe, so I won’t waste my breath.”

Then why had she called him? His eyes narrowed. But Claire went on calmly.

“Look for yourself, and see who your enemy truly is.”