/
Kieran also understood that in Geore, the revolutionaries have gained power and are increasing their numbers. They were extremists that wanted to unify the continent to gain territories.
Their leader was Eren Sergio. Eren was a brother of Ian, who was against him, and the most favoured to become the next king—so much so, that he was the real power. If he were behind all this, then everything made sense.
Kieran then realized that Eran probably wanted to put the blame on Ian, who was staying in the Empire. That could be how he could get rid of Ian Sergio without a problem.
In the end, they couldn’t avoid a war. But he couldn’t have guessed that Claude would be involved personally.
Kieran brushed his face. “Please. Come back safely,” Kierna pleaded.
The tip of Claude’s chin lifted at Kieran’s honest plea. Yet, he felt empty at the same time.
“I have something to get back from Canillian,” said Claude.
“From Lian?”
“I left something by mistake.”
“Then, right now—”
“No,” said Claude emphatically. He stood up and sighed.
His face, revealed by soft lighting, became gloomy.
“I’ll get it back when I see him next. So, until I come back,” Claude paused, “protect Canillia, Kieran.”
Kieran, who was nodding, opened his eyes wide at the name he had fleetingly heard.
For certain, he just said Canillia. If his ears weren’t wrong, Claude right now—
“Duke.”
“Ha, was it really Canillia? Her name?”
“Claude!”
“If something happens to Canillia, I will never forgive you. So protect her. Not even the ends of her hair can be hurt. That is your punishment for your betrayal, Kieran Vale.”
Claude’s tone was emphatic—and scary. Claude leisurely turned around and headed out the drawing room. Kieran ran after him, calling, “Claude!”
But Claude kept walking and got in the waiting car. Having been overly delayed, the driver immediately stepped on the accelerator.
Kieran, his face ghostly pale, covered his mouth as the black vehicle sped farther and farther away. Claude had found out. The Duke had found out about Canillia. Kieran laughed even as he felt conflicting emotions. Behind Kieran, there was a light presence.
“Did the Duke leave?”
Anastasia asked while watching the car disappear into the distance. She dressed formally even at this late hour. Kieran, surprised, awkwardly asked, “You’re up?”
“I, too, received word of the Duke’s visit.”
“The Duke left, so you can go back to sleep.”
“Yes, but I can’t seem to sleep. Your father will soon head to the North.”
Anastasia sighed and turned. Kieran seemed suspicious of his mother, who turned so willingly this time. After the engagement, his mother purposely avoided talking about Canillian, as though she didn’t have any memory of their conversation that day.
Kieran quietly summoned Angel, who was waiting by the entrance.
“Go send someone to check up on Lian. And
 ask if the Duke has left anything.”
“Yes, Master.”
“And Angel?”
“Yes.”
“Send a message to Geore. It’s possible right?”
Angel bowed deeply.
Even after everyone went back inside, Kieran walked around the garden for a long time. It was as if he had never felt the wind blowing before. It was a sleepless night.
***
“Extra! Extra! Read all about it! Prince Wade is attending the war in the North! He will go after the neutral territory with Duke Ihar! Read all about it!”
Everyone picked up a newspaper at the shout of the paperboy. The boy was excited; he had never made so much money before.
Just like that, everyone’s interest focused on the North, and the high nobles sent their personal soldiers there to help.
“Help us, Princess.”
Marilyn came to Rosina again today to insist on her father’s innocence. “My father is innocent. So please help us, Princess. Please change the Emperor’s mind.”
Rosina was at a downtown café. She had come to visit as she heard the terrace of the café was beautiful. However, she felt uncomfortable as she answered the crying Marilyn.
“If the Marquis is innocent, then nothing will come of it. So, return home, Marilyn. This isn’t something I can be part of.”
“You can’t do this! Our family has done so much for the royal family!”
Marilyn shouted and kept bawling. Rosina waved at her maids and had them lift Marilyn up. Rosina wanted to help Marilyn, but there was really nothing she could do.
Also, she felt upset as well. Her one and only brother is joining the war, distressing the Emperor and everyone in the Palace.
“Please stop the tears. Your tears are ruining your beautiful face,” said Rosina.
But Marilyn couldn’t stop easily. In the end, Rosina sat Marilyn down beside her, ordered her an iced tea, and held her hand.
Marilyn, still hiccupping, finally drank some.
Rosina sighed and looked tired as she regarded Marquis Vale’s townhouse.
Is he not coming out?
The terrace became famous because of its proximity to Marquis Vale’s townhouse. The ladies were attracted to the place as they heard that they might catch a glimpse of the young Marquis if they were to spend time there.
But for today, Princess Rosina took over the entire terrace. The ladies who couldn’t be seated because of her glared at her as they passed by.
That moment, a carriage stopped in front of the townhouse. Lian got out of the carriage and stood at the entrance looking nervous.
Marilyn’s eyes lit up at the sight. “Did you know, Princess?” Marilyn asked.
“About what?”
Rosina lifted her chin as permission to speak. Marilyn wiped her tears with a handkerchief and continued.
“The truth is,” she began slowly, “on the night of your engagement, Sir Canillian harassed me. But I had to keep this a secret from the Princess. But now, I’m thinking about telling this to the Emperor. If he found out that your fiancé’s brother did something so terrible, the Emperor would find it disappointing. No?”
Rosina glared at her in disbelief. But Marilyn didn’t avoid her gaze. Soon the Princess lifted her hand and the maids covered their ears and turned around. Rosina lifted her teacup as she stared at Marilyn. Marilyn lowered her gaze leisurely.
“You— You dare to threaten me?”
“How could I? I am simply saying how wronged I feel.”
“I see. So, you also know how serious it is to accuse someone of this?”
“Of course.”
Marilyn lifted her head confidently. But she couldn’t hide her trembling hands. Rosina saw that Marilyn’s hand was clenched so hard that her nails dug into her skin. She moved her gaze to Canillan.
“Fine. If what you said is true, then I’ll give a chance for the Marquis to prove his innocence. But, if it is untrue, then let’s end our relationship here.”