Chapter 87: Count Corrode and the Eight Knights – 6

“…You’re even dumber than I thought. So, what do you even gain by staying in this land?”

“And why should I trust the hand of someone who mocked me just days ago?”

“…It was just part of the power play, no ill will.”

“Enough. I don’t need your help. I don’t plan to owe you anything.”

“…Think again, Kailo Alan. You might regret this choic—”

“I said enough.”

The secret conversation was flowing straight into Vivian’s ears.

The necklace hanging around Kailo’s neck made it possible.

While resting alone in her room, Vivian had used the charm’s power out of curiosity about Kailo.

The voices that reached her froze her in place.

The Count Corrode was trying to send Kailo away.

A burst of fury surged within her, but Kailo’s voice that followed calmed her down.

Kailo said he wouldn’t leave.

Even when given a clear chance to leave, he had chosen not to.

Of course, he couldn’t have left anyway—not once Vivian had learned of the plan.

But Kailo didn’t know that.

Whatever the case, his choice was to stay.

…Why?

Ironically, that was the first question that came to Vivian’s mind.

It was true she had no intention of letting him go.

She had forbidden it, after all.

…But why did Kailo say he wouldn’t leave?

Hadn’t he wanted to go?

The answer lingered somewhere in her mind, but it was so sweet that she hesitated to accept it.

So Vivian sought other explanations, reasons that would make sense.

But none lasted long.

Eventually, Vivian arrived at a single conclusion.

…Had his love for her deepened?

She swallowed the sweet answer.

After all, the day they shared that intense kiss and increased physical closeness… perhaps he had changed too.

Maybe Vivian’s plan to keep Kailo under her control had worked perfectly.

Not just a political captive, but now a psychological one as well.

No matter the reason, he wouldn’t leave her.

That fact alone brought a smile to Vivian’s lips.

A smile she hadn’t shown in days while keeping a stern face with Count Corrode.

Ultimately, only Kailo could make her smile.

Only Kailo could truly anger her, sadden her, make her happy, or frustrate her.

Now, she felt immense satisfaction.

She had thought she was the one forbidding him from leaving, but even without the leash, he had no intention of going.

The guilt she felt toward Kailo lightened just a bit.

No matter what, Vivian hadn’t been completely devoid of guilt toward him.

“…Kailo.”

Vivian whispered his name as if sighing.

Kailo, by her side forever.

What could be sweeter than that?

Even after everything she had done, Kailo chose to stay by her side.

Even under the growing pressure of Count Corrode and the approaching storm, he had chosen to stay.

This dependability reminded her of family—like the comfort she felt with her father, mother, or brother.

As long as Kailo stayed with her, it felt as though no obstacle could stand in her way.

Vivian kept smiling.

Once her euphoria finally subsided, she turned her thoughts to Count Corrode.

…The one who had tried, though unsuccessfully, to tear Kailo away from her.

Now, courage she hadn’t felt before began to rise.

Kailo was by her side.

If he wanted a fight, she would give him one.

“The meeting is over.”

The lengthy negotiations ended with nothing left behind.

Now and then, Vivian had briefly thought they might find some common ground, but the result was the same.

Well, it didn’t matter anymore.

Vivian no longer desired peace.

She had done her best.

That, at least, was the truth.

She had done nothing to shame her people.

“What a shame.”

Count Corrode said with hollow words.

His mocking demeanor irritated her endlessly.

Vivian knew she had to prepare for the coming storm.

Though things seemed quiet for now, this incident would only deepen the rift between them.

The growing tensions would inevitably lead to numerous attacks.

She no longer wanted to speak with her adversary.

The sun was already beginning to set—it was late.

“Dinner will be prepared.”

Vivian said.

Count Corrode nodded and stood.

“Thank you. We plan to depart tomorrow morning.”

It seemed he no longer wished to remain here either.

On that, at least, they agreed.

Hiding her sneer, Vivian left the room.

“Wine!”

At the dinner table, Count Corrode continued to drink heavily.

His face reddened, clearly drunk, and he seemed to lose control over himself.

Vivian’s expression hardened with each passing moment, and so did mine as I watched.

“The wine is excellent, Vivian. Hahaha… May I have more?”

“…You should restrain yourself.”

“We are always at odds, aren’t we? Well, I will stick to my principles.”

Draining his glass in one gulp, he handed it to the maids to refill.

Their hesitant compliance drew another glance from Vivian.

His drunken gaze shifted to Vivian, his eyes filled with something unsettling.

His stare began to linger where it shouldn’t.

Finally, I rose from the table.

My sudden movement caught everyone’s attention, but I didn’t care.

I climbed onto the platform and sat next to Vivian.

Count Corrode flinched, his smirk faltering as he returned to reality.

Feigning cheer, he spoke.

“Ah, if it isn’t Kailo Alan. It seems you’ve lost your way.”

“I’m exactly where I need to be.”

“Your place is down below, with those of your rank.”

“You seem to forget. It’s you who doesn’t measure up. Have you forgotten what house I belong to?”

Count Corrode rolled his eyes, piecing it together before nodding.

“…Ah, yes, the eldest of House Alan. I must admit, your lack of decorum made me forget you were nobility.”

The man who had earlier offered to help was nowhere to be seen.

In his place was an irksome middle-aged man, sneering down at us like children.

His expression screamed, “You foolish kids know nothing.”

I no longer wanted to engage with such a man.

Vivian says it’s about keeping manners, but I’ve kept more than enough of those.

It’s just Vivian who looks foolish, unable to act as if she doesn’t know.

“If you’ve filled your stomach, stop drinking and go to bed.”

“…Hmm. Should I? But isn’t there a maid to share some warmth with? My lower body itches.”

I gritted my teeth.

I’d heard it from Vivian.

That we might end up clashing with the Corrode family.

But I didn’t expect that one change could alter a person this much.

For the past three days, Count Corrode had at least acted human.

But now, there wasn’t even a trace of that demeanor left.

He might even be provoking us on purpose.

I sighed and ignored the petty provocation.

Instead, I grabbed Vivian’s arm and stood up.

Looking bewildered, she didn’t resist my touch.

“Let’s go, Vivian.”

“…Alright.”

I turned to the maids and commanded.

“We’re leaving first. Finish up here. Don’t serve him any more alcohol. If he wants to drink more, tell him to head into town and find a tavern.”

While I gave orders, Vivian adjusted her grip on my arm.

Hiding any turmoil from my actions, she addressed Count Corrode.

“…Then, we’ll be off.”

Count Corrode, who had been silently watching us, spoke.

“…Let me offer you some advice as an adult.”

Suddenly serious, with a drunken expression, he said,

“Whatever your relationship is, don’t play house too much. In the adult world, that kind of weak attitude won’t hold up.”

I took a deep breath and replied.

“Let me give you advice: don’t give advice.”

And then we left the hall.

It was only after we reached the room that Vivian let go of my arm.

As she closed the door and exhaled, her expression softened.

“Were you worried about me?”

Vivian asked.

Her mood didn’t seem as bad as I had thought.

All day long, she had kept a neutral expression, but now she turned to me with a bright smile.

It felt like another one of her ploys to manipulate me, so I avoided her gaze.

“I’m leaving. Go to bed early.”

I said that and turned away.

But as I was leaving, Vivian grabbed my hand.

I couldn’t shake off her hand, which felt as if it might fall away at the slightest motion.

“…Just this once.”

After a long silence, I asked.

In any other situation, with any other person, I rarely felt tense, but I always froze in front of Vivian.

“…It’s only for three days, isn’t it, Kailo? Can’t we spend a little more time together?”

What did she mean?

I gathered the courage to turn back to Vivian.

In the darkness, she shone brilliantly, hesitating before smiling and tapping her lips with her finger.

That small gesture sent blood rushing southward.

Her audacious suggestion of something improper, her boldness, her reserved demeanor toward others but special treatment for me, and her rare expressions of desire were all part of her charm.

“You’ve had it rough lately. This is a reward.”

“Give me a kiss.”

The more I looked at her, the stranger it seemed how good a mood she was in.

Could she have been that grateful for me saving her during the meal with Count Corrode?

Whatever the reason, I was wavering like a candle in the wind under her temptation.

I wanted to kiss her, to mingle tongues.

-Clench…

But I clenched my fist, summoning superhuman patience to stop myself.

“…Why should I do that?”

I asked.

Vivian seemed caught off guard, as if she hadn’t expected me to question her.

“Feeling shy all of a sudden? We’ve done it plenty of times.”

“That’s not what I was asking.”

“Don’t you want to?”

“I do.”

“Then do it. I’m letting you.”

I stroked her hair and lightly grabbed it.

Holding it like a handle, I said to her,

“…You said yourself that we can never be together.”

“Then why do you keep shaking me? Is it fun for you?”

Only then did Vivian realize how unsettled I was.

Her smile slowly faded, and she looked up at me.

For once, a hint of guilt appeared on her face.

“That’s not it.”

“…Please, don’t tempt me, Vivian. I’m begging you. The more you allow, the harder it gets for me.”

I let go of her hair.

Then I turned to leave.

But once again, Vivian grabbed me.

Speaking softly to my back, her tone was firmer this time.

“…No.”

She defied my plea once again.

“Kiss me, Kailo.”

“…Damn it.”

I couldn’t resist a second time and turned back.

Grabbing her face with both hands, I kissed her hard.

Vivian closed her eyes and wrapped her arms around my neck.

We shared a kiss for what felt like forever.

Stepping outside the castle, I wiped my trembling lips, but the soft sensation of Vivian’s lips and her sweet breath lingered.

Is this what it feels like to take a drug?

Knowing it’s wrong but unable to resist.

Even though the end would be ruin, the deeper I went, the harder it was to stop.

“…Damn woman.”

In my weakness, I could only blame the addiction.

Otherwise, I felt too pathetic to endure.

The hardest part about kissing Vivian is the glimmer of hope it brings.

It’s the only pleasure I feel in my muddy reality.

When we kiss, I think—

Maybe she could love me.

Maybe we could dream of a future.

It’s so easy to mistake her kisses for affection because her tongue overflows with it.

It’s hard to believe it’s the same tongue that constantly insults me.

It explores and lingers.

And when I feel it, I wonder if she loves me too.

Of course, once we part, she denies it’s love with that same tongue.

Before I get more addicted, I have to leave.

That much is clear.

I’m not strong enough to resist her temptation.

I wiped my lips again and stood up.

I should head back to my quarters.

Sleep it off, and clear my thoughts.

On the way back, a familiar figure spotted me and came running.

“Kailo, sir!”

It was Theo, the aide who assisted Kelsie, the blind woman.

“Ka-Kailo, sir, something terrible has happened…!”

He stammered as he grabbed me.

I shook off his hand and said,

“Calm down and explain. What’s going on?”

He hesitated, his lips twitching as if he didn’t know where to start, stuttering as he continued.

“L-Lord Corrode…! He drank too much, you see… So, that is to say, he’s forcing…”

I had already guessed as much from the way he’d been drinking earlier.

I sighed and said.

“If it’s just because of Corrode’s drunken antics, leave it to his knights. He has eight of them, doesn’t he?”

“W-Well…! None of them dared to oppose his actions…! Either way, we must hurry! We can’t let him commit a crime like that, can we?!”

“A crime? Who’s doing what to whom?”

His words jolted me to full attention.

Theo exclaimed.

“It’s Lady Kelsie…!”

Kelsie.

“Lead the way.”

I said immediately.

Theo nodded and dashed forward.

Kelsie was one of Vivian’s most trusted retainers.

It was thanks to her plans that Rondor had been rising to power.

Could this be retribution, targeting her because she was a thorn in their side during negotiations?

Or were they simply resorting to such depravity because a confrontation was imminent?

Did her blindness make her a more vulnerable target?

I ran and ran, finally arriving in front of Corrode’s temporary quarters.

The eight knights stood in a line outside, doing absolutely nothing.

These weren’t knights—they were no better than a gang of thugs.

Thinking that, I turned to Liard and asked.

“Where’s the count?”

“…Inside. Don’t interfere, Kail Alan.”

“Hah.”

I shook off Liard’s arm.

I tried to open the door, but it was locked and wouldn’t budge.

BAM!

I kicked the door open, the doorknob shattering as it gave way.

As I stormed in, I found… no one.

“What…?”

Puzzled, I turned around to see the eight knights stepping into the room, one after another.

They lined up neatly in formation.

Then, from behind them, Count Corrode emerged, skulking out into view.

The count smiled as he looked at Theo, who stood beside him.

“Well done, Theo.”

Theo nodded at him like he was greeting an old master.

It hit me then—Theo had been the count’s man all along.

“…You’ve been overstepping, Kail Alan.”

Corrode said.

Ssshhk!

Hilden unsheathed his sword, a menacing smile splitting his face.

The cold scrape of metal against metal pierced the tension in the room.

Corrode continued.

“We only had our sights on Vivian… but you just had to keep getting in the way. For years, you’ve been meddling in our plans.”

“…‘We’?”

“We” implied there was someone else involved.

Regardless, this was the first time the person targeting Vivian’s life had made himself known.

He scoffed.

“Even with death staring you in the face, you’re still curious about such trivial things. Is it because you grew up without ever feeling truly threatened? Did your father’s name and reputation shield you so completely? When I offered to send you home out of pity, you refused… I told you you’d regret it, didn’t I?”

I gripped the sword slung across my back, pulling it free.

My mind raced as I sized up my opponents.

This wasn’t like the time I faced off against four assassins.

There were more of them now, and they were stronger.

“…You sure you can handle the aftermath?”

I asked Count Corrode.

But he only chuckled, his grin brimming with confidence.

“Why wouldn’t I? When you die, the entire kingdom of Delrum will cheer.”

“The Eastern Kingdom won’t stand idly by.”

I retorted.

“Don’t make me laugh. With Jade Alan bedridden and wasting away, what’s the Eastern Kingdom going to do? Start a war?”

“They won’t need much of an excuse… Let’s see, how about calling it revenge? Jade Alan’s atrocities in the last war would make the perfect justification.”

“I don’t care about peace with the Eastern Kingdom anyway. If a war breaks out because I killed you? So be it. All I’m concerned with is my family’s future. Besides, our king doesn’t see you as anything more than a minor nuisance.”

Sching!

One by one, the knights—Hiden excluded—drew their swords.

Each metallic whisper of a blade being unsheathed doubled the oppressive weight in the room.

…I might actually be standing on the edge of death right now.

I’d never felt death this close, not even through all the hardships I’d endured.

“I’m just curious.”

Corrode said with a sneer.

“Your relationship with Vivian has always seemed strange to me… Tomorrow, when she sees your corpse, will she laugh, or will she cry?”

His words made me smile.

“…I’m curious about that too.”

The sensation of Vivian’s lips against mine still lingered.

The knights’ killing intent filled the air as they tightened their grips on their swords.

The stench of death began to permeate the room.

“Any last words?”

I adjusted my stance and replied.

“…I’ll think of something when I’m old and dying of natural causes.”

Corrode ordered his knights.

“Kill him.”

And so, the battle began.