episode_0059

After the conclusion of the affairs in the Karnan Kingdom, winter took hold.

As the upcoming New Year approached, a strange excitement filled the eyes of the people. It seemed like an instinctual anticipation that never grew old, despite the annual celebration of the New Year.

Various events had passed, but the most significant change was the official recognition of the princess of the fallen empire.

The timing was perfect.

Outwardly, I was seen as the hero who had resolved the disaster in the Karnan Kingdom, especially with Princess Canarin Lupenter and Prince Luca strongly supporting me.

There seemed to have been some kind of deal with Serin… I wondered how far she had gone to seek support for me.

Indeed, Serin was a formidable person.

Furthermore, thanks to my willingness to show favor to the royal family, the faction that had been undermining the empire was now disbanded.

This political shift led me to where I was now.

The grand hall of the palace, where public affairs were held.

The once damaged hall had been completely restored, radiating the same glory as before.

“I commend your efforts. Lord Rahilt.”

In a solemn atmosphere, the Emperor spoke with authority. I knelt before him, waiting for his next words.

“In the same way as your past efforts. Will you remain loyal to the current empire, not the past empire?”

“I will remain loyal.”

“Forget the past favors and live for the future?”

“I will do so.”

“Good.”

After the Emperor’s satisfactory response, the ceremonial sword was gently placed on my shoulder.

“From this moment on, you shall bear the title of ‘Elder’ and uphold the nation as the Grand Duke of the empire.”

Rahilt Elder Grand Duke.

That was my new title and authority.

“Normally, the decree should be issued simultaneously, but the Elder Grand Duke himself refused. Therefore, a grace period of five years will be given for adjustment.”

Surprise and murmurs spread around. It was remarkable that the princess of the fallen empire had accepted the title of Grand Duke, but it was even more surprising that she had adamantly refused the decree she was supposed to issue.

Soon, the Emperor’s speech came to an end.

“With this, the ceremony of bestowal of title is concluded.”

I stood up and looked around. Gasps could be heard from all directions.

From the princess of the fallen empire to the commander of the empire’s top mercenary corps. From the commander of the mercenary corps to the commander of the knights. And now, within a few months of becoming the commander of the knights, I was now the Elder Grand Duke.

My eventful journey made me stand out even more.

Step by step.

I descended the stairs from the dais. As the attention of the nobles turned towards me, the orchestra began to play.

The eyes of the nobles were filled with anticipation.

Their patience was running thin, as they had lived without any shortcomings.

“Grand Duke… No, Your Excellency…!”

The first to approach was a young girl. She wore a dress that seemed to be adorned with frosty snowflakes, fitting her perfectly.

As I looked at the girl, she blushed and stammered, then nervously asked, “May I request a dance…?”

“Uh…”

Other young ladies sighed in frustration at the girl’s small act of courage. This weighed heavily on my heart, as I couldn’t accept her dance request due to the predetermined reasons.

“I apologize, young lady. Regrettably, the first dance partner has already been chosen.”

“Really…? Could it be Her Highness the Princess…?”

“No, it’s not.”

Of course, I would dance with Serin, but it was too early. Since the moment the decision was made to receive the title of Grand Duke, the first dance partner as the Grand Duke had been decided long ago.

“Reheart… No, isn’t it? Brother Rahilt!”

“Our Lord Eleoneth.”

As I endured countless gazes, a lively young lady approached me cheerfully. Even after revealing my true identity, she continued to address me with anagrams, and she was none other than Esutiel.

Normally, formal dances were reserved for debutante balls for ordinary young ladies. However, Esutiel, being a lady with a legitimate countess title, had no issues with the protocol.

“I’ve been waiting for today. Teacher, I have a favor to ask. What favor, you ask? A dance favor!”

“You received high praise.”

I replied nonchalantly. I had never once thought that Esutiel would shine in the field of arts and culture.

Of course, Esutiel understood my words and beamed with a wide smile.

“Alright then. I’ll lead. Rahit, oppa.”

“Shall we start then?”

I gestured politely, matching Esutiel’s height and inviting her to dance. And Esutiel, with awkward grace, took my hand and showed great anticipation.

And so, as the grand duke who had cut the starting line for the first dance.

I struggled to contain a smirk that threatened to escape.

“Well, well done, Esutiel.”

“…”

“As expected, the countess is different.”

“…”

“Esutiel…”

“Oppa, wait a moment. I’m concentrating.”

“Ah, alright…”

Esutiel’s eyes darted around in disarray.

Instead of looking ahead, she poured all her concentration into her feet, stepping earnestly. As a result, Esutiel’s confident declaration naturally turned into a falsehood, and I ended up leading the dance.

The reactions around us were a mix of amusement and fondness.

“Oh my, really. It’s quite adorable. Don’t they look like affectionate siblings?”

“Whether they’re the imperial children or the grand duke’s, in the end, people are people. Maybe there’s no need to keep such a distance…”

“Our children are always so busy bickering… As parents, it’s enviable to see such a picture.”

“More than anything, the visual stimulation from both of them is truly something to behold.”

Everyone unanimously agreed with the last opinion. The older ladies then reminisced about the past.

“During the imperial era, it was said in jest. The greatest welfare for the palace maids and eunuchs was the faces of the emperor and the government. Of course, separate from their characters.”

“Well, being the children of those two, even if they didn’t hide behind masks, they would have been exposed long ago.”

I found myself listening intently to the stories of my unknown parents. Although I had no intention of dwelling on gossip and infamy now, I couldn’t help but be genuinely curious.

As if to draw my attention, Esutiel suddenly stepped on my foot.

“Ouch, that hurts! Esutiel.”

“Oops.”

“It feels like my foot is on fire.”

“Oh, forgive me, oppa…”

“Well, it’s a lie.”

…!

Esutiel stared at me in shock. Unable to discern the cause, I shrugged my shoulders.

Finally, Esutiel spoke earnestly.

“Rahit oppa… do you know how to joke around?”

“I’m only human.”

“But you haven’t been joking until now.”

“Maybe it’s time for a change.”

“Puberty?”

“That’s the time Esutiel will soon experience.”

“But I don’t want to…”

Esutiel’s expression darkened as if she couldn’t breathe. I cautiously asked, puzzled.

“Why don’t you want to?”

“Because things get worse during puberty. They don’t listen and cause trouble.”

“Hmm…”

How is that different from now? I pondered the serious question and nodded outwardly.

“Don’t worry too much. You still have plenty of time before experiencing puberty.”

However, there was one thing that did worry me.

Even to me, it was evident that the surroundings of the adorable Esutiel would be constantly swarmed by admirers of the opposite sex. Like moths to a bright flame. Especially if the time for Esutiel to go through adolescence was approaching, it would only intensify.

Most young ladies seek their own paths and learn about love during that time. I couldn’t help but worry about that. Esutiel, with her beauty and even the title of a viscountess…

If only I could choose the perfect companion to protect her for life. Unfortunately, that role was being played by the bad family members who were encroaching on Esutiel’s rights.

So, I went through a rationalization process in my mind…

“I may not be able to make decisions, but it should be fine to filter out unsuitable candidates.”

No one would suspect a natural disaster, so it wouldn’t be too risky of a line to walk.

A while later, as a piece of music came to an end, Esutiel and I parted ways. I awkwardly patted Esutiel’s head as she smiled sheepishly. Making sure her carefully styled hair didn’t get messed up.

That’s when we started to drift apart.

“Lian.”

Serin, who appeared out of nowhere, naturally took my hand in hers.

“You’re not overexerting yourself dancing with Tiel, are you?”

“I wouldn’t do that.”

“Good. It seems like you’ve been quite patient.”

“Was it something that required patience?”

“Yes, well, in many ways.”

Serin glanced around with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. The ladies who had been staring in our direction suddenly covered their faces with fans and coughed awkwardly.

I scolded Serin in a diplomatic manner.

“Intimidation is not appreciated.”

“Lian, are you saying that?”

“Serin, you’re not a tyrant.”

“I think there might be a misunderstanding. I can always become a tyrant if needed. If those who covet what’s mine don’t keep their lips sealed.”

“That’s definitely not going to happen.”

“Of course. But sometimes there are people who don’t realize such obvious things.”

“Hmm…”

As usual, it was often difficult to understand what Serin was saying. So, I simply empathized with her. I had learned from experience that things usually worked out that way.

At that moment, she asked me subtly.

“Hey, Lian. I’ve been curious about something for a while… Can I ask?”

“Of course.”

I could hear the saliva in Serin’s throat as she swallowed nervously. Even amidst the pervasive music in the ballroom, it seemed like all her attention was focused on me.

Finally, Serin raised her question.

“About Rasherah.”

“Ah.”

“Now that you know the whole truth… do you really have no thoughts about Rasherah? You haven’t taken any action so far.”

“Did that concern you?”

“Of course.”

“I see.”

I was glad that she cared about my well-being. Maybe it was because Serin personally disliked Rasherah…

But at least I felt like I had an ally on my side.

“While I don’t plan to dwell on events that are already in the past… if it comes to revenge, I’ve already taken care of that.”

“Wait, what?”

“So, I’m thinking of just giving a small punishment.”

“What kind of punishment?”

Serin was eagerly pressing for an answer. She seemed very curious about the punishment that would befall her.

Since there was nothing to hide, I honestly revealed it.

“Once a year. On the birthdays of Roderick and Esutiel, I’m thinking of striking lightning at a place that Rasherah holds dear.”

“That’s…”

“Whether it’s Rasherah’s personal mansion, business establishment, or a warehouse filled with goods…”

“…”

“Rashera has said it before. There is something more painful than death, and she said she would help me achieve that revenge.”

Living like my parents is shameful, a life more painful than death.

In the bleak daily life, she said she would bring a glimmer of hope, a life that at least saves a small light of hope.

If that’s the case, then I should respond in the same way.

“It would be a miracle if rumors of a cursed woman in the sky didn’t spread.”

“Huh…”

“Why do you say that?”

“Oh, well, I was just a bit surprised. Lian has a subtle side to her personality.”

“It seems that Serin, who uses that subtlety, has something to say.”

“I admit that I have a subtlety, but I didn’t expect Lian to be so straightforward.”

“So, do you dislike it?”

In response to my worried question, Serin raised the corners of her mouth into a slight smile.

She whispered very quietly.

“I like it very much.”