Askin's blue eyes trembled at my outburst. I saw the flash of something—hurt? shock?—before he quickly turned away and mounted his horse. I watched his retreating back, a heavy silence settling over the stables.
'I might have gone too far,' I thought, my anger cooling into a dull ache.
In my previous life as Yoon Ji-hoo, I would have never dreamed of talking to anyone like that. I would have spent my days biting my tongue and smiling through the insults of my superiors. But in this body, with Charlize’s temper and the high stakes of my survival, the words had just poured out.
I tried to push the image of Askin’s tears out of my mind. It was better to focus on my own problems than to worry about a man who clearly hated me.
"Ugh, handsome or not... he's more trouble than he's worth."
I sighed, rubbing my temples, and headed back toward the mansion.
* * *
Meanwhile, at that same hour.
Askin was riding hard in a different direction than his own estate. His lieutenant, Ben, was struggling to keep up.
"Count Child? Are you sure he went this way?"
"The report was confirmed," Askin replied, his voice tight. "We’ll intercept him before he reaches the city."
He was looking for Ian Child.
A few miles ahead, Ian was sitting in his carriage, deep in conversation with his assistant and old friend, Showmore.
"What’s on your mind, Young Master?" Showmore asked, noticing Ian’s unusually pensive expression. "You’ve been quiet ever since we left the Altsbeit mansion."
"Just thinking," Ian said, rubbing his chin. "Tell me, Showmore... do you think Princess Charlize is truly the most beautiful woman in the Empire?"
Showmore made a face. "You mean the Vicious Princess? Well, they say there are two women who could claim that title."
"One is Charlize. Who is the other?"
"The one you just saw. Duke Lemut."
Ian nodded. Askin Lemut was indeed beautiful in a way that transcended gender. He had a dignity and a strength that made him more of a "beauty" than just a "handsome man."
"I’ve heard the Duke has a younger sister who looks exactly like him," Showmore continued. "Rumor has it she might actually be the most beautiful woman in the Empire. But since no one ever sees her, it’s hard to say."
"I see." Ian hadn't been interested in the Lemut Princess until now. "But what about Charlize Altsbeit? What kind of person is she really?"
"Her? You’ve heard the stories! Why are you even asking? Please tell me you aren't interested in that woman."
"I am... intrigued," Ian admitted.
Showmore looked like he wanted to scream. "As your friend, I’m telling you: don't even look at her! She’s a monster! She’s ruined noble families for sport, she’s physically violent when she drinks, and she’s known for using her knights to bully anyone who crosses her. She even threatened the apprentice of the Great Elementalist Lopenheim! She’s dangerous, Ian. Truly."
Ian wasn't listening. He was smiling to himself, lost in a memory.
"She was trembling," he murmured. "When we were in the palace... she looked genuinely embarrassed when she broke that bottle. It wasn't the reaction of a heartless villainess."
According to Showmore, Charlize was a shameless brat who never felt sorry for anything. But Ian had seen a different side of her—a moment of vulnerability that didn't fit the rumors. And then there was the way she’d looked at Askin Lemut—so desperate, so pained.
'I'm curious,' Ian thought. It was a dangerous feeling, a spark of interest he knew he should extinguish, but instead, it only grew.
The carriage suddenly lurched to a halt. Ian, a master swordsman, stayed perfectly balanced, while Showmore was tossed across the seat.
"Ugh! What was that?!" Showmore groaned.
Ian opened the door and stepped out. Standing in the middle of the road, blocking their path, was Askin Lemut.
"Duke Lemut?" Ian said, hiding his surprise behind a polite smile. "We just saw each other at the mansion. What brings you out here in such a hurry?"
"I have something to say to you," Askin said, his voice hard. "Forgive the interruption."
"Not at all. If it’s urgent, please, step inside."
Ian gestured to the carriage and mentioned the soundproofing magic. Askin nodded and climbed in. The interior felt small with two large, powerful men sitting across from each other.
"I’ll accept your offer," Askin said, getting straight to the point. "I’ll borrow the money from the Child family."
"..." Ian’s eyes widened slightly, but he quickly regained his composure. "I see. And the conditions?"
"They’ve changed. I need a larger sum than we previously discussed."
Askin explained the situation—the penalty Grandfather had imposed. He was calm and collected, but Ian could sense the underlying tension.
"The amount isn't a problem," Ian said. "The Child family can afford it. However, since the terms have changed, I have one condition of my own."
"What is it?"
"You must break the engagement with Princess Altsbeit. Formally and permanently."
Askin hesitated. He’d come here specifically to get the money to break the engagement. It was what he’d wanted for years. But hearing Ian say it made him feel a sudden, inexplicable sense of disgust.
"Are you planning on sending a Lady of the Child family to Lemut instead?" Askin asked, his voice cold. "If that’s the case, I’ll find the money elsewhere. I won't trade one Altsbeit for a Child."
Ian laughed. "Misunderstanding! My sister... well, she’s quite brilliant and she dreams of a marriage for love, not arrangement. I would never force her into such a thing. No, my interest is purely... business."
Askin’s expression relaxed. He recognized the tone of a brother who cared for his sister. It was a familiar feeling.
"If that's settled... do we have a deal?" Ian asked.
Askin started to nod, but then Charlize’s face flashed through his mind. The way she’d looked when she was being dragged away. And her final, stinging question:
*"Why did you borrow that 'dirty' money in the first place? Was it not 'dirty' when you were desperate?"*
He closed his eyes, trying to erase the image of her hurt expression. It wouldn't go away.
"I accept," he said finally.
"An excellent choice," Ian replied.
"One more thing," Askin said, his eyes hard. "I want a secure contract. If the debt is paid back early, I want it in writing that there will be no additional interest or penalties. I’ve learned my lesson from the Altsbeits."
Ian smiled. "Duke Lemut, we are not usurers. We are businessmen. If you pay us back, we are satisfied. We consider ourselves... followers of your great work."