Affection is difficult to build, but hatred can accumulate in an instant. From his vantage point at the pinnacle of power, Loxdian had seen countless people misunderstand and turn on one another.
"That old man’s greed has finally ruined everything," Loxdian murmured, watching the rain thin.
He was satisfied. Now, he just had to wait for his wounded sister to drift away from the Altsbeit family, and he would be there to catch her.
"Aren't you excited, Noah? Let’s go back and finish the banquet," Loxdian said, sounding perfectly relaxed as he rested his hands on the scabbards at his waist.
Noah watched him with a mix of confusion and wariness. Loxdian had claimed he didn't need an umbrella, yet he’d thrown one aside and chased after Charlize’s carriage anyway. Why was he so intent on bringing her into the Imperial family?
Noah didn't have an answer. He took one last look at the dark path where the carriage had disappeared and followed his Emperor back inside.
* * *
"Princess!"
As soon as I returned to the mansion, I ordered the maids to stay back. They were making a fuss about me being soaked to the bone, but I didn't have the energy for their ministrations. I just wanted to wash off the rain and crawl into bed.
I was exhausted. But the moment my head hit the pillow, the dam I’d built in my heart finally broke.
I thought the rain had hidden my tears earlier, but now they poured out of me without restraint.
'It’s over.'
The hope coin, my plans for a new life, my survival—it was all gone. Now that the engagement was effectively broken and Askin hated me more than ever, the money I’d "saved" felt utterly insignificant.
*I don't want to listen to you anymore.*
Askin’s voice echoed in my head, a cold, sharp blade.
*It was quite good. Now that everyone knows, we can finally break the engagement.*
The finality of it was a physical weight. Outside, thunder rolled across the sky, and lightning illuminated the room in brief, jagged flashes. I wished the rain could wash me away along with my mistakes. I fell into a fitful sleep, still in my damp clothes, exhausted from crying.
* * *
The next morning, the rain was still coming down hard. The capital was well-equipped for floods, but the Altsbeit mansion was a hive of activity for a different reason.
Duke Altsbeit was preparing to leave early. His aide approached him hesitantly.
"Duke... the Princess is very ill. She has a high fever."
"Hmph. Is she a child, making such a fuss?" the Duke clicked his tongue. He’d planned to scold her for her behavior at the banquet, but it seemed he would have to postpone it. "Call the doctor and a healing mage. Make sure she’s treated before the Imperial family hears about it."
"Yes, Duke."
The aide opened his mouth to say how serious the fever was, but seeing the Duke’s distracted expression, he decided to stay silent. To the Duke, Charlize’s illness was just another minor inconvenience.
An hour later, the Altsbeit carriage pulled up to a different mansion.
The Child family mansion.
The sentinels were stunned to see the Altsbeit crest approaching through the storm. Word reached the master of the house quickly, but Count Rohan Child had already left for a neighboring estate.
"Duke Altsbeit is here? Show him in immediately."
Ian Niño, who was managing the estate in his father’s absence, went out to welcome the unexpected guest. A visit from the Duke this early was highly unusual, and Ian knew his father hadn't mentioned any planned meetings. This was an ambush.
"Duke Altsbeit. It is an honor to welcome you, Your Excellency."
"So, you are Ian Niño?"
The Duke couldn't hide his satisfaction. He’d only seen portraits of Ian before, but seeing him in person confirmed his suspicions. Ian was the perfect replacement for Askin Lemut—prestigious, wealthy, and far more adaptable.
"I apologize for the unannounced visit so early in the morning," the Duke said.
"Not at all. Your visit is always welcome," Ian replied with a smooth smile. "For a merchant family, this is hardly an early hour."
Ian led the Duke to the drawing room, hiding his true thoughts. Tea and refreshments were served instantly, a display of efficiency that the Duke appreciated. He liked families that knew how to treat those in power.
"Time is money for merchants, so I’ll be direct," the Duke said, looking at the steaming tea.
Ian tilted his head politely. "Since you’ve come personally, Duke, I know this is no simple matter. My heart is ready."
The Duke smiled. This young man was a refreshing change from the stiff, idealistic Askin. Ian carried himself with the grace of a born negotiator.
"The nobility in this Empire is divided into two factions," the Duke began calmly. "Which side does the Child family support? The one that gives absolute loyalty to the Emperor, or the one that respects the unique rights of the aristocracy?"
"..."
"Please, speak freely."
It was a dangerous question, coming from the head of the aristocratic faction. Ian didn't miss a beat.
"Aren't all nobles equal under His Majesty’s reign? It’s just that some, like yourself, possess a wisdom and nobility that others lack."
The Duke’s eyes narrowed with satisfaction. It was the perfect answer—loyal enough to avoid treason, but flattering enough to signal alignment.
"And what do you think of my lovely granddaughter?"
Ian was caught off guard for a second, but he didn't let it show. "I don't know anyone who wouldn't be captivated by the most beautiful woman in the Empire."
The Duke chuckled. He liked Ian’s etiquette, his poise, and his obvious appreciation for talent.
"I’ll be honest with you, Ian. The Child family is more than just a merchant house; you are a pillar of our society. Tell me... would you consider an engagement with my granddaughter?"
Ian paused, a faint, ironic smile crossing his face. "It would be a great honor, Duke. But... isn't the Princess’s own heart the most important factor in such a decision?"
Inside, Ian felt a flicker of pity for Charlize. He could only imagine the pressure she was under, being moved like a piece on a chessboard. He remembered her words from the night before:
*Have I ever hit you? Tortured you? Why are you still here?*
He didn't know her, and she certainly didn't know him. But he was starting to understand her situation far better than she realized.
"I will handle my granddaughter," the Duke said, dismissively. "She’s immature and prone to outbursts, but she knows her duty. She has no other choice."
Ian didn't respond immediately. He sipped his tea slowly, his eyes fixed on the man who was so casually selling his own flesh and blood.