Chapter 55.1

Pepe clicked her tongue as she tapped on Lias back.

You really didnt know? He was there for quite a while.

Why?

It was the Duke who told me that you were sick. I had gone to the market for a bit.

Lia touched her forehead in disbelief. It was only for a moment that she had a high fever and that she was under the influence of medicine. But, she didnt think that he would come back so quickly.

LIa held her thin pajamas tightly. Then Pepe stood up and draped a blanket over Lias shoulders.

Its monsoon season so the air is cold even though its summer. Why are you worried? That you might have been caught?

She readjusted the blanket that Pepe had given her and slowly lifted her gaze.

Wasnt he acting odd?

Pepe considered this and answered, No, not at all. He was scary, as usual. He said, Take care of your master, and left. He seemed very worried.

Lia, who was serious, laughed at the words scary, as usual. But the moment she started laughing, a forgotten sorrow returned.

No. It probably wasnt because he was worried.

Why? What?

The Duke doesnt like me.

Lia stood up with difficulty. Her head was hazy like she was getting another fever.

Pepe stood up with her and carefully supported her.

Pepe, do you think a war will actually take place?

Duke Maximilian pa.s.sed away. The people of the North have already prepared weapons. He was so beloved. I have heard that they prepared a funeral so fancy that the one in the Capital doesnt even compare, explained Pepe.

Then the Duke will go personally right?

Im not sure, but wont he go with the n.o.ble generals?

Lia nodded. Then she went back to her room and lay down on her bed. Where would he have sat? Would he have sat on the chair and looked at her? Why did he do it? He had said mean things and yet

Lia brushed the sheet. It held a trace of lavender scent. Then she felt something. She got up and lifted the sheet. There she discovered a brooch. The brooch bore a flower, the clematis, a symbol all too familiar to herthe symbol of the Ihar family.

Lia blankly held it in her palm.

Could he have left it here by mistake?

Lia considered the possibilities. It was too important for him to leave it by mistake, so it was probably an excuse for him to return. Lia covered it in a cloth and put it in a dresser drawer.

Even though she didnt know when Claude would come back, it was something she had to return to him. If an opportunity didnt present itself, then she could ask Kieran.

She stared sadly at the brooch shrouded in a black cloth. She uncovered it and ran her fingers over the top. It was the brooch that he always wore on his collar as it was rusty.

Lia shone a lantern light on it. But the jewel didnt let any light through.

Is it because its a clean and pure jewel? It is like its owner who doesnt show his thoughts at all? How am I supposed to forget you if you keep leaving traces of yourself?

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The moonlight shone on her as she stood in front of the dresser. Her pale toes trembled.

***

Kieran, dressed in a robe, quickly rushed down to the drawing room at the sudden appearance of a guest. He was sweating. Since the day Duke Maximilian was a.s.sa.s.sinated, he couldnt meet Claude for a very personal reasonhe felt guilty for helping Prince Ian and his men get away. Kieran knew full well that Claude would be chasing them.

Kieran couldnt believe that Claude would arrive now. He figured the Duke would have already left for the North.

Kieran calmed his breathing as he walked down the hallway leading to the meeting room. Kieran entered the meeting room and Claude, seated on the sofa, lifted his head, looking exhausted.

Kieran showed proper respect to Duke Claude. The Duke scoffed at the absurdity of Kieran mustering respect while clad in pajamas.

Its been a while, said Claude.

I thought you had left for the North, said Kieran, maintaining formality.

At ease, Kieran. Its only the two of us here.

Claude handed him a gla.s.s half full of a dark red alcohol. Kierans eyes shookit was the same color as the tea Duke Maximilian had drunk.

Nevertheless, Kieran chugged the drink that had been given to him. As he didnt enjoy drinking, he was overwhelmed by the burning sensation the drink had produced in his throat.

Youre both so compet.i.tive, mumbled Claude.

Kieran, his face red from the alcohol, sat down, wiping his mouth.

Is this about Canillian again?

Hes sick. He has a fever.

Now?

Yes, now.

Did Claude visit Canillian before coming here? Kieran had a stern look on his face and stared at Claude. Then Claude leaned against the arm of the sofa with a mouthful of alcohol.

It was Eren Sergio that planned the poisoning.

How can you be sure?

One of the pieces of trash that you tried to help run away to Geore admitted it. Of course, it could be a plan to harm Eren Sergio. But thats Geores problem.

Claude leaned his head back as he spoke: So tell your friend Ian Sergio. This war is going to be tenacious and long.

Claude. Youre really going to start a war? There will be bloodbath in our Empire too. What about the n.o.bles and anarchists who are after territories while the power is weakened? What about the people who have to put their lives on the line?

Do you think this is as simple as revenge, Kieran?

No, I know its not simple. But

Theres already a war going on in the neutral ground. Do you know how many of my soldiers died from Geores archers?

Kieran stayed silent with his fist clenched.

It certainly wont be easy. The neutral ground, already in a stalemate, would be ruined.