🔊 TTS Settings
Chapter – 03
Duke Vihan Kaisus.
His silver hair seemed to shine as if enchanted, and his deep blue eyes resembled the sea at night.
He had become a duke at the mere age of fifteen and was one of the Empire’s so-called “swords of the nation,” a magic swordsman.
He was a central figure of the neutral faction, balancing the scales between the Royalists and the Nobles, a true power in political circles.
Above all, he was famous for avoiding contact with women. Even after ten years as a duke, he had neither an engagement nor a single scandal, and the story of him refusing to dance with the princess always followed him.
And yet, he had brought Eclett into the tightly guarded Kaisus mansion… escorting her to the ball personally would come a little later.
That incident became a huge topic in high society, angering the princess, who already disliked Eclett.
“Miss Riotium.”
“Ah….”
She quickly averted her gaze, lost in thought even as she met the duke’s eyes.
Perhaps it was because she had read so much in novels. Somehow, his gaze felt familiar.
“My apologies.”
“Not at all, it is I who should apologize…”
“Your Highness, was that all the urgent matter you wished to discuss?”
“….”
“Let me reiterate, this charitable project is something I am doing because I want to, not for Riotium. You needn’t concern yourself. I can assure you, in Riotium’s honor, there is not a trace of shame in it.”
“…Milady.”
“You are busy, so it’s best if you return rather than waste your time in such a humble place.”
Why on earth was someone who usually didn’t even talk to women behaving like this?
She swallowed a sigh and forced a smile in return.
“Then, is there nothing I can do to help?”
“…Yes…?”
She blinked in confusion at the unexpected offer from the duke, her carefully maintained smile crumbling.
“I cannot tell you the reason, but there are many watching over this place. Especially those who view the foundation unfavorably… If you intend to keep your identity secret, it will not be easy to fend off those who try to obstruct you. So… in that respect… I can assist you, milady.”
“Why are you doing this?”
She could not suppress the words. Naturally, Vihan Kaisus hated talking to ladies, even in social circles.
“…I am interested.”
“….”
“Is that so…”
What should I do…
“…Our foundation is actually a project that drains money…?”
“Yes?”
Even if the business isn’t profitable, what if the Kaisus dukes entered the same field!
She needed to stay calm and think. Why would the duke take an interest in charitable work?
Vihan Kaisus had access to intelligence connected to the underworld. Naturally, the finances there were his, and to launder that money, using art or charitable projects was perfect—they concealed the source.
“I, milady… perhaps you misunderstand my meaning…”
Ah, better to pretend she didn’t understand. If he realized she understood, things could get complicated.
“Your Highness, thank you, but I am capable enough to manage the library construction and the foundation’s operations on my own. Your intentions alone are appreciated.”
Somehow, Duke Kaisus, uncharacteristically for him, parted his lips as if hesitant, searching for a way to continue speaking while she sought a chance to leave.
“…It won’t be so easy.”
That… must mean the duke intends to make it difficult himself?
“…Do you intend to obstruct me?”
Could such a word as “obstruct” even apply to Duke Kaisus? Still, she straightened her back and looked up at him deliberately.
Her posture proud, her voice cautious though she tried to sound confident… and yet, the duke seemed startled even by that.
Luckily, her gaze and posture remained steady.
“…I wouldn’t dare. How could I.”
“….”
“You know, I presume. These slums, called ownerless lands by many, are still under the ownership of the Empire. Especially the capital—without question—”
“They belong to the royal family.”
“Yes, exactly. All land belongs to the Crown, milady.”
“…But… this is a slum.”
“Yes. Under ordinary circumstances, the Crown would welcome such work, rebuilding a troublesome slum. However, milady…”
“….”
“You are not the only one taking an interest in this eastern outer slum.”
Indeed. If Duke Kaisus was interested, it was natural that Crown Prince Eclett Adrian shared the same reason.
“…Thank you for your advice, Your Grace.”
If problems arose with the Crown after construction, it would be even more troublesome.
No matter how well she hid her identity, if something went wrong, it could bring shame to her family. She wanted to avoid that above all.
“So, I may be able to offer my assistance.”
The duke’s cautious offer only made her head spin more. Strange, indeed.
Duke Kaisus was not the type to offer help without reason. She had already been in a difficult position having her identity exposed—she could not afford to worsen matters.
She shook her head slowly.
“I want to do this on my own, Your Grace. It would be shameful enough to rely on my father; I cannot trouble others.”
“…I see…”
Somehow, he looked deflated. That expression… didn’t make sense.
A duke looking disheartened? She must be mistaken. That wasn’t important right now.
“There’s a separate favor I wish to ask… Given my reputation, if it became known I operate a foundation, complications would arise…”
“You need not worry about that, milady. I can assure you, on my honor, that I will never reveal it.”
‘In Riotium’s honor, there is not a trace of shame.’
He had smiled, committing his own honor, just like she did for her family. A fleeting moment, but enough.
“…You won’t even ask why?”
“I assume you have your reasons.”
“…Thank you, Your Grace.”
Logically, she should doubt and suspect him—but why did his gaze and tone feel so sincere?
Am I that weak around faces? Even seeing my brother or father, who are handsome, I’ve always been immune… yet, why him?
“Should you ever need my help… I hope you will come to me, milady.”
“How could I dare to seek you out, Your Grace?”
“Dare? You may, milady. You may always find me.”
What does that mean…? Could there be some urgent case requiring money laundering for charitable purposes at this time?
She needed to sort her thoughts away from the duke’s presence, or she might make a slip of the tongue.
“…I must return, Your Grace. Once again, thank you for your counsel and consideration.”
As she tried to leave with proper politeness, the duke extended his hand.
“Please.”
“….”
Bowing respectfully, she reluctantly placed her hand in his large palm.
A light, formal kiss upon the back of her hand and fingers.
“I am Vihan, milady.”
“….”
“Next time we meet, I hope you will address me as such.”
She climbed into the carriage and tried to organize her thoughts.
Two years had passed since her debutante ball that marked the beginning of the story.
Around this time, it had been Commander Delua who rescued Eclett from the abusive Baron Adrian.
Worried about Eclett’s poor health and the Baron’s pursuit, the commander could not bring her to his distant estate.
Instead, he entrusted Eclett to the safest place in the capital: the Kaisus household.
Around this time…
“Ah.”
Now she understood why Duke Kaisus had been interested in charitable projects.
The duke had been enraged by Baron Adrian’s abuse of Eclett and intended to destabilize the Baron’s power.
First, he needed clean funds to pressure the merchant guilds supporting Adrian.
Charity provided a perfect cover—the source of money is never questioned.
That explained his involvement.
Rosemary Riotium suddenly appearing must have also prompted him to monitor why she intended to rebuild the slums associated with Eclett.
Yes, that must be it.
“Then….”
But why did he…
‘I am Vihan, milady.’
He had only allowed Eclett to use his name.
“….”
Perhaps he did so because my cooperation was necessary. Vihan Kaisus is cold toward women but extremely competent in politics and business…
“Hmm….”
Does that mean he sees me as a capable business partner?
“Amie.”
“Finally.”
“Hm?”
“I feared you had forgotten my presence, madam, speaking to yourself so intently.”
“Oh….”
She had forgotten that Amie was watching.
“You know, Amie…”
“Yes, madam?”
“Do you think I’m… good at business?”
“Huh…?”
“…Never mind. Forget I said anything.”
She turned her gaze from Amie, who was watching her with concern.
