Chapter 92

Linus didn’t answer. He couldn’t bear to admit that he didn’t know. He had also been searching for Laila Green, using every possible means, but hadn’t found a single trace of her. She had vanished completely—just like Florence, when she had run from him.

Who in the world is that woman?

She was a commoner, yet strangely strong. That was the only impression Linus had of Laila Green.

The “Blue Dawn” Knight Order, made up of second or third sons of noble families, was one of Yulia Kingdom’s most elite groups. Accepting a woman—especially one from a commoner background—was an extraordinary exception, almost a miracle.

Laila Green had once saved a prince’s life, and in return, she requested to join the Order. She had earned her place with overwhelming skill.

Though some knights clashed with her, she never complained. More precisely, she carried herself as if those who picked fights weren’t even worth acknowledging. And in truth, none of them were a match for her.

The only one in the Order stronger than Laila was Linus. Even outside the Order, only a knight commander could withstand more than a few blows from her.

Until Laila attacked Florence and him, Linus had thought her an obedient woman—always carrying out orders faithfully.

Maybe Laila Green is cunning? No matter how strong, a commoner could at best become a mercenary. Which noble heir would ever marry a mercenary? By joining the Order, she’d at least have a chance to mingle with young nobles, hoping one foolish enough would fall for her. She must have been aiming for a rise in status.

Florence had laughed, saying her intentions were obvious. If Laila was that strong, wealth and honor would follow her easily. With money, she could even buy her way into a noble house and become an adopted daughter. Hyunji had said it—so it had to be true.

Linus had underestimated her. He never imagined Laila would attack Florence—or use a filthy curse. If he hadn’t underestimated her, he never would have fallen victim.

But Laila Green had disappeared like smoke.

When Linus finally arrived at the Lindquist mansion, he learned why Lucas had asked about Laila’s whereabouts.

“Haven’t I told you countless times not to bring a lowborn woman into this family?”

“That engagement was your own idea, Grandmother.”

“I had chosen a foolish, harmless girl.”

“And now you reject Florence because she’s neither foolish nor harmless?”

“At least the one I chose wasn’t vulgar. She had some refinement, some sense. She could read the atmosphere and act accordingly. But suddenly, she became a bright, smiling girl—as if she were a completely different person.”

Linus barely kept himself from laughing.

His grandmother was scolding Florence for things the real Florence had done, not Hyunji, whom she had always disliked. To Linus, her ignorant scolding made her seem foolish.

“She went around claiming you beat her, and now she dares join hands with Laila Green to threaten Lindquist’s heir?”

“What?”

“Lucas didn’t tell you?”

Lucas sat on the sofa, arms crossed.

“No need for me to waste words. Grandmother was going to say it anyway.”

“Because it concerns you, that’s why!”

“Then go on. I’ll listen, like always.”

Lucas smirked, while their grandmother shouted furiously:

“Where is Laila Green?!”

“…Why do you want her, Grandmother?”

“Don’t you see? That wretched girl cursed Lucas—the precious heir of Lindquist!”

Linus turned to Lucas, his face expressionless. Lucas gave a wry smile.

“Not even surprised. Heartless as ever.”

“How do you know it was Laila Green?”

“She contacted us herself. She warned she would curse everyone connected to you, one by one.”

“A curse… Yet you look fine, Brother.”

“This morning I coughed blood. Every time I strain myself, it feels like my insides are tearing apart.”

Yet Lucas smiled calmly. When Linus stared in disbelief, Lucas lifted his shirt with a shrug. On his muscled torso were black, scale-like markings—just like the ones Linus bore.

Their grandmother raised her voice:

“We should strike his name from the family register immediately!”

“Calm down, Grandmother. He’s still your grandson.”

“I’ve said it many times. From the moment he married that woman, I had only one grandson—Lucas! He thinks he’s special just because he’s the youngest Sword Master. But look at him! As commander, he only served the crown prince to gain his favor and strengthen Lucas’s position in the council. And yet, what is he now? Neglecting duties, blinded by a woman, abusing his privileges, and even setting fires in the city without permission!”

“I never neglected my duties.”

“You ran off whenever your woman called, used the knights for personal errands, and recently searched for the woman who ran from you instead of answering the prince’s summons. Tell me I’m wrong.”

“I asked for permission.”

“Ha! Permission with just a word?”

Her laugh was cold.

“You’re sorely mistaken. You are not a king.”

“I’ve never wanted to be king.”

“Everything you have was given to you—not earned.”

“My title—”

“A worthless name. Think, fool. Would the king have granted you a title if you weren’t a Lindquist? You praised Laila Green’s strength but never questioned why she had nothing. Do you know the difference between you and her?”

“….”

“You are a Lindquist. She is not. That’s all.”

Linus clenched his teeth. Something felt deeply wrong, though he couldn’t place it. One thing was certain: her words were deeply insulting.

“And even if I weren’t disappointed in you, how could I compare the true heir with a mere spare?”

“Grandmother, that’s too much.”

Lucas finally stepped in.

“Too much or not, it’s the truth.”

“…Then you didn’t need to bring me here. You could’ve done whatever you wanted.”

“I would have. But your brother insisted on giving you one more chance. Otherwise…”

His grandmother clicked her tongue, glaring at Linus.

“You’re still so defiant. Still sulking.”

“Grandmother, you know nothing. You don’t understand what Florence means to me…”

“Pfft—still that nonsense about love?”

“Grandmother. Even you can’t push me further.”

“Why? What will you do? Kill me? Go ahead, try.”

Linus could. He felt no affection left for Lindquist. His grandmother had raised him after his parents’ death, but she had always favored Lucas openly.

The only one who ever made me special was Hyunji.

A woman from another world.

Her faint aura of mystery kept Linus completely entranced.

He missed her so much, it felt like he would die.

Even enduring the longing was torture. Listening to their pointless scolding was unbearable.

“Everyone thinks their love is special. But believing only yours is special makes you nothing but a naïve child.”

“We’ll never understand each other.”

“Perhaps. Now—tell me where Laila Green is. I know you were searching for her more desperately than even for your wife.”

“….”

“How else would Florence have joined hands with her?”

“You really…”

His grandmother sighed deeply.

“You really don’t know a thing.”

“Doesn’t matter.”

“What?”

“Whether my brother dies of the curse or not, the only one that matters to me is Florence.”

“Look at him, Lucas! This is the man you risked your life to give a chance!”

“Enough, Grandmother.”

Lucas rose, warning sternly:

“Mind your tongue before Grandmother, Linus.”

“Everything I have, I earned myself. I care nothing for the name Lindquist.”

“Linus!”

“Strike my name from the family register, cut ties, do whatever you want. Just don’t interfere in my life again.”

“Wait, Linus! Don’t be rash!”

“If Laila Green has joined Florence, she’ll be with the Haines merchant group.”

Then I’ll go get her.

Linus strode off. Lucas shouted something behind him, but Linus didn’t care.

If Lindquist cuts ties, they won’t touch Florence. That’s perfect.

My love. You’re all that matters. I’ll do anything to have you. To own your gaze, your breath, your warmth—I’ll do anything.

We’ll be perfect again.