🔊 TTS Settings
Chapter 19
“Ah, no, Your Grace.”
Is something wrong? Of course you’re the problem…
Leo swallowed the words that nearly burst out of his throat and forced out a reply. Lahan’s eyes widened slightly, as if he had just remembered something, and he spoke again.
“Come to think of it, I heard you’ll be appointed vice commander of the Special Knights.”
It felt as though Leo had been struck hard on the back of the head. His mind rang.
How the hell does this bastard know that?
A chill crept down the back of his neck. It wasn’t something that had been officially announced yet. And yet the Grand Duke of Kanox spoke as if he had known for a long time.
No way… No, it can’t be. Or… can it?
Leo narrowed his eyes suspiciously, then forced his expression to relax.
“…Yes.”
“I thought so. I look forward to working with you, Sir Leo.”
With a polite smile, Lahan extended his hand. But Leo couldn’t bring himself to take it right away.
After staring blankly for a moment, he finally came to his senses and accepted the handshake. The firm grip clasped his before letting go.
Isel, who had been watching the two in confusion, spoke up.
“Is Your Grace also joining the Special Knights?”
“Yes. Though it may be beyond my station, I’ve been entrusted with the position of commander.”
The humility in his words was excessive—practically dripping.
Isel nodded faintly with a soft smile.
“I see.”
She seemed genuinely pleased that her brother and the Grand Duke would be working together.
Lahan returned her gaze with a gentle smile.
Leo, however, stared at him in utter shock, barely remembering to breathe. Count Blisha, standing beside him, looked no different.
Despite clearly noticing their strange stares, the Grand Duke continued calmly.
“I still have much to learn. I trust you’ll guide me well, Sir Leo.”
Much to learn…?
That wasn’t wrong. The Grand Duke certainly lacked many things.
For example—human decency, humility, basic manners…
Where had the arrogant, domineering man gone—the one who seemed like he’d never bow his head to anyone?
The way he was acting now was practically a textbook example of perfect etiquette.
Leo swallowed hard and subtly glanced at his father. Count Blisha immediately understood.
Whatever scheme the Grand Duke was plotting, they needed to get Isel away from him first.
But before either of them could speak, Lahan spoke first.
“I believe I should take my leave to greet His Majesty.”
He glanced briefly at Leo and the Count, whose faces visibly brightened.
“It was a pleasure speaking with you. Since we’ll be working together, I suppose we’ll be seeing each other often.”
“….”
For some reason, we’ll be seeing each other often sounded more like a threat.
Leaving the speechless father and son behind, the Grand Duke took Isel’s hand and pressed a kiss to the back of it.
“I look forward to seeing you again, Lady Isel.”
At his farewell, both Leo and Count Blisha’s faces twisted in dismay.
Cesar ground his teeth with a sharp crunch. Irritation surged from deep within his chest, making his head throb.
He barely registered his father speaking beside him.
Instead, his focus was fixed on the four people chatting amiably in the center of the hall.
Count Blisha. Leo Blisha. Isel Blisha.
And the man standing with them.
The Grand Duke of Kanox…
Everything had been going smoothly—until an unexpected obstacle dropped out of nowhere.
As far as he knew, Isel hadn’t left her estate in years. Meanwhile, the Grand Duke had been on the battlefield until just a week ago.
There should’ve been no way for them to meet.
And yet… they clearly already knew each other.
“How?”
Cesar couldn’t understand it.
“Cesar. Are you even listening?”
At the sharp call, he turned his head.
The Duke of Rescian was glaring at him, unusually irritated.
“…What did you say?”
“I understand how you feel, but for now, you must endure.”
Cesar clenched his jaw.
After storming out from the terrace earlier, he had immediately sought out his father and explained everything.
The Duke had simply clicked his tongue.
“The Grand Duke’s interest in the young lady won’t be deep. And even if it is… the promised date is soon. By then, everything will go as you wish.”
The Duke narrowed his eyes at the Grand Duke, a calculating smile forming.
Cesar, however, didn’t care about whatever schemes his father was planning. His gaze returned to Isel.
Though distant, she seemed to be smiling faintly.
His expression darkened instantly.
She had trembled in fear in front of him—but now she was smiling in front of that man?
Heat flared in his chest.
He wanted to grab her slender neck and drag her back to the estate immediately.
Lock her in a room and—
His thoughts turned dark, but soon he smiled.
Just as his father said—it wouldn’t be long before she came to him of her own will.
No matter who the Grand Duke was—even with imperial blood and his title—he couldn’t recklessly provoke the House of Rescian.
Even the Emperor couldn’t easily interfere with their family.
Yes… there was no need to rush.
Slowly tightening the noose would be enough.
Cesar had grown up wanting for nothing.
And he had never once doubted—
That Isel Blisha would belong to him as well.
From the moment they first met.
Isel sat inside the carriage on the way back to the estate.
As she sank into the soft cushion, the ache in her ankles—strained by high heels—began to ease.
The moment the carriage door closed, cutting them off from others’ eyes, Count Blisha turned to her sharply.
“Isel, what happened?”
“What exactly went on?”
“…Pardon?”
“Why… did you end up dancing with His Grace?”
Though he tried to choose his words carefully, the shock was evident in every syllable.
Isel’s expression stiffened slightly as she recalled encountering the Rescian heir on the terrace.
Come to think of it… she hadn’t thought about Cesar at all while dancing with Lahan.
She answered calmly.
“His Grace helped me when I was in a difficult situation.”
“What…?”
Both men froze.
A difficult situation—surely she meant Cesar chasing her onto the terrace.
And the one who helped her… was the Grand Duke?
That man who wouldn’t blink even if someone were beheaded in front of him?
At their expectant stares, Isel explained everything.
Their expressions hardened at the mention of Cesar, then twisted further at the revelation that the Grand Duke had helped her.
“…Why would he help you?”
“…I don’t know.”
She couldn’t bring herself to admit that this wasn’t their first meeting.
But it was true—she didn’t know why he helped her.
The reactions she got next were absurd.
After exchanging glances, the Count asked cautiously,
“Isel… did he threaten you?”
“What?”
“Tell me honestly. Did he do anything to you…?”
They were treating the Grand Duke like some kind of thug.
Isel shook her head firmly.
“No. He’s not like that. I was surprised too, since it’s different from the rumors—but he’s very kind and gentle.”
At her clear voice, both men recoiled in shock.
“Kind? Gentle?”
“The Grand Duke? Kind? Gentle? Did you just say kind and gentle?”
They repeated the words as if broken.
“Yes,” Isel replied.
They stared at her, utterly dumbfounded.
Leo muttered, “That insane devil…?” before grabbing her arm.
“Isel, whatever his reason, it’s definitely not because he’s kind.”
“But—”
She tried to defend Lahan, but the Count cut her off firmly.
“Leo is right. He’s definitely after something.”
“And that disgraceful act—kissing your hand!”
Father and son ground their teeth in anger.
It seemed the rumors about the Grand Duke ran deeper than she thought.
Even her own family believed them.
But he is kind… and considerate…
Though she had been startled when he kissed her hand, it was still a common gesture of courtesy in high society.
Isel looked down at her hands.
Just remembering it made her cheeks flush again.
She turned her gaze toward the window.
The scenery of the imperial palace passed by unnoticed.
Her hand still felt warm where his lips had touched.
She pressed it against the cool glass to calm the lingering heat.
The silver ring on her little finger glowed faintly under the moonlight.
She never took it off—except when washing.
It was her most precious possession.
As always, she gently traced it with her thumb.
—
“Who gave it to you?”
—
Lahan’s voice echoed in her mind.
His eyes, so close she could feel his breath, lingered vividly.
Then a question suddenly occurred to her.
I never said someone gave it to me… so how did he know?
