DTEYH 06

Chapter 06

Because of the change in the Duke of Romanov’s expression, I became even more tense, but I forced myself to stay composed and slowly added my explanation.

“The Duchess of House Reinhart survived the incident, unlike Your Grace’s mother and mine. It wasn’t publicly known, but her second son—who had already awakened as a Great Mage—was with her in the carriage.”

“You mean Reinhart’s second son, the one who recently became a Tower Master this year.”

“Yes.”

The Duke, who had been silently watching me, lifted his gaze toward the ceiling. As if thinking deeply, he tightened his lips, then turned his eyes back to me.

“What exactly are you trying to propose?”

“Those accidents weren’t coincidences.”

The Duke of Romanov’s golden eyes sharpened. A fierce aura seemed to swirl around him.

Pressed by that presence, I struggled to continue speaking.

“I can’t tell you everything I know. It’s difficult to explain. And I don’t even think everything I know is the full truth.”

I met his gaze head-on. His brilliantly glowing golden eyes felt like they were burning, but I couldn’t afford to look away.

“I want to investigate it now. The culprit behind that incident. So I hope Your Grace will join me.”

After finishing everything I wanted to say, I exhaled sharply. I hadn’t even been breathing properly while speaking.

The Duke of Romanov, who had been quietly listening, paused for a moment before speaking again, his expression suggesting he was deep in thought.

“At the time, so many conspiracy theories surfaced that even His Majesty the Emperor personally took charge of the investigation. Not only the capital, but all carriages across the Empire were inspected and repaired.”

Back then, I had been drowning in grief and barely knew what was happening in the world. I only vaguely remembered how busy my father and Brother Eden had been.

“Even after the Imperial Family, three ducal houses investigated, but unfortunately, no clues were found. It was concluded as a tragic series of coincidental accidents.”

“…That’s…”

“Even now, finding the cause would be nearly impossible.”

I couldn’t deny his words—they were correct.

Of course, I did hold a cheat of sorts: I had read about this in my previous life as a novel. That was how I learned there was a hidden mastermind behind the carriage accident five years ago, and why I came to him with this proposal.

‘But still.’

Even with a few clues, I didn’t have decisive evidence to uncover a case that had already gone cold for five years. It was like trying to grasp mist with my hands—everything was vague.

First, there was a mark on each of the carriages involved.

It should have been suspicious, but at the time it had been dismissed as the seal of the carriage craftsman.

And there was a witness who surfaced back then, though not publicly known.

The unfortunate part was that the person’s whereabouts after the incident couldn’t be traced. All that remained were rumors that they were someone who couldn’t function properly in society.

“….”

“….”

Silence stretched between us.

As the quiet dragged on, I worried he might suddenly leave, but fortunately, he stayed seated.

I organized my thoughts and spoke again.

“Even so, I don’t want to give up yet.”

My current priority was still to break off my engagement with the Duke of Romanov, save the Coana plant growing in his territory, and survive independently with a healthy body.

But now that I know my mother’s death had a hidden cause, I can’t simply let it go.

Because it was one thing to live with guilt over her death—and another entirely to learn there was someone to blame.

I wanted revenge, even if it was only a small one. Even a slight crack might create a butterfly effect on the life of whoever was behind it.

“If they once targeted the Duchess, isn’t it possible I, as your fiancée, could also be a target?”

Even if I became bait, I wouldn’t mind.

“And what is the lady’s plan going forward?”

Thinking that his final decision might depend on my answer, my face naturally tensed.

I felt it would be more persuasive to speak plainly, without embellishment.

“There are clues that could lead to the mastermind. I plan to trace them one by one.”

“Clues? Is the source reliable?”

“As I said earlier, I can’t tell you everything. It’s not that I’m hiding it—it’s just difficult to explain.”

The Duke of Romanov didn’t look pleased. He shifted from his upright posture to lean slightly into the sofa, running his long pale fingers over his forehead.

“So you intend to rely on a few rumors that circulated back then as your so-called clues.”

In truth, the clues I intended to follow had indeed been dismissed as baseless rumors five years ago. I couldn’t outright deny his words.

“Sometimes, truth wears the mask of rumor. And it will be our role to uncover it, Your Grace.”

“Are you suggesting we play detective games?”

“Think of it as you will.”

As I shrugged lightly, the Duke’s gaze locked onto me, hot and unrelenting.

“You answer rather smoothly.”

“I told you, contrary to the rumor that I’m gloomy, I’m actually quite cheerful.”

“And you don’t think that’s insolent?”

“I think of it as boldness.”

At my words, he gave a faint smile.

“Then what do you think my role should be?”

“I’ll explain the details gradually.”

“Gradually?”

“Yes. Whenever it’s necessary.”

“That sounds like you’re asking me to do whatever you want, whenever you want.”

“…Well.”

“Am I wrong?”

“Partly correct. And on the other hand, it also means I’ll do anything necessary too.”

At that, he let out another small laugh and slowly rose from his seat. Walking around the table, he came to the long sofa where I sat and leaned down beside me, looking down at me.

The distance between us felt dangerously close. My entire body stiffened.

“So you’ll do anything?”

“Yes.”

“You shouldn’t say such things so carelessly.”

Why was I so nervous? This was just a negotiation.

If I focused even slightly, I could hear my shallow breaths—and even my heartbeat. The air between us felt taut, like a stretched rubber band.

Is it because he possesses the power of eternal night…?

I turned my head away slightly, pretending to be calm.

“It just means I’m desperate. I’ll do anything to find the mastermind.”

Even as I spoke, I forced my gaze back to him.

His golden eyes, tinged with an amber hue, felt dangerously captivating—but I had to stay composed to earn his trust.

After a brief silence, the Duke leaned back into the sofa. Tilting his head back, the line of his throat became clearly visible along his pale neck.

His relaxed, almost predatory demeanor made the atmosphere feel strangely heavy.

“Very well. I understand.”

At last, he gave a calm answer of agreement.

Thus, our discussion reached an accord. He agreed not only to the annulment of our engagement but also to cooperating in uncovering the mastermind behind the carriage incident five years ago.

Thank goodness. Thank goodness.

Only after achieving my goal did I realize the clear liquid in my cup carried a refined fragrance.

“It tastes and smells very good.”

“Tastes good, huh. You’re rather relaxed.”

“It would be a waste not to notice the taste.”

As the tense atmosphere began to ease, I brought up my original proposal again.

“Maybe it would be best to arrange it as a joint trip to your ducal territory when winter comes.”

We could handle the magical beast problem there and also retrieve the Coana herbs.

“A trip?”

“Yes. It’s the most convenient pretext for traveling together.”

The Duke of Romanov nodded slightly, rubbing his chin again—one of his habitual gestures.

“Let’s just say I’m looking forward to that trip.”