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chapter 35
“Among the nobles supporting the Beast Kingdom, the Dukes and Marquises hold the most influence. You could even say they are the pillars keeping the country intact. If even one of these pillars were to fall, the Beast Kingdom could easily become prey to other nations.”
At that, Rudels showed a slight grin, revealing his teeth.
“And…?”
“Among them, the four families that are elevated to meritorious status… irreverently speaking, they have the power to scrutinize the royal authority.”
“So you’re saying someone has volunteered to act as a spy in order to seize the throne?”
“Based on my speculation, yes.”
Hearing Rusell’s guess, Rudels smirked, crossed his arms, and decided to test him again.
“Then, in your opinion, which family do you think is involved this time? Bolefino? Tyres? Or perhaps… Radiance?”
“As for Bolefino, cunning is certainly possible, but they are a species whose follow-up is terrible despite their craftiness. If they had been involved, it would have been obvious to us.”
Russell let out a long sigh.
“And in the case of Tyres, they are a clan without ambition for honor, preferring to stick among themselves, so they can be ruled out of suspicion.”
“Then what about the experimental subjects recently discovered that resemble Bolefino?”
“Hair samples are easy to obtain. Especially if it belongs to a meritorious family, anyone could do it.”
At that, Rudels chuckled softly and ground his teeth lightly.
“Oh, Russell. You don’t have to hold back so much. The answer is practically already out, isn’t it?”
“…”
Seeing no response, Rudels pressed his hands to his face, feigning sadness.
“My goodness! To distrust your own master so much… disqualified as a servant, Russell Kedric.”
“Please stop. I’d like to finish today’s drama in the salon earlier.”
Russell’s firm tone made Rudels close his eyes pitifully. Then, with eyes flashing blue and a voice like frost, he said:
“So you’re saying the family you most suspect right now is Radiance?”
He grinned coldly at Russell.
Russell avoided his gaze.
‘Good grief. He’s sharp, I see.’
Russell muttered under his breath and slightly nodded.
“That’s right. Even before the head of the family collapsed, their behavior was suspicious.”
“But there’s no concrete evidence, right?”
“Correct. There’s no overt action, but it seems they’re preparing something behind the scenes.”
“Any meetings with anyone?”
Russell shook his head.
“None at all. No visitors either.”
Rudels swallowed, pressing a hand to his head.
“Good grief. No openings at all, huh?”
“So, what are you planning to do this time, Rudels?”
Rudels lifted his red lips and said:
“If Radiance is a spy, wouldn’t it be best to set a trap on our side to make them show a weakness?”
Russell furrowed his brows.
“So that’s why you spoke to Professor Iriel?”
Rudels quietly nodded at Russell, who showed displeasure at his master’s recklessness.
Russell was astonished by his master’s actions.
“Even if she’s a witch, is it acceptable to put your personal physician through that, Rudels?”
If Russell’s expression could speak, it would say: ‘Even though she’s a witch, forcing someone four years younger into danger… do you even have a conscience?’
Feeling the deep anger directed at him, Rudels muttered, unable to hide his discomfort:
“I have no intention of putting her in danger, Russell.”
“In the East, this kind of situation is called ‘using one’s enemy to attack another,’” Russell said, narrowing his eyes and emphasizing the term Ii-ii-je.
“Wow. You just pick up all these weird words and stuff them into your head, huh?”
Having no comeback, Rudels pouted in response to Russell’s remark.
Russell could only sigh at him.
“It’s obvious that a witch will be involved in this, but you want to put her in it? I’m opposed.”
Rudels scoffed.
“You have no say in this, Sir Russell Kedric. Only the highest decision-maker has authority over this matter.”
Russell, expressionless, said dryly:
“I bet His Majesty the King would just tear up that decision.”
Rudels laughed at that.
“Really? Shall we make it a bet?”
How it would unfold remained uncertain. Despite the fresh breeze, a subtle tension lingered between the two men.
