Chapter 128. The Mad Lover

“Are you awake now?”

“…Yes.”

“It seems so. You’re not speaking informally.”

“……”

It was early dawn. The sun had not yet risen beyond the horizon, and the world was still dark.

In a room with only the two of them, Ellen sipped warm tea with honey and kept glancing at Enoch.

Ever since their fight over the contraceptive issue, she had always been curt with him, but she couldn’t keep that up now that he had saved her.

However, trying to be consciously affectionate felt awkward for some reason. So, she kept sneaking glances at Enoch from earlier.

Noticing this, Enoch suddenly leaned forward and said,

“Just look openly. Don’t sneak peeks. You like my face, don’t you?”

“……”

Unable to deny it, Ellen pursed her lips and averted her gaze. It wasn’t very effective, though.

“What’s there to be embarrassed about? Everyone knows you like my face, including me, my retainers, and the whole world.”

What nonsense about the whole world knowing?

When she looked at him with an incredulous expression, he laughed mischievously, clearly enjoying teasing her. Ellen shook her head in disbelief but felt a sense of relief at Enoch’s unchanged playful demeanor.

‘I’m glad nothing major happened while I was unconscious. But…’

She still hadn’t heard what happened to Navaroa and Pyrene Castile.

After finishing her tea, Ellen put down the empty cup and looked straight at Enoch. She fidgeted with her hands and cautiously asked,

“What happened to Navaroa and Pyrene Castile… after I lost consciousness…?”

“They’re dead.”

“…What?”

“I killed him. Navaroa Castile, that bastard.”

Ellen’s eyes widened in shock, and Enoch continued his explanation in a calm tone.

“Even his regenerative magic had its limits. Navaroa Castile is dead, and his body and Pyrene Castile are in Ceres. By now, the news of his death must have reached Atreos. It won’t be long before the whole of Europia knows.”

…It was hard to believe, but it seemed to be true, given his serious tone. Ellen blinked blankly, placing and removing the empty cup repeatedly. The fact that Navaroa was dead… it didn’t feel real. Despite being such an annoying and unpleasant person, he was also quite memorable. He didn’t seem like someone who would die easily.

‘…This is really good news for Freuden and Enoch.’

Thinking that rejoicing over someone’s death might be somewhat demonic… but it was the truth. Navaroa Castile’s death was a cause for celebration in Freuden. They could hold a banquet and toast to it.

“You should rest more. If you feel unwell, tell the physician immediately. I have matters to attend to, so I must leave.”

Enoch patted Ellen’s shoulder and stood up. Feeling reluctant to let him go, Ellen instinctively grabbed his sleeve.

He looked at her curiously, and she hesitated before mumbling,

“…Thank you, Enoch…”

He smiled and asked,

“For what?”

Ellen looked around nervously before speaking again.

“For saving me. And for… many things.”

“I’d like to ask specifically about those ‘many things,’ but I’ll let it slide this time.”

He bent down, showing her a warm smile filled with love, a smile he showed only to her.

The soft, warm touch on Ellen’s cheek left her feeling a sense of loss as he pulled away. She looked up at him longingly.

Enoch chuckled, kissed her lightly on the lips, and then straightened up. His playful golden eyes were full of affection as he looked down at her.

“I’ll take care of the rest when I return, wife. Rest well until then. Don’t worry, I’ll be back soon.”

After gently caressing her face as if he was holding something precious, he turned and left.

Ellen watched the spot where he had disappeared for a long time before sighing deeply. Then she rang the call bell to summon the maids.

She had a lot to find out about the atmosphere in the castle, how the guests were doing, and more.

* * *

The previous night, the guests staying at Evitern Castle celebrated the unexpected good news with a late-night banquet.

The death of ‘that’ Navaroa Castile!

Moreover, the Grand Duchess had been safely rescued and was in good health, which was a great relief.

The previously tense atmosphere brightened, and everyone drank and chatted merrily. Of course, there were exceptions. Felix, who was anxious with worry for Ellen, was one, and the other was…

‘…It would have been better if she had just died.’

Angela, who could never celebrate Ellen’s safety.

Seeing Enoch briefly appear at the banquet and then leave, Angela followed him and called out to him in a friendly tone.

“Enoch. Can we talk for a moment?”

“……”

Enoch looked back at her with a polite expression but his eyes were full of annoyance. His blatant hostility of ‘I don’t want to talk to you’ made Angela’s insides twist.

Why did our relationship become like this? It used to be fine. Even though you didn’t like me much… after all, you never truly loved anyone… Yes, it was definitely like that…

“Just get to the point. I’m busy.”

His cold voice made Angela feel like crying, but she forced a natural smile. She couldn’t help her voice from trembling slightly.

“It’s nothing much. I just wanted to say I’m glad you’re safe…”

“Before you call me for such pointless talk, try thinking first. I don’t have time to chat with you.”

“……”

She never expected him to be kind to her. Enoch Bayern was naturally cold. But his sharp, thorny attitude… was too much. Even though I’m your childhood friend… How can you act like you’ve forgotten all the times we played together as children, Enoch?

Angela stood there, staring blankly at Enoch’s retreating figure, clenching her fists tightly with her lips pressed together. Her green eyes sparkled with intense longing.

‘I won’t give up on you, Enoch. No matter what, I’ll bring you back to the way you were.’

To the old you, who shone alone like a solitary star, loving no one…

I swear.

* * *

Although there was an unfortunate incident at the hunting tournament, the remaining schedule proceeded as normal.

Normally, the high-ranking officials would have to return to the capital, but King Henry did not wish for that.

The sudden death of the heir to the throne of Atreos and the rapidly changing global situation could be discussed adequately at Evitern Castle. After all, all the prominent high nobles of Freuden were gathered here.

“Ceres is likely to sever ties with Atreos soon. There’s nothing more to gain by clinging to Atreos.”

“Within Ceres, the pro-Freuden faction and the pro-Atreos faction were already divided and fighting. Now that Navaroa Castile, who was supported by the pro-Atreos faction, is dead… it’s clear how things will unfold.”

“Atreos no longer has a kingly talent…”

“What is your opinion, Lady Ashwood? You’ve met many high-ranking officials from Ceres.”

“Hmm, well… Ceres won’t take any overt actions immediately… but it’s only a matter of time. Internally, it will be very noisy. If Ceres turns its back on Atreos, the other small countries attached to Atreos will follow suit one by one.”

Amidst such political discussions, the curtain rose on the play prepared by Queen Olivia.

This comedy, which had recently become popular among the capital’s affluent, was very humorous and served to lighten the serious atmosphere.

As the guests laughed and chatted while watching the realistic acting of the actors on stage, the door to the banquet hall quietly opened, and someone entered.

It was the Grand Duchess of Bayern, who had been in seclusion for some time under the pretext of needing rest.

“Oh, look over there.”

“Her Highness has arrived.”

People who noticed her glanced curiously in her direction. They were curious about what heroic tales she had experienced after being kidnapped by Navaroa, but no one dared to ask.

Asking such questions might prompt the Grand Duke to immediately draw his gun and pull the trigger.

It was widely known that the Grand Duke’s affection for his consort was excessive.

“She looks a bit pale… but it’s a relief that she seems unharmed.”

“Indeed… But that necklace adorning Her Highness… isn’t that the famous ‘Golden Star’?”

“What? That golden diamond is a treasure of the Erinter royal family, isn’t it?”

“That’s what I heard too… But the size, color, and the intricately crafted eight-pointed star shape—it’s definitely the Golden Star. I’m absolutely sure. I would bet my wedding ring on it.”

“No, madam, betting your wedding ring—”

The noblewomen chuckled briefly before looking at the Grand Duchess’s necklace with great curiosity.

If that jewel was indeed the famous Golden Star… it meant the Grand Duke of Bayern had negotiated with Erinter to obtain it for his consort…

“…Their love is truly incredible.”

“…Indeed.”

“To think he would acquire a treasure of the Erinter royal family…”

“The Golden Star is a priceless gem.”

“Truly, it’s terrifying love.”

“To the point of being scary.”

“I’m starting to feel genuinely frightened.”

“His Highness Grand Duke loves even in a terrifying way.”

“Shh, someone might hear.”

The noblewomen covered their mouths with fans and laughed quietly. Soon, this story would spread throughout the capital and all of Freuden. Perhaps even to neighboring countries.

The Grand Duke of Bayern was already famous, but now his reputation would include being a devoted husband. Not just any devoted husband, but a terrifyingly mad one…

“…It’s not wrong.”

“Oh, come on, be quiet, will you?”

* * *

Hmm, somehow.

Ellen glanced around the hall where the play was in full swing and smiled awkwardly.

The gazes directed at me are unusual…

‘It’s probably because of this necklace.’

My neck feels heavy.

The persistence of Enoch Bayern, who insisted on me wearing this necklace… is too heavy.