Chapter 39

After a brief silence, it was Kaiden who spoke first.

“It was a joke.”

Kaiden added with an unfamiliar smile.

“You went serious right away.”

Feeling embarrassed that her thoughts had been seen through so easily, Rohana cleared her throat.

“If you’re thinking of using me to control the House of Hanover, it won’t be that easy.”

This time, it was Kaiden who raised his eyebrows.

“Gregory Hanover has a son, Brand. He’s not the kind of person who would worry about his daughter and take a loss because of it.”

It was sincere and truthful. Their eyes met. That unknown look again. Rohana suddenly felt uncomfortable in the situation.

“So, instead of using my father, consider me as an ally and use Hanover. That’s what I was trying to tell you yesterday.”

Once again, it was sincere and truthful. Feeling the weight of his gaze lingering on her, Rohana quickly began eating her fish.

“This conversation is getting too serious.”

Rohana chuckled, and Kaiden, too, relaxed slightly, his tense expression softening.

“I’m on my way back from the military supply department today.”

“The military supply department?”

“They handle weapons and battle strategies. They also research magical power. I’m only telling you because it’s you.”

“I see.”

“There have been ongoing attacks on the western coast near the capital. Since we have weapons capable of aerial attacks… we may need to prepare.”

“The Emperor won’t be pleased to know you have such weapons.”

“He already knows.”

Rohana sighed softly, astonished that she knew less than the fool-like Bardi Rentworth.

“Do you think he’ll ask for help?”

Recalling the tension between them earlier, Rohana asked.

“What can we do? If help is needed, we have to accept it.”

Kaiden responded in a cold voice. The tension between them brought to mind Aurelia’s golden hair and eyes.

“Seafood…”

Kaiden’s low voice broke the brief silence.

“I heard you liked it.”

The quick mumble was unlike him.

“Oh…”

Come to think of it, seafood in Nopthal. Staring at the lemon fish dish, Rohana fell into thought for a moment.

A faint smile appeared on her lips. Surprisingly, this could turn out to be a good business partnership.

‘Let’s do well and avoid war, rebellion, and find happiness in independence.’

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

The tender fish tasted especially sweet.

“I like meat too. Don’t worry.”

A barely noticeable small smile played on Kaiden’s lips.

***

After sending Rohana to her quarters first, Kaiden made his way to the office. His long strides echoed with the sound of his shoes on the floor.

All three incidents were targeting Rohana: the chandelier, the attacks on the capital, and now the fire.

It was time to wage a winning war.

Suddenly, he noticed a young maid waiting in front of the study. When he looked up as if to ask what the matter was, the maid bowed her head and extended her hand.

A red tulip with a congratulatory message for his wedding was attached.

“The capital?”

“Yes.”

Kaiden gave instructions to handle it appropriately and opened the door. Yesterday’s gift had been excessive, and today was even more so. She seemed unchanged, even though she had now gotten what she wanted.

As the door clicked open, Heath was waiting inside.

“Nothing unusual?”

“Don’t worry. This is Nopthal Castle. What could possibly happen?”

Heath, who was relaxed, was met with a sharp glare.

“I was cautious enough. Of course. It wasn’t difficult since I stayed in the library.”

“Good. I’ll leave it to you.”

Kaiden picked up the topmost document from the pile on his desk.

“Kaiden.”

His older friend’s eyes looked both calm and complicated.

“Is needing the House of Hanover really the only reason?”

“We also need to keep Shatonwell in check.”

“And if…”

Heath’s pale eyes looked down at Kaiden, who was leaning back in his thick leather chair.

“What if Shatonwell makes a different offer?”

“What are you talking about?”

“The letter from Queen of Shatonwell. That’s what you’re holding now.”

Kaiden lowered his eyes and read the document. It was a letter.

“I’m not willing to go to war. No matter what happens.”

“Sometimes, a necessary war comes along. It could even be a good opportunity.”

Heath’s stern voice made Kaiden look up at him. Although Heath was ten years older, he looked much younger. But whenever they discussed serious matters, the weight of his age showed clearly.

“I don’t see it as necessary yet.”

“Are you worried about the Duchess?”

“What are you implying?”

Kaiden stood up as well, locking eyes with Heath.

“When we first returned to the palace, we were ready to go to war for the Kark tribe at the right moment.”

Tension flowed between them for the first time.

“As we always have.”

“Heath, say what you’re thinking.”

Kaiden’s sharp eyes pierced through Heath, and Heath could sense the complex emotions within them.

“If you’re worried about the Duchess, we can protect her—economically or physically,” Heath said.

Kaiden sighed and burned the letter in his hand.

“R.D. is causing havoc, and unknown attacks are happening around me. It’s crossed a line I can’t tolerate.”

“It could be useful. Let them run wild for now,” Heath replied with a bitter smile, his usual relaxed demeanor gone.

“We know nothing about that ‘bird.’ We can’t start a war without knowing the identity of such a significant threat. Whether we leave it be or start something, it’s all the same,” Kaiden said coldly, draining Heath’s energy. He knew Kaiden was right, but the changes in Kaiden still bothered him.

“Yeah, I guess so.”

After a brief silence, Kaiden responded, “Just wait. I’ll make sure we fight a winning war soon.”

“I know.”

As Kaiden examined the next document and picked up his pen, Heath spoke again.

“I trust you. That’s why I’ve come this far.”

Kaiden looked silently at his old friend—who was once his enemy.

“I trust you, too,” Kaiden replied, turning his attention back to the papers.

“You’re the only one I can leave with Rohana.”

“Are you seriously going to insist this marriage is political, even to me?”

Heath said with a soft smile. Despite all they had been through, the younger duke still struggled with things like this.

It was absurd, but perhaps understandable.

Heath, who rarely entertained soft thoughts, surprised himself by recalling how Rohana had risked her life to search for her maid in the midst of the raging fire. The fact that he was letting his guard down around Rohana so easily also startled him.

But then again, she was still a Hanover. And an Arin, no less.

“Is it too late to tell you to be careful?” Heath quipped, masking his internal discomfort with a joke.

Kaiden’s eyes immediately narrowed into triangles.

“Are you bored? I thought you had night training today.”

“Didn’t I get assigned to guarding the Duchess?”

“No.”

“What?”

“….”

Kaiden stared at Heath with barely concealed impatience.

“Ah…”

“She’ll be fine. I’ll be here tonight,” Kaiden muttered with a slight cough.

Heath smiled at his lord, feeling slightly uncomfortable inside but unable to do anything about it. After all, he trusted Kaiden.

Knock, knock.

A knock echoed at that moment.

“Come in.”

As the heavy door opened, Iz entered.

“Your Grace, an urgent message from the capital.”

***

Fifteen years ago, the imperial palace was just as grand and imposing as it is now.

Gregory Hanover walked through the central garden in search of the young crown prince. Not far ahead, he spotted the familiar back of a boy with reddish-brown hair and called out coldly.

“Your Highness, it’s time for your lessons.”

“Look at this instead. Isn’t it an interesting plant?” The boy turned around, his bright blue eyes catching the sunlight as his hair fluttered in the breeze.

“The kind of funeral you requested will be difficult to arrange,” Gregory said smoothly.

“Why?”

The boy asked innocently.

“The late Duke Rentworth…” Gregory began, but the boy’s expression subtly tightened, unnoticed by anyone.

“So he’s a duke now, is he?”

“Your Highness is now Lord Bardi Rentworth.”

“Yet, he was the crown prince until right before he died.”

“That’s not correct. He was never formally crowned as the crown prince.”

Bardi’s blue eyes widened in surprise as he stared at Gregory.

“I see.”

My poor father.

He lost the crown prince title he killed his sister and brother-in-law to protect, only to have it snatched away from him by his son. How tragic and pitiful his life was, lacking in every way.

Bardi looked away from Gregory’s cold gaze and smiled internally.

Now he’s being used even after death, just as he was in life.

The boy gazed at the flowerbed before him, where a trail of ants was passing through.

With a single press of his finger, the ants were squashed and disappeared without a trace.

“Do you think Kaiden will come to Father’s funeral?”

Gregory’s eyebrow twitched slightly.

“I’m not sure. Nopthal is quite far.”

“Are you saying my cousin won’t attend his uncle’s funeral?”

The boy’s innocent eyes gleamed as he looked up at Gregory.

“It’s not appropriate, considering the current turmoil. The son of a traitor attending, even if they are blood relatives, wouldn’t look good.”

Gregory’s explanation seemed to confuse Bardi, who shook his head.

“Even if he’s the son of a traitor, he’s still my cousin. He’s the only surviving relative of my aunt who tragically died at sea.”

“It’s better for you, Your Highness, if he doesn’t come.”

Being a naive, innocent, and kind crown prince was the role expected of him. If he showed intelligence and ability, he would inevitably be compared to Kaiden.

Although Emperor Constance disliked such a naive and cruel son, he didn’t see his other son, the first grandson, the son of a traitor, as a better alternative.

“At least have a warm heart.”

Knowing the emperor’s thoughts, the boy had already figured out how he needed to live his life.

“Why?”

Feigning ignorance to the end, the boy’s clueless demeanor only fueled Gregory’s irritation. He could see how eager the boy was to control the situation.

Once Gregory left, Bardi remained alone in the garden, his gaze falling on a small ant nest at the end of the surviving ant trail.

Their futile efforts continued.

With a quiet stomp, the anthill vanished without a trace.