Chapter 27

At the age of twenty-three, the young duke who had already become the emperor’s right-hand man was undeniably the most eligible bachelor in the Esteban Empire. His name, Carlos Baltimor, was frequently mentioned, making him a notable figure in a political landscape known for its rapid generational turnover.

Honor, wealth, power—those around him couldn’t help but admire him, given he possessed all these attributes.

Greedy nobles used every trick in the book to align themselves with Carlos.

The most common ploy was predictable.

As a single man, Carlos was bombarded with marriage proposals and seduction attempts. Many tried to capture the icy duke’s heart, presenting their children, and even distant relatives, to him if they were remotely attractive.

All of this was done regardless of gender.

Aspiring to become the Duchess, many flocked to Carlos. Among the empire’s two dukes, Duke Clorin was already married with children, making Carlos the sole focus of their ambitions.

However, they soon realized that Carlos Baltimor was a tree that wouldn’t fall no matter how many times it was struck.

However, realization and resignation were separate issues. Just when it seemed to subside for a moment, it would start to rise again, terrifyingly, as soon as the day broke.

Just because flowers bloomed with the breath of spring didn’t mean love did too. Yet, like persistent weeds, they kept showing up, refusing to give up.

Carlos’s patience, dealing with this constant nuisance, reached its limit.

In search of some peace, he left his office in theLennox and wandered into a secluded, wooded path.

As he walked, trying to clear his mind, a sharp pain spread through his eyes. He stopped, pressing his fingertips against his weary eyes, trying to alleviate the dryness and discomfort.

While doing so, he thought about the daily flood of marriage proposals. As soon as he received them, he would tear them in half and toss them into the trash. He was sick and tired of people who didn’t know better.

‘I’ll end up seeing the names of all the noble ladies in the marriage proposals at this rate.’

Barely suppressing a sigh, Carlos roughly ran his hand through his hair. Just then, a spring breeze carried the scent of fresh greenery and the sound of a young woman’s voice.

“I don’t know why you’ve come from the estate to see me, but just state your business briefly.”

The voice was soft but clear, without any inflection.

Realizing he wasn’t alone, Carlos was about to leave. But another voice stopped him.

“It’s not about much, but you need to support Count Lucan.”

Count Lucan was the former Minister of Labor, but he was dismissed due to corruption. The suggestion to support such a person was too significant to ignore. Turning back, Carlos moved silently toward the source of the voices.

The woman spoke again, her tone unwavering.

“Cover for him?”

“Help him get reinstated as minister.”

Peeking from behind a thick wooden pillar, he saw a familiar face.

TThe person asking for the unethical favor was Derek Adenauer, who had abandoned his title a year ago and was said to be living a dissolute life in his domain.

Recognizing him, it wasn’t hard to guess the identity of the woman whose back was turned to him.

‘The woman with him must be his daughter, Aneta Adenauer.’

Aneta Adenauer, a woman who took over the vacant position of Minister of Welfare vacated by Russell, when the former Minister of Welfare, was dismissed for the same reason as Count Lucan.

While he indirectly knew that she was exceptionally capable during her two-month tenure, her actions at this moment could determine the fate of her political life.

‘I hope this Minister of Welfare doesn’t get dismissed for corruption as well.’

Since the emperor personally appointed her to the position, her dismissal for corruption, it would undoubtedly tarnish the Emperor’s reputation. Given the gravity of the situation, Carlos didn’t rush to conclusions and continued to observe.

“Why should I do that?”

“What do you mean, why? It’s for the sake of the family.”

“It’s disgusting to hear you pretend to care about the family now. From what I see, you just want to see them groveling at your feet again, using the guise of help as you’ve always done.”

Although her expression wasn’t visible, Aneta’s words were sharp as if holding a blade in her mouth.

Carlos suddenly recalled rumors about the father-daughter pair. It was said that their relationship was worse than that of strangers, and it seemed those rumors were true.

Considering Derek Adenauer’s usual behavior, it wasn’t surprising. No matter how close, no one could view him favorably.

Even now, it was evident.

“If you received my help, you should be grateful. Stop talking back and do as I say. Help Count Lucan’s reinstatement with all your might.”

“No.”

“What did you say!”

As Derek’s shout echoed, Carlos, startled by the noise, glanced around.

Avoiding Derek’s gaze effortlessly, Carlos continued to observe the situation.

“Say that again.”

“I said no. I don’t want to engage in such filthy acts. Especially not for you. If someone commits corruption, they should step away from politics.”

Even as Derek’s voice growled like that of a beast, Aneta stood her ground without flinching. and fire sparked in Derek’s eyes.

Soon, a sharp, tearing sound reverberated through the air.

Carlos almost reflexively jumped out, barely restraining himself when he saw Aneta stumble and regain her balance.

Derek, who had struck his daughter’s delicate cheek with his rough hand, glared at her with wild eyes, showing no hint of remorse.

In fact, his brazenly raised chin made Carlos’ expression contort with anger. Any suspicion he had towards Aneta vanished.

Now, he simply felt pity for her, having to deal with such a father.

“Ha.”

An empty laugh, dripping with emotion, escaped her lips.

Carlos’s head snapped back, allowing him to see the side of Aneta’s face.

Perhaps from the pain, her blue eyes were filled with tears. However, she bit her lip, seemingly determined not to shed them in front of Derek.

It took her a moment to straighten her head.

“Do you know the term ‘negative role model’? That’s what you are to me.”

Aneta stared Derek straight in the eyes. Her spirit remained unbroken despite the slap.

“Every moment, I have repeatedly resolved never to live as filthily as you. That’s all I’ve learned from you.”

Instead of cowering in fear, Aneta’s increasingly bold demeanor caused blood to rush to Derek’s eyes. His face, now flushed red, looked as if it might explode at any moment.

“So don’t expect anything from me anymore. And stop showing up like this,” she declared.

“You insolent brat! I put you in that position to handle paperwork on my behalf, and now you have the nerve to defy me! To think I even passed my title down to such a worthless daughter!”

Carlos prepared to intervene if Derek showed any signs of striking her again, but fortunately, it didn’t come to that. Instead, Derek merely fumed, unleashing a barrage of verbal abuse that was unbearable to hear.

The tirade culminated in a heavily veiled threat.

“You may think I’ve handed everything over to you, but you’re wrong. You will regret this day.”

“Do as you wish. I won’t sit idly by either,” Aneta retorted, unfazed. It was clear she had something to rely on, facing him with such defiance.

“Well then, I must go make preparations. Farewell,” she said, turning away as if she couldn’t stand to face Derek any longer. Despite her calm facade, her eyes were still brimming with tears from the pain.

Even when she could have relaxed, Aneta stubbornly held her ground, biting her lip. The red handprint on her pale cheek held Carlos’ gaze. For some reason, he couldn’t look away.

In the meantime, Aneta drew closer. Their eyes met, and she looked at him with wide eyes, filled with surprise.

Carlos was ready to reveal himself if Aneta acknowledged him. After all, it was Derek who had reason to hide, not him. However, she did not expose his presence. She simply greeted him with a nod and walked past as if she hadn’t seen anything.

Carlos stood silently, watching her retreating figure.

She never looked back, not even once.

***

As soon as the Adenauer pair left, Carlos went to Russell to report everything he had seen and heard.

Russell merely nodded without comment, and several days passed.

The sound of the slap, Aneta’s defiance, and Derek’s vile threats still felt as fresh as if they had happened yesterday. Carlos quietly sipped his tea, pondering the events.

‘Given the silence, it seems things have been resolved.’

Perhaps the vivid memory of what he’d witnessed made Carlos unusually interested in someone else’s affairs. Still, he didn’t go so far as to have someone investigate the situation. He merely reflected on it from time to time.

Russell, observing his younger brother, eventually smiled faintly and posed an unexpected question.

“Speaking of which, I’ve heard that marriage proposals are pouring in again. Is there anyone who catches your eye?”

“No, there isn’t. Are you hoping for me to marry as well?” Carlos’ gaze, filled with a sense of betrayal and frustration, bore into Russell.

With a nonchalant shrug, Russell replied, “Not so much hoping as suggesting the only way you can escape your current situation.”

“Are you saying I should marry just to avoid the proposals?”

“Exactly. And as it happens, there’s a suitable match available.”

It wasn’t a particularly appealing proposal, but it seemed to be the only solution. Unless he got married or faced a failure, the same situation would continue to repeat itself.

“But even if I marry, it won’t stop other issues from arising,” Carlos pointed out.

“Which is why you need someone by your side who is untouchable. There’s already a precedent for it.”

“What precedent?”

Carlos’s eyes narrowed as he waited for an answer. In response, Russell returned the favor with a light toss.

“I’m talking about Duke Clorin. The reason no one can easily approach the Duke is not just because of the rumor that he’s a miser, but also because his wife, Vanessa Clorin, is a significant figure in her own right.”