The Marchioness of Donau had returned. Those who didn’t know the full story celebrated her return, with some even praising her as a symbol of resurrection.

The Kingdom of Katlan had surrendered, and the Empire’s prestige had soared. Though the king and crown prince had perished, their deaths were unquestioned. The people of the Empire were simply glad that Katlan, which had threatened peace, had been defeated. Peace had returned to the Empire.

However, beneath the surface, the situation was much more complex. As proof, when Marsden and Olivia appeared near the capital, they were immediately escorted to the royal palace.

“Buddy, it’ll be okay.”

Though they weren’t bound with shackles or ropes, they were transported in a carriage with bars typically used for criminals. They had expected this and accepted it without complaint.

Upon entering the audience chamber, they saw Hellebore dressed in imperial attire, standing imposingly before Gael.

Marsden immediately shielded Olivia from Gael’s view. Gael’s twisted smile spread across his face.

“Duke, with your intelligence network, you must understand why I’ve brought you here so forcefully, correct?”

“Yes, I understand, Your Majesty.”

Hellebore appeared troubled. Olivia, knowing the full story, could empathize with his feelings.

“But may I ask why Count Abyss is here?”

Marsden asked calmly, and Hellebore hesitated, glancing between Gael and Marsden as if conflicted. After a moment of inner struggle, Hellebore sighed and spoke.

“Count Abyss claims to have captured a sorcerer while sorting through Buck Rodley’s belongings. Upon questioning the sorcerer, he supposedly uncovered a shocking revelation.”

Strictly speaking, Marsden could have pointed out that Gael should have handed the matter over to the royal court immediately. However, doing so at this point would only work against him and Olivia.

“Duke, I have only one question.”

Hellebore’s voice was heavy with the burden of his words.

“Did you bring someone back from the dead?”

The weight of the question was so immense that even the chamberlain standing by Hellebore held his breath.

Before answering, Marsden looked into Olivia’s eyes. Her eyes were glistening with tears.

Olivia had heard a rough explanation from Marsden on their way to the Imperial Palace. Hellebore had already witnessed Marsden reviving Olivia, so he knew the truth. Despite this, he had kept it a secret, likely to protect Marsden in his own way. However, with Gael now exposing Marsden’s actions, Hellebore could no longer cover up Marsden’s crimes. This inner conflict probably explained Hellebore’s troubled demeanor.

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Marsden answered.

“And is the person in question truly the Marchioness of Charbert?”

“Yes.”

Marsden’s voice rang clearly through the audience chamber.

“However, the Marchioness of Charbert is not at fault for any of this.”

“Yet, there are reports of someone using magic to harm others after the Marchioness went missing. Additionally, the sorcerer we interrogated confessed that the Marchioness learned magic from you, Duke.”

“That is not true, Your Majesty. The only time the Marchioness of Charbert learned any magic from me was after we were attacked by an assailant in the Kettlelin Forest. The attacker was suspected of being a sorcerer, and I, concerned for the Marchioness’s safety, suggested learning the basics of magic for protection.”

Marsden’s explanation was straightforward and confident. Olivia, supporting his statement, addressed Hellebore as well.

“If you wish, you can have a female knight inspect my body. If I were truly addicted to magic, my body would be covered in wounds. But you will see that I am unharmed.”

Hellebore, usually calm and composed, was now the stern emperor. As he pondered Olivia’s words, Gael interjected.

“Then, a body covered in wounds would indicate a severe addiction to magic.”

Gael smirked with a casual air.

“Reviving a person is a magic that has been forbidden for centuries. Even in the era when magic was commonly practiced, resurrection was a taboo. Your Majesty, no matter the Duke’s past achievements, this act must be severely punished.”

Gael seemed almost gleeful. Olivia, overcome with anger, tried to speak out, but Marsden stopped her.

“Your Majesty, if I may speak cautiously, it is possible that Duke Marsden initially sought to eradicate magic under the guise of public duty, perhaps driven by a desire for family vengeance. But now, he is nothing more than a criminal addicted to magic.”

Even Hellebore, Marsden’s longtime friend, could not refute Gael’s eloquence. On the surface, everything he said was true.

“This is truly tragic.”

Hellebore could no longer hold back his lament.

“Duke Marsden and the Marchioness of Charbert are both invaluable talents of this Empire, and I have trusted them deeply. However, given the current circumstances, I am saddened to have to pass judgment on them.”

Gael’s lips tightened, barely containing his smile, as Hellebore delivered his verdict.

“The Marchioness of Charbert will be placed under house arrest for two weeks as punishment for the use of magic, in addition to the unresolved theft of the bomb. Although the previous house arrest of Duke Marsden was disrupted by the sudden provocation from Katlan, this time, it will be strictly enforced.”

Olivia could guess Hellebore’s intentions. With less than a week left to identify the culprit, granting two weeks was practically setting Olivia up to fail. Ironically, though, it also provided one final opportunity to settle her affairs as a noble.

Of course, she already knew who the culprit was. But Olivia chose not to reveal that card just yet.

“And as for Duke Marsden…”

For a brief moment, hesitation flickered in Hellebore’s eyes. But as the rational emperor, he made the necessary decision.

“I hereby strip him of his ducal title and order a noble trial to determine whether he should be executed. Until the trial, Troy Marsden will be imprisoned in the royal palace.”

“Your Majesty!”

Olivia rushed toward Hellebore but was immediately restrained by the nearby knights.

“Furthermore, I order a full search of the Duke’s estate, taking into account the previous testimony from Sir Glenn Miles.”

Olivia clenched her fists tightly. Glenn’s earlier accusation that Marsden possessed forbidden books had been a grave mistake.

“And in recognition of his recent contributions, the capital exile order against the Count will be lifted.”

“This is outrageous!”

“The Marchioness has no right to speak.”

Hellebore’s cold gaze bore down on Olivia, leaving no room for mercy.

“Escort Troy Marsden to the prison immediately.”

Following Hellebore’s command, the knights swiftly cuffed Marsden’s hands and shackled his body with chains.

Marsden briefly glanced at Gael, who responded with a subtle, triumphant smile. Despite the situation, Marsden complied calmly as the knights led him away.

“The Marchioness is also to return home at once.”

“Your Majesty.”

Just as Hellebore finished his orders, Gael approached him.

“I wish to speak with the Marchioness privately.”

“For what reason?”

“The Marchioness and I have always shared a close relationship. Since we may not have the chance to meet again, I would like to say my final goodbyes.”

Hellebore studied Gael for a moment before signaling the chamberlain with his eyes.

“Follow me, please.”

The chamberlain gestured to Gael and Olivia. Olivia glared coldly at Gael as she followed the chamberlain.

***

The chamberlain led the two of them to an empty room. It seemed they were concerned about even the furniture being damaged.

“Olivia.”

“…”

“Let’s not beat around the bush. I don’t care how much you remember—don’t say a word. Keep your head down and live quietly. If you do that, at least Marsden will be allowed to live somewhat like a human being.”

Olivia ignored Gael’s words, keeping her gaze fixed elsewhere.

“Who knows? As long as Marsden stays alive, you two could at least beg for a living somewhere. But if you try to say anything foolish afterward, you and Marsden can prepare to die a miserable death. Killing off a couple of commoners isn’t a big deal for a Count like me—I’d get off with a slap on the wrist as long as I spin it right.”

Gael swaggered over to stand right in front of Olivia.

“Why don’t you try begging for mercy now? Say you’re sorry, and maybe I’ll toss you some money to buy a potato.”

Gael laughed heartily, even going so far as to mockingly pat Olivia on the shoulder.

“What’s the matter? Is your pride all you have left, so you can’t even do that? I thought you and Marsden were close, but I guess not. You’re pretty shallow, aren’t you?”

He leaned in closer and whispered in Olivia’s ear.

“Just say those five words, ‘I’m sorry I was wrong,’ and I’ll help you out a bit. How about it?”

But Olivia remained silent. Gael, having said everything he wanted, saw no reason to stay any longer.

“Goodbye, Liv,” he said, using her nickname one last time as he reached for the door handle.

“You’re right. Even if I lose everything, I can’t throw away my pride.”

“What?”

Gael turned his head with mild interest, thinking it was just Olivia’s last desperate act.

“Think about it. Could you ever say you’re sorry to the scum that killed you?”

“…You… don’t tell me….”TL NOTE: Visit dusk blossoms for more advanced chapters and stories