Chapter 46

“Malena Sean?”

Like Michael, the name was unfamiliar to Erhen as well.

“Yes. She is said to have been a prominent figure in a well-known information guild back when Rohadin was still an empire.”

“If she’s from an information guild, she could be connected to the recent Hamern Train Station incident as well.”

“While no concrete details have emerged, we suspect a link and are currently investigating Malena Sean’s movements.”

Michael nodded calmly. This was the most significant piece of intelligence they had uncovered so far. He turned to Erhen.

“What do you think, Duke of Rosenheim?”

“The connection between seemingly unrelated incidents and the attempt to shift attention toward the Rothschild family suggests an intentional diversion.”

“Indeed, it was resolved far too easily.”

The mercenary guild responsible for the train station incident had a supposed motive—revenge against the Rothschild family for taking away their livelihood. However, the situation was suspicious. 

In the past, starting with Sonne, who scouted key figures from private soldiers of noble estates and mercenary guilds to dominate the industry, various security companies had emerged in Rohadin. Even so, for a mercenary guild forced into the shadows to target Viscountess Lintz out of spite seemed to indicate a deliberate intent.

Furthermore, if Malena Sean, a former information guild member who had collaborated with Dostern, was the intermediary, there was ample reason to dig deeper. Michael spoke.

“Kaiserliche, as the Duke suggested, should investigate any connections to the mercenary guilds operating in the underworld.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Additionally, prepare a report on the candidates for the Lower House Speaker.”

“Are you referring to Dietrich Schleicher and Oliver Hughes?”

“Yes. For an organization that goes to such lengths to conceal its tracks, there’s a high likelihood they’ve had some contact with members of the Lower House.”

After ascending the throne, Michael had expanded the Senate, previously exclusive to nobles, to include commoners. This was largely influenced by Charlotte’s political initiatives.

The Upper House, composed of nobles, and the Lower House, composed of commoners, were still colloquially referred to as the “Noble House” and the “Commoner House” by those unfamiliar with politics. Michael’s efforts stemmed from his determination to prevent Rohadin from enduring another bloodbath like the one caused by Rufus.

Candidates for the Lower House were typically well-regarded bourgeois or businessmen. Among the current candidates, Dietrich was known as a philanthropist, while Oliver Hughes was a prominent lawyer in the capital.

After bowing and leaving the room with his new orders, Walter exited. Michael sighed and poured whiskey into the glass in front of him.

“Perhaps my efforts are still lacking. I never imagined that you, a hero of the nation, would be targeted, Duke Rosenheim.”

“……”

“…Thank you for returning safely. If Maximilian had known, I’d have been slapped five times over, king or not.” 

Michael downed his drink.

Following Erhen’s ambush, his time in Heringen had been publicly announced as a vacation. Thus, during Erhen’s first meeting after his return, Michael had refrained from saying much. Only now, with just the two of them present, did Michael inquire about his condition. Erhen, after a moment of silence, began to speak.

“Your Majesty.”

“Yes?”

“The Princess knows about my ambush.”

Michael’s hand, which had been swirling his glass, paused. His relaxed eyes sharpened as they focused on Erhen.

“Are you suggesting that Giselle is under suspicion?”

Erhen met Michael’s gaze unwaveringly.

“If you keep saying you’re busy or have plans, when will you ever go on a date with me? What if I never saw you again after that ambush!”

The Duke of Rosenheim’s ambush was a top-secret matter known only to Kaiserliche, a few members of the ducal family, Charlotte, and her servants. Yet today, during their first meeting in three months, Giselle casually mentioned the word “ambush.”

No matter how much the princess pursued him, Michael’s character made it unlikely he would share such information with her, even if she had begged during the three months he was away.

“Yes.”

Erhen’s firm answer solidified Michael’s expression into one of cold resolve.

If Erhen was Michael’s debt to Maximilian, Giselle was his mother’s dying wish. She was also the only family who kept him grounded as Michael Düsseldorf. 

On that stormy night, as a baby crying weakly in his mother’s arms, Giselle had become the only reason Michael could remain himself. Even though her father, Rufus, was someone Michael had killed with his own hands.

“……”

“……”

The two men’s gazes clashed in midair.

Michael knew he had never shared anything with Giselle. Even when she had pestered him for three months about Erhen’s whereabouts, he had remained silent. If she knew about Erhen’s ambush, it was indeed suspicious.

However, Michael’s response diverged from Erhen’s suspicions.

“…Isn’t Tyche’s Moon rising soon?”

“……”

“It includes Maximilian’s death anniversary.”

“Your Majesty.”

“Erhen, I think you’re being overly sensitive.”

Erhen looked at Michael with disbelief. Yet, after a brief silence, Michael, who had shifted their relationship from king and subject to brothers, closed his eyes.

“As you know, I support your feelings. Giselle is just a naïve young princess who follows you around. She must have found out somehow.”

“You don’t actually believe that, do you?”

Erhen’s cold retort struck a nerve. Michael’s displeasure was evident.

“Erhen, don’t cross the line.”

It was both a warning and a declaration. Understanding its weight, Erhen rose from his seat.

“My apologies.”

“Take a few days off and clear your head. You’ve been working despite being on leave.”

Without responding, Erhen bowed deeply. After Michael acknowledged the gesture, Erhen left the underground chamber without hesitation.

As Michael stared at the empty seat, he took another sip of his drink, trying to calm his troubled mind. The burning sensation of the liquor coursing down his throat made him close his eyes in anguish.

Please, Giselle. Oh, Mother.

***

After arriving at the estate and having a light meal, Charlotte headed to the shooting range with Ras. Standing beside her at the firing line, Ras spoke in a disgruntled tone.

“I’ll teach you because you command it, Viscountess, but I’m still against you handling a gun.”

“I’ve told you many times. I need to be able to protect myself in emergencies.”

“Ugh, those damned mercenaries.”

From the day she decided to defend herself, Charlotte had persistently asked Ras to teach her how to shoot. While not a soldier or bodyguard, she was determined to learn. Ras found it frustrating that someone he was supposed to protect felt the need to take such measures. 

What had gone so wrong that my kind-hearted Viscountess now faced threats to her life?

Understanding his feelings, Charlotte smiled softly.

“I’ll be a diligent student.”

“Feel free to be a rebellious one.”

Despite his grumbling, Ras respected her determination and began the lesson seriously.

Charlotte had two experts in firearms around her. One was Michael, nicknamed the “King of Shooting,” and the other was Erhen, who dominated Rohadin’s arms industry. However, learning from either was out of the question. One was the king, and the other was her ex-husband.

Thus, Ras, her guard and servant, became her instructor. Despite his complaints, Ras had been an exceptional talent during his time in the information guild. Looking at the silver revolver Charlotte brought, Ras commented.

“A gun isn’t just about pulling the trigger.”

“I know.”

Charlotte nodded, recalling her humiliating experience at the shooting range with Erhen in Heringen.

“The most important thing about handling a gun is safety.”

“Got it.”

“And never put your finger on the trigger unless you intend to fire.”

Oh, he’s quite the teacher, isn’t he? 

Impressed by Ras’s serious tone, Charlotte focused intently.

“Proper grip is crucial to maintaining control in challenging situations. A weak grip can cause unnecessary strain when firing.”

“This requires practice.”

“Exactly. Grip the backstrap firmly between your thumb and index finger… Yes, like that. Then support the trigger guard with your middle finger. Good. Hold the gun securely and keep the backstrap as high as possible to minimize recoil.”

Once the lesson began, Ras became a passionate instructor. Under his guidance, Charlotte gripped the gun correctly. Despite it being her first lesson, she felt as though the weapon was perfectly suited to her.

Just then, the door to the shooting range slid open, and someone entered. As Ras turned toward the door, Charlotte instinctively pointed her gun in the same direction.