Chapter 30

Prince Aslan was shocked when he heard that the place I wanted to go was the Second Prince’s palace. However, seeing him quickly compose his expression made me think, “He truly is the Emperor’s son.”

“It’s not difficult to accompany you. However, I want to hear your answer, even if it’s early. What do you think of the Empress’s proposal?”

At Prince Aslan’s question, I smiled faintly.

“I haven’t received any proposal yet.”

You haven’t given me anything yet, have you?

It was as good as saying that. At my composed words, Prince Aslan chuckled softly. He was a man with an attractive, gentle laugh. I suddenly recalled a man who laughed with a heavier resonance.

What would Julian think if he saw me like this?

Would he detest me, calling me a cunning woman?

It was pretty funny for a woman who voluntarily pursued a political marriage to have such thoughts. When I shook my head, Prince Aslan looked puzzled.

“Is something bothering you?”

“No.”

“If there is anything uncomfortable, please tell me. Only then can I know what the Grand Duchess wants.”

Prince Aslan laughed, his fine eyes narrowing. Accepting his escort, I spoke while looking straight ahead.

“Everything should be considered slowly.”

I tilted my head slightly towards Prince Aslan and whispered,

“Your Highness doesn’t know what I am capable of, does he?”

When I spoke confidently, Prince Aslan laughed again. It seemed he liked my answer.

I wasn’t saying I would side with Prince Aslan immediately. I didn’t know what he could do for me, and he didn’t know what I could do either. Nevertheless, we could join forces anytime since we had a common enemy.

After that, we engaged in light conversation. Prince Aslan lightly introduced the buildings visible on the way to the Second Prince’s palace, and I walked along, responding like a demure lady.

After a while, we arrived at the Second Prince’s palace. At a glance, it gave off a strong impression of opulence. It must have been dazzling with decorations like a peacock until this morning.

But now, the situation is very different. Imperial guards were guarding the entrance, and everyone coming and going inside was armed. Anyone could see that it wasn’t a suitable occasion, and the passing attendants looked confused or curious.

Prince Aslan stood with me in front of the Second Prince’s palace. The guard captain, recognizing Prince Aslan, quickly approached and saluted formally.

“Greetings, Your Highness the Crown Prince!”

Prince Aslan received the salute in a manner befitting his status, yet not rude.

“I heard two victims in the Second Prince’s palace, so I came to inspect personally. How is the situation progressing?”

When Prince Aslan asked the guard captain, he hesitated momentarily before reporting immediately.

“There have been more victims since then.”

“Do you mean there have been more people related to the Second Prince?”

“Yes. Although we are still verifying, the inside is chaotic, and it would be uncomfortable for you to walk around directly.”

“Since His Majesty cannot be concerned with such trivial matters, I should step in.”

The guard captain seemed to agree and opened the door. He didn’t even ask who I was, accompanying Prince Aslan.

I clapped softly in admiration. Prince Aslan’s authority seemed impressive. Prince Aslan smiled skillfully at me.

“Why do you want to visit the Second Prince’s palace?”

“My former fiancé is here.”

At my words, Prince Aslan widened his eyes in surprise. He didn’t bother hiding his astonishment, as it was surprising.

“Are you referring to Marquis Amber, the Grand Duchess’s former fiancé?”

“Oh, you know about it.”

“You might not know how hot a topic it was.”

Not knowing? I was very well aware. After all, it was something I orchestrated, hoping for such attention. I smiled shyly while looking around.

“Unless the Second Prince has lost his mind, he wouldn’t have locked the Marquis in the palace….”

And at that moment.

“Your Highness the Crown Prince! There is an urgent matter.”

The guard captain approached, looking utterly flustered. Prince Aslan maintained a calm demeanor as if he had an idea.

“Speak.”

“Marquis Amber was found in the basement.”

I had to cover my mouth to avoid letting out a bitter laugh. Even Prince Aslan, skilled at hiding his expressions, couldn’t completely conceal his astonishment.

Prince Aslan headed straight to the basement without stopping me from following. When we stood in front of the basement door, I spoke first.

“Your Highness, could you let me enter alone?”

Prince Aslan asked gravely.

“Is this what the Grand Duchess wants?”

“It’s just one of many things, but I want this.”

Knowing my attitude might be provocative, I said it nonetheless. I absolutely wanted to meet Kazak at this moment.

I could imagine how betrayed Kazak must feel towards the Second Prince. In his current state, he would indeed speak carelessly.

I looked at Prince Aslan with determined eyes.

After a moment of contemplation, Prince Aslan nodded. I thanked him and took a lamp.

“Grand Duchess.”

At Prince Aslan’s call, I slowly turned my head. I wondered what my expression looked like to him at that moment. With eyes as dark as the basement, Prince Aslan spoke.

“Do not kill him.”

I did not respond. I just smiled faintly.

After a silent nod to Prince Aslan, I entered the basement. As its name suggested, it was dark and gloomy. I lit the torch on the wall and slowly descended the stairs. Inside, there was a faint groaning sound. I moved the lamp to shine inside the iron bars.

“Kazak. Is that you?”

“Who is…?”

The trembling groan was undoubtedly Kazak’s. Our marriage had been both short and long. There was no way I could forget his voice. I whispered with a faint smile.

“It’s me. Laila.”

“La, ila? Winsley…?”

“That’s right. Laila Winsley. Have you forgotten your wife’s name?”

Kazak’s face twisted. He would not understand what I was saying, as he had no memory of marrying me.

But I couldn’t understand Kazak. How could he forget me after what he did to me? He should never forget me, no matter how many times he reincarnated.

“What madness…?”

Kazak muttered a curse, but I shook my head. It meant not to speak any further. If he were the Kazak of my past life, he would have slapped me upon seeing my actions. But the current Kazak couldn’t even touch me.

“Enough of this. I have questions for you.”

I crouched in front of Kazak and placed the lamp on the floor. Only then did the haggard and hollow face of Kazak, who hadn’t seen the light or appropriately eaten for a long time, become visible. The Marquis Amber, who had once captured the hearts of many ladies, was nowhere to be seen.

“You must have known that the Winsley family wouldn’t support the Second Prince, right? So why did you marry me?”

“What… I didn’t marry you… Aaargh!”

I grabbed Kazak’s hand through the iron bars and brought a torch close to his forearm. He started screaming in terror. I hadn’t even started anything yet.

“Don’t contradict my words. Why did you get engaged to me?”

“It was the Second Prince’s order…”

I expected to hear that name. But hearing it directly was even more shocking. I struggled to keep my hands from shaking. Why would the Second Prince push for my marriage to Kazak? What would he gain from it?

“Why did the Second Prince order that?”

Kazak hesitated. But when I pressed the torch closer to his arm, he started talking through his pained screams.

“To frame you! He said if you became my wife, the Winsley family would let their guard down and trust me, so he told me to marry you.”

“Frame us for what?”

My hands trembled. I already knew the answer.

“Treason… He planned to frame you for treason. Please let me go, Winsley… No, Laila. Didn’t you once like me? Why are you doing this…?”

But I didn’t let him go.

“Why would he frame the Winsley family for treason?”

“I… I don’t know…”

He couldn’t not know. He would know what I learned. Our marriage, the Second Prince’s orders, and my father’s status as a border lord all combined to form the answer.

I gripped Kazak’s arm tighter and brought the torch to his neck. His eyes rolled back in pain. Yet, I wasn’t satisfied.

“I really don’t know…!”

“Don’t lie. The Second Prince isn’t smart enough to think up schemes. If it wasn’t your idea, whose was it?”

“Please! It really wasn’t me!”

Kazak was pitifully begging. I shouted with red-rimmed eyes.

“Then who was it!”

Kazak, pressured by my intensity, wracked his brain. He was willing to sell out any information if it meant getting rid of the crazy woman threatening him with fire. Eventually, he came up with something.

“That woman. It was after she came.”

“Who are you talking about?”

“Ari! After she arrived, the Second Prince started coveting the throne.”

The strength in my hand holding the torch slowly faded. Kazak took the chance to lunge at my hand.

But with a sigh, I threw the torch onto his body. Kazak started rolling around the filthy prison, screaming pathetically.

I didn’t even watch him. Instead, I stared blankly outside the basement.

Ari Eriant…

Only that name occupied my mind.

TL NOTE: A more advanced chapter of this story is already up on the site. Visit dusk blossoms for more advanced chapters and stories.