Chapter 137 – You Should Be Focusing on Me

The House of Rikeran was originally its own principality.

Before its unification with the Baltian Empire, it had ruled the northern lands beneath the authority of a ducal king. Though its power no longer shone as it once had, it remained one of the foremost seats of influence. Moreover, true to its long and storied history, the family was said to have preserved its ducal citadel nearly intact.

Within its archives, open only to members of the household, countless relics and books were stored, so much so that the place had become the subject of whispers.

‘Now that I think about it, in the original story…’

The male lead, Khalid, had stumbled upon a forbidden text hidden within his family’s archives and, through it, uncovered the corruption of black magic. If that was the case, might there not also be books relating to sorcery?

As Evelyn sank into her thoughts, Khalid, who had been quietly observing her, spoke in a low, measured tone.

“If you wish, would you like to visit the ducal estate?”

It seemed he had already discerned her interest in the old books. Evelyn’s eyes widened in visible surprise at the unexpected offer. Not wishing to let the chance slip away, she quickly fixed him with a clear, steady gaze.

“Would that really be okay?”

“I shall send a letter in due time.”

As Khalid replied with a faint smile curving his lips, she returned the smile and gave a small nod.

“Then, I shall await your word…”

However, in that very instant, the thought of her fiancé intruded, and her expression tightened as her words trailed away.

‘If Axion were to find out…’

She had a feeling he wouldn’t let it slide like last time. More than once, he had revealed a particular hostility for Khalid. Already her head ached at the thought, and Evelyn concluded it would be unwise to visit the House of Rikeran entirely on her own.

Casting him a wary glance, Evelyn gave a sheepish smile before continuing.

“Would it be possible for me to come with my fiancé?”

At her cautious question, Khalid lifted a golden brow.

“Lord Valentino?”

“Yes. The eyes of society do weigh on me.”

She already had a fiancé, so it would hardly do to set foot so freely in another man’s estate. She had no wish to provoke needless misunderstandings and stir up discord. It was always best to avoid becoming entangled in anything dishonourable.

Seeming to grasp her meaning, Khalid let out a quiet sigh, then bowed his head with a serious expression.

“I hadn’t considered that far.”

Seeing him treat the matter with such solemnity, though he had done no wrong, Evelyn hurriedly waved her hands in protest.

“Not at all. There’s nothing wrong with both of us being cautious.”

The man lingered on her words, then, after a brief pause, a faintly bitter smile touched his lips.

“In moments like this, I find myself envying the lord.”

“Pardon?”

Envy him? Of what…?

At her puzzled question, Khalid shook his head slowly. Then, as though nothing had passed, his mouth curved into its usual, gentle smile.

“Then I shall look forward to seeing you again, in the near future.”

︵‿୨ ₊‧꒰ა ཐི༏ཋྀ ໒꒱ ˚₊ ୧‿︵

When she returned to the marquis’ estate, she happened to meet Jacqueline in the corridor. The secretary handed her a sealed letter.

“My lady, a missive has arrived from the Aclo Art Foundation.”

“I see, thank you.”

It could only be Marcen’s reply to the matter she had requested earlier.

‘He seems to have discovered something sooner than expected.’

Evelyn hurried straight to her room, not even pausing to change her gown before tearing open the letter.

「 Regarding the opera you mentioned previously, I looked into it.
Both the playwright and the director, it seems, are devout followers of their faith. It seems this religion is so insular that uncovering information will take time.
I shall endeavor to bring you new information at the earliest opportunity.
—From the Guildmaster of Hermes— 」

Beyond tracing the whereabouts of the second prince, she had also asked Marcen to investigate a separate matter.

There had been something distinctly troubling about the opera ‘The Temple of the Moon.’ She had originally intended to investigate through Axion, but for some reason, he seemed reluctant to speak. So, left with no alternative, she had turned to the guildmaster of Hermes for answers.

“Still, I never imagined it would be connected to a heretical religion.”