《When A Villain Meets A Villain》 Chapter 1 When he was young, Prince Lionel Blanc, our Young Master, was more often than not called by that awkward nickname rather than his own name. As the only successor to the Grand Duchy where offsprings were precious, he received various kinds of expectations ever since his birth and easily met them. ¡°The Grand Prince must be a genius that only comes around once in a thousand years! It¡¯s unbelievable that you¡¯ve acquainted yourself with not only the Imperial language, but also foreign languages and a variety of disciplines¡­¡± The best teachers that were attached to Young Master Lionel praised his brilliance unanimously. ¡°To be honest, I don¡¯t know if there¡¯s anything else that I can teach you.¡± The swordsmanship teacher, a former commander of the Imperial guard, admired the Young Master¡¯s extraordinary talent every time. The prince had also displayed excellent ability in administrative affairs. He was only eleven when he reorganised the capital of the Grand Duchy to prevent the spread of the epidemic that swept through the Empire. The young Prince, who hasn¡¯t even held his coming of age yet, is¡­ What is it called?¡­ Yeah! He¡¯s a ¡®fraudulent character¡¯. However, when a person was too outstanding, controversies would arise. When dangerous rumours of him becoming the next emperor began to emerge, the Grand Ducal couple paid special attention to prevent rumours of their son from leaking out of the Grand Duchy. The efforts were overshadowed, and soon after, the Prince became known throughout the Empire. The reason he became famous is none other than¡­¡­. It was because of his handsome appearance that was even called the sun god appearing in the flesh. The day after the Young Master¡¯s first appearance at the Imperial Ball, the capital square was filled with requests for a portrait of Prince Blanc. ¡°If you don¡¯t have any Young Lady to communicate with, would you be willing to exchange letters with me?¡± ¡°When would I be able to see you again? I¡¯d heard that you have a full schedule while you¡¯re in the capital. Can you invite me to the Grand Duchy next time?¡± From Young Ladies of the same age to heads of families, annoyingly persistent attention followed him throughout his stay in the capital. It must have been very annoying, but the kind prince had always treated others with a smile on his face. However, since ¡®That Day¡¯, the ¡®Lovely Grand Prince¡¯ became a completely different person. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you be telling me what ¡®That Day¡¯ was? You¡¯re so nasty and unkind.¡± A youthful woman, perhaps still a girl, opened the bookshelf with an indifferent gaze and let out a sigh filled with annoyance. However, knowing the enemy and yourself would get you unscathed through a hundred battles. To know more about the enemy, she could only endure this irritation. As the woman shook off the dust that was covering the edge of the book, she continued to read. ¡°Kill.¡± That was the speaking habit of Young Master Lionel, who became an adult. ¡®Kill¡¯, and countless lives were lost by the words that were casually uttered. ¡°If only Mr. Lionel would give an innocent smile once more as he did before.¡± After the useless wish, the diary ended there with no further entries. As Atalante closed the old diary, she let out a light sigh. That tyrant had laughed innocently like an angel when he was young, so the dog that¡¯s passing by laughed. As scornful laughter resounded, she took a sip of pink coloured tea. Verik tea, which was good for children. Although I had never wanted to have children, Atalante didn¡¯t hesitate to drink the tea, which had an obvious purpose. It takes two hands to clap and make a sound, so if they don¡¯t live as a married couple, how can a child be created? ¡°This was taken out of Lionel¡¯s study with much difficulty, but there isn¡¯t much content to it.¡± Tsk. As Atalante lightly clicked her tongue, she placed her chin in a hand and turned her gaze towards the well-decorated garden. She found the roses that bloomed everywhere, resembling her red hair, very pretty. The problem was that unlike the beautiful scenery, Atalante¡¯s wasn¡¯t in a good mood. Today marks exactly a month after she became the Grand Duchess and started living in Blanc Castle. Which meant that it¡¯s been more than a month since she had held a weapon. The hands that were trapped in gloves woven with delicate lace felt very empty. Revolver, musket, rifle, it doesn¡¯t matter which, as long as she could fire a shot once¡­ It was a chicken instead of a pheasant, but Atalante stretched out her hand and shot the bird that was sitting on a tree with her finger. ¡°Bang!¡± Even though she had accurately fired a finger gun at her target, the bird shook its head before flying away leisurely. It was a matter of course. There¡¯s no way a bullet would come out of her fingertips. As she sighed, a familiar scent reached the tip of her nose. It was a fragrance that was stronger than all kinds of precious flower fragrances¡­ To Atalante¡¯s knowledge, there was only one person in this world that would smell like this. ¡°Wife.¡± ¡®As expected.¡¯ With that thought in mind, Atalante turned her head toward the source of the voice. Brilliant silver hair shone under the sunlight. Thanks to that, it had even caused her to feel like her eyes were stinging. ¡°Atalante.¡± As she looked at her husband, who appeared in an unnecessarily splendid manner, Atalante frowned inadvertently. ¡°You don¡¯t have to check my hearing, as my ears are working fine. Why do you always call me twice?¡± Atalante grumbled annoyedly, but her husband, Grand Duke Lionel Blanc, smiled happily at the sound of his wife¡¯s rebuke. ¡°I like calling you both by ¡®wife¡¯ and by your name.¡± ¡°What did you just say?¡± ¡°To me, it wouldn¡¯t be enough to call you as such for the rest of my life. Neither the title of ¡®wife¡¯, nor the pretty name ¡®Atalante¡¯.¡± After whispering affectionately, he lowered his head and made eye contact with Atalante. He then gave a deep smile once again. A small faintly shining dot protruded slightly underneath the sky-colored eyes. His features were so beautiful that she would sometimes forget that he had a mole on his white cheek. But in many ways, Lionel¡¯s appearance was too white. Her least favourite colour was white. Atalante preferred a pitch black colour. For example, something like a gun. Atalante pushed his shapely forehead with her index finger, and gave a warning in a low voice. ¡°I told you not to say anything cheesy.¡± ¡°Which part made you cringe? If you¡¯d let me know I¡¯ll fix it right away, wife.¡± Atalante, he didn¡¯t forget to add her name, and looked up at his wife with an apologetic expression. ¡®That¡¯s to say, it¡¯s that part.¡¯ After Atalante swallowed down the words on the tip of her tongue, glanced at the opposite seat. It meant to go and sit down. As soon as she blinked, Lionel seated himself in the place designated by his wife, and glanced at Atalante and smiled. It was like he¡¯s a puppy waiting for a compliment from its owner. She would be unaffected, even if he looked at her with sparkling eyes though? ¡°I¡¯ve told you many times, everything that Your Highness says makes me cringe.¡± Those words also meant for him to not talk to her. But the Grand Duke didn¡¯t seem to have been affected by her words, and replied with, ¡°Is that so.¡± ¡°Ah!¡± Soon after the odd exclamation, the Grand Duke suddenly began to flap his hands. ¡°What is he doing?¡± As Lionel repeated the strange gestures in front of her eyes, it offended Atalante as much as him talking nonsense. How could a person¡¯s every gesture get on her nerves so much, to the point where she felt that he was unswerving from start to finish? Atalante stared at the Grand Duke, who was fumbling with his mouth and waving his hands, and eventually lifted the white flag. ¡°Just say it.¡± When her permission was granted, Lionel opened his mouth as if he had been waiting. ¡°I love my wife very much.¡± ¡°Si¡­¡± Atalante, who had almost spoken vulgarly, barely managed to control her mouth. It was such an unreasonable act for the Grand Duke of Blanc to be smiling helplessly and confessing his love to his wife. No wonder that there were rumours claiming that the Grand Duke has gone insane. ¡®It¡¯s the truth that he had gone insane. The reason why that man is acting like that is because of the medicine.¡¯ Love potion. The reason why Lionel had blindly fell in love with Atalante was due to that unamusing medicine. There wasn¡¯t any contact between the two of them until that medicine was ingested. As the life they were leading was completely different. The only similarities that they shared were that both of them, who were notorious in their respective positions, had the nickname of ¡®villain¡¯. The fact that a villain as remarkable as her loved her so ardently was¡­ In summary, it sucks. ¡°Have you grown fonder of me today?¡± Lionel, who didn¡¯t miss an opportunity to pour the tea, asked this question as often as a wife would normally say her greetings. He asked it every single day without fail. He asked if I had grown fonder of him today. Of course, his wife¡¯s answer would be the same every time. ¡°Not at all.¡± Lionel was not disappointed even though he heard a rather hurtful answer. Rather, he was beaming brightly and looked at Atalante with an affectionate gaze. ¡°Without a doubt. you¡¯d be fonder of me tomorrow.¡± The following words from the Grand Duke were very confident, she couldn¡¯t bear to answer with a negative. Instead, Atalante stretched out her arm towards Lionel. At the end of her arm was the white finger gun that aimed for a bird earlier. Blinking in momentary surprise, the Grand Duke soon smiled brightly and raised his arms to declare his surrender. But Atalante did not laugh. The more Lionel¡¯s mouth curved into a playful smile, the deeper the furrowing of her brows. ¡°I might kill you one day.¡± Still in the pose of shooting at him, Atalante spoke harshly. When her members are safe, when the antidote that will bring the Grand Duke back to his senses is completed, and¡­ ¡°When I figure out your secret.¡± Whether he liked it or not, the moment where she had to shoot that man may approach soon. Suddenly, she thought about the bloody battle that took place against the Grand Duke in a dark bedroom, and her lower abdomen grew warm. It was just for a moment, but the Grand Duke¡¯s eyes turned chilly. However, it was literally instantaneous before a sweet smile that she¡¯d only see on the Grand Duke¡¯s face appeared. His following words were as sweet and suffocating as his eyes. ¡°I¡¯d die willingly if it was by your hand.¡± Chapter 2 ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? A secret invitation. Atalante belonged to the lucky side. It was practically a miracle that an unknown newborn child that was abandoned in the forest managed to grow up with her four limbs intact. Children of the slums that didn¡¯t have adults to protect them, had to learn how to protect themselves and their peers by themselves. The day Atalante had lost almost half of her important people and her friends in a war to satisfy the appetites of those with a higher status, was the day she killed another person for the first time. She was only eleven at that time. Atalante gathered the children that managed to survive and created an organisation consisting of a motley crowd, Argo. It was the name of an expedition team that gathered all kinds of heroes, as depicted by a bard. They had no choice but to accept all sorts of difficult requests, causing this name to lose its luster. Horrible scenes became a common occurrence, but there was no other way. A small villain. Thanks to that, she got a nickname that couldn¡¯t be described as cute when she was less than fifteen years old. She spent her days ever since then struggling to survive, and somewhere along the line, Atalante became one of the most notorious villains in the Empire. She did commit many evil deeds as befitting of the term ¡®villain¡¯, hence it wasn¡¯t unfounded. She didn¡¯t have any particular expectations. She had only thought that she¡¯d die while continuing the villainous acts for the rest of her life. ¡°You should become a good child, Atalante.¡± Although she would occasionally have auditory hallucinations of her stepfather because she missed him, it¡¯s fine if she closed her eyes and covered her ears. That mister was no longer in the world, and Atalante has crossed the line of no return too many times to become the good child he said she should be. It would be a lie if she said she didn¡¯t want to wash her hands off this dirty underground world. It became common for yesterday¡¯s colleague to aim for her neck today, and she could count on a hand the number of days she had gotten proper rest ever since she started leading the organisation. ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± It¡¯s been a while since she was lost in her thoughts, and someone had a knife pointed at her neck. Perhaps it was because it wasn¡¯t the first or second time she was ambushed like this, although there was a knife at her neck, she found it more troublesome rather than feeling fearful. ¡°Who sent you? Four Combined Society? Seven Star Faction? Was it the Sicilia Faction?¡± As Atalante listed the groups that were fiercely antagonistic towards Argo, she used the dagger that was hidden in her sleeve to break the assailant¡¯s long sword instantly. It was ridiculous. What kind of power did a small girl have? The man was stricken with panic at the unexpected counterattack, and was trampled upon by her booted feet before he could make a sound. ¡°I¡¯ll send you back peacefully if you answer properly.¡± Although she wasn¡¯t sure where she¡¯d be sending him, it was clear that it wouldn¡¯t be his home. Before he knew it, Atalante took out a black revolver and aimed it at his head with a chilly gaze. He was the person that broke into another¡¯s room and drew the knife against her, but the assailant was now shaking under her feet. As Atalante looked at the masked man frostily, she checked her surroundings. She sharpened all her senses, but she couldn¡¯t feel the presence of any others. Did he really come here alone fearlessly? Against the head of Argo, Atalante? ¡°Tsk, I¡¯ve changed my mind about simply letting you go. Coming to kill me without even bringing friends along¡­ what a blow to my pride this is.¡± As she stomped on the man¡¯s abdomen hard, an ominous sound appeared. Just as he was about to scream, Atalante shoved the gun into his mouth to block the sound from coming out. If he made a racket, he¡¯ll wake up Yuffie, who was barely put to sleep. ¡°Answer me.¡± ¡°Uuu, uhhk¡­¡± ¡°Who sent you, answer me.¡± When I took out another similarly shaped revolver and placed it on his chest, the man struggled and began making odd sounds with muddled pronunciation. With a satisfied smile, she removed the revolver that was blocking his mouth. But the person the intruder mentioned as his backer was someone completely unexpected. ¡°Em¨C Emperor¡­ His Majesty the Emperor¡­¡± ¡°Emperor? What¡¯s with the lousy organisation name? You¡¯ll die if you¡¯re lying.¡± He looked like he was ten years older than Atalante, but she looked down on the man without caring about it at all. It was foolish to be particular about age, as there was no order in this place. As Argo¡¯s boss gave a vicious smile, trampled on his feet with more force. ¡°Ka¨C Kaiser! His Majesty, Emperor Kaiser has asked me to bring you!¡± In order to not go against her mood, the man resisted the urge to groan as he spoke almost weepingly. What does he mean by emperor? None of the bosses that she knows of has a name like that¡­ Wait, Kaiser? ¡°Kaiser Thessalia?¡± She moved her red lips and muttered the name that she had heard of before somewhere. Upon hearing that, the unidentified man nodded crazily. Kaiser Thessalia. That name, which even the poor memorised, belonged to the ruler of the Thessalia Empire. ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? There was only meagre candlelight flickering within the darkened secret chamber. She had thought that the Emperor¡¯s invitation meant that she would be going to the Imperial Palace, but she shouldn¡¯t have such expectations. ¡®Was it because of my lowly birth that I can¡¯t even step into the Imperial Palace?¡¯ As a self-deprecating smile appeared on Atalante¡¯s face, she looked at the silhouette seated in an old chair. The traces of wrinkles that told the passage of time paled into insignificance, as an overwhelming aura emitted from the man that was presumably the Emperor. He wasn¡¯t dressed in extravagant clothes or wearing a crown, was it because he was born with noble blood? ¡°Are you Atalante?¡± The voice of the old emperor was too low. Atalante opened her mouth, trying not to show her nervousness. ¡°Are you really the Emperor?¡± The unidentified man that had invaded her room had even brought out the emblem of the Imperial Guard, but she couldn¡¯t fully trust him yet. The old man that had been looking at her profoundly, burst into laughter when she answered his question with a question. ¡°How interesting.¡± The man that smirked at something he found amusing, before slowly taking off the robe. ¡°Will you believe it like this?¡± ¡°¡­Although I can¡¯t believe it, I have no choice but to believe it.¡± Atalante replied with an exasperated tone. The pitch-black hair and sky blue eyes were the symbols of Thessalia¡¯s Imperial Family. Even she, who¡¯s of lowly birth, had that much common knowledge. Another characteristic of the Imperial Family was that their hair wouldn¡¯t turn white with age. The man in front of her had black hair that didn¡¯t suit his wrinkled face, as if it was proof of his status as a member of the Imperial Family. ¡®I¡¯ve heard that the eye pupils of the Imperial Family are really beautiful, but the colour is really pretty.¡¯ Without realising it, she stared into the Emperor¡¯s mysterious blue eyes. After the escorts beside him rebuked her, he leaned against the creaking chair and spoke. ¡°Your head is too stiff.¡± ¡°It¡¯s because I didn¡¯t learn etiquette as I¡¯m of a lowly birth. Please be understanding.¡± Atalante didn¡¯t bow before the Emperor¡¯s criticism, instead giving him a smile. She felt awkward speaking with honorifics. It was because she has never used proper honorifics before, not once in her entire life. At her response, the Emperor seemed to be uncomfortable as his brows furrowed, but he didn¡¯t purposefully teach Atalante etiquette. Even if the boss of a criminal organisation was taught the etiquette of nobility, where would she use it? ¡°¡­I¡¯ve heard of your notoriety. It seems that it wasn¡¯t just a rumour. My most treasured escort was completely destroyed by you.¡± ¡°Oh, that weak¡­ No, the knight.¡± The Emperor¡¯s face was once again wrinkled by the word she used, ¡®weak¡¯. It was surprising that the man she had subdued was the vice captain of the Imperial Guard. But it was the truth. She, who was weak, had only stepped on him a few times, and it resulted in broken bones. ¡°Can you get to the main point quickly? As you can see, I don¡¯t know how to treat the Imperial Family respectfully, and I¡¯m a low-born that doesn¡¯t know honour, nor do I respect the Imperial Family, I might ruin Your Majesty¡¯s mood.¡± ¡°¡­Aren¡¯t low-borns still Imperial citizens?¡± ¡°I lived without being treated like an Imperial citizen.¡± In the Empire, it was the nobles, no, even the wealthy commoners, that were treated like Imperial citizens. Atalante swallowed back the following words and raised a corner of her mouth. ¡°It sounds like you¡¯re blaming Us.¡± [T/N: the Emperor is speaking with the royal ¡®we¡¯, used by monarch to refer to themselves] ¡°Feel free to interpret it as you please.¡± ¡°Haha, you¡¯re such a cheeky girl.¡± A girl? Although she has a slender body and a youthful face, Atalante was the leader of the largest and longest standing organisation in the underground world. Even the subordinates that she cherished couldn¡¯t say that when looking at the mess in her hands. Well, what does he know? Atalante wasn¡¯t the slightest bit interested in the Emperor. She didn¡¯t have any intention of pleasing him. She didn¡¯t know what made him call for her, but it was clear that they would never meet again, as the worlds they lived in were different. ¡°There are 15 escorts lurking around this villa, no¡­ Around 20 people? You¡¯ve brought a lot of people along.¡± She wanted to take care of all of them, including the Emperor that¡¯s in front of her, and return back to her hideout, but that would cause the country to collapse, so she must remain patient. While the country hasn¡¯t done anything for her, she didn¡¯t want to become someone that lost her hometown. ¡°It¡¯s a very simple matter. There¡¯s something important to request of you, Argo¡¯s boss, Atalante.¡± ¡°Please speak.¡± ¡°Assassinate the Grand Duke, Lionel Blanc.¡± At the sound of the Emperor¡¯s ¡®matter¡¯, the little finger that was scratching her ear stopped, and she lowered it stiffly. If it¡¯s the Grand Duke, Lionel Blanc¡­ ¡°We don¡¯t like to say things twice.¡± ¡°If it¡¯s the Grand Duke, Lionel Blanc, then it¡¯s the Grand Duchy of Blanc¡¯s¡­?¡± ¡°The only Grand Ducal family that¡¯s officially recognised by the Imperial Family of Thessalia, is the Blanc family.¡± She was aware of that too. Lionel Blanc, the ruler of the Grand Duchy of Blanc that protects the Northern border, was a man famed for being a cold-blooded tyrant. She had heard of the incident where he killed his parents and the family¡¯s vassals in order to ascend to the position of Grand Duke quickly. An ironic thing was that the Grand Duchy functioned quite well, despite Lionel¡¯s unscrupulous behaviour. No, it¡¯s not at the level where it¡¯s functioning well¡­ Ever since he took over the reins, the Grand Duchy of Blanc had become a place that was incomparably wealthy with a mighty military than it was before. ¡°What¡¯s the reason?¡± ¡°¡­There isn¡¯t a need for you to know about that. All you have to do is carry out Our orders.¡± ¡°And if I refuse?¡± ¡°You¡¯ll die here instead of the Grand Duke.¡± The Emperor gave a bloodthirsty smile as he recited threatening lines. As Atalante gave a similar smile in return, her brain started working. Although she was confident that she wouldn¡¯t lose when it came to fighting, it was clear that killing Lionel Blanc wouldn¡¯t be so simple. If the rumours about him were true, he would be as strong as her, and was a thorough man. ¡°What¡¯s the reward if I succeed?¡± The Emperor frowned when her clear question entered his ears. Atalante provoked him by saying that although it didn¡¯t seem that way, she didn¡¯t just complete any request. As it was an unwilling commission, she planned on making a decision after she heard what the Emperor would give her. ¡°I¡¯ll give you a decent fief on the outskirts of the capital.¡± ¡°¡­A fief?¡± ¡°You can¡¯t be committing evil deeds for your entire life, can you? A fief and the status of it¡¯s lordship will be yours. It means that We will support you and your members, so that they can lead a peaceful life.¡± ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? Chapter 3 ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? Five days¡¯ worth of entertainment. Orphans without citizenship, like her, couldn¡¯t buy proper land. This was because merchants were reluctant to engage in trade with them, even if they could pay for the amount. If the Emperor kept his word and bestowed upon her land, she could definitely make a living with the money that was accumulated up until now. Whether it¡¯s farming or homemade handicrafts, at the very least they wouldn¡¯t have to do nasty deeds in order to eat¡­ it was a good deal. She could live quietly with her family. ¡°There¡¯s land that¡¯s owned by the Imperial Family in the countryside that¡¯s untouched by Argo¡¯s notoriety. How about starting a new life there?¡± ¡°Even all of my past¡­It means that it can be covered up.¡± It was a tempting proposal that exceeded her expectations. However, the problem lies in that the risks increased with such an attractive reward. With a determined expression, Atalante weighed her own life against a happy future. As the emperor looked at her, he smiled deeply. ¡°Will you do it?¡± Her life that she could lose at any time, and a new place to call home as a reward. She couldn¡¯t have both, so it¡¯s the right thing to choose the side that she¡¯ll regret losing more. It didn¡¯t take her long to make her decision, and Atalante nodded slowly. ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? ¡°Atalante, time to go to work!¡± At Argo¡¯s deputy head, Yuffie¡¯s call, Atalante stopped cleaning her revolver and checked the time. As Atalante rose from her seat, she patted him on his dark gray hair a couple of times, like she was treating him as a child. As soon as her hand touched him, Yuffie beamed. It was a smile that didn¡¯t seem compatible with his large size. ¡°The Grand Duchy of Blanc? You¡¯re going there, right?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right, you¡¯ve remembered it clearly.¡± She explained how far the Grand Duchy¡¯s territory was from here again, but Yuffie didn¡¯t seem to understand, and just blinked. Smiling, she tilted her head to the side as she asked. ¡°I¡¯m about to change, are you going to keep staying there?¡± As Yuffie seemed to be ruminating over her words, his face turned red instantly as he opened his mouth. ¡°I¡¯m¨C I¡¯m sorry, I¡¯m sorry!¡± As Atalante watched the way he ran out of the room as if he were doing a forward roll, she couldn¡¯t help but laugh. While Yuffie was slow-witted, he was a funny kid. Taking off her murky coloured shirt and pants, Atalante took out the casual dress that was sent by Emperor Kaiser. Although she has yet to try it on, the dress that revealed her figure gracefully seemed uncomfortable at first glance. It made her wonder why she had to wear such a thing. ¡®Would people be dressing in even more exaggerated dresses than this at balls or banquets? It¡¯s not easy to maintain an aristocrat¡¯s dignity.¡¯ A small firearm was holstered in the thigh belt that Atalante was accustomed to wearing, and she wore an elegant navy dress over it. In about a week from today, she will play the role of a Young Lady from a County that was invited to the Grand Duchy¡¯s regular meeting. On the night the regular meeting ended, she had planned to become an heartless assassin. It was the first time she was wearing a dress in her life, and it felt awkward. She needed to make sure that she was wearing it properly. ¡°Yuffie! Devon! Jenna! Come here and look at me.¡± Argo¡¯s executives appeared in the order their names were called. ¡°You¨C you¡¯re the best!¡± ¡°¡­Don¡¯t call me for nothing. So troublesome.¡± ¡°Pretty, pretty. Atalante, you look like a noble young lady!¡± Although the three answers were different, their conclusion was the same. Without special decorations or simple makeup, Atalante looked remarkably beautiful in the neat-looking dress. Although Jenna¡¯s description, ¡®like a noble young lady¡¯ was a little irritating, she did not necessarily have to point out her friend¡¯s slip of the tongue. ¡°¡­Are you really going alone? What kind of a wonderful request is it that you¡¯re not even telling us about it.¡± Devon, Argo¡¯s executive and weapon maker, muttered as he messed up his brown hair annoyedly. Upon hearing that, his twin sister Jenna responded sharply, ¡°What would you do if you were aware?¡± ¡°Why is the relationship between you siblings so unpleasant? It¡¯s your one and only blood relative.¡± When Atalante spoke with a sigh, the two shouted at the same time, as they had agreed to do so. ¡°I know how annoying it is to be born on the same day as that¡­!¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know, but if you two fight in front of me one more time, I¡¯ll make you both share a room.¡± Only after they heard her warning, did Jenna and Devon stop staring at each other. If they had to share a room, one of the two might end up dead the next day. ¡°Don¡¯t let your guard down until I return. You have to be wary of the other organisations.¡± ¡°But since this time it¡¯s a long-distance business trip, the reward will be good, right? I freaked out while settling the accounts last month. Those nouveau riche commoners treat us like cheaply-priced errand runners.¡± ¡°Jenna.¡± Knowing what kind of words she would continue with, Atalante looked at Jenna with a subdued gaze, but she didn¡¯t stop talking. ¡°No, honestly, isn¡¯t it like that? Why don¡¯t you accept the requests of some aristocrats while you¡¯re at it? We might have to do something much dirtier than what you¡¯re doing now, but the pay is still accept¨C¡± ¡°Hey.¡± Atalante took out the firearm that was hidden by her thigh instantly and accurately pointed it at Jenna¡¯s forehead. Even though she knew that Atalante wouldn¡¯t shoot, Jenna trembled unwittingly due to Atalante¡¯s unique murderous spirit. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, boss.¡± ¡°Watch your mouth. Did you forget what the nobles have done to commoners like us?¡± ¡°¡­I was just saying, I¡¯m sorry.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t say that, not even jokingly. I want to be with you for a long time.¡± It was spoken softly, but it was a perfect threat. When Jenna nodded slowly, Atalante smiled and replaced the gun. ¡°I¡¯ll be back, so take care of this place.¡± ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? Atalante had never rode in a carriage before. The reason why she didn¡¯t buy a carriage was because she didn¡¯t need it, rather than because the price was hundreds of thousands. It was because riding a horse was much faster. It seems like the more expensive ones were better. Atalante stared blankly at the large four-wheeled carriage in front of her for a moment. As she admired the carriage momentarily, a white-gloved hand appeared in front of her. It was the Young Lord of Sera County, who would be playing the role of Atalante¡¯s older brother from today onwards. His face crumpled, as if he had seen something dirty. ¡°I can board it alone.¡± Atalante, who gave a light answer, climbed onto the fairly high carriage quickly. The Young Lord of Sera County, Pietro¡¯s forehead narrowed even further at the undignified gesture that was devoid of aristocratic elegance. ¡°What were you thinking, Your Majesty?¡± Pietro, who had clicked his tongue loudly, sat himself at the opposite side, in a seat that¡¯s furthest away from her. The noble and aristocratic Young Lord was probably very annoyed at having to be in the same carriage as a girl of lowly birth for a long period of time. ¡°You look pretty decent in a dress¡­¡± Pietro pretended to stare out the window, secretly glancing at Atalante. It was his first time seeing the ¡®small villain¡¯, who was notorious amongst aristocrats. Perhaps it was because she was amazed by the carriage, she couldn¡¯t take her eyes off the scenery of the other window. Thanks to that, he was able to peek at Atalante¡¯s face through her reflection in the window as much as he wanted. The pale skin that seemed to have never seen the sunlight before was in perfect harmony with her mysterious eyes. Her hair, which was left loose without any special decoration, had a slightly darker colour than Pietro¡¯s red hair. ¡°Hey.¡± Unknowingly, Pietro¡¯s curiosity grew and he called her in a voice that was clearly looking down on her. He couldn¡¯t believe that such a small girl was Argo¡¯s boss when he faced her in person. Pietro was convinced that Atalante was just a figurehead, and the actual boss of Argo was someone else. ¡°I heard that you have a big tattoo on your back. Why don¡¯t you show it to me?¡± It took at least five days by carriage to get to Blanc¡¯s territory. When he received the Emperor¡¯s order to move with Atalante, it was so preposterous that it left him speechless. The Emperor had even asked her to disguise herself as his sister. It was unfortunate that he didn¡¯t hear the reason. Until a few minutes ago, his anger was practically pulling on his neck, but the sight of Atalante¡¯s face made his anger subside like it was a lie, and in its place was vivid desire. The carriage that His Majesty had bestowed to him personally was wider, more comfortable, and had better soundproofing than any of the other carriages in Sera¡¯s mansion. If he coaxed her a little, she¡¯d be pretty good entertainment for five days. ¡°I don¡¯t want to.¡± However, the words that appeared from her rosy lips were completely unexpected. As Pietro blinked while ruminating on Atalante¡¯s words, soon shouted back. ¡°How dare a commoner like you speak informally to me, a noble! Have you gone crazy?¡± ¡°Look at who¡¯s talking. How dare a Young Lord of a County call me, the boss of Argo, with ¡®hey¡¯? Have you gone crazy?¡± Atalante, who had crossed her legs without his notice, was looking at him with subdued eyes. A commoner looking at him with rebellious eyes like that¡­ so far, there hasn¡¯t been a single one. ¡°Speaking of which¡­ Did you plan to do a little something to me?¡± She continued to speak in a pathetic tone. ¡°Pietro Sera. Like father, like son, you resemble your father completely in his ugly ways.¡± ¡°Wha¨C what? ¡°You¡¯re aware that your father had lost something very precious, right?¡± ¡°¡­How do you?¡± Even now, Pietro still vividly remembers the day when the mansion was turned upside down with the sound of his father¡¯s scream. When he thought of his father, who lay on the ground bleeding, his legs would start shaking for no reason. Atalante answered his question with a gentle smile. ¡°Because I was the one that did that.¡± ¡°If you got it, don¡¯t mess with me,¡± after adding those words, she turned back to the window. But Pietro didn¡¯t turn meek at that sentence, and the words flew past him instead. ¡°How, how dare you, to Father¡­!¡± As Pietro turned as red as his hair, rushed at her angrily. He reached out to grab Atalante¡¯s hair, but she was a little, no, she was much faster. ¡°If that was so precious, he should have looked after it properly. Why did he touch a commoner girl that even has a fiance?¡± He wanted to ask what that meant, but Atalante caught him by the neck instantly, and all he could hear was a cracking sound. It was fortunate that he was in the carriage. If it occurred outside, his body would have already been floating a few centimetres in the air. ¡°Was it a journey of about five days to get to the Blanc territory?¡± Without letting go of his neck, Atalante asked in a voice filled with amusement. When fear appeared in Pietro¡¯s eyes vividly, her smile deepened and she continued speaking. ¡°You¡¯d be perfect entertainment for five days.¡± ¡®That¡¯s what I was going to say¡­¡¯ Whether it was due to lack of oxygen or out of fear, at the end of that sentence, Pietro¡¯s face turned irreversibly white. ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? Chapter 4 ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? That¡¯s right. You¡¯re crazy. Exactly the sixth day after departing from the capital, a black carriage with the emblem of the Imperial Family arrived at Blanc Castle. Although it was a little shocking that they came here without an escort, the competent servants confirmed the siblings¡¯ identity without asking about their personal circumstances. ¡°Are you the Young Lord Pietro Sera and Young Lady Milvia Sera, from the County of Sera?¡± The man that descended from the carriage first nodded with a haggard face. Although he should have stayed at the high-class hotel provided by the Blanc family, perhaps he did not have much stamina, and as such he seemed tired beyond description, with a face that looked like he was on the verge of death. ¡°Boss¡­no, Milvia, would¡ªwould you like to take my hand and get off? No, do you want to get off?¡± ¡°Thank you, brother.¡± The clear voice of a woman resounded through his usage of odd honorifics and gibberish. The younger sister that descended with Pietro¡¯s escort had a bright face, differing from her deeply contemplative brother, causing her to seem even more radiant. ¡°The two of you seem to share a close relationship, even people that are watching you both would feel content.¡± Pietro hardened at the idle remark, but unfortunately it went unnoticed. While thinking that Young Lady Milvia¡¯s beauty was much more outstanding than rumoured, the servant guided the siblings of the County of Sera to the interior of Blanc Castle. ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? The schedule at the Blanc territory went by very smoothly. While Pietro participated in the regular meeting, Atalante got her weapons ready while secluding herself in a luxurious room. Pietro was a rarity amongst noble sons that¡¯s quite obedient. Perhaps the five days of mental training helped as he served Atalante politely. It was clear that with this education, he would at least not do anything useless like his father. Today was the last day of the seven-day regular meeting, so it was the day where the closing ceremony and banquet was held. Originally, only the vassal families of the Grand Duchy were allowed to participate in the Blanc¡¯s regular meeting, but the siblings of the Sera family, who usually had friendly relations with the Grand Duchy, were lucky to be invited while studying abroad for a short period. Therefore, Blanc¡¯s noble ladies had extended several invitations to Milvia for tea parties. As the fake Milvia didn¡¯t want to stir the hornet¡¯s nest, Atalante did not come out of the room at all under the pretext of traveller¡¯s diarrhea. ¡®Is it finally today?¡¯ As Atalante looked at the sharp dagger, her eyes darkened. Although it was not her first or second assassination request, the discomfort and disgust accumulated each time, let alone her getting used to it. Of course, Atalante felt most disgusted with herself. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Grand Duke. After this, I won¡¯t do anything bad again¡­¡± After apologising to her target in advance, Atalante began doing push-ups in a chemise. No matter what, her opponent was the Grand Duke of Blanc. Perhaps he would have an even higher fighting capacity than her, so it wasn¡¯t bad for her to prepare thoroughly. From what she had heard from Pietro, there was a feeling of intense pressure around Lionel Blanc, even from a distance. ¡°It was scarier than His Majesty! It¡¯s true!¡± It¡¯s regrettable but Lionel Blanc is two years younger than Pietro Sera. However, age and bloodthirstiness were two separate matters, and Pietro talked endlessly about how scary the grand duke was everyday. Oh, amongst the lines that he kept chattering on about, there was a line that was particularly impressive. ¡°Kill.¡± When the various disputes that took place within the territory were reported, or when he was asked how he would punish the officials that had committed unlawful acts, no matter what kind of question was asked, the Grand Duke would say, ¡°Kill.¡± These syllables seemed to be the Grand Duke¡¯s speaking habit. ¡®Although there are occasional problems that can only be solved when someone dies, there isn¡¯t a need to kill them all.¡¯ Perhaps she was thinking that way because she was someone that deserved to die. As Atalante gave a self-mocking smile, she buried her face in the soft bedding. Pietro and his sister will be returning to the Empire before the banquet begins. It was arranged that in three hours, a messenger will arrive to inform them that something big has happened in the County. Of course, nothing big had actually happened. It was all to create an alibi for their absence. ¡°Pietro would probably feel regret at the fact that he couldn¡¯t participate in the banquet.¡± Apparently the people of the Grand Duchy were generous enough to offset the shortcomings of their barren land and fiercely chilly climate. If the rumours were true, the banquet would definitely be spectacular and on a large scale. Sadly, tonight, Atalante would be taking away the life of their ruler. As she tried her best to make the eyes of the villain, she grabbed her fixed dagger. Apart from making the country rich, he was also a tyrant that disregarded the significance of the lives of others. Perhaps someone would be pleased with his death, but Atalante tried her best to turn a blind eye to the guilt that was tightening around her neck. ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? Dressed from head to toe in black, Atalante, who was wearing a mask, was like a part of the night. After finishing her preparations, she burned the navy dress given by the Emperor without any regrets. The banquet was finally ending, and the pleasant laughter that resounded from the castle slowly came to a halt. Fortunately, there has not been any contact from the organisation over the past week. Atalante sighed with relief because the no news was good news. Although there would always be major and minor disputes over turfs, there wasn¡¯t a need to worry as Yuffie could take care of the small fry by himself. ¡°You, no¡­ Miss Atalante, where are you going?¡± That was a question asked by Pietro to Atalante, as she opened the door of the running carriage. Perhaps out of worry for the villain¡¯s safety, his forehead was filled with creases. It seemed like Pietro was, dare she say it, more warmhearted than most noblemen were. As expected, the Emperor had clearly kept the plan to assassinate the Grand Duke from him. Since she was told to keep it a secret from Argo, the organisation, how should she respond? ¡°As you know, if the Grand Duke was assassinated, the Grand Duchy of Blanc will not quietly move on. The more secretive this request is, the better that fewer people are aware of it.¡± While the Emperor was not satisfied, he agreed with her. If she informed her members about the contents of the request and failed, they would also have to surrender their lives in exchange for their silence. ¡®I will take on all the responsibility. No matter what, I will protect my family.¡¯ As Atalante once again simulated how she was going to assassinate him in her head, she stepped forward to locate a secret passage leading into Blanc Castle. A small store on the outskirts of the castle. Even if a thief came along, it seemed like there was nothing of value to steal from the shabby store. Amidst it, a small hole that could barely fit a person appeared when she pushed an inconspicuous old bookshelf. ¡®Who would have imagined that this hole would connect to the bedroom of the Grand Duke of Blanc.¡¯ It seems like the Emperor¡¯s ability to gather information cannot be underestimated. However¡­ It was slightly uncomfortable. No matter how much the roots of the Blanc family were connected to the Thessalia Imperial Family, the Grand Duchy was definitely a different country from the Empire. Although it was suspicious that he knew about the secret passages of another country, it was none of Atalante¡¯s concern. As long as she could safely enter his bedroom and complete the request, nothing else mattered. As she walked along the route that emitted a foul odour, she could feel a faint breeze. She approached the end of the passage while holding her breath even more. After confirming that there were no signs of movement, Atalante slowly lifted the ceiling that appeared to be the exit. ¡®Ugh, the smell of alcohol¡­¡¯ As she pulled herself out of the passageway, the pungent scent of alcohol wafted to her nose. As Atalante carefully covered the hole, she glanced at her surroundings. She spotted a large bed, wide enough for five adults to roll around. It seemed like someone was lying in bed. As Atalante raised herself up halfway and looked at the silhouette sprawled on the bed carefully. It was a man, who had brilliant silver hair that was randomly splayed out, shifting with the light sound of breathing. The pungent scent of alcohol disgusted her, but somehow, the alcohol scent within the room seemed to fade every time he exhaled. He should have been the reason behind the scent of alcohol though. ¡®He¡¯s handsome, as mentioned in the rumours. Losing a man who looks like this was probably a national loss. Oh, it is a national loss as he¡¯s the ruler.¡¯ During Atalante¡¯s first meeting with Lionel, she realised that his nickname of being the sun god appearing in the flesh wasn¡¯t an exaggeration. How can a drunken face look so handsome? She was almost mesmerised by his shocking beauty, but she managed to recall her original purpose for coming here with difficulty. As Atalante took out her hidden knife, sky-blue eyes and iris coloured eyes met. Damn it, why did he have to open his eyes now? ¡°Who¡­¡± Before he could question the intruder¡¯s identity with half-opened eyes, Atalante stabbed at his heart with quick movements. It was done accurately and with agile technique. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Grand Duke.¡± ¡®But I¡¯ll let you go painlessly.¡¯ As Atalante spoke cruel words in a gentle tone, quickly grabbed the knife and stabbed at the vital point again. ¡°Haah¡­¡± As Lionel let out a scratchy low groan, his forehead was distorted by pain. Before she knew it, Atalante climbed on top of him, and daringly covered the noble Grand Duke¡¯s mouth. ¡°¡­You¡¯re tough.¡± As his beautiful face crumpled, the corner of Atalante¡¯s mouth twisted painfully. After giving a little more strength to the hand that¡¯s holding the knife, blood that resembled the colour of her hair poured out of Lionel¡¯s mouth. As the Grand Duke stared at the unknown assassin with eyes not comprehending the reason, it slowly closed. When his irregular breathing stopped, Atalante quickly confirmed whether he was alive with gloved hands. ¡°He died¡­¡± She had perfectly completed His Majesty the Emperor¡¯s request, but as expected, she did not find it pleasant at all. His cooling body and the deep blue moonlight together in one frame was like a painting. ¡°Haha, I¡¯m also¡­ crazy.¡± It was really terrible of her to sit down and appreciate the man that she had killed. Was it because it ended too easily than she had anticipated? She felt uncomfortable for no reason. Atalante stared blankly at the white sheets slowly turning red, before shaking her head lightly. After she organised her escape route again, she bit the end of the blood-soaked gloves with her teeth. She wasn¡¯t clumsy enough to leave traces of her behind. After Atalante tucked the gloves away, just as she lowered her head to open the door to the secret passageway, a cold and hard object touched her neck. ¡°That¡¯s right. You¡¯re crazy.¡± It didn¡¯t take long for her to realise that a knife was touching her neck. However, the voice that asked for her identity was so¡­ It was peculiar. But, there¡¯s no way a dead person can talk¡­ ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? Chapter 5 ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? A man who never dies. ¡°Tell me, who sent you here?¡± Atalante slowly turned her head towards the voice pressing her for answers. As soon as she turned around, Lionel Blanc stood there wiping the blood off his mouth with the knife in his hand aimed at her. ¡°Speak.¡± He seemed to be used to such situations, as he began interrogating her with a languid face. Atalante¡¯s pupils shook constantly. As she peered towards the bed slightly, only red traces remained, but the man that was supposed to be lying there was gone. ¡°What¡¯s this¡­¡± ¡°You seem to have made your preparations to kill me diligently, but it turned out to be a shame.¡± A hint of laughter could even be detected in his voice. Based on the traces of his bed and his ruined attire, she had definitely stabbed Lionel in the heart. He had definitely stopped breathing. ¡°If you¡¯re not going to answer, I¡¯ll just kill you.¡± As Lionel notified her of her imminent death with a mellow tone, Atalante took out the dagger she used to stab him. She struck his long sword with all her might, but it was her dagger that broke instead. The dagger that Devon had made with painstaking effort could not have broken so easily. ¡°You¡¯re quite strong, aren¡¯t you?¡± Lionel¡¯s face brightened as he found something amusing. As Atalante identified the madness in his eyes, she pulled out the pistol fixed by her thigh instead of shaking in her spot. ¡°Don¡¯t come over.¡± As he has yet to discover her true identity, all she had to do was to get out of there at all costs. Fleeing was something that¡¯s very familiar to Atalante. ¡°But even if I run away¡­ Can she survive? What about her members?¡± She could feel the hand holding the gun shaking slightly. From the looks of things, Lionel didn¡¯t seem to be afraid of bullets, as he pushed the barrel of the gun away with the blue edge of his sword. ¡°Why me?¡± He approached Atalante with a deep smile that matched well his gorgeous face. He slowly walked step by step, as if he found it fun to watch her eyes slowly be consumed with despair. A gun could instil within enemies fear that amounts to more than ten soldiers with knives. However, this crazy Grand Duke didn¡¯t seem to be afraid of bullets that might pierce his heart at all. Atalante, who loaded the gun properly, snarled out a warning. ¡°I¡¯m really going to shoot!¡± A loud noise would be created the moment she shoots, and his servants and knights will flock over. She couldn¡¯t even guess how many people were in this large castle. ¡®When others come, my chances of getting out of here would become pretty slim¡­¡¯ She had thought of her escape route after killing him, but no matter what, it didn¡¯t seem like she could get out of here safely. This was because the Grand Duke that she thought she had killed was alive. ¡°How on earth¡­ are you still alive?¡± Although it was asked in a subdued voice, she didn¡¯t get an answer from the Grand Duke. Although she wanted to return alive, it seems that the cruel god had planned to hold Atalante responsible for her sins here today. Perhaps he noticed that the assassin before him was afraid, the cruel smile by the corner of the Grand Duke¡¯s mouth slowly grew deeper. As Lionel suddenly appeared before her, he lifted her chin with the tip of his knife. A fine sounding voice soon came out through his bright red lips. ¡°Why¡¯re you shaking when you¡¯re the one that crawled in here to kill me? You¡¯re not just arrogant, but shameless as well.¡± ¡°I may be arrogant and shameless, but I¡¯m not nervous.¡± ¡°You¡¯re good at lying, too.¡± The Grand Duke praised her for her perfect qualities as an assassin. No matter how she thought about it, using the gun here was too risky. She scanned through the Grand Duke¡¯s room, but she couldn¡¯t spot anything suitable as a weapon. At that moment, the gun separated without a sound. To be more precise, it broke in Lionel¡¯s hand. ¡°I don¡¯t want to wake others up so late in the night.¡± ¡°H¡ªhow¡­!¡± ¡°I don¡¯t like guns. They¡¯re too loud.¡± How relaxed the Grand Duke was that he talked about his taste in weapons without being prompted. But she didn¡¯t have the presence of mind to respond to that. After losing her weapon in an instant, she stared at him in a daze. She tried to take out the other hidden dagger, but was stopped by the Grand Duke¡¯s hand. The emotion that rose onto the face of the Grand Duke, who had broken to pieces or thrown away the weapon that she took out, was delight, surprisingly. ¡°Haha. Weapons keep emerging.¡± As a last resort, she swung her foot to avoid his sword, but the poor foot was caught by a large hand. Lionel threw Atalante onto the bed with the ankle he was holding. The bed was clearly of the finest quality, as it cushioned her without making a single sound. It was quite an unpleasant experience, lying in a blood-soaked bed. Lionel removed the mask from her head, and discovered a colour similar to the blood that dyed the bedsheets red spilling out. As the moonlight revealed the assassin¡¯s mysterious eyes, the Grand Duke moved his soft lips and threw a joke. ¡°I¡¯d never imagined that the first woman to lie in this bed would be an assassin.¡± Who said he was a tyrant, he¡¯s a complete madman. Even as she glared at the clear blue eyes, this time, the Grand Duke didn¡¯t seem to be intimidated either. ¡°It was pretty interesting this time. I¡¯m curious about your name, but you¡¯ll die anyway.¡± Hearing her name would be meaningless. The Grand Duke reached out a hand with prominent joints from his crouched position and held Atalante¡¯s neck. ¡®Was he not going to cut using a knife?¡¯ Unlike her, who tried to give him a quick death, Lionel didn¡¯t seem to have any intention of giving the assassin that broke into his room a nice death. ¡®I have to kill this man no matter what. That way, the other members¡­!¡¯ In a situation where her life was at stake, the only thought in Atalante¡¯s mind was carrying out the request. A small territory on the outskirts, family members who live without getting their hands dirty. A dream-like future was just around the corner, she couldn¡¯t let it end in vain like this. As she looked about urgently, an item that she had forgotten about came to Atalante¡¯s mind. ¡°The name of this medicine is ¡®Rest¡¯. It¡¯s a medicine that will make one stop breathing as if they¡¯re falling asleep.¡± The blond noblewoman that handed over the cruel yet romantic poison with trembling hands came to mind. She wore it around her neck, planning to use it in a situation where she had to take her own life. She wasn¡¯t in a position to be picky. As the hand of the Grand Duke holding her neck began to use strength, Atalante pulled on the string hanging from her neck and poured all of the poison into her mouth. Perhaps he was surprised by her unexpected behaviour, the force pressing on her neck loosened slightly. Without missing that momentary opening, Atalante climbed above the Grand Duke instantly. ¡°What are you planning to do again¡­¡± Lionel couldn¡¯t finish his sentence, as the assassins had pressed on his lips immediately. Before he could feel surprised by the fact that their lips were touching, hot liquid flooded into his mouth. Under the thoughtful influence of her tongue, Lionel drank all the poison that Atalante gave him. ¡°Spit.¡± Atalante spit all the poison in her mouth out as soon as she removed her lips, worried that the medicine might fall down her throat. ¡°What did you feed me¡­¡± The way he threatened her with a dangerous aura disappeared, as the eyes of the Grand Duke closed unknowingly while muttering in a small voice. That Young Lady¡¯s words were the truth. He really stopped breathing, as if he was really asleep. As she looked at the eyelashes that were denser than her¡¯s, Atalante chose to catch her breath. The throat that was grabbed by him felt hot and numb, and she somehow injured her leg as blood trickled downwards. It should be considered quite good if she had only suffered this amount of injuries while trying to assassinate the Grand Duke of Blanc. As Atalante approached the secret passageway while limping, she seemed to have remembered something, and stopped in her tracks. ¡®I¡¯ve left too many of my traces behind¡­¡¯ It wasn¡¯t just the scent of her body. Due to the scuffle with the Grand Duke, there were many remnants of her hair and bodily fluids. The broken shards of her weapon were also enough for her to be caught red handed. The edges of her eyes reddened. ¡®D*mn it, what should I do now?¡¯ Even if the Emperor helped her, the officials of the Grand Duchy definitely wouldn¡¯t let her go. As she stared at the man that¡¯s as white as an angel with eyes filled with desperation, the deep voice of the Emperor rang by Atalante¡¯s ear. ¡°Even if you die, I will guarantee the future of all of your members, as long as you dispose of the Grand Duke perfectly.¡± ¡°How am I supposed to believe that?¡± ¡°I swear, in the name of Thessalia.¡± Gaia Thessalia, the founder of the Imperial Family of Thessalia, was a competent wizard. After becoming the new ruler of the Empire, he created the ¡®Oath of Thessalia¡¯ in order to gain trust as the new Emperor. If the members of the Imperial Family made an oath under Thessalia¡¯s name, they had to keep their word no matter what. It was impossible to lie, as the magic of the covenant would be activated the moment such words leave their mouth. ¡°If I die¡­The Emperor will take care of everything on my behalf. He had made an oath guaranteeing the lives of my family, under the name of Thessalia.¡¯ As long as that oath was kept, Atalante would willingly give up her life. Atalante picked up Lionel¡¯s sword that fell onto the floor and looked at it with the moonlight. Perhaps because it was a great sword, under the moonlight, the long sword reflected a blue light as bright as Lionel¡¯s eyes. As she was a low-born, she lived a life on the edge of humanity while being unable to protect anything precious. However, she was confident that she could live several lives over if she could live like those men that didn¡¯t know their life¡¯s worth. As Atalante aimed the sword at herself, she turned her head slowly to look at Lionel. He was like her, living after taking away countless lives. Perhaps it was because she could oddly relate with him, she felt sorry for the Grand Duke, as he lay under the solitary moonlight. ¡°Did you have fun living like that?¡± Naturally, no answer came from the dead. How was she able to breathe before? Not only that, the Grand Duke had even overpowered her. But this time he had died perfectly. ¡°Let¡¯s meet in hell, Grand Duke Blanc.¡± No matter what, our sins would not be washed away even with our deaths. With a refreshed expression, Atalante was about to stab herself through the chest. Just as the sharp edge of the sword was about to cut her flesh, a firm hand emanating an unfamiliar warmth grabbed Atalante¡¯s wrist hurriedly. ¡°What, what are you doing!¡± It was none other than Lionel who stopped that moment from being her last. At this rate, she felt more annoyed than surprised. Does this man have many lives? Or was it that he had many hidden twin brothers? ¡°How are you alive again¡­¡± Even before the dejected reprimand squeezed out of her mouth, he hurriedly took the sword from her and threw it onto the floor with an expression of surprise. ¡°You, why do you have such an expression?¡± She couldn¡¯t help but open her lips and ask. It was because the Grand Duke of Blanc who had revived again, had a completely different expression from when he was making fun of Atalante viciously a few moments prior. From the lively blue pupils to the delicately flushed cheeks. Atalante was seized with panic at the villain¡¯s unfamiliar face. It¡¯s ridiculous, but his face was¡­ like someone that had fallen in love. ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? Chapter 6 ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? Please marry me. ¡°Is my expression weird? No, more than that¡­¡± He was very much unlike himself, stuttering restlessly. Why was he suddenly speaking with honorifics? As Atalante didn¡¯t understand the situation, she didn¡¯t relax her guard, but instead observed Lionel¡¯s red face. What¡¯s wrong with him? He died and came back to life twice. Am I crazy? ¡°More than that, what?¡± Her entire plan was ruined, making her extremely annoyed. She couldn¡¯t focus on anything anymore, be it the Emperor¡¯s request or the faces of her members. The only thing that filled Atalante¡¯s mind was something she wanted to say to the Grand Duke. ¡®Ah, won¡¯t you just die!¡¯ Atalante stared at the Grand Duke, who was at a loss with an aghast expression. Unlike the first impression that he gave off that he wouldn¡¯t bleed even if he was stabbed, his face was full of gaps. [T/N: ¡®full of gaps¡¯ as in you can tell what he¡¯s thinking from his expression] Without even realising her thoughts, the Grand Duke stared at Atalante as if he was looking at the loveliest thing in the world with a blushing face. She was embarrassed by his pure-looking eyes, which were devoid of lewd desire. Has anyone ever looked at her with that kind of gaze? Her heart lurched at the gaze that didn¡¯t fit the tyrant at all. ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡± As soon as she heard the lines spoken by Lionel, Atalante sank to the ground where she stood with a thud. With excellent reflexes, Lionel held her by her shoulders and called loudly. ¡°Are you alright? D*mn it, Paul! Bring a doctor right now! Paul!¡± Atalante could only look at him with her mouth wide open at the Grand Duke¡¯s abnormal behaviour. Was this a new method of his to trap her? Even so, Lionel¡¯s actions soon after were quite strange. To be exact, it was sweet. It wasn¡¯t enough to hold her by the shoulders, the Grand Duke had even treated Atalante like he was dealing with a precious lover¡­ and lifted her into his arms. ¡°Wait, what are you doing¡­!¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry. The servants are running late. I¡¯ll take you to the doctor right away.¡± ¡°Have you gone crazy? I think you¡¯re the one that needs a doctor.¡± As Atalante was held in Lionel¡¯s firm arms, she had forgotten even his identity and spoke rudely. ¡°¡­Gone crazy? Yes, that seems to be the case.¡± It¡¯s fortunate that he seems to be aware of his own condition. The young manservant that arrived in the Grand Duke¡¯s room, Paul, alternately looked at the messy room and the room¡¯s owner with a look of astonishment. The last place his gaze landed on was the crimson haired lady being held by his master. The problem was that her outfit was unusual, as black clothing with dark red marks everywhere were clothing worn by assassins. Before Paul could ask for her identity, the voice of the Grand Duke, who was speaking in a dreamy voice, floated to his ears. ¡°I think I¡¯m smitten with you. I¡¯ve never felt this way before.¡± The Grand Duke didn¡¯t even pay attention to Paul, who ran over late at night due to his yelling. His gaze was only directed towards the woman in his arms, Atalante. The burning and ardent gaze aimed at her made her feel like throwing up. ¡®What¨C what the heck was that¡­!¡¯ It was surprising that his master was embracing a woman in his room at this moment, but the words that just left his mouth were even more shocking. It wasn¡¯t that he wanted to kill her, but he fell in love with her? The Grand Duke was, without a doubt, someone that wouldn¡¯t say such sweet nothings towards a woman. ¡°What are you doing? Where¡¯s the doctor?¡± ¡°Your Highness¡­ What in the world¡­! Who is that girl?¡­.¡± As he had too many questions, he could only ramble. And that action of his was enough to rub the Grand Duke¡¯s the wrong way. ¡°Paul, have you gone deaf? I told you to bring a doctor.¡± Like the amiable gaze he had given towards Atalante was a lie, Lionel bared his teeth towards Poe, who had stiffened into a hard stone. Only at the sound of his reprimand, did Paul leave hurriedly to call for a doctor. As Atalante was being carried to a guest room by the Grand Duke, she still couldn¡¯t grasp the situation she was in. Her guess was that there was something seriously wrong with the poison that he was fed earlier. ¡®Young Lady Evita, this poison¡­ Was it a medicine to contract a mental illness?¡¯ She called out for the name of the Young Lady that gave her the medicine, but there was no reply. ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? The doctor that diagnosed that there was nothing wrong with Atalante could only leave the mansion after being slapped by Lionel. It was still vivid in her mind how the Grand Duke yelled at his physician with a menacing expression. ¡°The lady¡¯s strength was drained from her legs, and she suddenly collapsed to the ground. What if she can never walk again? If you don¡¯t diagnose her properly, your neck is going to fly.¡± His groundless conclusion eventually forced the doctor to create a disease that didn¡¯t exist. What was it called again? Plonk syndrome? It¡¯s a chronic illness that will cause leg strength to weaken when the patient is too surprised. Atalante, who was suddenly suffering from a chronic disease, was forcibly placed in the second largest room in the castle after the Grand Duke¡¯s bedroom, the study. This was also the result of Paul¡¯s long and desperate dissuasion against Lionel bringing her back to his bedroom. While the Grand Duke was outraged, saying how he could serve Atalante in such a shabby room, Paul was unyielding. ¡°Your Highness! There¡¯s a distinction between men and women, what are you saying now? What if a strange rumour about Your Highness, who has yet to marry, arises?¡± It was the first time Atalante witnessed a fully grown male imploring while grabbing onto another¡¯s pants. That appearance was much more desperate than she had imagined, making her feel sorry for him. ¡°All of you, leave. The lady is uncomfortable.¡± ¡®You¡¯re the one that¡¯s making me most uncomfortable¡­?¡¯ But the wilful Grand Duke kicked all the servants out of the room without caring about her thoughts at all. During that short period of time, a small incident occurred, and the eyes of the servant Paul, who had looked at Atalante doubtfully, had almost lost his eyes to the Grand Duke¡¯s hand. ¡°Even if it¡¯s uncomfortable because this place is too narrow, please be understanding.¡± This room is considered small? Atalante¡¯s brows furrowed at his nonsensical words. It¡¯s regrettable, but the size of this room was similar to the total floor space of the three-story hideout. Far from being narrow, it was spacious to the point of bewilderment. ¡°I was extremely rude when we had first met earlier. I¡¯m clumsy when dealing with people of the opposite sex, and it seems that I have acted discourteously. Will you forgive me?¡± Normally, people wouldn¡¯t strange others just because they¡¯re clumsy when dealing with people of the opposite sex. Just as Atalante was about to speak pointedly, she realised that she was the one that tried to kill him first, before closing her mouth and remaining silent. Although it was hard to believe, Lionel truly seems to have fallen for her. It wasn¡¯t at the level of an infatuation, but as the name suggests, love¡­ it seems like he had fallen in love. ¡°To forgive or not¡­ Your Highness, are you alright?¡± Atalante was quite concerned with the condition of his head. What the Grand Duke drank seemed to be a medicine that destroyed his brain cells, and not a poison that stops his breathing. Just a few minutes ago, they were pointing guns and swords at each other with the intention to murder the other. But he had suddenly fallen in love with the assassin that hid in his bedroom? That was something that couldn¡¯t have happened. However, it seems that Lionel hasn¡¯t completely grasped the meaning of Atalante¡¯s words, as his eyes were moist, as if he was very touched. ¡°Are you worried for me? How¡­ how do you have such a beautiful heart?¡± At the sound of his words, goosebumps rose all over her body. Was it a new method of interrogation? ¡°¡­I had definitely killed you. But why? How are you still alive?¡± And it happened several times. As she lay on the bed in an equivocal position, Atalante¡¯s eyes were bright and piercing. An embarrassed smile appeared on the face of the Grand Duke, who was staring at her. ¡°It¡¯s a secret that no one knows about. Are you curious?¡± ¡°No one knows? How can no one be aware of it?¡± ¡°There are many people who have seen me come back to life, but none of them managed to leave with their lives.¡± Atalante had almost become one of ¡®them¡¯ too. How could he say such a brutal line so casually? An exclamation appeared at his overwhelming madness. ¡°What do you think? Should I tell you?¡± At his tenderly-asked question, Atalante nodded slowly. Lionel looked at her face that was filled with both curiosity and vigilance, and gave a refreshing and boyish smile. For a moment, Atalante¡¯s gaze was drawn to the bright face, but the following words of the Grand Duke caused a scowl to appear on Atalante¡¯s face. ¡°If you marry me, I¡¯ll tell you.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know how to beat around the bush. I¡¯m sorry for saying this even though it¡¯s our first time meeting, but please marry me. I love you.¡± As he held Atalante¡¯s hand naturally, a look of desperation was written all over his face. It was a baffling proposal. And love? She was so speechless, she couldn¡¯t even laugh hollowly. While Atalante stiffened with a shocked expression, Lionel moved his lips again. ¡°Come to think of it, I was so impatient that I hadn¡¯t even introduced myself. I¡¯m Lionel Blanc. What¡¯s your name?¡± What kind of idiot would propose to a woman whose name he doesn¡¯t even know? Even Yuffie wouldn¡¯t do anything like this. After he finished speaking, Lionel clasped Atalante¡¯s hand even tighter. He seemed intent on finding out her name that he hadn¡¯t heard in the bedroom. ¡°Earlier, you said that it was meaningless to hear my name as I will die anyway.¡± After giving a sharp answer, Atalante stared at him with eyes filled with wariness. However, far from being angry, the Grand Duke¡¯s eyebrows drooped. Just like a puppy that had done something wrong to its owner. ¡°Sorry, because it was too dark¡­¡± What does darkness have to do with this? Atalante swallowed the following words, and stared at Lionel, who was speaking gibberish. It was completely different from when he was strangling her earlier, to the point where she wondered if he had a split personality. The Grand Duke awkwardly rubbed his neck, before bowing his upper body towards her and asking for her name again. Was he planning on setting up a tombstone for the assassin? She could understand if this was the whispered ¡®love¡¯ that was spoken of by the notorious Grand Duke. With eyes still filled with suspicion, Atalante slowly opened her mouth. Lionel fixed his gaze on her red lips, holding his breath in order to engrave her name in his memory. ¡°Do you think I¡¯m crazy enough to tell you my name?¡± Atalante spat viciously in his face and dashed towards the window that was larger than the door. Although her legs were still throbbing, it wasn¡¯t time to care about that. As she used the running momentum to break the window with her body, Atalante met eyes with Lionel, who was looking at her with a forlorn expression. His eyes were clearly saying to not go. Why was he looking at a woman that he¡¯s seeing for the first time, and an assassin at that, with such a gaze? Although she landed on the grass safely, the side of her arm started to creak in protest as her body wasn¡¯t at its optimal condition. A piece of glass gazed against her soft skin. Nevertheless, Atalante continued to run. Run, run. Leaving behind the walls of the Grand Duchy that kept coming to her mind vividly. ¡°¡­Was there a pressing matter?¡± Through the broken window, fluttering crimson could be seen. Lionel quietly watched the disappearing silhouette, of the woman leaving the castle with hurried movements. ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? Chapter 7 ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? The Return of the Boss The servants that heard the booming sound too late rushed into the room with frazzled expressions. On the days where a banquet was hosted, summons late at night did occur often, but such a heart-pounding situation rarely happened. ¡°Your¨CYour Highness¡­ Are you alright?¡± Paul looked at his master worriedly, but the Grand Duke did not budge, and kept staring out of the shattered window, as if he had lost something. At the sight of those eyes filled with vivid longing, Paul lowered his head inadvertently. The reason why he had such a gaze was probably because of the suspicious woman he was holding in his arms earlier. From her side profile, she was a woman that gave off an atmosphere of danger. He wanted to ask him for the whole story of what had happened, but the words wouldn¡¯t easily leave his mouth, as he wanted to live for a long time. Paul was restless and his gaze alternated between the shattered window and the Grand Duke. It wasn¡¯t long before he called Paul with a low voice. ¡°Paul.¡± ¡°Yes, Your Highness!¡± ¡°She¡¯s a woman that appears to be in her late teens, with crimson hair and a beautiful face.¡± Paul stared dazedly at his master that spoke incomprehensible words, before realising that the description matched the appearance of the woman he had seen earlier exactly. It was obvious what he wanted. He was asking Paul to bring her back. Paul would usually have carried out this order quickly, but this time, he could only hesitate. The fact that he personally held an unidentified woman and had his own personal physician treat her wasn¡¯t enough¡­ it was because the Grand Duke had said that he had fallen for her. Tyrants could be defined in many ways, but violence, squandering fortune, and indulgence in carnal desires, and so on are the typical behaviours exhibited by them. Grand Duke Blanc was one such tyrant. However, perhaps because he was inclined towards violence, he was a man who was far from being wasteful and lustful. ¡®No wonder there are rumours saying the Grand Duke of Blanc has special tastes.¡¯ In order to suppress this rumour, Paul and the other servants had to rush about busily. However, although it was dismissed as a false rumour, doubts had dared to arise in Paul. He was originally not close to women. Therefore, when Paul heard the following words from the Grand Duke, he grabbed the back of his neck without realising it. ¡°She¡¯s the one that will become the Grand Duchess, so escort her back here safely.¡± ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? Barely managing to escape the Blanc Castle, Atalante only had two things to accomplish from now onwards. Firstly, to evacuate the members to a safe place and secondly, to ascertain the true identity of the medicine that the Grand Duke had drunk. No matter how much she had thought about it, what he drank was definitely not an ordinary poison. Esma Evita. As Atalante cursed the blonde haired young lady that gave her the medicine with a sincere face, she increased the strength in her running feet. Strangely enough, there wasn¡¯t any sign of a chase for her yet. Fortunately or unfortunately, the Grand Duke has yet to start the chase. Another unresolved question came to her mind suddenly, ¡®The most urgent thing to settle is finding out how the Grand Duke came back to life.¡¯ Stopping in front of the luxurious hotel, Atalante turned straight towards the dim back door. ¡°You, you¡­! What happened to you?¡± Pietro was shocked at the sight of an uninvited guest coming in through the window in the middle of the night. At that sad cry that was close to a scream, Atalante looked down at her outfit. The clean dress that a handmaiden of the Grand Duchy helped her wear was torn in several places, even revealing her legs, and the hair that fluttered like falling petals, was dishevelled. ¡°This is the second floor!¡± About to say that she had jumped off the third floor earlier, Atalante stopped and extended a hand towards him with her palm facing upwards. As Pietro dazedly grabbed her hand, she frowned and pulled her hand out. ¡°Is your training still inadequate?¡± ¡°N¨Cno! It¡¯s not like that¡­¡­!¡± As she frowned, Pietro crouched and trembled. If he had to receive another day of the ¡®training¡¯ she talked about, there might be a problem with his human nature. As she looked at the trembling man, Atalante sighed and brushed the hair from her forehead. ¡°Give me a horse. Travel expenses, too.¡± There actually was a commoner woman that could confidently rip off a nobleman. Embarrassed, Pietro forgot to respond and stared up at her blankly. ¡°What? You don¡¯t have that?¡± The family of Sera isn¡¯t that impressive either. At the words she added, Pietro¡¯s eyebrows furrowed angrily. Even so, the second-largest family in the Empire was the County of Sera. He was the successor of that noble family! It seems to have hurt his pride, as Pietro rose suddenly and began to search the cabinet. The travel expenses of aristocrats were originally managed by their servants, but some private funds were prepared in case of emergencies for this trip. ¡°It damages the dignity of a noble to carry a lot of money personally.¡± As Pietro dropped ten gold coins onto Atalante¡¯s outstretched hand, he puffed his chest confidently. A gold coin was a week¡¯s worth of living expenses for a wealthy commoner family. Once again realising the difference in concept of finances between herself and aristocrats, Atalante couldn¡¯t help but laugh. ¡°Why? Is it not enough?¡± Pietro had a hand on his waist as he spoke sullenly, like he was about to call for his servant immediately. Atalante observed him in a wrinkle free silk shirt, before returning nine gold coins back to him. ¡°One gold coin is more than enough. Thank you.¡± As the words, what¡¯s the use for such small change, almost left his mouth, Pietro barely managed to control his mouth after looking at Atalante¡¯s face. ¡°As for the horse¡­ I¡¯ll ask the hotel owner to give one to me.¡± ¡°Please.¡± Atalante nodded her head lightly, before picking up the jacket that was lying on the bed. ¡°Lend this to me, too.¡± Although it seems like she wouldn¡¯t be returning it, Pietro couldn¡¯t bring himself to reply with a no. ¡°Also¡­ Keep the fact that I came here a secret from His Majesty the Emperor.¡± ¡°What? Why exactly¡­¡± ¡°For you and your family.¡± As Atalante added those meaningful words, she moved towards the window letting moonlight stream into the room. Pietro was captivated as he watched her, unable to say anything as she jumped out of the window. ¡®I had a lot of questions that I wanted to ask¡­¡¯ Unlike the messenger from the Imperial Palace, who said that something urgent had happened to his family, he was shoved into this hotel. It was along with the truth that nothing happened to his family. Although he was extremely angry at the person that wanted to tease him, he had no choice but to keep his mouth shut upon hearing that it was by the orders of the Emperor. This was because the Sera family was a noble family that was loyal to the emperor¡¯s faction. It wasn¡¯t difficult for Pietro to follow his orders without any questions asked. So this time was also the same, without any questions. Even though he wanted to ask why that woman had appeared this late at night in that outfit, and where she was going. After looking at the direction she had disappeared towards for a moment, Pietro headed towards the front desk to bring up the horse that Atalante requested. ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? The hideout without the boss was extremely boring. Dealing with members of the other organisation that raided once, eating, organising the weapons Devon made, and accepting Jenna¡¯s irritability. In the week without Atalante, Yuffie¡¯s days that went by were surprisingly similar¡­ It was boring. ¡°Yuffie, I told you not to go in there!¡± After Jenna found Yuffie¡¯s long figure lying on the boss¡¯ bed, she shouted loudly. Despite her berating, instead of sitting up, Yuffie had only hugged Atalante¡¯s pillow harder. ¡°Atalante, when will you return¡­?¡± Like a child waiting for his parents, Yuffie had a sullen face as he asked haltingly. Jenna stared at his pathetic appearance for a while, before letting out a low sigh. ¡°She¡¯ll be back the day after tomorrow.¡± ¡°When exactly, on the day after tomorrow? Lunch? Dinner?¡± The questions from Yuffie poured out without a pause. Instead of answering his questions, Jenna avoided his gaze. With a strong physique and excellent combat capabilities, Yuffie was a child with flaws that were both large and small. It was an aftereffect brought about by the war. After his life was saved by Atalante¡¯s hand dramatically, Yuffie followed her like she was a mother bird. Although he smiled at all of the members, his blind affection for Atalante was truly unrivalled. As Jenna lightly patted his cloudy gray hair, she spoke in an imitated kindly voice that was unlike her. ¡°Atalante will be back soon. Didn¡¯t she promise us that she wouldn¡¯t come back too late. When has Atalante ever broken her promises?¡± He shook his head. ¡°In that case, Yuffie has to keep his promises too. Atalante doesn¡¯t like it when others enter her bedroom. Didn¡¯t you make a pinky promise to Atalante, saying that you wouldn¡¯t go into Atalante¡¯s room as you pleased?¡± He shook his head again. ¡°The boss hates people that lie the most.¡± ¡°¡­I lied.¡± This time Yuffie turned his head towards Jenna. She stared straight at his black eyes and continued to speak. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t it be nice to get praised when the boss comes back? What should our Yuffie do if he wants to get compliments from Atalante?¡± After blinking for a while, he sat up slowly. While Jenna had a decent build for a commoner girl, Yuffie¡¯s stature was large enough to cover her while seated. In addition, perhaps it was because he used to make a living by participating in martial arts tournaments, dizzying scars littered all over his body. Unlike his threatening appearance, Yuffie, who was fiddling with his fingers, slowly opened his mouth. ¡°I have to sleep alone properly.¡± ¡°And?¡± ¡°I have to protect my family.¡± ¡°Again?¡± ¡°When Atalante is not around, I have to listen to what Jenna says.¡± How did his education turn out so well? Jenna kissed his cheek lightly with a satisfied expression. Like an award to a child, it was a gentle movement. ¡°What should you do now?¡± ¡°Go to my room and sleep alone.¡± ¡°Good. You¡¯re very brave. I¡¯ll stay with you until you fall asleep.¡± Yuffie grabbed Jenna¡¯s hand, and jumped out of Atalante¡¯s bed. Atalante¡¯s rote learning was very effective. It was to the point where Jenna wondered if Atalante would have been a good teacher if she was born in an ordinary middle-class family. Although it was all useless assumptions. When they reached Yuffie¡¯s room, the surroundings outside became noisy. It was a loud roar, as if it was welcoming the return of a triumphant general. There¡¯s only one person that would receive such cheers in Argo. ¡°Atalante!¡± ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? Chapter 8 ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? I¡¯m going to meet you now. As Yuffie had good senses, he immediately noticed who had returned. Yuffie shook off Jenna¡¯s hand and rushed down to the first floor. When a large man ran, with a little exaggeration, it felt like the entire floor was shaking. ¡°In any case¡­¡± As Jenna gazed at the back of his head, a subtle smile appeared on the corner of her mouth. Although she tried her best to ignore it, feelings of regret at the disappearing warmth of her left hand appeared unavoidably. ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? ¡°Leave the hideout right now.¡± The first thing that the boss said to the members that gathered with faces of excitement was shocking. Was she saying to have a party outside? Not understanding the significance of her words, the members looked at her blankly without answering. Come to think of it, the boss looked quite miserable. Even if she was dressed in rags, she had always returned to the hideout in a clean state, but she was dressed in unusual clothing today. It was natural that she looked horrible, because she rushed back in two days without any rest, changing horses three times in between. ¡°Jenna and Yuffie, Devon, and Mia. Move in these three teams. In a month¡¯s time, gather at the capital of the Kingdom of Paille after observing the situation.¡± As Atalante¡¯s order was issued, the members quickly lined up. It was because it became a habit to move according to her words. Standing in the front row of the second group, Devon approached her with a frown. ¡°What are you talking about as soon as you¡¯ve returned? You should explain the situation.¡± ¡°I failed the request. The client will try to kill me, and you guys might be in danger too.¡± ¡°We only accept requests from commoners. Who in the world can hurt you or us?¡± ¡°It¡¯s not from a commoner.¡± Atalante¡¯s ensuing words made Devon and the other members sink into contemplation. Argo was a criminal organisation whose notoriety was contradictory to its scale, and only accepted commissions from commoners. Most of the requests they took were to threaten the nobles or to retaliate against them, and due to that, Argo¡¯s evaluation was completely opposite. To commoners, they were ¡®righteous¡¯ and to aristocrats, they were ¡®villains¡¯. ¡°What do you mean it¡¯s not from a commoner? Atalante, exactly¡­ Whose request was it?¡± Atalante would tremble with anger when it came to nobility. It was only natural, at the thought of how they had been exploited by them for their entire life. But Atalante accepted an aristocrat¡¯s commission? Unlike Argo, organisations that were commissioned by aristocrats were usually destroyed within a year. That was because nobles had only treated them as foot mats. Organisations consisting of ordinary people being stabbed in the back after accepting requests happened often. ¡°I can¡¯t tell you right now. However, trust me and leave here for a while. No matter what, I¡¯ll protect you all.¡± She spoke with a determined gaze. To follow her blindly without being told anything. It was a hard to accept situation, but no one in Argo looked at Atalante with suspicion. ¡°¡­We believe in the boss.¡± ¡°That¡¯s right! But when we meet again at the fallen kingdom, you must tell us what has happened!¡± As she listened to the words of her members, she became choked up. Atalante hid her reddened eyes by looking at the night air, before ordering again with a subdued voice. ¡°Get moving right away. Be careful, especially the executives that are well known.¡± ¡°Yes, boss.¡± After answering her, the members moved in an orderly fashion. Packing simple luggage, reorganising the horses and wagons. As Atalante watched them move, she slowly sank to the ground. ¡°Boss, you¡¯re injured.¡± One of the executives, Mia, muttered with a worried voice, as she administered first aid to her arm. Fortunately, there wasn¡¯t any abnormality with the bone, but not only was the injury left unattended for a long time, she had overextended herself. It was the first time that Atalante, who always handled her targets neatly, returned in such bad shape. ¡°It¡¯s alright. Thank you, Mia.¡± Watching Mia treating the wound with delicate hand maneuvres, Atalante let out a low sigh. Other than that, there were multiple large and small scratches, but it was fortunate that the wound wasn¡¯t deep. ¡°Atalante!¡± ¡°Kyah! Yuffie! I¡¯m administering treatment, so go away!¡± Due to Yuffie¡¯s sudden arrival and embrace, it was unavoidable that Atalante fell backwards. Mia pulled at him with a shocked expression, but Yuffie didn¡¯t even budge. ¡°It¡¯s okay, just leave him be.¡± He seems to be making whimpering sounds¡­ Ignoring the rising pain, Atalante stroked his curly hair. ¡°How have you been?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve missed you, Atalante!¡± ¡°Me too. But Yuffie, you¡¯re too heavy¡­ Can you move a little?¡± Did you gain weight? At her added question, Yuffie jumped up happily. ¡°It¡¯s muscles, muscles! While Atalante wasn¡¯t here, I worked out diligently.¡± ¡°Wow, you did great.¡± Upon receiving the praise that he had been looking forward to, Yuffie¡¯s eyes twinkled. With eyes that sparkled like stars, lists of the things that he had done well continued to pour out of his mouth, like a broken dam of water. With Yuffie¡¯s chattering as the background noise, Mia completed the boss¡¯s treatment, thinking that she handles Yuffie very well. ¡°In that case, see you in a month¡¯s time.¡± Due to the fast movements of the members of Argo, the preparations to empty out the hideout was completed quickly. Other than the siblings, Devon and Jenna, who have been notorious from a long time ago, the faces of the members of Argo were hardly known. However, no matter how she thought about it, it was dangerous to leave them at the hideout. She couldn¡¯t expect what the Emperor will do to catch her, who has failed his commission. Atalante ordered for them to disperse, hoping that the Emperor wouldn¡¯t chase after the members of the organisation. ¡°I want to go with Atalante!¡± Although there was a little delay due to Yuffie¡¯s unreasonable stubbornness, she managed to calm him down by coaxing him with promises to do various things when they met again. ¡°Then this¡­ Take this with you.¡± After wiping his eyes that were wet with transparent tears, Yuffie took out a few unfamiliar objects. It was round, and it looked like a mirror that reflected their faces. At the sight of the strange object, Devon¡¯s eyes soon widened. ¡°Isn¡¯t this an artifact!¡± If it¡¯s an artifact, wasn¡¯t it an expensive magical tool made by the magic tower? According to Devon¡¯s explanation, the artifacts handed out by Yuffie were tools to communicate from a long distance. Like he was distributing snacks, Yuffie handed an artifact to Atalante, Devon, Jenna and Mia, in that order. ¡°Yuffie, such a precious thing¡­ Where did you get it?¡± Jenna asked with a blue face. He didn¡¯t find just one artifact that was hard to get his hands on, but four of them. As Yuffie looked at the faces of the executives, he replied with a bright smile. ¡°I took it!¡± ¡°Aiya¡­¡± His cheerful answer caused all the executives to make sounds of suffering. Unlike Atalante, Devon, and Jenna, who had been together ever since their childhood, he had only joined the team five years ago. Truly, doesn¡¯t he have the talent to become a great villain? ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? After instructing the executives on their travel routes again, Atalante remained in the hideout alone and changed her clothes. She burned the ruined dress she wore from the Blanc Castle, and tied her long crimson hair together tightly. She didn¡¯t explain any details in case the situation of the members became dangerous, but she had only told the executives of one matter. To be careful of the Imperial Guard. The Imperial Guard, the knight order that was under the Emperor¡¯s direct command. At her words, the faces of the executives turned pale, but nodded faithfully instead of asking for the reason. ¡°Became X.¡± [T/N: It¡¯s a censored swear word >. Chapter 9 ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? T/N: ¡®medicine¡¯ will be changed to ¡®drug¡¯ because it¡¯s a more neutral term, sorry for the confusion! ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? Love potion ¡°D, d, did you perhaps g, g, give that drug t, to s, s, some¨Csomeone?¡± ¡°What? Speak properly.¡± As Esma was trembling so much, all of the words that came out of her mouth were unclear. Atalante reached out and grabbed her shoulder, causing Esma to stop shaking. Instead, her face became even paler than before, as if she was about to stop breathing. ¡°Breathe in, breathe. Because I won¡¯t kill you.¡± Atalante did not enjoy murdering others just because the Young Lady before her was frightened. Esma then took a deep breath in slowly, perhaps because she could tell that Atalante was being serious from her eyes. ¡°Did¡­ someone, consume that drug?¡± Her words were still spoken haltingly, but it was much better than before. At her question, Atalante, who was choosing her words, nodded slowly. What was so shocking about that, causing tears to pour out of Esma¡¯s eyes? How could a person start crying in the blink of an eye? Atalante, who didn¡¯t have any memories of crying properly, couldn¡¯t comprehend the scene before her. ¡°Huueng¡­what have I done!¡± ¡°Why are you like this all of a sudden? Stop crying.¡± Embarrassed, Atalante wiped away her tears with awkward motions, but Esma kept crying. Contrary to her appearance, this guileless young lady was a competent apothecary. However, in the current aristocratic society, it was ridiculous for a young lady, whose duty was to marry someday, to be doing something practical. The ultimate goal of young ladies was to marry into a good family and become her husband¡¯s wife, the lady of the house, as well as the mother of her children. However, Esma possessed an exceptional talent in making drugs, and after begging the Count and Countess, she was able to continue making drugs as a hobby until it was ¡®time for marriage¡¯. Of course, this was done in secret from the other nobles. ¡°Stop crying and tell me quickly. What is this drug?¡± From the looks of her reaction, it definitely wasn¡¯t an ordinary poison. Atalante started to become restless with anxiety. She needed to know what drug the Grand Duke had drunk in order to be prepared, but the lovely Young Lady Evita kept crying. Eventually, Atalante slowly patted her on the back. Like she was soothing Yuffie, she patted Esma very gently. Although she didn¡¯t have any parents, it was very familiar to her to placate children as she had been the leader of the alley kids since she was young. As Emma slowly stopped crying, she looked up at Atalante with teary eyes. Her lips moved slowly several times, before her voice appeared reluctantly. ¡°That drug, it¡¯s a¡­love potion¡­¡± ¡°Love, what?¡± ¡°It¡¯s a drug that makes you fall in love with someone you¡¯ve never met before¡­¡± It was due to Atalante¡¯s tremendous patience that she didn¡¯t let out a curse towards Esma, who said that. ¡®Why did you make that kind of drug?¡¯ Before Atalante¡¯s could scrunch up in irritation, Esma beat her to the punch and spoke with a sullen face. ¡°Well, a few years ago at a resort, I¡­ I happened upon a piece of magical ore.¡± ¡°What?¡± What does she mean, magical ore? That¡¯s a rare mineral that¡¯s completely vanished in current times, and only existed in records of ancient texts. Before it¡¯s depletion, the mineral, which had a light similar to an amethyst, was considered as a symbol of mana. Apparently, it was a precious item that was used to make artifacts at the magic tower in the past. ¡°At first, I thought that it was just a pretty rock¡­ But no matter how I look at it, it has the exact same characteristics as the magical ore written in books.¡± ¡°So?¡± ¡°So¡­ I made a love potion.¡± ¡°How did you come to that conclusion?!¡± When Atalante raised her voice, Esma made a strange sound, ¡°Hiik¡±, and tried to justify herself. ¡°Magical ore contains the magical power that controls another¡¯s personality¡­¡± ¡°I¡¯m not asking about that! Why exactly did you make such a ridiculous drug?¡± Transparent tears began to well up in Esma¡¯s sparkling green eyes. With such exposed expressions and timidness, she made others wonder how she would survive in a society that wielded their tongues like knives. ¡®It¡¯s said that there¡¯s nothing more foolish than worrying about aristocrats, but this is absurd.¡¯ Atalante emptied out all of those useless feelings, and stared at Esma with urging eyes. ¡°There¡¯s, there¡¯s someone I like! That¡¯s why¡­¡± ¡°If there¡¯s someone you like, you should confess properly. What¡¯s the difference between brainwashing and the drug you made?¡± Atalante, who belatedly corrected ¡®you¡¯ to ¡®Young Lady¡¯, let out a deep sigh. It felt strange to call her with a formal title when she was using informal language casually. Esma didn¡¯t point out her unfathomable etiquette, but lowered her eyes and replied in a fairly loud voice. ¡°Miss Atalante is someone that has the freedom to do what you want, so you wouldn¡¯t understand. However, in the case of aristocrats, they have a lot more to prioritise than their feelings.¡± ¡°Hooh, are you disregarding me because I¡¯m a commoner?¡± ¡°Ho¨C how can that be? You¡¯re the one that saved my life.¡± Ironically, the boss that had no idea how to treat aristocrats with respect, was Esma¡¯s saviour. A year ago, when she went to a commoner¡¯s festival behind the Count and Countess¡¯ back, the one that saved her when she had almost gotten into trouble was Atalante. Esma would still shudder whenever she recalls the memories of that day. The poison was given to Atalante by Esma as a token of gratitude. Of course, it wasn¡¯t that Esma was lacking in the notion of gratitude enough to present poison to her saviour. It was because that was the only thing she had when Atalante proudly demanded for a reward after turning the suspicious man unconscious. ¡°It seems like you¡¯re a young lady from a noble family, don¡¯t you have anything?¡± To be more precise, Atalante ripped off Esma while she was confused. Naturally, even if Atalante didn¡¯t say that, Esma would express her gratitude somehow. Although Esma said that she would definitely compensate her when she returned home, Atalante persuaded, no, threatened Esma to give her anything she had on her. ¡°I don¡¯t want to be deeply involved with any aristocrats.¡± There was clear resentment towards nobility within her eyes. It was her first time seeing a commoner look at her with a rebellious gaze. Flustered, Esma searched her pockets, but she didn¡¯t have anything. It was because her pocket money was with her lady-in-waiting. Eventually, Esma had no choice but to take out the reagent that she had made recently. It was a poison that was made out of consideration for Becky, her brother¡¯s beloved horse, that had to be euthanized due to a leg injury. It was a strong poison that would make one stop breathing as if they were falling asleep with a single drop. There wasn¡¯t any time to raise the valid question of why she was carrying such a dangerous item around. ¡°This is a poison that I¡¯d made¡­Giving poison to my saviour is a bit¡­¡± The moment she added that she would send good items tomorrow morning, Atalante gave a radiant smile. As the smile was very bewitching, Esma could only stare at her face absentmindedly. ¡°You¡¯re quite a talented lady. I¡¯m satisfied with this. Thanks.¡± With a satisfied smile, Atalante personally escorted her before the Count. As it was her first time riding a horse and not a horse-drawn carriage, although she suffered from body aches the next day, it was a pleasant experience. It didn¡¯t take her long to realise that the person that saved her was the notorious boss of Argo. That was because she was the only one in the Empire with crimson hair the colour of the setting sun and mysterious yet benevolent looks. ¡°See you around.¡± After asking around, Esma finally found Argo¡¯s hideout. To be more precise, as she was wandering around nearby, she was caught by one of Argo¡¯s members and brought before Atalante. It was a scary experience, getting her arms bound together, that she didn¡¯t want to go through that again. ¡°It¡¯s dangerous for a noble young lady to wander around in a place like this without an escort. Even when you¡¯re dressed in a pretty outfit.¡± Sitting cross-legged on a black chair, Atalante was wearing pants that were for men. As it was her first time seeing a woman wearing pants like that, Esma couldn¡¯t hide her expression of shock. ¡°Do you know this person?¡± ¡°Yes, she¡¯s a little indebted to me in the past.¡± After Atalante gestured for the member that brought her here to leave, she looked at Esma with interest. ¡°Are you perhaps here to commission us? I¡¯m sorry, but I don¡¯t accept commissions from nobles.¡± ¡°It¡¯s¨C It¡¯s not like that! I was just going to express my gratitude!¡± ¡°Express your gratitude? I¡¯ve already received the payment for saving you previously.¡± Atalante waved the bottle that was hanging from a string tied around her neck. It was a habitual disease. It was somewhat plausible for a villain to have poison hanging around their necks as an accessory. ¡°I want to reward you properly! Who would dare to give poison to their benefactor?¡± Esma plucked up the courage to protest, but Atalante had only burst into laughter about something she found funny. Even if she had seen it with her own eyes, Esma couldn¡¯t believe that such a pretty looking girl is the boss of an organisation. ¡°Young Lady, what¡¯s your name?¡± ¡°It¡¯s, it¡¯s Esma Evita.¡± Oh, a member of the emperor¡¯s faction. As Atalante pretended to know little about her family, she reached a hand out to Esma, who was kneeling on the ground. As if Esma was drawn by something, she took that hand, and was helped up with a fairly polite movement. Although she had almost collapsed again after the strength in her legs weakened at Atalante¡¯s following words, that day, Esma left the hideout and returned home safely. ¡°Esma, I¡¯m thankful for your sincerity, but this poison has paid for that. Don¡¯t loiter around the hideout again.¡± ¡°I can¡¯t guarantee that you¡¯ll be able to return alive the next time.¡± It was spoken in an infinitely warm tone, but the content spoken was quite brutal. The voice that she heard that day seemed to linger in her ears still, so Esma inadvertently covered her ears. ¡°What are you thinking about?¡± Only after hearing Atalante¡¯s irritated voice, did Esma finish her recollection abruptly. ???????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? Chapter 10 ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? The Wanted Criminal, Atalante ¡°It¡¯s nothing! Actually, the same drug bottle was used for the poison and the love potion. Usually, I would label them, but I was quite busy on that day¡­¡± ¡°If the Young Lady wasn¡¯t careful, you would have almost killed your beloved person.¡± After Atalante told a terrible joke, she frowned. However, Esma didn¡¯t get angry at her words. The hands that were clasped together flinched a little. ¡°No, that wouldn¡¯t have happened. I¡­ I didn¡¯t intend to make him drink the love potion.¡± ¡°What? If that¡¯s the case, why did you make a drug that you wouldn¡¯t even use?¡± At that valid query, Esma gave a faint smile, and opened her mouth with saddened eyes that did not fit with the smile on her face. ¡°It¡¯s just¡­ I imagined that that person and I were in love with each other while making that drug. Taking a walk together in the garden, promising the future, marriage, and becoming parents from being a couple¡­ Imaginary bliss.¡± Atalante could feel a deep sadness and affection for the unnamed man within her words. Although she still couldn¡¯t understand why had Esma chosen not to use it on the man she loved even after making such drug. Was it the first or second time that aristocrats acted in a way that she couldn¡¯t understand? What Atalante was curious about was not the process of Esma making such a drug, but the exact efficacy and the detoxification method. ¡°So to summarise the Young Lady¡¯s words, the person that drank this drug would open his eyes and unconditionally fall in love with a person that he was seeing for the first time, right?¡± Esma nodded her head slowly at her concise organisation of the facts. Only then did she understand the both amusing and annoying actions of the grand duke. ¡®So it seems that the magical ore¡¯s power would also work on a man that¡¯s called cold-blooded.¡¯ It was an amazing potion that causes unconditional love towards a single person instantly, without caring about what happened before and after. With a light sigh, Atalante continued to ask her questions while rubbing her temple. ¡°When will the drug lose its effectiveness?¡± There were limitations on the drugs made by humans. The ridiculous drug made by Esma would definitely have an expiration date. The grand duke might try to kill Atalante after he regains his senses, but it didn¡¯t matter to her if she could protect her members. It wouldn¡¯t be bad to use this opportunity and defect to the Kingdom of Paille. Esma, who had been wiggling her hands for a while with an anxious expression, replied with her eyes closed tightly. ¡°Until his death¡­¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°When the heart stops, the drug will lose its effectiveness.¡± ¡°Where in the world would such a drug exist?¡± ¡°As I had put in a lot more magical ore than the standard amount¡­ As long as the heart is still beating, the person that drank the drug will love Atalante for the rest of his life.¡± This shitty¨C! As Atalante¡¯s mouth formed into the shape of swear words, glanced at the young lady who was looking at her with the expression of a sinner. Even if she vented her anger on Esma, the situation wouldn¡¯t change at all. It was like she had ruined someone¡¯s life and had no choice but to live in hiding for the rest of her life. Although it¡¯s problematic that he¡¯s considered the next most noble person after the Emperor. ¡°Um¡­ Can I ask who drank the drug?¡± At Esma¡¯s carefully asked question, Atalante answered without any hesitation. ¡°The craziest man in the world.¡± Although his heart was mangled, he could still stand up normally and completely overpower her, who has never lost in a fight. That man had even laughed pleasantly while strangling Atalante. At this rate, it wasn¡¯t undeserving for him to be called the craziest man in the world. ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? Atalante¡¯s plan was to hide in a location as far away as possible from the Kingdom of Paille, where the members were moving towards. Located at the southernmost part of the Empire of Thessalia, the kingdom of Paille was practically no different from a colony of the Empire. This was evident with how the first princes married imperial princesses and became live-in sons-in-law every time. To put it nicely, it was marriage, but their existences were nothing more than hostages. ¡®This time, Diana Thessalia and the first prince from the Kingdom of Paille were set to be engaged.¡¯ In addition, there was only one imperial princess in this generation, which was Diana, so the conditions were quite decent. Up till now, the first princes from the Kingdom of Paille had entered the Empire as the husbands of the youngest imperial princesses. After Atalante had organised a rough idea of what was happening in a shabby inn, she planned to move towards the West once daybreak arrived. In the North, there was the Great Duke of Blanc and in the South lay the Kingdom of Paille, so her choices were either the East or the West. Since the capital was relatively close to the East, Atalante naturally chose the West. The Black Land located at the westernmost territory was Atalante¡¯s final destination. ¡®Although that place was called the origin of the demons, it wasn¡¯t like I had any other choice.¡¯ A few hundreds of years ago, after absorbing all the neighbouring countries and growing into an Empire, the Empire had one huge concern, and that was the demons that would appear through crevices whenever possible. It was the Imperial princess Ariadna Thessalia, the first ancestor of the Grand Ducal family of Blanc, that quelled these demons. It wasn¡¯t recorded how exactly she had quelled those demons, but it was certain that she had sealed them in the West. This was evident from how up till date, the demons hadn¡¯t appeared from the Black Land. After Atalante packed the weapons that Devon had chosen meticulously, she laid down on a hard bed. Everything wasn¡¯t clear, but she did experience one or two ridiculous things while living as a commoner. ¡®But the emergence of a love potion was so absurd that it wasn¡¯t even laughable.¡¯ Contrary to that thought, Atalante couldn¡¯t help but laugh when she recalled the way the grand duke had floundered while he was blinded by love. From the background investigation done on Esma, Atalante was aware that the drugs she made were quite effective and creative, but she didn¡¯t expect that Esma would come up with such a ridiculous drug. Has anyone ever looked at her like she was such a lovely person? All of the gazes that she had received all her life were lewd eyes full of desire, cowardly and submissive gazes, as well as gazes of contempt¡­ That was all. ¡®Oh, there was only one person that thought I was lovely.¡¯ That man was her stepfather. ¡®He wanted me to be a good child.¡¯ In the end, Atalante failed to keep the will that he had left behind. ¡°But Mister, you know how hard it is to be a good child when you¡¯re living in the gutter.¡± As Atalante mumbled an excuse that wouldn¡¯t reach its intended recipient, her eyes closed slowly. Even if she would be given a scolding, Atalante hoped that he would appear in today¡¯s dream. ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? ¡°Shh¡­ Be careful to not wake her up.¡± ¡°I, I¨C I know.¡± Along with the cheerful chirping of birds, a strange voice resounded. Would these types of shabby inns usually offer morning call services? ¡°That can¡¯t be.¡± As Atalante got up in one fluid movement, she pulled out the gun that was hidden underneath the pillow. She thought that the Emperor¡¯s agents had located her already, but what greeted her was a pair of snotty kids. ¡°U¨CUwahh! A, a g¨Cgun!¡± ¡°What are you both doing?¡± As Atalante asked dispiritedly, she slowly lowered the gun that was aimed at them. She hadn¡¯t intended to let her guard down just because they were children, but these two children that looked smaller than their peers were too¡­ They looked weak. It was to the point where she let out a yawn. When Atalante pressed her index finger to her lips, the children stopped screaming. Just as she was considering what kind of punishment she should give to the rude little kids that interfered with her sleep, the boy opened his mouth first. ¡°Y, you¡¯re¡­! A¨CAtalante, right?!¡± ¡°I¡¯m not.¡± ¡°That¨C that¡¯s a lie! The colour of your hair and eyes are the same as what¡¯s written on this wanted poster!¡± Atalante instantly snatched the butterfly net that the boy was armed with, before taking away the wanted poster from the girl apathetically. ¡®Hooh, you¡¯re working faster than I¡¯d anticipated.¡¯ Perhaps it was because the fact that she didn¡¯t kill the grand duke was discovered, the details written on the wanted poster was accompanied with the stamp of the Imperial emblem. Although it was strange that there wasn¡¯t a sketch of her, women with crimson hair and purple eyes were rare in the Empire, so it was an easily identifiable trait that didn¡¯t require a montage. ¡®Would the problems of a commoner¡¯s livelihood be solved so quickly?¡¯ Atalante lightly clicked her tongue, and dressed herself after putting the wanted poster away. Even as the wide-brimmed hat concealed her hair completely, and she was arming herself with weapons, the two children had only stared at her dazedly. As if she had noticed their gaze belatedly, she lowered her head with a yawn and faced the children. ¡°Why? Are you going to arrest me?¡± ¡°S¨Cseeing as how H¨CHis Majesty the Emperor asked for your capture, y¨Cyou must have done something bad!¡± ¡°Hm, that¡¯s right.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve heard of the name Atalante before. Sister¡­no! You! You¡¯re the leader of Argo, right? As she looked at the two children that didn¡¯t have any chance of becoming members of Argo in the future, Atalante smiled faintly. ¡®Well, when I was younger, I had never thought that in the future, I would be doing something like this.¡¯ She, who hoped that these children would only see a good world before they grew up, returned the butterfly net to the boy. ¡°Use this to catch insects and not people.¡± ¡°M¨Cmy dad said to never forgive b¨Cbad people!¡± ¡°It seems that you¡¯ve been brought up well.¡± Even though he had dared to call her a bad person in her face, Atalante didn¡¯t show any signs of displeasure and only stroked the child¡¯s soft hair. ¡°You¡¯re so cute. If I had the time, I would¡¯ve played with you. What do kids play with these days? Shall I teach you how to shoot a gun?¡± ¡°What?¡± Unlike the boy¡¯s face that slowly turned pale, the eyes of the younger sister standing next to him lit up, albeit momentarily. Thinking that it wasn¡¯t a bad look, Atalante turned and left the room. The children behind her shouted something, but she didn¡¯t pay it much attention. Since there was a wanted poster for her, she had to move towards the West as soon as possible. ¡°Just a moment.¡± The moment she grabbed the creaking inn door, the owner that was seated at the counter called her. She was certain that she had already paid in advance. As Atalante looked backwards slowly, a benign looking middle-aged woman looked at her with a frightened expression. She was a woman that strangely resembled the two children that had woken Atalante up in the morning. She had wondered why there were children wandering around freely, but it seems that they were the children of the innkeeper. ¡°¡­You, you¡¯re Atalante, right?¡± ???????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? Chapter 11 ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? A visit by the Grand Duke ¡°Who knows.¡± Atalante had thought that the innkeeper intended to hand her over to the garrison, but she didn¡¯t feel any hostility within her eyes. Even though she was given an ambiguous answer, she seemed convinced that the girl before her was ¡®That Atalante¡¯. ¡°There¡¯s a wanted poster for you.¡± It was even issued by the Imperial Family. As the woman continued her words with a trembling voice, she was still looking at Atalante with an uneasy expression, ¡°The kids over there have already told me about it kindly. Why, have you reported it already? ¡°N¡ªno! What I meant, uh, was that I think it¡¯s better for you to run away quickly¡­¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°The children deliver newspapers every morning. They return after going through this entire village. According to them, the wanted posters are scattered throughout the village. If even this side of the village has these wanted posters¡­the closer you are to the capital, the more dangerous it is for you.¡± Although her words were spoken with a trembling voice like before, she didn¡¯t stop speaking. The woman that told Atalante about the shortcut from this village to the West without going through the capital bowed her head. While Atalante didn¡¯t say she would be heading West, she would be able to head towards the Black Land conveniently through the shortcut that the woman had informed her about. ¡°There isn¡¯t any garrison waiting there, is there? ¡°I¡ªIt doesn¡¯t matter if you don¡¯t believe me! I¡¯m¡­just¡­¡± The stammering woman looked up at Atalante carefully. Warm brown eyes contained a sincere light. ¡°Count Sera¡­ My niece is the girl that was [email protected] Argo, I heard from my brother-in-law that they were the ones who had avenged him. It may not be of great help, but I still want to repay you like this.¡± At the unimaginable relationship, Atalante¡¯s eyes narrowed. In contrast, the eyes of the children eavesdropping on their conversation behind them slowly grew bigger. ¡°Thank you.¡± Thin tears rolled down the cheeks of the woman that had her head bowed. ¡®What happened to the girl? I think I¡¯d heard that the engagement was broken.¡¯ Atalante, who had been choosing what to say to the woman in front of her for quite a while, soon sighed lightly. ¡°You don¡¯t have to thank me. I¡¯ve handled your brother-in-law¡¯s request and received the appropriate remuneration.¡± ¡°If it were others, they wouldn¡¯t have accepted a commission to harm a noble! No matter who it was!¡± ¡°What I meant was, you don¡¯t have to thank the villain.¡± Refusing her greeting to the very end, Atalante grabbed the doorknob. Just before she left, Atalante called over the little children that was looking at her on the verge of tears. ¡°Take this. It¡¯s a tip.¡± After passing a gold coin to the girl that approached her, she moved her gaze towards the innkeeper again. ¡°It¡¯s the payment for letting me know about the shortcut. Thanks to that, I think I can continue to do bad things for a while longer.¡± Even after she disappeared, the trio stared at the door the villain had opened and left through for a long time. The smile that Atalante showed at the end was too bright and radiant for it to belong to a villain. ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? The news that the Grand Duke was coming across the border to the Empire had become a subject of great interest, just like Atalante¡¯s wanted poster that could be found everywhere. This was understandable. The last time he had visited the Empire was around a year ago. Although it was not a vassal state, strictly speaking, the Grand Duchy of Blanc had sworn fealty to the Empire in the past. Therefore, in accordance with the customs, Grand Dukes that have officially succeeded the position had to visit the Imperial Palace and give the Emperor his greetings. However, unlike previous Grand Dukes, Lionel had actually only ¡®greeted¡¯ the Emperor. His attitude of refusing the banquet that the Emperor was personally hosting and returning to the Grand Duchy after half a day had been a topic of discussion by the nobles for a long time. ¡°Where did the dignity and conduct when he was younger disappeared to?¡± ¡°It must have been because he succeeded to the position of Grand Duke at such a young age, causing him to gain an overly arrogant personality. This is the reason why upbringing is important. It¡¯s because the previous Grand Ducal couple passed early.¡± ¡°Even if he¡¯s yet to be of age, how can he not greet His Majesty properly after ascending the seat of Grand Duke? It can¡¯t be that he thought of himself as equals with the Emperor, and is harbouring rebellious thoughts?¡± As the nobles condemned Lionel, they secretly contacted the Grand Duchy. While it¡¯s a country built upon barren land, the Blanc family¡¯s legitimacy and honour weren¡¯t something that could be taken lightly. It was but a matter of course that Imperial nobles tried to establish ties with the Grand Duchy. Hoping that their sons would build a friendship with him, and also hoping their daughters would look pleasing to him. As such, the Imperial nobles were busy burying the rumours that Lionel was the main culprit behind the arson in the Grand Ducal castle. As the dead are unable to speak, and there was no point in undermining the head of a family that they could share close ties with in the future, However, Lionel¡¯s movements were far more unconventional than they had thought. To be more exact, it was an inviolable madness. ¡°From the entrance of the Grand Duchy¡­There was a long line of decapitated bodies¡­¡± The nobles that had travelled to the Grand Duchy as a delegation laid sick in bed for days and nights, as if it was agreed upon. And that too. With expressions that were like they had been to hell. ¡°No matter how cool the Grand Duke is, I don¡¯t want to marry into such a place!¡± The young ladies that had a crush on him ever since young and followed their parents to visit the Grand Duchy, gave up on Lionel, as if it was natural to do so. His cruelty was enough to erase the fact that he was the head of the Grand Duchy, with a radiant appearance and noble status, possessing a vast territory and military, from their minds. ¡°I¡¯ll clean what I don¡¯t find satisfactory there and then. Without any exceptions.¡± The evidence that Lionel kept to his words could be found throughout the Grand Duchy. When the Grand Duke officially ascended to his position as an adult, he removed more than 20% of the people in his territory. With an unperturbed and aloof face, each and every one of them, no matter their status or crime, with his own hands. There was no exception on the day that the delegation visited. At the terrible sight of him taking people¡¯s lives with a faint smile, those that had weak stomachs had to leave. ¡°It was fortunate that I was too young to be able to go to the Grand Duchy. Brother too couldn¡¯t visit the Grand Duchy as he had a fever at that time.¡± The Young Lady of Sera County, Milvia, spoke in a sharp voice as she twisted her red hair. The news of the Grand Duke¡¯s visit to the Empire had long since reached the County of Sera. Due to his ambition, the previous Count Sera, who had personally witnessed the Grand Duke¡¯s notoriety, was the only Imperial noble that hadn¡¯t given up on forging close ties with him. As such, Count Sera became the only Imperial nobleman that was close to Blanc. The fact that Milvia and Pietro were invited to the Grand Duchy during the last regular meeting was enough evidence. ¡°You¡¯ve become remarkably quieter ever since you returned from the Grand Duchy. Did the Grand Duke do something terrible this time, just like what the rumours say?¡± After Milvia¡¯s only brother, Pietro, returned to the mansion earlier than scheduled, he had changed somewhat. He was often lost in his thoughts, and sighed whenever there was an opportunity to. As if he had someone he missed. ¡°¡­Not really. While the atmosphere had changed greatly from when I was younger, he didn¡¯t do anything violent like the rumours were implying.¡± ¡°Is his face still the same?¡± With a fan covering her mouth, Milvia asked the question she was most curious about. Milvia had never seen him in person, but the young ladies she was close to had praised Grand Duke Lionel Blanc¡¯s appearance several times. Of course, the end of their praises was naturally followed by the fact that his cruelty overshadowed his appearance. Instead of answering, Pietro nodded indifferently. ¡°Hmm, I see. No matter how important it is to establish relations with the Grand Duke, it¡¯s so noisy that I can¡¯t bear staying in the mansion. The fuss is even worse than when His Majesty was visiting.¡± The Sera family entered a state of emergency as soon as they heard the news of the Grand Duke¡¯s visit. The already glossy floor was swept and wiped, and perhaps that wasn¡¯t enough, the interior was completely changed. The brother and sister that was tired of the sudden large-scale construction left the mansion under the pretext of going on a walk. ¡°Stop the carriage.¡± At Pietro¡¯s order, the coachman brought the carriage to a smooth stop skillfully. Before Milvia could become bewildered, Pietro immediately got off the carriage. Removing the wanted poster for Atalante that he had only heard of from the bulletin board, Pietro looked at it with a complicated expression. ¡°The reason behind the Grand Duke¡¯s sudden visit to the Empire was probably¡­¡± It was definitely related to Atalante. The boss of an underground organisation that was suddenly mobilised to play the part of a fake sister and attend the regular meeting, the woman that appeared late at night in a mess. Finally¡­ The unexpected question by the Emperor towards him, who had returned to the Empire. ¡°Did she not come to find you?¡± No matter how he thought about it, everything fitted exquisitely. Why was an underground boss, which was regarded as a gray area, placed on the wanted list again for? As Atalante¡¯s clear face came to mind unknowingly and the tips of his ears turned red, someone snatched away the wanted poster in his hand. ¡°Who is it? How dare you¡­!¡± The sharp yell trailed off as soon as he identified the face of the man holding the wanted poster, causing Pietro to close his mouth without being able to finish speaking. ¡°T¡ªthe Grand Duke of Blanc!¡± ¡°We meet again, Young Lord Sera, isn¡¯t it?¡± The man looking downwards at him with a languid smile was clearly Grand Duke Lionel Blanc, the man that sat on his throne and overused the word ¡®kill¡¯. As soon as Pietro came to his senses, the others around him were already greeting him courteously. It would be strange to not recognise him, as the only people that possessed such bright silver hair were the blood relatives of the Grand Duke of Blanc. As he looked back, Milvia was also bowing towards the Grand duke in a crooked posture. ¡°Is that Young Lady Sera behind you? It must have been frustrating as you couldn¡¯t leave your room due to traveller¡¯s diarrhea, even after finally getting the chance to come to the Grand Duchy.¡± What does that mean? Milvia glanced at her brother with a puzzled face. Only after seeing Pietro¡¯s urgent eyes did she quietly bow her head. They¡¯ll discuss that later, but for now, it was more important to not go against the Grand Duke¡¯s mood. ???????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? Chapter 12 ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? Even your name is pretty. ¡°I¡¯d heard that the Grand Duke would be coming to the capital. My family was also getting ready to receive Your Highness¡­¡± ¡°Does the Young Lord know who the girl on this wanted poster is?¡± Lionel cut into Pietro¡¯s greeting lightly, waved the wanted poster in his hand. As expected. How was it that every premonition of danger would always come true? With a voice that¡¯s as composed as possible, Pietro slowly opened his mouth. ¡°¡­She¡¯s a notorious villain in the Empire. Atalante, the boss of an underground organisation, Argo. She¡¯s someone worthy of Your Highness¡¯ interest¡­¡± ¡°Atalante, was it?¡± Even your name is pretty. The words he added were somewhat strange. Thinking that he had heard wrongly, Pietro slowly observed the Grand Duke¡¯s expression. When their eyes met, Lionel raised a new question. Despite the friendly line drawn by his lips, his face still felt very cold. Even though he drew a friendly line around his mouth, his face felt extremely cold. ¡°Have you met her in person?¡± It was spoken in a very threatening tone, clearly implying that he wouldn¡¯t let it go if he lied. Pietro chose his words for a moment, before answering the Grand Duke¡¯s question with a resolute expression on his face. ¡°I¡¯ve never met her.¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± ¡°Yes. It¡¯s the worst of the worst that only aims at the nobility. It¡¯s to the degree where there has never been an aristocrat that met her and managed to leave with their limbs intact.¡± Without adding that his father was a victim, Pietro sighed exaggeratedly. Recently, he was telling a lot of lies, which he wasn¡¯t used to. It wasn¡¯t enough that he dared to deceive the Emperor, this time he had even deceived the Grand Duke. As Pietro hoped that his acting was plausible enough, he looked up at the Grand Duke. Although the question of ¡®why¡¯ still remained in his mind, Pietro ignored that and tried to ignore the feelings that were sprouting for the villain. ¡°I see. I thought you knew her, as the Young Lord was looking at the wanted poster with such a complicated expression.¡± ¡°T¨Cthat¡¯s not the case at all.¡± Is that so? With a bright smile, Lionel patted Pietro on the shoulder a couple of times like he was giving him an award. He was a man younger than Pietro, but under his oppressive attitude, the light pats hurt his shoulder, like it was about to break. ¡°Your Highness, may I ask, what¡­ what brings you to the Empire all of a sudden?¡± With all of his remaining courage, Pietro asked the Grand Duke, who was turning around. The features of the Grand Duke wrinkled into a slight frown. It can¡¯t be, even if it was Lionel Blanc, he wouldn¡¯t try to kill the successor of a family that was interacting with him at a square in the middle of broad daylight, right? Hoping that he possessed a minimum amount of common sense, Pietro gave energy to his eyes. ¡°I¡¯m curious about everything.¡± ¡°It¡¯s nothing much.¡± The entire nation was without a doubt curious about why the Grand Duke had come to visit the Empire after a year, when there weren¡¯t any special events being held. This was evident by how everyone along the street waited for Lionel¡¯s answer with their ears pricked up. ¡°It¡¯s to find the Grand Duchess.¡± After giving a plain and simple answer, the Grand duke immediately got on a black carriage. Everyone could only remain in their places woodenly, until the carriage comparable to the ones belonging to the Imperial Family was drawn away by the fine, praiseworthy horses, and disappeared. ¡®The Grand Duke of Blanc visited the empire to take a wife.¡¯ It was probably natural that such rumours spread quickly. ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? The Emperor was more persistent than Atalante had expected. This was because the wanted posters for her were also placed all over the western part of the Empire, which was a distance from the capital. ¡°Aren¡¯t you sick of it?¡± It has been over two weeks since Atalante left the capital, but interest in the small villain grew day by day instead of waning. It was due to the huge sum of money offered as reward for her capture. Well, if she was the Emperor, she would definitely look for Argo¡¯s boss with her eyes blazing. If the fact that the Emperor instigated the assassination of the Grand Duke of Blanc, it would cause enormous waves. ¡®Also, the person concerned was the boss of the underground that they had condemned so much.¡¯ While she was aware that aristocrats pretended to be noble in front of people and did all kinds of dirty things behind their backs, that was based on the premise that they wouldn¡¯t be caught. If they were unlucky, and were found to have committed acts that were unbefitting of a nobleman¡¯s dignity, that family would be completely buried. Moreover, wasn¡¯t he the owner of the Empire? He would obviously not want his dirty linen to be discovered. ¡®I thought that if I avoided capture for a while, I would be forgotten very quickly, but this has become a difficult problem.¡¯ If she continues like this, she might be caught by the Garrison stationed throughout the Empire even before reaching the Black Land. It would be a miracle if she was just caught, but it¡¯s more likely that she¡¯ll be executed on the spot. When Atalante found another wanted poster with her name on it after a few steps, she let out a short sigh. The charges were robbery and manslaughter. In truth, she had not only robbed the nobles¡¯ warehouses, but even killed them, so these weren¡¯t false accusations. However, at the sight of the sins that she¡¯d committed being refined into cold phrases, Atalante couldn¡¯t help but feel strange. ¡®It¡¯s fortunate that there are many people in the western region that couldn¡¯t read letters.¡¯ This was evident by how passers-by didn¡¯t pay much attention even after seeing Atalante¡¯s purple eyes. In the capital, commoners that could read and write were more commonly found, but slightly beyond the outskirts of the capital, most of the people didn¡¯t even know how to read. However, it was different in the case of aristocrats. Atalante walked calmly on the streets, but whenever a fancy carriage drove past, she would hide herself stealthily. ¡®After passing this village, there will be a deserted forest, so I can breathe a little easier.¡¯ The province of Beli, where she was passing by, was a rural territory that mostly engaged in agriculture. However, the number of lords of the territory was high due to the vast land, so Atalante couldn¡¯t relax her guard. She thought that she would be quite familiar with life as a fugitive, but when she was really being chased after, it didn¡¯t feel pleasant. ¡°Hey, you.¡± While she was purchasing some simple rations, someone called out to Atalante from behind. When she glanced to the side, the middle aged man that called for her was dressed in the uniform of a Garrison officer. ¡°You don¡¯t seem to be from this village, are you a traveller?¡± ¡®D*mn it.¡¯ While Atalante swallowed back the swears in her head, she pulled her hat lower down and faked a frightened voice. ¡°Y¨Cyes. I¨CI¡¯m from the North, a¨Cand am here to visit my relatives¡­¡± ¡°A girl, all alone?¡± ¡°M, m, my parents are staying in the inn. O¨Cover there! Miss Megan¡¯s Inn behind the alley. It¡¯s been a w¨Cwhile since I last came to the West, so I was looking around by myself.¡± When she pronounced the word ¡®parents¡¯, her mood became unpleasant, and her stomach twisted into knots But she played the role of a timid commoner girl as if nothing had happened. Due to yesterday¡¯s purchase of an ordinary dress in order to camouflage herself, without a doubt, Atalante looked like a commoner girl to others. ¡°By the way¡­ Why are you wearing your hat drawn over your eyes like that?¡± ¡®Why are you so interested in other people¡¯s work? You should just mind your own business.¡¯ Although he was being annoying, prying into such useless things, she couldn¡¯t harm others just because of that. She wasn¡¯t the Grand Duke of Blanc. ¡®Ah, why is that guy coming out at this juncture?¡¯ Perhaps because what she had gone through on that day in the Grand Duchy was too intense, after that day, she would think of Lionel Blanc inadvertently. She would retch immediately. While swallowing her irritation, she grabbed the brim of her hat and whispered shyly. ¡°I¨CI have an allergy¡­to sunlight¡­ The sunlight in the west is much stronger than in the north.¡± Even though she gave a plausible excuse, the Garrison soldier didn¡¯t let her leave. He just looked downwards at the girl wearing a white hat while letting out a musing hum. ¡°Commander Orlando! A report just arrived, saying that a woman with crimson hair was spotted near the Beli Forest!¡± Just as he was about to ask another question, a Garrison soldier that appeared to be his subordinate called for him with a loud voice. ¡®What do you mean commander? It would have been a disaster if I was accidentally caught.¡¯ As Atalante let out a sigh of relief internally, she pretended to tremble in surprise by the loud sound. She had acted as a noble young lady, there was no reason not to be able to act as a commoner girl. Only then did Orlando, the commander of the Garrison, turn away from Atalante. ¡°Kid, don¡¯t go around alone. There¡¯s a rumour that the notorious boss of an underground organisation is in the western region of the country.¡± The worried voice was similar to that of the stepfather who died in an odd manner. Even though they looked completely different. After a brief glance at his shiny shoes, Atalante bowed in thanks to him. If she shows her face, the colour of her eyes would be spotted. It wasn¡¯t until Orlando had completely disappeared from sight that Atalante slowly raised his head. She moved her body quickly. Atalante may not know how did rumours of her being in the western region spread, but it was clear that she had to leave this village as soon as possible. ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? Although he did not send word of his arrival in advance, the Grand Duke crossed the threshold of the Imperial Palace simply with just his name. All the people that were around looked at the man entering the imperial palace with neat steps. Likewise, the people within the imperial palace were doing the same. Apparently, during last year¡¯s visit, the Grand Duke¡¯s overly good looks had become a huge topic, but it¡¯s unimaginable that it was to this extent. Lionel Blanc had such an angel-like face, so much so that others would forget about the modifier of tyrant that followed behind his name. ¡°Y¨CYour Highness! Visiting the Imperial Palace without being granted permission first is a great disrespect, how¨C!¡± Paul chased after the Grand Duke¡¯s back, where the black cape that contrasted greatly to his hair colour would flutter with his every step. Originally, the Grand Duke was wilful and stubborn, but that was only when he was working on politics-related matters. When someone that wouldn¡¯t even look outside of the Blanc territory headed towards the Empire in such a brisk manner, the Lord Chamberlain Paul was about to become hopping mad. ??????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? Chapter 13 ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? Have you ever longed for someone like this? ¡°The lady that you¡¯ve mentioned that day is being searched for by the soldiers and servants day and night! I¡¯m begging you, Your Highness, to go back to the townhouse and rest¡­!¡± ¡°Paul.¡± At the grand duke¡¯s call in a low voice, Paul stopped in his tracks like a broken machine. The grand duke, who turned around and faced Paul, slowly moved his lips. ¡°Who¡¯s fault was it that I had to come all the way here?¡± It was clear that Lionel could kill a person with his deception without lifting a single fingertip. Paul¡¯s face turned blue with anger, but his mouth opened and closed without answering. That was because he didn¡¯t have any excuses. The grand duke looked at him with pitying eyes and continued speaking. ¡°I confirmed that the lady was headed towards the capital and ordered you to bring her here safely. But I didn¡¯t receive a notice that you¡¯ve found her after a day had passed.¡± ¡°T¨Cthat¡¯s! That person was too fast! She changed her horse several times in the midst of her journey and headed to the capital without taking a break.¡± ¡°In that case, you should¡¯ve done the same.¡± ¡°It takes five days at the earliest to get to the capital from the Blanc Grand Duchy. But that person disappeared in almost 3 days¡¯ time, your highness!¡± His brows narrowed even further at the sound of Paul¡¯s cry. Lionel didn¡¯t seem to have any intention of considering the poor Lord Chamberlain¡¯s position. ¡°Don¡¯t you think that you all are too slow? Didn¡¯t I also arrive in less than 3 days?¡± ¡°That¡¯s because Your Highness is so¡­!¡± It was because he went beyond common sense in every aspect. The same could be said for the woman he seemed to be bewitched by. The same was true of the woman he seemed to have a crush on. Paul pressed on his temple that was starting to ache. While swallowing back the words he was about to say, he looked up at his lord with doleful eyes. ¡°A¨Canyway¡­! The relationship with the Imperial Family was already worsened during the coronation ceremony last time. If you visit the Imperial Palace in this uncourteous manner, Your Highness¡¯ reputation would definitely become even worse.¡± It was a voice filled with worry, but Lionel didn¡¯t bat an eye to that at all. Paul knew better than anyone that his lord wasn¡¯t an ordinary lord. He was well aware that he was stigmatised as a tyrant, and the cruel anecdotes started in the Grand Duchy were gossiped about by Imperial noblemen. ¡®While I can¡¯t say that all of those words are false, no matter what, Lionel is both my liege and the lord of the Blanc Grand Duchy!¡¯ It was natural as a vassal to want to hear good things being spoken about the one they serve. Paul also hoped that Lionel would regain his former reputation. Just like the period where he was called ¡®The Lovely Grand Prince¡¯. However, perhaps Paul¡¯s earnestness did not reach him, as Lionel only gave a light smile. ¡°It¡¯s harder to gain a reputation that¡¯s worse than what it currently is.¡± ¡°Even so, Y¨CYour Highness!¡± ¡°I¡¯ll think about my reputation, which you care about so much, after I¡¯ve found her.¡± Lionel took out the wanted poster from his chest pocket and gave a languid smile. Paul couldn¡¯t help but stare at his smile absentmindedly, and only came to his senses after the Grand Duke passed through the main gate. Ah, come to think of it, there was a much more major problem than the one of his reputation. Paul was so shocked to discover wanted posters hanging all over the place as soon as he had arrived in the capital. The description of the organisation¡¯s boss written on the wanted poster matched the features of the woman in the grand duke¡¯s arms exactly. ¡®It¡¯s good that you¡¯ve gained an interest in a woman, but why do you have to fall for a criminal that¡¯s wanted by the Imperial Family¡­!¡¯ No wonder that woman¡¯s outfit that day was unusual. After Paul groaned, he immediately chased after Lionel while calling his name. As such, he decided to find out about that woman¡¯s true identity. ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? Even though his visit was so sudden to the point of being impertinent, the Emperor personally received the Grand Duke¡¯s arrival. This was because he had to show the minimum level of good faith towards the lord of the Grand duchy that protects the north and its borders. As if the fact that he commissioned an underground boss to assassinate the grand duke was a lie, Emperor Kaiser had a benevolent face. ¡°As it¡¯s an unscheduled trip to the capital, the Grand Duke seemed youthful.¡± Instead of criticising him for his visit, the Emperor spoke kindly, as if he was treating him like his own son, and offered him a cup of tea. He added the explanation that it was a tribute from the Eastern kingdom that was recently occupied by the Empire. ¡°I also felt this way a year ago, but your atmosphere has changed greatly from when you were young. Perhaps¡­. It¡¯s due to the terrible fire that occurred previously. How heartbroken you must have been over that incident.¡± When Lionel was 13 years old, a sudden fire caused the accident where the Blanc Castle went into flames. While small and large fires may occur frequently due to the cold and dry climate of the Blanc Grand Duchy, it was questionable for a fire to break out in the castle, which was located quite a distance away from the mountain. That fire instantly took the lives of the still young grand ducal couple, and even numerous servants in the castle died. Lionel was the only survivor of that brutal fire, the only one that had the blood of Blanc flowing within his veins. ¡°I don¡¯t really want to talk about that.¡± Lionel seemed displeased as he responded with his brows furrowed while drinking the tea from an ornate teacup. Although his attitude was very arrogant, the Emperor only gave a kind smile instead of pointing that out. ¡°That¡¯s right. It was a natural disaster that couldn¡¯t have been salvaged by human means. While the emperor specifically emphasised the words, ¡®natural disaster¡¯, he looked at the grand duke with subtle eyes. Actually, as it was an accident that left many questions behind, there were people that gossiped about whether the main culprit behind the fire could be the sole survivor, Lionel. It was dismissed as ridiculous false rumour at that time, but the nobles that witnessed the grownup Lionel¡¯s cruel nature began to look at him, thinking, ¡®What if?¡¯ In the end, there wasn¡¯t a more interesting topic than a scandal. The Emperor tried his best to find a sign of panic within the blue eyes that resembled his own, but he couldn¡¯t discern any emotions from Lionel¡¯s eyes. ¡°The reason why I¡¯ve come to visit Your Majesty today was because I have a question I wanted to ask you.¡± It¡¯s customary to contact the Emperor before crossing the border, and greet the Emperor upon arrival in the capital. But Lionel didn¡¯t do either of the two. Considering how he visited the Emperor a week after arriving in the capital, he had quite the shameless attitude. ¡°Speak comfortably.¡± But once again, instead of pointing out his breach of etiquette, Emperor Kaiser smiled lightly. ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll speak casually.¡± With a faint smile, Lionel took out a familiar piece of paper from his pocket. At the sight of the paper stamped with the Imperial Family¡¯s emblem, the Emperor¡¯s eyes gradually widened. ¡°I would like to know about this lady.¡± As Lionel spoke in a languid tone, he stared directly into the Emperor¡¯s eyes. It was a gaze that seemed to pierce through its recipient. The only family that had ties with him, the people of the Sera County, said that they were unfamiliar with her and changed the subject, and even when commoners on the street were questioned, they would cry out that they didn¡¯t know her. As such, he reached the conclusion that asking the person behind this wanted poster would be fastest and simplest. ¡°What mistake did she make that Your Majesty would personally create such a wanted poster?¡± Lionel asked because he really was curious, but the Emperor was more concerned with hiding his anxiousness. Was it that even Atalante¡¯s face was discovered by him? ¡®As there wasn¡¯t any contact after entering the grand duchy, I thought that Atalante had sense at the very least. At any rate, what a useless girl.¡¯ But it would be a foolish move to show his emotions first. Even if he had identified the assassin¡¯s face, it can clearly be appropriately disputed. That¡¯s because there wasn¡¯t any evidence showing that the Emperor instigated her personally. ¡®The only evidence would be that girl¡¯s existence in itself.¡¯ She managed to disappear instantly as if her tail was cut, even though he had mobilised the entire garrison and even prepared a reward. North, south, east and west. All he got was uncertain reports of eyewitness accounts from all over the Empire, The Emperor that was struggling with that recently, answered composedly. ¡°It¡¯s amazing that you¡¯ve even taken an interest in the criminals of the Empire. This woman is the head of a notorious criminal organisation. They wouldn¡¯t mind threatening the lives of nobles as long as they can make a profit.¡± ¡°Hooh, is that¡¯s why Your Majesty placed her on the wanted list personally?¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t it natural that the Imperial Family act for the safety of the Empire¡¯s citizens?¡± As the Emperor added those words lightly, had the face of a perfect monarch. Lionel looked at the face for a while, before crossing his long legs while moving his lips. ¡°Indeed. In that case, have you found her yet?¡± ¡°Unfortunately, no. It¡¯s because she¡¯s been working in the gray area for a long while now. Even the members of her organisation disappeared.¡± ¡°You must have been quite troubled. I, too, want to follow Your Majesty¡¯s mindset of trying hard for the citizens.¡± There wasn¡¯t a sign that he was hiding anything from his eyes. From Lionel¡¯s reaction, he definitely doesn¡¯t know that the assassin who entered his bedroom was the same person on the wanted poster. Relieved, the Emperor opened his mouth to change the subject. ¡°Come to think of it, there¡¯s also something that We would like to ask you. We¡¯ve heard of an interesting rumour.¡± ¡°You¡¯ve answered my questions, so I should answer one of your questions at the very least.¡± Lionel gave an arrogant smile and took another sip of his tea. Underneath his smiling face, the Emperor quietly gritted his teeth. ¡®Why was Lionel being much more arrogant than he was a year ago, was it my delusion?¡¯ ¡°Rumours have it that you¡¯d come all the way to the capital to find the Grand Duchess.¡± ¡°You¡¯re well-informed.¡± ¡°As you would look at beautiful young ladies as if they were stone, We¡¯d thought that you were uninterested in getting married. Well, you¡¯re already twenty two. The Grand Duke has a surprisingly romantic side.¡± ¡°Romantic¡­That¡¯s right.¡± Have you ever longed for someone like this? He had only met her for the first time a few weeks ago, but Lionel could still recall the Atalante of that day accurately when he closed his eyes. ??????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? Chapter 14 ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? Finding the Grand Duchess Her clear voice that didn¡¯t fit with the wariness within her eyes, her uniquely refreshing scent that wasn¡¯t covered by the musty smell of the secret passage, as well her combat ability that was comparable to his. He could also remember the moment where he was ¡®enchanted¡¯ by her clearly. ¡®The desire to kill her disappeared in an instant. Let alone killing her¡­¡¯ His stomach went numb from trying to hold back his urge to kiss her. Romantic. The fact that he had such a side was absurd. Ever since that day, after feeling such an itchy sensation, Lionel couldn¡¯t be bothered to do anything other than think of Atalante. He wanted to find her quickly and see her everyday. ¡°From the looks of the Grand Duke¡¯s reaction, the rumour seems to be true.¡± Perhaps it was because he didn¡¯t believe the rumour, it was the first time that the Emperor looked surprised today. Instead of answering, Lionel gave a light nod. ¡°It will soon be the season for the Founding Festival, are you perhaps intending to find your fated match during the ball?¡± As the Emperor placed his chin on his wrinkled hands, he asked with a courteous tone. While the Imperial aristocrats¡¯ public opinion of the Grand Duke was quite negative, that was a separate matter from coveting the position of the Grand Duchess of Blanc. ¡°Who knows. I intend on looking for the Grand Duchess before the start of the Founding Festival.¡± ¡°Oh, so you¡¯re planning to enter together as partners.¡± ¡°If she¡¯s willing to.¡± The Grand Duke didn¡¯t have the slightest intention of participating in the Founding Festival. Managing his land has kept his hands full, so he didn¡¯t have time to waste hanging out with them and laugh at unamusing stories. However, if Atalante wanted to participate in the Founding Festival, he definitely could spare as much time as she wanted to attend. ¡°With Your Majesty¡¯s permission, I¡¯d like to leave and look for the Grand Duchess now.¡± Romantic. With each other¡¯s exchange of questions, his intended business here has ended. He has also confirmed that the Emperor and the Garrison were still unaware of her whereabouts. There was only one thing that Lionel had to do now, and that was to accompany Atalante first, before they found her. The corners of his mouth began to itch at the thought that he would be able to meet Atalante soon ¡°¡­You may go.¡± With a still smiling face, the Emperor waved his hand lightly. The Grand Duke rose from his seat immediately, and left behind a simple greeting before disappearing without lingering. Soon after, a man that seemed to be the Grand Duke¡¯s butler rushed after him. After looking at that sight for a moment, the Emperor ordered the knight that stood behind him. ¡°Bring Princess Diana over here.¡± ¡°Yes, Your Majesty.¡± Even after the knight left the audience chamber, the Emperor stared at the tea within the teacup that the Grand Duke didn¡¯t even empty half of. He had thought that it was a false rumour, but what brought him all the way to the capital in search of a Grand Duchess suddenly? ¡®It seems that even the arrogant Grand Duke of Blanc also needs legitimacy and justification, right?¡¯ In the Empire, those that aren¡¯t married were considered incomplete, even if they had officially inherited their titles. Even the second-to-none Grand duke of Blanc was no exception. Furthermore, he doesn¡¯t have a fiancee, so his position will inevitably narrow as time goes by. It was obvious that Lionel had set his aim too high, and wouldn¡¯t become in-laws with the families of the Grand Duchy¡¯s vassals. ¡®But no matter what¡­ For him to come in person to the Empire so urgently.¡¯ The Emperor gave a fishy smile. Wouldn¡¯t it be funny for the Grand Duke of Blanc to look throughout the empire in search of a young lady to marry? The Grand Duchy of Blanc would also be completely absorbed into the empire soon. Although it didn¡¯t go as planned this time, Lionel Blanc will soon lose his life. With a smile of satisfaction, the Emperor took a sip of the cooled tea. At the same time, Princess Diana arrived and entered with a servant. While she wasn¡¯t a gorgeous beauty, Diana possessed neat and elegant features, and was beautiful enough. ¡°It¡¯s been a while since I last saw you.¡± ¡°What matters have you called me for?¡± ¡°Firstly, take a seat.¡± Without hiding the signs of her anxiety, Diana faced her seat, but couldn¡¯t help but frown after looking at the table. ¡°Did someone come here before?¡± Did he call for her without clearing the table? The Emperor¡¯s insensitivity made her feel sick. Only after the Emperor called for the maids and ordered them to set the table, did he lean deeply into his chair. ¡°Grand Duke Lionel Blanc came.¡± ¡°Oh¡­¡± At the sound of his name, Diana¡¯s expression distorted strangely. ¡°I called you here today as I have something to say to you, Diana.¡± Perhaps it¡¯s because it has been a long time since her father called her by her name, Diana trembled without her realisation. ¡°However, before that.¡± The Emperor turned his head and looked towards the door, calling for the captain of the Imperial guard that was waiting in a straightened posture. ¡°From now onwards, we¡¯ll investigate all of the women in the Empire. As long as it¡¯s a woman with red hair or purple eyes, catch them all and bring them to the capital.¡± The most urgent order of business was to deal with the dog that failed to carry out their orders ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? Atalante has lived in the darkness her entire life. Perhaps that¡¯s precisely why she liked the quiet and defenceless night. Liking it and matching with it were two separate matters though. Fortunately, she matched well with the night, and was adept at infiltrating like a shadow. ¡°¡­Should I sleep here today?¡± As she leaned on a large Metasequoia that she thought was quite picturesque, Atalante bit into hard bread. [T/N: Metasequoia is a genus of fast growing trees, otherwise known as dawn redwoods] After staying here for a day and after around a week¡¯s journey, she will arrive at the Black Land. ¡®After I¡¯ve passed through this forest, I¡¯d rarely meet other people, aside from slash-and-burn farmers.¡¯ She felt a little better at the thought that she would soon be able to stop playing such a suffocating game of hide-and-seek. ¡®Did the members arrive safely at the Kingdom of Paille?¡¯ The executives are smart, so they could move towards their planned routes without being caught. Amongst them, perhaps the group led by Devon, who was especially thorough, had already arrived. If they keep themselves hidden for around a month, the Emperor¡¯s pursuit will subside, and all she had to do was to make a plan to meet her family. ¡®After meeting up with my family, I¡¯ll have to find out why and how many times can the Grand Duke be revived.¡¯ She felt a little more at ease after organising what she had to do. Her eyelids began to feel heavy after she felt comfortable. It was insane for someone to close their eyes peacefully in the forest where ferocious beasts roamed in the middle of the night. But Atalante was fine. It¡¯s because more than anyone else, she was someone that suited the night. ¡°Uh, uwaak!¡± Just as Atalante was about to fall asleep, a sharp scream pierced her in the ear. It seems that other than her, there was another madman that crawled into the forest in the middle of the night. ¡®What should I do?¡¯ If she stepped up here for nothing, there was a chance that her identity would be discovered. However, as the man¡¯s scream grew louder, Atalante could only get up from her seat with a sigh. Contrary to her notoriety as a villain, she had saved quite a number of lives in this way. Perhaps it was far more lives than Atalante had taken. As Atalante moved towards the direction where the sound was coming from, she soon made a sound of disappointment. ¡®What¡¯s this? It¡¯s just a wolf.¡¯ She had thought that a dragon had appeared, as the man was shouting like he was on the verge of death. With a snort, Atalante walked past the threatening wolf and approached the man sitting on the floor. ¡°Are you alright?¡± Of course, she wore a black hood that was pulled down deeply. Within her robe, she was dressed in the flowing porcelain dress that she had worn in the day. The joy that someone came to save him was momentary, as the man¡¯s expression turned into despair when he realised the one that appeared to save him was actually a girl. The same could be said of Atalante. The navy blue uniform that he¡¯s wearing was definitely¡­¡­. ¡®D*mn it, it¡¯s the Garrison again.¡¯ As Atalante clicked her tongue, she hesitated for a moment, wondering if she should just leave this man like that. There were a total of three orders of knighthood that were officially appointed by the Empire and received stipend directly from the Emperor. The Imperial Guards that protected the Emperor and the Imperial Family, the Guard Corps that participated in the frontlines during war, and were in charge of the Imperial Palace¡¯s and the capital¡¯s protection, as well as the Garrison that was scattered throughout the country and executed the Emperor¡¯s orders. Unlike the Royal Guard and the Guard Corps, where only aristocrat¡¯s children could enlist, commoners were able to join the Garrison. Of course, it was impossible for someone like Atalante, who was born as a poor commoner without a surname. ¡°What¡¯s a young girl like you doing here? It¡¯s fine, so r¨Crun away quickly¡­! That¡¯s¡­ A dangerous wolf that¡¯s been starving for a long time!¡± Whether it was to display the minimal amount of chivalry, the man on the floor got up with trembling legs. Atalante couldn¡¯t help but laugh at the man that stood in front of her. ¡®If I save him now, I would have saved at least one person¡¯s life later.¡¯ After briefly evaluating him, Atalante reached her hand into her skirt. At the sight of her actions, the man shouted with an extremely worried face. ¡°What, w, w¨Cwhat are you doing? How indecent!¡± Everything was indecent. When Atalante held the gun strapped to her thigh, she paused for a moment. It was obvious that if the shots were fired here, the sound would reach the village. Then, this forest would¡­ It¡¯ll be included in the search area. Atalante possessing all kinds of guns was largely attributed to Devon. As a competent weapon maker, he made various types of weapons with a variety of materials. Guns were the weapons he was most skilled at making. However, contrary to its power, guns weren¡¯t weapons that were actively distributed in the Empire. This was due to the accidental discharges that occurred frequently, and the fact that artisans with gun-making skills were rare. The reason why Argo was able to stand at the peak of the underground world was due to the fact that all of the organisation¡¯s members owned guns. Of course, Atalante wasn¡¯t just good at handling guns. ¡°Do you want to live?¡± As Atalante took out the sharp dagger next to the gun, she asked while throwing its sheath on the floor. ¡°Of course I want to live! B¨Cbut¡­!¡± ¡°You have an excellent sword hanging from your waist. Why didn¡¯t you draw it?¡± ¡°That¡­ that¡¯s¡­!¡± He couldn¡¯t finish his words as the large wolf rushed towards them as the man opened his mouth. ¡°Father! Mother! Jane!¡± The man called the names of the people that came to his mind last as he closed his eyes. Who would have thought that he would lose his life for nothing? However, even after a few seconds and minutes had passed, he didn¡¯t feel any pain. ¡®Don;t tell me, that girl from before was first¡­!¡¯ He was disqualified from being a knight. The man with his eyes tightly closed, a bottom-level member of the Garrison, Archiralph, swallowed a gulp. While he was considering whether to draw his sword, the sound of a pained groan reached his ears. ¡®The sound is too beastly for a girl to make¡­?¡¯ At that, Archiralph swallowed dryly and opened his eyes slowly. As soon as the scene before him was reflected into his eyes, his mouth opened to the point where his jaw dropped, and he couldn¡¯t close it for a long while. ¡°You¡¯re still there?¡± The clear features of the girl¡¯s face before him, and the sight of the girl holding a wolf¡¯s carcass that was much larger than her with a hand. ??????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? Chapter 15 ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? A fool raising a sword Wondering if he was hallucinating, Archiralph rubbed his eyes several times. However, the scene before him didn¡¯t change at all. The wolf with its vital point lacerated, and the girl that stood without a speck of dust on her. ¡°You can have this.¡± Atalante handed over the wolf to him as if she was throwing a small ball, and turned without lingering. As expected, nighttime was the best. Thanks to the darkness, not only were her features not seen clearly by the Garrison member, the colour of her eyes was also unclear. Did he even know that he had missed capturing a wanted criminal that was right in front of him? Atalante chuckled at that thought and was about to return back to the position she had marked, before hearing the sound of urgent footsteps chasing after her. ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± A coward that couldn¡¯t even use his sword was quite good at running. The man that blocked Atalante¡¯s path instantly panted as he tried to catch his breath. As Atalante pulled the hood even lower while contemplating on how to get rid of him, the large man fell to the floor before her. He got down on his knees. People grovelling at her feet was an often occurrence. However, the people that grovelled in front of her had their own reasons. They weren¡¯t like this guy that bowed down without an explanation. After thinking about what was this man¡¯s intentions for a long while, Atalante slowly moved her lips. ¡°¡­Are you telling me to step on it?¡± ¡°No way!¡± At the sound of such creepy words, the man lifted his upper body with a cry. ¡°Then, what is it? Why did you lie down in front of the street?¡± ¡°P¨CPlease accept me as your disciple!¡± ¡°A disciple?¡± Atalante frowned without realising it at the sound of his strange words. ¡°That single-eyed ferocious wolf is a wanted animal in the village. It ate a number of people in the village.¡± What do you mean wanted? Did she just kill an animal that was in the same situation as her? She felt a little apologetic. However, without knowledge of what Atalante was thinking about, Archiralph bowed his head and continued. ¡°He was a quick and ferocious wolf, and we had kept waiting for a response after requesting for the Imperial Family to supply us with guns. It was a wolf that definitely couldn¡¯t be caught with a sword, but you¡­!¡± She had dealt with it in a single strike. After speaking in an excited tone, he stood up from his position with sparkling eyes. He then reached out his arms suddenly, as if he wanted to grab her hand. Of course, Atalante was a rookie that would obediently let him take her hand. ¡°Just get to the point.¡± Despite the fact that there was a knife on his neck, Archiralph had only flinched slightly, before saying what he wanted to convey while emphasising each syllable. ¡°I knew from a g¨Cglance that you were strong. Earlier¡­ I¡¯m sorry for saying something disparaging towards you. Please, I hope you can be my swordsmanship teacher, even if it¡¯s just for a day!¡± With brown eyes that were filled with earnestness, Archiralph used an almost breaking voice to beg her. Atalante lifted her robe slightly and checked his eyes, before replying with a light sigh. ¡°I don¡¯t want to.¡± ¡°Why!¡± ¡°I¡¯m busy. It¡¯s annoying, so get up.¡± Speaking as if it was an impressive story, and even kneeling down on the ground. To her, it was several times more indecent for someone to do something like grovelling on the ground than reaching her hand into her skirt. Pushing aside his chest with a finger, Atalante moved her feet slightly faster. But in an instant, a heavy object clung to her. ¡°Please!¡± Glancing down at her feet, she saw Archiralph holding onto Atalante¡¯s skirt with a face that was on the verge of tears. ¡°Let go quickly before I kick you.¡± ¡°You can kick! I¡¯ll just follow you again!¡± She didn¡¯t know that such a huge nuisance existed in this world. Thinking that she had done a meritorious act for nothing, Atalante raised her foot to kick him. If she kicked at his vital point accurately, he would definitely lose consciousness for a few minutes. While there is no way that a beast will appear during that period of time, Atalante intended to see it through to the end once she had saved someone. ¡°I¨C I¡¯m a member of the Garrison¡­! I can¡¯t use a sword!¡± Just before she kicked him, Archiralph closed his eyes tightly and shouted. ¡°Yeah, it looked like that¡¯s the case. How did you enter the Garrison?¡± ¡°¡­ My father is the commander of the Beli branch.¡± ¡°Commander?¡± He suddenly recalled the man that was nosy towards her during the day. Another Garrison soldier had clearly called him captain. Was his name Orlando? ¡°Thanks to my father¡¯s reputation, I had somehow managed to become a Garrison soldier, but no matter how hard I train, I don¡¯t have any talent in swordsmanship.¡± ¡°That seems to be the case. You can just give up.¡± ¡°No! I don¡¯t aspire to be like you. Just, please help me with some pointers on how to wield the sword.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve already said no.¡± He, who had bowed down towards Atalante, wasn¡¯t able to avoid her strike on the back of his neck. With a short scream, Archiralph quickly fell down to the floor. She quickly turned around after cracking her hand lightly. Just as she was leaving with steps that were even faster than before, a tiresome voice resounded from behind. ¡°Hold on!¡± Lionel was also like that. Was it a mistaken feeling that her single blows have strangely been off? ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? The scuffle between the two lasted for a while. Archiralph chased after Atalante persistently, proving his tenacity. Giving up on shaking him off, Atalante eventually came up with a compromise. ¡°¡­Fine. Then let¡¯s do that tomorrow morning.¡± ¡°That¡¯s a lie.¡± He¡¯s not falling for it. In spite of his naive looks, he did know how to be doubtful of others. Atalante sighed lightly and asked with her arms folded. ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡± ¡°Are you saying that you¡¯re willing to accept me as a student?!¡± ¡°Name.¡± ¡°It¡¯s Archiralph Lancers.¡± From the fact that he had a surname, it¡¯s likely that he was a noble. At the very least, he would be a rich commoner. No wonder, it didn¡¯t look like he was a lowly ranked knight when he had such a fine sword. ¡°Age?¡± ¡°Twenty two.¡± If he was twenty two, wasn¡¯t he the same age as Mia? While it didn¡¯t look like it at all, he was three years older than Atalante. After wriggling two of her fingers a couple of times while her arms were folded, she slowly opened her mouth. ¡°Don¡¯t force yourself to do something that doesn¡¯t suit you, and do what you want to do.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°Truthfully, you¡¯re not that interested in the sword.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not necessarily like that¡­¡± As he trailed off, he scratched the back of his head awkwardly. Atalante looked at Archiralph¡¯s new sword for a while before continuing to speak. ¡°You seem like the son of a well-off family, is there a reason for you to do something that you don¡¯t want to? You can get recognition from your father through other means.¡± He wasn¡¯t in the same situation like here, where she had no other choice. When she was young, she would often have such thoughts. If she had a little money, if her parents didn¡¯t abandon her¡­would she be leading a better life, those kind of useless thoughts As the organisation began to grow, the less time she had to spend thinking about such useless thoughts, but she would occasionally dream of useless things when she closed her eyes. In her dreams, Atalante¡¯s parents were both healthy, and while they weren¡¯t rich, they lived in a comfortable home. Her father¡¯s hand would replace the sword while her mother¡¯s hand the gun, and she¡¯d wake up from her dream. ¡°That¡¯s¡­ There are things you must do even if you don¡¯t want to. The sword is like that for me.¡± It¡¯s something he must do. It was a pretty satisfactory answer. Although he seemed to be from the lowest ranks, Atalante thought that it would be better to gather information about the Garrison¡¯s pursuit by pretending to help him with his swordsmanship, before shaking him off. It seems that there would be no end if she just refused him like this. While the problem of exposing her eye colour was a little troubling, it was enough for her to close her eyes when up against such a lousy opponent. Bowing her head to yawn, Atalante spoke with a muddled pronunciation. ¡°I intend to sleep under the largest metasequoia in the forest tonight. When the sun is hanging at that tree¡¯s position, if you still want to learn a sword from me, come and find me.¡± ¡°You¡¯re not lying, are you?¡± ¡°If you don¡¯t believe me, then follow along. I need to sleep, so get lost for now please.¡± Was she telling him to follow her or to get lost? Leaving behind contradictory words, Atalante started taking steps forward. Unlike how he looked, Archiralph was quite thorough and only turned to leave after confirming that she had leaned against the metasequoia. Atalante¡¯s voice just now clearly had a tone of sincerity¡­ it seemed to be trustworthy. Archiralph took a few steps away from her, before turning around as if he had remembered something. ¡°Excuse me, your name is¡­?¡± ¡°John.¡± ¡°You¡¯re lying!¡± At such a ridiculous answer, Archiralph leaped up. Instead of reacting, however, Atalante closed her eyes. Although he couldn¡¯t see her face properly, she definitely was tired. ¡°Then, may I ask why are you lodging here? If you¡¯re a traveller, you can stay at the village inn.¡± ¡°It¡¯s because I love nature.¡± ¡°That too¡­ seems like a lie¡­.¡± At this point, others might suspect her of being Atalante, but Archiralph only tilted his head with a puzzled face. A tenacious fool. With that line of evaluation on Archiralph, Atalante lowered her head to sleep in earnest. ¡°Aren¡¯t you curious about why I¡¯m here at this hour?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Actually, I was lying in wait to catch Atalante.¡± When her name came out of his mouth, Atalante opened her eyes involuntarily. Was it possible that the Garrison had figured out her location? ¡®No. In that case, there¡¯s no way such an absentminded person would come.¡¯ But, there¡¯s nothing bad about being a little more wary. Atalante swallowed dryly and asked calmly. ¡°Why do you think Atalante will come here? Of all places, to the edge of the west?¡± ¡°Of course¡­ It¡¯s because Atalante would surely head to the Black Land. The Beli Forest is the only place connected to the Black Land.¡± She didn¡¯t even drink water, but she coughed like she had choked on water. How did that fool reach that conjecture? When she raised her hand towards Archiralph, who was about to approach her, he stopped in his tracks immediately. ¡°Are you alright?¡± ¡°It¡¯s because that¡¯s so absurd. Why would Atalante go to the Black Land? Unless she has a death wish.¡± Pulling on the end of her hood, Atalante muttered with a gloomy voice. She didn¡¯t want to cause any casualties to the best of her abilities, but if that man completely grasped the path of her movements, he had to disappear. At Atalante¡¯s words, Archiralph smiled brightly and justified his conjecture. ¡°Atalante will definitely go to the Black Land. It¡¯s because¡­.¡± ¡°¡­Because?¡± ¡°She¡¯s the boss of an underground organisation! Isn¡¯t it a given that she¡¯ll head there?¡± The Black Land and boss, it was a perfect match! ??????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? Chapter 16 ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? Taste of danger Even before he could finish his words, a sharp dagger right in front of his feet. Archiralph looked contemplatively at the girl that threw the dagger. Soon after, biting words that were as sharp as the edge of the dagger appeared out of her mouth. ¡°Get lost.¡± ¡°I¨CI¡¯ll be back tomorrow! You can¡¯t leave before I arrive!¡± Only after Archiralph left his place hurriedly and disappeared from sight completely, did Atalante take off her hood. ¡°D*mn. That gave me a shock.¡± Why was there an idiot like that? No, I should say that it¡¯s a good thing. Perhaps Archiralph surpassed Yuffie in foolishness. Yuffie was good at fighting, whereas he was incapable of wielding his sword, so our Yuffie is much better than him. After roughly tidying up her dishevelled hair, Atalante covered her hair with the hood again. Lying down like she was sinking into the grass, she slowly closed her eyes. ¡°Let¡¯s close my eyes for a moment, and head further into the forest before the sun rises. No matter how much I think about it, it¡¯s too dangerous to run into that guy again.¡± After making a simple plan for tomorrow, Atalante Atalante fell asleep quickly. She was already tired, but her eyelids were heavier than usual because of the encounter with Archiralph. Perhaps it was the price of doing others a favour, Lionel appeared in Atalante¡¯s dream that day. In the form of a maniac confessing his love while strangling her. ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? ¡°Achoo.¡± ¡°Your Highness, do you have any symptoms of a cold?¡± At the sound of his master¡¯s cute sneeze, Paul had to hold back his laughter. It wasn¡¯t until he met grand duke¡¯s eyes, which were filled with killing intent, that Paul bowed his head and focused on sorting the documents he was working on. ¡®Was it because I cursed someone in my mind?¡¯ Trying hard to hide the pricking feeling on his conscience, Paul organised the pile of documents with a determined expression. To be more exact, he was checking the letters that arrived at the townhouse. The rumours that he came to the capital to find a bride had become a fait accompli and spreaded throughout the Empire. Thanks to that, even though there was still a considerable period of time left before the Founding Festival began, regional aristocrats rushed to the capital. Surprisingly, the letters took just a day¡¯s time to pile up. It¡¯s clear that they were trying to somehow turn their daughters into the Grand Duchess of Blanc. ¡°Your Highness, are you really¡­ Do you really intend to marry that lady?¡± Amongst the letters addressed to Lionel, there were many stamped with the seals of prestigious families. It was natural for him to feel regret at the sight of letters from various families, regardless of their factions, as well as the County of Sera, who they had a friendly relationship with. The more he looked into Atalante, the more astonished Paul was. Argo¡¯s boss, Atalante, was a villain whose notoriety was at a level enough to match with Lionel¡¯s deeds. Her presence in his bedroom previously had also left a huge space for doubt. However, the Grand Duke did not give even the slightest hint as to how the boss of the criminal organisation entered his bedroom and why. ¡®In addition, the blood that was in His Highness¡¯s bedroom¡­¡¯ Lionel was completely uninjuried, and the boss had also suffered abrasions, but she wasn¡¯t hurt to the point of bleeding that much. ¡®Perhaps my master really has a taste for danger?¡¯ As Paul sank into serious contemplation, he soon groaned. ¡°If you¡¯re going to groan, why don¡¯t you just go and sleep?¡± While looking at the telegram from the grand duchy, Lionel whispered in a crooked voice Due to his cold tone, the temperature of the surroundings seemed to have lowered by a few degrees. ¡°Your Highness, I have a question for you.¡± Instead of allowing the Lord Chamberlain¡¯s request, Lionel focused on going through the documents listlessly. Since he didn¡¯t deny Paul¡¯s request, Paul decided to voice out his question. Paul observed his mood, before organising the sorted letters and asked the question that everyone was curious about. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you¡­ Didn¡¯t you catch that lady immediately after she ran away from the Grand Ducal castle?¡± In actual fact, it was a question that he was curious about through the duration of their journey towards the capital. That lady was definitely on the third floor¡­When she escaped through the window, Lionel was also with her. He could have easily caught the woman that¡¯s running away, but why did he leave her be? Lionel was someone that would find the person he had made up his mind to kill and ensure that their breath had stopped. He was so persistent when it came to punishing people, how would he treat the woman he has a crush on? After throwing away all the letters that didn¡¯t require a reply, Paul slowly turned towards the grand duke. Just then, Lionel placed down the documents that he was reading and opened his mouth. ¡°It was because her appearance from behind was also beautiful.¡± ¡°What¡­?¡± ¡°I spaced out while watching, and missed the opportunity to do so.¡± Paul was rendered speechless. Paul¡¯s master wasn¡¯t the type of man that would crack a joke. No matter how much love turns a person into a fool, this was a little¡­ Suddenly coming up with something to say, Paul raised both arms and protested. ¡°B¨Cbut if you missed that opportunity like that, you might not be able to find her for the rest of your life. Luckily, she¡¯s a wanted¡­ It¡¯s a shame that it¡¯s stuck to her. You had almost missed her forever.¡± Can it be expressed as lucky that the first woman the Grand Duke fell in love with was a wanted woman? After Paul swallowed back the murmur, he continued with furrowed brows. ¡°And why didn¡¯t you say anything to His Majesty when you had to visit the Imperial Palace? Your Highness is also looking for her¡­¡± ¡°You seem to have a lot to say, especially today.¡± ¡°I have always been talkative, Your Highness.¡± Giving a sullen response in return, Paul looked at the grand duke with a curt expression. The only person that could be this impudent with the grand duke was Paul, who had served as his lord chamberlain for nearly a decade. Lionel, who looked at him like he was amusing, pulled out a small artifact in the shape of a lighter. ¡°Your Highness, that¡¯s¡­!¡± ¡°Did I let her go without any countermeasures?¡± Ignoring Paul¡¯s astonished expression, Lionel took a red strand out of a silk pouch. To be more exact, it was human hair. ¡°After this much time has passed, it¡¯s highly likely that she¡¯ll stay in one place. When I checked yesterday, she had already left the capital and arrived at the village of Beli in the West.¡± As he spoke, Lionel¡¯s blue eyes were coloured with affection for ¡®her¡¯. The artifact he was holding was ¡°Kacha.¡± It was a rare object that would reveal the location of the target when a part of the target was burned. Aside from its high price, it¡¯s very difficult to obtain due to its rarity. It was natural that it¡¯s a rare item. That¡¯s because Kacha was disposable¡­ ¡°Your Highness! D¨CDon¡¯t tell me that you¡¯ve been using Kacha all this time¡­ Please say that you weren¡¯t, please!¡± Cleanly ignoring Paul¡¯s screams, Lionel burned her red hair. With a small noise, the Kacha shattered, and hazy words appeared in its place. As Lionel watched the slowly disappearing words with eyes of interest, he leaned back against his chair, mumbling to himself. ¡°As expected, her destination was the Black Land.¡± Stunned, without hearing his master¡¯s words, Paul counted the number of Kachas he had used so far. ¡®One Kacha is about the price of a mansion, so even using five Kachas would exceed the budget¡­ Just where did he get that previous artifact from?¡¯ Without even noticing Paul that had turned pale from worry, Lionel reviewed the documents he was reading composedly. Soon after signing with flowing handwriting, the Grand Duke rose from his seat. ¡°I¡¯m heading towards the Black Land right now.¡± ¡°At such a late hour? No, that¡¯s not the problem¡­ What do you mean, the Black Land?¡± Why was there a need for him to step into a place that was swarming with demons? The Black Land was ranked the highest of the ¡®places that I don¡¯t want to go in my lifetime¡¯. Even though Paul tirelessly continued to make an uproar about the dangers the Black Land posed, Lionel neatly ignored his cries. ¡°Paul, make preparations to leave before I get angry.¡± ¡°W¨CWhen do you plan on getting angry?¡± Lionel glanced at the clock for a moment, before giving a cold smile. ¡°In 10 minutes.¡± As soon as his words left his mouth, Paul ran outside. This was because Lionel Blanc was a hundred times, no, a thousand times scarier than demons residing in the Black Land. ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? ¡°Umh¡­¡± It¡¯s been a long while since the sun rose, but Atalante didn¡¯t open her eyes, only making faint pained groans. The reason why she, who was diligent, couldn¡¯t open her eyes immediately was because of a terrible nightmare. The silver-haired man that appeared in her dream kept coming back to life and chasing after her, even if he was cut down. ¡°I love you. Please marry me.¡± Only after listening to his absurd lines about 50 times was Atalante able to wake up. Getting up abruptly, Atalante wiped her face up and down repeatedly. Spring was still in the air, and she was drenched in sweat. ¡°That sh*tty dream.¡± After rubbing the goosebump covered arms several times, she was able to erase the image of his bright face from her mind. ¡°Are you okay?¡± Just as Atalante let out a sigh, a worried voice came from the side. ¡°Who¡­! Ah.¡± Reflexively battle ready, Atalante immediately showed a listless expression. It was strangely unfamiliar to see him in a bright place, but the man in front of her was definitely the silly person she had saved yesterday. ¡°It seems like you¡¯ve had a bad dream.¡± ¡°It¡¯s none of your business.¡± Luckily, she had fallen asleep with the hood on. Hiding her face, Atalante slowly stood up. Was he called Archiralph? She had planned to leave before he came, but it was clearly her fault that she overslept. ¡°You asked me to teach you swordsmanship, right?¡± ¡°Y¨Cyes!¡± The dagger that she had thrown at Archiralph yesterday was still stuck in place. Atalante picked it up, and let out a sigh filled with exhaustion. ¡®Let¡¯s hurry and clean this up.¡¯ Just as Atalante vowed to leave the Beli forest completely before tonight and gripped the dagger. A delicious smell suddenly passed by her nose. It wasn¡¯t hard to locate the source of the scent. ¡°Aren¡¯t you hungry?¡± ??????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? Chapter 17 ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? What would you do if you had met me? With a bright smile, Archiralph lifted a large basket. When he lifted the basket, the sweet and savoury scent became stronger. ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± It¡¯s been a long time since she smelled the scent of proper food. While she was running away from the Emperor¡¯s pursuit, Atalante had only eaten black bread or watery soup that were sold at roadside stalls. That¡¯s because even if she had enough travel expenses, she had to take care in hiding her identity when stopping at restaurants. ¡­She started drooling involuntarily. ¡®I thought that I wasn¡¯t a glutton.¡¯ Worried that her thoughts would be caught on, Atalante pulled her already low hood even lower. ¡°It¡¯s nothing special. I prepared a simple brunch menu.¡± Archiralph brushed against the back of his neck embarrassedly, before opening the basket slowly. After checking the contents, Atalante couldn¡¯t help but let out an exclamation. ¡°It¡¯s calzone with meat, cheese, and fresh vegetables, as well as spinach frittata.¡± The dish that he took out looked quite appetising. ¡°I looked forward to learning from my teacher, so I woke up a little earlier today. I showed off a little of my skills.¡± ¡®Who¡¯s your teacher?¡¯ The words that she wanted to refute him with rose up her throat, but she didn¡¯t want to waste her strength speaking meaningless words. Instead, she pointed out the puzzling point from Archiralph¡¯s words. ¡°Showing off your skills. Did you make all of this yourself?¡± This was a matter of course for noblemen, but even amongst ordinary commoners, it was quite rare for men to cook. Unless they¡¯re in a family that runs a restaurant. However, Archiralph¡¯s father Orlando was said to be the commander of the Garrison¡¯s Beli branch. The type of blades that the Lancers family mainly engaged in was different from a chef¡¯s blade in texture. Archiralph felt the questioning expression that she had on from underneath her hood. ¡°To be honest, cooking is my hobby.¡± Archiralph shyly added, ¡°Please keep it a secret.¡± Atalante nodded immediately, as it was a secret that she neither wanted to know about, nor did she want to make it known to others. ¡°Can I eat this?¡± ¡°O¨COf course! Please have it all, Teacher!¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± Since he had offered for her to finish it all, there was no reason for her to decline. Atalante faced the food in a reverent manner, before taking a bite out of the still steaming frittata. As soon as she took a bite, she stared at Archiralph with her eyes widened. ¡°Oh, does it taste bad¡­?¡± Ignoring his lost expression, Atalante moved her fork again. Not long afterwards, the plate was cleanly emptied, and the calzone also disappeared without a trace. Archiralph only stared blankly at the teacher that finished her meal in a blink of an eye. ¡°Archiralph.¡± It was a clear voice, but it was also somewhat overwhelming. As it was the first time Atalante had called his name properly, he had even forgotten to answer and just stared at her purple eyes dazedly. ¡°These dishes, was it really made by you?¡± ¡°Yes¡­¡± Even though she didn¡¯t use an interrogating tone, Archiralph bowed his head like he had committed a crime. He was grateful that she enjoyed his food, but he couldn¡¯t help but shrink reflexively. That¡¯s because up till now, the people that have found out about his cooking laughed at Archiralph. ¡°It¡¯s very delicious. You¡¯re very skilled. The frittata in particular, it¡¯s the best thing I¡¯ve ever eaten.¡± ¡°Huh?¡± Perhaps he didn¡¯t expect to be praised by her, Archiralph stuttered while stiffening in his place for a long time. It was an impulsive thing he had done, to wake up early this morning and cook. He thought that he had to somehow show Atalante his sincerity. He could have hidden the fact that he made this dish, but for some reason¡­ he thought that he could be honest with Atalante. Even though he had only met her for the first time last night, and he didn¡¯t even know her name. Observing how he still couldn¡¯t raise his head, Atalante spoke plainly. ¡°You¡¯re better suited to cutting something else with a knife.¡± ¡°What? S¨Csomething else?¡± It was a slightly unnerving sentence. Staring at him sinking into contemplation, Atalante slowly continued. ¡°Instead of swordsmanship, why don¡¯t you learn how to cook seriously?¡± ¡°What does that mean¡­¡± ¡°What does that mean, it means to be a chef.¡± After her clearer answer, she added, ¡°I¡¯m not saying this because I don¡¯t want to teach you swordsmanship.¡± However, her following words didn¡¯t reach Archiralph¡¯s ear. What do you mean ¡®chef¡¯? He felt nauseous at the sound of that unfamiliar word. ¡®Don¡¯t ridicule me¡­ On the contrary, it¡¯s the first time someone told me to learn how to cook.¡¯ ¡°Archiralph! The eldest son of the Lancers family wriggling with ingredients in the kitchen, aren¡¯t you ashamed?¡± Even his father, who was respected by everyone, ¡°Ugh, you made this? You should get a maid to do things like this! Act like a man!¡± The friend that he hung out with since he was young¡­They laughed at the food he brought out. To be exact, Archiralph himself, who was ¡®unmanly¡¯ and ¡®not noble-like¡¯, was considered ridiculous. However, that did not stop Archiralph from secretly hiding in the kitchen. The process of matching a variety of flavours with differently scented food ingredients into a dish was enjoyable for Archiralph. There was also one other reason for him to visit the kitchen every day with a body sporting injuries all over from learning swordsmanship that wasn¡¯t suitable for him. ¡°Young master, why are you here again? If the Viscount knew about this, you¡¯d be in big trouble.¡± It was to see Jane, the maid that kept watch over the kitchen until late at night. Unlike her pointed tone, Jane didn¡¯t kick him out. All she did was crouch in a corner and watch Archiralph cook quietly. Although he had hoped that they would converse like they did when they were younger, Jane, who has clearly become a young lady, drew a clear line with Archiralph. Employers and employees, aristocrats and commoners, men and women. The walls in between them were too large and stubborn. ¡°Jane, you¡­ Don¡¯t I look like an idiot when I cook?¡± The question that he had blurted out towards Jane had no answer for a long while. Actually, the reason why he started cooking was because he wanted to get closer to her, a kitchen maid. Now, Jane had even acknowledged that his skills were much better than hers. ¡°No, you look cool.¡± I think that the girl that would marry the young master will never starve. At the sound of her added words, Archiralph squeezed out all of his courage for the next several years that day and confessed to her. Although he had gotten a positive answer with much difficulty after constant courtship, there was another hurdle that was as high as Jane¡¯s consent. At the news that he wanted to marry Jane, Orlando remained silent for a while. Orlando lost his wife early, and painstakingly raised their son, but their son grew up strangely. Acting unlike the successor of a family of knights, he would either secretly cook, or say that he would marry a commoner woman. He strongly opposed it till not too long ago, where he had put up attractive conditions instead of unconditionally opposing it. ¡°If you can accumulate recognition in the Garrison through accomplishments, I will think positively about your marriage.¡± ¡°Getting recognition¡­ P¨Cplease be more specific!¡± ¡°Catching Atalante, the criminal wanted by His Majesty the Emperor.¡± Wasn¡¯t that equivalent to saying that he didn¡¯t intend to approve their marriage? It wasn¡¯t until Archiralph raised objections multiple times that Orlando came up with an alternative. Well. It was ridiculous that Archiralph would be able to catch the notorious Atalante. More importantly, he didn¡¯t want to lose his only son. ¡°Pass the upcoming evaluation to become a trainee knight and be knighted officially.¡± ¡°F¨Cfather! Even though you¡¯re aware that I¡¯m not good at swordsmanship!¡± ¡°Then you can just give up on Jane.¡± Orlando¡¯s provocation caused Archiralph to hone his swordsmanship every day without fail. He also endured his cooking practice and meeting Jane. It would have been nice if his skills had shown as much improvement, but even after he swung his sword daily, his swordsmanship didn¡¯t improve in the slightest. ¡°So, you hid in Beli Forest, thinking about just catching Atalante?¡± After hearing Archiralph¡¯s long narration, Atalante slowly yawned and asked. ¡°Yes, yes! As I¡¯ve mentioned previously, Atalante will definitely head towards the Black Land!¡± Seriously, she couldn¡¯t believe that such a fool had managed to see through the route she was going to take. Although her pride was oddly hurt, she didn¡¯t deliberately express it. ¡®What would you do if you had met me? You can¡¯t even use your sword.¡¯ Although she was curious as to how he planned to catch her, he would definitely reply that he didn¡¯t have a countermeasure. The sun was already high in the sky when she looked upwards. She had to leave this forest today before sunset. ¡°Anyways, you have to be proficient with a sword, right?¡± ¡°Yes, yes!¡± ¡°It¡¯d have been nice if you made cooking your occupation, but it¡¯s a shame.¡± Her following words were sincere. The food brought by Archiralph was really delicious. Although she moved in the underground world, Atalante was someone that had a sensitive tongue. Irrelevant from not being picky, she knew how to distinguish between food that¡¯s proper and food that isn¡¯t. At the sound of her words, Archiralph looked strangely moved. But that was only momentarily, as his face turned blue the moment Atalante brandished her knife. ¡°What are you doing? Unsheath your sword.¡± She¡¯ll have to make this quick. Unlike he, who was wielding a longsword, she suddenly asked about something she was curious about while holding a short dagger. ¡°But if your father is the commander of the Garrison, why aren¡¯t you learning from him?¡± In the face of Atalante¡¯s question, Archiralph smiled awkwardly before replying in an embarrassed tone. ¡°F¨Cfather had also given up on me.¡± ??????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? Chapter 18 ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? A raid and hostage It¡¯s like X. Almost voicing out vulgar words, Atalante tried her best to suppress the urge to curse. Orlando was quite the funny person, wanting the son that he had given up teaching to pass the evaluation to become a trainee knight. ¡®What¡¯s so important about continuing the family¡¯s legacy?¡¯ It was natural that she couldn¡¯t understand their way of thinking as she wasn¡¯t an aristocrat. With a light sigh, Atalante replaced her dagger. ¡°Oh, why are you putting away your blade¡­?¡± ¡°You, your basic posture is already a mess.¡± ¡°What? But I had definitely learned like this at the training center¡­¡± ¡°That¡¯s none of my concern. If you¡¯re going to learn from me, do it according to what I say.¡± As soon as she finished speaking, Atalante pressed hard on his shoulders to lower his posture. Without even giving Archiralph time to be bewildered by the suddenly lowered vision, Atalante had even corrected the way he held the sword. In actuality, despite her usage of the phrase ¡®basic posture¡¯, Atalante had never learned swordsmanship formally. Ah, just once. Her stepfather that worked as a mercenary taught her swordsmanship for self-defence. Well, swordsmanship was only a small part of it. From martial arts to shooting. Atalante was proficient at everything related to ¡®fighting¡¯. When the occasional question of where had she learned those skills were raised, she would consistently give the same answer. ¡°I¡¯m just moving as my body dictates.¡± The only thing that could explain her movements was that it was innate. But if she¡¯d have been weeded out if she had just left her talent alone. Atalante trained herself every single day without fail. Thanks to that, while her swordsmanship wasn¡¯t as elegant as a family of knights¡¯, it was specialised in actual combat. The problem was¡­ ¡°L¨CLike this?¡± Archiralph met her expectations, which was that he didn¡¯t possess talent for swordsmanship. Archiralph seemed to be expressing the word ¡®severe¡¯ with physical movements. His stiffness was to the point where she¡¯d only see when the members of Argo had held in place for an hour. It was the first time Atalante did not see any improvement to a certain extent even though said person was in possession of perfectly intact limbs. ¡°I¨CI¡¯m sorry. The thought of hurting someone else is too¡­ scary.¡± ¡°You won¡¯t be able to do anything if you keep thinking like that. You should focus on what you can protect by wielding a sword.¡± ¡°¡­About that, I¡¯m not¡­¡± ¡°Just shut your mouth if you¡¯re going to keep making excuses.¡± Annoyed, Atalante grabbed his arm and growled. ¡°You didn¡¯t put any strength in. You can¡¯t even cut through spinach by swinging it like that.¡± She doesn¡¯t know how to cook. Atalante sighed and was about to rebuke him, before looking at Archiralph with an exclamatory, ¡°Ah!¡± She came up with a decent idea. ¡°Think of it like you¡¯re cooking.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°Pretend that you¡¯re cutting up ingredients while swinging the sword.¡± ¡°T¨Cthat¡¯s too awful!¡± After shrieking, Archiralph bowed his head with a pale complexion. Atalante held both of his cheeks. Although he couldn¡¯t see her face clearly as her eyes were covered by the hood, the pressure Archiralph felt from her caused him to tremble without realising that he was doing so. ¡°Hey.¡± ¡°Y¨Cyes!¡± His voice trembled slightly, but Archiralph replied in the loudest voice he could manage. ¡°Honestly, even if you¡¯ve received my training today, you would die by the third time you¡¯re sent to participate in a battlefield or subjugation.¡± There weren¡¯t any falsities within her voice. It was the truth. When Archiralph lowered his gaze, Atalante squeezed his cheeks harder with her hands. ¡°But you aren¡¯t aiming to become a courageous knight in order to make a name for yourself. It¡¯s to be formally appointed as a knight and marry your lover, isn¡¯t it?¡± ¡°B¨Cbut¡­¡± ¡°What I meant was to think of the opponents you¡¯ll meet during the knight evaluation as food ingredients. Even if you¡¯re using an actual sword, you wouldn¡¯t injure it.¡± ¡°It wouldn¡¯t actually injure¡­¡± Archiralph kept ruminating over Atalante¡¯s words like he had gotten inspiration, before nodding lightly. ¡°I¨CI¡¯ll try and think about it in that way. Food¡­ingredients.¡± ¡°Right. Think about it like you¡¯re slicing, trimming and squashing the ingredients.¡± ¡°Uwah, stop describing it so graphically! For some reason, it¡¯s awful!¡± Unlike his expression of shock, Archiralph seemed to have realised something, as his eyes twinkled quietly. While he was still sluggish, the hand holding the sword slowly began to gain strength. After several attempts, Archiralph managed to cut down the smallest tree in their vicinity. ¡°Jo¨CJohn!¡± He looked at Atalante with delight. Atalante yawned as she gave a light nod. She wasn¡¯t sure whether she was teaching him to be a knight or training him to be a woodcutter, but¡­ ¡®He can be threatening to robbers if he meets one.¡¯ Although Atalante couldn¡¯t guarantee that he would pass the knight¡¯s evaluation, he would definitely be able to do a chin-up if he continued to train like this. ¡®To think that a man like that will be a knight, the future is dark for the Imperial Garrison.¡¯ Unlike her clicking tongue, a deep line was drawn by the corners of Atalante¡¯s mouth. As she looked up at the setting sun in the sky, the thought that she had done something that was not like her. ¡°Good job. I¡¯ll be on my way now.¡± She had been delayed much longer than her expectations. Atalante had originally intended to act perfunctory, but for some reason, she became serious about teaching Archiralph. ¡°E¨CExcuse me! If you don¡¯t mind, please come to our mansion for dinner¡­!¡± ¡°Why? Are you going to cook for me again?¡± ¡°As much as you want!¡± While it was a tempting proposal, she couldn¡¯t afford to waste any more time. Just as she had furtively questioned Archiralph earlier, it was evident that her whereabouts had yet to be specified properly. It was not just in the west, but all the branches of the Garrison throughout the Empire had received a report that they seemed to have spotted Atalante. ¡®Perhaps Jenna had a hand in this.¡¯ As the person ranked second when it came to connections, Jenna may have spread rumours in advance before heading towards the Kingdom of Paille. But it was too early to be relieved. She could only say that she had completely evaded the Garrison¡¯s pursuit only when she was isolated in the Black Land. ¡°I appreciate your intentions, but I¡¯m busy.¡± ¡°W¨Cwhere are you headed towards? I would like to offer you a carriage or even a horse¡­!¡± ¡°Come here, idiot!¡± Before Archiralph could finish his words, Atalante yanked him over. Bewildered, he didn¡¯t even have the time to yell before falling over Atalante. Archiralph only discovered the blood that was flowing from his ear a few seconds after he fell to the floor. ¡®Arrow?¡¯ He came to his senses immediately at the sight of the flesh stuck to the tree opposite him. However, the arrow seemed somewhat familiar. ¡°Well done, Archiralph.¡± The voice that followed was more familiar than the arrow that flew towards them. ¡°Oh, Father!¡± ¡°I wondered where you were headed at dawn, but it¡¯s commendable. For the first time, you did something Lancers-like.¡± ¡°Father, what do you mean¡­?¡± The man who appeared through the bushes was Archiralph¡¯s father, Orlando. Garrison officers followed closely behind him in a row. They were all fully armed. It was his first time witnessing so many officers being dispatched at the same time. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect that you¡¯ll catch Atalante. Honestly, I only wanted you to pass the knight¡¯s evaluation, but really¡­¡­ Well done. If I report this matter to His Majesty, you¡¯ll be promoted to the position of commander without an evaluation.¡± He couldn¡¯t understand any of the words his father had spoken. After blinking for a long while, Archiralph slowly moved his gaze towards the girl that was lying under him. ¡°Purple coloured¡­pupils.¡± The girl¡¯s pupils that he was looking at for the first time had a mysterious light. The face that was wrinkled in annoyance wasn¡¯t fierce at all. It just looked young and lovely. ¡®It¡¯s, it¡¯s a lie¡­¡¯ Although he tried to deny it, the evidence was all too clear. Blood-red hair spilled out from the uncovered hood. ¡°We¡¯ve met before, haven¡¯t we? Your disguise was quite flawless. Argo¡¯s boss, Atalante.¡± Orlando drew his sword and glared at her fiercely. Atalante got up with a sigh. Of course, she grabbed Archiralph by the back of his neck. ¡°How did the commander notice? You wouldn¡¯t have believed in your foolish son¡¯s conjecture.¡± Taking off the stuffy hood, Atalante swept her hair away with light movements. While she could run away like this, there was quite a high risk in doing so. Orlando might have already taken measures, as she could feel the presence of people throughout the entire Beli Forest. ¡®To think that I didn¡¯t notice this at all, it¡¯s the worst case scenario.¡¯ It was wrong of her to dismiss all the footsteps she felt as belonging to the animals of the forest while focusing on Archiralph. ¡°I was curious as to what useless things my son was up to, so I looked for him. But the fact that you were here when I arrived¡­ It wasn¡¯t hard after that. A girl that isn¡¯t from this neighbourhood, and used a hood to conceal her entire body. It was too suspicious.¡± Spitting out a curse, Atalante gripped the dagger that fell to the floor. It was unfortunate that the only fool in this area was Archiralph. He still had a dumbfounded expression even though the back of his neck was in her grip. ¡°The Garrison could be completely wiped out, shouldn¡¯t you tread carefully?¡± Atalante was a little concerned about the arrow that came from an unexpected place, but it wasn¡¯t impossible. From the way the arrow was mistakenly aimed at Archiralph instead of Atalante earlier, it was clear that their archers weren¡¯t that skilled. Even though it was quite the threatening line, Orlando wasn¡¯t intimidated, instead bursting into laughter. ¡°Haha. That¡¯s impossible. We have guns, thanks to the Imperial palace supplying them to us with fantastic timing.¡± Ah, in order to catch that single-eyed wolf. Things have become quite troublesome. With a deep sigh, Atalante wrapped an arm around Archiralph¡¯s shoulders. The moment he looked up at Atalante grimly, the cool edge of a dagger touched his neck. ¡°I hate taking hostages, but it can¡¯t be helped.¡± ¡°D*mn it, Archie! Why are you still over there?¡± Perhaps because it was working, Orlando¡¯s face turned pale. As Atalante immobilised him with the broad side of the knife, she spoke in a voice that was as terrifying as the blade that was aimed at his neck. ¡°Your son and I, you can only choose one.¡± Quickly. As she added words urging for an answer, a wicked smile appeared on Atalante¡¯s face. ??????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? Chapter 19 ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? I missed you Looking alternately between his son and Atalante, Orlando growled out a curse. ¡°This, this villain¡­!¡± Atalante didn¡¯t blink at his words and just gazed steadily at him. ¡°I don¡¯t think that¡¯s what the commander, who mobilised an entire group of fully armed Garrison officers just to catch a feeble girl, should say.¡± ¡°Keuk! Isn¡¯t it a given for us to prepare according to your notoriety?¡± ¡°Thank you very much for your high praise.¡± Giving a bloodthirsty smile, Atalante nodded her head, like she was asking him to make his choice quickly. She had a composed expression, but she was definitely at a disadvantage. ¡®After confirming that all of the knights with guns have gathered, I¡¯ll just take Archiralph and escape. It¡¯s fine if I abandon him before entering the Black Land.¡¯ Although she felt apologetic towards Archiralph, in exchange for teaching him swordsmanship¡­she had no choice but to say that. ¡°D*mn it¡­¡± As Orlando swore in a low voice, he threw the sword onto the floor. ¡°Commander!¡± The knights looked at him with puzzled expressions. Although there were oddly reproachful gazes, there was nothing that he could do when his son was taken hostage. Just as Atalante was about to order for the officers with guns to gather with a slight smile. Tang¨C! Breaking the silence was the sharp sound of a gunshot. ¡°What¡­!¡± The shooter was Orlando. Like proof that he has never handled a gun before, his shooting was a mess. The bullet that grazed her arm didn¡¯t seriously injure Atalante. However, her grip on Archiralph loosened as she recoiled. ¡°Archiralph! Come here!¡± Even before his father¡¯s words finished, he fled through the gaps between the knights in a roll. Breathing heavily, Archiralph looked at Atalante with a forlorn gaze, like he couldn¡¯t believe this was happening. From the way the other officers didn¡¯t take out their guns, it seems that the only person here with a gun was the commander, Orlando. ¡°How ridiculous.¡± Did you think that you¡¯re the only ones in possession of guns? Skillfully pulling out a pistol hidden beside her thigh, Atalante aimed at Orlando¡¯s head with a perfect stance. ¡°Throw away your weapons, everyone. If you don¡¯t want your commander to die.¡± ¡°I¨CI also have a gun¡­!¡± ¡°The feather on your hat.¡± Uttering a sentence out of nowhere, Atalante casually pulled the trigger. The bullet shot by her accurately caught the thin feather on Orlando¡¯s hat and embedded it in a tree. Only then did the knights understand Atalante¡¯s words, and looked at the small villain with ghastly pale faces. ¡°Next will be Commander Orlando¡¯s head.¡± Aiming accurately at his head, Atalante looked at the knights with a fierce gaze. Although they both had guns, there was too much difference between their skills. Even if Orlando was lucky enough to shoot and kill Atalante, it was clear that their commander would definitely lose his life too. ¡°Throw away your weapons and call all the knights with guns to gather here. Right now.¡± Atalante fiddled with the trigger threateningly. The knights that were turning blue stared at the commander, at a loss of what to do. ¡°T¨CTeacher¡­¡± Archiralph, who looked particularly bad amongst the knights, looked at her with eyes that were on the verge of tears. ¡®How long has it been since we had met, for you to continue calling me teacher, fool.¡¯ Not paying attention to him deliberately, Atalante squinted her eyes at Orlando. As his lips kept opening and closing, Orlando seems to have made a decision, and his brown eyes gleamed resolutely. ¡°¡­It doesn¡¯t matter.¡± ¡°Hooh, so you don¡¯t care if you die?¡± ¡°If I could kill you, the villain, right here like His Majesty had ordered¡­!¡± ¡°During the next knight evaluation, your son would be recognised for his contribution.¡± Atalante and Orlando stayed in place for a while, guns aimed at each other. Soon after, the end of Orlando¡¯s gun started trembling. ¡®It¡¯s a perfect flaw.¡¯ With a hot sigh, Atalante created the face of a perfect villain. ¡°If dying is your wish, then there¡¯s no choice.¡± She felt apologetic to Archiralph, but they were aristocrats¡­ Atalante had to keep her promise to meet her family again. ¡®Shoot his hand and destroy the gun, and then the vital point.¡¯ Just as Atalante decided where she was going to aim exactly and was about to pull on the trigger with a low deep breath. ¡°D¨CDon¡¯t do it!¡± As a man shouted urgently, he squeezed between Orlando and Atalante. ¡°What are you doing, Archiralph! Go back, right now!¡± Despite Orlando¡¯s shouts, Archiralph gritted his teeth and turned towards the villain. His arms were spread wide open like he was protecting his father. ¡°Please! P¨CPlease don¡¯t shoot my father.¡± ¡°¡­How absurd. Why should I?¡± ¡°I¡­ I can persuade my father! I¡¯ll p¨Cpersuade him to just let you go!¡± You¡¯re just the same. Atalante shook her head while taking a shooting stance with a tired look. ¡°You¡¯re going to let me go now? Didn¡¯t you hide in this forest in order to catch me?¡± ¡°Although we haven¡¯t interacted for a long while¡­ You¡¯re completely different from the villain that I thought Atalante was. I¡¯m sure that you aren¡¯t a b¨Cbad person¡­¡­!¡± ¡°Don¡¯t speak nonsense, Archiralph.¡± Archiralph couldn¡¯t help but tremble at her cold response. How does he live in this harsh world only he breaks at a soft blow? Archiralph seems to have already grown attached to her even though he had spent less than a day with her. ¡°W¨CWhat¡¯s this? Archiralph¡­ You¡¯re acquainted with Atalante?¡± ¡°¡­It¡¯s weird when I think about it. Isn¡¯t it suspicious that he managed to discover Atalante by accident, who would disappear from the scene completely?¡± Upon hearing Archiralph¡¯s remarks, the Garrison officers started to cause a stir. If this continues, he might be accused of being someone related to Atalante. ¡®D*mn it. Why should I care about that punk?¡± As Atalante spat words of annoyance inside, moved the gun she had aimed at Orlando towards Archiralph. ¡°Did you think that I can¡¯t shoot you?¡± ¡°T¨CTeacher¡­!¡± ¡°You¡¯re nothing to me. In addition, you¡¯re an aristocrat, so there¡¯s plenty of reason for me to kill you. If you want to become an unfilial son that passes before your father¡­ keep staying there.¡± She hoped that Archiralph would quickly tremble and leave, but he seemed to still have something that he wanted to say, so his mouth kept opening and closing. ¡®Shoot the floor, take down Archiralph, and then attack Orlando.¡¯ Before Atalante, who had determined the order she would shoot in, could move, the loud sound of a gunshot rang out, one that wasn¡¯t hers. ¡°Ugh¡­¡± A bullet flew from behind. At the same time, the knights that were hiding in the forest appeared one by one. It was all because she dawdled. Thanks to her reflexive moments, she avoided the bullet and only grazed past her thigh, but her balance collapsed inevitably. ¡°No!¡± Archiralph ran towards her as she fell to the floor. Barely gaining her balance, Atalante sat on the floor limply, and raised her head to look at Archiralph running towards her. ¡®What ¡®No¡¯? That punk is such a fool.¡­.¡¯ And Orlando with a bloodthirsty smile could be seen behind him. Of course, his gun was pointed at her. ¡®D*mn¡­¡¯ Without a moment for her to curse, the sharp sound of a gunshot pierced through the sky where the darkness began to descend. Is everything going to end futilely like this? She couldn¡¯t believe it. It was all because of Archiralph. No, it was her fault for having useless sentiments. It seems that Atalante was too incapable of being a perfect villain. ¡®Even so, if it¡¯s to this extent¡­ Even if I wasn¡¯t a good child, would Mister consider me to be a bad child?¡¯ She felt a little more at ease at the thought of her adoptive father¡¯s face. She turned nineteen this year. She had thought that she would at least have the Coming-of-Age Ceremony before she died. That made her a little disappointed. ¡°Party! Let¡¯s throw a birthday party, Atalante!¡± ¡°Even if we can¡¯t drink precious alcohol like the aristocratic lords do, I¡¯ll procure the best alcohol that I¡¯m aware of in commemoration of becoming an adult.¡± All of a sudden, the red faces of Yuffie and Jenna, who were planning her coming of age ceremony crossed her mind. Subsequently, the faces of Devon and Mia, who couldn¡¯t dissuade them, as well as the faces of the organisation members appeared. ¡®Right, I can¡¯t die here yet!¡¯ Perhaps it was beginner¡¯s luck, but Orlando¡¯s aim at her heart was surprisingly accurate. Atalante could be inflicted with an enormous injury. However, if she squeezes out the last of her energy and moves her body, you might be able to escape from here somehow. ¡®No, even if it¡¯s impossible¡­ I have to do my best. So that I wouldn¡¯t have regrets.¡¯ Swallowing dryly, Atalante opened her tightly shut eyes. She didn¡¯t know if her body was like this originally, but everything before her was dark. ¡®Hang on. Something¡¯s weird,¡¯ Orlando¡¯s bullet would definitely have torn through her heart, but she couldn¡¯t feel any pain at all. The amusing thought that she had already arrived in hell crossed her mind, but that only lasted for a moment, as she belatedly felt the warmth of someone holding her body tightly. At the same time, a voice close to a shriek penetrated her ears. ¡°Y¨CYour Highness!¡± The Grand Duke? Atalante slowly looked upwards at the sound of the familiar way of address. Like everything before her being black was a lie, white replaced black in her field of vision. At the direction her head was raised up towards, a pure-white man looked downwards at her with a worried gaze. The man underneath the moonlight was so beautiful that he was momentarily thought of as an angel in an instant¡­It was even somewhat holy. ¡°Lionel¡­ Blanc?¡± It was the first time she spoke aloud a name that she had only heard of on her way back. The Grand Duke that was supposed to be in the Grand Duchy of Blanc¡­ Why was he here? Before Atalante could figure out the answer to her question, his crumpled face brightened instantly. ¡°Oh¡­¡± He let out a light exclamation as his face was coloured with delight. As Atalante faced an innocent smile that didn¡¯t match a tyrant, she held her breath without realising it. ¡°You remembered my name.¡± But with the words that soon followed, Atalante finally exhaled the breath that she was holding. ¡°What?¡± ¡°I missed you, Atalante.¡± As the Grand Duke whispered sweetly, he held Atalante in his arms like he was dealing with something precious. Without realising that she had been hugged twice by an unfamiliar man, her face paled. A blissful smile appeared on Lionel¡¯s face as he held Atalante in his arms, perhaps not noticing that she was in deep contemplation. Atalante, who had stayed still after the accident, didn¡¯t move even when the Grand Duke lifted her up. ¡°As I had put in a lot more magical ore than the standard amount¡­ As long as the heart is still beating, the person that drank the drug will love Atalante for the rest of his life.¡± Only the words of Esma echoed beside her ear like tinnitus. ??????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? Chapter 20 ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? ?????????????¡ã???¡ã???????????? That night, in the woods. Orlando, Archiralph and the other members of the Garrison forgot about etiquette, as they looked at the Grand Duke holding the wanted person. Some had already forgotten to breathe and turned pale from fright. Well, etiquette wasn¡¯t important right now. Along with the sound of a gunshot, the Grand Duke suddenly appeared and pulled Atalante into his embrace without regard for his own safety. As such, the bullet which was aimed straight at her heart had only grazed Lionel¡¯s shoulder lightly without harming the small villain. ¡°Y¨CYour Highness, Grand Duke Blanc?¡± Still unable to grasp the situation, Orlando continued to call the Grand Duke instead of asking what was going on. Lionel Blanc¡¯s notorious reputation was well known, but it was his first time seeing the Grand Duke in person. Nevertheless, Orlando could recognize that he was Lionel with a glance. It wasn¡¯t just Orlando, but all the knights that were gathered here managed to recognise him instantly. This was because the only person possessing such bright silver hair and beautiful features was the most noble of nobles, the Grand Duke Lionel Blanc. ¡°Why has Your Highness journeyed here¡­?¡± He had apparently visited the capital in order to find his ¡®Grand Duchess¡¯. Even the Western aristocrats, who lived a fair distance away from the capital, had long since headed towards the capital in order to meet the Grand Duke once again. There wasn¡¯t any reason for such a Grand Duke to travel towards the Beli Forest, which bordered the Black Land. Wandering if he was hallucinating, Orlando blinked several times, but the image of the Grand Duke before him had only become clearer. ¡°Who are you?¡± Only then did Lionel shift his gaze from Atalante, towards Orlando. His brows were tightly knitted with annoyance. While he still had an oddly youthful appearance even though he had already become an adult three years ago, Orlando shivered at the sound of his cold, oppressive voice. As Orlando swallowed dryly, he tried his best to not stutter while courteously giving him his greetings. ¡°I greet the Guardian of the North. I¡¯m the commander of the Garrison¡¯s Beli branch in the Third District of the West, Orlando Lancers.¡± ¡°Sir Lancers.¡± As soon as Orlando finished his self-introduction, Lionel called his name with a cold voice without giving him a moment to spare. Why could he feel the killing intent contained within his words, even though he was addressed courteously? ¡°Please¡­speak, Your Highness.¡± ¡°Who was the culprit behind this wound?¡± ¡°What wound are you referring to¡­Oh!¡± The pitch black cloak that the Grand Duke was wearing was slightly ripped. A clear wound caused by a bullet could be seen from within. Although it was a minor wound that could barely be classified as an injury, the person that was injured held such importance. ¡®I wouldn¡¯t be hung in front of the city gate for daring to hurt the Grand Duke of Blanc like the rumours say, right?¡¯ As Orlando recalled the cruel punishments Lionel enacted in the past, his eyes trembled like flies. Even if he had to put away his pride as an aristocrat and position as commander for a while, he had to ask for forgiveness. This was because he only had one life. Just as he was about to kneel down, a clear voice rang out in the darkened forest. ¡°I¨CI was the one that did that!¡± ¡°Archiralph!¡± While Orlando looked at his son contemplatively, Archiralph opened his mouth a little faster than Orlando. ¡°I¨CI¡¯m not adept at handling guns, p¨Cplease forgive me f¨Cfor daring to hurt Your Highness¡¯ body!¡± ¡°My body?¡± ¡°Yes, Your Highness¡¯ shoulder¡­!¡± The Grand Duke only lifted his head to check his shoulder at Archiralph¡¯s words. Rather than a wound, the word ¡®scratch¡¯ was a more fitting description, and it merely left a trace that wasn¡¯t even itchy. Lionel lifted his head somewhat tiredly and looked at the trembling Archiralph. ¡°That¡¯s not the wound I was referring to.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°One on a slender arm, and on an originally delicate leg¡­No, one on a thigh.¡± It wasn¡¯t until a few minutes after the Grand Duke spoke did Atalante realise that he was referring to the places she had been wounded. Slender and delicate? What nonsense was he talking about? ¡°No, that¡¯s¨C¡± ¡°It¡¯s alright, you don¡¯t have to say anything. It would be better for you to receive treatment as soon as possible. Paul!¡± He sounded as if he were calling for a dog he was raising. At the sound of his name, Paul slipped through the gap in the line of Garrison officers, and ran over while panting. Atalante didn¡¯t notice this when he was beside the Grand Duke, but Paul possessed a stature that didn¡¯t lose to those knights. ¡°Your Highness! Why did you disappear suddenly? You¡¯re really going to kill me with anxiety.¡­! Heok, why is the lady in this condition¡­?¡± ¡°The right arm and the left outer thigh. The lower wound is very deep, and needs to be sewn.¡± The Grand Duke conveyed her condition plainly to Paul, who was still breathing heavily. Only then did Atalante start to feel pain from the areas that she had suffered injuries earlier. Perhaps his words about the thigh wound being deep was true, as her leg felt numb, like it was paralysed. ¡°Lady, let me carry you on my back.¡± With a heavy sigh, Paul turned and faced her with his back. ¡®I can¡¯t believe that I¡¯m carrying the boss of a criminal organisation on my back.¡¯ While cursing his fate, Paul waited stiffly for Atalante to get on his back. But even after waiting for a long time, he didn¡¯t feel any weight on his back. Turning around with a puzzled look on his face, Paul was greeted with the Grand Duke staring at him with a disgruntled gaze. ¡°This isn¡¯t to my liking.¡± ¡°Your Highness has to hand over the lady so that I can escort her to the carriage.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t like it when Miss Atalante touches you.¡± ¡®Have I become some sort of pathogen?¡¯ Paul swallowed down the rising quip and tried not to have impure eyes. On the other hand, the way the Grand Duke addressed her with honorifics caused Atalante¡¯s lips to move slightly without her realisation. It wasn¡¯t surprising that the Grand Duke knew of her name, as the wanted posters were littered throughout the country. But to address her as ¡®Miss Atalante¡¯. Even if she searched the entire continent, the number of people that the Grand Duke had to address with honorifics could be counted on one hand. It probably constituted a few members of the Imperial Family. ¡®Was it¡­the power of love? How absurd.¡¯ Atalante sighed deeply while thinking that Esma¡¯s potions had a profound effect. ¡°It wouldn¡¯t take long to get to the carriage, so please bear with it even if you find it unpleasant.¡± Unaware of Atalante¡¯s innermost thoughts, Lionel pressed a light kiss on her crimson hair. ¡°W¨CWhat do you think you¡¯re doing?¡± ¡®I¡¯ll kill you.¡¯ Unfortunately, Lionel threw his cloak over Paul before Atalante could spit out her next words. ¡°Be careful not to touch Miss Atalante at all.¡± ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll be careful, as I don¡¯t want my hands to be cut off.¡± While Lionel was still looking at Paul with a displeased gaze, he immediately laid Atalante onto his back with careful gestures. When Atalante was wrapped in the Grand Duke¡¯s pitch black cloak, she held her breath, as the Grand Duke¡¯s distinctive scent seemed to penetrate her mind strongly. ¡°I will follow behind soon, so go ahead first and get treated.¡± ¡°Why are you treating me¡­ like this?¡± Atalante stared at his face after speaking with awkward honorifics. She didn¡¯t want to be polite, but she had no choice. If she spoke informally to the Grand Duke once again, the lord chamberlain might just fall to the ground with her on his back. Lionel didn¡¯t frown, even when he heard a sharp remark from a lowborn. On the contrary, a smile that was brighter than ever appeared as he leaned his upper body towards Atalante. ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you this previously? I¡¯m in love with you.¡± There wasn¡¯t an inch of falsehood in his blue eyes. If she was unaware about the existence of that drug, Atalante might really have believed that the Grand Duke was really in love with her. Lionel looked that sincere. The Emperor¡¯s pursuit was the only thing in her mind, and she completely neglected to consider a situation where she would face the Grand Duke. She thought that he wouldn¡¯t personally come to find her. No matter how much love he felt due to the drug, what kind of madman would travel all the way from the North to the borders of the West? ¡®There is one, right here.¡¯ Instead of rubbing her throbbing temples, Atalante looked at the silver-haired man with a more piercing gaze. ¡°¡­Hey.¡± ¡°I¡¯m very curious about what you¡¯re going to say, but your injury is much deeper than I thought. I¡¯m afraid that we¡¯ll have to delay the conversation till later.¡± Lionel lightly brushed his lips against the back of her hand, which was pale, perhaps due to her injury, and gave an affectionate smile. At the same time, Atalante clearly spotted the strange desire that filled his eyes. ¡°Off you go.¡± While speaking coolly like he had never laughed, Lionel kicked Paul on his shin lightly. It was such a graceful movement that none of the people present felt that the Grand Duke had ever hit his Lord chamberlain. Of course, other than the person involved, Paul. ¡®Are you talking about me?¡¯ While trying hard not to use unfaithful eyes to look at his master, Paul started moving forward. He made every effort not to touch Atalante by mistake. When they were completely out of sight, Lionel turned his gaze towards the group of Garrison officers. ¡°You.¡± Even though there was quite a distance, Archiralph could hear Lionel¡¯s voice calling him clearly. Instead of answering loudly, he quickly nodded. ¡°You¡¯re the b*stard that shot at Miss Atalante.¡± The Grand Duke had actually addressed the boss of the criminal organisation ¡®Miss Atalante¡¯. Archiralph still couldn¡¯t understand the current situation. He couldn¡¯t figure out why the Grand Duke had suddenly barged in, or why he saved the notorious Atalante without regard for his own safety. But the one thing that¡¯s certain was, that cruel man was very angry right now. ¡°Her shoulder and leg, you¡¯re the one who did them all?¡± When Archiralph didn¡¯t answer, a slight frown appeared on the Grand Duke¡¯s face, as if he was trying to press for answers. He spoke with an extremely suppressed voice, as if he had reached the limits of his patience. The strong killing intent that could be felt from afar caused Archiralph¡¯s knees to wobble. The person that shot Atalante in the thigh was the deputy commander that infiltrated the forest, while the one that shot her arm¡­it was his father. ¡°Y, y¨Cyes, I, I¡¯m¡­!¡± ¡°No, Your Highness! I¡¯m, I¡¯m the one who did it!¡± But before Archiralph could speak, Orlando stepped forward and fell down at Lionel¡¯s feet. At that sight, Archiralph paled and also knelt beside his father immediately. As Lionel looked down at the two men claiming to have shot Atalante, he ran a hand through his hair irritably. ¡°Noisy.¡± At his brief remark, not only Archiraph and Orlando, but the Garrison officers that stood behind them became silent. ¡°I have to go after her quickly, so I should finish this quickly.¡± While gazing longingly in the direction Atalante disappeared in, Lionel murmured softly. ¡®What¡¯s with that reaction? It seems that he cares about Atalante¡­? No, that¡¯s just ridiculous.¡¯ As Orlando¡¯s mind was filled with questions, the chilling sound of a sword being drawn resounded, and a sharp blade was pointed in front of his eyes. ¡°I¡¯m running out of time, so I¡¯d like you to answer my question properly.¡± Lionel used the tip of his blade to lift Orlando¡¯s chin and asked in a chilly voice. ¡°Who was it that shot at Miss Atalante?¡± ¡®How dare you.¡¯ A tenacious glint shone in Lionel¡¯s eyes. ??????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? Chapter 21 ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? ?????????????¡ã???¡ã???????????? Second Confession ¡°Let go.¡± After moving a few steps away, a chilly voice rang out beside Paul¡¯s ear. The temperature of the surrounding atmosphere seems to have dropped by a few degrees. Ah, when Atalante glanced downwards and spoke in a chilling tone as befitting of a villian, she met Paul¡¯s eyes. ¡®This is my last chance to escape.¡¯ For some reason, Lionel remained in the place where the Garrison officers were at, and she was clearly capable of overpowering the lord chamberlain that was carrying her on his back. Although the only problem lay in the fact that one leg was numb, if she can find something as a suitable crutch, she¡¯d somehow be able to get away. ¡°If you don¡¯t want to die, let go of me right now.¡± Paul, who was threatened again, finally came to a stop. He would definitely be beaten up by his madman of a lord for letting her slip through his fingers, but there was no reason for her to consider that. However, Paul let out a deep sigh instead of letting Atalante go. It was a very deep sigh, like he was trying to take everything that¡¯s within him outside. ¡®I¡¯m sorry, but my life comes first.¡¯ When Atalante raised her other hand in order to strike at his vital point, Paul turned his head to her while heaving another sigh. ¡°I¡¯m quite resilient, so I won¡¯t faint from attacks of that sort.¡± That meant that he expected her to hit his vital point. Atalante¡¯s face became distorted. ¡°Let go of me.¡± ¡°I¡¯m sure that you have many questions you¡¯d like to ask, but please get treated first.¡± After adjusting Lionel¡¯s cloak, Paul began moving again. ¡°For your information, the order I¡¯d received was to treat the lady, and not to keep an eye on you.¡± ¡°¡­Does that mean that you¡¯d turn a blind eye if I ran away?¡± ¡°I, too, am human. I also hope that His Highness will meet a young lady that matches his position.¡± At his words, Atalante then realised the true intentions behind Paul¡¯s words. Indeed, there was a huge gap between Lionel and Atalante, one that couldn¡¯t be fully described with the word ¡®status¡¯. ¡°In order for what the lady wants to happen, you should receive treatment as soon as possible.¡± He spoke as if he were plotting to do something secretive. After Atalante stared at the back of his light brown head for a moment, she nodded slowly. ¡°There¡¯s an annex owned by the Blanc family in the west. It wouldn¡¯t take long to reach there, so please wait calmly until then.¡± Soon after, Paul stopped in front of a large carriage. After laying her down in the soft interior of the carriage, Paul skillfully got onto the box seat. ¡°It seems that the lord chamberlain of the grand ducal family knows how to drive a horse?¡± When she asked why he wasn¡¯t using a coachman, Paul answered firmly, pretending that he didn¡¯t understand what she meant. ¡°I¡¯m just saying that there¡¯s nothing that I can¡¯t do.¡± ¡°There isn¡¯t a single person that¡¯s keeping watch. What will you do if I run away while the carriage is moving?¡± ¡°Unlike my Lord, I¡¯m afraid of harming others, so please think about this easily frightened servant.¡± In the first place, she wouldn¡¯t be able to get far with that injured body. Atalante wanted to refute his words, but it really was just as Paul said. She could feel more pain from her outer thigh than before, so much so that she made a pained noise inadvertently. Within the swaying carriage, Atalante did her best to grasp on her fading consciousness. As soon as she receives medical treatment, she¡¯ll escape before the grand duke arrives. Atalante gritted her teeth and persisted while repeating the word ¡¯escape¡¯ several times in her mind. ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? ¡°Ugh¡­!¡± When she opened her eyes, a white ceiling embroidered with lofty decorations entered her vision. It was quite strange. Atalante was sure that she was looking at the ceiling of the pitch black carriage just a moment ago. ¡®Don¡¯t tell me I fell asleep in the meantime?¡® Feeling a sense of deja vu, Atalante sprang to her feet. She thought that her mental strength was second to none, but it seems that she couldn¡¯t resist and fell asleep. Atalante presumed that she had already arrived at the Grand Duke¡¯s annex. The pain she felt from the wound had diminished, perhaps because she had received treatment. Glancing downwards, she noted that she was wearing a clean indoor dress. It was similar to the dress she had worn previously in the Grand Ducal castle, made out of quality fabric. When she pulled up her skirt slightly to take a look, a bandage was wrapped neatly around the wound. While she was appreciative of the perfectly executed medical treatment, none of her weapons remained in her possession. ¡®Now¡¯s not the time for this. I have to get out of here first.¡¯ When she stepped onto the cool marble, Atalante couldn¡¯t help but let out a small groan. Just as Lionel had said, it was quite a deep wound, and so it would definitely take time to heal. However, she couldn¡¯t just stay here, vacantly waiting for the Grand Duke¡¯s return. Just then, when Atalante took a few more steps with her teeth gritted, she heard a mellifluous voice resounding from right behind her. ¡°Are you looking for something?¡± ¡°Uwaah!¡± Letting out a scream reflexively, Atalante looked back warily. She turned her head to see none other than Lionel Blanc. He slowly approached her with a worried look on his face. Naturally, with every step that he took, Atalante retreated two steps backwards. Despite the fact that the room was spacious, Atalante¡¯s back touched the wall before she knew it. ¡°Why are you¡­ may I ask why are you over there¡­!¡± A faint smile appeared on his face that was stiff with worry, as if the formal speech that she had awkwardly added was amusing to him. ¡°As the wound was very deep, I stayed by your side even though I knew that it was rude of me to do so. I wanted to greet you when you¡¯d just opened your eyes, but I was worried that you¡¯d be surprised.¡± ¡°Talking to me now would make me much more surprised¡­!¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± After apologising with a face that wasn¡¯t the slightest bit apologetic, Lionel smiled faintly. Atalante couldn¡¯t help but stare momentarily at the bewitching smile on the Grand Duke¡¯s lips. His smile seemed to deepen, and his bright red lips lifted softly. ¡°I¡¯m so glad¡­that I could see you again.¡± ¡°G¨Cget away from me!¡± ¡°Ever since you left, there has never been a day where I hadn¡¯t thought of you.¡± Instead of extending a hand out towards Atalante, Lionel bent his upper body and made eye contact with her. It would definitely be a lie if she said she was indifferent when such a handsome face was facing her at such close quarters. As if he had been infected by her, Lionel continued speaking with a slightly flushed face that was very much unlike the tyrant of the North¡¯s typical expressions and tone. ¡°As I¡¯ve told you previously, I love you.¡± ¡®D*mn it, why is he so good looking?¡¯ Drawn to his profound pupils like she spellbounded, Atalante barely managed to come to her senses when she remembered about the d*mned ¡®love potion¡¯. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but you¡¯re dru¨C!¡± She was about to speak about the truth, but soon closed her mouth. She had to consider the current state of her body. As long as this madman was still enchanted due to the drug and whispering about his love, if anything, her safety would be guaranteed. ¡°Please speak.¡± Lionel gently urged Atalante, seemingly waiting for her following words. Atalante shook her head, and hence he spoke with a look of lament on his face. ¡°I¡¯d like to know more about you. Such as your likes, the thoughts that you¡¯ll usually have, and the kind of man¡­ that¡¯s to your preference.¡± After his last question, a slight flush appeared on Lionel¡¯s cheeks. ¡®What¡¯s this? Does he have a fever?¡¯ Atalante looked at his flushed cheeks, trying her best to hide as much of her complicated feelings as she could. ¡®Although I don¡¯t know how he managed to pinpoint my exact location, the Grand Duke had definitely come all the way to the West in search of me. Now, I¡¯m also injured, so before there¡¯s a chance to escape, I can only remain quietly.¡¯ However, she didn¡¯t intend to let her guard down. Although she had never experienced it personally, Atalante had seen countless devoted men instantly change all of a sudden. Inhaling deeply, Atalante immediately answered Lionel¡¯s queries. ¡°I like good weapons and delicious food. In particular, I like a traditional dish from the Kingdom of Paille, Lowa.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°My usual thoughts revolve around ¡®what should I do to safely finish my work as a villain¡¯. Honestly, on the days where I don¡¯t have to fulfil a commission, I don¡¯t think about much and spend the day aimlessly. As for my preferences in men¡­¡± ¡°One moment. I¡¯d like to make a note of this.¡± Lionel seemed to be looking around for writing tools, as if such useless information was something important. At this rate, he was definitely going to call for his lord chamberlain again. With a light sigh, Atalante caught him by the sleeve. Although there wasn¡¯t any direct contact with his skin, the Grand Duke¡¯s body shuddered visibly. ¡°You don¡¯t have to write it down. It isn¡¯t hard for me to say it twice.¡± Lionel¡¯s pupils grew, seemingly moved even though it wasn¡¯t spoken out of consideration for him, Whether his excessive interpretation of Atalante¡¯s every action was due to the drug or because it was his original nature was yet to be seen. Sighing, Atalante opened her mouth in order to answer his last question. ¡°As for the type of man that I like¡­¡± Unlike her vigorous opening, Atalante couldn¡¯t utter any suitable words. ¡®My preference for guys? Apologies, but I¡¯d never thought about it.¡¯ When she stalled for time, the Grand Duke¡¯s lips opened and closed out of anxiety. It suddenly occurred to Atalante that if he had been a dog, his ears would probably be pricked up. ¡°I¡¯m not too sure, I¡¯ve never thought about it before.¡± ¡°Does that mean that you don¡¯t have anyone in mind?¡± ¡®What would you do if I had?¡¯ While Atalante was choosing her words carefully, Lionel¡¯s eyes gleamed. If she really had someone in mind, that guy would probably¡­ Atalante felt a shiver run down her spine for no reason. ¡°I don¡¯t have anyone in mind, but I do have a man I¡¯m responsible for.¡± At her vague answer, Lionel¡¯s brows furrowed slightly. Making a smiling face before Atalante noticed, Lionel swept his silver hair lightly. ¡°I don¡¯t know who that man is, but I¡¯m envious of him.¡± The man that Atalante remembered was Argo¡¯s lovely pain in the neck, Yuffie. In fact, rather than saying that she alone was responsible, it was accurate to say that he was the collective responsibility of all the members of the organisation. ¡°I had a lot of questions that I wanted to ask you when I met you, but my mind went blank when I saw your face in reality.¡± Looking at how Lionel was shyly avoiding her gaze, an excellent idea appeared in Atalante¡¯s mind. It wasn¡¯t the first or second time that she had to choose between the lesser evils in order to avoid the worst case scenario. In that case, putting aside the aftermath, what about making use of the Grand Duke? Lionel Blanc¡¯s status and power wasn¡¯t inferior to the Emperor¡¯s. The Emperor¡¯s order for his assassination¡­It might have been because he found the Grand Duke¡¯s unrivalled power irritating. Making up her mind, Atalante, looked at his picturesque side profile and opened her mouth slowly. ¡°So, Your Highness likes me?¡± ¡°Yes. It¡¯s not like, but love. Very much.¡± Although a scowl almost appeared on her face, thanks to her painstaking effort, her expression stopped merely at a frown. Whether it was the feelings of others, or the feelings that were made from a drug, while it was quite uncomfortable to take care of their interests, there was nothing that Atalante could do. ¡®Above all, I¡¯m a villain.¡¯ The small villain. As Atalante recalled her nickname, a corner of her lips crept upwards. As expected of a villain, it was a very arrogant and wicked smile. Gradually, Lionel¡¯s face reddened as the curve her mouth made deepened, ¡°If Your Highness is being sincere, would you give me the proof of that sincerity?¡± ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? Chapter 22 ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? A Sweet Price. ¡°Name it.¡± Lionel didn¡¯t take long to respond. ¡°I¡¯ll do all that I can to help you. Please feel free to speak.¡± His sky blue pupils gleamed with devotion. Atalante felt a prick of her conscience momentarily, but it wasn¡¯t difficult for her to ignore that discomfort. In order to survive and take care of her members, she was capable of anything. Even if everyone pointed their fingers at her. ¡°As you are probably aware, I am currently being pursued by His Majesty the Emperor.¡± As long as he possessed eyes, the Grand Duke would definitely have seen the wanted posters that were everywhere. He had probably learnt her name because of the wanted posters. When the Emperor¡¯s name was mentioned, his eyes became terribly subdued ¡°Before coming to the West, I met with Emperor Kaiser.¡± ¡°¡­What did you say?¡± The wariness that filled Atalante¡¯s purple eyes intensified. She couldn¡¯t make any conclusions yet, so she can¡¯t lower her guard rashly. How deep was the ¡®love¡¯ that he spoke of, how much trust did he have in her, and how was his actual relationship with the Emperor like¡­ There was a lot of information she needed to obtain. ¡°I hope that you won¡¯t misunderstand. I only met him to see how far their pursuit has progressed.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not too sure as I¡¯m not an aristocrat, but isn¡¯t that remark quite disloyal?¡± Finding her narrowed eyes lovely, the Grand Duke spoke in an amused tone. ¡°Strictly speaking, I¡¯m not an Imperial citizen. It isn¡¯t concerning to me what the Empire¡¯s monarch thinks of me.¡± ¡°Wow, it¡¯s closer to treason this time round, isn¡¯t it?¡± ¡°Treason. I wanted to try it once, but I don¡¯t have a master to commit treason against.¡± The previous grand dukes had implicitly regarded the Empire¡¯s monarch as their master. Although they don¡¯t experience the oath swearing ceremony like ordinary knights do, it was naturally considered in this manner as the Grand Duchy protected the Empire¡¯s borders, As Atalante stared at the man behaving completely opposite to the customs, his following words left her astonished. ¡°If you could become my lord, it would be an honour.¡± It was the norm for vows to be formed between men. Regardless of gender, it was natural that the lord was in possession of a much higher status and position than the knight. ¡°¡­The Grand Duke is going to regard a commoner as his master?¡± ¡°What do you mean, commoner? You¡¯re the head of an organisation. You don¡¯t have to be overly modest.¡± It was the first time that someone said words of acknowledgment for her deeds. It was only natural as no one would recognise a person that does evil deeds for a living. Staring at him dazedly, Atalante¡¯s face immediately crumpled. Her heart palpitated at the ticklish sensation that she felt for the first time. ¡°The story is wandering off the point¡­ Please continue talking about the emperor.¡± Atalante muttered to herself, and avoided his blue eyes by looking away. She didn¡¯t want her nervousness to be noticed by him. Without turning his gaze away from her, the grand duke continued speaking. ¡°It seems that that incompetent emperor has yet to grasp your route.¡± Her sigh of relief only lasted for a moment, before Atalante¡¯s brows furrowed again. ¡°But didn¡¯t the Beli branch of the Garrison just find out about it?¡± At her words, Lionel gave a languid smile, as if he had anticipated her reaction. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about that. I¡¯ve already taken care of that.¡± ¡°You¡¯ve taken care of that, what exactly did you¡­?¡± ¡°What has happened today will not reach the Emperor¡¯s ears. The several shots fired will be reported as shots fired in order to catch the man-eating wolf.¡± ¡°How did you do that?¡± The Garrison officers wouldn¡¯t have covered up today¡¯s events obediently. This was because catching the boss of the criminal organisation that the emperor had personally placed on the wanted list would definitely result in a first-class promotion or more as a reward. Could he easily cover up an extremely important event that was directly related to their accomplishments? ¡°It may sound a little uncomfortable,¡± Lionel rubbed his chin lightly, before he tilted his head to the side and asked, ¡°Should I tell you about it?¡± ¡®It¡¯s obvious even if he didn¡¯t tell me. More than that, what was he acting cute for?¡¯ It was more unbelievable that the tyrant that could hurt others without batting an eyelash was Lionel, who looked beautiful while fluttering his eyelashes. While thinking that she shouldn¡¯t judge people based on appearances as expected, Atalante pressed on her temples, She didn¡¯t know what exactly he did, but he must have threatened the Garrison officers in a terrifying manner. Atalante suddenly became worried for Archiralph, but she restrained the urge to ask about him. ¡°In conclusion, you¡¯re saying that I¡¯m safe for now, right?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± ¡°But the problems are only beginning. The emperor will keep trying to find me, and my members¡­¡± Atalante was listing out the things that she was worrying about, before coming to a stop. If she was asked why the Emperor was so persistent in his pursuit, what should she respond with? For her, it wasn¡¯t any easy decision to make, whether to reveal or hide the fact that the Emperor was the one behind the commission for his assassination. ¡®Above all, would this man still love me despite knowing that I¡¯m an assassin?¡¯ Confusion tinged Atalante¡¯s purple eyes. Taking a step closer to her, Lionel spoke in a gentle tone. ¡°I¡¯m aware that it was Emperor Kaiser that instigated you to assassinate me.¡± Immediately after he finished his words, as if something was caught in her windpipe, Atalante coughed repeatedly. Her cough only subsided after drinking the glass of water the Grand Duke personally poured for her. ¡°Why, why did you have such a thought¡­!¡± ¡°You can be honest with me. In the first place, the Emperor wasn¡¯t the type of righteous person that would suddenly plan to wipe out a criminal organisation, and I found his actions of only looking for their boss odd. Most importantly, the timing matched perfectly.¡± The emperor¡¯s order for her capture and Atalante¡¯s infiltration of his bedroom coincided. Unable to come with a rebuttal, Atalante tucked the hair that was stuck to her cheek behind his ear. ¡°You¡¯ve even figured that out, and yet you still came to look for me?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Letting out a faint sigh, she stared straight into Lionel¡¯s eyes and opened her mouth. ¡°The person that tried to kill you?¡± He seemed to not understand what Atalante¡¯s words meant, blinking momentarily without answering. His long eyelashes fluttered gracefully several times, before Lionel¡¯s mouth formed a beautiful arc. ¡°I don¡®t understand what that has to do with this.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°In any case, I¡¯m still alive and you¡¯re unharmed. If I had to elaborate further, you only tried to kill me because of the Emperor¡¯s instigation, so it¡¯s irrelevant.¡± ¡°Accepting that instigation was my will. I don¡¯t understand. How could you fall in love with someone that tried to kill you?¡± No matter how enchanted he was due to the drug, he didn¡¯t forget about what Atalante had done. Was the feeling of love strong enough to be able to cover it up? Whatever the reason was, it was something Atalante couldn¡¯t understand. Lightly licking his lips, Lionel continued in a softer voice than before. ¡°I too, have never thought that I would fall so deeply¡­in love with someone.¡± Lionel leaned a little further towards Atalante with a questioning look on his face. ¡°You had certainly tried to kill me. The same goes for me. But Miss Atalante, I could see you even when my eyes were closed, and my fondness for you makes me go crazy all the time¡­What¡¯s so important about other matters?¡± It was the first time in her life that she received such a passionate confession. It was definitely a lie if she said that she was calm after receiving such a confession. It¡¯s just that¡­ ¡®You don¡¯t actually love me.¡¯ The corners of Atalante¡¯s mouth was visibly distorted at his words, as his feelings were all because of the drug. ¡°Rather, I should be grateful that the Emperor sent you to the bedroom that day.¡± ¡°You mad¨C!¡± ¡°I know what kind of assistance you want from me. Ensure the safety of you and your members, right?¡± Lionel spoke in a polite tone while lightly holding her small hand that was full of calluses. Atalante nodded slowly instead of shaking off his hand. ¡®But how?¡¯ While she had made up her mind to make full use of the Grand Duke, she didn¡¯t have any other ideas besides hiding in the Grand Duchy of Blanc. Well, that should be enough. In any case, the Grand Duchy of Blanc was completely autonomous, and the Emperor couldn¡¯t search his territory without prior notice. One thing that she was worried about was¡­ ¡®The fact that the emperor seems to know a lot of secret information about the Grand Duchy.¡¯ Even the secret passage that led to the Grand Duke¡¯s bedroom, that was evident that a spy was possibly planted in the Grand Duchy. She presumed from the secret passageway that the Emperor possessed even more information than that. Even if she puts her trust in the Grand Duchy of Blanc, she couldn¡¯t be completely at ease. Atalante couldn¡¯t help but sigh at the thought that she¡¯d have to live as a fugitive for the rest of her life. ¡®I wanted to live quietly with my family in a small estate.¡¯ That future has become an unreachable dream. Just then. With Atalante¡¯s hand in his, the Grand Duke slowly lowered his posture. They didn¡¯t have anything in common, other than the fact that they were both orphans, but before a commoner girl, a noble grand duke¡­knelt down. ¡°What are you doing?¡± Although Atalante shouted with an absurd expression, the Grand Duke didn¡¯t pay it any mind. Rather, Lionel looked up at her earnestly with his blue eyes filled with affection, and spoke in a sweet tone. Rather, Lionel, looking up at her with eager eyes, spoke as sweetly as the wall filled with affection. ¡°I will ensure the safety of Argo¡¯s members and grant you everything that you desire.¡± ¡°Get up, and¡­ I¡¯m not an idiot. I know that safety cannot be guaranteed for life.¡± ¡°It seems that I¡¯m speaking too vaguely. I¡¯ll help you and all the members of Argo stay safe for the rest of your life.¡± Atalante¡¯s eyes widened at his resolute answer. ¡°There¡¯s nothing more repulsive than an empty promise.¡± Perhaps expecting that she would ask a question in reply, Lionel took the initiative with a soft smile. ¡°Without anything in return?¡± Atalante asked with a doubtful voice. Lionel¡¯s eyes turned brilliant at her words. Like spindrift, his azure blue eyes gleamed and shone. ¡°It can¡¯t really be called a price, but won¡¯t you accept a request of mine?¡± ¡°¡­Fine. We do owe a debt to each other, and because it would also set my mind at ease.¡± As soon as Atalante gave him her consent, he became a little more respectful. He looked up at her with a knee on the ground. ¡°In that case¡­ ¡° The words that followed made Atalante want to hit her head against a hard wall. ¡°Please marry me.¡± ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? Chapter 23 ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? ?????????????¡ã???¡ã???????????? Most importantly A loud noise rang out when Atalante¡¯s head bumped into the wall. The grand duke¡¯s expression, which had been calm from the beginning, cracked for the first time. ¡°Are you all right?¡± Lionel murmured to himself, ¡°Why was there a wall present in such a place¡±, and examined Atalante¡¯s head with anxious eyes. Although a stranger, who happened to be her target to assassinate, touched her, her eyes were still locked in a daze. What did that crazy grand duke just say? After confirming that Atalante¡¯s head was fine, Lionel removed his hand reluctantly. After Atalante finally managed to come to her senses, she pushed the hand that was in the air roughly and asked. ¡°Are you kidding me?¡± Lionel wasn¡¯t embarrassed, even though the back of his hand being hit by a woman was quite the awkward situation. He gracefully folded his hands behind his back and spoke with gleaming eyes. ¡°I¡¯ve always been serious. Ah, do you prefer playful men?¡± ¡°It¡¯s not that!¡± Unwittingly clenching her fist, Atalante struck her chest a couple of times. With a look of surprise, Lionel¡¯s lips opened and closed, as if he wanted to say something again. However, Atalante was a little faster to ask again. ¡°Right now, you¡¯re¡­proposing to me. Are you out of your mind?¡± ¡°Of course. Both my mind is intact, and my heart is sincere. Please marry me.¡± A commoner, who was also the boss of the underground organisation, and His Highness the Grand Duke. It made an overly ill-matching picture. Rather, a match between a lower aristocrat and a higher aristocrat, or a middle-class commoner and a nobleman, a marriage between individuals with such a huge difference in status had never happened before. Oh, I see. It might be possible if it was ¡®unofficial¡¯. Laughing dryly, Atalante immediately opened her mouth. ¡°You mean for me to become your mistress?¡± As she spoke of the most plausible method, her eyes narrowed. No matter how much love he held due to the drug, a barrier known as reality exists. Lionel was speechless for a moment. ¡®So that¡¯s it,¡¯ just as she was about to speak these words out aloud, his face that entered her vision was noticeably distorted. Just like a person that¡¯s angry. ¡°Mistress?¡± ¡°Yes. There¡¯s a world of difference between our statuses. Even if your words of love were sincere, it can¡¯t be improved¡­¡± ¡°Haha, a mistress?¡± Atalante¡¯s retort was buried behind a despondent laugh. Brushing his hair away with a slightly irritated gesture, Lionel looked at her with a determined gaze. ¡°How can such a title be placed after your name, when it¡¯s so dirty?¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°Atalante, I¡¯m telling you that I want to officially marry you.¡± ¡°¡­¡­.¡± ¡°Please become the Grand Duchess of Blanc, and not some mistress.¡± Grand Duchess? The unfamiliar term rendered her mind blank. There were only three cases where ¡®¨Cbi¡¯ was used in the continent. The Crown Princess of the Empire, the Queens and Princesses from vassal states, and the Grand Duchess from the Grand Duchy. [T/N: all of these terms are referring to the spouses of the men holding the corresponding title, and in korean their titles are denoted with the character ¡®?¡¯ which is ¡®bi¡¯. For example, the grand duke is ??, while his legal wife is ¡®???¡¯] ¡®Are you being serious?¡¯ While the thought of mocking him for being unable to manage his feelings due to such a drug crossed her mind, for some reason she couldn¡¯t even move her lips, let alone laugh. ¡°Now and hereafter, there won¡¯t be anything like a mistress. There¡¯s only you.¡± Holding Atalante¡¯s hand once again, Lionel kissed the back of her hand in a reverent manner. It was the first time that Atalante realised a gesture like kissing could be so elegant and genial. It was hard for her to protest because the contact was brief and fell immediately. The first marriage proposal that she had ever received was both plaintive and ardent, that she couldn¡¯t bear to trample on it. But when has she ever done things with something like affection in mind? ¡°Everyone will scorn you.¡± With a deliberately stern gaze, Atalante spoke with the intention to frighten the man that was holding her hand. However, her words didn¡¯t frighten him and instead seems to have caused the Grand Duke to become confused. Letting out a short snort, Lionel interlocked their fingers with a gentle gesture. It felt strange when the warm and firm hands touched each other. There was an odd feeling, akin to a flutter¡­ It feels like strange excitement. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter to me, but if anyone dares to point their fingers at you, I¡¯ll cut their hands off.¡± ¡®I¡¯ll take back everything I just said.¡¯ All of a sudden, his warm skin seemed to turn into a cold blade. Thanks to that, a dizzy sensation of a different kind became inscribed on each finger that was connected with his. ¡°¡­That¡¯s very kind of you to say so.¡± Just looking at his face made him seem like an angel that descended from heaven, but all the words that came out of his pretty mouth were quite gruesome. ¡°What¡¯s important isn¡¯t status or the standards of others.¡± He¡¯s quite adept at speaking such carefree words. On the contrary, the higher his position, the more he has to lose. If he were to marry Atalante, while he was blinded by love¡­ no, by drugs, he would obviously stand to lose a lot. ¡°Then what is it that¡¯s important? Isn¡¯t Your Highness an aristocrat?¡± Staring at her sharp face blankly, a radiant smile appeared on Lionel¡¯s face immediately. Lionel, who was staring at her sharp face, immediately smiled brightly. ¡°Of course it¡¯s how you feel.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°The most important thing to me is whether you want to marry me.¡± Although she thought that his words were absurd, her heart couldn¡¯t help but pound. That her feelings were most important¡­ Has anyone told her something like that? There wasn¡¯t anyone that understood Atalante¡¯s feelings. To be more exact, it never happened. She couldn¡¯t even afford to take care of the feelings of those around her, as waking up the next morning was more important. Was it because of that? Unfortunately, she never took care of her own feelings either. An odd sensation that Atalante has never felt before coiled in her abdomen. It was a strange feeling, both warm and numbing, that seems to have started boiling over from within. Struggling to shake off the sensation, Atalante uttered a sharp tone. ¡°¡­If I¡¯m unwilling to?¡± ¡°If you¡¯re unwilling to¡­ Does that mean that you don¡¯t want to marry me?¡± There was puzzlement in his eyes. However, there was only puzzlement in his gaze, and not a domineering feeling of ¡®how dare you¡¯. Thanks to the grand duke¡¯s attitude, Atalante nodded her head slowly. It wasn¡¯t a lie that she was unwilling. Apart from the difference in their statuses, she didn¡¯t intend to marry a man that she had a bad relationship with. The fact that his love doesn¡¯t stem from his own will but from the ¡®drug¡¯ made it even more so. Lionel blinked for a moment, before the corners of his mouth formed a gentle line. ¡°If that¡¯s how you feel.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°I¡¯ll just have to make you feel inclined.¡± His persistence could be felt from even the breath that he exhaled along with his words. She felt suffocated for a moment when she met those chilly eyes, as if she had run out of oxygen. ¡°You will come to like me.¡± Without fail. The words he added contained groundless conviction. Just as she was about to tremble inadvertently, Atalante managed to make a calm expression. That¡¯s a ridiculous story. ¡®Why would I, towards you? The villain that tried to kill¡­¡¯ Atalante had every reason to not like him. Even if they spent the whole day arguing about this. Noticing her rejecting gaze, Lionel took the initiative. ¡°I¡¯m not asking for an answer right away. However, I can expect a little room as payment for my favour, right?¡± The man asked in a suppressed tone and an enthusiastic gaze, as if he was hoping for an immediate answer. Taking a step backwards to not ruin things, he even seemed anxious. Should she thank the Grand Duke of the North, who was famed for doing as he pleases, for his patience? It was right for her to use whatever that was available, putting aside her embarrassment. No matter what, as long as she remains by Lionel¡¯s side, she¡¯ll be safe for the time being. With a smile, Atalante replied without hesitation. ¡°Of course.¡± Then, Atalante had no idea. The kind of ¡®effort¡¯ will Lionel put in for her to marry him. ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? It has been a long time since she went to bed comfortably. When she starved during her childhood, she feared that she wouldn¡¯t be able to open her eyes the next day, and after she became Argo¡¯s boss, she was always wary of someone aiming for her neck, so she couldn¡¯t let go of her tension and guard. As such, Atalante could count on one hand the number of days where she could close her eyes without worries. ¡°I couldn¡¯t sleep well most of the time.¡± Due to her ¡®occupation¡¯, she was usually active at night. Additionally, it was such a soft bed covered in soft and white sheets that smelled good. Like she was melting, Atalante fell asleep as soon as she closed her eyes. When else would she be able to live in affluence? While her plan to run away didn¡¯t go as planned, there was no reason that she shouldn¡¯t enjoy it when such an opportunity came. As the small villain was sleeping, Paul¡¯s pleading poured out of the Grand Duke¡¯s bedroom. ¡°Your Highness, do you really intend to take that person as the Grand Duchess?¡± Paul glanced in the direction of the room Atalante was asleep in before asking in a strained voice. However, his Lord responded without even looking at Paul, who was desperate. ¡°Seventeen times.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°The number of times that you¡¯ve asked whether I¡¯m going to take her as my Grand Duchess. If I hear the same question again, I¡¯m really going to get angry.¡± Extremely. At the words he added coldly, Paul¡¯s shoulders shrank. ¡°¡­B¨Cbut I can¡¯t step aside on this matter. As the 341st Lord Chamberlain of the honourable Grand Duchy of Blanc!¡± Lionel frowned, but Paul gathered all of his remaining courage and continued to speak. ¡°Isn¡¯t it obvious what will happen if you take her as the Grand Duchess? Your Highness¡¯s reputation isn¡¯t good in the Empire as it is, a commoner¡­not to mention a criminal in the wanted list, as your partner! This is ridiculous. Your Highness¡¯ position would be further narrowed than what it is currently.¡± After speaking impassionedly, Paul caught his breath while looking up at Lionel. With the most desperate and pitiful expression he could make. ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? Chapter 24 ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? ?????????????¡ã???¡ã???????????? The Bad and the Crazy A faint smile appeared on the lips of the grand duke, who was staring at him indifferently. Although it was clearly a ridiculing smile, he wasn¡¯t in a bad mood for some reason. ¡°Paul, let me give you a piece of advice.¡± ¡®It¡¯s fine!¡¯ Words of rejection rose up to the top of his throat, but Paul couldn¡¯t bear to speak them aloud. Instead, he looked at his master with eyes that were filled with sincerity. ¡®The person that needed to listen to advice now was the grand duke. Not me!¡¯ But before Paul could ask him to reconsider again, Lionel opened his mouth and spoke a little faster. ¡°If you try to suit your boss¡¯ tastes by chasing after something that wasn¡¯t that big of a deal, you¡¯ll eventually lose what you have.¡± ¡°W¨CWhat do you mean boss¡­¡± It was a word that¡¯s used by ordinary people on the streets. Paling, Paul immediately shut his mouth. It seemed shocking for vulgar words to come out of the mouth of a noble aristocrat. Giving Paul¡¯s startled look a glance, Lionel slowly rose from his seat. It was a graceful and noble gesture, as if he was a beast stretching. ¡°Is it because of your veins? Paul, I think you¡¯ve been sensitive to the Empire ever since you were born.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°But that¡¯s not me. All that I¡¯m currently interested in is how I can move Miss Atalante¡¯s heart, and things like that. Not anything regarding the Empire.¡± How could he say Empire? ¡®Things that will move her heart¡­ Was His Highness rejected?¡¯ Speechless, Paul froze in place and blinked dazedly. But that only lasted for a moment, before he let out a deep sigh. As the lord chamberlain, when has he ever experienced ¡®leisure¡¯ for one or two days while serving the grand duke? Paul intuitively sensed that Lionel wouldn¡¯t budge from his decision. ¡°¡­What do you plan to do in the future? You should tell me that at the very least.¡± He wanted to stop this absurd marriage if it was possible, but he should take a step back for now. Haphazardly provoking the grand duke would only result in adverse effects. However, this time Paul didn¡¯t get an answer that adhered to common sense. ¡°I¡¯m heading to the capital.¡± ¡°That¡¯s a very good¡­ No, what?¡± The capital, which is filled with her wanted posters? It was so absurd that he was rendered speechless. Instead of asking a question, Paul stiffened where he stood and opened and closed his lips. Turning away from the stiffened Paul, the grand duke walked straight to bed. Paul quickly followed him and helped Lionel change. It seems that habits were frightening. Before he could come up with a rebuttal to his ridiculous plan, Paul¡¯s body moved first. Leaning obliquely on the bed, Lionel didn¡¯t seem interested in his lord chamberlain¡¯s face that was distorted with a sense of shame. The outline of his face gleamed beautifully under the light of the lamp. Paul swallowed dryly, and summoned up his remaining courage to implore for the last time. Bring that woman to the capital at this time was definitely! He definitely mustn¡¯t, as it was his job to give advice. ¡®Although she¡¯s oddly different from the rumours, no matter what she¡¯s still the head of a criminal organisation, and a wanted woman.¡¯ Recalling the moment when the knife was about to strike his neck, Paul made up his mind and clenched his fist. ¡°¡­It¡¯s still bothering me.¡± However, the grand duke¡¯s mutter was still faster than him. The matter that Lionel was concerned about, it was probably referring to taking a wanted woman to the capital. ¡®If only he was talking about the absurd marriage.¡¯ Instantly brightening, Paul¡¯s eyes shone as he responded. ¡°Isn¡¯t that right?¡± ¡°You haven¡¯t left yet?¡± He was treated as an uninvited guest, but Paul didn¡¯t stop talking. ¡°Of course you¡¯ll feel bothered. What¡¯s the point of bringing a wanted criminal to the capital, whom the Empire is looking for persistently? Let¡¯s leave that woman here, and after understanding how the situation has progressed¡­!¡± ¡°What the hell are you talking about?¡± ¡°It¡¯s almost time for the founding festival, and that woman¡­ No, Miss Atalante should be kept as invisible as possible.¡± At his words, Lionel¡¯s brows furrowed noticeably. ¡°What nonsense are you talking about? When have I said that I was going to reverse my plan?¡± ¡°What? But the thing that you¡¯re bothered about¡­¡± After snorting softly, Lionel extinguished the fluttering lamp light with a short puff of air. The grand duke¡¯s low voice cut through Paul¡¯s darkened vision. ¡°The thing that¡¯s bothering me is that I offered Miss Atalante a subpar room.¡± ¡°What do you mean a subpar room? That room was the second largest and second most extravagant room in this villa¡­¡± ¡°The problem is that it¡¯s the second. That¡¯s enough, let¡¯s rectify the townhouses and the grand ducal castle so that there aren¡¯t any inadequacies when serving Miss Atalante.¡± Paul didn¡¯t even want to guess what would happen if he said he couldn¡¯t do that. ¡®The thing that he couldn¡¯t help but be bothered about was actually something like that¡­¡¯ He never dreamed that his vicious master would have such a silly side. Taking a moment to ruminate over his words, Paul decided against pulling out his hair in the dark. ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? ¡°Did you not sleep well?¡± The next day, Atalante started a conversation with Paul, who came down to the dining room first. The purple coloured dark circles contrasted perfectly with his white face. Unlike Paul, who seemed as if he was about to collapse instantly, Atalante¡¯s face seemed to have a subtle glow. ¡®Whose fault was it that I couldn¡¯t sleep?¡¯ He was gritting his teeth internally, but Paul hid it perfectly, and had a bright smile on his face. ¡°Thank you for your concern. Oh my, you¡¯re so nice.¡± ¡°It doesn¡¯t seem like you¡¯re taken with the fact that I¡¯m here.¡± ¡°That¡¯s ridiculous. Miss Atalante is the person His Highness is enamoured with.¡± She secretly provoked him, but Paul was a veteran amongst veterans. He wasn¡¯t foolish to the point where he would show his feelings to the ¡®enemy¡¯. What¡¯s more was that he had confidence in his lip service. However, the opponent that Paul has designated as the ¡®enemy¡¯ was Atalante. She, who was rolling at the bottom ever since she was born, possessed an overly sharp intuition. Staring blankly at Paul¡¯s face, suspicion rose in Atalante¡¯s eyes. ¡®I can feel the killing intent from his smiling face.¡¯ Well, the man before Atalante had killing intent aimed at her, but it wouldn¡¯t result in any harm to her. Yesterday, she was obediently allowed him to carry her on his back due to her injury, but if they were purely comparing their martial prowess, Atalante was quite a long way above Paul. With the thought that he¡¯s being cute, she let out a brief snort. She was quite accustomed to such treatment. It was natural for a villain to be despised and hated. ¡®Enough of that lord chamberlain that says one thing and means another, the problem is¡­¡¯ Atalante moved her gaze towards the food that was displayed before her, and let out a light sigh. The menu was too fancy for a brunch. It was to the point where all the members of Argo could finish everything. But these dishes were only prepared for Lionel and Atalante. ¡®How annoying, when that man throws away the dinner that¡¯s untouched, the kids in the slums wouldn¡¯t get a single piece of this bread¡­and die of starvation.¡¯ Such luxury felt quite unpleasant as she didn¡¯t overcome the crisis of starvation just once or twice. What¡¯s even more annoying than being wasteful, was that these foods were definitely¡­ ¡®So delicious.¡¯ Unwilling to admit this, Atalante purposefully hardened the shape of her mouth. As such, the more delicious the food that touched her tongue was, the darker her complexion became. ¡°Is the food not to your liking?¡± While Lionel was staring affectionately at Atalante, he slowly opened his mouth. ¡°No,¡± It hurt her pride to respond honestly that it was delicious. Atalante, who answered primly, brought the perfectly bite sized veal steak into her mouth. What in the world did they do to the meat, for it to melt in her mouth before she could chew it. Almost letting out an exclamation unwittingly, Atalante barely managed to maintain her rigid expression. Pretending that delicious food wasn¡¯t delicious was¡­ she was more terrible at it than she thought. ¡°You don¡¯t look well, you don¡¯t have to force yourself to eat.¡± Lionel observed her face before speaking with a worried tone. For him to think that such delicious food was being eaten reluctantly, did the grand duke have a problem with his taste buds? ¡°It¡¯s somewhat to my tastes, so don¡¯t worry about it.¡± Answering haughtily, Atalante lifted the fork again. ¡°I can¡¯t serve you with such a low-quality meal. I¡¯ll replace the chef immediately.¡± Atalante thought that he was joking, but there wasn¡¯t any hint of mischief within his eyes. ¡®If this is considered a low-quality meal, have I been living off dirt?¡¯ Starting from ¡®those b*stard nobles¡¯, a long string of curses resounded internally, before Atalante let out a deep sigh. It was because she momentarily recalled the physician that was slapped by the grand duke. From the looks of things, his words of finding a new chef definitely also included the fact that he wouldn¡¯t let the current chef go. ¡®Also, it¡¯s not as if you¡¯re going to personally look for a new chef.¡¯ As she mused mockingly, Atalante¡¯s gaze moved towards Paul, who was standing upright beside the grand duke. As expected, Lionel looked up at the lord chamberlain. ¡°Paul, you have till evening to find a chef that can make Miss Atalante a proper meal that she¡¯s satisfied with.¡± As expected. ¡°Was the Western villa¡¯s chef Derek¡¯s son?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± ¡°Drag him over here immediately.¡± He should pay the price of serving terrible food. Adding such chilling words, Lionel looked at Atalante with an expression that was hoping for praise. ¡®Seriously, you wicked madman.¡¯ Atalante had no choice but to refer to the man possessing the same nickname as she did in such a manner. Although Lionel and Atalante were both called villains, they were different. While Atalante¡¯s evil deeds were born out of desperation and remained in its original form, the grand duke¡¯s evil deeds were carried out in an endlessly ¡®noble¡¯ manner. Lowering his head towards Lionel, Paul turned towards the kitchen. A decent idea surfaced in Atalante¡¯s mind. A way to kill two birds with one stone, testing the efficacy of Esma¡¯s medicine and saving the poor chef at the same time. ¡°Wait a moment.¡± At her call, both Paul¡¯s and Lionel¡¯s gazes turned towards Atalante at the same time. ¡°That chef, please send him to me.¡± A puzzled light entered Lionel¡¯s eyes. ¡°May I ask you for the reason?¡± Leaning backwards languidly, Atalante gave the most wicked smile she could muster and continued speaking. ¡°I want to make him pay for serving such a ridiculous meal.¡± Atalante intended to make the chef that served such a ridiculously delicious meal pay. ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? Chapter 25 ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? ?????????????¡ã???¡ã???????????? Superficial deviation. The grand duchy of Blanc, which Lionel rules over, was large enough to cover the capital, but in fact, only around one-third of the land was inhabited. Not only that, its location at the northern edge made it so that other than the short summers, it experiences a cold climate all year round and the land is barren. Although they had the honour of having the blood of the Imperial Family in their veins, such honour didn¡¯t feed them. Was that the reason? After Lionel took the reins, the most pressing concern of the Imperial aristocrats was where the enormous capital of the Grand Duchy came from. There were various speculations about that, but to sum them up. ¡°Apparently they often receive demon subjugation requests from other countries, perhaps they¡¯re given a generous reward for that?¡± ¡°They can¡¯t have accumulated money in an honest way. They must have sent looters to the Empire. The Northerners are adept at fighting. Major and minor damages are caused by unidentified looters every year.¡± The various speculations were supported by many, and have now become a fait accompli. ¡°It¡¯s obvious that the Grand Duke of Blanc has his hands on the underground activities.¡± In other words, the Grand Duke was involved in the gray area. In fact, after Lionel ascended to the position of Grand Duke, the number of criminal organisations reached levels the Empire had never seen before. The most famous amongst them was Argo, headed by Atalante, but the level of evil deeds they committed wasn¡¯t as severe as the evil deeds of other organisations. There was even exaggerated speculation that the capital from their illegal earnings is equivalent to half a year of the Empire¡¯s budget. Lionel¡¯s brutal nature was widely known, and such speculation gradually gained momentum. It was then that the ruler of a country gained the dishonourable nickname of a ¡®villain¡¯. Of course, Lionel didn¡¯t bat an eyelid when he heard of such a rumour. Thanks to that, the rumour became a doubt, and the doubt solidified it into a fact. However, rumours were only rumours, and there were only a few citizens of the Grand Duchy that had actually met Lionel. The same goes for the servants working in Blanc¡¯s villa. It didn¡¯t bother them that their employer was a villain. This was because the grand duke had no intention of leaving the Grand Duchy. To describe working in a villa where the master didn¡¯t walk around in with a phrase, would be ¡®so nice¡¯. However¡­ Just yesterday, the originally peaceful Western Blanc villa entered a state of emergency. This was because the master, who never appeared before, suddenly visited the villa. The grand duke of Blanc was much more beautiful than the rumours say¡­ He was as scary as he was beautiful. He might have directly brought the cold from the North, and the surrounding temperature would drop a few degrees. The servants hoped that incidents going against the grand duke¡¯s mood while he was staying at the villa wouldn¡¯t happen. But their hopes were shattered in less than a day. As soon as breakfast ended, the generous head chef of the villa was taken away by a stern-looking knight. The identity of the person calling him was obvious. Their master, Grand Duke Lionel Blanc. ¡°Aah, Mr Head Chef!¡± All of the kitchen maids had sullen faces, repeatedly saying, ¡°What do I do?¡± Tears even fell from a few fainthearted people. ¡°What in the world was the problem? Was it too strong? Apparently the Grand Duke likes simple food, so he tried to reduce the seasoning as much as possible. ¡°That can¡¯t be. Mr Head Chef¡¯s cooking and instructions are perfect. Ah, maybe he didn¡¯t like the plating.¡± ¡°Why isn¡¯t he coming? I¡¯m going crazy worrying about this.¡± In the end, the maids that couldn¡¯t identify the problem with the brunch they had served this morning pulled out their hair. One of them spoke cautiously. ¡°Shall we¡­ take a look secretly?¡± ¡°You! Say something that makes sense! What if we further anger His Highness?¡± The maid that was rebuked on the spot bowed her head with a sullen expression. ¡°I hope that he¡¯ll return safely. Who knows¡­ the head chef was called to be complimented for the delicious fo¡­od?¡± The maid that brought up hopeful words ended speaking in a mutter. ¡°Fat chance of the Grand Duke of Blanc doing that.¡± ¡°¡­That¡¯s true.¡± The maid that immediately agreed let out an exclamation of ¡°Ah!¡±, and changed the subject. ¡°But then, I heard this from Amy, who¡¯s in charge of the bedrooms¡­ The Duke told her to keep the guest room in order yesterday.¡± ¡°The guest room? Are you talking about the second largest room on the second floor?¡± ¡°Yes, isn¡¯t that strange? The Grand Duke came here alone, but he ordered for the guest room to be tidied up. Isn¡¯t the lord chamberlain also using a different room?¡± ¡°Now that you¡¯ve mentioned it, I prepared two sets of tableware too.¡± The maids¡¯ faces were coloured with suspicion. The maid that started the conversation looked around warily. ¡°As it was so strange, I pretended to help Amy this morning and cleaned the guest room together.¡± After confirming that they were the only ones in the vicinity, she rummaged through her pockets. ¡°What¡¯s this? Hair?¡± The object between her fingers was a long strand of dark red coloured hair. None of the villa¡¯s servants had crimson hair. ¡°Something like that appeared from a guest room where no one was using¡­?¡± As the atmosphere became heated, the maid that found the strand of hair lowered her voice and continued. ¡°This is my opinion, but¡­ I wonder if the grand duke had come with a woman secretly.¡± ¡°That¡¯s a lie!¡± The maid that couldn¡¯t help but scream, immediately covered her mouth. ¡®Well, it is strange that he never had a woman despite having a face like that.¡¯ Contrary to the rumours that he wouldn¡¯t bleed even if he was stabbed, he too, seems to be interested in women. ¡°You¡¯ve also heard of the rumour, right? The grand duke went to the capital in order to find his companion.¡± Completely absorbed in her story, the maids nodded with a gleam in their eyes. Who was going to be the next Grand Duchess of Blanc? It was the hottest topic not only in the capital, but also throughout the Empire. ¡°Perhaps the owner of this hair is the person that will become his companion?¡± ¡°Were there any Young Ladies from the Western nobility that possesses crimson hair?¡± ¡°I think I¡¯d heard before that the young lady of Count Sera in the capital has crimson hair.¡± As their murmuring grew louder, the sole maid with a cold expression on her face, said in a negative voice. ¡°It could also be a partner for a single night. Perhaps the Grand Duke wanted to participate in those vulgar deviations before his marriage.¡± Her extremely biting manner of speech caused silence to settle between the maids. ¡°Io, why are you speaking so brutally?¡± Io replied with a ¡°What did I do?¡±, and turned her head away. A chilly silence reigned for a moment, before another maid changed the subject with a slight blush on her face. ¡°I don¡¯t know who she is, but¡­ I¡¯m a little jealous.¡± ¡°About what?¡± ¡°Whether it¡¯s being His Highness¡¯s companion, or a fleeting encounter as what Io had said, in any case, that Grand Duke had taken a fancy to her.¡± The other maids, who immediately thought of the grand duke¡¯s gorgeous face and his strong physique, turned rosy. ¡°I¨CI don¡¯t know about anything else, but the rumour of him being the sun god in the flesh wasn¡¯t an exaggeration. Right?¡± At those words, the maids nodded at the same time. As the fact that the grand duke¡¯s handsomeness was clear as day, even Io, who spoke biting words, also expressed her acknowledgement. As their idle chatter was about to end, the sound of familiar footsteps could be heard. ¡°Mr Head Chef!¡± The person that appeared before them was Rubel, the head chef of the Western villa. He had a somewhat dazed look on his face. ¡°What in the world happened to you?¡± ¡°What did the Grand Duke say? Are you alright?¡± At the flurry of questions directed at him, Rubel blinked without answering. After a long moment, the first words that came out of Rubel¡¯s mouth were extremely absurd. ¡°I¡¯m glad that I cooked.¡± ¡°What?¡± Rubel, who kept muttering the absurd words, ¡°I¡¯m glad I cooked,¡± suddenly burst into laughter. Could he have been tortured in the meantime? The faces of the maids, who were looking at the head chef as if a screw had been missing, quickly crumpled. ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? A few minutes ago, Rubel, who received the sudden summons from the grand duke, followed the knights anxiously. ¡°W¨CWhy has the Grand Duke summoned me all of a sudden¡­?¡± ¡°Unfortunately, we don¡¯t know.¡± The knights, who expressed their feelings of sympathy without censor, stared at Rubel like they were looking at their departed colleagues. The place they brought the poor head chef towards was a tea table in the middle of the garden. While the Blanc villa¡¯s garden wasn¡¯t large, beautiful flowers grew throughout the year, making it a feast for the eyes. However, such a beautiful landscape couldn¡¯t enter Rubel¡¯s vision at this moment. ¡°The head chef of the Western Manor House, Rubel Mikhatti, greets H, H, H¨CHis Highness, the Grand Duke.¡± As soon as Rubel noticed his brilliant silver hair, he fell flat onto the floor. ¡°Rise.¡± A simple order was issued, but it wasn¡¯t easy for him to raise his head. Just the sight of his hair made him shudder, so he might lose his mind if he actually faced him. Rubel longed for time to stop at this moment, but the heartless God didn¡¯t listen to his wishes. ¡°Is your head very heavy?¡± Shall I help you hold it? At that, Rubel sprang up to his feet like a spring. ¡°N¨Cno!¡± The appearance of his vigour was only momentarily, and as soon as he met the grand duke¡¯s azure eyes, his entire body stiffened. ¡°The meal you served today was quite surprising.¡± Lionel spoke words that were unclear whether it was a compliment or a curse, and the corners of his mouth drew a smooth curve. He was clearly smiling, but he seemed angry about something. Rubel didn¡¯t even dare to ask what he meant. As he stood before Lionel, it was like he could feel the chill of the north, which was known for its harshness. Just before Rubel was about to lose consciousness, a pleasant voice resounded, as if a bird was singing. ¡°I¡¯ll continue speaking, so please give us a moment.¡± A woman? Due to Lionel¡¯s pressuring energy, he didn¡¯t even realise that someone else was present. A girl with crimson hair like a rose in full bloom sat in the direction Rubel turned his head hastily towards. The girl, who looked a little younger than Lionel, had a pure and lovely face, but gave off a somewhat dangerous atmosphere. ¡®Should it be described as¡­seductive? No, what kind of thoughts am I having towards a young lady?¡¯ Shaking off his strange thoughts, Rubel couldn¡¯t help but stare at her. The girl gave him an odd smile. For a moment, he was fascinated by her brilliant smile, and only when he met the chilly eyes of Lionel, who was seated next to her, did Rubel retract his gaze from the girl. ¡°Hurry.¡± Was she perhaps a princess from another country? She even dared to urge the grand duke. And in a tone that¡¯s filled with irritation at that. ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? Chapter 26 ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? A Beautiful Envoy. Whatever her status was, she could not have treated the Grand Duke so casually unless she was a member of the Imperial Family. No, even the Imperial Family wouldn¡¯t be able to treat the supercilious Lionel Blanc so carelessly. Lionel seemed as if he was about to unsheathe his sword and point it at the girl, so Rubel shut his eyes. But even after a few seconds had passed, there wasn¡¯t any sign of displeasure from the grand duke. Rather, Lionel looked at the girl with an affectionate expression on his face. ¡°As expected, why don¡¯t I stay with you too? That man¡¯s eyes are so impure that I don¡¯t want to leave you alone with him.¡± It was an extremely sweet voice that¡¯s completely different from the chilly tone that was directed towards Rubel. ¡°That¡¯s different from your promise. Didn¡¯t you say that if I spent time with Your Highness, you¡¯d allow me to chat with the chef alone?¡± As the woman rebutted sharply, she folded her arms and leaned backwards languidly while staring at the grand duke. It was a posture that ordinary young ladies would never use. Surpassing the realms of misconduct, it was already a movement used by gangsters in the underground world. Although it was only in name, a nobleman was still a nobleman. Hence, Rubel frowned at the woman¡¯s crooked posture. However, Lionel didn¡¯t seem to be offended in the slightest by the woman¡¯s inelegant appearance. What¡¯s even more surprising was¡­ ¡°I really hate people that break promises. I don¡¯t even want to see their appearance.¡± Upon realising that the ¡®people that break promises¡¯ was referring to him, Lionel¡¯s face quickly paled. ¡°You¡¯re mistaken. I¡¯m good at keeping my word. The number of times I¡¯ve broken my promises can be counted with my fingers. Please believe me.¡± ¡°Is that true?¡± Atalante asked with a questioning face, and Lionel nodded his head faithfully. ¡°I¡¯m not the type to make a lot of promises, but¡­ Oh, up till now, I¡¯ve killed all of those that I¡¯d said that I¡¯ll kill. There has never been an exception.¡± Can that even be called a promise? It¡¯s obvious that the lofty grand duke didn¡¯t exactly know the universal definition of a promise. If she were to continue her conversation with Lionel, the head chef, who was trembling like a leaf, might lose his mind soon. ¡°Although that¡¯s not the type of promise I¡¯m talking about¡­ for now, I understand.¡± ¡°Do you believe me?¡± ¡°For now.¡± Lionel¡¯s eyes sparkled upon receiving her affirmation, like a child that had received the gift he wanted. He seemed like a dog that had been allowed to walk with its owner for the first time in a while. Lionel Blanc had an obedient face on, as if he would give his hand when asked for his hand, and his foot when asked for his foot. ¡®No matter how I look at it, the grand duke looks like he¡¯s whipped for the young lady¡­?¡¯ Although the girl had radiant features that was evident at first glance, that alone wasn¡¯t enough for the grand duke of Blanc to yearn for her. As Rubel stared blankly at Atalante while deep in thought, he didn¡¯t detect the grand duke¡¯s chilling gaze that was directed at him. ¡°I want to keep my promise, but I can¡¯t bring myself to be satisfied with those eyes.¡± Shall I dig them out? Lionel added with a refined smile that did not match his gruesome words. As soon as the grand duke¡¯s words had concluded, Rubel stiffened in place. It was as if time had stopped in only his vicinity. Looking at his pitiful appearance, Atalante let out a brief sigh. ¡°Excuse me, do you bear a severe heart towards me?¡± Before she could finish her question, the grand duke¡¯s fierce glare shot straight through Rubel. Perhaps the saying that people can kill with their eyes was the truth. Rubel, who had just met his eyes, almost died of cardiac arrest. ¡°N, n, no! How could I dare to!¡± The answer was obvious. Turning ghastly pale, Rubel waved his hand to deny the suspicion. Today was his first time knowing that he could wave his hands that quickly. ¡®He must be very good at making meringue.¡¯ Immediately, Atalante looked at the grand duke with an indifferent gaze, and shrugged her shoulders. ¡°He already said no.¡± ¡°Do you trust that man¡¯s words?¡± ¡°Whether I¡¯m deceiving or being deceived, both are dangerous possibilities. It isn¡¯t a loss on my part to trust.¡± Although she spoke as if she was at an advantage, the truth just happens to be the opposite. If he was the head chef of a high ranking aristocrat¡¯s villa, then the man that¡¯s trembling before her would at least be a low-ranking aristocrat. On the other hand, Atalante¡­ was nothing. Although cooking wasn¡¯t considered noble, apparently a family that has been serving as a head chef for generations has its own pride. All of a sudden, the face of a man born with a talent that didn¡¯t match with his family¡¯s colour came to Atalante¡¯s mind. ¡®Archiralph, is he dead?¡¯ She wanted to pretend that she didn¡¯t know him, but it bothered her. She¡¯ll find an opportunity to ask Lionel about the events of that day. After Atalante made her decision, she continued speaking. ¡°Please leave for a while. I have to teach that chef a lesson.¡± Teach a lesson? It was only then that Rubel realised it was the girl who had called for him, and not the grand duke. Soon after, Lionel nodded, a displeased expression still on his face. ¡°I hope that it won¡¯t take too long.¡± ¡°Is it because we¡¯re leaving for the capital in the afternoon?¡± Although she couldn¡¯t understand why he would want to take her, who was on the wanted list, to the capital, there was no reason for her to not go. For now, the grand duke of Blanc as her backer meant that at the very least her safety was guaranteed. There wasn¡¯t anyone in the Empire that could treat Atalante, who stood beside Lionel, recklessly, even if it was the Emperor who ordered for her assassination. However, Lionel shook his head lightly. ¡°No.¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t want you to disappear from before my eyes, even if it¡¯s for an hour.¡± ¡°Shi¨C¡± Atalante, who was about to curse thoughtlessly for that absurd reason he gave, managed to shut up. ¡°Shi?¡± ¡°It¡­ looks like the seeds are well spreaded. The garden looks beautiful with so many flowers planted.¡± No matter how outstanding her courage was, she wasn¡¯t reckless enough to curse in front of a madman. At Atalante¡¯s awkward equivocation, Lionel smiled affectionately, the truth whether he was really deceived by Atalante¡¯s words or pretending to be so was unknown. ¡°If we go to the Blanc Castle, I will show you even more beautiful flowers.¡± ¡°I said that I¡¯d leave the possibilities open, but I didn¡¯t say that I¡¯d follow Your Highness to the grand ducal castle.¡± ¡°You definitely did so. However, I too, am not the type to miss an opportunity I¡¯m presented with.¡± As he whispered softly, his smile deepened. ¡°In that case, I hope that you¡¯ll have a pleasant conversation.¡± After kissing Atalante¡¯s hair courteously, Lionel glanced at Rubel. How could a person¡¯s complexion change in an instant? Rubel, who was frightened by his chilling gaze, almost unwittingly bit on his tongue. ¡°Be mindful to not be impolite.¡± After leaving behind a cold warning, Lionel slowly left the garden. It would have been great if he left nicely, but he didn¡¯t forget to look back many times in the middle of his departure. ¡®The one that¡¯s being impolite is His Highness.¡¯ Swallowing down the rising words, Atalante pointed towards the seat that was across from her. ¡°Have a seat.¡± As soon as her words left her lips, Rubel sat down at the seat she pointed at. After the grand duke¡¯s departure, the tense atmosphere seemed to have lightened. Of course, he didn¡¯t commit the discourtesy of leaning his body on the chair and showing signs of exhaustion. No matter what, it was obvious that the girl before him was favoured by the grand duke. ¡°I had to call you here today because I have something to tell you.¡± ¡°P¨CPlease speak freely, Young Lady,¡± ¡°Ah, I¡¯m not a Young Lady.¡± Atalante scratched her ear while smiling awkwardly. It was also a movement that wouldn¡¯t have been seen in a ¡®noble young lady¡¯ that was raised with strict education. Only then did Rubel manage to observe Atalante¡¯s face in detail. While he has heard that there¡¯s a noble family with bright red hair, but her hair contained a subtle black colour, so it couldn¡¯t be described as completely red hair. The most eye-catching feature of hers was her bright purple eyes. To think that she had purple eyes, it was a colour that he had never seen in his life. Rubel¡¯s face, who was facing her directly, slowly crumpled. ¡®What was it, that insignificant and indecent colour?¡¯ The longer the history of a family, the more typical the colour of their pupils were. The eyes of the Imperial Family of Thessalia were blue, and other aristocrats had relatively ordinary colours such as green, brown, and gray. On the contrary, commoners having unique eye colours was a common occurrence. Amongst them, the more unusual the colour was, the more vulgar it was considered to be. While it was indeed evaluated to be an endlessly indecent colour in the eyes of the public, he had to admit that it was very beautiful. ¡®Wait a minute. A girl with dark red hair and purple eyes¡­¡¯ He suddenly remembered that wanted posters that were plastered all over the square. Was it because the effect of rote learning was so effective? He had only looked at it a few times when he passed by the square, but Rubel unintentionally managed to memorise its contents. The description of the villain written on the paper, no, to be exact the wanted poster, and the girl that was seated facing him was¡­ too similar. ¡°You seem to have recognised me.¡± After identifying the odd light that was filling Rubel¡¯s eyes, Atalante grinned, and confirmed his suspicions. ¡°Ah, the bo¨Cboss of A¨Cargo¡­!¡± Ghastly pale, Rubel fell backwards to the floor. ¡°Oh dear, you should have been more careful.¡± With an exaggerated look of surprise, Atalante stretched a hand out to him, but Rubel only stared at her with trembling eyes. ¡°W, W¨CWhy are you here¡­? H¨Chow are you with H¨CHis Highness the Grand Duke¡­?¡± Like an overloaded man, Rubel started to speak gibberish. Well, it wasn¡¯t strange for him to start trembling like that. While meeting her, a criminal wanted by the emperor, was surprising, what was even more surprising was that that boss was beside the grand duke. ¡®He¡¯s so frightened that I feel sorry for him instead.¡¯ It definitely felt pleasant for an arrogant person that doesn¡¯t know his place to prostrate himself at her feet. But it didn¡¯t feel very pleasant to scare people, who hadn¡¯t done anything to her, like that. Even if he was a nobleman. ¡®Because I¡¯m not like Lionel Blanc.¡¯ Why did his name suddenly come to her mind? Shaking her head lightly, Atalante sat on her knees right before Rubel. ¡®That¡¯s why I feel like I¡¯ve done something wrong to you.¡¯ As Atalante whispered amiable words, she gave him the friendliest smile that she could make. However, contrary to Atalante¡¯s intentions, as her smile deepened, Rubel¡¯s face gradually grew darker and darker. As if he was facing a beautiful envoy. ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? Chapter 27 ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? That Villain¡¯s 56 Secret Criticisms ¡®He looked even more frightened when I smiled.¡¯ Awkwardly rubbing the back of her neck, Atalante stood up. If Rubel already held prejudices against her, then no matter what she did, he would judge it as he pleased. ¡®Since that man is an aristocrat, I must have been particularly frightening.¡¯ The nobles would feel extremely ashamed just because they felt threatened by a commoner girl. Also, Atalante enjoyed having those aloof nobles begging on their knees before her. ¡®I can¡¯t describe myself as kind, even when using empty words.¡¯ After all, Atalante was a gray colour that could never be black, and neither could she be white. Perhaps it would be easier to act along the line of his prejudices. With a bitter smile, Atalante folded her arms and looked down at Rubel, who was still sprawled on the ground. ¡°Did you say your name was¡­ Rubel?¡± His face, which strangely had traces of youthfulness up till a while ago, instantly became oppressive. Although he didn¡¯t want to lower his head toward a wanted criminal, for Rubel, maintaining his life was much more important than his pride as an aristocrat. ¡®Not to mention that woman is the hunter of nobles, the villain Atalante.¡¯ As such, Rubel gritted his teeth and nodded his head obediently. Giving a satisfied smile at his obedient attitude, Atalante continued without giving him the time to be frightened. ¡°I was so surprised at the meal I was served this morning.¡± ¡°The brunch¡­ You ate it? Did you, perhaps, eat with His Highness?¡± ¡°¡¯Did I eat?¡¯ Where¡¯s your honorifics?¡± Frowning, Atalante brushed her hair irritably. Her movement caused the white ribbon that was tying her hair together loosely to fly away with the breeze. Despite the loss of her accessory, Atalante¡¯s aloof beauty still remained the same. It was really surprising that a girl without citizenship, let alone a title, was so intimidating. Losing his remaining pride out of fear and awe, Rubel mumbled in an extinguishing voice. ¡°Did you¡­ perhaps, dine in the company of His Highness? How in the world¡­¡± ¡°It¡¯s obvious. As you¡¯ve seen earlier, the Grand Duke is quite fond of me.¡± ¡°So, how in the world did you¡­that¡­¡± Of course, Atalante didn¡¯t answer that question. ¡°I¡¯m the one who called you, Rubel. The meal that I ate today was so shocking that I made a request to the Grand Duke. I wanted you to present yourself.¡± She gave a warm smile, and started to circle around Rubel, who was still unable to get up from the ground. It was in a very slow and relaxed manner. ¡°Now, let me tell you what¡¯s wrong with your cooking from now onwards.¡± Suddenly stopping, Atalante clapped her hands lightly and spoke. Rubel, who had even forgotten to tremble, stared at Atalante with futile eyes. He had been cooking for all of his life, and was proud of that fact. Although he found it a pity that he didn¡¯t have a successor, he had planned to continue cooking until the day he died. While he wasn¡¯t renowned like the chefs in the capital, he found joy and happiness in seeing people enjoy the food that he cooked. ¡®However, will I have to stop cooking just based on that woman¡¯s evaluation¡­?¡¯ Just as he had witnessed earlier, Lionel¡¯s affection for Atalante wasn¡¯t a fabrication. If she said to do so, Lionel would definitely expel Rubel from the villa. ¡®Isn¡¯t being expelled a good thing. I might be k¨Ckilled for making her lose her appetite.¡¯ At the terrible thought, Rubel closed his eyes in agony. But that was only for a moment, as Rubel opened his eyes instantly and stared carefully at Atalante. It was because at the same time, he wanted to hear what the problem was. He had the confidence to refute any ridiculous criticism. ¡°Firstly.¡± Swallowing dryly, Rubel stared at the small villain with a nervous look. ¡°The steak melted too gently upon entering my mouth. Without even giving me time to feel its texture, it melted perfectly.¡± ¡°¡­What?¡± ¡°Secondly, the vegetables were very fresh. Did you just pick them this morning? Gosh, I thought my mouth had turned into a meadow as soon as I ate it.¡± ¡°Erm, excuse me¡­¡± ¡°Thirdly! How arrogant of you, finally using potatoes but making them taste like that. It¡¯s not just the potatoes though. It¡¯s an infringement for ordinary ingredients that are easily available around to have such a unique taste.¡± Although Rubel has long since been bewitched, Atalante continued to list the ¡®problems¡¯ of his cooking. The series of ¡®harsh criticisms¡¯ even made Rubel¡¯s mouth widen dangerously, to the point where it was at its limit. When she was speaking about the 56th problem, Rubel sprang up from his seat. ¡°This, this¡­!¡± Perhaps because he felt emotional, Rubel stood panting for a long time. Atalante waited for him to speak silently, instead of bringing up the 57th problem. ¡°W, W¨Cwith¡­¡± ¡°¡­¡­.¡± ¡°With such sincerity¡­ You¡¯re the only one that gave me a concrete evaluation of my cooking.¡± Rubel¡¯s slightly quivering eyes turned red immediately. Soon after, overwhelmed tears slid down his rough cheeks. ¡°T¨Cto be honest with you, I¨CI easily viewed you as a bad person earlier. Because of all the rumours and wanted posters.¡± ¡°I¡¯m actually a bad person though.¡± Snorting, Atalante tilted her head backwards. Perhaps not finding those gleaming purple eyes frightening, Rubel expressed his thoughts with great emphasis. ¡°That might be true for others, but not to me. You might find it odd that I¡¯ve suddenly changed my attitude, but¡­ What I¡¯m trying to say is, thank you very much.¡± ¡°It seems like no one has ever told you words like this before?¡± ¡°Everyone says that it¡¯s delicious, but this is the countryside. There are very few opportunities to present food.¡± As Rubel hesitantly rubbed his fingertips against each other, he continued with a sincere gaze. ¡°It¡¯s an honour for you to eat my food, Atalante.¡± After finishing his words, he bowed towards the small villain. Despite being startled at Rubel¡¯s bow, she tried to maintain a composed expression. ¡®Is there a need for him to thank me? I was just telling the truth.¡¯ As Atalante¡¯s brows furrowed out of doubt, she quickly used an oppressive stance again to get to the main point. ¡°Forget about it, you¡¯ve heard about all those problems that I¡¯d told you about, right?¡± ¡°What? But the things that you¡¯ve said weren¡¯t problems¡­¡± ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you about the Problems! That! You! Have! With your cooking. It was such a harsh criticism that you even thought about giving up on cooking. You¡¯ve remembered that, right? ¡°What¡­?¡± The tactless head chef had a puzzled expression and tilted his head. Atalante let out a sigh and pulled up her dress to reveal a pair of delicately crafted shoes. Before Rubel could admire its beautiful design, she stepped on the back of his foot with her small foot lightly. ¡°Ugh!¡± What kind of power was contained within those small feet, which were no different from the size of his hands, that the back of his feet burned, causing him to let out a faint groan? ¡°I had definitely pointed out all of the problems with your cooking one by one. With extremely ruthless and wicked terms. Right?¡± ¡°Yes, yes¡­!¡± Forced to give her the answer she wanted, Rubel continued to look at Atalante with a baffled gaze. Only then did a smile form on the corner of Atalante¡¯s lips. ¡°Good. Now, there¡¯s something that you need to do. Go to the Grand Duke right now and tell him that you¡¯ve been insulted so badly that you want to quit being a chef.¡± ¡°What do you mean¡­?¡± ¡°Tell him that you want to resign.¡± Atalante spoke firmly while taking her foot off the back of Rubel¡¯s foot. Rubel couldn¡¯t figure out what exactly it was that she wanted. She had said that she¡¯ll tell him about the problems with his cooking, but the great reviews made him excited, and now she suddenly wants him to request for his resignation? ¡°You¡¯re free to make up the specifics of what wicked terms I¡¯d said. Cooking requires creativity, so it¡¯s right up your alley to fabricate them, right?¡± ¡°Wait a minute, I¡¯m not quite following¡­! I want to work here for a long, long time!¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry, you won¡¯t be fired. This isn¡¯t the end of my request yet.¡± With a soft smile, Atalante rose to her tiptoes and met Rubel¡¯s eyes. Strangely enough, she had a scent of spring that didn¡¯t match with her identity as a villain. ¡°I wanted to quit this job, but that villain said that she wouldn¡¯t let me go. She said that she¡¯ll help to fix my unsatisfactory cooking skills.¡± With an acting tone, Atalante spoke those lines and returned back to her original height. ¡°Tell him like that.¡± As Atalante added, ¡°It isn¡¯t hard, right?¡± She stared at Rubel with a subdued gaze. ¡°Why in the world are you requesting me to do that¡­? If he knows that you¡¯ve done such a wicked thing, the Grand Duke will definitely think badly of you. No, you didn¡¯t even say something like that in the first place¡­!¡± The only thing Atalante did to him was step on the back of his foot. She had never talked abusively or asked for anything obstinately. Looking at Rubel¡¯s shaking pupils, Atalante immediately made a deflating sound. ¡°That¡¯s the correct answer.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°I want to be hated by the Grand Duke.¡± Why in the world? Tens of thousands of question marks arose in Rubel¡¯s mind. Instead of solving his question, the culprit behind that nonsense drank all of her cooled tea that was on the tea table at once. Atalante had even let out a short sigh, and instructed him on what he had to do with a determined voice, ¡°I want you to talk so badly about me that the Grand Duke will hate me.¡± After speaking, ¡°Please do your best,¡± the villain turned around and left the garden without hesitation. Even after she had disappeared, Rubel continued to stand there dazedly for a long time. Although Rubel still couldn¡¯t understand Atalante¡¯s intentions, Rubel was going to do his best to fulfil the request of the person that treated his dish sincerely. ¡®Even if I look like this¡­I¡¯m quite confident in my acting. After all, I used to be in the theatre department.¡¯ Despite his rugged size, when he was attending the elementary branch of the Academy, Rubel was one of the best actors for crying. As Rubel filled his head with sad thoughts, he moved forward to have an audience with the grand duke. ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? Chapter 28 ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? Taming and Taming ¡®Devil¡­! Devil!¡¯ That was all Paul could think about when he witnessed a large man expressing his resentment with tears. ¡®How could she say something like all food is the same when digested, but it doesn¡¯t suit her taste¡­? And also, those sixty absurd criticisms.¡¯ To be more exact, there were 56 ¡®criticisms¡¯. While Rubel has always considered the accuracy of measurements more important than his life, he decided to allow rounding up this time. 60 lines of verbal abuse would be more effective in undermining Atalante than 56 lines of verbal abuse. ¡°Rather than my cooking, that woman insulted my very self.¡± Absorbed in Rubel¡¯s enthusiastic performance, tears gradually began to dampen Paul¡¯s eyes. Thoughts that Atalante was a woman with more common sense than he had expected were all retracted. Apart from her lovely appearance, it was clear that she wasn¡¯t any less of a villain than Paul¡¯s master. ¡°Since I¡¯ve heard those kinds of words! I have decided to give up on cooking from now onwards. Please don¡¯t stop me, for I have made the decision while considering the dishonour of discontinuing the family business in my generation!¡± Finally announcing his resignation, Rubel prostrated on the floor and burst into tears. While Paul felt sorry for him, he couldn¡¯t get rid of the thought that it was an opportunity. If it was an incident to this extent, Lionel will see Atalante a little differently. Even if it wasn¡¯t intentional, insulting the servants of a villa was along the same vein as insulting their master. Glancing at Lionel, the corners of Paul¡¯s mouth couldn¡¯t help rise. He looked indifferent despite the presence of a wailing person in front of him. However, Paul was perceptive to his moods, and noticed that an uncharacteristic gloom was present in his gaze. It was hard to believe, but Lionel seemed somewhat sullen. It was obvious how much more reckless a woman that didn¡¯t care about anything would be if she was carrying the Grand Duke¡¯s name. ¡®Even if it doesn¡¯t make him change his mind immediately, cracks would appear in His Highness¡¯ affection.¡¯ Just as the grand duke¡¯s mouth opened, Rubel raised his head and spoke first in an even more pathetic voice than before. ¡°But that cruel person wouldn¡¯t even allow me to stop cooking!¡± Upon hearing the newly added testimony, a strange light entered the grand duke¡¯s eyes. ¡°What does that mean?¡± Rubel, who was about to continue after taking a deep breath, bobbed his chin and continued speaking breathlessly. ¡°I want to resign from this job, but that villain said she definitely wouldn¡¯t let me go and will order me around like a dog for the rest of my life. She said that she¡¯ll fix my filthy cooking skills.¡± There seems to be a slight mistake in his lines due to his overwhelmed emotions, but it was more intense than the rough words that Atalante had taught him earlier, so he thought that it was alright. ¡°Your Highness, this is ridiculous!¡± Unable to calm down, Paul flew into a fit and began to seethe angrily. ¡®No matter what, I have to stop such a frivolous woman from becoming the Grand Duchess of Blanc. As the 341st lord chamberlain of the Grand Duchy of Blanc.¡¯ Clenching his fist, he looked sideways at his master, who had a strange look on his face. Seemingly in deep thought, Lionel blinked slowly and began to open his mouth. ¡°Interesting.¡± The words that the grand duke spoke were often the opposite of what he meant. With a glance at his expression, Paul could tell that unlike the term ¡®interesting¡¯, Lionel was feeling very upset. ¡°Paul, find a new head chef for this Blanc villa right now. Someone appropriate.¡± Upon receiving the issued order, Paul left the room after bowing his head. ¡®It¡¯s unfortunate, but is Rubel fired?¡¯ Paul hastened his steps, while pledging to compensate him for his hard work with a generous severance pay. Rubel, who was left alone with the grand duke in a huge room, felt a chill for some reason. Perhaps it was because the heated excitement from acting has died down, hence making him feel chilly. Most importantly¡­ ¡®Am I¡­ being fired?¡¯ While he was mentally asking Atalante what was going on, it didn¡¯t take Rubel long to reach a realisation, and he let out a sigh. ¡®I was a fool to believe in the words of a villain¡­¡¯ If he had to rationalise it, he was so moved by her compliments earlier that he couldn¡¯t make rational judgments. It felt like everything before him was dark, but fortunately, it only lasted for a moment. He, who was in a state of ennui regarding cooking, was inspired by her 56 ¡®criticisms¡¯. Rubel decided to think that he had gained something more valuable in exchange for a job. ¡°Thank you so much for everything thus far.¡± A well-mannered Rubel bowed deeply towards the grand duke. Although he had made the decision to end it calmly, he choked up. ¡®Let¡¯s think about the good things, and be positive.¡¯ Even if he was kicked out of here, Atalante¡¯s recognition of his cooking skills wouldn¡¯t disappear. As such, he would definitely be able to get another job. It¡¯s just that he wouldn¡¯t be able to get a job with better terms than this. Trying his best to think about the good points, a deep sigh left Rubel once again. Isn¡¯t it fortunate that he doesn¡¯t have a family that he has to support? ¡°Make sure to clear the room you¡¯re currently using before Paul returns.¡± ¡°¡­I¡¯ll be sure to do that.¡± He found it a little bit too much to chase him out without giving him a moment, despite his long working experience. But he couldn¡¯t bring himself to add any other words. Even when he was leaving, he wanted to at least leave in good health. Bowing once again, Rubel stepped towards the door. However, before he could take a few steps, a cold voice penetrated through his lowered back. ¡°When you have the opportunity to, you¡¯d better work harder.¡± ¡°Yes?¡± ¡®What does he mean by opportunity, when he¡¯s the one that fired me immediately?¡¯ Was he being sarcastic? Without realising it, Rubel looked at Lionel with a pout, hiding his impolite thoughts with all of his might. ¡°Deep down, I wish that I could break your wrist for serving something that offended her.¡± The grand duke glanced at his hand with indifferent blue eyes, before continuing with a wicked smile. ¡°If that¡¯s Miss Atalante¡¯s intention, there¡¯s nothing I can do.¡± ¡°That¡­What in the world are you talking about¡­?¡± ¡°Rubel, until you have served Miss Atalante a satisfactory meal, you won¡¯t be able to set foot in your hometown.¡± As if a fuse was broken, his busily spinning mind stopped for a moment. WIth his mouth wide open, Rubel asked hesitantly. ¡°Aren¡¯t you¡­ firing me out?¡± Lionel¡¯s neat brows crinkled silently. It was as if he had heard something foolish. ¡°What kind of nonsense is that? Did the words, ¡®empty your room¡¯, fall upon deaf ears?¡± ¡°D¡ªdoesn¡¯t emptying my room mean¡­ to get out of this place?¡± ¡°Right. It¡¯s because you¡¯re following us to the capital.¡± ¡°The capital?¡± Unintentionally making a loud noise, Rubel shut his mouth with a loud inhale. ¡°If you want to return to the West, you¡¯ll have to develop more skills than the chefs of the capital and gain Miss Atalante¡¯s recognition.¡± Lionel added that this is the punishment for bringing a dish that doesn¡¯t suit her taste, before nodding like he was asking him to get out. How can there be such a sweet punishment in the world? Going to the capital¡­? As Rubel clutched at his overwhelmed chest, he bent down at 90 degrees and repeatedly said, ¡°I¡¯ll do my best.¡± He was so moved that he only left the room after Lionel reached for his sheath. ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? ¡°Did you hear about it? The head chef is going to the capital!¡± News of Rubel¡¯s promotion spread through the mansion quickly. These voices were so loud that it reached the ears of Atalante, who was looking out the window by herself in the guest room. After listening to the murmuring voices in the hallway, she immediately let out a sigh. She achieved her plan to compensate him properly. ¡®He doesn¡¯t seem to be someone that¡¯s completely unambitious, so it turned out well.¡¯ In any case, at the thought that she could still eat a lot of delicious food even when she went to the capital, her mood lightened slightly. What she had to ascertain now was how Lionel, who had personally experienced Atalante¡¯s nasty temper, would react. ¡®I have to be certain that Lionel Blanc would still love me in spite of what I do.¡¯ Esma had said that the effects of the drug would continue for as long as his heart beats, but it wasn¡¯t bad to check just in case of an emergency. In order to test the limits of his so-called ¡®love¡¯, Atalante¡¯s notoriety as ¡®the small villain¡¯, wasn¡¯t enough. This was because there¡¯s a gap between something that¡¯s personally witnessed and something that¡¯s heard from others, a gap that can¡¯t be filled. Of course, today¡¯s plan was something impromptu and merely at the level of cute pranks. From this onwards, if she continued to increase the intensity of the shock therapy, there might be a day where the grand duke would flare up at her. Before that occurs, she intends to use Lionel thoroughly, and at the same time make preparations for her escape. And if a day where the grand duke no longer loved her came, Atalante¡¯s rough plan was to vanish without a trace completely. ¡®However, if he still continues to love me despite my antics¡­¡¯ ¡­She¡¯ll have to think of other means again then. She didn¡¯t want to think about accepting an idiot clinging to a villain while intoxicated by the drug. In any case, she felt slightly pleasant when she imagined the grand duke being irritated by her evil deeds. ¡®There¡¯s many people that possess blond hair in the West.¡¯ As Atalante stared out of the window blankly, the face of Archiralph, with blond hair and brown eyes, suddenly appeared within her thoughts. She shook her head and tried to shake off the afterimage. Even if she had worries, there¡¯s nothing she could do for him. In the first place, they weren¡¯t even close. ¡®He was just kind and foolish, and a nobleman that wasn¡¯t like a noble.¡¯ Calmly collecting her thoughts, Atalante rubbed at the corners of her eyes to get rid of her fatigue. ¡°Miss Atalante,¡± A mellow voice of a man accompanied the sound of a knock at the door. The identity of the person standing at the door was obvious, as there weren¡¯t many that addressed her as ¡®Miss Atalante¡¯. As expected, the person possessing such a nice sounding voice was one of them. ¡°May I enter for a moment?¡± ¡°If it¡¯s just for a brief moment.¡± The large door opened with a faint laugh, and a man with a gorgeous face appeared. ¡°I just wanted to let you know that we¡¯ll be leaving for the capital soon.¡± The grand duke raised his head lazily, with a smile that was very fitting for that motion on his face. ¡°Are you really¡­ going to take me, who is a wanted criminal, to the capital?¡±¡¯ Since she couldn¡¯t understand the grand duke¡¯s mind, she didn¡¯t need to quietly grasp his intentions. While she hasn¡¯t figured out a way to deal with him, one thing was clear. Use Lionel as much as possible for Atalante and the members of her organisation. ¡®First of all, I need to figure out how well this man listens to me.¡¯ Reaffirming her resolution, Atalante spoke while trying her best to not frown. ¡°What if I don¡¯t want to go?¡± ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? Chapter 29 ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? You don¡¯t like a man that smiles easily? While it was good enough to just ask a question brazenly, her effort was in vain as the corners of her eyes immediately wrinkled unpleasantly. This was because it wasn¡¯t her nature to change her words or be unreasonable according to her mood. However, there¡¯s a wide spectrum of ¡®mean behaviour¡¯. Atalante was testing out the most trivial yet the most annoying ¡®mean behaviour¡¯ first. She barely managed to conceal her embarrassment, and looked up at Lionel. ¡°Don¡¯t you want to go to the capital?¡± Lionel asked, looking a little surprised. She couldn¡¯t decide whether it was fortunate or disappointing, but he didn¡¯t detect any signs of her irritation. ¡°Why did you think that I¡¯d want to go to the capital?¡± ¡°Because Miss Atalante is from the capital.¡± ¡°To be more accurate, it¡¯s a slum located by the capital.¡± Atalante replied in a sharp voice, inadvertently flaring up. However, it seemed that Lionel wasn¡¯t too clear of the differences, and continued to speak with an amicable smile. ¡°But aren¡¯t you more familiar with the capital than this place or the West? I thought that you¡¯d feel better to return back to the place you were from.¡± ¡°You can¡¯t have forgotten about the reason why I came all the way here, can you?¡± ¡°Of course. It¡¯s because of the Emperor¡¯s pursuit.¡± ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯re well aware, but everyone knows that the capital has tighter security than here. I heard that my wanted posters are covering the roads there.¡± Suddenly remembering the rumour she heard, Atalante couldn¡¯t help but laugh. As her current visage landed upon Lionel¡¯s eyes, he let out a genial smile. ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry. If you¡¯d trust me and come with me to the capital, you¡¯ll be able to tread through those search areas.¡± ¡°You¡¯re quite confident, aren¡¯t you?¡± She was obviously being sarcastic, but Lionel managed to reply slyly with, ¡°Of course.¡± Staring at the face that was harmful to her in various ways, Atalante decided to test him again with trifling matters. ¡°¡­What if I just don¡¯t want to go, despite the guarantee of my safety?¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°What if I said that I don¡¯t want to go, without any reason in particular?¡± Atalante imitated the type that she typically hated the most. The type where conversations didn¡¯t work and was wilfully unreasonable, which didn¡¯t match with her at all. No matter how much he cared about her, his feelings would definitely lessen if she acted like this. ¡®Hopefully Lionel doesn¡¯t hate this type of mean behaviour too much.¡¯ If she had to act like this everyday, Atalante might combust out of anger first. Hoping that she could move on to the next level of mean behaviour, Atalante stared straight at him. ¡°Haah¡±, with a soft sigh, the grand duke¡¯s mouth slowly opened. In a slow and graceful manner as if trying to soothe anxieties. ¡°In that case, we don¡¯t have to go.¡± The answer that appeared from between white teeth was very simple. As the words were overly firm and clear, Atalante was rather bewildered. The preparations for departure towards the capital had already reached the final stages. Apparently the townhouse of the capital was also in chaos preparing to receive him, but everything would be for naught just because of Atalante¡¯s whims? ¡°That easily?¡± Atalante folded her arms as she asked, a doubtful look on her face. ¡°As I¡¯ve told you previously, your opinion is the most important thing to me.¡± Atalante, along with Lionel adding her name, as his eyes gleamed vividly. ¡°It¡¯s just¡­a little regrettable.¡± ¡°Regrettable?¡± ¡°I thought that I would be able to provide something better for you if we went to the capital. As you can see, this place¡­ it¡¯s not fitting for Atalante.¡± As if he was discovered to be living in poverty, the corners of Lionel¡¯s mouth rose awkwardly. ¡°If I could justify myself, I haven¡¯t had the time to worry about the Empire¡¯s wealth lately. But¡­ I didn¡¯t realise that it would be so neglected. Be it the food or the mansion, both are unfit for your eyes.¡± Atalante tutted, wondering if he was making fun of her, but Lionel seemed to be sincere. Atalante barely managed to contain the words ¡®those b*stard nobles¡¯ almost left her mouth inadvertently. It was regrettable that it wasn¡¯t the end of it, and Lionel, whose lips were crooked, continued speaking. ¡°And¡­ because there¡¯s going to be a banquet soon.¡± ¡°A banquet? Ah.¡± Contrary to the brief ¡®Ah¡¯ pretending to know what he¡¯s referring to, Atalante¡¯s eyes were questionably lowered. The banquet he was referring to was clearly the banquet for the Empire¡¯s Founding Festival The Empire¡¯s Founding Festival was a grand festival that¡¯s held once every three years, and took place over a month, from the preheats to the end. Not only the capital, but also the whole country was infected by the excitement of the festival, while other countries would send envoys to attend the founding festival. The highlight of the event was that the Young Ladies and Young Lords that have just come of age from each family were invited to a debutante in the Imperial Palace. While the usual debutante would be held every year, having the coming-of-age ceremony along with the founding festival was considered by many to be a blessing. While Atalante has just become an adult this year, she didn¡¯t even know the date of the founding festival. ¡®The commoners enjoy the founding festival together, but the debutante was prime amusement for the aristocrats.¡¯ Unable to guess the reason why he had to bring up the ¡®banquet¡¯, Atalante¡¯s brows narrowed even further. ¡®Ah, perhaps he meant the banquets by commoners.¡¯ Making a plausible assumption, Atalante spoke with an arrogant smile. ¡°Are you curious about how commoners play? I would participate in the night market held during the founding festival every year, so if you¡¯re willing to, would you like to come with me? However, I would be incurring the displeasure of the noble Grand Duke.¡± Daring to ask the head of the Grand Duchy to participate in a festival for commoners, it was something that anyone would fall backwards upon hearing it. She might even be accused of defaming the grand duke if she continued to bring up a variety. She had expected him to frown a little, but this time Atalante¡¯s guess was completely mistaken again. ¡°Are you sure?¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°It¡¯s the first time you¡¯ve ever suggested something to me. What I¡¯m saying is, very well, let¡¯s go together.¡± Ah, that¡¯s not it. Although her regret surged up belatedly, there wasn¡¯t a way to reverse Lionel¡¯s thrilled expression. ¡°It¡¯s a promise.¡± Atalante had only frowned at the words he added, but Lionel seemed to be convinced, and gave a bright smile. ¡°Well¡­ please don¡¯t smile like that.¡± Whenever the grand duke smiled like that, she felt sick in the stomach. Defining the sensation as unpleasant, Atalante spoke with reddened ears. ¡°You don¡¯t like a man that smiles easily?¡± Lionel asked with a serious look on his face. Does she dislike men that smile easily? The type of man that smiles easily beats a man with a stiff face. Do I hate guys who laugh a lot? It would have been better to laugh carelessly than to a man with a stiff face. ¡®Just like our Yuffie is much cuter than Devon.¡¯ While Devon wasn¡¯t the reserved type, he was picky about everything. Even though he fell a little short of Devon, Yuffie, who smiled readily and nonsensically, was a little more to her liking. Atalante, who has yet to give an answer, shook her head. ¡°Then do you dislike the way I smile?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± The smile that seemed to be made for bewitching women was really annoying. Atalante managed to swallow down the words that had risen up her throat. This was because if she wasn¡¯t careful, it might sound like she¡¯s bewitched. Unable to read Atalante¡¯s mind, Lionel continued with a serious expression. ¡°¡­Understood. Starting from now, I¡¯ll be smiling in various ways, so please choose your favourite.¡± Before she could ask what kind of nonsense he was talking about, Lionel had already started with the test. With his lips slightly curved, Lionel looked at Atlante with affectionate eyes and whispered. ¡°This is the first.¡± It was surprising that such a faint smile was also eye-catching. As soon as Atalante came to her senses, his teeth appeared and his smile deepened. ¡°The second,¡± Ever since then, Lionel¡¯s ¡®Selection of Smiling Faces¡¯ has continued without pause. By the time his count reached double digits, Atalante¡¯s cheeks were already bright red in colour. It¡¯s the first time that Atalante has looked at someone that¡¯s staring at her with a bright and dazzling smile for so long. It was somewhat different from Yuffie¡¯s habitual smile. That¡¯s probably why her heart was beating so quickly. ¡°Please stop,¡± In the end, Atalante couldn¡¯t bear the uncomfortable palpitations, and reached out to cover his mouth that was forming an arrogant arc. Although his mouth was suddenly sealed, Lionel unexpectedly showed consideration for her by bending down and allowing her to cover his mouth comfortably. ¡°This¡­¡± Unable to hide the vivid redness, Atalante took her hand off with a frustrated look. ¡°Which number is your favourite?¡± ¡°Has it not ended yet¡­¡± Lionel¡¯s eyes shone, intent on seeking an answer. His pupils were dyed the colour of the afternoon sky. ¡°If I had to choose, the first.¡± Atalante sighed and chose the faintest smile. The faint smile that was barely present was still¡­ It was because the others seemed to be too harmful in various ways. ¡°I see.¡± As if he was enlightened, unique glimmers appeared in his eyes. Perhaps he had remembered all the expressions he made, the first smile immediately appeared on Lionel¡¯s face as he placed his hands behind his back and tilted his head backwards. ¡°This is the one that¡¯s to your liking, right?¡± ¡°¡­It isn¡¯t to my liking, but it¡¯s better.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll try my best to make you satisfied.¡± With the same faint smile on his face, Lionel continued speaking. ¡°Let me continue explaining. The other reason I want to escort Miss Atalante to the capital is because of the upcoming Imperial Banquet.¡± Atalante had forgotten about it momentarily as they strayed from the point, but the earlier conversation about the ¡®banquet¡¯ doesn¡¯t seem to be over yet. ¡°That event has nothing to do with me.¡± ¡°Why do you think about it like that? It just so happens that you¡¯re coming of age this year, so naturally you should enjoy the banquet.¡± ¡°¡­Are you making fun of me? I¡¯m not an aristocrat.¡± ¡°Yes, you¡¯re much more noble than those aristocrats.¡± This man had a knack for making Atalante, who¡¯s famous for her glib tongue, speechless. He then lowered his upper body, speaking while staring straight at Atalante¡¯s eyes. ¡°When we go to the capital, I would like to attend the debutante as your partner.¡± ¡°What do you mean¡­¡± ¡°You said you¡¯d leave me a little leeway, so please keep your promise.¡± With the faint smile she had chosen, Lionel raised his little finger gracefully. ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? Chapter 30 ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? The Grand Duke¡¯s woman The carriage prepared by the grand duke for the woman he had fallen for, with slight exaggeration, could turn into a decent room. ¡®The carriage the Emperor had prepared for me was great, but this is too¡­¡¯ Although Atalante¡¯s feet were outstretched, it didn¡¯t even touch the opposite side, and there would still be quite a distance even if her legs were twice as long. The movement of the carriage was also so gentle that she would have forgotten that she was in a carriage if it wasn¡¯t for the constantly changing landscape. If she had to name a flaw, would it only be the fact that she felt apologetic towards the horses that are pulling the carriage? ¡°Are you uncomfortable Lionel was seated diagonally to Atalante as if it was a matter of course, and asked with furrowed brows. Unlike Rubel and Paul, the grand duke didn¡¯t seem to mind her unladylike behaviour. And that attitude of his embarrassed Atalante frequently. She was sure that there wasn¡¯t anyone that looked at her with such a tolerant gaze. ¡°It¡¯s just that the carriage is too big for two people.¡± Although she had spoken about her thoughts honestly, Lionel gave a faint smile, perhaps finding something amusing. ¡°You¡¯d noticed it accurately. I ordered the widest carriage in the Empire.¡± ¡°Why did you have to¡­¡± ¡°It¡¯s because I have to spend quite a long period of time alone in an enclosed space.¡± Atalante was a little impatient, but the grand duke gave her a mysterious smile. ¡°It seems that it¡¯s natural for men and women from noble families to keep such a distance.¡± Completely not comprehending his thoughts, Atalante forcibly swallowed the words, ¡®what a waste of money,¡¯ and pretended to be calm while asking questions. This time round, his laughter became a little more jovial. Lionel, whose face is dyed in a cool light, swept up his slightly dishevelled silver hair and replied. ¡°Let¡¯s just say that¡¯s the case.¡± In the first place, there wasn¡¯t a reason for him to ride in the same carriage with another woman. ¡°We¡¯ll be arriving at the Warp Gate soon. Please make yourself at home.¡± Hiding his innermost thoughts, Lionel turned towards the window and glanced out at the sky that was starting to darken. ¡®What do you mean warp, this person has too much money.¡¯ She couldn¡¯t believe that she¡¯s going to travel by warping, for a distance that could be traversed in 10 days on a horse. Atalante couldn¡¯t understand his spending at all. But there was an error in her deliberation, which was that it usually took more than a month to travel to the capital from the West. Of course, Atalante had no idea that she had been travelling towards her destination at an inhuman speed. ¡°Aren¡¯t you tired? You can rest.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know what Your Highness will do, so I won¡¯t be sleeping.¡± Instead of denying Atalante¡¯s reasonable suspicions, Lionel merely softly glossed over them with a ¡°Hmm¡­¡± ¡°The festive mood is already in full swing.¡± ¡°I guess that the Grand Duchy doesn¡¯t particularly celebrate the Empire¡¯s founding?¡± ¡°I would send a delegation as per scheduled, but it isn¡¯t special as it¡¯s not the founding day of my Grand Duchy.¡± Firstly, the grand duke¡¯s status should also be received from the Thessalia Imperial Family, so his opinion went against common sense. Atalante, who gave up on pointing it out, stared at the landscape where the heated atmosphere was rampant. Lionel looked at Atalante with an intriguing gaze, and whispered. ¡°But I¡¯m looking forward to this year¡¯s Foundation Festival.¡± Even before Atalante could awkwardly ask why, an affable voice entered her ears. ¡°It¡¯s because I have you.¡± ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? By the time Atalante and her party arrived at Warp Gate, the capital was already in a great mess. It was because of the rumours that spread quickly. ¡®The Grand Duke, Lionel Blanc, is bringing back a woman from the West!¡¯ Families with daughters that were at their prime for marriage pretended to pity that woman, but their hearts ached badly. It¡¯s because his power and wealth were more than tempting enough to offset Lionel¡¯s temper and horrible backbiting. ¡®Was the position of Grand Duchess being snatched away by a Western hillbilly?¡¯ ¡®That can¡¯t happen. This was because for each generation, the grand duchesses came from the capital¡¯s aristocracy.¡¯ ¡®There¡¯s still a chance. As nothing has been confirmed, when the banquet officially begins, his attention must be taken away, no matter what.¡¯ All the noblewomen were of the same opinion, and they did their best to groom their respective daughters. In the meantime, they couldn¡¯t help but wonder. Who in the world was the woman that the Grand Duke was bringing? ¡°Does he have any relatives in the West?¡± When a young lady carefully revealed her conjecture, the other young ladies used their fans to cover the ridiculing curve of their lips. ¡°I¡¯ve never heard of the Grand Ducal family interacting with their relatives. The Blanc family, where offspring were rare and precious, doesn¡¯t have any blood relatives except the current head of the family.¡± ¡°That¡¯s true, but¡­¡± The young lady whose conjecture was completely denied, blushed and stuttered. A blonde young lady that looked at her pityingly, Esma, changed the subject by clapping her hands. In high society, where their reputation can become a mess with a sentence, that young lady could become even more humiliated if someone takes her side for no reason. ¡°I heard that he came to the capital to find his fianc¨¦e, perhaps he has finally met his other half?¡± The eyebrows of the young ladies furrowed immediately, but Esma was the youngest child of Count Evita, who could be safely concluded as the person in charge of funds for the Imperial faction. ¡°Well, that could be possible. If that¡¯s the case, then that would be a very romantic story.¡± ¡°I think that woman is amazing, too. If it was me, even if he was a grand duke, I would decline a man with such a temperament.¡± ¡°He might be different towards the person he loves. He might become more gentle and amiable after meeting his fianc¨¦e.¡± Esma¡¯s words that were like the spring sunshine, forced the young ladies to stop belittling the grand duke and the woman he was bringing. ¡°¡­That should be the case. It¡¯s just that it¡¯s a little disappointing. I was expecting that one of us would become the Grand Duchess.¡± Young Lady Milvia from the County of Sera, the one with the strongest desire to win within the circle of young ladies from the Imperial faction, uttered relatively dangerous remarks. ¡°The current Grand Duke isn¡¯t on friendly terms with the Emperor. It would have been better if such a Grand Duke could be perfectly pulled over to the Imperial faction like the previous generations of grand dukes.¡± ¡°Young Lady Sera, don¡¯t talk too much.¡± As soon as Milvia finished talking, Young Lady Vanessa, the daughter of a Marquis, who stood at the center of the group gave a warning in an elegant voice. ¡°I hope that the Young Lady won¡¯t forget the fact that your brother, Young Lord Pietro, was criticised for his frequent slip of the tongue.¡± Although she was offended by the words that mentioned her family, Milvia merely glared at Vanessa without adding any other words. ¡°Firstly, understanding the situation is very important. As Young Lady Sera had mentioned, it would have been more than a perfect situation if one of us was linked to the Grand Duke¡­ There isn¡¯t anyone that would stand out first, is there?¡± In actual fact, other than Esma, everyone present secretly wanted to be Lionel¡¯s partner, but they all hid their innermost thoughts. It hurt their pride to unanimously say that the person that¡¯s in their hearts was someone that¡¯s criticised. ¡°Of course.¡± Milvia glanced at the young ladies that couldn¡¯t answer easily with a disappointed gaze, before answering resolutely. Soon after, with a satisfied smile on her face, Vanessa whispered such words. ¡°In that case, first of all, we need to identify the woman that the Grand Duke is bringing and pull her in our direction.¡± Before the aristocratic faction moved. Vanessa¡¯s golden eyes, a symbol of the late artist Elphiorim, were dyed in a strange light, as she surveyed through the seated young ladies like she was looking for a response. Of course, they had no reason not to nod their heads. ¡°¡­Ah, come to think of it, my skin has become a mess because I haven¡¯t been sleeping well lately.¡± A young lady brushed against her cheek exaggeratedly and opened her mouth, perhaps to reverse the bloodthirsty atmosphere. ¡°Oh dear! What happened? Did something unpleasant happen to you?¡± Expression turning worried instantly, Esma asked in a sincere tone. ¡°It¡¯s because of the villain Atalante.¡± Her reply caused the other young ladies to let out voices of agreement. But instead of empathising with her, Esma only fiddled with her fingers awkwardly. ¡®It has already been a month since she was placed on the wanted list, but there isn¡¯t any news. I¡¯m so nervous that I can¡¯t live like this. ¡°That ferocious woman does terrible things to aristocrats, regardless of gender.¡± ¡°There¡¯s more than one person around me that was a victim of that villain. She¡¯s actually the garbage that should have been disposed of immediately.¡± As the insults towards Atalante continued, Esma¡¯s face turned paler and paler. ¡®She isn¡¯t such a bad person¡­¡¯ Although she was very scary, she didn¡¯t enjoy brutally killing, and the more she looked at her the more she found her¡­to be a lovely person. The fact that she was aware of this yet unable to speak a line in her defence, made Esma uncomfortable. ¡°It just occurred to me that Atalante is similar to His Highness in various ways.¡± ¡°Right. If they were of the same status, they would have been a fated match.¡± The sound of ridiculing laughter grated on her ears. Although she followed them and gave an awkward smile, it didn¡¯t stop grating on Esma¡¯s nerves internally. ¡°That¡¯s too much¡­ What do you mean Grand Duke Blanc? Atalante is a hundred and a thousand times more precious than him.¡± But Esma wasn¡¯t aware. That the grand duke of Blanc was completely bewitched by Atalante, because of the drug she made. ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? Chapter 31 ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? The place where I should be ¡°Those b*stards are gathering intensely.¡± Lionel glanced at the outside scenery through a gap in the window curtains of the carriage, and couldn¡¯t help but click his tongue. ¡°Bas¡­ What did you say?¡± Did His Highness, the noble Grand Duke, know how to speak so harshly? In many ways, he lives up to his title of ¡®crazy¡¯. If Lionel wasn¡¯t the grand duke, but a commoner, she would have recruited him into Argo, but it¡¯s such a waste of talent. ¡®Of course, the question lies in whether I can handle that crazy person.¡¯ However he interpreted Atalante¡¯s complex gaze, Lionel¡¯s expression immediately changed to embarrassment. ¡°I didn¡¯t curse.¡± ¡°What?¡± What¡¯s wrong with cursing? Atalante thought that short and rough swear words were better than ear-rotting nonsense. Of course, it¡¯s a different story when those curses were directed at her with the intent to insult. After he closed the curtain completely, Lionel turned around and stared at Atalante with a puzzled look on his face. ¡°I just took a peek, but there¡¯s a lot of rats in the capital.¡± If he didn¡¯t have the ability to see through things, how could he have spotted mice in such a short period of time? While he calmly accepted Atalante¡¯s reluctant gaze, Lionel naturally showed his evil mind ¡°It¡¯s hard to find a mouse in the Grand Duchy. The entire estate is neat and clean.¡± ¡°It¡¯s so cold that all the mice froze to death. No matter what, I¡¯m not going to the Grand Duchy.¡± ¡°There are Northern cats that live only within the Blanc estate. Not only are they good at catching mice, they are also very cute, with fluffy white fur.¡± ¡­This was a little tempting. At the thought of rubbing the white cat¡¯s fur, her fingertips seemed to go numb. Perhaps sensing that she has started to waver slightly, a satisfied smile appeared on the corners of Lionel¡¯s mouth. ¡°Please take your time and think about it. The Empire¡¯s Founding Festival is a very long event.¡± ¡°It would be a relief if I¡¯m not caught by the Garrison as soon as I take a step out of this carriage.¡± ¡°There¡¯s no need to worry.¡± In response to her sharp reply, the grand duke kept using an affable tone to reply. ¡°I had said that I would ensure the safety of both Atalante and all the members of Argo.¡± He had definitely said so, but she still wasn¡¯t assured. Although the injury was healing through meticulous treatment, it was still a little uncomfortable to walk. ¡®I¡¯m not in the same situation as I was in, where I can take care of my body like I used to. I¡¯ll have to follow this man for now.¡¯ Nevertheless, she must remain vigilant. Atalante rubbed the rifle located at her left inner thigh as if it were a talisman, before nodding lightly. The curve of his lips deepened, perhaps assured that it was belief in him. The carriage stopped, unknowingly reaching its destination, and Lionel got off the carriage first, and reached out to her while speaking softly. ¡°First of all, I plan to guarantee Atalante¡¯s safety.¡± That pair of sky blue eyes were full of sincerity. For Atalante, she didn¡¯t have any choice but to hold his hand obediently. ¡°Ugh.¡± Atalante didn¡¯t notice it when she got on the carriage, but when she used strength on her feet to get off, a sharp pain radiated from the injured area. When she let out a short groan of pain, Lionel¡¯s face crumpled badly. At the same time, Atalante¡¯s body was lifted up into the air. His soft yet gentle movements made her forget about the fact that her feet were off the ground. ¡°Are you okay?¡± Immediately after helping her down the carriage, Lionel looked at Atalante with a worried gaze. ¡°I was stupid to forget about your injury for a moment.¡± ¡°It¡¯s just a little numb. I can stand it¡­¡± ¡°I don¡¯t want you to put up with it.¡± Lionel, who rolled up a large robe sleeve, found her small hand and held it carefully. ¡°If you¡¯re feeling uncomfortable or if something makes you uncomfortable, please don¡¯t hold it in and feel free to let me know.¡± ¡°¡­Why, are you going to sort it out for me?¡± Atalante asked while pulling the hood down deeply with her other hand to almost cover her face. ¡°Of course.¡± Atalante felt suffocated by his direct gaze. ¡®Why do you keep looking at me in that manner? It¡¯s not as if you¡¯re really in love with me.¡¯ Whenever Lionel looked at her like that, it seemed like her pledge to make thorough use of him would keep becoming blurred. She thought that she had committed most crimes before, but she wasn¡¯t used to the crime of deceiving people¡¯s hearts. Atalante pulled out her hand roughly, before turning to Paul, who was standing nearby, and said. ¡°I¡¯m not comfortable with you.¡± Despite the words that were close to a rejection, Lionel didn¡¯t seem that disappointed. It was because he managed to notice the odd heat within, like a demon. ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? ¡°Are you feeling hot?¡± While guiding Atalante to her room, as if he had suddenly seen something strange, Paul asked with his head tilted. The West should have been much warmer than the capital, but her cheeks were burning like ripe apples ever since she arrived at the townhouse. Paul¡¯s question only caused Atalante¡¯s face to turn even redder. ¡°Get out.¡± ¡°But I¡¯m supposed to introduce to you this evening¡¯s dinner, along with the maid that will be assisting you in washing up¡­¡± ¡°That¡¯s enough, just let me be alone.¡± Atalante pushed Paul out of the door immediately and shut the door proudly. There should have been a ¡®Bang!¡¯, but the well-oiled door didn¡¯t cause a single noise. ¡®What a strange personality.¡¯ Paul stood there for a moment, and thought that this was better while clicking his tongue, before heading towards the grand duke¡¯s room. There were many things he had to do. Before arriving at the capital, Paul obeyed his lord¡¯s will, but he didn¡¯t intend to let it flow as he planned after this. ¡®No matter what, I have to stop that woman from becoming the Grand Duchess.¡¯ Raising his clenched fist, Paul knocked on his lord¡¯s door. ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? ¡°Please, please come out!¡± The constantly quiet Blanc Townhouse became noisy ever since morning due to the cries of a young man. As if he was pleading with an ex-lover. A response might be given to such a pitiful voice, but there wasn¡¯t any such sign from beyond the door. ¡°Miss Atalante! Please!¡± Eventually Paul forgot her rudeness and began knocking frantically on Atalante¡¯s door. This situation looked nothing like the one from last night, when he knocked on the grand duke¡¯s door with the thought of getting rid of her. There¡¯s only one reason why he was urgently looking for Atalante. ¡°Bring Miss Atalante over. I must see her eating today.¡± It was none other than his lord¡¯s order, which felt like a scolding. Lionel, who starved for dinner like she did yesterday, couldn¡¯t sleep at all because of Atalante, who was unable to properly relieve her fatigue from travelling. ¡®There¡¯s something I¡¯d like to tell her in person, but I think it¡¯s going to backfire.¡¯ ¡®I¡¯ve felt this before, but how is this woman so arrogant? Our Highness is so¡­ well, his personality is quite dirty¡­and despite his frequent threats¡­at the very least, he¡¯s, he¡¯s¡­ very handsome!¡¯ After recalling one of Lionel¡¯s strengths, Paul knocked on the door again to meet the snobbish woman. ¡°If you don¡¯t open the door now, I might die!¡± Only after the exaggerated plea was added, did the sound of a low woman¡¯s voice appear. ¡°I don¡¯t have an appetite.¡± Paul¡¯s eyes gleamed, seizing the opportunity that was finally presented. ¡°Your body has yet to fully recover. Even if you don¡¯t have an appetite, you should still take your medicine after a meal.¡± ¡°You¡¯re very good at pretending to be worried.¡± Along with a deeply mocking tone, the large door opened silently. A haggard-looking young girl appeared through the gap. ¡°I¡¯m not sure what that means. I am sincerely worried about Miss Atalante¡­¡± ¡°You seem to be looking down on me for leading a rough life in the back alleys, but I can at the very least tell between someone that hates me and someone that likes me.¡± Paul¡¯s expression calmed down in the face of her confident purple eyes. Come to think of it, he had already revealed his true colours before once. ¡°Be honest. I really hate hypocrites.¡± Under her pestering, Paul¡¯s calm expression disappeared, leaving a bloodthirsty smile on his face. ¡°In that case, I¡¯ll be frank and take it easy.¡± ¡°That¡¯s much better.¡± Upon receiving her praise that wasn¡¯t considered a praise, Paul¡¯s face turned even stormier. ¡°I know that you used an unnatural method to capture His Highness¡¯ attention.¡± ¡°An unnatural method. For example?¡± At the inference that was close to the truth, Atalante¡¯s eyes were filled with a strange light. However, just as the name suggests, it was just an inference without physical evidence, causing Paul to let out a regretful sigh. ¡°It¡¯s just a matter of slowly figuring it out. I don¡¯t know what gave you the guts to stay by His Highness¡¯ side, but you¡¯ll soon return to where you belong.¡± As soon as Paul finished his threatening remarks, it was overshadowed by Atalante¡¯s brilliant smile. ¡®The place where I should be.¡¯ ¡°Well, those words are quite pleasant to my ears.¡± If the Emperor hadn¡¯t looked for me that day, or if she had just dealt with the Emperor¡¯s knight who came to fetch her¡­ Such a situation wouldn¡¯t have occurred. The sudden order for capture wouldn¡¯t have scattered her organisation, and she wouldn¡¯t have incurred the crazy affections from the mad grand duke. However, she couldn¡¯t reverse things that have already happened. She was just trying her best to return back to as much of her former lifestyle as possible. ¡°I want you to leave me alone for now. Even without your worrying, I¡¯ll leave your master at an appropriate time.¡± ¡°¡­Why are you suddenly speaking informally?¡± ¡°That¡¯s up to me.¡± At her irritating response, Paul¡¯s brows furrowed even more deeply than ever. ¡°What if I can¡¯t trust you?¡± Not wanting to admit defeat, Paul lowered his voice and asked with narrowed eyes. ¡°I¡¯m not interested in your master. Grand Duchess? I have even less interest in that. As you¡¯ve mentioned, my goal is to return back to the place where I belong.¡± ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? Chapter 32 ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? A routine that doesn¡¯t belong to me He tried his best to figure out any suspicious things about her, Atalante¡¯s eyes were full of innocence. ¡°Why am I saying this to you? It¡¯s because you hate me and want me to disappear from His Highness¡¯s side.¡± ¡°Aren¡¯t we the same, despite our differences? As such, let¡¯s help each other for the moment.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± Paul looked downwards at Atalante for a while, before letting out a long sigh. It was because he discovered the dark red traces of blood that appeared on her indoor dress. It seems that the wound that the doctor had expended all of his energy to sew had ripped open. ¡°That¡¯s fine for now. Let¡¯s work hard towards the same goal.¡± ¡°That¡¯s good to hear.¡± Her noble lady act was plausible, which was surprising considering her status as the head of an underground organisation. ¡®But she¡¯s unexpectedly slow.¡¯ Atalante merely gave a content smile, as if she didn¡¯t know what had happened to her thigh. ¡°First off, have a meal with the lord.¡± ¡°I had clearly said before that I don¡¯t have an appetite¡­¡± ¡°Before that, see the doctor.¡± If she shows up at the dining table like that, the grand duke will be thunderous. Atalante belatedly noticed the cause of her pain, and furrowed her brows. ¡°If you want to use me, you should also help me.¡± As what he said was true, Atalante nodded obediently without wasting her energy. ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? After partaking in a late brunch with Atalante, the grand duke¡¯s mood was much better, unlike in the morning. As proof of that, he even hummed an unintelligible melody from time to time, even as he was buried in a pile of work. It was eerily uncharacteristic of Lionel Blanc, making others shiver. ¡°Your Highness, I have brought Rubel.¡± Rubel, who travelled with them to the capital¡¯s townhouse yesterday, stood in front of the grand duke and awaited judgement for today¡¯s brunch. Lionel was currently filling the white paper with his fine handwriting. He continued to speak without even sparing a glance at the trembling Rubel¡¯s face. ¡°Serve pikata tonight as well. Use calves instead of chickens this time.¡± Pikata was a dish consisting of sliced meat with various sauces and vegetables. At the sudden order for the menu that came without explanations, Rubel blinked and looked at the grand duke¡¯s nose bridge. ¡°Oh, remove Koje. I don¡¯t think she likes seafood that much.¡± ¡°Did Atalante say that?¡± Belatedly, Rubel nodded, before carefully asking a question before he left. He needed to listen to Atalante¡¯s advice, as if she was specifically evaluating his cooking. He¡¯s currently in the capital thanks to Atalante, after all. During the journey to the capital, Rubel had repeatedly vowed to cook a dish perfect enough to satisfy her. ¡°No.¡± But the grand duke¡¯s answer was quite firm. Lionel, who ended the conversation with an answer, immediately picked up another document. Rubel had also watched them eat from a distance. Atalante had indiscriminately eaten all the dishes, and even had a subtle smile throughout the meal. As such, Rubel thought that the brunch he had prepared was close to perfection. ¡°Then why¡­¡± ¡°She seemed to like Pikata, but didn¡¯t seem to like Koje.¡± ¡°How did you know that¡­?¡± ¡°You have a lot of questions.¡± At that moment, Lionel¡¯s hand stopped, and he looked at Rubel with his chin in a palm. In order to hear his response, Rubel, whose vision turned blurry to avoid seeing the face that was harmful to his heart, placed all of his focus on his hearing. ¡°I counted the number of times she chewed her food.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°She took her time to chew when she was eating the pikata, but she swallowed the koje instantly.¡± The corners of Lionel¡¯s lips curled up gently, as if he was imagining her appearance while munching on her food. ¡®For real¡­ He has definitely been bewitched by that woman. His Highness, Lionel Blanc is¡­¡¯ It was hard for him to believe it, even when he witnessed it with his own eyes. He might not believe it even when he¡¯s on his deathbed. But the angel-like smile only lasted for a moment, and Lionel added warningly with a chilly expression. ¡°She¡¯s so considerate that even if it wasn¡¯t delicious, it wouldn¡¯t show on her face. I¡¯ll pay even more attention, and cater to Atalante¡¯s preferences.¡± ¡®If His Highness says that, then what are the 60 unfavourable comments that I¡¯d worked hard to make up?¡¯ Holding back the dejected voice, Rubel nodded quietly. As soon as Rubel left the office, Paul approached the grand duke, and asked with a worried gaze. ¡°Your Highness, are you really going to refuse all the invitations?¡± Amongst the letters that kept pouring in, Lionel selected the letters that were worthy of a personal response, but there was a very large number of letters that remained. The contents of the letters that bore various seals included requests to visit the Blanc Townhouse or an invitation to their mansions. Lionel wrote the replies of rejection to all the letters from the noble families. ¡°I¡¯m not sure if it¡¯s my place to say this, but I think that it would be better to confirm your faction now. Whether you¡¯re in the Imperial faction or the aristocratic faction.¡± Unlike Lionel, who does whatever he wants indiscriminately, the previous generations of grand dukes were on friendly terms with the Imperial family. While he had interacted with the Count of Sera, who¡¯s in the Imperial faction, no one considered the grand duke in the Imperial faction. Lionel didn¡¯t even hide his dislike of the Emperor. Of course, there wasn¡¯t anyone that considered him in the aristocratic faction either. Paul gradually started to become worried. It¡¯s because even if the Grand Duchy is an independent country, it isn¡¯t able to continue living with its ties to the Empire cut forever. ¡°I¡¯m not on anyone¡¯s side.¡± ¡°Your Highness.¡± ¡°Enough. If you¡¯re not trying to ruin my mood, stop bothering me.¡± The grand duke put down his pen and rose from his seat slowly. Paul shut his mouth, but there¡¯s still a lot of words that¡¯s yet to be spoken. ¡°Let me say one more thing. It¡¯s misleading that the only family in the Empire that you interact with is the Count of Sera. Since you¡¯re in the capital, why don¡¯t you also meet with Young Lord Union?¡± Paulo Union. He was the only son of Count Union, but unlike Count Sera, he¡¯s from a noble family that¡¯s staunchly in the aristocratic faction. If there¡¯s something unique about him, it would be that he and Lionel had a pretty close friendship when they were children. In the days when he was still called ¡®The Lovely Grand Prince¡¯. An odd gleam entered Lionel¡¯s eyes briefly, perhaps because he heard a familiar name. ¡°I¡¯ll think about it.¡± Lionel gave an ambiguous answer and checked his schedule while fixing the loosened string of his tunic. ¡°Madame Delica is going to visit in half an hour, right?¡± ¡°Yes. Other than that, I¡¯ve also contacted the etiquette instructor who will teach ball etiquette, the choreographer in charge of teaching the dances, and the craftsmen who will be in charge of accessories, shall I call for all of them?¡± Paul, who had made an elaborate plan, asked with his butler¡¯s side. ¡°That¡¯s enough for today. It¡¯s because fitting the outfits will be tiring enough.¡± ¡°Understood.¡± ¡°While she¡¯s staying here, hire a physician in charge of treating her. A proper one.¡± Her body was already weak, and yet she¡¯s also suffering from a chronic disease. [T/N: Plonk syndrome XD] After adding those words of worry, Lionel clicked his tongue briefly and stepped out of the office. ¡®You couldn¡¯t have actually believed the Plonk syndrome or the something-or-another disease that was diagnosed then, right?¡¯ Wondering if he hasn¡¯t erased that thought, Paul stared blankly at the door that his owner had closed. ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? Gianna, commonly known as Madame Delica, was the owner of Delica boutique, the most popular boutique in the capital as of late. Born as an aristocrat in the Kingdom of Paille, she started to focus on fashion while she was studying in the capital, and is currently known as the most successful foreigner in the Empire. Her nose, which had been tilted up towards the sky, became even higher at the summons by the grand duke of Blanc, who was on a rare visit to the capital. It was quite a distance from her boutique to the grand duke¡¯s townhouse, but Gianna wasn¡¯t tired at all. Perhaps that was all there is to it, and she didn¡¯t even have time to fear the notoriety of Grand Duke Blanc. It¡¯s because if her skills and the magnificent physique of the grand duke were combined, it would definitely become one of the greatest works of all time. The townhouse wasn¡¯t even his main mansion, and yet it wasn¡¯t any less than the nature of typical nobles. Gianna, who was guided into the drawing room politely, gave a graceful bow as soon as the door opened. ¡°It¡¯s nice to meet you, Grand Duke Blanc. I¡¯m Gianna from Delica Boutique. Please feel free to call me Madame.¡± However, Lionel wasn¡¯t the only person waiting for Gianna. Upon noticing a pretty girl seated beside him, Gianna¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°Excuse me, but who is¡­ the lady next to you?¡± Could it be that that woman is the grand duke¡¯s fianc¨¦e? The one that he brought from the West? The fact that he even used the warp portal to bring his fianc¨¦e back comfortably is a rumour that has spread throughout the capital. The pace of Gianna¡¯s heart quickened at the thought that she might be the first to know the news that everyone was curious about. ¡°For now, sit.¡± Lionel ignored her carefully asked question, and nodded towards the seat opposite of him. ¡°¡­Thank you for your consideration.¡± Not forgetting the Empire¡¯s aristocratic greeting, Gianna imitated their gestures and planted her butt onto the chair. ¡°As you¡¯re probably aware, I¡¯ve called for you today to order outfits.¡± ¡°I was under the impression that Your Highness was only fitting for your outfit, would you be ordering an outfit for¡­your partner?¡± Gianna shot a glance at the girl sitting next to him and couldn¡¯t help but frown. ¡®Was red hair common in the West?¡¯ Everything she was adorned in was luxurious, but as far as she knew, there weren¡¯t any aristocratic families with red hair in the west. No, even if she pushed the thoughts about her hair back¡­ ¡®What¡¯s with that vulgar colour for pupils?¡¯ A violet hue that only commoners would have. She wondered if she had seen it mistakenly due to the sunlight, but the colour of her eyes didn¡¯t change, even after looking at them a few more times. ¡®Wait a moment, if it¡¯s a girl in her late teens, with crimson hair and purple eyes¡­¡¯ She suddenly remembered the wanted poster that she ripped irritably this morning. As the wanted posters were littered in front of her boutique everyday, she couldn¡¯t be bothered to hire a cleaner¡­ No, that¡¯s not it. This description was definitely¡­ ¡°Atalante?¡± Inadvertently speaking the name that appeared in her head, Gianna immediately covered her mouth, but her words had already left her mouth. ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? Chapter 33 ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? Are you a pervert? Lionel¡¯s expression was noticeably distorted, perhaps uncomfortable with the way Atalante¡¯s name was called carelessly. Gianna, who was quick-witted, couldn¡¯t have missed that scene. ¡°I apologise. I¡¯ve made a mistake by daring to bring up the name of that villain in front of Your Highness¡¯ acquaintance.¡± Immediately after she apologised with a pale countenance, the sound of cheerful laughter filled the drawing room. The clear and bright sound belonged to the woman sitting next to the grand duke. ¡®I can¡¯t believe she¡¯s laughing so loudly, without even covering her mouth, let alone using a fan.¡¯ Amongst aristocrats, it was considered frivolous for a lady to expose the insides of her mouth or even twitch her lips. However, the girl before her didn¡¯t just laugh loudly, but even habitually slapped the shoulder of the grand duke, who was seated next to her. ¡®Has she gone crazy¡­?¡¯ Gianna had also forgotten her manners at the sight of her unconventional behaviour, looking at her with a gaping mouth. ¡°Oops.¡± Belatedly realising that she had been hitting the grand duke while in a fit of laughter, Atalante apologised with a ¡®Sorry,¡¯ before giving her a short greeting. ¡®Sorry?¡¯ It was equivalent to not giving an apology. Shocked, Gianna almost forgot how to breathe. ¡°On the contrary, I like it. You can hit me more.¡± The grand duke¡¯s following words made her doubt her own hearing. It was even more surprising that it didn¡¯t seem to be sarcasm, from the way his lips curved gently. ¡°¡­Are you a pervert?¡± Ugh, without forgetting to add a sound of disgust, Atalante glared at Lionel with visible distaste. A huge frown was also present on her face. ¡°W¨Cwait a minute. What in the world is this¡­¡­!¡± What an unbecoming figure of an aristocrat! The words she added were almost a shriek. While she wasn¡¯t an aristocrat from the capital, Gianna¡¯s obsession with empty formalities and vanity was both amusing and pitiful. With a snort, Atalante gently crossed her legs and shifted her gaze back towards Gianna. For her to cross her legs, was she unaware that it¡¯s ill-fitting of a noble lady! Atalante carefully observed her expression, as if she could spot the anger within Gianna, before slowly opening her mouth. ¡°So what about it, I¡¯m not an aristocrat.¡± ¡°What¡­? How can you be in the presence of His Highness, the Grand Duke when you¡¯re not an aristocrat¡­¡± ¡°Also, you¡¯re right.¡± ¡°What?¡± Atalante lowered her upper body a little more towards the dazed Gianna, and whispered softly. ¡°My name is Atalante.¡± Gianna paled immediately at the sight of the beautiful villain face, which was right in front of her. ¡°Grab her.¡± At Lionel¡¯s words, Gianna, who rose from her seat in an attempt to escape immediately, was caught by the knights. ¡°You¡¯re the one that¡¯s lacking in manners. To think that you tried to leave without notifying me.¡± With his cheek leaning on a long index finger, Lionel stared at Gianna with a subdued gaze. ¡°That¨Cthat woman, did you know that she¡¯s a wanted criminal? T¨Cthe Garrison must be notified immediately, Your Highness! She¡¯s someone famous as an aristocrat hunter!¡± ¡°I¡¯m someone that dislikes rowdiness, must your mouth be covered for you to listen to my words?¡± As soon as his dulcet voice rang out, the knight, who had been waiting in the frightening atmosphere, prepared a cloth to cover her mouth. Gianna, who easily realised its intended purpose, bit her lower lip. It was as if she was caught in the middle of a villain¡¯s den, and not the grand duke¡¯s capital residence. ¡°It¡¯s fortunate that we can communicate. Let me say this again. I¡¯d called for you today in order to order Miss Atalante¡¯s debutante dress.¡± Gianna didn¡¯t just make clothes for anyone. Even if the asking party was a high-ranking noble, they would be judged based on their reputation and appearance, so there wasn¡¯t any reason for her to undertake a villain¡¯s clothing. ¡®She¡¯s not even an aristocrat, so how is she going to attend the debutante party?¡¯ If it was possible, Gianna wanted to say that she wouldn¡¯t make a villain¡¯s clothes, but she was too afraid of the terrifying aura the handsome man before her was giving off. ¡°Make a dress that suits Miss Atalante by next week.¡± Miss Atalante? Rather than the stifling period of a week, it was the term of address used, which completely destroyed their classes, that made her head throb. The sole head of the Grand Ducal family used honorifics to a mere commoner, and a wanted criminal from an underground organisation at that? ¡°¡­This is ridiculous, Your Highness.¡± ¡°Which part?¡± The grand duke asked calmly and leaned back into his chair, as if he was giving her a chance to respond. The man and woman, who had their legs crossed and looked at her oppressively, were strangely alike. Come to think of it, the both of them shared a common point, in which they were villains. ¡°Firstly, I¡­ only make clothes for ladies and gentlemen with worthy characters.¡± Gianna had only said a sentence, but it felt as if her lifespan was reduced by about 10 years. Whether it¡¯s fortunate or not, she didn¡¯t hear any words of admonition, so she swallowed dryly and continued. ¡°Above all, this is treason, Your Highness. To hide a wanted criminal like this and make a debutante dress that isn¡¯t fitting for her place¡­ It¡¯s ridiculous.¡± Although she was trembling, Gianna had spoken of everything she had to say and closed her eyes tightly. While she was currently in the clothing business, she was still an aristocrat from the Kingdom of Paille. She planned to gain imperial citizenship sooner or later, and the imperial nobles admired her ability. ¡®Even if he¡¯s the Grand Duke of Blanc, he wouldn¡¯t cause much trouble towards me.¡¯ However, that was just a silly idea. The reason behind that fact that even high ranking imperial nobles would tremble before the grand duke of Blanc was something that a foreigner like her couldn¡¯t have fully understood. Along with a slow sigh, the grand duke slowly opened his mouth. ¡°I see. It¡¯s ridiculous, isn¡¯t it?¡± ¡°T¨Cthat¡¯s right.¡± Before she could be relieved that he was easily convinced, the temperature of her nape fell quickly. ¡°That¡¯s regrettable. I had expected that with your level of skills, you¡¯d be able to make clothes that befit Miss Atalante.¡± ¡°Wha¡­?¡± When she realised the thing touching her neck was a cold blade, her entire body began to tremble. As if he had forgotten about the sword that was aimed at her, a radiant smile was present on Lionel¡¯s face, like he was about to hand her a bouquet of flowers. ¡°In that case, I¡¯ll look for other talented people that are able to accept ridiculous situations.¡± ¡°Thank you for coming all the way here,¡± without forgetting to add his words of appreciation, Lionel gently gripped the sword. ¡®Why, why isn¡¯t anyone stopping him?¡¯ Gianna looked around with trembling eyes, but it seemed that there wasn¡¯t anyone willing to stop the grand duke. This sort of occurrence seemed to be commonplace, as they just stared at her indifferently or turned their gaze away. ¡°I am an aristocrat from the Kingdom of Paille! T¨Cthe Viscounty of Randall¡­!¡± ¡°So?¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°No matter what your status is, it¡¯s meaningless to me.¡± With a chilling laugh, Lionel moved the well polished sword nearer to her eyes while speaking in a whisper. ¡°Where should I injure, such that it would be inconvenient for you to make clothes? An eye? A hand?¡± This man must be crazy. She belatedly understood why the imperial nobles left the grand duke of Blanc alone, despite the overflowing amount of disregarded gossip. They were unable to deal with this man¡¯s madness, that¡¯s why. As Lionel looked at the part of her body he was going to ruin, he had the devil¡¯s eye, as illustrated in history books. As venomous as he is beautiful, a devil. ¡°S, save me¡­¡± As Gianna prayed that she would be allowed to return with her four limbs intact as long as she complied with his demands, a familiar voice brushed past her ears. ¡°That¡¯s enough.¡± When she opened her tightly shut eyes, she saw crimson hair that was the same colour as blood. After blinking several times, Gianna realised who¡¯s back it belonged to. A young girl, who had been behind Lionel¡¯s back up till a few moments ago, was now standing in front of her. ¡°But there¡¯s nothing we can do if we want to keep her mouth shut. I don¡¯t want your identity to be exposed before the debutante.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t want to see blood without a good reason.¡± ¡°Would it be hard to create a reason?¡± While his voice asking for consent was very polite, the meaning behind his words was filled with endless bloodthirstiness. Suddenly frowning again, Atalante spoke resolutely again. ¡°Just let this person go. You promised me that you¡¯d respect my wishes if I refused your proposal.¡± Atalante felt that something seemed off. The gaze of the man, who was intoxicated due to the drug and acted like he only knew of her, was fixed upon the wound Gianna gained from grazing against his sword a few seconds ago. He was breathing slowly, like he was enduring something. When Atalante spreaded her arms and covered Gianna completely, Lionel¡¯s unfocused eyes slowly returned to normal. Ahh, Lionel briefly exclaimed before sweeping up his slightly dishevelled silver hair and speaking. ¡°Alright.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°Make yourself comfortable. I¡¯m a little¡­dizzy.¡± After deftly planting a kiss on Atalante¡¯s crimson locks, Lionel turned around and left the drawing room. ¡®What¡¯s wrong with him?¡¯ Was there a problem with today¡¯s meal? No, perhaps that¡¯s how the grand duke of Blanc was originally. Her suspicions only lasted for a moment, as Atalante turned her head, recalling that there was a trembling woman behind her. Gianna, who was pitifully blue out of fright, fumbled around several times to confirm that her body was in one piece. It didn¡¯t occur to Atalante to ask if she was alright. ¡°Leave this place quickly. The servant will arrange a carriage for you.¡± Gianna¡¯s head slowly lifted upwards at those words. ¡°V¨Cvillain¡­!¡± Gianna opened and closed her mouth like she was out of her mind, and a terrified voice appeared from her mouth. ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Atalante shrugged her shoulders without denying it and bent her knees. Greenish brown eyes and light purple eyes met directly in the air. It was definitely a beautiful face. As if to prove that point, Gianna forgot that the girl in front of her was a wanted criminal, and inadvertently began to admire her delicate features. ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? Chapter 34 ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? An absurd idea ¡°You aren¡¯t¡­ upset?¡± Confused by her unexpected reaction, Gianna revealed her feelings to the small villain without any filter. Instead of answering, Atalante gave a toothy grin. Gianna has never seen a young lady with a smile that had so many white teeth on display before. In the first place, she¡¯s not even a young lady. Was it because she was too shocked that she found that smile so captivating? ¡°An advice for you, it would be great if you don¡¯t talk about seeing me here today. As you¡¯ve experienced earlier, His Highness the Grand Duke isn¡¯t in his right mind.¡± Atalante giggled like she had just cracked a joke, and stood back up. When she approached the door, Gianna, who was in a daze, jumped up and shouted. ¡°Why did you help me? I¡¯m an aristocrat. I¡¯m going to be an imperial citizen soon! I don¡¯t need sympathy from a villain like you¡­!¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t help you.¡± Atalante didn¡¯t bat a single eyelid at her arrogant lines. A calm gaze briefly landed on her, and it was followed by an even calmer voice. ¡°I just did whatever I wanted. Aren¡¯t you being too self-conscious?¡± As soon as the knight opened the door, Atalante stepped out, as if she had been waiting for that moment. With a hand clutching the hem of her dress in a sudden movement, perhaps finding the flowing skirt of the dress annoying. Gianna¡¯s face slowly warmed as she stared dazedly at her disappearing figure. However, it wasn¡¯t out of anger or humiliation. ¡®W¡ªWhat¡¯s wrong with me¡­?¡¯ As the glasses Gianna wore slid down to the tip of her nose, she patted herself on her cheeks several times in order to erase the lingering afterimage of Atalante from her head. Nevertheless, the dazzling figure of the beautiful villain didn¡¯t vanish from her thoughts. From when she boarded the carriage prepared by the Blanc family to her arrival at the boutique and baptism of questions from her staff, throughout it all. ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? ¡°I hope that you¡¯ll humour my wishes until the debutante is over. You had promised to give me some leeway, after all.¡± In the morning, when Atalante was already looking forward to that night¡¯s dinner, Lionel looked for her and said that. Atalante, who had confirmed Paul¡¯s thoughts and decided to temporarily follow his tune, had only nodded silently. She had not forgotten her determination to test the limits of the drug¡¯s effect in her spare time. However, when she heard that a designer who would customise her debutante dress was expected to arrive soon, she couldn¡¯t help but be drained. She was wary of revealing her identity without making proper preparations. ¡®According to Paul, there¡¯s already been a rumour going around that Lionel brought a girl to the capital.¡¯ Everyone assumed that she¡¯s an aristocrat from the Western borders. Atalante couldn¡¯t help but laugh dryly. How would they react when they realised that she was a wanted criminal? ¡°If you¡¯re concerned about being caught here, please don¡¯t worry about it.¡± She was even more worried despite Lionel¡¯s reliable words. It was very obvious how the grand duke would block their mouths when someone discovered her true identity. Atalante was well aware that there was a very simple method. But she preferred not to hurt others for no reason, and as such, Atalante made a firm resolution. If that designer refuses this request, she¡¯ll just send them back home without a fuss. Of course, she didn¡¯t make that decision in order to garner some petty sympathy. It was just because she wasn¡¯t willing to do so. ¡®Even if a rumour spreads, there isn¡¯t anyone that would dare to enter the grand duke¡¯s mansion carelessly.¡¯ A single person¡¯s voice was powerless. Even more so when it¡¯s the voice of someone lofty-minded. To be honest¡­ The reason she didn¡¯t actively prevent the designer¡¯s visit was because she had secret expectations for new clothes. While the dress she was wearing now was quite pretty, it was readymade clothing that the maids had fitted to match her body. Just imagining the clothes that were made for her, caused her to feel excited. ¡®I had no idea that I possessed such vanity.¡¯ Atalante¡¯s basic wardrobe consisted of comfortable shirts, pants, and boots. She was definitely influenced when she was next to the grand duke. As she kept noticing the areas where she didn¡¯t have interest in. However, the designer had predictably refused to make her clothes. It wasn¡¯t that bad up till then, but the problem lay in Lionel¡¯s following actions. Though Atalante was familiar with the term ¡®cold-blooded person¡¯ who kills and injures without emotion, the scene that she had witnessed earlier gave an odd feeling. ¡®How should I describe it as, it was as if¡­he was bewitched by something.¡¯ After leaving the drawing room with a disturbed look on his face, Lionel didn¡¯t even show up for dinner. Not having to partake in a meal while facing him obviously made her happy, but for some reason she felt uncomfortable. ¡®I have enough worries of my own, so who am I to worry about him?¡¯ While clicking her tongue softly, Atalante checked the unresponsive artifact again today. The members of the organisation must have managed to hide safely in the Kingdom of Paille, seeing as how there isn¡¯t any news from them. To the underground, no news was equivalent to good news. ¡®While possessing an artifact is good, the problem is, I don¡¯t know how to use it.¡¯ Atalante knocked on the artifact shaped like a compact and called out the names of her family members one by one, but there was only silence. Still, having something is better than nothing. Atalante stuffed the black compact next to the rifle, laid onto the large bed and stared at the ceiling that¡¯s larger than her. What will happen from now onwards? The members of the organisation would definitely return to the capital when they hear rumours of Atalante¡¯s appearance in this debutante. No matter what, she had to coax the grand duke and lay foundations for the safety of the members of the organisation before then. ¡°What should I do with you?¡± Should she use him as she pleases, should she continue to test the effectiveness of the drug, or should she just run away now? Yet to make a decision, her mind danced back and forth several times in just a single day. Would he still be so affectionate if he knew that his love was fake? ¡®Nonsensical thoughts.¡¯ Since she was in the capital, Atalante vowed to secretly meet Esma as she slowly got to her feet. Firstly, she should check the grand duke¡¯s condition. Since she couldn¡¯t fall asleep. ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? ¡°The Grand Duke of Blanc brought a woman from the West?¡± At the same time, Emperor Kaiser wasn¡¯t in a good mood. ¡°I¡¯m positive that that¡¯s what the supervisor of the Western Warp Gate said. Apparently, he was alone in a carriage with an unidentified woman.¡± As Count Evita conveyed the situation with precise articulation, his green eyes, which were similar to Esma¡¯s, were dyed in a strange light. ¡°Although I tried to identify her by mobilising some connections in the gray area, it was impossible.¡± Marquis Federa added credibility to the words that the Count had said previously. In his dictionary, there wasn¡¯t any information that he couldn¡¯t uncover, but this time was an exception. ¡®I¡¯ve inquired with the commoners, but originally, red hair isn¡¯t commonly seen in the West.¡¯ Marquis Federa admitted that this was his first failure, and swallowed the alcohol in front of him, along with the rising irritation. The young Marquis was the sole person with shining eyes, Dione Elphiorim, glanced at the serious facial expressions of the nobles in the Imperial faction, before opening his mouth. ¡°Perhaps the woman that the Grand Duke of Blanc brought with him¡­ is a fairy or something like that?¡± As soon as he finished speaking, sharp gazes were aimed at him. ¡°Are you already drunk?¡± ¡°How can you still say such nonsense at your age?¡± ¡°Can¡¯t you take a leaf out of the previous Marquis Elphiorim¡¯s book?¡± Sullen due to the rebukes that came one after another, Dione immediately lowered his head. Dione, who lost his father after just turning of age, inherited the Marquisate at an early age. He was hardworking in his own way, but he was too carefree and was naturally slow-witted, hence he would be criticised at every meeting. Kaiser sighed deeply instead of criticising Dione, gave a worried expression before speaking. ¡°I can understand the change in his temperament after what happened to the former grand ducal couple, but the way the Grand Duke keeps acting in defiance of traditions and customs¡­ I can¡¯t say that it isn¡¯t worrying.¡± ¡°That¡¯s right. His arrogance is soaring through the roof, and in my opinion, we can no longer wait and see.¡± ¡°I¡¯m of the same opinion as Count Evita. I completely understand Your Majesty¡¯s feelings of pity for the Grand Duke, but it has reached the limit.¡± Instead of saying anything, Dione nodded in agreement with their opinions. ¡°Although it breaks my heart to do so, I¡¯ll have to follow your opinions this time. Even if it¡¯s for the Grand Duke¡¯s sake.¡± The emperor sighed with a gloomy expression, before turning his gaze towards Count Evita. ¡°Count, isn¡¯t your daughter coming of age this year?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± ¡°I heard that the Young Count will return from the Academy in time for his beautiful sister¡¯s debutante. Rumour has it that he¡¯s intelligent enough to be persuaded to stay by the Academy and that he¡¯s quite dashing?¡± Count Evita didn¡¯t change his expression as per usual, accepted his son¡¯s praises with a short, ¡°I¡¯m honoured.¡± However, the emperor was quite sharp. As soon as the topic of his son and daughter was raised, affection for his children tinged his eyes. ¡®I once had such a gaze before.¡¯ A face that the emperor missed suddenly came to mind, before its blurry afterimage was cleanly cleared away. ¡°I heard that the Young Count and the Grand Duke had a brief exchange when they were young.¡± Perhaps because he had noticed what the emperor was going to say, Count Evita, who¡¯s face hardened unknowingly, slowly nodded. At this, the emperor gave a satisfied smile, and spoke in a caring voice. ¡°I¡¯d like to ask a simple favour of your son, would that be alright?¡± Although it was spoken as a request, the emperor was clearly aware. That Count Evita won¡¯t be able to refuse his ¡®request¡¯. When a request couldn¡¯t be denied, it wasn¡¯t a request anymore. ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? Chapter 35 ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? While you¡¯re asleep In order to meet Lionel, Atalante left her room and not long after, became lost. Deeply realising the purpose of a servant that¡¯s in charge of guiding guests, she could only dither around the mansion without a destination. If the capital townhouse is this big, just how large was the Blanc Castle? When she visited the Grand Duchy with Pietro, she stayed in her room and didn¡¯t think about the size of the castle. Just as she let out a deep sigh, Atalante discovered a familiar silhouette at the end of the corridor. ¡°What is it?¡± Paul looked downwards at Atalante with an arrogant expression, perhaps determined to discard his mask of amiability completely. ¡°I¡¯m lost.¡± Atalante¡¯s confident answer didn¡¯t lose to him, as she looked upwards at Paul with a frown. ¡°I thought you¡¯re bad at walking because you didn¡¯t come out of your room, but unexpectedly, you seem to enjoy going on a stroll.¡± ¡°¡­Can¡¯t you just speak like how you did previously? The usage of honorifics is even more annoying.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t want to change if it¡¯s more annoying.¡± He was obviously smiling, but a cold shadow was present on Paul¡¯s face. Staring at the approaching orange-yellow coloured lantern, Atalante gave up on quarrelling with him and mentioned what she wanted. ¡°Forget it, where¡¯s the Grand Duke of Blanc¡¯s room?¡± ¡°As expected, you¡¯re a woman that also couldn¡¯t resist it. While it¡¯s belated, you seem to have fallen for His Highness¡¯ charms, but you¡¯ll never become the Grand Duchess¡­¡­.¡± ¡°What nonsense are you talking about? I have no interest in your master. Grand Duchess? Just give that to the dog.¡± Atalante lightly clicked her tongue at Paul, a fool for his master, before continuing. ¡°It¡¯s because I wanted to ask about the future course of action.¡± ¡°At such a late hour?¡± ¡°Should we talk about this in broad daylight then?¡± Atalante crossed her arms and spoke in a high-handed manner. Where in the world does this woman¡¯s overflowing confidence come from? Not only was her status not guaranteed, she didn¡¯t possess citizenship, and her reputation was at its worst as a wanted criminal. ¡°After the debutante and when the emperor¡¯s pursuit has ended, I plan to return back to where I belong. When that time comes, you should assist me earnestly.¡± For the sake of your master, the apple of your eye, added Atalante, as if to get him to nod his chin quickly. ¡®Even if to me, he isn¡¯t the apple of my eye.¡¯ Paul inadvertently thought of something unamusing, causing his brows to furrow. ¡°¡­There¡¯s no need for later.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not an aristocrat, so I wouldn¡¯t sing two different tunes with the same mouth.¡± Atalante walked alongside Paul, contradicting his role as a guide. It was because she was always in a leader¡¯s position, so it was awkward to chase behind another¡¯s back. ¡°I¡¯ve noticed this before, but you seem to bear much dislike towards aristocrats. I heard that your underground organisation doesn¡¯t accept commissions from nobles?¡± ¡°Yes, from petty crimes, like looting and money laundering, to murder¡­ I¡¯ve committed all kinds of evil deeds, but I¡¯ve never accepted a single commission from a noble.¡± Other than the order to kill your master. Holding back the words that almost followed, Atalante kept her gaze fixed straight ahead of her. ¡°Why do you dislike nobles so much?¡± ¡°It¡¯s not at the level of dislike, but loathing. If you were also born as a poor commoner, you¡¯d have no choice but to hate the nobility.¡± He, as an aristocrat, would never be able to understand her position, so she spoke words that drew a clear line. Paul obviously didn¡¯t understand the wanted criminal. Nevertheless, when he met her empty purple eyes, his abdomen felt bitterly numb for some reason. Well, it was just a little bit. ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? Paul knocked on the door several times, but Lionel didn¡¯t respond. With a soft sigh, he opened the large door carefully. ¡°He¡¯s the so-called grand duke, can you enter the room without his permission?¡± ¡°Although it¡¯s frustrating, His Highness seems to be quite generous to you. And I¡¯m not going to say that I¡¯m the one that opened it. I¡¯ll just say that you entered on your own.¡± He seemed to be trying to provoke Atalante, but on the contrary, Paul¡¯s words made her feel better. This was because she would be able to test the limits of the drug without putting in effort. ¡°Thank you very much.¡± Paul frowned at her unprovoked thanks, but Atalante didn¡¯t pay it any mind and entered the grand duke¡¯s room. ¡°What, you¡¯re not coming in?¡± ¡°¡­If it was in the past, I wouldn¡¯t want to watch His Highness with a woman only, but you¡¯re a slight exception.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t think that¡¯s a compliment.¡± In fact, it didn¡¯t matter whether Paul was there or not. Atalante shrugged her shoulders and entered the darkened room. ¡®She might only be acting like that in front of me. I¡¯ll keep an eye on her so that she won¡¯t run amok.¡¯ Determined to wait quietly at the door, Paul was alert. ¡°Lord chamberlain! I have something to ask you about!¡± ¡°It¡¯s this letter, lord chamberlain!¡± However, the servants of the townhouse, who had greeted their owners after a long while, didn¡¯t leave Paul alone. They were never clumsy at work, but they were worried that their necks would fall due to small mistakes, so they asked for Paul¡¯s advice in every matter. As such, unlike his resolution to keep watch at the door, Paul was immediately led by the nose away by the servants that required his assistance. Despite Paul¡¯s shouts to the nearby knight to keep watch at the door, the knight couldn¡¯t even comprehend his pronunciation. ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? Her field of vision darkened as soon as the door closed. Even Atalante, who had good night vision, was slightly alarmed as there was barely any moonlight in Lionel¡¯s room. ¡®Did you spend so much money on useless things, but didn¡¯t open the windows of your own room?¡¯ As she criticised him internally, Atalante concentrated fully on detecting any unseen obstacles while stepping forward. ¡°Grand Duke.¡± She called for him carefully, but there wasn¡¯t any response, as if it was a natural result. She could detect faint breathing from somewhere in the room, but she wasn¡¯t able to confirm where it originated from. She wanted to search for him by using Lionel Blanc¡¯s unique scent, but it was hard to do so when his scent was spread throughout the room. ¡°Your Highness, Grand Duke¡­Ah!¡± Despite her best efforts, Atalante tripped over something firm and lost her balance. Though she used her natural reflexes to try and regain her balance, a sharp pain suddenly appeared from the stitches located at her inner thigh. ¡°Oh, shi¡­!¡± Before she could curse, Atalante fell forward. To make matters worse, the floor was closer than she thought, and she instantly hit her nose, almost causing tears to leak out. ¡°Ugh¡­¡­ Uh¡­¡­?¡± A dissonant feeling appeared the instant a pained groan resounded. From the extremely hard surface, it¡¯s clear that what her nose had collided into was the floor¡­ ¡®Why is the floor so warm?¡¯ Atalante shook her head, reached a hand out to feel the floor that she had bumped into. The floor that came into contact with her small palm was not only warm but also soft. The thought that something was covering the hard floor came to mind. ¡®How can I tell when I can¡¯t see what¡¯s in front of me?¡¯ Clicking her tongue lightly, Atalante braced against the floor and slowly raised her upper body. She guessed it¡¯s better if I find him at dawn tomorrow. ¡®I must be out of my mind. There¡¯s no reason that I must come over here at this time of night.¡¯ She couldn¡¯t understand why was she so impulsive. She merely attributed it to her inclination to not hold in her curiosity. As soon as daybreak arrived, Atalante vowed to inquire about the grand duke¡¯s future plans and to properly investigate his strange behaviour in front of the designer. But just before she could get up from the floor completely, something firm wrapped around her waist tightly. ¡°¡­¡­go.¡± At the same time, a subdued voice came from below her. While it sounded lower than usual, it was very¡­ It was a familiar voice. ¡°Grand Duke?¡± ¡®Don¡¯t tell me¡¯, while she thought that, Atalante¡¯s body was pulled back to the floor again. To be exact, onto the bed where the grand duke was laying in. Afterwards, Atalante could only blame herself for moving towards Lionel¡¯s bed within the spacious room, but it was already too late. Under circumstances where she wasn¡¯t mentally prepared, Atalante, who was trapped in the arms of an unknown man, stiffened. A bewitching scent kept piercing her nose, to the point where she wanted to cover her nose. ¡®What is this that I¡¯m feeling¡­!¡¯ Quickly shaking her head, Atalante managed to remove the cheek that was plastered to his chest with great effort. However, Lionel¡¯s arms were still solidly wrapped around her back, so she couldn¡¯t move her body. She struggled for a long time and even tried tapping on his shoulder with her unconstrained head, but the grand duke didn¡¯t budge. ¡®In that case, the only method that¡¯s left is¡­¡¯ Atalante¡¯s gaze went downwards. She recalled the method that her sister had taught her when she was still alive, her sister that took care of her when she was young. ¡°If a man covets you when you¡¯re unwilling, kick him between his legs!¡± ¡°Sister, what¡¯s ¡®covet¡¯?¡± She eventually lost her life without telling Atalante the meaning of ¡®covet¡¯, but she unwillingly understood her sister¡¯s words as she lived in a cruel world. ¡®Count Sera was also in agony.¡¯ Atalante¡¯s eyes immediately became bright and piercing. If she escaped from Lionel¡¯s arms while he¡¯s unwell, a perfect crime would be possible. ¡®Come to think of it, offsprings are precious in the Blanc Grand Ducal family.¡¯ Thinking that she should control her strength to not ruin him completely, Atalante dealt a heavy blow with a leg. Along with a short groan, Lionel¡¯s arms wrapped around Atalante even more firmly. ¡°Ugh, let go¡­!¡± ¡°Don¡¯t go.¡± At the same time, an anxious voice entered her ear. His breath was particularly hot, as if he was afflicted with a fever. But somehow, there wasn¡¯t any unpleasant stickiness. Just that one phrase, don¡¯t go, was extremely heartrending enough to make her cry without a reason. ¡°Grand Duke.¡± Embarrassed, Atalante called him, but Lionel didn¡¯t respond, perhaps because he was talking in his sleep. ¡°¡­Lionel.¡± When his name was called, he embraced Atalante even deeper. The lips that touched the back of her neck were pitiable instead of strange. ¡°Please, don¡¯t go.¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I want to go? Let go of me¡­¡± ¡°Mother.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°Father.¡± Starting from his parents, it was followed by other names in a low voice. There¡¯s no way to know whether the many names he called were the names of actual people or ones made up while he was asleep. ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? Chapter 36 ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? 36. In the same bed Why does Atalante identify with this man? She had also grown up in poverty and lost countless people due to the war. She¡¯d witnessed scenes of people dying countless times, but for some reason, she wasn¡¯t used to it. Her nose started stinging at the scenes that suddenly appeared in her head. It¡¯s amusing. She had also taken many lives. However, unconnected to her feelings of longing for the deceased, she didn¡¯t memorise all of their names like Lionel. ¡®If I memorised all of their names, I might go crazy.¡¯ With her eyes tightly shut, Atalante inadvertently uttered the only name that she could still clearly remember. ¡°Athemas.¡± Mister. As soon as she realised how she called her adoptive father, Lionel felt distant. Even if he was aware of the sorrow of parting, he still had parents. From the beginning, he was different from Atalante, who didn¡¯t have anyone by her side. ¡°It must be great. You, who didn¡¯t have to envy others for having parents, and have a lot of people that care about you.¡± Atalante knew nothing would change even if she hated him. Hating another person wouldn¡¯t change her situation, her wounds, her condition, or anything. Even so, Atalante still hated, envied, and pitied Lionel. It was amazing that she could hold such complex emotions for a single person. ¡°I¡¯m not like you who grew up precious. I have to protect my own body. As well as my family members, I¡¯ll protect them with these hands.¡± She couldn¡¯t understand why she was making such a declaration to a man that couldn¡¯t even hear it. But when she spoke her innermost thoughts, her anxious breathing calmed down slightly. It was her true intention, and was completely achievable, but bitterness welled up in a corner of her heart. ¡®Do I also want to be protected, without knowing my place.¡¯ Atalante made a self-mocking smile, and the corners of her mouth trembled. It was embarrassing to have been influenced by a man that talked nonsense while asleep, causing her to dampen his shirt. Atalante held her breath to hold back the rising tears. ¡°Stay by my side.¡± It¡¯s not ¡®don¡¯t go¡¯ this time. Overshadowing the mocking smile was a shallow exhale, and the name that followed caused her to stiffen. ¡°Atalante.¡± As that name wasn¡¯t common, it probably wasn¡¯t someone else with the same name. How long have they known each other, for him to be finding her in his dream? ¡°¡­It seems that problems have appeared in not only his heart, but also his brain.¡± Drug addict. Forgetting that she was the one that fed him the drug, Atalante mouthed an insult. The grand duke that fell in love with a commoner-born assassin due to a ridiculous love potion made by an amateur apothecary. Atalante wanted to ridicule him to her heart¡¯s content at the impasse his life has reached, but for some reason¡­ her body weakened. ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? The most extreme occupation in the world was, without a doubt, being a servant of the Grand Duke of Blanc. ¡°Your Highness.¡± Paul, who was subjected to the servants¡¯ torment the entire night, knocked on the grand duke¡¯s bedroom door at the time he usually wakes up. The bluish shadow under Paul¡¯s eyes represented his suffering. ¡®Oh no, I forgot to confirm that the villain was calmly in her room.¡¯ She wouldn¡¯t have run away, right? While he was anxious for a moment, Paul shook his head immediately. He was certain that she wouldn¡¯t leave this mansion before achieving what she wanted. ¡®Since I¡¯m in a partnership with that woman for the time being, I¡¯ll show my sincerity.¡¯ Sadly, Paul has yet to realise that he had already started to trust the villain. ¡°Your Highness, Madame Delica had gotten in touch with us early in the morning. I¡¯m not sure what¡¯s going on with her, but she said that she¡¯ll be making that woman¡­ no, Atalante¡¯s dress.¡± Even though he had brought unexpected news, there was no response from the grand duke. ¡®Well, the number of times he allowed me to enter normally can be counted on a single hand.¡¯ With a sigh, Paul slowly pushed the large door open. ¡°Your Highness, stop doing this and¡­¡± Paul entered the room in order to wake him up, but he hardened at his spot like stone before he could take more than a few steps. The grand duke was clearly awake, with half of his body raised up by bracing on an arm, with his eyes wide open. ¡°Shh!¡± Lionel placed his index finger on his lips without even giving the uninvited guest a glance. ¡°Your High¡­!¡± Unable to make loud noises, Paul expressed his feelings with his facial expressions and gestures. However, the grand duke still didn¡¯t spare Paul a glance, so his efforts were for naught. ¡®Why in the world is she here?¡¯ The dishevelled crimson locks that were being held in the grand duke¡¯s arms clearly belonged to Atalante. Does she know whose chest is her head lying on right now? ¡®Even though you had clearly said that you weren¡¯t interested in the position of the grand duchess¡­¡­!¡¯ As expected, it seems that her background doesn¡¯t lie. How could she spend the night in the same bed as an unmarried man! The small villain¡¯s sparse concept of chastity made Paul dizzy. If the two didn¡¯t just sleep, it¡¯s obvious that the grand duke would have an even stronger reason to marry Atalante. ¡°Y¨CYour Highness¡­ The two of you, couldn¡¯t have¡­ uh¡­¡± Let alone speaking, even gesturing wouldn¡¯t be enough to convey his question, and as such, Paul¡¯s face reddened while he rambled. ¡°How is it that your sleeping appearance is so pretty?¡± However, Lionel¡¯s eyes were completely covered with bean pods, and couldn¡¯t be bothered to pay the lord chamberlain that had been by his side for more than ten years any attention. [T/N: ¡®eyes covered with bean pods¡¯ means to be blinded by love] ¡°When I saw Miss Atalante as soon as I opened my eyes, I thought that I was out of my mind at first.¡± He thought that Lionel was already slightly out of his mind in various aspects, but he actually wasn¡¯t crazy yet? ¡°Did you, perhaps, enter the wrong room?¡± Lionel chuckled lightly, and stood up with a gaze filled with regret. Contrary to his reaction, Atalante would definitely be appalled to find Lionel lying next to her. He couldn¡¯t bear to let the woman he loves become shocking so early in the morning. ¡°Now then do I understand why people want to get married.¡± Lionel stared at Atalante as if he was appreciating her sleeping appearance, before bending down and kissing the ends of her hair. ¡®I¡¯d thought that Your Highness would never know that feeling.¡¯ Of course, Paul hoped that Lionel would take a wife as soon as possible, in order to be recognised as a complete adult after his marriage. Of course! An elegant and dignified noble young lady that matched his standing. Who would have thought that his half-mad master would start an unbelievable love of the century. ¡°Luckily, you came just in time. It almost became a terrible piece of trash.¡± ¡°Yes¡­?¡± His astonishing words caused Paul¡¯s internal monologue to still. Lionel, who had come to his side before he knew it, ordered in an uncharacteristically gentle voice. ¡°Paul, when Miss Atalante wakes up, explain it properly to her so that she isn¡¯t shocked.¡± ¡°How am I supposed to explain¡­¡± ¡°Properly.¡± Lionel lightly grasped his shoulder, and left the room after staring at Atalante¡¯s sleeping appearance for one last time. Yes, it¡¯s quite obvious now. The most extreme occupation in the world was being the grand duke¡¯s lord chamberlain. ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? ¡®I¡¯m going crazy.¡¯ When Atalante woke up in a bed with a different texture, she instantly recalled the previous night¡¯s memories. How could she fall asleep in such a situation? She was definitely used to being active in the night rather than the day, but it¡¯s obvious that after staying with the grand duke for a few days, her days and nights have been reversed. As soon as she jumped up, she spotted Paul, who was standing with his hands behind his back. His weariness was all over his face. ¡°The Grand Duke?¡± Barely managing to conceal her obviously blushing face, Atlatne asked with a calm voice. However, Paul¡¯s following response was completely unexpected. ¡°Traitor.¡± ¡°I may have committed evil deeds, but I¡¯ve never betrayed you.¡± ¡°You just did. You betrayed my trust.¡± ¡°What did I do?¡± As Paul impudently muttered to himself, he gave her a sharp glare. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that you aren¡¯t interested in His Highness? Didn¡¯t you say to give it to the dog?¡± ¡°By the way.¡± Atalante tilted her head like she was asking what¡¯s the matter. She did fall asleep next to Lionel last night. But there¡¯s no problem with her body, and the grand duke wasn¡¯t next to her right now. How does quietly sleeping in the same bed prove her interest in him? At least that¡¯s what Atalante thought. ¡®If he doesn¡¯t sleepwalk, then he must have left the room appropriately. In any case, he¡¯s also an aristocrat, so could it be that he¡¯s trying to save face?¡¯ Without accurately guessing the reason he had left first, Atalante only thought that it¡¯s fortunate Lionel wasn¡¯t next to her. ¡°After the debutante, you¡¯ll return back to the underground world. Like it or not, I¡¯ll make it happen no matter what.¡± Those words were only good news to Atalante, hence causing the grim threat to be overshadowed. ¡°Thank you.¡± When she expressed her gratitude sincerely, it seemed to make Paul even more annoyed. Paul fumed for a moment, before disobeying Lionel¡¯s order to explain properly to Atalante by leaving the room. ¡®Why is that person always angry?¡¯ ¡®Well, it¡¯s none of my business.¡¯ Just as Atalante was about to get up in order to return to her room, familiar light brown hair appeared from the gap in the door. ¡°The visitor from yesterday, Madam Delica, will be visiting again to make your clothes. Get ready and wait for her.¡± Despite being angry, Paul was a very faithful servant. ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? Chapter 37 ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? 37. Is that necessary? Atalante was personally coming to a realisation that there¡¯s a reason behind Madame Delica¡¯s, Gianna¡¯s, arrogance and fame. ¡°This time, the first part of the debutante will be held in the hall, while the second part will be in the outdoor garden. We¡¯ll need to prepare a dress that¡¯s fitting for each location.¡± She knew how to make her own work shine, through meticulous investigations beforehand. ¡°The recent trending design is an exaggerated dress, but I wouldn¡¯t recommend it for Miss Atalante. I noticed that the bell line that was worn yesterday seemed uncomfortable as well.¡± She could also grasp the quirks of the person that will be wearing her work. ¡°As such, the design that I¡¯ve been thinking of is¡­¡± With a face of excitement, Gianna searched through her large bag and all kinds of catalogues and sketches were emptied onto the table. ¡°There¡¯s a total of 15 designs that I¡¯d completed yesterday with Atalante in mind. If you¡¯ll allow me to go through them one by one!¡± Unlike yesterday¡¯s arrogant attitude, Gianna¡¯s eyes today were filled with raw passion. When her passionate explanation had ended, Atalante, who¡¯s brows were narrowed, asked a question that she was curious about all along. ¡°Why did you suddenly change your mind?¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that you¡¯d only make clothes for those that are worthy? It can¡¯t be that my worth has risen after half a day, so were you instigated by someone?¡± Lionel looked at Gianna with narrowed eyes, probably having the same thoughts as her. ¡®But I came here with that kind of feeling! What do you mean instigated by someone?¡¯ Her face crumpled with feelings of chagrin. ¡°It¡¯s not like that! I didn¡¯t tell anyone that I met you here, let alone being abetted by someone else.¡± ¡°In that case, why did you come all the way here suddenly, saying that you¡¯ll make clothes for me?¡± Atalante¡¯s eyes still contained suspicion. Although it was upsetting to be suspected, it couldn¡¯t be helped. Even Gianna found it hard to believe that her mind changed like a flip of the palm. But there was nothing she could do. Gianna didn¡¯t want to admit it, but the villain before her¡­ ¡°It¡¯s because you inspired me.¡± ¡°Inspire?¡± At the sound of her firm answer, Atalante¡¯s face distorted due to incomprehension. ¡°Due to the flood of orders and the pressure to be a trendsetter, I haven¡¯t had the time to research my personal work lately. As a result, it should be described as forgetting my original aspiration, as I couldn¡¯t remember how I felt when I made my first clothing. It¡¯s embarrassing¡­ but I was going through a period of lassitude.¡± Perhaps because her pride was damaged, anger appeared in Gianna¡¯s eyes as she revealed her feelings. But when she blinked, only a vivid passion remained in the reddened rims of her eyes ¡°But after meeting you yesterday, I forgot about sleeping and came up with all these designs.¡± ¡°¡­I don¡¯t understand.¡± ¡°Of course. A villain like you would never know how fascinating creation is.¡± Gianna blurted out her thoughts without any filter, and only offered an apology awkwardly after receiving the grand duke¡¯s brutal gaze. ¡°Though I hate to admit it, I think you¡¯re my muse.¡± ¡°Muse?¡± ¡°I will put the utmost effort into making clothes for you. However, please keep the fact that I¡¯m your designer a secret.¡± I don¡¯t want to leave a stain on my career by making clothes for a villain. After proudly declaring that, Gianna looked at Atalante with an upright posture. As she observed that face and figure, new designs kept appearing in her head, making it turn blazing hot. It felt like she was dying as she endured the urge to sketch immediately. ¡°In any case, you¡®ll be making my clothes, right?¡± ¡°Yes. Especially for you.¡± Gianna didn¡¯t bother to mention that in order for her to focus all her energy into making Atalante¡¯s clothes, she made up a lie that the chronic illness she didn¡¯t even have had worsened, in order to cancel all the reservations for the entire year. ¡°All I have to do is choose from these designs, right?¡± Without her knowledge, Atalante¡¯s eyes lit up as she carefully scrutinised the notes that Gianna had opened. She didn¡¯t have an eye for clothes, but she could guess how beautiful her works would look when they were actually made. While most of the designs were experimental, Gianna firmly believed that Atalante could pull them off easily. ¡°Please choose something that you¡¯ll like, Atalante.¡± Actually, Atalante was beautiful no matter what she wore, but Lionel wanted to give the things that she liked the best to her. It would be even better if the things he gave her would create an opportunity for her to pay attention to him. After examining the designs with an interested gaze, Atalante spoke after a long while with a voice that was harbouring many thoughts. ¡°I¡­ This.¡± The design she was pointing at was a dark coloured dress. ¡®Oh, I didn¡¯t think that you¡¯d pick this.¡¯ As a matter of fact, the design that Atalante had chosen was the first design that Gianna had completed. It fitted with Atalante¡¯s image the most, and it was also the work that Gianna was most satisfied with. But putting aside her satisfaction, this work wasn¡¯t a dress that¡¯s suitable for a debutante. It was customary for both men and women to wear white clothes for the debutante. It¡¯s because white symbolises purity and new beginnings. While those that wanted to stand out would wear pastel tones of pink, yellow, and sky blue, so in the end, bright colours were a prerequisite. ¡°I¡¯m¡­not too sure of what the debutante is like, but such a dark dress wouldn¡¯t be¡­¡­¡± ¡°Just wear this one.¡± ¡°What?¡± The Grand Duke, who had already made his debut a few years ago, should be aware. About the fact that this dress isn¡¯t fitting for a debutante. Before Gianna could ask why, Lionel continued speaking with an indifferent face. ¡°I think that Miss Atalante likes the remaining 14 dresses, so get ready as soon as the main dress has been fitted.¡± ¡°B¡ªbut those designs are special designs that are all borne from my generous taste. The required fabric and the cost of the jewellery isn¡¯t a small sum¡­¡± ¡°The cost is irrelevant. The only answer I want to hear is whether you can or can¡¯t do it.¡± Lionel, who cut off Gianna¡¯s words, asked a question with an obvious answer. ¡°I¡­ I can do it. No, please allow me to do it!¡± Lionel gave a content smile upon hearing her answer. ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll visit again next week, when the dress has finished enough for fitting.¡± After nodding, Gianna left the mansion after quickly taking Atalante¡¯s body measurements professionally. Perhaps because it was the first time someone measured her so meticulously, Atalante¡¯s face was red with embarrassment. ¡°I¡¯m glad that it¡¯s to your liking.¡± Lionel looked at her affectionately and whispered in a voice that was as tender as his gaze. ¡°It¡¯s pretty indeed.¡± Unable to say that it wasn¡¯t much, Atalante gave such a sharp reply. ¡°Now that the clothes have been settled, the accessories and shoes should match with the dress. I¡¯ll do my best to make you satisfied this time too.¡± Lionel¡¯s eyes twinkled, his desire to be praised written all over his face. She could have left her seat with an expression of gratitude, but Atalante revealed her thoughts inadvertently. ¡°¡­To be honest, I am excited, but it¡¯s a waste of money on the other hand.¡± ¡°Money?¡± ¡°Yes, it¡¯s only for a single day, the day of the debutante.¡± It¡¯s obvious that the same amount of money could be used to do much more productive things. While aristocrats spend unimaginable amounts of money to dress up like this, someone would¡­ ¡°I may have been thoughtless. From now on, I¡¯ll spend money on the things that¡¯ll make you happy.¡± ¡°You don¡¯t have to do that. Those are Your Highness¡¯ assets, and not my money.¡± ¡°Everything that I have is yours.¡± ¡°¡­Whether it¡¯s your liver or your gallbladder, it looks like you¡¯re going to take it all out.¡± ¡°Of course. Do you need it?¡± ¡°Forget it,¡± Atalante said with disgust, before turning her head to the other side. Lionel stared at her back with subtle eyes, before speaking in a voice that was devoid of playfulness. ¡°Can I request something of you?¡± ¡°If it¡¯s within my means.¡± Although Atalante¡¯s back was still facing him, he went on without minding it. ¡°I hope that you wouldn¡¯t think of the money that I spent on you as a waste.¡± Lionel supported himself with the chair she was seated on, and gently leaned his upper body down to hover above Atalante¡¯s back. When she felt the shadow above her, a sweet voice melted into her ear. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t find it regrettable, even if everything that I possessed was poured out, because you¡¯re someone that¡¯s worth far more than that.¡± ¡°¡­Me?¡± Annoyed at having to repeat a question, Atalante turned her head in the direction where his voice was coming from reflexively. A man that¡¯s smiling brightly at her was at the place where their eyes met. ¡°Yes, it¡¯s none other than you.¡± As he answered without hesitation, Lionel¡¯s smile deepened a little. Entranced by that face, Atalante forgot all about the things she had vowed to ask him yesterday. ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? At the same time, an unfamiliar carriage stopped in front of Count Evita. Dirt stuck to the carriage wheel, proving that it had been travelling for a long distance, and the coachman stretched himself with a tired face. After the carriage came to a complete stop, the door suddenly opened, and a man with bright blond hair sprang out of the carriage in a rush. ¡°Essi!¡± With a flushed face, the man couldn¡¯t wait for the moment that the front gate would be opened by the gatekeeper, and called out his sister¡¯s name. When the door finally opened, his family members were standing side by side to welcome him. ¡°Come here, Tross.¡± The first to greet him was his father, Count Evita. ¡°You¡¯ve worked hard travelling to reach here from a long distance.¡± The Countess¡¯ greeting followed after her husband¡¯s. However, the man, Tross Evita, only had eyes for his sister, who was standing in the middle with an awkward smile. ¡°I¡¯m glad that Brother has returned after such a long time¡­¡± ¡°Essi!¡± Even before his sister finished her greetings, Tross called Esma¡¯s name with a moved expression, and ran straight to her. ¡°Why have you lost so much weight? Father, don¡¯t tell me you starved your child just for a debutante?¡± ¡°Would I have done such a terrible thing to our Esma?¡± ¡°Then, Mother?¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t do that either. It¡¯s just that she lost her baby fat¡­¡± ¡°This won¡¯t do, Essi. From today onwards, I¡¯ll feed you five meals a day.¡± At the sight of Tross¡¯ determined gaze, Esma smiled resignedly. ¡®I won¡¯t be going down to the studio for a while¡­¡¯ ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? Hi guys, as you know we are a free to read website and we only survive on ads. However, ads is not able to help us much longer and we are on the verge of disbanding. If you like what we do and have any spare, please consider supporting us to keep us alive. ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? Chapter 38 ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? 38. Of all the people available Though the entire family gathered for dinner after a long time, Tross wasn¡¯t really in a good mood. He was considered one of the greatest talents in the history of the Thessalia Academy, and while he had already graduated at an early age, he was unable to leave the Academy. It was because the outcome of Tross¡¯s research was so outstanding that the Academy didn¡¯t let him go. However, he has to perform his duties as the successor of his family, so he had promised to leave the Academy completely by this year. Additionally, this year was also the year of his lovely sister, Esma¡¯s debutante, so Tross looked forward to this year more than anyone. However. ¡°Why am I not Essi¡¯s partner?¡± The dignified appearance at the Academy had completely disappeared, as Tross had a sulky look while protesting with a pout. ¡°Tross, even during your debutante, Essi wasn¡¯t your partner.¡± ¡°That was because only adults could attend the debutante. Essi wasn¡¯t an adult back then.¡± Perhaps due to his firm belief that he would be the one escorting his sister, he was genuinely annoyed. ¡°Tross, don¡¯t act like a child. Esma has already become a respectable grown-up. We¡¯ve already received a number of requests to be partners, and we plan to choose the most decent young lord amongst them.¡± ¡°A young lord from another¡­family?¡± As Tross sank into contemplation, Tross¡¯s gaze alternated several times between Esma¡¯s embarrassed smile and the count¡¯s face. ¡°Father, is it alright if our Essi made her entrance while holding the hand of an unrelated man?¡± ¡°T¡ªthat¡¯s¡­¡± ¡°Can you tolerate the unrelated man introducing Essi to his friends, which is to say many other men?¡± At the phrase ¡®other men¡¯ that followed ¡®unrelated man¡¯, Count Evita¡¯s face hardened. Not missing this opportunity, Tross looked at his father, who was starting to be drawn into his words, determinedly. Tross, who did not miss the opportunity, looked at his father with determined eyes, who began to get involved in what he said. ¡°Hm? Can you tolerate it?¡± Just as the count was about to fall completely for his son¡¯s coaxing, the sound of the countess¡¯ cheerful clapping brought him back to his senses. ¡°Enough of that, both of you. Are you trying to make my daughter lose her chances of getting married?¡± ¡°Wait a minute, Mother. What do you mean chances of getting married? Our Essi is still young¡­!¡± ¡°Noisy! What¡¯s the point of being good at studying? What kind of brother are you, not helping your younger sister¡¯s way ahead?¡± At those words, Tross¡¯s brows furrowed at the false accusation, and made excuses immediately. ¡°What do you mean I¡¯m not helping? I¡¯m currently chasing away all the guys that are pestering Essi!¡± ¡°That doesn¡¯t help at all!¡± Bang, along with a sharp tap on the dining table, silence fell in the dining room. The countess had spoken loudly without noticing, and only regained her original benevolent face after muttering several times, ¡°Calm down.¡± ¡°Esma¡¯s life is Esma¡¯s. It¡¯s not something that you or Tross can dictate.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not dictating anything, I¡¯m just worried¡­¡± ¡°Just worry about yourself, Tross. Succeed the title, and prepare for your marriage.¡± At the threats, Tross tossed a pleading look that¡¯s requesting for help towards Esma, but she only gave a reluctant smile. ¡®How can our Essi look so pretty even when she¡¯s at a loss of what to do?¡¯ He couldn¡¯t give such a pretty sister to a stupid punk that he knew nothing about. ¡®More than that, you¡¯ll have to leave this house if you get married!¡¯ He intended to find a live-in son-in-law, but Tross might have gotten rid of that man secretly. As he barely managed to swallow down his groan, a good idea came to his mind. ¡°Essie wouldn¡¯t get married before my marriage, right?¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t it customary to marry in the order of age?¡± As Tross mentioned social conventions, a meaningful smile appeared on his face. The Countess stared at her son¡¯s green eyes for a while, before replying with a bright smile on her face. ¡°You should stop thinking in such an obsolete manner. There¡¯s no need to follow the order of age.¡± ¡°Mother!¡± Watching his wife and children bicker with both embarrassment and contentment, Count Evita observed them with contradictory feelings, before calling Tross to his office ominously as soon as dinner was over. ¡°I have something to tell you in private, Tross.¡± ¡°If you¡¯re going to request something from me, there will be a condition.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll listen to everything except for the request to be Esma¡¯s partner.¡± The count¡¯s words caused Tross¡¯s face to crumple without reserve. ¡°Let¡¯s stop with the idle chatter. Listen attentively to HIs Majesty¡¯s orders.¡± Upon mention of the Emperor, earnestness appeared on his face. Completely unlike the foolish appearance whenever he saw his sister, Tross¡¯s face while listening to the count was the permanent face of the Academy¡¯s chief. However, as the count continued speaking, Tross¡¯s bright face turned gloomy. ¡°¡­As such, I hope that you would visit the grand duke¡¯s townhouse before the debutante. You¡¯ve visited the grand ducal castle when you were young, so there should be some amount of closeness.¡± As soon as the count reached the conclusion, Tross let out a deep sigh, and looked at his father with a resolute gaze. His son had become dashing before he knew it, and he wouldn¡¯t have reservations about bequeathing the County to him right away. Just as the count was once again moved by that appearance, Tross suddenly raised his arms and made a big X sign. In addition, Tross shook his head lightly, and spoke with a resolute voice. ¡°Never.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°Lionel Blanc, he¡¯s a complete nutcase.¡± Just the thought of Lionel¡¯s handsome face gave him goosebumps, as Tross had even made short, painful groans. ¡°But this is His Majesty¡¯s command, Tross.¡± ¡°Why should I listen to the command of His Majesty, whom I can¡¯t even remember clearly? And it¡¯s given through my father. Even if the request was given in person, I¡¯d still have to consider whether or not to accept it.¡± What in the world is he learning at the Academy he was sent to study at? The count forgot to answer, and looked at his son, who had made unconventional remarks that were bordering on treason, with a flabbergasted look. ¡°Above all, I heard that the Grand Duke had rejected the invitations of all the families without exception, be it from the aristocratic faction or the imperial faction. It¡¯s not like I can go there recklessly just because I want to go.¡± Tross waved his hand lightly, as if he had already made up his mind that he wasn¡¯t going to do that. It was a sign that their conversation had ended. ¡°Wait a moment, Tross.¡± However, the count didn¡¯t intend to just let his son go acquiescently. When his son, who had reached the door without his realisation, turned around, the count raised an attractive proposition. ¡°I know a way to enter the Grand Duke¡¯s townhouse. If you meet the Grand Duke and complete ¡®His Majesty¡¯s request¡¯, I will accept your request.¡± There was only one thing Tross wanted. For Esma¡¯s partner to not be another ¡®Young Lord¡¯. ¡°¡­Really?¡± ¡°Have I ever not kept my promise?¡± Tross shook his head at the count¡¯s question. His father was someone that will do what he has to, so he would definitely close the deal with him at the expense of his mother¡¯s slap. ¡°Alright. If that¡¯s the case, I¡¯ll go meet that madman.¡± It was a profitable deal by Tross¡¯s standards, so he revealed a satisfied smile. Meanwhile, Esma, who was eavesdropping on the entire conversation outside the door, let out a deep sigh. ¡°Why are the two of you making a deal over my partner, and making it into a big mess?¡± Actually, she wasn¡¯t offended. It was because she didn¡¯t care who her partner was. If it wasn¡¯t him, whoever that¡¯s beside her was meaningless. Not even in the slightest. As Esma walked away slowly, she recalled the still-vivid scene from her memories. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Please hang in there.¡± Soon after, a friendly voice echoed in her head. It was as if she just heard it yesterday, and it still remained in her memories vividly. Paulo Union. He was the only son of Count Union, a representative family in the aristocratic faction. While the families in the aristocratic and imperial factions were generally at odds, amongst them, the relationship between the Evita family and the Union family were that of bitter enemies. It was so severe that they would use different carriageways in the capital. A meeting between the Unions and the Evitas in itself was even more awful. ¡®How ridiculous. ¡®Of all the people available, I just had to fall in love with him.¡¯ When Esma arrived in her room, the sun could be seen setting through the window. It was already reaching the end, so the sky was a purple colour just before completely darkening in an instant. As she looked at that colour, it reminded her of another person¡¯s face. ¡®I wonder if Miss Atalante is safe.¡¯ Even now, there wasn¡¯t any news of the woman in the wanted poster being captured anywhere in the capital. Even Count Evita, who¡¯s well-informed due to his merchant group that was located all over the empire, couldn¡¯t find her whereabouts. ¡®What should I do if you¡¯re still experiencing troubles because of that love potion?¡¯ Her sin of holding someone she shouldn¡¯t have in her heart, was this her punishment, to cause someone else to suffer? Tears welled up for no reason. It was even more saddening that even in this situation, there was nothing that Esma, a noble young lady, could do. All she has been doing lately was smiling like a doll, interacting with other young ladies, and preparing for her debutante. All the other young ladies were excited to prepare for their debutante, but Esma wasn¡¯t happy. Debutante meant becoming an adult, and becoming an adult meant¡­ It meant marriage wasn¡¯t far off. For Esma, marriage wasn¡¯t a new beginning, but an end. ¡®It¡¯s because I¡¯ll have to stop making medicine when I get married¡­¡­¡¯ She was well aware that there wouldn¡¯t be a husband that would be understanding of their wife working, so she didn¡¯t even bear any expectations. She keenly felt the fact that she couldn¡¯t even choose the smallest of things by herself, and tears kept flowing out of her eyes. ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? Hi guys, as you know we are a free to read website and we only survive on ads. However, ads is not able to help us much longer and we are on the verge of disbanding. If you like what we do and have any spare, please consider supporting us to keep us alive. ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? Chapter 39 ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? 39. Metamorphosis The past week has definitely been one of the most hectic days of Atalante¡¯s life. According to Atalante¡¯s will, no one other than Gianna could enter the annex. As they weren¡¯t facing each other, it¡¯s natural that they couldn¡¯t exchange their thoughts perfectly, so she had to approve her shoes and accessories several times. However, Atalante didn¡¯t mind the trouble, and she didn¡¯t request the presence of other designers or craftsmen to the annex. ¡®I don¡¯t want to see your mad appearance like when you were with Gianna.¡¯ The grand duke had only smiled embarrassingly when she questioned him about his reaction to Gianna¡¯s wound later on. Lionel gave a ridiculous reason only after she urged him several times. ¡°I¡¯m a little¡­ scared of blood.¡± Those were the most nonsensical words of the century. It would have made much more sense for him to say that he¡¯s ugly with his own mouth. But she had definitely heard an answer to the question of what will happen from now on. ¡°I¡¯m thinking of introducing you as my fiancee during this debutante.¡± To be exact, those were definitely crazy words. Before she could question him about why he didn¡¯t mention that before, the Grand Duke added a very reasonable argument. ¡°To be honest, it¡¯ll be hard for you to get rid of the stigma just by making your entrance at the debutante with me. It¡¯ll also be hard for you to continue living, not only in the capital, but in every part of the empire. Both you, and your members.¡± ¡°¡­I suppose so.¡± ¡°So, why don¡¯t you move your position to the Grand Duchy while the attention of the imperial citizens is diverted? An engagement would be an appropriate justification.¡± There was no reason for her to refuse. Based on his words, she would be able to live quietly with her family at the outskirts of the grand duchy. The problem was that she¡¯ll have to continue staying under his influence. ¡°I can understand all of your words, but the title of the Grand Duke¡¯s fiancee is too burdensome.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t want to burden you, but this seems to be the best method currently.¡± ¡°¡­Then, just promise me one thing. That you wouldn¡¯t force me to marry you.¡± In actual fact, it was impertinent for a pauper girl to continue being stubborn even though she had already benefited excessively. Despite that, Atalante demanded what she wanted. As if it¡¯s alright to do so. As Lionel mulled over Atalante¡¯s words, a strangely sorry smile flashed across his face. Though it was only momentarily, that slightly bitter face was imprinted in her mind vividly. ¡°But of course.¡± She still didn¡¯t know why the plainly spoken words made her feel sorry for him. However, she had never thought of taking back her words. Lionel kept knocking on her insides, so if she misstepped and got caught up in his pace, that would really be¡­ when she came to her senses, she might have already became the grand duchess. ¡°Next week will already be the debutante.¡± With a radiant face, Lionel sat next to Atalante, as if it was natural to do so. ¡°Why must Your Highness insist on sitting next to me instead of across from me?¡± How was it that man would be radiant even in the morning? Atalante gave his extremely handsome side profile a sharp look, before asking with a questioning look. ¡°My life expectancy would diminish if I were to sit across from Miss Atalante.¡± ¡°Why? Even the Grand Duke finds me terrifying, right?¡± Her prickly and harsh face brightened instantly. In the entire empire, Atalante was probably the only girl that would be delighted to hear that she¡¯s terrifying. Lionel burst into pleasant laughter at her words, before he shook his head and responded. ¡°No, it¡¯s because you¡¯re excessively pretty.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± What cheesy words did he say? Lionel still looked at Atalante with a smile on his face, even though her fingers curled up and she looked fed up, ¡°Apologies for interrupting your conversation, but Madame Delica has arrived.¡± As he cleared his throat, Paul, who was sandwiched between the two, informed them about Gianna¡¯s visit. His master was getting closer and closer to being a perfect fool every day. It was as if he had lost his dignity as a grand duke, so Paul couldn¡¯t help but let out a sigh, but on the other hand¡­ he felt glad to see his master smiling more comfortably than before. ¡®No, what kind of thoughts am I having?¡¯ He can¡¯t think of Atalante staying with his master as for granted. After all, she¡¯ll be leaving some time or another, so isn¡¯t she someone that must leave? Though he could understand the engagement, Paul had a crucial mission. He had to prevent that woman from becoming the grand duchess at all costs. ¡°Miss Atalante!¡± The door opened like it was about to break, and the servants began to drag in a hanger covered by cloth behind Gianna. It was fortunate that Gianna managed to complete her clothes within the week that the grand duke had proposed. ¡®What¡¯s this, where did Paul go?¡¯ He disappeared so suddenly that there wasn¡¯t even time for her to be suspicious. Gianna, who was standing in front of them, immediately opened her mouth nervously. ¡°From now on, I¡¯ll be showing the works of the century to you, so please keep your eyes wide open.¡± After a deep breath, she pulled the cloth off the hanger. ¡°Wow¡­¡± Atalante exclaimed unknowingly, and couldn¡¯t take her eyes off the dress. She seemed to understand why Gianna described her clothes as a ¡®work¡¯. Overall, the calm silhouette dress had a much more mysterious hue than what it looked like on the sketch. Black, a deep purple, and a pale purple that¡¯s close to pastel, created an elegant gradation. ¡°What do you think?¡± Perhaps because she knew the kind of answer she¡¯d be given, Gianna asked proudly while puffing out her chest. ¡°It¡¯s pretty.¡± Unlike food, Atalante didn¡¯t have an eye for clothes, so she couldn¡¯t pinpoint accurately on which part made it pretty. However, her short exclamation held sincerity. Gianna gave a satisfied smile at Atalante¡¯s response, before opening her mouth to explain about her work in further detail. ¡°I was able to focus entirely on creating the perfect work, all thanks to His Highness the Grand Duke¡¯s material and moral support.¡± Before that, Gianna greeted her greatest sponsor, Lionel, politely. Of course, Atalante had no idea that her dress was made with all sorts of rare materials. The grand duke had contributed for around 40% of the debutante dress. ¡°Colours aren¡¯t the only thing about this dress. The true value of this work would only be displayed when Miss Atalante wears it.¡± Gianna spoke with an excited voice, and carefully lifted the ends of the dress. Fine diamonds hung unsparingly from the many layers of purple lace. Atalante was only momentarily distracted by the shimmering hem of the dress, and soon discovered that the dress before her was completely different in design from what she¡¯d worn up till now. ¡°I don¡¯t think that the dress was torn¡­ What¡¯s going on with that side of the dress?¡± The side of the fluttering dress seemed to be slightly open. However, it didn¡¯t feel indecent at all, due to the delicately overlapping laces. Gianna¡¯s eyes gleamed at Atalante¡¯s question, responded like she had been waiting for it. ¡°This was done while taking your convenience into consideration.¡± ¡°My convenience?¡± ¡°You seemed to be very uncomfortable with dresses that have a train. It¡¯ll definitely be clearer when you try it on, but it¡¯ll be much easier for you to move around.¡± Definitely. The arrogance that this woman gave off during their first meeting appeared again. Was this how a person that tried her best in her field feels like? ¡®I¡¯ve been working hard to live, but it¡¯s not in a dignified field.¡¯ Atalante tried to surmount her feelings of bitterness, and praised Gianna again. ¡°I like it very much. Thank you.¡± Gianna turned red the moment she met Atalante¡¯s purple eyes. Receiving the praise of the person that she had gotten inspiration from just by looking at her was, to Gianna, more fulfilling than any other honour. ¡°There¡¯s many other clothes besides this one.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°I thought that my hands weren¡¯t considered fast, but I just couldn¡¯t make one only, no matter what.¡± Gianna clapped her hands, and the servants that were waiting outside brought in a bunch of other hangers. There seemed to be around 10 pieces at the very least. But Lionel had clearly ordered 15 pieces that day¡­¡­ ¡°Did you finish that many dresses in a week?¡± ¡°Things that I originally thought of as ridiculous seem to be happening unexpectedly often.¡± In the first place, both the fact that Atalante was beside the grand duke and that he wanted her to make clothes for a wanted criminal were ridiculous. Though she still didn¡¯t know what she was doing, the sight of Atalante looking at the clothes that she made with shining eyes caused her complicated feelings to disappear like melting snow. While the dangerous atmosphere Atalante exuded was attractive, her expectant face that was like a child was also lovely. Atalante got up from her seat and began to carefully scrutinise the dresses. Gianna only managed to catch a glimpse of such an Atalante, as she lowered her gaze quietly the moment she felt Lionel¡¯s chilling gaze. ¡®Come to think of it, His Highness the Grand Duke¡­ He must have feelings for that woman, right?¡¯ The relationship between the Grand Duke and the villain, Atalante. It was something that she hadn¡¯t given it any thought during the past week, as she focused solely on Atalante and her dress. While she had many questions, she didn¡¯t have the courage to ask them. Just glancing at Atalante sideways earned herself a chilling gaze. ¡°I like all of them. Have I said this before, Gianna? You¡¯re really professional.¡± ¡°Uh¡­¡± To think that such a simple compliment without any particular adjective would cause her fingertips to become numb. Was that all? Gianna¡¯s head was once again filled with new designs. Lionel looked at Gianna¡¯s flushed face unhappily, before approaching Atalante with a soft smile. ¡°Would you like to try it on?¡± She was about to answer, ¡°Of course I will,¡± but when she checked the back of the dress, Atalante¡¯s face froze over. ¡®¡­The back is revealed.¡¯ A frown formed on her face immediately when she imagined herself in this dress. Even if she wore a fancy dress, the moment that the tattoo on her back was revealed, Gianna¡¯s work would also become a terrible wrapper. It¡¯s because the rose tattoo on her back was a symbol of Argo¡¯s boss. It felt like she had just woken up from a dream. In the first place, this kind of dress wasn¡¯t something that suited her. ¡®Like a fool.¡¯ ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? Please support to save ROS. Your help is desperately needed. ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? Chapter 40 ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? 40. Why do you like me? Atalante swallowed dryly, and slowly moved her hand away from the purple lace. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I¡¯d like another main dress instead of this.¡± ¡°What? Why all of a sudden?¡± ¡°Just because.¡± As Atalante gave a cold answer, her face crumpled in an instant. ¡°What do you mean by just because, you can¡¯t just choose another dress without any reason. This is a piece of work that I¡¯ve poured my heart and soul into making.¡± Please reconsider after trying it on, Gianna added while staring at Atalante with a determined gaze. ¡°I¡¯ve changed my mind. I want a dress that covers my upper body and back.¡± ¡°No, this isn¡¯t even a ball gown. Why in the world are you being like this?¡± Even if she hadn¡¯t seen Atalante wearing it, she could tell. At the debutante, Atalante would be the most beautiful in this dress. Gianna couldn¡¯t guess the reason for her capriciousness. The quarrel between the two lasted a long while. Instead of stopping them, Lionel just watched Atalante with a curious gaze. ¡°I must be crazy. What was I expecting from a villain who doesn¡¯t even appreciate the true value of clothes! What¡¯s the point of me bringing a proper dress to you, with this kind of absurd and capricious behaviour of yours!¡± ¡°¡­¡­.¡± ¡°Why are you even attending the debutante? Continue your evil doing in a dreary corner as befitting of your status!¡± Unable to bear the frustration and disappointment, Gianna unintentionally drawing Atalante¡¯s ire. ¡°She¡¯ll be a beauty when she grows up. Let¡¯s mark her as ours in advance!¡± A dreary corner. Evil doing. Even though Atalante knew that those words were referring to her, the appearance of the assailants that starred in her nightmares came to mind. Due to the harrowing traces that they left behind, she¡­ She¡¯d normally laugh off the word villain, but today¡­ she wasn¡¯t in the mood to do so. She felt the burning sensation of that day, of her skin being dug into, on her back again. In order to disregard that nauseating feeling, Atalante turned her attention to a different emotion. ¡°Say that again.¡± Before her murderous voice registered, Atalante¡¯s gun was already aimed at Gianna¡¯s head. The moment Gianna realised the identity of the black object she was holding, she paled and was rooted to her spot. In the end, no matter what the relationship was, it always ended like this. A relationship based on intimidation and obedience. In fact, the members of Argo weren¡¯t an exception. ¡®Without violence and intimidation, I¡¯m incompetent at establishing any kind of relationship.¡¯ With a quirk of her lips, Atalante stared at Gianna, who had turned even paler, with an even more cutting gaze. ¡°Don¡¯t make me say it again¡­¡­¡± ¡°Atalante.¡± Before she could finish speaking, the trembling gun was secured firmly while an affectionate voice resounded. Lionel drew closer to Atalante without her realisation, and he wrapped a bare hand around the end of the gun that she was aiming with. ¡°Calm down.¡± ¡°Let go of this.¡± ¡°¡­You¡¯re hurt.¡± Atalante only realised the fact that hot liquid was dripping down her leg after hearing his words. ¡°All of you over there, bring the Madame to the guest room. She seemed to be very shocked, so prepare warm tea and scented candles.¡± ¡°Yes, my Lord.¡± The ladies-in-waiting left the room with Gianna, who was still rooted at her position, upon hearing their master¡¯s order. ¡°Paul.¡± After Gianna disappeared, Paul came into view and bowed towards the grand duke¡¯s back. ¡°Bring the tools that are necessary to treat wounds over to Atalante¡¯s room.¡± Paul turned and disappeared soon after a brief response. As Atalante breathed heavily, Lionel continued to support her body in an upright posture, until the weapon fell from her hand. ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? For being a member of the grand duchy, Lionel was good at treating wounds. His skills were on par with Argo¡¯s medical officer, Mia. Lionel disinfected the torn wound carefully, occasionally checking Atalante¡¯s expression. Her head was still muddled as it has been a while since she had reached the peak of her anger. Perhaps it was precisely because of that that caused Atalante to just entrust her legs to his hands and stare blankly at the fluttering silver hair beneath her. She didn¡¯t even feel ashamed that her legs were being seen by a man who wasn¡¯t even a member of the organisation. ¡°You still can¡¯t overdo it yet. Please refrain from carrying a gun here until the wound has fully healed.¡± ¡°No, I¡¯m used to this position.¡± ¡°Do you still need a weapon when I¡¯m right by your side?¡± ¡°Of course I do. You¡¯re the one that¡¯s the most dangerous.¡± ¡°Those words are a little bit disappointing.¡± Lionel couldn¡¯t help but let out a faint laugh suddenly, before finishing the treatment by wrapping a white bandage tightly around her wound. ¡°I can really see that you¡¯re afraid of blood.¡± ¡°How would it be scary when it¡¯s flowing from you? On the contrary, it¡¯s saddening.¡± After adding his strange thoughts, Lionel dragged a simple chair over and sat facing her. At first glance, the way he hugged the backrest while sitting on the chair suddenly gave him the appearance of a youthful adolescent, and not the only grand duke. Once again realising that Lionel was around her age, Atalante started to fiddle with the bedsheets that her hand was touching. With a serious look on his face, Lionel soon opened his mouth while meeting her purple eyes directly. ¡°Atalante, could you tell me what happened that made you do that earlier?¡± ¡°What about me?¡± ¡°I¡¯m talking about the dress. You had definitely liked it, but which part of it offended you?¡± ¡°¡­Didn¡¯t I say so earlier? It¡¯s just because.¡± The grand duke hummed at her insincere reply, and with a snort, he propped his chin up in a hand and continued. ¡°In that case, let¡¯s do this. Instead of just answering my questions honestly, I¡¯ll give you an honest answer to one thing that you¡¯re curious about.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t have anything that I¡¯m curious about though.¡± ¡°That can¡¯t be true.¡± How could he speak with such confidence? Well, it was indeed the truth. Atalante did have many things about him that she¡¯s curious about. There was probably much more than she could think of currently. After staring at his playfully curved eyes for a moment, Atalante opened her mouth with a subdued voice. ¡°Fine. In that case, how did you¡­ manage to come back to life despite having breathed your last?¡± Out of the many questions she had, she chose the one that she was most curious about, and waited for Lionel¡¯s answer. His eyes widened roundly as if the question was something unexpected. His bewildered blue eyes only remained visible for a moment, before his playfully lowered eyelashes drowned out his pupils. ¡°It¡¯s regrettable, but anything other than that. Didn¡¯t we make a promise that I¡¯d let you know when you married me.¡± ¡°¡­How cheap.¡± ¡°Other than that, I¡¯ll answer anything else with the utmost sincerity.¡± While hugging the backrest, he leaned his upper body a little more towards Atalante while whispering softly. Before she could prudently choose the question that would be the most beneficial, she asked something foolish unknowingly. ¡°Why do you like me?¡± ¡®¡­¡­That, why did I ask that? Even though I clearly knew the answer.¡¯ Although her question also caught herself by surprise, her mouth kept moving with abandon. ¡°I¡¯m of a lowly status, have a bad personality, and I¡¯ve actually done a lot of bad things.¡± I¡¯ll continue to do so in the future, and make a living out of it. As soon as she finished those last words that were like a resolution, Atalante¡¯s face flushed red. ¡®What am I saying right now¡­¡­?¡¯ Was there a problem with the medicine that he had applied? Since love potions existed, it wouldn¡¯t be weird for a truth serum to exist. As Lionel looked at Atalante¡¯s blushing appearance with a mysterious gaze, the most radiant smile that he had ever given appeared on his face. How can he smile so brightly? She wasn¡¯t his yet, and he didn¡¯t even get a promise for the future. Lionel gave such a smile, as if it was enough for Atalante to be by his side. Although that smile seemed to be a replacement for his answer, the grand duke was insistent on conveying his thoughts with words. ¡°You don¡¯t seem to know much about yourself.¡± ¡°¡­What?¡± Because you¡¯re pretty, because you¡¯re lovely, or perhaps just because. She had expected those words, but the words that came out of Lionel¡¯s mouth were disconcerting. ¡°You¡¯d know if you think a little about it. How dazzling of a person you are.¡± Atalante¡¯s face crumpled as soon as Lionel finished speaking. It was the face of someone that has heard of something weird. ¡°There¡¯s no reason why I can¡¯t tell you all of the reasons that caused me to fall for you one by one, but you¡¯ll have to stay up all night, so you¡¯ll be tired from listening.¡± ¡®I know, isn¡¯t it because of the drug.¡¯ Atalante was already aware of the right answer, but she merely stared at his well-shaped lips. Without knowing what was it that she¡¯s expecting from this man. ¡°As such, let me explain briefly. Honestly¡­ I can only say that I fell in love with you at first sight. The moment I saw you standing in the moonlight, I felt an unreasonable attraction.¡± ¡°You were strangling me.¡± ¡°¡­The room was too dark then. And the one that swung the knife first was you. My beloved Atalante.¡± Lionel, who gave a ridiculous excuse and a playful reprimand at the same time, smiled awkwardly and continued. ¡°I thought about you many times a day, no, perhaps the entire day. As if I¡¯ve been bewitched by something.¡± The drug was quite an effective one. Atalante, who held back the urge to react sarcastically, listened carefully to him even though she regretted asking a futile question. ¡°I thought that I had already fallen sufficiently, but the more I¡¯m with you, the more I like you.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°At first, I imagined you as I wished. Your personality, your manner of speaking, your manner of thinking, what kind of person would you be like, things like that.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°But you, who I¡¯ve personally gotten to know, was much more lovelier than my imaginations. Though you pretend to be indifferent, you have a kind gaze, and it makes me wonder had you survived working in your line despite your warmhearted personality. From the smallest of your trivial habits to everything, the more I know about you, the more I like you, Atalante.¡± Why? She clearly knew that it was all a fantasy generated from the drug, but his words¡­ made her happy, to the point where the corners of her eyes were stinging. ¡°I¡¯m¡­ not that kind of person.¡± ¡°Didn¡¯t I just tell you? You don¡¯t seem to know much about yourself.¡± ¡°I¡ªI said I¡¯m not¡­¡± Atalante couldn¡¯t figure out why she was stuttering. She just wanted to hide somewhere. Her face burned as red as her hair, and her gem-like eyes continued to roll around. Lionel looked at her for a moment, before handing over the hair that was clinging to Atalante¡¯s cheek with a hand that had killed countless people. ¡°In that case, I¡¯ll inform you of many things from now on. About the kind of person that you are.¡± No matter how much she thought about it, whispering such words in that kind of voice was a foul. ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? Please support to save ROS. Your help is desperately needed. ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? Chapter 41 ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? 41. As you wish But, how can fairness be expected from a villain? The grand duke was the type of man that would cover up a foul with another foul. Atalante, too, was skilled at fouling. ¡°Forget it, I¡¯m not curious.¡± ¡°You¡¯re the one that asked me first, but you¡¯re not curious anymore?¡± ¡°¡­Don¡¯t tease me.¡± ¡°How dare I tease you.¡± My beloved Atalante. Lionel added the words that had somehow became a habit, and smiled affectionately while burying his cheek against the back of his hand. That was definitely a smile that had been eliminated from the previous ¡®Selection of Smiling Faces¡¯. But before Atalante could quibble over the way he was smiling, Lionel was a little faster at requesting for the payment of their deal. ¡°Now, it¡¯s your turn.¡± Atalante glared at the radiant face that caused her insides to throb for a moment, before tucking her tail away while avoiding his gaze. Although it was quite a pitiful movement, Lionel didn¡¯t seem intent on not questioning her. ¡°Please tell me why you changed your mind.¡± ¡°Like I¡¯d said earlier, just because¡­¡± ¡°I thought that you¡¯ll be answering honestly.¡± Don¡¯t you know that in this world, there¡¯s no such thing as ¡®just because¡¯. Lionel added softly, and continued with an earnest look. ¡°I can have another dress made for you if that¡¯s what you want, something that¡¯ll be to your liking. The only thing that bothers me is¡­¡­¡± As his words trailed off, he stared at the side profile of Atalante, who wasn¡¯t facing him, intently and opened his mouth. ¡°It¡¯s just that something has made you feel uncomfortable. I need to know what it is that you don¡¯t like, so I won¡¯t make the same mistake again.¡± ¡°Stop acting so submissive towards me. It doesn¡¯t suit you in the slightest.¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t it natural that the side that likes the other more would assume a submissive attitude?¡± Lionel noticed that Atalante hated his way of picking at her words. She preferred short and clear-cut answers like yes or no. But for some reason, she didn¡¯t hate the way he kept trying to coax a secret out of her. ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll tell you.¡± In the end, Atalante waved a white flag at his persistent gaze, and sighed as she spoke about the reason she refused to wear that dress. ¡°You might already know this, but I have a tattoo.¡± ¡°Tattoo?¡± ¡°Remember the description on the wanted poster. Crimson hair and purple eyes, a slender figure and a large rose tattoo on her back.¡± Atalante was merely speaking the truth as it was, but the pattern on her back, which had already been engraved for a long time, seemed to burn hotter. ¡°I didn¡¯t know it as I had only seen the sketch previously, but when I saw the dress today, the dress has a low-cut back. That¡¯s why I don¡¯t like it.¡± As Atalante grumbled, she got out of bed. Her thigh no longer felt sore, perhaps due to his neat treatment skills, so she managed to get up without any problems. Thankfully. ¡°¡­Is it because it bothers you?¡± Lionel didn¡¯t rise to his feet with her, but looked up at Atalante with an expression of puzzlement. The grand duke¡¯s gaze seemed to be saying, what¡¯s the problem with that? A wanted criminal that will make her entrance in debutante under the grand duke of Blanc¡¯s escort. Extravagant clothing and a revealing tattoo that doesn¡¯t fit with the theme. It was very obvious the kind of attention that Atalante, who would be noticed even if she¡¯s dead, would receive when she appeared in that dress. ¡°Even if I don¡¯t have the noble status that Your Highness possesses, I know what shame feels like. I know that it¡¯s indecent to engrave something on your body!¡± Atalante gritted her teeth and stared down at him with a fierce gaze. ¡°¡­Even if I¡¯ve received many disdainful looks and am used to it, it doesn¡¯t mean that nothing has happened.¡± It occurred to her belatedly, but she didn¡¯t retract her sanguineous look. She was going to stay by the grand duke¡¯s side by currying favour with him, but she had actually blown her top at him. ¡®No, wouldn¡¯t it be better if he gets sick of me because of this?¡¯ She definitely didn¡¯t blurt her true feelings out to comfort herself. Atalante kept repeating to herself that she was testing the effectiveness of the drug, while holding her breath. Lionel gazed at her slightly trembling purple eyes for a moment, before slowly rising from his seat. ¡°I had never thought of it like that.¡± Atalante, he added, and looked at her in an upright position. ¡°Please don¡¯t cry.¡± Lionel uttered strange words as his large hand brushed below her eyes. He rubbed the dry corners of her eyes, which was far from being on the verge of tears and was devoid of moisture, awkwardly several times. His awkward touch was overly affectionate that non-existent tears were about to pour out. Atalante¡¯s brows furrowed, and she pushed him away roughly. ¡°Who¡¯s crying!¡± ¡°Ah. You looked like you¡¯re about to cry.¡± He looked at the arm that was hovering in the air for a moment, before speaking in a low voice while lowering his arm slowly and placed his hands behind his back like he was suppressing something. ¡°Whether it¡¯s the dress or attendance at the banquet, everything will go according to your wishes.¡± ¡°What¡­.¡± ¡°I think I was, uhm, overly excited. I wanted to see you enjoying yourself. To be honest, I was also thinking of winning your favour with what I could do.¡± Lionel confessed his innermost thoughts with an awkward smile. ¡°No matter what the reason was, I apologise for burdening you all because of my greed.¡± ¡°So are you saying that it¡¯s fine if I don¡¯t attend the banquet?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right. The plan will become a little awry, but I can think of another way.¡± Lionel fiddled with his tidy hair needlessly, as if his words about wanting to win her favour with the banquet was sincere. ¡°It would be a lie if I said that it wasn¡¯t regrettable, but this is already good enough. I was able to stay by your side for a long time under the pretext of preparing for the banquet.¡± Atalante just looked at him, forgetting to respond. As she looked at the face of the grand duke that¡¯s in love, the insides of her heart was ticklish, as if she had swallowed a butterfly. ¡°More than that, Atalante, I¡¯m glad that you answered my question honestly. Thank you.¡± ¡°¡­¡­.¡± ¡°Please don¡¯t forget this. Everything will go according to your wishes.¡± A sweet smile appeared on his face after an endlessly permissive answer was given. With a face that a villain shouldn¡¯t be making. Of course, Atalante didn¡¯t see it. The vivid impulses that were hidden behind that smiling face. The veins of the hands that were behind his back became visibly red while trying to suppress his desire to hug her. ¡°To my wishes¡­?¡± ¡°Yes, just as the words mean literally, you can do everything as per your wishes. To elaborate further, it means that all you have to do is think about yourself.¡± Except for you, don¡¯t worry about the dregs. The grand duke, who had reduced everyone else but Atalante into dregs, bowed his upper body gracefully with his hands on his back. ¡°As I¡¯ve mentioned before, your thoughts are the most important to me. My beloved Atalante.¡± As per her wishes. Without caring about the gazes of others. It was something impossible. In a world where many people are living together, there wasn¡¯t anyone that could completely do as they pleased. Much less amongst the lowest of the lower classes. It would be a misjudgement to think that the villain of the century was able to do everything as she pleased. Rather, she was cautious about everything. She would think and rethink about even the smallest things, as this was a world where necks would fall just because of a momentary impulse or misjudgment. If Lionel Blanc was around, however, it might be possible. ¡®As I pleased. The things that I want to do.¡¯ Instead of horses, a comfortable carriage; beautiful dresses and accessories instead of shabby men¡¯s attire; banquet arrangements and sweet whispers. If Lionel didn¡¯t drink that kind of drug, if he didn¡¯t fall for her, those were things that she couldn¡¯t even imagine, even if she died. It was because those weren¡¯t hers in the first place. However, just because it wasn¡¯t befitting, doesn¡¯t mean that she wasn¡¯t willing to. ¡®At least once, I too¡­¡¯ The extravagant dress that Gianna made flashed before her eyes. Atalante wanted to wear it. She also wanted to attend the banquet. She didn¡¯t care in the slightest, whether the gazes that came her way were that of scorn or admiration. As she wished. ¡°¡­¡­I want to attend the banquet. Wearing that pretty dress. With an expression of ¡®So what¡¯ to the people that are looking at me.¡± ¡°If anyone stares at you with impure eyes, all you have to do is make it so that they¡¯ll never see again.¡± ¡°That¡¯s the worst though.¡± Atalante snorted at his brutal joke, and swept up her already dishevelled curls lightly. ¡°I don¡¯t know what¡¯s wrong with me either. Since when was I interested in such things, like a fool.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t think too deeply about it. Didn¡¯t I say this before? Everything will go according to your wishes.¡± She thought that he would kiss her hair like usual, but he had only smiled affectionately. Her needlessly forlorn feelings only lasted for a moment, as Atalante turned around stiffly, embarrassed by her own thoughts. ¡°I¡ªI will! I¡¯ll do whatever I want. It would be weirder that a head of an underground organisation doesn¡¯t have a tattoo!¡± As Atalante exaggerated her remarks, she quickly left the door behind her. She¡¯d end up doing things that are uncharacteristic of her when she¡¯s next to Lionel. It felt strange and uncomfortable to be swayed by someone. Probably. ¡°Perhaps rose tattoos would become a fad in the capital because of you.¡± ¡°Ugh, don¡¯t go overboard.¡± Atalante turned back slightly and stuck her tongue out, making an expression of disgust. ¡°You should go get ready to try on your dress now.¡± Lionel burst out laughing and shouted at Atalante¡¯s quickly vanishing silhouette. Feeling embarrassed, Atalante had only hurried the pace of her steps instead of responding. Of course, she was heading towards the room that¡¯s prepared for the fitting. After confirming that the crimson hair has completely disappeared from view, Lionel¡¯s lips formed a relaxed smile. ¡°In any case, she¡¯ll look lovely.¡± Only then did he undid the grip on the hands behind his back, which he was holding tightly like a bond, and muttered to himself while looking at his red-hot hand. ¡°It seems like something happened.¡± It wasn¡¯t unusual for those that worked in an organisation to have small and large tattoos for some reason or another. However, Atalante didn¡¯t reveal the tattoos that she had done for show, but was eager to hide them. She wouldn¡¯t have reacted that way if she had simply thought that the tattoo was hideous. ¡®Apparently you refused to be waited on while taking a bath or changing clothes. Was the tattoo engraved unwillingly?¡¯ Though he kept telling her to do as she pleased, he couldn¡¯t bear the fact that Atalante might get hurt as a result. Thinking that he shouldn¡¯t forget to bring his sword to the banquet, Lionel soon followed along the path that Atalante treaded on. [T/N: Where can I find myself a Lionel T.T] ?????????????¡ã???¡ã????????????? Please support to save ROS. Your help is desperately needed. ?????????????¡ã???¡ã?????????????