Rudbeckia’s eyes, fixed on the newspaper, trembled violently.
Something was going terribly wrong. The current Rozino, who had returned through the magic of regression, was no longer the empire she knew. Most of history had been completely changed.
Even Francia Ferbache was now engaged to Yohan, and Yohan himself was no longer the Yohan she had known.
‘Good grief.’
There was no way to miss why this was happening if you weren’t an idiot. Francia Ferbache. The woman who used the regression magic long before her, and twisted everything.
She didn’t know much about the fallen saint, Francia Ferbache’s situation. She didn’t know why she had changed the empire so drastically. Therefore, Rudbeckia hadn’t cared about her at all.
But now, if Francia Ferbache had stolen Yohan, the one Rudbeckia had loved more than anyone else, things were different. Francia Ferbache had crossed the line by far.
‘That damn woman…!’
Until now, Rudbeckia’s calm face twisted into a demonic grimace. Her delicate features were furrowed, and her sparkling green eyes were filled with killing intent.
Her hands trembled. The cursed saint, Francia Ferbache. The woman who had returned to the past before her and distorted everything. The woman who had even stolen the most precious person from her.
She had known for quite some time that Francia Ferbache harbored a rational affection for Yohan. It was clear from the way she looked at him, her eyes full of love.
Still, Rudbeckia had never touched Francia Ferbache. She had wanted to throw her out right away, but had left her be. After all, Francia Ferbache was someone Yohan respected.
But to return it like this?
‘Crazy bitch…!’
The more she thought about it, the angrier she became. Didn’t she have any morals? The change in history was understandable. She didn’t know the circumstances, but the flow of the world had clearly become strange.
“However, this I couldn’t understand. No, I couldn’t forgive it.” The grip on the newspaper tightened, and it crumpled in her hands.
Anger surged from her head to her toes, but Rudbeckia took a deep breath, trying to maintain her composure. Simply getting angry wouldn’t change anything.
‘First, I need to investigate.’
Rudbeckia threw the crumpled newspaper onto the table and asked her attendant.
“Where is my father?”
“He’s in his office.”
“Can I see him right away?”
“Yes, he has no appointments today.”
“Then let’s go now.”
With those words, she rose from the sofa. Her lips were tightly pressed together. Though she had tried to calm her anger, that fury was clearly conveyed to Melah as well.
Click-clack. Click-clack.
Rudbeckia, leaving her room, walked down the hallway with a stern expression. The sound of her light shoes echoed eerily.
The attendants who passed by instinctively shrank back. The chilling and sharp aura that radiated from her made it impossible for anyone to feel at ease.
Soon, she arrived at the door of the office and knocked.
“Father, it’s me.”
– Come in!
It seemed her father, Count Friche, was happy to see her as his voice rose in pitch. Rudbeckia turned the doorknob and entered the office.
The count, smiling brightly, rose from his chair.
“Rudbeckia! What brings you here? Did you come to see your father?”
“No, it’s not that.”
Had it been the old Rudbeckia, she would have smiled and used a bit of charm, but now, consumed by anger, she had no such intention.
“How has my engagement been going?”
“Engagement?”
“With Yohan Harssen.”
“…”
As soon as that name came out of her mouth, Count Friche’s expression darkened.
“…I’m sorry, Rudbeckia. We can no longer honor that promise.”
“Why? Wasn’t it an engagement already in progress?”
Although the circumstances had changed, the choice still belonged to the Friche family. The Harssen family had allowed it. Therefore, this engagement shouldn’t have been broken.
“Yohan Harssen no, I suppose we should now call him Duke Rahardt. He is no longer in a position where he can demand anything from our family. The discussions with the Harssen family are now meaningless.”
However, contrary to her thoughts, Freche could no longer continue the engagement talks after Yohan became a count. He had become another noble, not the third son of a baron family.
“And there’s the biggest problem. Princess Ferbache, known to be the lover of Duke Rahardt. Even the Harsen family reluctantly allowed it. Because the other party is Ferbache.”
That was the main reason Freche could no longer bring up the engagement talks with Rahardt. Not only had the Harsen family become independent, but there was also the matter of the princess, Ferbache, who was known to be his lover.
The Harsen family probably had no choice. Their engagement talks had only been between the families and were not yet shared with him.
“…”
Rudbeckia clenched her fist. Her nails dug into her palm. She didn’t feel pain. Instead, the anger burning in her heart was overwhelming.
“…When was that?”
“About half a year ago.”
“…”
If it was that time, it was just before the engagement talks with Yohan were settled.
“I’m sorry, Rudbeckia.”
The count apologized calmly. As a father who could not fulfill his daughter’s earnest request, that was all he could say.
“…No. Father, you did listen to my request. That’s enough.”
“Rudbeckia…”
“The really bad person is someone else.”
Rudbeckia’s eyes narrowed. There was a deadly intent in her green eyes. Her magic was boiling from the anger, but she didn’t show it, instead forcing a smile.
“Thank you, Father. I’ll be going now.”
“Okay…”
The count couldn’t continue the conversation. His daughter’s face was darker than ever.
Click.
Leaving the study, Rudbeckia quietly gazed out the window. The garden was peaceful, and laughter echoed through the mansion. Yet, she felt as though she would burst into tears any moment.
‘Yohan…’
As always, but especially today, she longed for him deeply.
* * *
The grand banquet hall of the palace.
A massive chandelier hung from the ceiling, glowing in golden light, and the marble floor gleamed, adding to the grandeur.
Intricately carved columns lined the edges of the hall, and the walls were adorned with the royal family’s emblem and elaborate textile crafts.
On the long central banquet table, luxurious tableware sparkled, and the candleholders placed here and there cast soft light.
Clink-!
The nobles laughed as they clinked their glasses. Although it was a formal gathering, no one was without enjoyment.
“Congratulations on successfully completing your first expedition.”
Amid the crowd, a well-built man approached Yohan and spoke. He was an important figure in noble society, so Yohan remembered his name.
“Thank you, Marquis Bardia.”
“Haha, I’m honored that you remember me.”
Marquis Bardia smiled warmly.
“By the way, I didn’t expect such a grand banquet to be held here. I thought it would be a modest celebration.”
Yohan gently tilted the glass he was holding with his fingertips. Before attending the banquet, Francia had told him not to drink more than a certain amount, so he only had a tiny sip.
“Haha, I can see why you would think that. After all, this is the glorious first expedition of the Purification Regiment, isn’t it? And we must express our heartfelt gratitude and respect to those who have come from the Sacred Kingdom.”
The banquet was held to celebrate the successful first expedition of the Purification Regiment, as well as to thank the reinforcements from the Sacred Kingdom.
“That’s why so many people are here.”
Yohan gently swirled his drink and looked around the banquet hall. The hall was filled with royals, invited high-ranking nobles, military officers from the Purification Regiment, and envoys from the Sacred Kingdom.
“As for Duke Rahardt—”
Before Marquis Bardia could continue,
“Ah-! Saint Yohan, you’re here!”
From behind him, Arbella came running with a bright smile.
“…Saintess.”
Yohan’s brow furrowed. His face clearly showed his distaste. He tried to manage his expression, but it was hard to hide the emotions rising deep within him.
“Please, continue your conversation…”
Seeing Yohan’s crumpled face, Marquis Bardia quickly bowed and disappeared into the crowd of nobles. His ability to read the mood was what made him a high-ranking noble.
Arbella smiled sweetly.
“I’ve been looking everywhere for you! But what are you doing here? Aren’t you enjoying the banquet? And where is the Saintess of Obsidian?”
How many questions could one sentence hold? Yohan was already starting to feel dizzy.
“…To answer your questions, I was greeting others. I’ve been enjoying the banquet in moderation. My fiancée is catching up with her old friends.”
The northern nobles had also come to this banquet. Though Duke Ferbache was still busy with closing the tunnel and couldn’t attend.
“I see! That’s a relief! If the Saintess of Obsidian were here, she’d surely interrupt our conversation!”
Arbella added with a bright smile.
“Would you care to dance with me? I wish to turn this banquet pink with you, Saint Yohan!”
Yohan narrowed his eyes.
“I’m sorry, but I must decline.”
“Why is that?”
“Because I have a fiancée.”
“That doesn’t matter!”
Arbella placed her hand over her chest and her eyes sparkled. Her loud exclamation rang through the hall, but the noise in the banquet room was so loud that no one paid attention.
She continued speaking.
“Saint Yohan and I are destined to be together! The goddess Freyja herself has bound us by fate, and no one can change that!”
Arbella’s face held a pure smile like a child’s, but behind that smile was an unsettling, crazy certainty. A chill crawled up Yohan’s neck.
“…Let’s move on from this topic. What was it you wanted to ask me?”
Yohan shifted the subject. He knew that no matter what he said, it would go unheard. Being the saintess of the Sacred Kingdom made it impossible to shake her off.
“Ah-! How could I forget my purpose, such a mistake!”
Arbella blinked and then quickly stepped aside, pointing to a woman dressed in ceremonial robes.
“I have someone I’d like to introduce! The first archbishop of the Sacred Kingdom, Lady Rafaela!”
The woman, who had been wearing a white veil, revealed her face. Beneath golden hair that seemed to ripple like waves, blood-red eyes met Yohan’s. It was a beauty that took his breath away.
Click.
As she took a step forward, it felt as though time had stopped.
“It is an honor to meet you, Saint Yohan. I am Rafaela, a humble servant of the goddess Freyja and the first archbishop of the Sacred Kingdom.”
Rafaela bent her knee slightly, placing a hand over her chest and lowering her head. Her movements were both dignified and graceful.
“I am Yohan Rahardt, Minister of the Purification Regiment and Duke of the Lozino Empire.”
Despite her beauty, Yohan remained composed and introduced himself. He instinctively swallowed, but no feelings of attraction arose.
“I’ve heard the story. Archbishop Cain has fallen, I hear.”
“That’s right.”
Yohan nodded, and Rafaela brought her delicate hands together, slowly closing her eyes.
“It is truly unfortunate that such a faithful servant of Freyja, the former archbishop of the Sacred Kingdom, chose the path of sorcery… I come to express my gratitude on behalf of the Sacred Kingdom.”
As she prayed, she gently opened her eyes and continued.
“On behalf of the Sacred Kingdom, I thank you for punishing the sinner.”
While Yohan hadn’t been the one to kill him, he didn’t correct her. There was a reason the Grand Knight Commander had put it that way.
“It was something that needed to be done.”
“Is that so…?”
Rafaela looked up at Yohan with a face full of admiration, her eyes filled with longing. She smiled softly, as though merely gazing at the saint brought her joy.
“However, Saint Yohan, I have something I am truly curious about. May I ask just one question?”
“What is it?”
As Yohan slowly turned his glass, he tilted his head in curiosity, and Rafaela asked.
“When do you plan to marry the Saintess?”
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