“This is all of it.”
Rudella’s aide, Vera, had brought the evidence to the Ferbache estate.
Yohan and Francia, as if they had agreed beforehand, remained silent without any expression, carefully examining the materials.
The mana canvas vividly captured the moment a high-ranking noble from an adversarial nation secretly struck a deal.
The ledger detailed what the transactions were for and what exchanged hands between the two parties.
In addition, there was also evidence of collusion with a mage practitioner. Their clandestine contact was clearly recorded on both the mana canvas and the audio magic devices.
Each piece of evidence was devastatingly incriminating for the Crown Prince.
“…And you’re saying this is only half?” Francia asked, glancing up subtly.
Even with just the evidence they currently held, deposing the Crown Prince seemed entirely feasible.
Vera nodded.
“Yes. However, the more critical evidence is stored elsewhere. It seems this was done intentionally to prepare for unforeseen circumstances.”
Anticipating the next question, Vera answered it preemptively.
“Hmm.”
Rudella’s choice was, in Yohan’s view, a wise one. No matter how discreetly she gathered the evidence, it was unlikely the Crown Prince was entirely unaware.
Even so, the Crown Prince had taken no action for one reason alone—his certainty that the Bismarck family’s Rudella would never betray him.
‘He wouldn’t have considered that Rudella might betray him, even at the cost of severing ties with her family.’
Who could have predicted her betrayal after a lifetime of what was essentially indoctrination within the Bismarck family? Even Yohan, directly involved, found it hard to believe.
“Did Lady Bismarck say anything else?”
“She only asked that we trust her and leave this matter in her hands.”
“So, she’s telling us to handle things decisively and not to act rashly.”
“That’s correct.”
Under normal circumstances, publicizing this evidence would immediately lead to a royal trial. In that case, the Crown Prince’s deposition would be inevitable.
But as with all matters, rushing to act based on the outcome alone could lead to complications. Unexpected variables could arise at any time.
‘There’s a slim chance the Crown Prince might find a way out.’
If they failed to resolve everything in one swift move and the matter dragged on, the situation would turn against them. Public opinion favored the Crown Prince.
‘From our perspective, he’s a madman, but to the public, he’s flawless.’
His martial prowess was exceptional—good enough to join the elite knights of the public office. While Yohan wasn’t certain about his intelligence, his academy grades were reputedly excellent.
Thus, he was seen as a paragon of both scholarly and martial excellence, the “perfect Crown Prince” in the eyes of society.
‘There’s no harm in being cautious.’
Logically, with this evidence, it seemed impossible for the Crown Prince to escape. But people’s actions often defied logic.
If the plan unraveled and the worst-case scenario came to pass, the evidence could be dismissed as fabricated, backfiring on their cause.
‘If we’re going to do this, we must see it through to the end.’
And since Rudella had asked for trust and patience, waiting was the best course of action.
Yohan organized the documents on the table and nodded.
“Understood. We’ll trust her and wait.”
“Thank you.” Vera bowed deeply. Francia said nothing, as she shared Yohan’s perspective.
“Excuse me…”
As Yohan and Francia rose from the sofa, signaling the end of the conversation, Vera spoke cautiously.
“Is there something else you’d like to say?”
“…Please take good care of the lady.”
Vera’s voice carried a strange weight, and her expression darkened slightly.
“As someone who is merely an aide, I feel it’s presumptuous to say this… but she has lived her entire life according to others’ wishes, fulfilling the expectations of her family.”
Having grown up alongside Rudella, Vera had been by her side, watching over her from the closest vantage point.
“For someone like her to find what she truly desires for the first time and make such a momentous decision…”
Vera knew Rudella better than anyone present and couldn’t help but worry for her.
“I just hope that she doesn’t end up hurt.”
It was both a plea and a request—to protect Rudella’s heart from being broken.
“That will never happen.” Yohan’s reply came firmly.
“I once read something in a book, Treat people as ends in themselves, not merely as means.”
The act of using others as tools ultimately makes one a hollow and unethical being—a quote from a renowned philosopher.
“I really like that sentiment. That’s why I would never do anything to harm Lady Bismarck. I intend to ensure that.”
Yohan had no intention of exploiting Rudella’s feelings, nor did he desire to.
“Does that answer your concern?”
“Yes…”
Vera smiled faintly and bowed respectfully.
“…I apologize for my impertinence, but thank you for understanding my worries and offering your reassurance.”
To Vera, Rudella was both a master and a dear friend. She hoped Rudella would achieve her desires but couldn’t help but worry.
Now, hearing Yohan’s words, her unease dissipated. She was convinced that Rudella’s earnest wish, made for the first time in her life, would not go unfulfilled.
“…Thank you, truly.”
* * *
The last day of the civil officer’s leave.
The soft clinking of utensils echoed in the quiet dining room.
The Duke of Ferbache smiled contentedly.
“It’s nice to have a meal together before you both leave.”
Despite some initial friction, the engagement had been successfully arranged, leaving no further reason to prolong his stay in the capital at the expense of the duchy’s affairs. The Duke had intended to return to the estate as soon as the remaining matters were resolved, but Francia had suggested this dinner together.
“Indeed, it’s been a while since we’ve had a meal together like this.”
Francia nodded slowly, a gentle smile playing at her lips.
“True. Now that I think about it… this might be the first time the three of us have dined together,” the Duke remarked thoughtfully.
“Really? Has that been the case?”
Francia tilted her head slightly, covering her mouth with her hand.
Yohan responded.
“Yes. Since Your Grace rarely stays long in the capital.”
Surprisingly, this was the first time Yohan, Francia, and the Duke had sat down together for a family meal.
“You both have your civil officer duties, and I have matters in the duchy to attend to. It’s inevitable, but I wish your service period would end quickly.”
The Duke couldn’t hide his disappointment. It wasn’t just about the limited time spent with his daughter—it was also that he had so few chances to converse with the son-in-law he had come to approve of.
“How much time do you have left in service?” he asked Francia.
“About five months,” she replied.
“Not long, then.”
Civil service required a mandatory service period upon enlistment, one year. A time that, depending on perspective, could feel either long or short. While many extended their service to build a career, the one-year term suited Francia’s goal of accumulating experience.
“And you, Yohan?”
“I have six months left.”
“So it will be another half-year before you both come to Ferbache.”
“That’s correct,” Yohan replied.
“And the wedding will be around that time as well.”
Their wedding was scheduled for Yohan’s official arrival at the Ferbache duchy. While holding the ceremony immediately in the capital wouldn’t have interfered with their duties, as the heir of the ducal house, Francia’s wedding needed to be held in Ferbache.
Yohan nodded slightly and spoke.
“However… I can’t be certain that I’ll be able to finish my service right away. My ability to seal magic rifts isn’t something they’ll release easily.”
It was questionable whether the civil officer corps would readily accept his request to end his service.
With great power comes great responsibility—an adage that applied as much to rights as it did to duties.
Yohan had been granted the title of count and an estate by the imperial family, along with the honorary title Protector of the Sun, making him one of the most esteemed nobles in the empire.
But these rewards weren’t given without reason. They reflected the expectation that he would continue sealing the numerous magic rifts that plagued the empire.
“That’s true. There’s no mage on the continent who could replace you right now,” the Duke acknowledged.
“Perhaps we should consider that,” Francia interjected, “such as establishing an institution in Ferbache with Yohan as its centerpiece for restoring the rift seals?”
Her suggestion made the Duke’s eyes widen.
“You’re talking about turning rift-sealing into an enterprise.”
“Yes, that’s right,” Francia said, flashing a bright smile.
“Of course, it might attract some scrutiny. But who would dare oppose Ferbache now that even the imperial family has stepped aside?”
The imperial family, which held absolute authority in the empire, had chosen to avoid confrontation with Ferbache. No other house would dare risk offending such a powerful duchy.
“If we proceed, won’t it give the imperial family justification to target Ferbache?”
The Duke’s eyebrows furrowed slightly.
Turning rift-sealing into a business wasn’t a bad plan, but it might provoke severe criticism and give the imperial family a reason to attack Ferbache.
“I believe I can address that concern,” Yohan said, raising his hand and speaking calmly.
“If we prioritize responding to the imperial family’s requests and offer them significant benefits, they will likely support Ferbache’s initiative. With the imperial family backing us, no other house would dare interfere.”
Using the imperial family as a shield. There was no need to worry about their refusal, as they would benefit from maximizing Yohan’s unique abilities.
“That’s true… even if it provides them justification, it would be meaningless,” the Duke said, his furrowed brow relaxing slightly as he nodded.
Francia added her perspective.
“Well, it’s still something we should consider carefully. Nothing has been decided yet.”
“Yes, but I’ll think about it positively in that direction.”
Clink.
The Duke returned his focus to his meal but abruptly set his utensils down again, speaking as if he had just remembered something.
“Now that I think about it, I haven’t told you this yet.”
“What is it?”
“I spoke to His Majesty about punishing Grand Duke Renokhonan. I asked him to deal with it decisively.”
“…Did His Majesty agree?”
“Yes. A new trial will be held soon.”
Cassis Renokhonan, who was currently lying low, had been stripped of all his rights and authority. Yet, he was like a ticking time bomb…no one knew when or where he might cause trouble again.
Hs skills were undeniable, he was infamous enough to be called the Southern Nightmare, the Ghost of the Battlefield. The news of him being removed as a variable was nothing short of a relief.
The Duke continued.
“Additionally, the Crown Prince will no longer approach Francia so recklessly.”
“You mentioned that as well?”
“Yes. I’ve known for a long time that his intentions were anything but pure.”
Yohan’s shoulders twitched slightly at the Duke’s words. It seemed the Duke had grown to trust him significantly….calling the Crown Prince that scoundrel was no small gesture.
“If he dares cross the line after all I’ve said, that will be the end of it. For real.”
The Duke’s face turned cold, and the faint air of hostility around him felt like sharp thorns pricking at the skin. The more he thought about the Crown Prince, the more his anger seemed to rise.
…Still, it was undeniably good news.
* * *
Late at night.
Fedelian moved through the stillness of the night with heavy, deliberate steps, carrying a chilling air as he made his way to the Topaz Palace.
The moonlight painted his golden hair with a silvery hue, casting a cold glimmer in his shadowed eyes.
His lips were firmly pressed together, and though his strides were unhurried, they exuded an intimidating aura.
Tension filled the silent corridor.
When he reached Rudella’s chamber, Fedelian knocked and opened the door.
“…Your Highness, the Crown Prince.”
The residence of the Crown Princess.
Rudella, seated at the table and gazing out the window, turned her eyes to meet Fedelian’s.
“There’s been quite a bit of talk about you lately. What exactly have you been up to?”
Fedelian furrowed his brows and glared at Rudella, his gaze as cold as ice.
In response to his predictable demeanor, Rudella tilted her head slightly, a faint, bored smile gracing her lips.
“I didn’t expect Your Highness to take an interest in me.”
“So many people have been asking me about you, that’s all.”
“I see. Still, it’s surprising that you’d bother with my trivial escapades.”
“So there was a time you indulged in escapades?”
“Well, it’s been a busy year, after all. I’ve even had a few brushes with death.”
“…If it’s an escapade, wrap it up quickly. I’d rather not be troubled further.”
“As you wish.”
Rudella’s smile deepened, her expression touched by the moonlight streaming through the window.
“It won’t take long. When the time comes, it’ll be after everything has ended.”