Chapter 2

In the next instant, he rose from his seat, causing Jerome to tightly shut his eyes in fear.

Uncharacteristically, Benya's tone sounded almost friendly, albeit not particularly magnanimous, as he straightened his attire.

"Uncle. How old is Piero now?"

"W-What? H-He's nineteen now..."

"He must have graduated."

"Y-Yes, last year..."

"We're currently short on apprentices. Why don't you bring him here? The younger he starts in the Imperial capital, the better. Yan, handle it instead of me..."

Jerome merely gaped at his nephew, genuinely taken aback, as Yann approached and severed the ropes that were binding him to the chair.

"T-then..."

"Only we know what happened today. There's no need for others to find out."

"O-of course. So, Benya, moving forward..."

"I'm interested to see what you'll do from now on. You should go. My associates outside will escort you back to the hotel."

It seemed that the Viscount didn't fully grasp the implications of what had just transpired.

Watching him search hesitantly for an exit, Yann contained his contempt. His own son had been used as a pawn, and yet the Viscount had greedily laughed it off. And so...

"Yann."

"Huh? Why? Should I run after him and bury him?"

Even if he changed his mind later, Yann wouldn't mock him, Yann thought.

When Yann asked with unwavering determination, Benya gazed at his friend with a perplexed look for a moment before responding bluntly.

"Give me my sandwich. I'm hungry."

"... All that's left is peanut butter."

"I don't care."

"Shall I fetch you some beer, Prince? I could use a drink too."

"Whatever."

As Valentina went to get the beer, Yann unwrapped the sandwich, handed it to his friend, and sat across from him.

He then folded his arms and began to scrutinize Benya just as he was about to eat. This prompted Benya to wear a quizzical expression.

"What's on your mind?"

"... Are you really okay?"

"No. I'm about to faint from hunger."

"You didn't handle it that way just because you were hungry, right? You can just discard that move. It's a card you use and then toss away. It's convenient to have, but you don't need it. Why are you insistent on using it? You don't honestly believe that your Lady sincerely sympathizes with that scoundrel, do you? Or even if she does..."

"Why would Sasha do that? I can't vouch for Hyung, though."

A moment of silence hung after Benya's ironic addition. Yann carefully chose his words, pondering with his chin resting on his fingertips.

Perhaps before he and his sister got involved as a trio of accomplices with the enigmatic Miss Sasha, he should first understand what his friend's motivations were. Perhaps that way...

"Then why are you going to such lengths? This doesn't seem like you. Honestly, it just appears like..."

"I think she wants it."

"Who?"

"Sasha."

Of course, it was that same old Sasha of his friend’s! Yann was about to raise his voice in exasperation, but in the next instant, he found himself paralyzed.

It wasn't because Benya managed to devour the substantial sandwich in nearly two bites.

It was due to the ethereal, sweet smile flickering in the eyes of this Serpente—a smile he had seen just once before in all the years of their camaraderie.

"You..."

"It wasn't just because I was scared that she wanted to learn how to shoot."

"What...?"

"She doesn't intend to leave me all alone... She wants to stand by me until the end."

Yann didn't dare inquire about what exactly they were doing together. He felt it might come across as awkward.

Instead, he simply stared in bewilderment at his friend's face, which had taken on the appearance of a complete stranger.

He resembled a novice in love discovering his first romantic feelings are reciprocated...

"We're out of the black beer."

It was fortunate that Valentina arrived just then, skillfully balancing two beer bottles.

Otherwise, Yann might have been tempted to blurt out something disrespectful considering their deep friendship. "Just confess your feelings already, you idiot!" had nearly escaped his lips.

"Thank you, Noona."

"There's only one for you."

"Uh, why?"

"Valentina."

"Yes?"

Benya blinked, and with that single blink, the pale blue eyes reverted to their usual form. Snake-like eyes, simultaneously heartless and violent, relaxed and calculating.

"I don't mind how many secrets you hatch behind my back."

"..."

"But I want you to remember your primary objective. If you come to me too late, if I find out too late, and if everything is too late... It'll be quite problematic."

Yann reached out and gently grasped his sister's tense arm. Subsequently, Benya wiped his hands clean, rose to his feet, and exited the bar. A contemplative silence lingered between the siblings in his wake.

"Noona. Wasn't your mission... to protect Sasha?"

"That's correct."

"So, he's aware that something is going on with us, right? Ugh, why is he so perceptive? Let's reconsider, Noona. This whole trio accomplice plan doesn't seem feasible."

"We didn't plan to include you from the start."

"Uh, why?!"

Observing her brother's exaggeratedly incredulous expression, Valentina sighed before breaking into a smile. She popped open the cap of the beer bottle and took a refreshing sip.

"Noona?"

"Don't make a fuss. Do you really think my friend wouldn't have anticipated that your friend would react that way?"

"Well, I'm sure she did. After all, both of them are cut from the same cloth. And for us, it's pretty evident that we're really bad at choosing friends."

"You've got a point. So, we'll just have fun with my friend, and if anything happens to her, we'll let your friend know. It shouldn't be too complicated."

* * *

The private bathroom attached to my quarters was more spacious and luxurious than when its original owner had used it years ago.

It boasted small private saunas, trendy benches, and a hot tub resembling a Jacuzzi.

As I reclined in the bathtub, gazing up at the ceiling, memories of bathing with Estelle during our childhood resurfaced intermittently.

I dispelled the shimmering scenes by submerging my face in the water.

The Hunting Festival was approaching, a national event that Assad had informed me about. The idea of facing a multitude of people was already vexing, but I needed to maximize the opportunity.

I must contact Alfonsina immediately to discuss our attire for the event. I was relieved that I already knew what Adriana would be wearing.

My sentiments toward Miss Heroine were somewhat indifferent, but if circumstances warranted...

"Sasha?"

Pfft. Water spewed from my mouth as I raised my head. Laughter involuntarily escaped me.

Though my living space was larger than the dwellings of most aristocratic ladies, I lacked an exclusive maid to inform visitors that I was bathing.

Mr. Chaplin had suggested assigning a personal maid to me, but I had declined. I preferred the solitude. Just me.

"Here I am! Give me a moment!"

It was amusing to call out like this. Chuckling to myself, I emerged from the tub, wiped the water from my hair with a towel hanging on the wall, and donned a dressing gown.

The robe was a soft wine hue, extending to my ankles, and its snug embrace made me feel both dignified and at ease.

"Hello. I was bathing."

The moonlight streaming through the open balcony cast a silvery glow on his gray hair. Benya sat on the small couch beside the dresser, still clad in his outdoor attire.

As I approached him with a cheerful greeting, he observed me in silence for a moment. Perhaps it was my imagination, but he seemed perplexed.

"Benya?"

"Oh, excuse me. I wasn't aware you were bathing. The door was open..."

"I left it open for ventilation. I enjoy the night breeze. But what's going on? I heard there was quite a commotion at the hotel earlier."

Thanks to our ever-dramatic Bear of Flame and Fury making more of a scene than I anticipated, by tomorrow morning, the entire Imperial capital would be abuzz with this incident.

Heh, indeed, our duke always surpasses my expectations...

"Did you see Hyung come in?"

"Yes. A while ago, he was seated where you are now, shedding tears."

It was an added bonus that my clothes got damp while comforting Lethias. Poor guy.

It was unrealistic to expect him to meet Jerome and remain composed. The memories of that incident were not so easily forgotten, by any of us.

"Fortunately, he seems a bit better now. I imagine he's sleeping soundly at the moment."

"Are you all right?"

Are you all right, am I all right? A straightforward question, yet why does it suddenly feel like a lump in my throat?

"Of course, I'm fine... Are you all right?"

"Of course, I'm all right as well."

After responding in a soft mumble, Benya reclined and sat cross-legged. His sharp azure gaze bore into me as if seeking out my thoughts.

Why isn't this rascal casting his serpent-like eyes at me? For some reason, my face began to flush, prompting me to swiftly change the subject.

"Where were you?"

A faint smile graced his face, causing his sculpted lips to form a slight dimple at the corner.

"Why? What time is it now? Are you planning to scold me for arriving just now?"

"Exactly. Have you eaten?"

"I can't recall. Oh, I did have a sandwich."

"Don't you dare keel over just because you nibbled on something so meager, you idiot!"

What's the use of not eating when you have the chance to feast...

And how do you expect to handle that behemoth without taking any food in?! I turned to retrieve a concealed box from beneath my bed. Benya remained seated, observing my actions.

"What are you up to?"

"... Fetching a secret weapon to assassinate you."

"That’s interesting. Well, if it's you, it's possible.”

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