CH 3.15

“Theo.”

Theobalt had finished his work for the day and came to say good night to Lacius on this dark night.

Lacius held his glass up to the light and shook it. He then poured a glass of another drink and handed it to Theobalt.

“Let’s have a drink after a long time.”

“Thank you.”

Theobald did not object. He then opened his mouth after taking a sip while the candles flickered.

“You appear to be having a lot of fun since the lady arrived.”

“Me?”

“Yes. You’re even drinking comfortably.”

He is, indeed.

Lacius made no denials. His life had changed drastically since Shay arrived.

“Come to think of it, you’ve been using this bedroom for quite some time too.”

“Ah, yes.”

Lacius withheld one more detail from Shay. It’s not a big deal, but it’s the fact that he hasn’t had a fixed bedroom for years.

Lacius was always forced to change bedrooms no matter who visited. He even had to change his bedroom once only after two hours of occupying it.

Unable to bear the annoyance any longer, he started refusing any visitors to the Archduke’s residence and barred all outsiders from entering. He had the merchant’s wagons carrying food parked outside the mansion’s entrance, and he had all guards removed from the mansion.

Then he shut all the windows in the mansion and fired everyone except Maynard and Theobalt. That was the last straw for him.

A mind that has been pushed to its breaking point and is on the verge of a mental breakdown. He couldn’t see why he should live any longer.

To be honest, Shay probably saved him.

“Even if he’s being truthful.”

“Yes?”

“I’m not going to let her go.”

Lacius’ hand suddenly became red hot. The liquid in the glass he was holding began to bubble and quickly came to a boil. It was the constitution unique to the members of the Schweiden family who inherited the blood of the God of the Sun. Power that was previously hidden bursts forth.

“Aghhh!”

Lacius then threw the glass he was holding at the window. The assassin, who had been hiding, was then revealed. Lacius swept his face, casually looked down at the struggling assassin, and nodded to Theobalt.

“Clean it.”

“I understand.”

Theobalt got up and struck the assassin in the back of the neck.

There were some among the ladies who thought, ‘If I can’t have it, I’d rather have it killed!’ That is why assassins like this are hired.

This insignificant thing would have caused him great stress in the past, but not today. Because Shay is in this mansion and was close to him.

‘Whatever their relationship was, if she can’t remember it, it’s pointless.’

He will never allow her to be taken away from him.

Lacius’ hands remained red, as he promised to himself.

* * *

“Miss, try on this jacket.”

When Madame learned that I was going hunting with the princess, she immediately made me a hunting suit. Trousers and a jacket made of cloth that fit snugly around the body. I was wearing a top made of a very comfortable material on the inside rather than an uncomfortable blouse or shirt, so I had no trouble moving. I looked in the mirror, delighted to be wearing something other than a dress.

“It’s a good thing I made hunting boots ahead of time just in case.”

“Thank you very much, Madame.”

“You’re very welcome.”

Because the banquet gown had not yet been completed, Madame, her assistant, and the staff remained in the mansion.

As a result, I was able to get my new clothes quickly. I put on my hunting boots and looked in the mirror once more.

“Pretty.” 

I put my hands on my cheeks and started trying to look sexy. The staff laughed when they saw me like that.

“I believe the lady looks prettier because she is more confident.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes, and it’s not meant as an insult. There aren’t many people who are as self-assured and confident as the lady. That, I believe, is your charm.”

When the employee who was touching my hair said so, everyone nodded with the same expression.

I wasn’t ashamed of praising myself while staring at my own face, but why does receiving genuine compliments like this feel so awkward?

I scratched my cheek shyly and returned my gaze to the mirror. When the red hair is twisted and tied high, the fox-like face is more visible.

Skin with a smooth jaw line and no visible pores. The slightly raised corners of the eyes reveal a wild temper, but the sparkling silver eyes have a sense of playfulness. I’ve seen it so many times that it now feels like my true face. Well, I didn’t have much resistance in the first place, just a sense of security that I found the place I was supposed to be.

‘Do you call this fate?’

I made a funny face and wrinkled my nose. The assistants burst out laughing, and I got up quickly. The staff then quickly tied my boots’ laces.

“All right, you’re done.”

“Thank you very much, everyone!”

“Please return safely and please don’t get hurt!”

That was shouted out loudly by everyone in the clothing store. I walked away filled with confidence, but I was actually a little nervous.

Hunting.

Of course, I’ve never experienced it in my life, and I’ve never imagined I would. That’s why I hastily asked Maynard about hunting earlier, but what can he know?

‘If you need to catch something, just let Cat handle it.’

My stomach isn’t all that weak. I also recognised the natural cycle of life, which had to occur unless it was a massacre. However, getting something for the sake of interest, rather than for human consumption, is completely a different story.

In any case, I left the mansion with a complicated brain. A carriage was already waiting in the empty yard right in front of the front door. 

The horses were trembling from the smell of the black panther emanating from Cat, and Lacius was petting the terrified horse.

I then stood at the top of the stairs, staring at him blankly. What a peaceful sight…