CH 65

If he makes a fuss here, the knight who did him a favor will be in trouble. And Daphne, who will be waiting for him in the mansion…

Cesare accepted the cotton cloth offered by the knight without saying a word. Soon his iron bars were closed with a squeaking sound.

Cesare was sentenced to three years in prison. It was the judge’s decision.

However, it is still unknown how things will turn out in the future. Because it wasn’t confirmed.

‘I’ll try to negotiate with the Emperor as much as possible.’

I can’t really spend three years in prison like this.

After all, even the Emperor would know that the sin he was carrying was a created sin.

There’s no way the Emperor didn’t know. It’s all just an action to empower Gabriel-

Bang-!

Cesare, who had been thinking up to that point, nervously smashed the prison wall with his fist.

He suffered and was completely helpless. To Gabriel, who was nothing more than a piece of blood.

He’s not always a slave.

Perhaps it was he who did not recognize Gabriel as the Crown Prince.

I let my guard down that someone who was only a slave could not threaten me, and I actually had this result..

It was an undeniable mistake of his own.

Cesare leaned his head against the cold stone wall and closed his eyes. He rolled a name in his mouth.

“Daphne…”

I haven’t been able to go back to the mansion for two days, so she must be very worried.

Even at this moment, he did not know what kind of scheme Gabriel was plotting.

Cesare believed Daphne’s words that she did not love Gabriel.

That’s why she’s not living with Gabriel, but with Cesare.

But if Daphne falls for Gabriel’s trickery…

Step step—

It was then that he heard the sound of shoes that didn’t match.

“What do you think. Is it cozy there? Duke of Burstoad.”

It was Gabriel. Cesare opened his eyes fiercely.

Alone, bitten by everyone around him, he looked down at Cesare with a sly smile on his face.

A simmering voice escaped Cesare’s throat.

“Gabriel.”

“Oh, my. I guess you don’t even want to call me Crown Prince anymore.”

That’s too bad.

Cesare shuddered at his whispering words.

“It was you who betrayed Burstoad first.”

“That’s a word that can be misunderstood by those who hear it.”

“From generation to generation, the Burstoad has worked for the Imperial family. But you broke that old promise first. Are you really the Crown Prince who should serve the Empire? Are you the one who gives up on your loyalty?”

“Is that the Duke’s feelings? It’s really sad.”

It wasn’t a sad voice at all.

I want to punch that shiny face. Gabriel smiled kindly when he saw Cesare’s ferocious, shining eyes.

“There seems to be one thing the Duke doesn’t know, so I will tell you. I’ve never dumped a Burstoad. Even without you, someone else will take the place of Burstoad. Have you not seen the elder nobles? They will always be loyal to the Imperial family.”

For a moment, the senior nobles of Burstoad, who betrayed him, came to Cesare’s mind. And the fact that one of them had a son similar age to Cesare-

Clang-

Cesare’s power made the iron bars shatter. Cesare asked, growling.

“Did you promise that? To that dirty gambler?”

It was the family that Cesare kept. It was a family that his parents devoted their lives to.

However, he had promised that he would give the family title to an unqualified gambler.

“It was just a promise of faithfulness that would be passed on from generation to generation.”

It’s dangerous. Although they were the same clan, they were not talented enough to lead the Burstoad.

If the balance of power is disrupted, it will become corrupted, and they may not know at all that it will soon lead to Imperial power.

“Why did you make this up?”

Cesare asked in a hoarse voice.

“Is the Duke asking me questions even though he knows the reason?”

Gabriel knelt down on one knee and made eye contact with Cesare. Their faces became so close that they could barely breathe.

“You arrested Daphne.”

Gabriel’s eyes darkened.

“You suppressed Daphne, who wanted freedom, as you wished, and you tortured her. You ignored her desire for divorce and even locked her in the tower.”

“Ha….”

“Do you really think Daphne will be happy with you?”

Gabriel’s angel deserves better.

She was a woman who should always be happy without knowing anything about sadness in a comfortable place where laughter blooms.

“I am the one who suits Daphne.”

And the person who will give Daphne eternal happiness is him.

Gabriel looked around the prison where Cesare was held. The cotton cloth that the knights secretly put in stood out. Gabriel smirked.

“It was difficult to treat me like this when you imprisoned me. Truly a virtuous Duke of Burstoad. The knights take good care of you, so I can spend the winter here this year.”

“Gabriel.”

“Daphne will be free. Duke.”

Daphne, who gave him freedom, he would present the same thing.

****

I couldn’t sleep well.

It wasn’t because the bed was unfamiliar.

I have a blessed body that can sleep soundly even in a bed left unattended for a long time in the spire.

Something bothered me and I couldn’t sleep.

Is Cesare okay?

I asked Shannet, who had brought the washing water.

“Have you heard anything from Cesare?”

Shannet shook her head. They stopped me from even contacting him. There was a sudden surge of resentment against the Imperial Palace.

Last night Gabriel did not return to the mansion either. He escorted me directly to the room and whispered that I should not worry about anything and just rest in peace. He said to leave everything about Cesare to him.

But Gabriel, how can I rest comfortably in a situation like this?

I waited all night for Gabriel to return. I just looked out the window to see if there was any news coming.

But Gabriel didn’t come back until late at night, and I was exhausted from waiting, so I fell asleep without realizing it.

“Hah… ”

I can’t. I should go to the Imperial Palace too.

I was anxious because I had to wait for Gabriel to come.

And I’ve been thinking about it all night, Cesare and Gabriel were originally in a love-hate relationship.

What will happen if Gabriel doesn’t intentionally help Cesare with a grudge against the previous dungeon incident?

Things got more complicated and Cesare didn’t know if he would be sentenced to prison.

I don’t want to imagine that, but… When I think of the dungeons in Burstoad Mansion, I can’t say that there was no possibility at all.

That dungeon was the worst.

Alright, let’s go out.

But there were people stopping me from going out. Shannet was angry.

“Who are you blocking us now!”

“We have been commanded by His Majesty the Crown Prince to keep the Duchess safe.”

The butler of Gabriel’s mansion said without a single expression.

Then he opened his mouth with a strict attitude that he wouldn’t budge even if he was stabbed with a needle.

“Go inside, Duchess. His Majesty the Crown Prince will return soon.”

“Where is he now?”

“Your Majesty will be at the Burstoad Mansion.”

To our house?

“He said he would arrive and check before the imperial investigation team arrives.”

The tension was released in an instant. Contrary to concerns, Gabriel was also very worried about Cesare.

He can’t even return to the mansion all night, so he’s working to release Cesare… Even if they fight, it’s love.

It was bittersweet to have to rely on Gabriel’s heart for Cesare, but there was nothing I could do right now.

In the end, I chose to go back to the room as the butler said.

May Gabriel return with good news.

****

Gabriel raised his chin.

As the butler said, he was in the Burstoad mansion. It was also true that he had arrived to check in advance.

However, he was standing on the side of the investigation team of the Imperial family, not the servants of the Burstoad.

Assistant Bruce reported.

“All the servants of the mansion were arrested.”

Those who took part in hiding and concealing the identity of the Crown Prince.

Their sins were laid down like this. Gabriel looked down at those who knelt down the stairs.

“He is not here.”

His name is Joseph? He is always by Cesare’s side. He was also Cesare’s most valued assistant.

Gabriel clicked his tongue.

Assistant Bruce added quickly.

“Those who have not yet been caught are also being searched.”

“Okay.”

Gabriel waved his hand. He won’t be able to do anything on his own anyway.

This is because Cesare’s faithful servants had already been tied to him, and the elder nobles of Burstoad had been handed over to Gabriel.

The mansion will be vacated and handed over to the new lord. That was the promise he made.