Volume 7 part 1
“I’m entrusting Orlank to Daon.”
Zephar flinched for a moment. But he didn’t stop Ixor from speaking. Ixor’s sharp eyes swept over the maps spread widely across the wooden table in his office.
Scattered across the worn maps were small dice, placed like targets. He pushed one dice forward slightly with his fingertip and continued.
“And Zephar, you’ll quickly move through the newly occupied regions and handle internal affairs.”
Siege weapons had already been dismantled in advance and were being moved to designated locations. The cavalry, the core of Ixor’s army, had also been divided into smaller units and stationed strategically.
Now, swift and decisive action was the key. If they failed, it would mean extermination — kill or be killed. But it wasn’t such a reckless gamble that it had no chance of success.
Zephar gathered both hands on the table and silently nodded.
“You’ve decided to marry Lady Daon.”
Though his voice held no anxiety, as always, he refrained from nagging. Ixor replied simply.
“If it’s a world where I can’t make her my wife, then I’ll just change the world.”
“Does Lady Daon agree?”
“No.”
“…”
“Can you not follow me either?”
Zephar smiled faintly and straightened up. Then, with unwavering firmness, he offered his opinion.
“There’s a problem.”
“Speak.”
“We must start by taking a large number of hostages. If the engagement ceremony ends up being held in the royal capital, we’ll have to abandon the plan entirely.”
The engagement had to take place in Orlank. No matter what. This was intended to provoke Princess Anna.
Ixor glanced down at the table and poured himself a glass of dark red liquor. Zephar furrowed his brow as he stared at the map, likely running through complex calculations in his head.
Just having a map was a massive advantage. Maps were top secret—commoners had no knowledge of areas beyond their own. Territory maps were treasured heirlooms passed down through noble families.
And maps of other regions? Almost impossible to obtain.
Ixor had spent many years secretly mapping the kingdom as he traveled, giving him a significant advantage in war. Only one person in the kingdom, the king, was officially allowed to possess the full map of the realm.
After carefully repositioning a few dice on the map, Zephar offered another suggestion.
“My lord, we have too few allies. If we wage war over a woman, we’ll lose even the few we have. So we must create new allies, quickly.”
“The nobles?”
“No. The people.”
“The people?”
“I want to set a clear structure for governance in the occupied territories, so rumors can spread easily. Just like we did in Orlank: root out corruption publicly, conduct a census, lower taxes, and implement healthcare and education.”
“A revolution.”
“If we succeed, yes.”
If they failed, it would be treason and rebellion.
Ixor downed the liquor in one gulp, poured a fresh glass, and held it out. Zephar sniffed the potent drink and quietly set it aside, picking up a teacup instead. Then he smiled awkwardly, as if to excuse himself.
“I’ll drink after we win the war.”
It was far too strong a drink for someone like Zephar, who didn’t handle alcohol well.
Ixor burst out laughing, then leaned forward, resting his hand on the map where the capital was marked. He smirked confidently.
“Then I’ll have a new bottle brewed just for that day.”
***
Daon had requested a meeting, saying the museum’s reorganization was complete. Since there were other things he wanted to discuss, Ixor went with her to the museum.
“Impressive,” he said after inspecting the place. “You’ve got an exceptional eye. This deserves a reward.”
“I only did what I was tasked with. No reward is necessary.”
“Every task deserves compensation. That’s how you ensure good results next time. Let’s see… what should I give you?”
He crossed his arms, pretending to ponder. Then he made a fist with his right hand and struck his left palm with it as if he had an idea.
“I’ll have a few dresses tailored for you. The finest quality.”
“Dresses…”
“Get them made. You’ll have an occasion to wear them soon.”
Daon’s eyes narrowed with suspicion. They hadn’t come to an agreement, and the tension remained. Yet they didn’t bring up the issue again. He still needed her, more than anyone else.
Ixor quickly changed the mood with his usual ease.
“You’ve worked hard. Should I add another reward? There’s a library upstairs in this annex. From now on, go there when you have free time. Read classics, read smut too.”
Seeing her roll her eyes gracefully, he leaned on the table with both hands and smiled.
“Tell me. If there’s a book you’re missing, I’ll get it for you.”
“I’m satisfied with what’s there.”
“Where did you learn to read?”
She answered shyly.
“Count Drewbury secretly taught me. His eyesight had declined with age, but he loved stories so much… I used to read to him every time he slept.”
“Ah! So that’s why you were always seen leaving Drewbury’s quarters at dawn. What about Alvin?”
“He became very anxious after the count passed away.”
“Couldn’t sleep, I suppose.”
Probably just a conversational companion.
Ixor leaned against the table, crossed his legs, and half-jokingly asked,
“From the governed’s perspective, what’s the most important thing required of a ruler?”
Daon replied instantly.
“Survival and inspiration.”
“Then you do that.”
“What?”
“My ambition was to rule. That was it, not to govern. I only became interested in governance after meeting you.”
“…”
“I’ll rule. You help govern.”
Daon said nothing, her face cold. He hadn’t expected her to change her mind easily.
Ixor walked past an ornate display case and stood before her, issuing a strict order.
“As lord, I command you: as of today, hand over kitchen duties to someone suitable and start learning internal administration from Zephar for a couple of months.”
“I…”
“You can do it.”
He stood inches from her, meeting her eyes.
“You’re capable.”
“This isn’t about ability. It’s about status.”
“Do we have to fight again?”
“Yes.”
He growled firmly, but she held her ground. She wasn’t someone to abandon her beliefs once decided.
Daon looked him straight in the eye.
“Princess Anna is here. Things aren’t the same as when it was just us.”
“I’m getting engaged.”
Her eyes widened. Ixor continued coldly.
“Should I entrust Orlank to someone else?”
Her gaze wavered in shock. But her confusion was brief. Hearing that he had decided to marry Anna, she exhaled a deep sigh of relief. Then she smiled warmly—sincerely, as if she were genuinely happy for him.
His insides churned.
Ixor clenched his jaw and his fists.
Grab me. Why are you letting me go? Want me. Just a little.
He shut his eyes tightly to hold back the surge of anger. Tilting his head slightly and taking a slow breath, he reopened them. She was still looking at him calmly. Her dark eyes, framed by long lashes, were clear and deep, like the dead of winter night.
If he revealed the engagement was a ruse, and that he’d do anything, even spill blood, to have her, she might just run. Disappear to a place no one could find.
He knew her fears.
Even so…
Ixor gently cupped her face in his palm. He brushed her soft temple with his thumb.
Could you ever love me so fiercely that you wouldn’t care if it killed you?
He wanted desperately to ask.
He lowered his head and kissed her lips. Twisted desire made his heart throb with heat, and countless questions caught painfully in his throat. He pulled away from her lips and met her eyes again.
“Do you love me?”
“Yes. That’s why I want you to succeed.”
“You don’t want me to be happy?”
“Success is your ambition and your happiness. Even when a bird sits in its nest, it always looks toward the sky.”
Ixor’s lips curled into a bitter smile.
“From now on, call me by my name. No more titles like ‘My Lord’ or ‘You.’”
“…”
“If it’s too hard, then at least when it’s just the two of us. Hmm, it just so happens we’re alone now. Seems like the perfect time to practice.”
He turned his head to show his ear. Daon smiled sweetly and immediately called his name. It was natural and familiar, as if she had whispered it to herself in secret many times before.
“Ixor.”
“Oho. It has a nice ring to it. Especially the way the ‘xor’ part trails off… tingles just right.”
Ixor took off his cloak, spread it wide over the carpet, and sat on it to remove his boots. As he took off the other boot, he muttered under his breath.
“I saw this unique long chair while traveling. If I’d known, I would’ve bought it. I’ve been holding back all morning. Come here.”
He beckoned her with a flick of his fingers, palm facing his own face.
“Just once. I’ll let you go after that.”
“…”
“Don’t you want me?”
Loosening the ties of his shirt suggestively, he seduced her. Daon came over and sat on the cloak. As if he had been waiting, Ixor pulled her waist close. Her warm skin and the buttery scent of bread from the kitchen ignited his desire.
In an instant, he stripped her completely. The museum was slightly chilly, but quiet, and the glitter of exotic ornaments from various countries around them added to the mood.
“Once won’t be enough.”
Between kisses, Ixor counted.
“I’ll stop after twice.”
***
Princess Anna stomped her foot angrily. Daon had been in the annex with Ixor for quite some time before coming out. No matter how she looked at it—her re-braided hair, her flushed face, the creases in her clothes—she looked like a woman who had just finished with a man.
“How could they, when I’m here… when I’m here!”
She pressed her lips tightly together. The metallic scent of blood filled her nose as her teeth bit down hard. A maid, alarmed, rushed over and gently held a handkerchief to her lips.
Slap!
Princess Anna struck the maid’s cheek with a sharp hand. The maid immediately lowered herself and begged forgiveness for her impertinence.
She wanted to kill someone. Ixor—or no, Daon. Tear her apart, kill her, and feed the body to pigs.
Princess Anna let out a shrill scream.
“Aaaargh!”
People always gave her what she wanted when she asked. If they didn’t, she’d throw a fit, and in the end, she always got her way. The only one who ever refused her was Ixor. He alone said ‘no.’
“P-Princess, a peddler woman has arrived.”
A young maid peeked in timidly, bowing deeply before speaking. Princess Anna turned sharp eyes toward the girl. She briefly considered dismembering her to vent her rage. The girl, sensing danger, trembled and cast her eyes toward the entrance.
Following her gaze with irritation, Anna saw an ugly middle-aged woman standing with a large bundle in her arms.
Anna asked her maid coldly, “What is a peddler?”
“She’s a merchant who sells goods that women often use,” the maid replied in a trembling voice.
“Jewels?”
“Not valuable ones… Just small trinkets—combs, mirrors, accessories, cheap makeup, things like that. Nothing fancy, but it might be amusing.”
Anna didn’t move, but the peddler knelt low and pleaded.
“Oh beautiful Princess! How boring it must be for someone as noble as you to be stuck in this remote place. Please, take a look at my humble wares for a moment’s diversion. Just buying a mirror would be a blessing for me.”
Was there really such a thing as ‘cheap’ makeup? She was curious.
“Let her in.”
With a bored nod, she allowed it. The peddler hurried in and spread her bundle over the table. The items were crude but amusing. Anna fiddled with them, intrigued. Then the peddler glanced at the closed door and pulled a letter from her waistband.
“Oh, the inspections are so strict. If I hadn’t met one of your maids outside the castle by chance, I might never have made it here.”
The peddler and the maid exchanged a brief look before the letter was respectfully presented.
“Princess, this is a letter from Viscount Zelgirk. He said you must read it.”
“Zelgirk?”
Anna adjusted her posture and glared coldly at the letter in the peddler’s hands.
***
Ixor, sitting on the central staircase whittling a piece of wood, slowly raised his head. Princess Anna stood before him in a thick coat of silver fox fur. When he ignored her and kept working, she snapped.
“That sort of handiwork isn’t for nobles. Working with your hands, making things—that’s for peasants.”
“It’s a hobby.”
“Then get a classier hobby, Ixor.”
“Aren’t you curious what I’m making?”
He asked indifferently. Anna flinched but raised her chin haughtily.
“What are you making?”
“A horse.”
“A horse? It has wings.”
“A winged horse. A heavenly steed that gallops through the sky.”
“Where can you get one?”
“They don’t exist. It’s a creature from imagination.”
“So this one you’re making is the only one?”
“The only one.”
“I want it.”
“No. I’m giving it to my lover.”
He blew off some dust and checked the shape. The horse, with its front legs raised and wings fully spread as if about to take off, was quite beautiful. He placed it on the white snow.
“Don’t step on it.”
He looked up and warned her. Princess Anna, clenching her fists, changed her demand.
“Then catch a frog for me.”
“In this winter?”
“What difference does that make?”
To her naive arrogance, Ixor shrugged and explained.
“Frogs don’t come out in winter.”
Anna frowned, not understanding.
“What if it’s a royal command?”
“Then it would come out.”
At last, she smiled, satisfied.
“If I ask, Father always grants my requests. So my words are as good as royal command. Ixor, catch a frog for me.”
Ixor chuckled and looked at her with relaxed eyes.
“You’re quite cute.”
“What?”
“Like a beautiful little bird raised in a golden cage adorned with jewels. That’s why you know nothing of the world outside.”
“Why would I need to?”
He patted the spot next to him. She glanced at the dirty stairs but didn’t move. That noble pride made Ixor burst into hearty laughter.
“You and my lover are a lot alike.”
“Don’t call her your lover.”
“Because it’s true. You’re both trapped. Pure, in different ways.”
“Ixor, are you trying to equate me with a slave?”
“My dear Princess Anna, I love her.”
“···”
“She loves me to a certain extent too. That’s why we can be lovers.”
“I love you too.”
“No.”
Ixor picked up the wooden carving and stood in front of Princess Anna. He looked down at her with cold eyes, as if he had never smiled.
“There is no love between us.”
He firmly denied it, giving her no room for hope. Princess Anna, who had momentarily faltered, widened her eyes in anger. Ixor quickly cut her off.
“Dear Princess, I will marry you.”
Anna was momentarily surprised but then lifted her chin confidently, as if she had expected it all along. Ixor smirked and added playfully,
“But don’t expect me to treat you well.”
“I don’t care. If you become completely mine, that in itself is love.”
“Well, everyone has their own way of loving.”
Princess Anna affectionately placed her hand on Ixor’s arm as if signaling they should go back. Ixor immediately removed her hand and issued a warning.
“One more thing. I’ll act as your husband after the engagement ceremony. But until then, don’t expect anything. If I show affection to you, even as a pretense, she’ll be hurt.”
“And if I’m the one who gets hurt?”
“You might be hurt in your pride, but it won’t break your heart. So, let’s work together.”
Ending the conversation, he coldly brushed past her.
Princess Anna, glaring at him with sharp eyes, spat bitterly,
“You’re a cruel man.”
“I know. And you’re the one who chose such a man.”
He replied indifferently and continued walking—but suddenly stopped. Grabbing Anna’s arm, he pulled her roughly toward him.
He whispered in a low, chilling voice to her pale, groaning face,
“Don’t lay a finger on her. That’s your one and only warning, Princess.”
He let go of her arm like tossing it away and walked off without looking back. Anna shouted at his back,
“There will be a guest tonight, Ixor Malkuth! A guest invited by the royal family, so make sure you show no lapse in hospitality.”
“A guest? Prince Dirk?”
He glanced back over his shoulder. Anna stood clutching the arm Ixor had grabbed, her body trembling with fury but her expression still dignified.
“My brother is busy. If he weren’t, he’d be accompanying me, of course.”
“Then who?”
“It’s a secret. See for yourself.”
With a bright smile, Anna turned her back and walked away.
He furrowed his brows, staring at her retreating figure. A bad feeling prickled at his nerves. But a guest invited personally by Anna… no one came to mind.
***
Later that day, after strategizing with Zephar, Ixor left the office at sunset. Knight Renaud approached with a serious expression and bowed deeply.
Seeing Renaud, Ixor immediately sensed it—the “guest” Anna had spoken of had arrived.
Renaud reported concisely,
“Princess Anna’s guest has arrived. He intends to stay through the winter and is being held at the castle gate.”
“Who is it?”
“It’s Viscount Zelgirk.”
Bang!
Ixor slammed his fist into the office door. Zephar flinched and lowered his gaze. The heavy wooden door creaked under the blow. Zephar, who had looked uneasy upon hearing the unexpected name, subtly signaled to Renaud, who promptly left.
Once they were alone, Zephar spoke with urgency.
“That cunning man must’ve used some trickery. Since the Princess extended the invitation, we cannot refuse him. My lord, if you drive Viscount Zelgirk away, the Princess will write to the palace, and Prince Dirk will come to settle the matter.”
“Then I’ll tell Dirk to take both of them away.”
Ixor grumbled, and Zephar continued bluntly.
“If we want the engagement ceremony to be held in Orlank, we must keep Princess Anna here at least until next spring.”
“···”
“Just hold on for a few months. If Prince Dirk gets wind of what’s going on here… please… we are walking on thin ice.”
“**** it!”
Ixor raked his bangs back, swallowing a string of curses.
He should’ve cut off Zelgirk’s filthy head back when he had the chance.
“Let him in.”
Zephar pressed his hands together tightly in a plea.
No… He couldn’t. Daon wouldn’t be able to handle it. Not sober, not in her right mind.
How could she feel at ease, living under the same roof as the man who had destroyed her life?
As if reading his mind, Zephar gently tried to persuade him.
“You can’t avoid this forever.”
Ixor knew that. But Zephar could say that only because he didn’t share a bed with her.
She often had nightmares, froze in the middle of sleep. He had to hold her and whisper to her for her to breathe easily again.
She had no desires—not out of goodness, but because of fear. If she didn’t reach out, she couldn’t lose anything either.
“You act like a mother with a child on her back,” Zephar said.
Ixor stared at him with a cold, lethal gaze. A flicker of murderous intent glinted in his eyes, but Zephar, as if resigned to everything, bowed deeply and offered his advice calmly.
“Please, if you want her to stand on her own, don’t become her shell.”
He meant: our mission is important, but so is resolving the issue with Daon.
Of course, this was an opportunity. A perfect chance to deal with Zelgirk right before Daon’s eyes.
Ixor inhaled sharply and gave his cold command.
“Move my office to the library immediately. Restrict Daon’s movements to the annex and her room. While she’s in the annex during the day, you stay close to her at all times. Understood?”
“Yes.”
Zephar answered with a relieved and gentle smile.
After sending Zephar off to the annex, Ixor personally went to the castle gate to greet Zelgirk.
With every step he took, his face grew colder, and contempt chilled his heart.
***
“The Princess wishes to see you.”
Princess Anna’s maids snatched the basket from Daon and took position on either side of her.
Daon let out a short, dry breath. She had expected this summons for a while.
The maids, exuding an air that they wouldn’t take no for an answer, yanked her forward. Silently, Daon followed.
The maids took her through the back entrance, their eyes scanning the surroundings, and led her up the winding, snail-shell-like staircase to the Princess’s quarters.
Aaaaa… This bitchi princess… I know what will be next, and it’s devastatyng(((