Episode 86. What’s wrong with you, are you on drugs?(3)

“Above all, aren’t we all subjects of His Majesty the Emperor, whom we cannot defy? You haven’t forgotten that, have you?”

“That… no, of course not.”

The four dukes couldn’t oppose the emperor, no matter the circumstances. When Percy pointed out this undeniable rule of the world, the dukes fell silent. Percy smirked inwardly.

‘Fools.’

However, the dukes’ speculations weren’t entirely off. In fact, Percy and Julius had discussed a similar scenario when they first rescued Sienna.

‘It was a clever proposal, a way to change fate.’

Julius had promised to grant independence to the dukes’ territories, turning them into separate kingdoms. At that time, none of them understood the true nature of this world, so they believed it was as simple as Julius becoming emperor and granting them independence.

— I’m making this proposal because I believe Duke Stewart truly loves Sienna.

Acknowledging Sienna’s right to succession was a contingency plan if Julius couldn’t grant them independence.

— I will become emperor someday. When that time comes, I will change Sienna’s surname to Zulatán. That way, if Sienna ever demands independence, she will have the legitimacy to do so.

If Julius remained unmarried and Sienna and Percy had a child who became the heir to the throne, it would disrupt the rules of this world. It was a sound plan.

‘But that’s too late now.’

This plan only made sense if the world’s timeline didn’t have a predetermined end. According to *her* words, the end of the story was near. Which meant Sienna’s downfall was also imminent.

‘I should have locked that woman away after all.’

Percy considered storming into the Bohan estate, killing anyone who stood in his way, and dragging her out. He was contemplating this rather drastic course of action when he heard a voice.

“Duke Stewart.”

“…Sir Daniel.”

It was Daniel who approached Percy first, an unexpected move considering Percy had just been thinking about the Bohan family. Surprised, Percy didn’t react as quickly as he usually would. After a brief moment of confusion, he responded in a slightly hurried tone.

“Are you well? You still seem to be struggling.”

“I’ve heard that you privately detained my fiancée.”

“….”

Daniel’s direct accusation caught Percy off guard.

Percy’s eyes narrowed slightly. He could feel the other dukes’ eyes on him, their attention drawn to the confrontation. Suppressing a sigh, Percy responded with a calm, composed tone.

“I’m not sure what you’re talking about.”

That should have been enough to make Daniel back down, but Daniel continued to stare at Percy with unwavering determination.

“Pretending ignorance won’t work. I’m here today to confront you about this matter.”

Percy sighed, running a hand through his hair. When he looked back at Daniel, any warmth had drained from his gaze.

“Fine, Count Bohan. If you’re going to challenge me publicly like this, I assume you have solid evidence or witnesses. It would be quite disappointing if you didn’t.”

Of course, there were no witnesses. Percy had ensured that everything was thoroughly managed. He asked with confidence.

“So, what makes you think I kidnapped your fiancée? Don’t you need a motive for such a crime?”

Daniel, visibly agitated, shot back at Percy.

“That’s exactly what I want to ask you. Why do you keep taking the people I care about?”

“Your people?”

“When you were engaged to Princess Sienna, you showed interest in her. And now, are you trying to take Beth away as well?”

Percy’s eyebrow twitched at Daniel’s accusation. It was an annoying misunderstanding.

“I’ve heard your interesting story, Count. So, you’re saying I feel some inferiority complex toward you and keep taking the people you care about?”

Percy’s words were meant to make Daniel realize how absurd he sounded, but Daniel only stared back, seemingly convinced of his own theory.

‘Is this also part of that woman’s influence?’

Had Percy misjudged Daniel Bohan all along? Daniel’s lack of subtlety left Percy feeling a mix of exasperation and amusement. When Percy let out a short laugh, Daniel flared up. But it was Duke Bernardé, who had been watching their exchange with keen interest, who spoke next.

“Stop talking nonsense, Count Bohan.”

“Duke Bernardé.”

The young duke, who had been irritating Percy earlier, now turned his sharp criticism toward Daniel.

“Didn’t you see the council meeting earlier? This man is now the emperor’s only brother-in-law. Do you think he’s going to look at another woman when he has the emperor’s cherished half-sister by his side?”

“T-That’s…”

Daniel was at a loss for words in the face of this valid point. Duke Bernardé clicked his tongue and continued to reprimand Daniel. His words were spot-on, likely plunging Daniel into deep self-doubt.

“When you were engaged to Princess Sienna, you despised her so much that you never even held her hand. But now you’re accusing Duke Stewart? It makes me question your true intentions.”

The implication was clear: Daniel now regretted losing Princess Sienna.

Daniel’s face turned bright red. Seeing that further provocation might lead to unfavorable revelations, Percy decided to intervene and put an end to the conversation.

“Let’s not be too harsh. People can make such misunderstandings when they’re blinded by love.”

He then addressed Daniel directly.

“It would be better for you to have a more detailed conversation with your beloved fiancée before coming to me. Perhaps you could clarify what exactly it is she wants and then we could reach an agreement.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“I mean, come back when you know exactly what she wants.”

After all, she wasn’t acting of her own volition.

Percy gave a slight nod and concluded the exchange.

“Well then, I’ll be off.”

In a way, it wasn’t such a bad outcome. At least it seemed like Daniel had given up on Sienna entirely.

* * *

And just as Percy had anticipated, Daniel’s decision to confront Percy about Beth was entirely at Beth’s urging.

As Daniel walked back to the carriage, his steps were heavy, and his face appeared lifeless. When he finally opened the door to the carriage, Beth, who had been waiting inside, greeted him with a bright smile.

“Did the conversation go well, Daniel?”

“Beth.”

Daniel smiled back at her, but his expression twisted with concern when he noticed the bruise on her cheek. Climbing into the carriage, Daniel was immediately embraced by Beth, who gently stroked his face with her small hands.

“It must have been hard for you. You look so tired.”

Daniel took her hand and pressed his face into it, sighing as he spoke.

“I spoke with Duke Stewart.”

“Why did you do that? I told you not to.”

Though she said this, the corners of Beth’s lips curved upward slightly. The thought of Daniel standing up to that terrifying man for her sake filled her with satisfaction.

But, of course, Beth had to maintain her character—someone who wouldn’t openly praise confrontations. She put on a tearful, pitiful expression.

“I’m really worried about you getting hurt. Duke Stewart is such a frightening man.”

“Don’t worry, Beth. I handled it well.”

Daniel pulled her closer, wrapping his arms around her waist. To him, she was like a drug. Being apart from her made his head ache, but when she was near, he felt nothing but pleasure. It was a feeling that drove him to hold her close whenever he could.

He settled her on his lap, resting his head on her shoulder, and asked softly, “Beth, what is it that you truly want?”

“What do you mean?”

“You told me that Duke Stewart had confined and mistreated you. So I confronted him about it. But then he told me to come back once I knew what it is that you truly want.”

“What I want…?”

Beth’s eyes darted around nervously as she bit her lower lip.

‘Ha, that man really is crazy. Instead of being intimidated, he just asks what I want? Does he actually intend to give me whatever I ask for?’

Percy Stewart. The image of the man with his dazzling blond hair and eyes as red as blood came to her mind. Beth’s cheeks flushed slightly.

‘His face was absolutely stunning.’

Though she usually preferred men with restraint and a clean-cut appearance, Percy was so handsome that her usual preferences seemed meaningless.

If a man like that were to hold her tightly… As she entertained the thought, Beth quickly shook her head.

‘No. He’s too dangerous to approach just because of his looks.’

Besides, her protagonist’s charm didn’t seem to work on him. Remembering the numerous times she had nearly died, Beth shook her head again.

“Beth?”

Daniel, oblivious to her thoughts, assumed that her hesitation was due to fear. His expression hardened, and he asked her resolutely.

“Should I challenge him to a duel? If I don’t make him pay for what he did to you, will you ever find peace?”