The reason Lylus came to see Cian today was that he’d finally found an answer to the dilemma that’d been troubling him for days. He decided to act before it was too late and planned to ask Cian for something important today.
As he waited in the reception room, Cian soon appeared, showing signs of having rushed over.
“Greetings to Bishop Lylus Van, the Holy Left Hand of Yenis.”
There was a different atmosphere around Cian as he respectfully greeted Lylus.
Lylus was impressed internally.
‘He was always strong, but now he has become even more steadfast and passionate.’
It was the change he’d hoped for.
“Greetings, Your Highness. How have you been?”
“I wish I could say well. Unfortunately, I didn’t understand your warning and ended up hurting Dolly.”
Lylus smiled bitterly at the honest reply.
“Forgive me. Your Highness has suffered because the old man did not tell you the details.”
“No, it’s my fault for not understanding and hesitating.”
There was a sense of self-directed anger in his humble words.
Lylus shook his head.
“From now on, I plan to be more actively involved, so don’t blame yourself too much.”
“I will also be more diligent in following your guidance from now on.”
Determination he’d never seen in Cian’s eyes before appeared.
‘Yes, that’s the spirit of an Archduke. Only someone of this caliber can protect our Rachel.’
Lylus spoke, lowering his hands and bowing politely.
“Very well. First, I shall collect the fee for my previous advice.”
Although there was no need to worry since the emperor was oblivious, but his intention was to create a plausible reason for Lylus and Cian’s cooperation just in case.
Fortunately, Cian nodded without needing a lengthy explanation.
“Come to think of it, you did say I should help you for the sake of Dolly’s future. I hadn’t thought much about it after receiving your help.”
“It’s alright. As long as I eventually receive what I need.”
“What would you have me do?”
“You’re very straightforward, which I like. Then I’ll ask this favor. Today, I need you to become Alias.”
Cian, who was quick to grasp the situation, guessed what Lylus meant by what he said.
“Do you want me to capture him as Alias?”
“Close, but not quite.”
“What do you mean?”
“Today, when you go to capture that devil, take Rachel with you. Walk through the streets as Rachel and Alias, but do not tightly secure your mask or the cloak.”
“What do you mean by that?”
It was already surprising enough to be asked to take Rachel along to capture Theodore, and now there was this cryptic instruction as well.
Lylus continued explaining.
“Do not punch the devil. Do not draw your sword. Just prevent him from laying a hand on Rachel.”
“And then?”
“The devil will take care of the rest. Your Highness, by merely standing still, the devil will suffer a greater defeat. So, do not intervene.”
Cian closed his mouth and lowered his gaze.
Lylus knew Cian’s feelings well. After realizing his feelings for Rachel, his heart boiled with jealousy and anger towards Theodore at every moment.
‘The Archduke may seem calm, but he is actually more passionate than anyone else. It will be hard for him not to harm Theodore when he approaches Rachel.’
But he must endure it.
Only then will the devil suffer a greater shock than if he were punched or threatened with a sword. Only then will Cian be able to protect Rachel from Sigar.
‘Just standing still. It may seem insignificant, but it’s the seed of something great. The Archduke will understand this someday.’
Cian took a deep breath, composed himself, and nodded.
“If that is the fee I owe you, I will gladly comply.”
* * *
Cian, disguised as Alias, walked through the bustling street alongside Rachel.
Rachel apologized, saying Lylus had explained the situation and she felt bad for causing any trouble.
“I’m not sure if I’ll be of any help in capturing Theodore. I hope I’m not a hindrance.”
“You won’t be. It’s all part of Lylus’s plan.”
Other than worrying about Rachel’s feelings if she encountered Theodore, there were no problems.
In fact, it was quite pleasant. They were about to capture Theodore, the weather was nice, and Rachel was by Cian’s side.
“We’ve been walking for a while. Are you tired or uncomfortable?”
“I’m fine. I may not be good at running or exercising, but I can walk well. I have good stamina.”
“Graham must have inherited his stamina from his mother.”
“Perhaps.”
As they chatted and laughed, a gentleman suddenly rushed towards Rachel. Cian naturally extended his arm to pull her shoulder, preventing her from colliding with him.
Rachel’s shoulder lightly brushed against Cian’s chest before moving away.
‘Ah.’
The moment they got closer, her sweet scent made his eyes dizzy.
Barely holding onto his sense, he spoke.
“That was close. Did it startle you?”
“A little. Thank you for your help.”
“I wonder where he was rushing off to without watching where he was going.”
Thinking he’d comforted her well, he noticed Rachel’s shoulders remained tense from the scare. He felt a pang of sympathy and wanted to hug her.
Is it really okay for such a delicate person to meet Theodore again?
Why did Lylus tell him to take Rachel with him?
Despite his worries and frustrations, all Cian could do was comfort Rachel.
“Just a little more. We’re almost at the ice cream shop.”
“The ice cream shop? Why there…? Ah, could it be?”
Rachel, quick-witted, recalled that they had met Theodore near there last time, and Cian nodded.
As they turned the corner and entered the street where the ice cream shop was, an unwelcome voice called out.
“Rachel! Racheeeel!”
It was Theodore.
Cian’s lips twisted.
‘They said you were good at hiding, but then you jump out as soon as you see Rachel. That’s why the Bishop told me to bring Countess Rachel with me.’
It may also be because Theodore was not afraid of Cian disguised as Alias. Lylus’s ability to foresee the future was amazing.
He heard the sound of footsteps approaching, followed by a foul odor.
Even without seeing him clearly through his disguise, Cian knew Theodore hadn’t bathed in days.
Theodore, out of breath from rushing to Rachel, struggled to speak between heavy gasps.
“Rachel. I missed you! I knew hiding here would bring me back to you! You missed me too, right? You came here to meet me, didn’t you?”
“Stay back.”
Cian stepped in front of Rachel.
Theodore’s eyes flared up when he finally noticed Cian.
“You! You! You bastard! It was you! The lowly errand boy from the guild who took Rachel from me!”
“Your nonsense has increased.”
“Nonsense? Ha! You think I don’t know about your dirty relationship with Rachel? I also know that you’ve been going in and out of Elrosa Mansion under the pretense of receiving a request!”
“To the person who committed an affair, it seems like everyone else is also committing an affair.”
“Shut up! What an ugly bastard! There’s no use pretending to be calm! I’ll deal with you today and take Rachel back! Rachel was mine from the beginning!”
Cian, who had remained calm knowing Theodore would show up, clenched his fist at those last words.
“Countess Rachel is just Countess Rachel. She’s not your woman, or anyone else’s woman. Besides, you have nowhere to go.”
“Ugh. Shut up! If it weren’t for you! Rachel would have still been my woman!”
Theodore scolded and stretched out his arms toward Rachel.
Rachel, as if expecting this, took a step back, and Cian grabbed Theodore’s arm.
“Where do you think you’re going?”
“Haha, you damned adulterer! You’ve fallen into my trap!”
Theodore smirked as he turned to face Cian who had grabbed his arm.
At that moment, Cian understood.
The reason Lylus had told him not to tightly secure the mask or cloak.
For this exact moment.
Theodore grabbed hold of Cian’s mask and cloak, pulling with all his might, and Cian leaned over to make it easier for him to pull them off.
His disguise fell to the floor and Theodore’s eyes widened.
“What… what is this…?”
Shiny black hair. Clear, golden eyes. A beautifully harmonious face.
People walking along the street stopped in their tracks.
The wind that shook Cian’s hair stopped.
Cian, holding Theodore’s wrist, tilted his head and smiled leisurely.
“It’s been a while. You seem to remember who I am.”
“Archduke….”
“Yes. It’s me. Cian Aisa Dicarsignac.”
“But why… why are you here with Rachel, and why were you disguised…?”
“Why am I here? Weren’t you the one who just accused us of an affair? Now that you see my face, does it suddenly not seem like an affair anymore?”
“Well, no, that’s… I mean….”
Cian was thoroughly enjoying himself.
He was pleased with Theodore’s foolishness in thinking that he and Rachel were lovers.
The defeat and despair in Theodore’s eyes, when he realized that the person he thought was Rachel’s lover was Cian, sent shivers down Cian’s spine.
Lylus’s prediction was spot on.
This felt much more satisfying than punching the guy and swinging his sword at him.
A smile more beautiful than the sunlight appeared on Cian’s face. The straight lips opened and uttered the words Theodore had dreaded and tried to avoid at all costs.
