Chapter 85
The Gidi Mountains.
Located north of the capital of the Carteia Empire.
Though not far from the imperial palace, just a half day’s journey, the rugged terrain and abundant wild beasts made it a rarely visited place.
In other words, it was an ideal hideout for gathering private soldiers and mercenaries before attacking the imperial palace.
“It’s been a while, Viscount.”
Entering the tent, Grand Duke Clan greeted Belles with a dry expression.
Belles rose from his seat and greeted him, while Royden, though slightly uneasy, soon followed Belles.
“Thank you for coming, Your Grace.”
Belles looked up at the Grand Duke Clan, who nodded lightly in return.
Grand Duke Clan.
A royal family member, uncle to the Emperor.
And a man who had long coveted the throne.
“How are the preparations coming along?”
“The mercenaries and soldiers I personally gathered have already assembled here, and the weapons have been moved.”
“But the numbers in your report seem different. Is something wrong?”
“The soldiers from the noble families who joined us will arrive early tomorrow morning.”
While Belles had been secretly gathering soldiers and mercenaries to avoid the Emperor’s and Lexion’s eyes, the situation was different for the noble families.
Their soldiers were always closely watched by the palace, and any sudden movements would surely be noticed by Lexion Rosenvester.
Thus, this plan was devised.
Just a few hours before the attack on the palace, the noble families’ soldiers, traveling through the eastern mountains, would join them. They would then attack the palace immediately, leaving no time for a quick response even if their movements were noticed.
“Support will also come from a branch of the Rosenvester family. I’ve already sent someone ahead.”
Royden added to the conversation.
“Now that a proper duke with the Rosenvester name will finally take his place, they will undoubtedly do whatever it takes to help.”
“Royden Rosenvester.”
Recognizing Royden, Grand Duke Clan slowly parted his lips.
“It’s good to see you. But I thought you were dead.”
“Just a rumor.”
Royden scoffed.
“Someone of my noble blood couldn’t have been easily taken down by that filthy Lexion.”
Though Belles looked at Royden with an expression of utter disdain, neither Grand Duke Clan nor Royden noticed.
“But I heard there was a bit of a commotion. Count, you left with your soldiers.”
Belles paused slightly.
“What happened? At such a critical time.”
“It was nothing major. Just…”
“Just?”
“Sereniel Verdellete. I thought capturing her might make it easier to deal with Lexion.”
“Your niece?”
“Yes. For some reason, Lexion’s feelings towards Sereniel seem more than trivial.”
“Anyone in Carteia knows that rumor.”
Grand Duke Clan chuckled.
“But I missed her by a narrow margin. I apologize.”
“That’s a bit disappointing. It would have been quite entertaining. For instance, seeing Lexion groveling and begging.”
…The reason Belles didn’t tell Grand Duke Clan about losing the stone or the documents was simple.
The Grand Duke Clan was no fool like Roydenn even quite the opposite.
He was someone very similar to Belles.
So if he found out Belles had been compromised by Sereniel, he would discard Belles as soon as the rebellion succeeded. Especially if he knew about the attack on High Priest Johan. It was always wise to nip any potential trouble in the bud.
‘Damn woman…’
Belles cursed Sereniel with all his heart.
The document likely had already reached the Emperor.
‘But it’s okay. There’s still time.’
In a few hours, the soldiers from the noble families would start moving through the eastern mountains to this place. By early morning, they should all be gathered.
Once assembled, they would immediately attack the palace by afternoon.
After killing everyone, the problem would be solved. The Emperor, Lexion, Sereniel, and even the High Priest. Regaining the document then, Belles would have nothing to fear. By that time, the Magic stone would be worthless.
“In any case, not long now.”
Grand Duke Clan said with a sinister smile.
“By tomorrow afternoon, we will be in the palace.”
“…..”
“I will sit on the throne, and you will share in my everlasting glory.”
“Yes.”
Royden replied with a smile. Belles also slightly bowed his head, as if in agreement.
There was no trace of anxiety or fear in them about the possibility of their rebellion failing. On the contrary, they seemed exceedingly confident, as if they were reclaiming what had been taken from them.
“…Tomorrow afternoon, as soon as we unite with the soldiers sent by the nobles, we attack the palace.”
Grand Duke Clan spoke with a smile on his lips.
⚜ ⚜ ⚜
Sereniel was in the second-floor bedroom with Lexion.
“…So, he was gnashing his teeth, as if he couldn’t wait to kill me.”
“…”
“But it’s alright since I managed to escape safely.”
Lexion recounted everything that had happened at the villa to Sereniel.
While Sereniel and Johan managed to escape safely, Lexion bought as much time as he could. The fortunate part was that the soldiers of the Rosenvester family he had brought were carefully selected.
Although they were injured, no one had died, unlike Belles’ soldiers.
“And there’s nothing to worry about anymore. It’s all thanks to you.”
“Your Grace…”
“I couldn’t even persuade the Emperor.”
Lexion chuckled.
Sereniel also explained what had happened in the palace while Lexion was fighting.
“…”
Gradually, the smile on Lexion’s face faded. Before long, he had that familiar expression on his face again.
An expression of regret.
“I’m sorry, Sereniel.”
As expected, what came from his mouth was another apology.
“I didn’t want to create a situation where you had to step in.”
“…”
“I always end up needing your help, despite saying I would protect you.”
He wanted to protect her. He didn’t want Sereniel to have to step up and do something. He just wanted her to stay safe and peaceful with him.
“Even if this situation repeats, I would make the same choice.”
Sereniel said, holding Lexion’s hand tightly.
“And this is only natural. Since you always protect me, I must protect you too.”
“…”
“So please don’t say that. It was my own desire to protect you that led to this.”
Sereniel’s white hand slowly caressed Lexion’s cheek. He looked at her silently and then hugged her tightly, very carefully.
“Because of you, I’ve developed a strange habit.”
“A habit?”
“When I came to my senses, I found myself fighting cautiously like last time. I’ve never done that before.”
Sereniel knew the reason for this.
Because he now had a reason to return. A reason not to die.
“I used to think that, for someone in the midst of battle, such a thing was a weakness.”
Sereniel paused briefly.
“Because there’s a difference between someone who doesn’t fear death and someone who does.”
“…So do you dislike it?”
“No.”
Lexion shook his head.
“I realized my thinking was wrong. Thanks to you.”
“…”
“Fighting without fearing death is… just that. There’s nothing to lose, nothing to fear. But when you have a reason not to die, the only choice is to win. So, to come back alive.”
“Seriniel…”
“And then I imagine your face welcoming me.”
“…”
“Nothing is stronger than that.”
How much that meant to me, you know.
Lexion thought to himself as he kissed Sereniel’s forehead.
“…”
Under the moonlight, Sereniel’s green eyes reflected Lexion, who gazed at her tenderly and affectionately.
He would have to fight again tomorrow.
Before dawn, leaving the mansion very early.
It would be a lie to say she wasn’t scared. But she didn’t want to show it to Lexion. Because the person who was probably more uneasy than anyone was Lexion.
So, what should she say?
“When you come back this time…”
After some hesitation, Sereniel cautiously parted her lips.
“This room will be neat and tidy.”
“…Sereniel?”
“Sleep in the bedroom together.”
“…”
“Every day.”
Sereniel said with a slightly reddened face.
“Of course, I’ll sleep here tonight too.”
Lexion remained silent for a moment. Instead, he just looked at Sereniel with deep eyes.
…Yes, after coming back, there would be a lot to do.
We can go to the Verdellete estate, which has regained its master, and reflect on our memories. Your happy memories with your parents and my memories of just watching you.
And this time, I will truly become your husband, your real family. And before that, we must prepare for the wedding.
You in a wedding dress will surely be dazzlingly beautiful.
Yes, many things awaited Sereniel and me.
So, no matter what, I will return safely.
“…”
Lexion slowly reached out his hand. Then, holding Sereniel tightly, he lay down on the bed with her.
“With everything I have, I promise. I will come back.”
Lexion whispered in a low voice into Sereniel’s ear.
“Yes.”
Sereniel also answered in a small voice.
“I believe you, because you always keep your promises to me, no matter what.”
…Yes, that’s right.
Lexion tightened his grip on Sereniel, and she buried her face in his chest.
My babies 🥺