SWWYV CHAPTER 155

Chapter 155

Sophia was familiar with Ian’s words.

It was the cliché often found in trashy novels and dramas.

Sophia shook her head again, stepping back.

“No, whatever it is, this isn’t right.”

Yes, unexpected plot twists that weren’t in the original story couldn’t suddenly pop up. And even if they did…

“I’m engaged to His Excellency, and I love him. To me, you’ll always be nothing more than a brother.”

Sophia poured out the words that came to her mind and fled into her room, locking the door behind her.

Her legs gave way, and she slumped down in front of the door.

She was so shocked that her hands trembled, and her heart pounded as if it would burst.

“What kind of development is this…?”

Sophia murmured, curling up.

In the distant mirror, she saw a woman sitting on the floor.

It was Sophia Fraus, a woman who looked nothing like Ian.

‘Really… he’s not related by blood at all?’

She had thought of them as half-siblings who shared no resemblance except for their green eyes.

Others often compared the handsome Ian and the less attractive Sophia, noting their lack of similarity.

‘So… does that mean Countess Rubisella had an affair and Ian was born from it?’

Sophia was convinced, without a doubt, that Ian was not a true Fraus.

After all, in stories, it was often the Cinderella or Kongjwi who was the true daughter, while the villainous step sibling was more likely to be hiding the truth. *(T/L: Kongjwi the Korean version of Cinderella. Kongjwi and Patjwi is a traditional Korean romance story from the Joseon Dynasty. It is the story of humble Kongji’s triumph over adversity.)

In many fantasy romances, the child who was despised often turned out to be the true heir of the family.

So it was certain that Sophia was the real Fraus.

‘If Ian is not the biological son of the Fraus Count…’

Sophia began to understand why Ian was so obsessed with being a Fraus.

She didn’t know how Ian had discovered the secret of his birth.

Whether Countess Rubisella had told him the truth or he had stumbled upon old records somehow.

Whatever the case, Sophia had no intention of informing the Count about this.

It would be best to let Ian continue living as the ‘Fraus’ he desired.

“If Ian’s secret isn’t revealed, we’re still siblings.”

Sophia repeated to herself.

In this society, incest was forbidden.

As long as Ian was recognised as a Fraus, Sophia and he couldn’t be together.

Besides, Sophia was already promised to Killian, whom she loved.

Everything was decided, and the fact that Ian might not be her brother didn’t change her choice.

* * *

Even after Killian, Sophia, and Estelle left, Mikhail remained at the party venue.

In the midst of the commotion caused by the chandelier’s fall, he gazed blankly at the spot where it had crashed.

At that moment, the attendant who had gone out with the Empress returned to the party.

Mikhail called the attendant over to enquire about the aftermath.

“You called for me, Your Highness.”

“So, did you inform His Majesty about this?”

“Yes, His Majesty has decided to punish the three servants responsible for maintaining the chandelier and banish them from the palace.”

“What?”

Mikhail’s eyebrows furrowed.

This incident was the work of the Black Moon. So even if the chandelier’s caretakers were to blame, they couldn’t have done much to prevent it.

But to punish the caretakers?

They might bear some responsibility, but blaming them entirely was wrong.

This would only cause the matter to be brushed aside, making it harder to find the Black Moon.

“After investigating with the servants and the knights of Orhelin, it was determined that the incident occurred because the wax wasn’t cleaned off the chandelier before the party…”

“That’s impossible…!”

Mikhail recalled the fallen chandelier.

Though it had fallen and was partly broken and bent, its wax was no different from that of the other chandeliers.

Being a high-value item belonging to the royal family, the chandelier was always meticulously maintained, and any old wax would have been removed and replaced with new candles before the party.

“I need to see His Majesty.”

Mikhail started towards the Emperor’s palace.

‘Did Mother not convey my words to His Majesty? Or did he decide to handle it this way even knowing?’

Just as Mikhail was about to enter the Emperor’s palace, Beatrice approached from the opposite direction.

“Mikhail.”

“Your Majesty, the Empress.”

“What brings you here?”

Beatrice asked Mikhail, who had come to see the Emperor.

Thinking this was an opportunity, Mikhail enquired of the Empress.

“Your Majesty, I heard that His Majesty has punished and banished the three chandelier caretakers from the palace.”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“But this will make it harder to find the Black Moon…”

“So you came because you were worried about that.”

Seeing Mikhail’s anxious expression, Beatrice smiled softly.

“Don’t worry. The Black Moon has already been chased out of Orhel. They won’t slip away so easily.”

“But if we wrap up this incident so quickly externally, what about when we need to capture the Black Moon later?”

“The Black Moon has committed many crimes already. Whether it’s this incident or another, there will be no laxity in pursuing his guilt. But the Empire is different. If bad rumours spread again because of this incident, it will only increase unrest.”

Beatrice reassured Mikhail that Orhel had thoroughly documented and confirmed the evidence of this incident.

Still, Mikhail’s expression didn’t lighten.

“If we make this incident known to the public, wouldn’t it eliminate all suspicion toward Killian?”

Mikhail asked Beatrice.

Despite showing reconciliation with the Emperor at today’s party, Killian’s reputation was at its lowest.

Once gossip starts, it’s hard to shake off the stigma, even if innocence is proven.

And some still suspected Killian might be the Black Moon.

Blame was placed on Lady Chanelia’s newspaper, designed to sow doubts about Killian.

Articles in the newspapers were carefully crafted to exacerbate people’s suspicions.

Even though the Black Moon appeared during the party while Killian was under investigation, rumours persisted that Killian was the mastermind behind the criminals, or that his alibi was fabricated.

The Chandelier incident was a good opportunity to prove Killian’s innocence.

He was at the party when the Black Moon dropped the Chandelier.

If so many witnesses saw it happen, those who suspected Killian would have to quiet down.

But if this incident were merely treated as an accident, it would mean losing the opportunity to prove Killian’s innocence.

“Mikhail…”

“Of course, I understand. I shouldn’t exacerbate the Empire’s anxiety out of personal feelings for Killian.”

Mikhail knew what Beatrice was going to say.

As the Crown Prince, he should make choices for the Empire. He shouldn’t distort things out of personal emotions.

“But I’m also worried about Killian.”

Recent events had been tough on Killian.

Since the Black Moon appeared, unfortunate events have followed him relentlessly.

People he cared about died, he was injured in a tournament and lost, he was tortured as a suspect, and he felt betrayed by the royal family.

Despite outward appearances, inside he must be suffering.

If Mikhail were in Killian’s place, he might prefer death.

“Killian looked tired again today.”

Mikhail recalled Killian’s demeanour at the party.

Although he had recovered enough to function, he probably didn’t enjoy the party.

In fact, he seemed exhausted.

And rumours and gossip about him were unsettling and disturbing to Mikhail.

Talk of the Rivelon family’s downfall, suspicions that Killian might be the Black Moon, and now rumours about today’s marriage announcement…

Although Killian endured silently, internally, it must have been unbearable.

“So after the chandelier incident, he must have felt this way.”

Mikhail remembered Killian’s angry expression.

Beatrice noticed Mikhail’s distress and smiled.

“Don’t worry, Mikhail. Killian is strong. He’ll get through this.”

“But I still want to investigate the Black Moon incident myself.”

Mikhail had made up his mind.

It would be better to focus on resolving the Black Moon’s issues and conclude everything.

Beatrice was taken aback and grabbed Mikhail’s hands.

“You can’t personally get involved in this.”

“But how long can we wait for others to solve it?”

“You are the Crown Prince. It’s absurd for a Crown Prince to pursue a criminal.”

“But I fear more victims will appear if we do nothing.”

“That victim might be you. A monster was wandering the palace grounds. If it knows you’re trailing it, what then?”

“That’s why I must actively pursue and capture it. If not, even you may be at risk, Mother.”

Mikhail held Beatrice’s hand firmly, his decision already made.

To uncover the true identity of the Black Moon.