SOWD Chapter 110

Chapter 110

When the Canyon Count’s family reappeared at the party, their status had changed significantly from before. This time, they were warmly welcomed as they arrived alongside the Marquis of Winblair.

“Oh my, it’s been a while, Countess Canyon!”

“William has grown into such a fine young man! Why have you been keeping yourselves away for so long?”

Just a few days ago, the Canyon family had been the target of ridicule and scorn, but now their shoulders were once again squared with confidence.

Of course, they weren’t foolish enough to get carried away and forget what they needed to do.

“We wanted to visit often, truly. But we’ve been preoccupied with bringing our daughter back.”

“Your daughter… you mean Miss Idel?”

The person asking suddenly lowered their voice.

It seemed they were surprised that the Canyon family dared to bring up Idel’s name again, especially after the scrutiny they had faced at the last party because of her.

But that was exactly the reaction the Canyon family had hoped for.

“Yes. I know people think poorly of her, but she is still my daughter. My husband went to Count Chrysis and pleaded with him to let her go…”

Ludmilla took out a handkerchief and dabbed at her eyes, skillfully drawing more attention from those around her.

Then, William spoke in a heavy tone.

“Count Chrysis allowed my father to meet Idel briefly, but he ignored his desperate plea to return her. Idel could barely even speak, too afraid of how Count Chrysis might react.”

“Oh my, oh my!”

Sympathetic sighs followed.

While Ludmilla and William were appealing to people’s emotions, Dustin and his second son, Jeffrey, were taking a more political approach as they expressed their outrage.

“That man, Count Chrysis… He claims that Idel is a capable butler, but we all know the truth. A girl raised in comfort her whole life—what does she know about being a butler?”

Dustin started, and Jeffrey clenched his fists tightly.

“Count Chrysis knows exactly what he’s doing. He understands that as long as he holds onto Idel, he can drag our family down!”

“Of course! Otherwise, why would he keep someone he doesn’t need? Why does he parade her around at parties, making sure everyone sees her?”

Naturally, there were issues with their argument—starting with the fact that it was the Canyon family who had abandoned Idel in the first place. Or the fact that they were demanding her return without offering anything in exchange. And, most importantly, Idel’s own wishes on the matter.

But to those who spread gossip, rational judgment mattered far less than stirring public interest.

“Have you heard the rumors? The Canyon family is desperately trying to get Idel back, but Count Chrysis refuses to let her go.”

“I heard that too. Honestly, what parent could rest easy knowing their daughter has been taken as a prisoner and a spoil of war?”

“Oh, their hearts must be breaking. Both Count Chrysis and His Majesty have gone too far.”

“Exactly. If she had died, that would be one thing, but how can they expect her parents to stand by and watch their daughter serve another household like a servant?”

And as always, these conversations eventually led to criticism of Dimarcus.

“Even if His Majesty wants to strengthen the imperial authority, did he really have to resort to such cruel measures just to keep the Three Great Houses in check?”

“Besides, wasn’t the Canyon family not even directly involved?”

“This is oppression. Tyranny. The nobility’s taxes are what keep the imperial throne standing—how could he do this to us?”

Most of those voicing their dissatisfaction were old noble faction members, but as the rumors spread, even neutral and pro-imperial nobles were starting to see the Canyon family and Idel as victims.

Isaac fully supported Dustin’s efforts, ensuring that he could carry out his role effectively.

He wrote letters of recommendation in his name wherever Dustin went, introduced him to influential figures, and provided various forms of support.

As a result, the Canyon family’s status rose dramatically in a short period. Their tragic tale of trying to bring their daughter home was embellished further and further, until it had become an emotional saga that could bring tears to anyone’s eyes.

“Just keep doing what you’re doing, Count. Public opinion is shifting, and soon, whether it’s Laszlo or His Majesty, they will be forced to make a decision regarding Miss Idel.”

“It’s all thanks to you, Your Excellency. Once Idel returns, I’ll ensure that Laszlo and Count Chrysis’ internal affairs are reported to you immediately.”

Dustin was determined to hold onto this golden opportunity for his own success and displayed absolute loyalty.

To test him, Isaac spoke with a sly smile.

“My concern is that Miss Idel might refuse to return. Even if we manage to bring her back, will she willingly share information with us?”

Dustin’s eyes grew sharp.

“If she is in her right mind, she will obey her father’s orders. But if the situation you fear does arise…”

“And if it does?”

“Then I will make her confess, even if I have to torture her. That is the only way to uphold our family’s honor—and more than that, it is the way to protect this nation.”

At that, Isaac’s lips curved into a satisfied smile.

“You truly understand the bigger picture, Count. That is very reassuring.”

---

The news of the Canyon family’s efforts to reclaim Idel eventually reached her through Rinia.

“I overheard it by chance, but it seems like the nobility is abuzz with talk about the Canyon family. They’re claiming that they just want to bring their daughter home, but Count Chrysis won’t let her go.”

“…What?”

A chilling sense of dread crept over Idel.

Her father’s face appeared in her mind—the same father who had once told her he was planning to restore her honor. A shiver ran down her spine.

‘No. No… I can’t let this happen!’

Even though she had despised the idea of marrying the Duke of Lancaster, she hadn’t run away. Because at the time, it had seemed like her only escape from her father.

That was how desperately she had wanted to get away from him. From her entire family.

She had thought that being taken as a prisoner and gifted as war spoils had finally severed that connection. But now, Dustin was extending his grasp once more, determined to use her to his advantage.

“Idel! Don’t worry. No matter what rumors are spreading, there’s no way they can just take you away!”

Rinia supported her as she paled, trying to comfort her.

But Idel shook her head.

“My father is the kind of man who always gets what he wants. He will stop at nothing to take me back.”

“But we have His Majesty! You came to our house under imperial decree—how could anyone take you away?”

“Even the emperor cannot completely ignore the voices of the nobility. If the neutral faction turns against him, His Majesty might… he might restore me to the Canyon family just to shift public sentiment.”

Just saying the words made her legs tremble. Her stomach churned with nausea, and she collapsed onto the floor.

‘No. No. I can’t go back. I’d rather die!’

Laszlo and Barbara had both told her not to think that way, but their words meant nothing in the face of her sheer terror and panic.

Rinia, seeing Idel lose all composure for the first time since they had met, was frightened as well.

She hugged Idel tightly.

“Idel! Get a hold of yourself. There has to be a way. My brother—yes, my brother will protect you no matter what!”

At that, Idel suddenly recalled a conversation she had with Laszlo while sitting on a bench.

At that time, he had told her—

“I know I’m not the most trustworthy guy, but I’d really like it if you could believe me just this once. From now on, I’ll protect you.”

He had promised to protect her. He had asked for the chance to do so.

Right now, he was the only person she could turn to.

With shaky legs, Idel forced herself to stand. She gripped Rinia’s hands tightly as she met her gaze.

“I… I need to see the Count.”

“I’ll go with you! You can barely walk!”

“No. I’ll be fine. I can go alone.”

She wasn’t fine at all, but she didn’t want to let her anxiety infect Rinia as well.

Idel steadied herself and made her way to Laszlo’s office.

With every step, terrifying images of what would happen if she was forced back into the Canyon household flooded her mind.

Her father would demand information on Count Chrysis. Refusal wouldn’t be an option. He would get it out of her—no matter what. Even if he had to beat her until she talked.

She barely knew anything that would be of true value. But Dustin wouldn’t believe that.

‘Then what will happen to me?’

She couldn’t even bring herself to imagine it.

Leaning against the wall for support, she forced herself forward. She tried taking deep breaths, but her chest felt tight, as if she were suffocating.

 

She felt like she was about to die.