“Father.”
Marquis Ruber heard Rena’s faint voice, but he did not stop and walked up to Rubid.
“That’s enough, let’s go back.”
Rubid looked at the marquis with displeasure written all over his face. Then he threw his gaze at the nobles who had retreated to a distance.
As soon as their eyes met, they bowed their heads. Rubid looked at the scene before turning around in annoyance.
When the marquis turned around, Rena called again.
“Fathe…”
But the call couldn’t be finished because of the gesture of refusal the marquis showed as he looked back at her.
“Lady.”
The marquis held out his palm as he would to a beast that did not know how to speak.
“Why don’t we step aside for today and talk about this in a proper place at a later time?”
The nobles were impressed by the respectful demands of the marquis. What a polite attitude to a lady who had caused a scandal as she wished.
The hearts of the nobles naturally leaned toward the marquis. Initially, the Marquis of the North was famous for his personality. The nobles thought that such a man could not have such a vicious illegitimate child.
The marquis pushed Rena away and turned around. But once again, the voice came from his back.
“Lord Ruber.”
Hearing the title of ‘lord’, and not ‘father’, the marquis looked back speechlessly.
The lady in uniform was staring at him. He did not know what kind of feelings were brewing within those eyes. Is she happy, sad, or angry?
The wretched woman looked at the marquis with a mysterious expression and asked.
“Are you doing just fine with the scar that you have mentioned earlier?”
Scar? The marquis who was puzzled immediately recalled that he had written that sentence inside the note.
—Do not use a father’s scar.
The marquis realized what Rena was saying and muttered quietly.
“It has nothing to do with you.”
Rena laughed bitterly at his reply as if she had known that he’d answer her this way.
Rena looked silently at the marquis, then moved her gaze to pick up the flowers that had fallen on the floor. It was one of the pitiful flowers that had been floating on the champagne lake before they got tossed out.
Rena brushed the flowers dry and approached the marquis. Then, after kissing the petals, she affixed them to the chest of the marquis.
Rena, who gave flowers to her father, greeted him with a silent smile. Then she turned her body around without any regrets and left.
***
Rubid and the marquis rode the carriage together. As he sat down, still dripping champagne, the marquis handed him a handkerchief.
“Forget it.”
Rubid refused without even looking at him. With that tantrum, the marquis withdrew his hand and tried his luck.
“Your Grace, about today’s matter…”
“I said forget it!”
Having anticipated the nagging, Rubid yelled.
But the marquis was not dismayed. Instead, he continued to speak calmly, making Rubid feel awkward.
“Truly, thank you very much.”
“What?”
Rubid’s forehead knitted at the unexpected response. Then the marquis skillfully explained.
“I know that you were representing my position in dealing with the lady and the gossip-loving nobles.”
The marquis’ interpretation made Rubid’s face even grimmer.
Rubid, who grew up in the bitter north wind, disliked a rude father. Knowing his character, the marquis added lightly.
“However, the procedures and methods were atrocious.”
“What?”
“But I know that’s the best thing about Your Grace.”
“Hey.”
“Accidents have always happened, so it’s alright I guess.”
“You, really…!”
“Nevertheless, thank you. Thank you for taking my side.”
The marquis smiled warmly as he greeted each of Rubid’s curses. Thanks to this, Rubid became unsure whether to be angry or not.
“Is there anything wrong with what I said?”
“It’s all wrong. None of it is right. Don’t be mistaken!”
In the end, Rubid got annoyed and moved his gaze out the window, not knowing whether he was being flattered or criticized.
Rubid was cold and ferocious, but he still had a youthful side like a boy. And the marquis knew just how to handle this sensitive prince.
This time, he simply cooled Rubid’s anger, while Rubid could only grumble, unaware that he was being played.
“What’s up with that woman?”
That woman, Rena Ruber.
Rubid, the little king of the North, was very upset with the sudden appearance of Rena. As he asked the question directly, the marquis answered with a smile.
“I don’t know.”
“You don’t know?”
Rubid asked suspiciously.
It looks like he doesn’t know at all, seeing from the good response. From the tip of the nose, the eyes, and even the dimples that stand out shallowly when he smiles.
When Clavis said that they looked alike, he rejected the idea, but in fact, Rubid felt that way too. Rena Ruber and Marquis Ruber look alike. If they stand side by side, anyone should be able to see that.
The marquis replied to Rubid’s question again.
“She looks similar to the child I lost in the past.”
Rubid knitted his eyebrows. If so, could there be any connection?
As if he could read his unspoken question, the marquis added.
“But if it was her, she wouldn’t get me in trouble.”
“Ha!”
Rubid burst out laughing, it was a burst of menacing laughter mixed with his tantrums.
“Where did the senile old man get such a fraud?”
“The Southern Duke probably did not do that on purpose.”
Rubid was easily deceived. The marquis smiled at him and lifted up the handkerchief he was holding again.
“Since he lost all of his children in the war, his pace will not be the same as in the past. How can a man who is in need of comfort deal with such a determined woman?”
“What crazy things…”
“Everyone knows this and can only sigh, so don’t worry too much about it. It will be revealed soon anyway.”
The marquis said that as he wiped the ends of Rubid’s hair, while Rubid sneered as if he found these things troublesome.
In the meantime, the marquis tied Rubid’s half-dried hair back, then paid a homage lightly to the ruthless prince.
***
After escorting Rubid, the marquis also returned to his room. The first thing he did in the dark room was to close his eyes and endure his fatigue.
Rubid had done something that the marquis himself wouldn’t have done. This put Rena Ruber’s in the eyes of the social world, making it harder for him to deal with the situation quietly.
The marquis took a deep breath and took off his heavy coat. Then his touch stopped at the flower on his left chest, the one that was given by Rena.
The marquis looked at the flower and thought of Rena.
‘It’s just as the butler said.’
The butler who had gone to Rena on behalf of the marquis had said that the lady grew up to be really beautiful. She really was. No, the expression of a ‘lovely’ lady would be more appropriate.
She used to be a very small child.
The marquis thought about Rena’s appearance and touched the flowers. He immediately woke up at the same time. Years ago, the cheeks of his daughter which he occasionally caressed felt exactly like this.
The cloudy moonlight encouraged his reminisce, but suddenly, without any sign, a soft voice was heard.
“What a great night.”
The marquis turned around in surprise and let out a long sigh. A young man with dazzling silver hair was leaning against the door and smiling.
It was Cardinal Clavis.
When the marquis found him, he stroked his surprised chest and sighed.
“If you come like this, people might see you.”
“It’s okay. I’ve made up a few excuses.”
Although not welcomed, Clavis went inside without hesitation. Then he naturally sat on the sofa and said.
“It’s been a while, meeting with just the two of us like this.”
Outsiders were not aware that Cardinal Clavis and Marquis Ruber were acquainted, so it would be weird to see the two of them alone like this.
However, that was merely the external story. The situation inside was totally different.
Clavis asked the marquis.
“Is there anything you’d like to ask me?”
It is impossible to have none.
The marquis mumbled as he crushed the flower in his hand.
“Why is she alive?”
And added with clear pronunciation.
“Did you not say that even the body will not remain after being used as a sacrifice?”
At the marquis’ questions, Clavis Sirentium, the beautiful man who was like a shining angel, laughed.
“You’re too cruel.”
Clavis said in return.
“Shouldn’t you be happy that your daughter came back alive?”
“If this secret is leaked, it will be dangerous for both of us.”
“Is that a threat?”
“It’s advice.”
“Well said.”
When the marquis successfully returned his ridiculing remarks with bitter answers, Clavis rolled his eyes and turned away.
“Is young Rubid doing well?”
“I took him to his room.”
“Our young Rubid is so cute. Having such a pretty face, a good listener, and easy enough to deceive.”
At Clavis’ words, the marquis sighed inwardly.
‘No wonder…’
He had thought that it was weird.
As far as he knew, Rubid wasn’t such a crude schemer. He didn’t have that much patience, and he had enough power and the right to brag, so if he needed to fuck someone up, he would go directly to the person and grab their hair.
He had thought that how could such a guy do something disrespectful, but as it turns out, Clavis was behind him.
And Clavis, who summoned Rena using Rubid, seemed to be very impressed with today’s ball.
“Didn’t your daughter grow up nicely?”
“That child took the Southern Duke’s hand.”
“That, she did.”
“I’m afraid that the Southern Duke will learn of Your Excellency the Cardinal’s progress.”
If Rena opened her mouth, they would be in trouble, so he meant to fix it as soon as possible.
However, despite his concerns, Clavis’s attitude was still light.
“The time to worry is over, Mr. Ruber. Your daughter saw me earlier.”
“By saw, you mean…”
“She recognized me, but she just smiled.”
Clavis whispered, feeling ecstatic.
Clavis was no less surprised than the marquis by Rena’s appearance. So he summoned her using Rubid. He wanted to know if it was real and what she would look like if it were real.
When Rena finally appeared, Clavis had been so delighted.
So, it was real. Not only was she real, but she had also become such a lady that would fight a hundred nobles by herself.
He had been intrigued. He had watched, hoping that Rena would recognize him. How would she react if she found out? Would she try him? Would she run away? Or would she scream?
Clavis had waited for Rena’s gaze while imagining in glee. However, when their eyes met, Clavis’ expectations were all wrong.
Rena was not moved even when she saw him. She just smiled. Beautifully, and dazzlingly.
“How could that be? To the person who had pushed her into hell no less. What the hell is going on?”
Normal people would tremble. No, normal people wouldn’t even be able to come back here again. However, Rena Ruber returned, and even with a smile. As someone who had fallen into the abyss, she was too relaxed.
Clavis couldn’t hide his excitement and said in a lively voice.
“I know, right? The child we sacrificed has returned as a monster.”
But Clavis was the only one excited. The marquis silently watched the madman with a still calm face and somewhat weary eyes.
“I came here with that in mind, but would you be able to shut the Southern Duke’s mouth?
“And what should be done after that?”
“Ask yourself. You seem to have a lot to say, but you will have to meet again to solve these things.”
When he was asked to meet Rena in person, the marquis kept his mouth shut. Then Clavis continued like a child.
“Think of it, Ruber. Your daughter came to the Imperial Palace to see us by foot. What do you think this means?”
“It means she has the confidence to fight us.”
“That’s right. Therefore, negotiate politely. I’m sure she will answer whatever she is asked.”
Clavis added, recommending again.
“This is not advice, it’s a command.”
“… I understand.”
When the marquis answered reluctantly, Clavis smiled contentedly.
The marquis looked at him and thought. What’s with the cardinal’s relaxed attitude? Is it a mere bluff? Or is it because he’s capable?
If Rena’s existence and the pasts are revealed, he will not be safe even if he’s a member of the imperial family.
Because she was not just a girl they had buried in the past.
Years ago, Clavis wanted a noble sacrifice. He wanted to open the door of the tomb as the emperor had done, to gain power like the emperor.
He did not know why the cardinal, who already had so much, was still so greedy. In the beginning, he was not interested. But what was important was the meaning of the action.
In the world, the act of trying to have the same power as the emperor was called treason.
So, at this point, what Marquis Rubel had to hide was not just the fact that he had sold her daughter.
His real secret was joining the treason.
“Father.”
Marquis Ruber heard Rena’s faint voice, but he did not stop and walked up to Rubid.
“That’s enough, let’s go back.”
Rubid looked at the marquis with displeasure written all over his face. Then he threw his gaze at the nobles who had retreated to a distance.
As soon as their eyes met, they bowed their heads. Rubid looked at the scene before turning around in annoyance.
When the marquis turned around, Rena called again.
“Fathe…”
But the call couldn’t be finished because of the gesture of refusal the marquis showed as he looked back at her.
“Lady.”
The marquis held out his palm as he would to a beast that did not know how to speak.
“Why don’t we step aside for today and talk about this in a proper place at a later time?”
The nobles were impressed by the respectful demands of the marquis. What a polite attitude to a lady who had caused a scandal as she wished.
The hearts of the nobles naturally leaned toward the marquis. Initially, the Marquis of the North was famous for his personality. The nobles thought that such a man could not have such a vicious illegitimate child.
The marquis pushed Rena away and turned around. But once again, the voice came from his back.
“Lord Ruber.”
Hearing the title of ‘lord’, and not ‘father’, the marquis looked back speechlessly.
The lady in uniform was staring at him. He did not know what kind of feelings were brewing within those eyes. Is she happy, sad, or angry?
The wretched woman looked at the marquis with a mysterious expression and asked.
“Are you doing just fine with the scar that you have mentioned earlier?”
Scar? The marquis who was puzzled immediately recalled that he had written that sentence inside the note.
—Do not use a father’s scar.
The marquis realized what Rena was saying and muttered quietly.
“It has nothing to do with you.”
Rena laughed bitterly at his reply as if she had known that he’d answer her this way.
Rena looked silently at the marquis, then moved her gaze to pick up the flowers that had fallen on the floor. It was one of the pitiful flowers that had been floating on the champagne lake before they got tossed out.
Rena brushed the flowers dry and approached the marquis. Then, after kissing the petals, she affixed them to the chest of the marquis.
Rena, who gave flowers to her father, greeted him with a silent smile. Then she turned her body around without any regrets and left.
***
Rubid and the marquis rode the carriage together. As he sat down, still dripping champagne, the marquis handed him a handkerchief.
“Forget it.”
Rubid refused without even looking at him. With that tantrum, the marquis withdrew his hand and tried his luck.
“Your Grace, about today’s matter…”
“I said forget it!”
Having anticipated the nagging, Rubid yelled.
But the marquis was not dismayed. Instead, he continued to speak calmly, making Rubid feel awkward.
“Truly, thank you very much.”
“What?”
Rubid’s forehead knitted at the unexpected response. Then the marquis skillfully explained.
“I know that you were representing my position in dealing with the lady and the gossip-loving nobles.”
The marquis’ interpretation made Rubid’s face even grimmer.
Rubid, who grew up in the bitter north wind, disliked a rude father. Knowing his character, the marquis added lightly.
“However, the procedures and methods were atrocious.”
“What?”
“But I know that’s the best thing about Your Grace.”
“Hey.”
“Accidents have always happened, so it’s alright I guess.”
“You, really…!”
“Nevertheless, thank you. Thank you for taking my side.”
The marquis smiled warmly as he greeted each of Rubid’s curses. Thanks to this, Rubid became unsure whether to be angry or not.
“Is there anything wrong with what I said?”
“It’s all wrong. None of it is right. Don’t be mistaken!”
In the end, Rubid got annoyed and moved his gaze out the window, not knowing whether he was being flattered or criticized.
Rubid was cold and ferocious, but he still had a youthful side like a boy. And the marquis knew just how to handle this sensitive prince.
This time, he simply cooled Rubid’s anger, while Rubid could only grumble, unaware that he was being played.
“What’s up with that woman?”
That woman, Rena Ruber.
Rubid, the little king of the North, was very upset with the sudden appearance of Rena. As he asked the question directly, the marquis answered with a smile.
“I don’t know.”
“You don’t know?”
Rubid asked suspiciously.
It looks like he doesn’t know at all, seeing from the good response. From the tip of the nose, the eyes, and even the dimples that stand out shallowly when he smiles.
When Clavis said that they looked alike, he rejected the idea, but in fact, Rubid felt that way too. Rena Ruber and Marquis Ruber look alike. If they stand side by side, anyone should be able to see that.
The marquis replied to Rubid’s question again.
“She looks similar to the child I lost in the past.”
Rubid knitted his eyebrows. If so, could there be any connection?
As if he could read his unspoken question, the marquis added.
“But if it was her, she wouldn’t get me in trouble.”
“Ha!”
Rubid burst out laughing, it was a burst of menacing laughter mixed with his tantrums.
“Where did the senile old man get such a fraud?”
“The Southern Duke probably did not do that on purpose.”
Rubid was easily deceived. The marquis smiled at him and lifted up the handkerchief he was holding again.
“Since he lost all of his children in the war, his pace will not be the same as in the past. How can a man who is in need of comfort deal with such a determined woman?”
“What crazy things…”
“Everyone knows this and can only sigh, so don’t worry too much about it. It will be revealed soon anyway.”
The marquis said that as he wiped the ends of Rubid’s hair, while Rubid sneered as if he found these things troublesome.
In the meantime, the marquis tied Rubid’s half-dried hair back, then paid a homage lightly to the ruthless prince.
***
After escorting Rubid, the marquis also returned to his room. The first thing he did in the dark room was to close his eyes and endure his fatigue.
Rubid had done something that the marquis himself wouldn’t have done. This put Rena Ruber’s in the eyes of the social world, making it harder for him to deal with the situation quietly.
The marquis took a deep breath and took off his heavy coat. Then his touch stopped at the flower on his left chest, the one that was given by Rena.
The marquis looked at the flower and thought of Rena.
‘It’s just as the butler said.’
The butler who had gone to Rena on behalf of the marquis had said that the lady grew up to be really beautiful. She really was. No, the expression of a ‘lovely’ lady would be more appropriate.
She used to be a very small child.
The marquis thought about Rena’s appearance and touched the flowers. He immediately woke up at the same time. Years ago, the cheeks of his daughter which he occasionally caressed felt exactly like this.
The cloudy moonlight encouraged his reminisce, but suddenly, without any sign, a soft voice was heard.
“What a great night.”
The marquis turned around in surprise and let out a long sigh. A young man with dazzling silver hair was leaning against the door and smiling.
It was Cardinal Clavis.
When the marquis found him, he stroked his surprised chest and sighed.
“If you come like this, people might see you.”
“It’s okay. I’ve made up a few excuses.”
Although not welcomed, Clavis went inside without hesitation. Then he naturally sat on the sofa and said.
“It’s been a while, meeting with just the two of us like this.”
Outsiders were not aware that Cardinal Clavis and Marquis Ruber were acquainted, so it would be weird to see the two of them alone like this.
However, that was merely the external story. The situation inside was totally different.
Clavis asked the marquis.
“Is there anything you’d like to ask me?”
It is impossible to have none.
The marquis mumbled as he crushed the flower in his hand.
“Why is she alive?”
And added with clear pronunciation.
“Did you not say that even the body will not remain after being used as a sacrifice?”
At the marquis’ questions, Clavis Sirentium, the beautiful man who was like a shining angel, laughed.
“You’re too cruel.”
Clavis said in return.
“Shouldn’t you be happy that your daughter came back alive?”
“If this secret is leaked, it will be dangerous for both of us.”
“Is that a threat?”
“It’s advice.”
“Well said.”
When the marquis successfully returned his ridiculing remarks with bitter answers, Clavis rolled his eyes and turned away.
“Is young Rubid doing well?”
“I took him to his room.”
“Our young Rubid is so cute. Having such a pretty face, a good listener, and easy enough to deceive.”
At Clavis’ words, the marquis sighed inwardly.
‘No wonder…’
He had thought that it was weird.
As far as he knew, Rubid wasn’t such a crude schemer. He didn’t have that much patience, and he had enough power and the right to brag, so if he needed to fuck someone up, he would go directly to the person and grab their hair.
He had thought that how could such a guy do something disrespectful, but as it turns out, Clavis was behind him.
And Clavis, who summoned Rena using Rubid, seemed to be very impressed with today’s ball.
“Didn’t your daughter grow up nicely?”
“That child took the Southern Duke’s hand.”
“That, she did.”
“I’m afraid that the Southern Duke will learn of Your Excellency the Cardinal’s progress.”
If Rena opened her mouth, they would be in trouble, so he meant to fix it as soon as possible.
However, despite his concerns, Clavis’s attitude was still light.
“The time to worry is over, Mr. Ruber. Your daughter saw me earlier.”
“By saw, you mean…”
“She recognized me, but she just smiled.”
Clavis whispered, feeling ecstatic.
Clavis was no less surprised than the marquis by Rena’s appearance. So he summoned her using Rubid. He wanted to know if it was real and what she would look like if it were real.
When Rena finally appeared, Clavis had been so delighted.
So, it was real. Not only was she real, but she had also become such a lady that would fight a hundred nobles by herself.
He had been intrigued. He had watched, hoping that Rena would recognize him. How would she react if she found out? Would she try him? Would she run away? Or would she scream?
Clavis had waited for Rena’s gaze while imagining in glee. However, when their eyes met, Clavis’ expectations were all wrong.
Rena was not moved even when she saw him. She just smiled. Beautifully, and dazzlingly.
“How could that be? To the person who had pushed her into hell no less. What the hell is going on?”
Normal people would tremble. No, normal people wouldn’t even be able to come back here again. However, Rena Ruber returned, and even with a smile. As someone who had fallen into the abyss, she was too relaxed.
Clavis couldn’t hide his excitement and said in a lively voice.
“I know, right? The child we sacrificed has returned as a monster.”
But Clavis was the only one excited. The marquis silently watched the madman with a still calm face and somewhat weary eyes.
“I came here with that in mind, but would you be able to shut the Southern Duke’s mouth?
“And what should be done after that?”
“Ask yourself. You seem to have a lot to say, but you will have to meet again to solve these things.”
When he was asked to meet Rena in person, the marquis kept his mouth shut. Then Clavis continued like a child.
“Think of it, Ruber. Your daughter came to the Imperial Palace to see us by foot. What do you think this means?”
“It means she has the confidence to fight us.”
“That’s right. Therefore, negotiate politely. I’m sure she will answer whatever she is asked.”
Clavis added, recommending again.
“This is not advice, it’s a command.”
“… I understand.”
When the marquis answered reluctantly, Clavis smiled contentedly.
The marquis looked at him and thought. What’s with the cardinal’s relaxed attitude? Is it a mere bluff? Or is it because he’s capable?
If Rena’s existence and the pasts are revealed, he will not be safe even if he’s a member of the imperial family.
Because she was not just a girl they had buried in the past.
Years ago, Clavis wanted a noble sacrifice. He wanted to open the door of the tomb as the emperor had done, to gain power like the emperor.
He did not know why the cardinal, who already had so much, was still so greedy. In the beginning, he was not interested. But what was important was the meaning of the action.
In the world, the act of trying to have the same power as the emperor was called treason.
So, at this point, what Marquis Rubel had to hide was not just the fact that he had sold her daughter.
His real secret was joining the treason.
