Chapter 56
Daimond’s Escape
“Did you really kiss another man?”
“I told you I did.”
“Which bastard—no, which young lord was it you kissed?”
As Marican answered calmly, Ruan’s face darkened little by little.
But Marican, curious about the woman Ruan had kissed, didn’t notice his expression changing.
“Ruan… was the young lady you kissed someone you liked?”
Oh no, why would I even ask something so embarrassing?
Now it sounds as if I’m jealous of some woman I don’t even know.
“And the man you kissed, Rosaline—was he someone you liked?”
“Ruan, what is this? Are you interrogating me now? I don’t think I need to tell you who I kissed.”
Right.
I shouldn’t care who his woman was either. What are we, after all?
“…I’m sorry. I only asked out of curiosity. If it upset you, forgive me. But at least tell me—was he from this village?”
Marican looked at his persistence and suddenly felt amused.
Wait… is he jealous? After he’s the one who kissed someone else?
Seeing his sharp reaction, she decided not to reveal the truth.
“Oh, it’s nearly eight. We’d better get ready to open the shop.”
“…As you wish.”
She picked up her teacup and slipped into the kitchen.
Ruan stared after her, murmuring under his breath.
“So you still don’t remember. The one who kissed you at that home party—do you not know how hard I struggled to keep control when our lips brushed yesterday? How close I came to losing myself? …But then, who in the world was the man who dared kiss my Rosaline?”
***
Word of Ruan spread quickly, along with the fame of Marican’s sandwiches.
Business grew so much that she opened a second shop.
Three months had passed since Ruan began working at her side.
“Rosaline! Something terrible happened. There’s a woman here—looking for the Duke again!”
“A… woman?”
Zelda rushed to meet Marican as she returned from ordering supplies at the grocer’s.
“Yes, and stunningly beautiful at that. Honestly, why are all the women around you so pretty?”
“Haha… is that so?”
“At least she’s polite—unlike your crazy sister. She asked to speak with the Duke privately, so I let her in. Hopefully nothing goes wrong.”
“What kind of woman is she?”
“Exquisite. Clearly a noble lady. And her hair—it was this striking, fiery red.”
Red hair? Oh no…
“Very strong red?”
“Yes, like flames themselves.”
Marican rushed inside.
The shop looked like a battlefield, cups and plates shattered across the floor.
Ruan’s blade was drawn, leveled at the throat of the red-haired intruder—none other than Tablo.
“Ruan! What on earth have you done to my shop?”
At her sharp words, he instantly sheathed his weapon and turned to her.
“My apologies. I’ll clean it at once—after I chase out this intruder.”
“W-wait, Ruan! It was just a joke. Do you always take things this seriously? And you, my lady—it’s been ages. You look so different now!”
Tablo waved cheerfully to Marican, who had grown thinner since their last meeting.
“Sir Tablo. I’ve been well enough—but what mischief have you caused this time, that my shop lies in ruins?”
“All I did was greet her with a kiss on the cheek. I didn’t think he’d try to kill me for it.”
“I told you not to look at Rosaline that way!”
Ruan snatched up his sword again, charging forward.
Tablo stumbled back.
“Wait! What way? It was a normal greeting, nothing more!”
A kiss on the cheek?
He’s lucky to still be breathing.
Marican sighed, watching Tablo edge behind her for protection.
“That’s enough, both of you. Ruan, stop. Sir Tablo, no more jokes.”
“Yes, Rosaline.”
The storm of killing intent vanished instantly.
Ruan tossed aside his sword and began sweeping the floor like a chastised child.
Tablo shook his head in wonder.
“Every time, I’m amazed. How do you tame this wild beast with nothing but words? What a talent, my lady.”
Marican only smiled, motioning him to sit.
“Sir Tablo, please—call me Rosaline here. And let me introduce you to someone. Zelda, this is Sir Tablo, Ruan’s old friend. Sir Tablo, this is Zelda, who once saved my life.”
Tablo bowed gallantly and kissed Zelda’s hand.
“Our savior, then. Thank you for keeping Lady Rosaline safe.”
“Wait—you’re a man? But you look like a woman! Even your name—”
Zelda pulled her hand back, wiping it on her skirt in disgust.
Marican chuckled.
“I was fooled too at first. Isn’t he even prettier than most women?”
Zelda stared.
Red curls, pale skin, a gown cut to perfection… until he spoke, anyone would think him a noble lady.
“Incredible… you’re really a man? Prettier than me, too. But why am I your ‘savior’?”
“Because without you, Rosaline might have died—and then our friend here would have destroyed the Empire in his grief.”
“What?!”
Zelda looked bewildered, while Tablo sipped tea with elegance.
“In any case, thank you.”
“Enough nonsense. Drop the disguise and sit properly.”
“Fine, fine.”
Moments later, Tablo returned in his natural form—startling Zelda all over again.
“My word, he’s even more handsome than Sir Cassel! How many men like this are hiding in the capital? Rosaline, do you realize how lucky you are? Just looking at your men feels like healing!”
Marican laughed. “Oh, Zelda.”
But she noticed Tablo’s serious look and excused herself.
“Today’s a holiday. You can talk here without interruption. Zelda and I will step out for tea.”
“Thank you, Rosaline. Next time, I’ll treat you.”
“There won’t be a next time,” Ruan muttered darkly.
When the women left, he turned to Tablo.
“What brings you all the way here?”
“You need to return to the capital. At once.”
“Why?”
Tablo’s face was grave.
“The former Crown Prince has escaped exile. And Kymon Craft has vanished. Things are turning dangerous.”
“…The former Crown Prince escaped?”
Ruan fell into thought.
“Then my answer is no.”
“What?”
“I won’t return.”
“Ruan! You would abandon the Empire for your wife?”
“I’m already supposed to be dead. If disaster strikes after my death, will you dig up my corpse to fix it?”
“That’s not the point! You’re alive now. Your Empire needs you.”
“Daimond may be foolish, but not foolish enough to plot rebellion with only one useless duke. He’ll need months, at least. And patience is not his strength. Either he’ll rally rabble or crawl to some noble patron—we’ll soon see which. In the meantime, this could be the very trial our Crown Prince needs. His greatest weakness is his timidity. If he cannot handle a crisis alone, he is unfit to rule. But if he endures, he may emerge stronger.”
“…Are you truly the Ruan I knew? You sound like a statesman. Before, you would’ve followed me without hesitation.”
“Whether Rosaline exists or not, I wouldn’t go. The Crown Prince must face this himself.”
Tablo shook his head, half admiring.
“Who knew you had such a silver tongue? Is this how you won your wife’s forgiveness?”
“…Get out.”
“But half your six-month promise has already passed, hasn’t it? And from the look of things, she hasn’t forgiven you yet. I wonder how miserably you must have apologized. Ah—!”
He ducked just in time as Ruan’s blade whistled past his face.
“One last thing! Your aunt says if you fail to win forgiveness within six months, not only will you be disowned by House Canoluf, but she’ll personally introduce your wife to a far better suitor. There—I’ve delivered the message!”
With that, Tablo bolted, slamming the door just as Ruan’s sword lodged into it with a thunk.
“…Aunt, really.”
Ruan sighed, then called toward the storeroom.
“Did you find him?”
Cassel emerged, glancing at the sword in the door.
“After escaping exile, Diamond vanished. He hasn’t met with Kymon. Likely he’s gone to the capital.”
“The capital? Who helped him?”
“Most likely Her Majesty the Empress.”
“Keep watch on Baron Beaunomont’s estate. Strengthen the city gates. And put out a bounty for the prince.”
“Yes, my lord. By the way… that look suits you.”
“It’s… surprisingly enjoyable. This work feels right.”
Cassel smiled faintly, relieved to see his master so alive again.
“At least you look happier now.”
“Enough chatter. Go. And keep an eye on my aunt as well.”
“Yes, Duke. At once.”
After Cassel left, the door opened again.
Marican entered, her eyes widening at the sword still lodged in the wood.
“Ruan… Sir Tablo left already? And why is there a sword in the door?”
Ruan quickly pulled it free.
“My hand slipped. That’s all.”
“…I see. And why did Sir Tablo come here?”
“…I’ll explain. In fact, Rosaline, there’s something I must discuss with you—something urgent.”
