Chapter 54. Butterfly and Jewel
The Grand Duke’s meeting had ended, and now, the afterparty was happening. But the atmosphere felt even colder than before the meeting. Before the meeting, people were relaxed and trying to gather information about each other. Now, they were forming tight groups, showing their alliances.
‘They’re like children.’ It was just like kids picking sides after an argument. The difference was that these people held real power—they had the ability to command armies and control the fate of many.
The Empire was no exception. Being a massive empire, there were at least 30 dukes or higher in rank. Instead of acting as one empire, the different groups within it were gathering separately.
At that moment, Alexander, who had been watching Ferda with great interest, approached him with a friendly smile.
“Something happened?”
“I was just discussing the proposal.”
“Ah, right. I didn’t expect you to boldly suggest conquering the Far East. If you ever need anything, just tell me. I’ll do my best to help!”
“Thank you.”
That was the end of their conversation. Alexander quickly returned to his group and acted like their leader.
Jed, who was always sharp about noble politics, noticed Alexander’s attitude and asked:
“Did you fall out with the First Prince? Before the meeting, you two seemed fine…”
“He’s ignoring me because he thinks I’m useless now.”
Ferda left that group without hesitation. He never wanted to be part of them in the first place.
Then, another man approached Ferda and bowed deeply.
“It is an honor to meet the Regent of the Great Power, Ferda Valdrova. I am Bernard Wayne, the Chancellor of Escollia.”
“It’s an honor to meet the Head of Knowledge, the treasure of humanity.”
This was the man who had brought up the issue of demon worshippers earlier. Ferda frowned slightly without realizing it.
“Did something upset you? Your expression…”
“No, it’s just…” Bernard’s shiny bald head was reflecting the chandelier’s light.
“Your head is too bright.”
“Ahem… Let’s move past that. Anyway, I wanted to thank you for today.”
“Thank me?”
“Because of the Imperial Prince’s interference, our discussion was almost derailed. But thanks to you, I was able to finish my speech.”
Ah, so it was about that.
“No need to thank me. I just hate people using monsters for politics. I respect those who have real ability.”
“It’s not easy to stay true to one’s beliefs. That’s why I feel I’ll get along well with you, Regent Valdrova.”
Bernard gave an awkward smile. It felt unsettling, as if he was plotting something. But Bernard was not the scheming type. If anything, he was overly responsible and sincere.
“Go ahead and speak your mind.”
“Very well. I was originally planning to introduce a new technology today, but after what happened, it didn’t feel like the right moment.”
“Technology?”
“Yes. I have dedicated my life to this research. It’s a mechanism that predicts monster appearances.”
“A monster appearance prediction device… That sounds familiar.”
“That’s impossible. This project has been kept secret within Escollia.”
Bernard might have kept it secret, but Ferda had heard of it before. Who had mentioned it? Then, he remembered—Thessalos Walcher. Thessalos had once said that a monster prediction device had nearly been created but was ultimately lost. He regretted it deeply, saying that if it had existed, the time needed for their mission could have been cut in half. Back then, Ferda had thought Thessalos was being foolishly obsessed. But now, he realized the foolish one was himself.
“Chancellor.”
“Yes?”
“When do you plan to reveal this technology?”
“Very soon. Do you know the city of Harim? We’ve rented a venue there and invited merchants from all over. We’ll be holding an exhibition and presentation.”
Then, Bernard suddenly leaned in and whispered:
“Of course, we’ll also have some entertainment to relax and enjoy ourselves.”
“I’ll have to stay alive until then.”
“Of course! Who would want to die before experiencing all the pleasures of life? Regent, if you’re available…”
“If you send me an invitation, I will consider attending.”
“Haha, you’re quite the man.” Bernard gave Ferda a knowing, mischievous look.
“Understood. I’ll prepare an invitation. But for now, I have other people to greet, so I must take my leave.”
“Take care.”
This conversation was a great gain for Ferda. He now knew that:
- A gathering of merchants would take place in Harim.
- The monster prediction device was based on actual technology.
- And most importantly, he now had a favor from Bernard.
Ferda hated politics, but if something was necessary, he would get it—by any means. That was why he had attended the Grand Duke’s meeting in the first place.
“Jed, Arwen.”
“Yes?”
“Yes!”
Both answered, but with different tones.
“From now on, secretly keep an eye on the Chancellor of Escollia.”
“That bald guy? What did he do to deserve this?”
“He might not have long to live. Make sure he isn’t up to anything suspicious and check if anyone strange is around him. This is a top priority.”
“Understood.”
Unlike Arwen, Jed hesitated before responding.
“I’ll do it, but why?”
“You ask too many questions for a knight.”
“I’m only a fake knight, remember? My lord still hasn’t held a formal knighting ceremony.”
“Stop talking and just do it. I’ll pay you.”
“Tch, fine.”
At the mention of payment, Jed’s complaints disappeared instantly. He had probably only complained to get a better deal.
After sending them off, Ferda scanned the room again. He was assessing how the factions were forming when he spotted Olivia. She was mingling with priests dressed in white robes with gold trim.
‘The Odograsado Holy Kingdom?’ That was strange. The Holy Kingdom and the Arken Empire were supposed to be enemies, claiming that “two suns cannot exist together.” On top of that, Olivia was wearing a revealing dress that showed off her cleavage—an odd sight among priests.
At that moment, as if sensing his gaze, Olivia looked at Ferda. She smiled brightly and beckoned him over with a small wave. It was annoying. But if he had to choose someone to socialize with, Olivia seemed like the safest option.
Thinking that, Ferda walked towards her. Olivia’s gaze remained fixed on him, filled with deep eye contact. She greeted him with her usual bright and perfect smile. Then, she placed a hand on his shoulder.
“Let me introduce you.”
There were two men standing there. One was an old man with a small, frail body wearing a crown. The other was a middle-aged man with a straight posture and a scar on his face, looking like a soldier.
“This is Ferda Valdrova, Regent of Valdrova and the future husband of the Red Dragon, Valdrova. You’ve already met, haven’t you?”
“Haha, of course! How could I not?”
The old man laughed while stroking his long white beard. His arm, visible through his sleeve, was so thin it looked like skin and bones. Even with high-heeled shoes, he was much shorter than Olivia. He seemed so fragile that even the heavy robe he wore looked like it might crush him. Even though he looked old and fragile, everything changed when you faced him directly. His golden eyes shone brightly as if they could burn everything. Even Ferda, who had abandoned all faith, could feel the presence of a god in those eyes.
Ferda showed his respect.
“I greet His Holiness Pope Gregorio, the Son of Miracles and the Father of the Holy Nation.”
The Pope smiled.
“Nice to meet you, Regent Ferda. I heard this is your first time at the Grand Council.”
“Yes, it is.”
“You made a bold speech for someone attending for the first time.”
“I assume you did not like it.”
Gregorio shook his head.
“Not at all. I have asked myself the same question many times. Could the evil dragon, Valdrova, actually be the guardian of the East?”
“Is that so?”
“I represent the will of Odograsado, so I must be careful with my words. That means I cannot support your opinion openly right now.”
The Pope gently patted Ferda’s arm.
“But if you prove that Valdrova is misunderstood, I will have no choice but to support you in the name of the Golden Scales.”
The Name of the Golden Scales. It was the most sacred vow of those who followed Odograsado. If the Pope himself made this oath, it meant he was serious. At least, on the surface. But Ferda did not believe it so easily. After all, even the Pope of this Holy Nation put interests first.
“I am honored that you think that way,” Ferda replied.
“Go forward with confidence. If you take a step believing in the god within your heart, He will surely answer.”
As the conversation ended, Olivia, who had been watching, stepped in.
“We should be leaving now, Your Holiness. Please take care of yourself.”
“May the golden blessings be with the Empire’s flower.”
After exchanging formal goodbyes, Olivia naturally wrapped her arm around Ferda’s. Ferda had no time to react before she started leading him.
“Let’s go,” she said, guiding him with skillful movements.
Once they had created some distance from the Pope, Olivia spoke.
“I heard what happened in the council.” Her gaze was sharp, filled with disapproval.
“Was that topic your idea?”
“Yes.”
“That was a foolish move.”
Despite her cold words, Olivia smiled sweetly. Her expression did not match her words, making it impossible to read her true feelings.
“It was something that needed to be said,” Ferda replied.
“But not at your first council. You might have made the Eastern lands look worse. That could have backfired.”
Her voice carried a sharp edge, far from the delicate image of a sheltered princess.
“You just spoke with the Pope yourself, yet you’re criticizing me?” Ferda asked.
“Oh my, don’t compare us. I’ve always been like this. I’m like a butterfly,” Olivia said playfully.
“A butterfly?”
She giggled, letting go of his arm and twirling lightly before walking ahead.
“I flutter around, always just out of reach. Not too distant, yet not too easy to catch. Graceful, but never too rigid.”
She truly did resemble a butterfly, dancing on a tightrope between elegance and mischief.
Then, she lightly landed beside Ferda again, taking his hand with ease.
“But not everything was bad. Your declaration to conquer the cursed lands left an impression.”
“Did it?”
“Look at that old man’s face. He won’t forget you anymore. You were once just a background character, but now he remembers you clearly.”
Ferda had felt the same.
“Right now, you have no allies. But if you prove your abilities, they will bow to you. Even if there’s only a 1% chance of success.”
“What makes you so sure?” Ferda asked.
“Because the Grand Duke of Valdrova has a unique right—territorial expansion.”
The only land left to expand was the Far East—the cursed lands. No one wanted that land. If Ferda told others his plans, they would laugh at him. After all, the Grand Duke’s lands were shrinking, not growing.
“But if you purify that wasteland and turn it into our land again, it could become the Empire’s second capital.”
“A second capital…”
“The Empire is overpopulated. Young people abandon farms and orchards to chase their ‘Empire Dream.’ They flood the capital looking for success.”
“Dreaming isn’t a bad thing.”
“It isn’t. But here, those dreamers are treated like disposable trash. Do you know how many enter the Empire each day? And how many die?”
“That’s outside my concerns.”
“Still, if you prove the value of that land, it won’t be just a wasteland anymore. It will become a land of opportunity. More land means more people, and more people means more influence.”
“The East will grow,” Ferda muttered. He looked at Olivia and asked,
“Do you think the Empire will just stand by?”
“Of course not,” she answered. “They will do everything to stop you. They don’t care what happens to the Grand Duke.”
The Arkhan Empire would never give up its control over the capital, even if it meant someone had to die.
“That’s why you must help me,” Olivia said, her voice heavier than before. Ferda could tell she was about to say something important.
“What do you want?” he asked.
“I am both a butterfly and a gemstone in an auction house,” she said. “One day, the central nobles will buy me like an expensive jewel.”
The title of ‘Princess’ was both her platform and her prison. This was not surprising. It was not just Olivia’s tragedy—most noble daughters lived the same way. The better their education and beauty, the higher the chance they would be married into a more powerful family. Men climbed the social ladder in their way, and women in theirs. A princess was the Emperor’s ultimate bargaining chip.
Ferda suddenly realized why she had been so eager to befriend the Holy Nation.
“I must become a Saintess,” Olivia declared with a deep smile. “If I do, I will be free from my ‘price tag.’”
“No one will dare claim a Saintess as their possession and face the wrath of God and the people,” Ferda understood.
“Exactly.”
Olivia had everything—a sacred vow, religious devotion, and public trust. But she lacked one thing. Her status as a Princess.
‘She will never become a Saintess.’ Ferda knew this. Because she had betrayed her vows. Because she had seduced her own family. Because she had brought ruin to her nation. In the end, she had taken her own life. He remembered it all too well.
“Will you help me?” Olivia asked. Her voice carried an unspoken message. Please, for me. There was something in her tone that stirred the desire to protect.
Ferda met her gaze and answered,
“Of course, I will.”
But not for you.
“If you prove useful.” This was a contract. A job. Nothing more.
“Of course,” Olivia agreed. For a moment, her voice trembled. She felt embarrassed, but Ferda did not notice. He simply unlinked his arm from hers.
“Then, I’ll be going now.”
“Where?”
“I have a feeling I need to find a lost child.”
“A lost child?”
Without another word, Ferda walked away. Olivia had held hands with many men before. They always showed possessiveness in their eyes. They never let go first. She always had to be the one to do so.
But Ferda let go without hesitation. He did not look back. Even though she was called the most beautiful woman in the Empire, he had no interest in her. And Olivia, for the first time, found herself unable to take her eyes off a man walking away.
