Chapter 49…
The True Identity of the Mastermind.
A few days later, Alexis arrived at Johan’s castle, accompanied only by Christoph and a single attendant.
For a crown prince, that was an unusually small entourage—proof that this visit was being made in absolute secrecy.
“It has been a while, Uncle.”
Alexis greeted Johan, who wore his familiar mask shaped like a goat’s skull. He seemed slightly thinner than before, yet the gentle expression he turned toward Felicia was the same as it had been the last time they met.
“Felicia, it’s been a long time. I heard you were attacked—I’ve been worried. I’m glad to see you looking well.”
“It has been a long time, Your Highness Crown Prince Alexis. I am terribly sorry for the trouble you have gone through to come here.”
Felicia curtsied gracefully, and Alexis looked at her as if dazzled by her presence. The depth of emotion in his gaze was something Johan couldn’t ignore. Worried Felicia might notice it too, Johan spoke up, drawing Alexis’s attention back to himself.
“Crown Prince Alexis, I thank you for taking the time to come. And Christoph, I appreciate your presence as well.”
Christoph, seeing the Demon King’s form for the first time, looked slightly tense, but he knelt before Johan and greeted him respectfully.
“Your Grace, I am deeply grateful that you saved my daughter, Felicia. And now I hear that you are also investigating the incident from the past—I cannot thank you enough.”
“I’m doing it because I wish to. Felicia once saved me, so it is only natural that I eliminate anything that threatens her.”
“Your words are far too kind.”
“You can stop with the formalities now. —Felicia.”
Johan gently placed a hand on Felicia’s back, urging her to step forward toward her father. Christoph’s face twisted with emotion as he took her hand.
“Felicia, I’m so sorry for everything you’ve been through. You must have been so lonely and afraid. Please forgive me.”
He bowed his head to her, and Felicia quickly grasped his hand in return.
“Father, please don’t. If anyone should apologize, it’s me—for making you worry so much. I’ve heard that you’ve been investigating the incident despite your heavy diplomatic duties. You look thinner… are you well?”
“Yes, I’m fine. But you—are you eating properly?”
“Yes. Ever since I was welcomed here, every day has been filled with happiness.”
At her answer, Christoph nodded several times, relief softening his face. Then, once again, he bowed deeply to Johan.
“Your Grace, truly—thank you.”
Johan shook his head.
“I’ve only done what I wanted to do. Now, let’s get to the main matter. Christoph, tell me everything you’ve discovered so far.”
At Johan’s prompting, everyone took their seats around the parlor table, and Christoph began to report all that he had uncovered in his investigation so far
