[CHAPTER 104]
Now Hyu was very accustomed to being summoned by the Emperor.
Somehow, every day Hyu ended up spending time with Yulias and Jeongchan.
Of course, Hyu wasn’t forced to spend time with Yulias.
This strange and uncomfortable negotiation began two weeks ago, starting from the delayed letter announcing the father of the child.
“Has there been no contact with the Duke yet?”
“No, it would be best to go to the Cassius Duchy.”
“What abbreviation should we use when marking it on the map?”
The final procedure for independence of the duchy was completed.
Hyu, who had finished the procedure without the Duke to become the ruler of the duchy, greeted Yulias.
Having obtained what he wanted and finished detailed coordination with help, it was now time for Hyu to return to the north.
He also thought it might be faster to personally find his master, who couldn’t be reached by message.
“If you tell me about my sister, I will give you the information you want.”
“If you agree, I can first provide you with the information you want.”
Looking back now, Yulias’ plan was only an attempt to hold onto Lincia, but at that time, Hyu couldn’t help being tempted by such a tilted offer.
After a few meetings, he confirmed that Yulias’ interest was only in Lincia’s well-being.
Selling the Duchess—of course, after hearing that Lincia bore the Duke’s child, he no longer considered it—if he could get the desired information, it was a gain.
Even by simple calculation, the benefits outweighed the costs.
There were many things Hyu wanted to ask Yulias immediately.
Normally, he would need Harvich’s permission, but he decided on his own due to the master’s continued silence.
“Do you know anything about the royal poison?”
“…Poison?”
It was also necessary information.
It was something Hyu couldn’t obtain at his own level.
From the moment he learned that a vassal in the north had been forced to participate in war due to royal poison, Hyu began investigating it.
Even though he didn’t know the exact nature of the royal poison, he was certain it was strictly managed.
Even if he collected information by investigating the royal ministers, some pieces didn’t match.
So, Hyu needed what the Emperor knew.
“Since the bloodline is not legitimate, I don’t know much. Also, I eliminated the shadow units skilled in poison.”
Yulias spoke without hiding anything.
It was a little disappointing, but Hyu thought that was fine.
It was already over, and he just wanted to be prepared for whatever the empire might do in the future.
It wasn’t immediately necessary, so knowing that the units related to poison were gone was already very useful information.
“I will find out. But you must bring me information about my sister. Even small details are fine. Can you do that?”
And so, this negotiation continued.
From two weeks ago until now.
At first, Hyu had planned to cheaply sell information about the Duchess to get information.
Now, he wouldn’t sell the Duchess at all, not even for a wrist.
“Has the King still not been reached?”
“No, it seems…”
“That means my sister’s health hasn’t recovered yet.”
Yulias’ expression hardened and worry soon appeared on his face.
Hyu felt greatly relieved that this man wasn’t rushing off to see the Duchess immediately.
“I want to know who the child resembles.”
Yulias glanced at Hyu.
Feeling guilty under the man’s gaze, Hyu choked and coughed repeatedly.
For some reason, Hyu felt as if Yulias knew he was lying to him.
“Well, anyway, the collection of poisons the royal family used in the north will be finished soon.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes. Since it’s top secret, it takes time to find it.”
Yulias spoke lightly as usual, but Hyu felt a strange fear that he might demand something unreasonable for the information.
“Also, I noticed there’s something about memory.”
Hyu’s eyes trembled slightly.
Then he might find a clue related to his master’s fragmented memory.
“What would you like? I’ll do my best to provide whatever I can.”
“It’s very simple. I want to know who my sister’s child resembles.”
* * *
Since Harvich returned, the atmosphere in the villa had been tense.
Originally, the villa’s mood changed according to Lincia’s emotional swings, but now, her emotions were so volatile that Tereo had to be cautious dozens of times a day.
Life had become slightly harsher, but it wasn’t all bad.
Since giving birth, Lincia had become drained of energy, almost as if her soul had left her.
Her eyes were empty, and her touch toward the child was vacant.
However, after Harvich’s return, though passionate, there was now some color in her.
“I heard Lincia wanted to go outside.”
“Yes.”
“Have her wait a moment.”
Hyu noticed the concern in Harvich’s eyes.
But Tereo wanted Lincia to go outside.
Since giving birth, this was the first time Lincia expressed wanting to do something.
She hadn’t asked to eat, walk, or even wash herself.
Tereo stood blankly in front of the mansion, and the waiting grew long.
After standing for a while, Tereo sat down comfortably, unwilling to stand endlessly waiting for someone who might or might not arrive.
Soon, he dozed off in the warm air of the hot spring.
He didn’t notice the creaking of the wooden floor that he normally would.
“I want to be alone, so don’t follow me.”
Lincia soon kicked open the villa door.
Tereo, sitting on the stairs, unconsciously grabbed Lincia as she passed.
Her body staggered from the sudden force.
“Let go!”
Lincia glared at Tereo, then checked his face, and her angry expression softened.
Her eyes were red from tears.
Tereo nodded toward Harvich, who stood like a nail in the distance.
Of course, it was a bold act toward a man holding his life, but it was better than letting Lincia wander the estate alone.
“…If you go out in that state, you’ll be in terrible pain.”
Tereo surveyed Lincia’s condition.
She was wearing clothes properly, but since she had been crying, her body temperature was likely elevated.
“I want to go out. Will you stop me?”
Tereo shook his head, wrapping Lincia with scarves and other layers.
“No? I was thinking of making it thicker for you.”
Someone might call him opportunistic, but Tereo was slightly pleased.
He thought that by approaching this fragile, softened Lincia, he might receive a bit of her affection.
“If your condition worsens, let me know immediately. I will take you back to the villa right away.”
Lincia nodded, looking away.
Tereo offered only one arm and walked silently.
Tears formed on her long eyelashes and fell.
Tereo quietly watched her cry.
He wanted to wipe her tears but couldn’t.
Perhaps her crying now was partly his fault.
If only he had carefully watched the messenger bird.
“I should have left with you.”
“Even now is fine.”
