Latest Chapters

    • by Cristae 199. “First, let’s move Sera.” Orchis lifted Seraphy in his arms and carried her to her bedroom. Meanwhile, Loony hurriedly called for the butler. Alarmed at the news that the master had collapsed, he quickly sent word for the doctor. It was not long before Doctor Kara arrived and swiftly examined Seraphy. “It appears she has suffered quite a shock psychologically.” Removing her stethoscope, Kara explained in a composed tone. “Make sure she rests well for the day and serve…
    • by Cristae 198. Since surmising that Count Loria might know the "original story," Seraphy had consciously blocked off all information about him and made an effort to feign ignorance. Fortunately, it was not a particularly difficult task. Seraphy’s days were busy enough; when focused on her daily life, Count Loria naturally faded into neglect. Yet it could not go on like this forever. ‘I have to check for myself.’ There was no denying that Count Loria was suspicious. The Emperor himself had…
    • by Cristae 200. When a member of the nobility commits a crime, unlike commoners, they are typically placed under house arrest or confined to the underground prison within the imperial palace. Once their guilt is confirmed in a trial, punishment follows. Usually, this means an enormous fine or a period of self-reflection and seclusion within their own domain, lasting several years. However, for crimes that are considered seriously damaging to society, they are sent to prison alongside commoners. In such…
    • by Cristae 197. “Oh, how adorable.” “Aren’t these the porcelain figurines that were all the rage last year?” About midway along the garden path, there was a particularly well-lit area. There, a gazebo stood where guests could rest awhile; the magical lights they’d seen earlier twined around its pillars and flat roof like vines. All around, porcelain animal figurines were clustered together, playing out charming little scenes. Behind the squirrel figurine stood a tiny house. Covered in…
    • by Cristae 196. Seraphie’s first ball was held at the close of a humid summer. Though the festivities began in the rather early hours of the afternoon, the sky was already dusky. The invited guests entered the Validus manor, feeling for themselves the shortening days and the subtly cooler air. “Welcome.” “Allow me to show you in. This way, please…” “We hope you’ll remember to take home the gifts the Count has prepared for you when you leave.” Because it was a charity ball,…
    • by Cristae 195. “Where on earth did you learn language like that?” Startled, Seraphie leapt where she sat. Impossible—she, with such a sincere and well-mannered face, reciting the kind of vulgar curse words one would expect only from ruffians in the back alleys. “I picked it up at the resort.” Batisa answered with a bright, innocent expression. “Actually, after I found out what happened to that scoundrel Baglosa, I was so furious I blurted out the same curse words right in front of my…
    • by Cristae 194. “My goodness, how much everything has changed.” The Matron of Validus looked around the Validus estate, so different from what she remembered, and was filled with wonder. The Validus estate she remembered was a nightmare. Her former husband's abuse and violence, shattered bottles, her daughter beaten in her place, the listless servants, and the wilted, lifeless garden. She once thought she’d only leave this place in death. “……” Her hand, touching the bright columns…
    • by Cristae 193. In just the past month, one noble family had already been wiped out, and now another stood on the brink of extinction. From the Imperial perspective, the continuing tremors within the aristocracy could not be overlooked. Thus, more time was needed before striking at the families involved. The Emperor was waiting for the perfect moment to utterly destroy the Crown Prince and seize his place. 'That moment is not mine to create.' That, at least, was not Seraphie's…
    • by Cristae 192. "Isn't the skin usually deathly pale?" Pura recalled the child she had seen in the Iris territory. That innocent child, murdered by the monstrous former Marquis of Iris. The child, whose blood had ceased to flow and who had fallen into the cold snow, was whiter and more rigid than hardened wax. ‘Come to think of it…’ Even now, the corpse being examined had an unusually pink hue for a body in decay. Moreover, just moments ago, the Empress had told the physician that they…
    • by Cristae 191. Regrettably, the situation was far from favorable for a heartfelt reunion. “What about the others?” At Pura’s question, the man hurried to share what he knew. “The other Glakes, aside from me, are split between here and the warehouse across the way. Check on the people over there as well. The office of the men running this place is right upstairs.” “Can you walk?” A mage, having removed his shackles, asked. The man stood shakily. Pura and the other Glakes quickly…
    • by Cristae 190. Just as Pura had predicted. Once the Kia company had finished their business, they returned to the lodgings first. The remaining mages claimed they needed to conduct another experiment with their communication magic at dawn, so they began inspecting the land at the outskirts of the territory. Immediately, the cadet branch family members from Tifeon, who had been lurking nearby, hurriedly interjected. “You can’t go any farther than this.” When the mages tried heading toward the…
    • by Cristae 189. “But, Your Highness, this road is used by many merchant groups…” “If you’re so concerned, why don’t you come up with a solution yourself?” The Crown Prince, cutting him off, tilted his head slightly and fixed his gaze on X. Meeting those eyes, X subconsciously straightened his posture. “I hadn’t realized just how diligent my younger brother has become.” “……” “This too is an opportunity, I suppose. I shall personally inform His Majesty the Emperor that…
    • by Cristae 188. “Are we certain that the corpse is Lady Baglosa?” At the crown prince’s question, the messenger nodded with solemn gravity. “The hair on the corpse is dark green, and the bone structure also indicates a woman. Additionally, there is a mark on the partially burned thigh that identifies her as Lady Baglosa.” “A mark?” “She was born with a large birthmark on her thigh, which Lady Baglosa’s nurse has confirmed.” “……” With an inscrutable expression, the…
    • by Cristae 187. For a while, the public was abuzz with the tragedy of the Baglosa family. Because all attention was focused on the sensational incident, the investigation into the whereabouts of Count Baglosa’s missing daughter only gained attention later. Regrettably, Lady Baglosa was discovered dead two days after the incident. “She was found early this morning, out on the outskirts of the capital.” “I heard the body was completely burned…” “Burned to death? That’s…
    • by Cristae 186. Tok, tok. With every tap of Seraphie’s fingers, Lady Baglosa held her breath, her body trembling in tiny spasms. This was a scenario she had never anticipated. No matter how high and mighty Validus had become, to her eyes, Seraphie was still just a scrawny, unimpressive woman. ‘And yet…!’ Why was she forced to bow her head, unable to meet her gaze, holding her breath lest she even make a sound, suppressing her ragged breaths to the barest whisper? The humiliation and shame…
    • by Cristae 185. “What does it look like I’m holding right now?” Seraphie, who had wisely kept her mouth shut, glanced at the stack of documents in Luni’s hand. Among them, a dusky blue envelope caught her eye. “…A newspaper bill?” “It’s my certificate of title from the Emperor, you damned superior!” Luni threw the letter at Seraphie’s face with all her strength. The sharp smack it made was quite satisfying. Only then did Seraphie notice the seal on the envelope. That…
    • by Cristae 184. “Before Seraphy became head of the Validus family…” Luni began, then abruptly closed her mouth and beckoned Orkis and Karl over with a vigorous wave. She asked them, “Would it be fair to call it worse than garbage?” “Wasn’t it even lower than that?” Karl replied. “That’s true, but isn’t that a little too blunt…” Luni said, sounding half-apologetic. The three of them held their discussion more earnestly than ever. “……” Having heard it all, Seraphy…
    • by Cristae 183. According to Luni, Count Baglosa’s daughter was engaged in a standoff with the Validus staff at the mansion’s gate. She had come recklessly, demanding to see Seraphy, and her insistence was witnessed by Karl, who was waiting at the house, as well as by Orkis and Luni, who arrived just in time. “……” Seraphy pressed her hand to her forehead. Just hearing the account of events was enough to bring on a headache. “No one followed her, did they?” “Sir Orkis and Karl…
    • by Cristae 182. “Was my analogy a bit too cruel? Still, this punishment will serve as a good warning for us.” Count Loria finished speaking and turned to the Crown Prince with a question. The Crown Prince, who had remained silent until now, slowly opened his mouth. “I agree. Now that all the facts of the crime are out, dragging it out any further would just be a waste of time.” “But the trial isn’t even over yet. There could be other crimes revealed, so we should be cautious about stripping…
    • by Cristae 181. For such a perilous incident—a carriage nearly veering off the road—the outside world was remarkably serene. The passersby hurried along, oblivious as though nothing had happened. The horses were calm. There was no sign of damage to the road or buildings anywhere. ‘…Did something really even happen?’ Ex, embarrassed to find himself agitated alone, sheepishly scratched the back of his neck. “I apologize.” Startled by the sudden sound, he turned to find a cleric…
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