《I Became the Madam of The House》


 Chapter 1

    A black cloth hanging from the ceiling. Two people- a brother and sister, were seen in mourning clothes.


    ¡°I can¡¯t imagine how heartbroken you must have felt.¡±


    Such empty words flowed from the passing nobles who did not care about the Leire siblings at all. Instead, they were only interested in the enormous inheritance of their parents that fell on top of the sibling¡¯s head.


    ¡°Once Lady Archel turns 20-years-old, it¡¯s possible to hold her coming-of-age ceremony.¡±


    ¡°And then the first thing to do is to deliver the flowers¡­¡± The crowds continued to talk despite the grieving atmosphere. Archel, who heard that, bit her lips to suppress her boiling anger.


    Those people were going to put someone to become her husband when she became an adult. Even though she¡¯s only 17 years old, those people were already talking about the event set three years in the future. As if it already decided.


    ¡®I can¡¯t just stand still.¡¯ Archel bowed her head and gritted her teeth.


    ¡°¡­sister.¡± A familiar voice calling out to her. She then glanced at the source of the voice.


    Her brother who turned 13 years old this year, Michael, gripped her hand tightly. The tiny hand clasped Archel¡¯s hand, which was slightly bigger than his. It was a desperate grip as if he was barely holding on to a branch on the edge of a cliff.


    ¡°Don¡¯t cry.¡± A resolute voice was heard from Archel¡¯s mouth.


    ¡®People will look at you when you cry.¡¯ She whispered gently to her little brother. Michael took his breath slowly and fixed his mind, ¡°¡­Yes, I won¡¯t cry, sister.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not because I was embarrassed. A kid can cry too.¡± Archel tried to appease him while holding Michael tightly and stroking his hair.


    ¡°But when we cry, people will think easy of us. We..¡± She paused for a moment,  swallowed her breath, and spoke again, ¡°We only have each other now. There¡¯s no one to trust.¡±


    ¡°How about those people?¡±  A feeble cry rang in her ears. Then she nodded her head and answered.


    ¡°Yeah. Except me and you, don¡¯t put your trust in anyone. Those people don¡¯t feel sorry for us at all.¡±


    ¡°Then?¡± At his innocent question, once again Archel braces herself to say the truth, ¡°They desire our parent¡¯s inheritance.¡±


    She said that while trying to hide Michael from all the lustful gazes directed at them. It was cruel to tell a child who was only 13-year-old about the harsh truth, but it was better than having Michael know nothing about it and feeling betrayed when he learned the truth later on.


    ¡°Then,¡± She could feel that Michael leaned his neck closer and spoke, ¡°All of them, are they bad people?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± She answered straightforwardly and nodded her head, ¡°Think of them as our enemy.¡±


    ¡°Enemy¡­¡± Michael¡¯s words were trailed off weakly as his mind was occupied by the unfamiliar word.


    ¡®It was up to us -no-  it¡¯s up to me to find allies among them.¡¯ Archel thought internally. She then hugged Michael¡¯s tiny body again.


    Before she was transmigrated here, she had an older sister on the earth. They lost their parents early, and for her sake, her sister gave up her college entry and got a job instead. Without a single tear, the older sister who gave up on her college life and her friends to work day and night for their livelihood was forced to grow into an adult too early. The one who matures too early, eventually gets abandoned quickly and falls apart. It was the fate of her sister.


    ¡®Did my sister also feel like this at our parent¡¯s funeral?¡¯


    Reminiscence of her past-life flashed briefly before her eyes. Then Archel took Michael off her shoulder. To avoid people¡¯s gaze, she covered his reddish eyes and whispered softly, ¡°¡­Michael, I¡¯ll protect you.¡±


    I¡¯ll protect you no matter what. So don¡¯t cry. Michael nodded his head at the soft whispering voice.


    ¡°Then me too, I¡¯ll protect you, sister.¡±Michael¡¯s little arms wrapped around her neck as he continued to speak, ¡°From the enemy.¡±


    Archel hugged her 13-year-old brother, a brief thought came across her mind whether her young and naive brother knew who exactly the said enemy was.


    However, Archel has no idea. Michael with his dead-pan expression, cast a cold gaze while looking down on the nobles that were talking about his sister¡¯s marriage. That child at least knew exactly what the enemy was and who it was. On that day, the enemy and allies were clearly mapped out in Michael¡¯s mind.


    And his ally was only one person. It was his older sister, Archel.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    ¡®I¡¯ll protect you no matter what. So that your future will not be ruined.¡¯


    Archel swore an oath to Michael on the day of their parent¡¯s funeral. Then she thought to herself, ¡®If I must get married, I will find my own marriage partner.¡¯


    She had her status as Countess Leire and the head of the family, and countless islands belonging to the state of the Leire County, that she would inherit once she became an adult.


    Before she possessed the body, she already read the whole book and was well-versed in the knowledge about this world. Although she couldn¡¯t read the complete story, she knew the continent¡¯s condition like the back of her hand so she could instantly think about who is her ideal marriage partner.


    ¡®The Dukedom of Zenat.¡¯


    The famous dukedom with a vast maritime territory. A noble family that was wrapped in a veil and well-hidden, whose real headquarters is on an island.


    Around this time, their family would be under pressure to accept the emperor¡¯s marriage request. Moreover, the 20-year-old duke, who had a slim chance of succeeding ever since he was young, doesn¡¯t listen to the talks at all.


    ¡®Because he doesn¡¯t trust people.¡¯


    With a personality that extremely abhorred to be caught in a state of uncertainty, he would welcome this marriage offer.


    ¡®It¡¯s because I don¡¯t love him.¡¯


    ¡®I don¡¯t want the inheritance, I just want to keep my marriage life until my brother meets a good woman and marries her.¡¯


    And The Duke of Zenat, Gael Von Zenat, will be liberated from the pressure of the imperial family. Then when the time comes, we¡¯ll get divorced.


    ¡®Isn¡¯t this a perfect deal?¡¯


    Their surroundings were filled with those who wanted to take advantage of them and snatch their inheritance, anyway.


    ¡®We need to survive.¡¯ Archel thought, her face was brimming with the new-found determination, ¡®I need to head to Zenat Dukedom tomorrow.¡¯


    It didn¡¯t matter if they cursed her as a child who left to find a marriage partner a day after her parent¡¯s funeral.


    Because in her mind, survival was more important than reputation.

 Chapter 2

    Count Leire¡¯s funeral ended early. Archel De Leire, who became the head of the family,  hopped on the carriage as soon as the ceremony procession ended.


    ¡°Where are they going?¡±


    A carriage with a clear pattern of Leire imprinted on it departed from the County. The people who watched the carriage passing by were looking back in surprise.


    ¡°Until yesterday they¡¯re still holding the funeral in their house, now they¡¯re already riding such a fancy carriage?¡±


    ¡°Lady Leire is still young, so she doesn¡¯t know manners.¡±


    Count Leire¡¯s carriage was sadly not very good at blocking the sound from outside. Archel has to endure all kinds of curses that squeezed into her ears.


    *Rattle*


    Rather than being loyal to Leire¡¯s family, the salary-oriented coachman just drove the carriage without saying a single word.


    Inside the shaking carriage, Michael grasped Archel¡¯s hand tightly. The silence fell upon the moving carriage.


    Although the scenery outside the window might be interesting to watch, Michael was only looking at her.


    His small hand held Archel¡¯s hand as if he was holding a rope in a cliff. Archel did not let go of his hand, even if their hands were sweaty and hot.


    ¡°Where are we going?¡±


    The 13-years-old Michael was a brilliant child. Archel recalled the information she had read in the book.


    In the original story that she possessed, Michael was by nature a man who gifted an enormous magical power. But even before she could see his talent blossomed, Count Leire and his wife suddenly passed away in an accident.


    The heroine, Archel, just like what the original book stated was obviously only a child. The legacy left by Count Leire and his wife, including the authority of the maritime territory, were all scattered into pieces between their relatives.


    That¡¯s how two of them ended up dead in the corner of a quiet beach.


    Archel took the last remaining money she had after hearing that Michael wanted to see the sea. When they¡¯re about to call the carriage to go home, they get robbed and end up freezing to death there.


    It was a devastating ending. After Michael¡¯s body was discovered by a wizard accidentally, they noticed that Michael was the future right-hand of the High Archmage. But what can they do when they find him just after his death?


    ¡°Have you ever heard of The Zenat Maritime Dukedom from the east?¡±


    Archel looked back at her younger brother. His small hand grasped her index finger tightly.


    ¡°Yes.Those people owned the sea.¡± Michael answered while nodding his head repeatedly. It¡¯s such a cute and childish expression that makes Archel laugh.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. We¡¯re going to meet those people.¡±


    ¡°Why? Do you know them?¡±


    Michael looked up to her. He looked at her with his big, round ,dark-green eyes.


    Since she said that everyone around them is an enemy, he thought that she was going to ask for help.


    ¡°No, they¡¯re strangers.¡± Michael tilted his head in confusion at Archel¡¯s words.


    ¡°Then why? Are you going to see the sea?¡± His cheeks were slightly flushed and there¡¯s a hint of excitement in his eyes. As the son of a family who owns the sea territory, he liked the beach so much.


    ¡°We¡¯ll see the sea, and also meet with The Duke of Zenat.¡± Then Archel stroked Michael¡¯s head lovingly. He looked up at her in bewilderment, but he chose to stay silent.


    ¡®Even when he¡¯s thinking with his tiny head, did I look so serious?¡¯


    Archel tried to move the muscle around her mouth to subdue the tension on her face, but failed. Then she looked down at her brother, who was currently staring at her with his round eyes without blinking.


    ¡°¡­¡±


    The gorgeous blonde-haired child in a ceremonial outfit was truly emitting his noble origin.


    Having a common 13-years-old teeny stature, and between his slightly curly hair, his green eyes were twinkling.


    His hair would occasionally poke his own eyes, but his round and twinkling eyes sticking to her like glue.


    But she could see it clearly. His big eyes were shaking in anxiety. This whole ordeal would left a big impact on the young Michael.


    ¡°Michael.¡±


    Archel covered Michael¡¯s eyes with her hand. She couldn¡¯t bear to see him repressing his feelings.


    ¡°Uh.¡± Michael groaned.


    That was a half-whining answer. Though his vision was completely covered, Michael wouldn¡¯t try to shake off her hands.


    Archel removed her hand and stroked his head. Even until then, Michael had not taken his eyes off her.


    ¡°¡­.You can cry if you¡¯re scared. If you¡¯re anxious, you can tell me you¡¯re anxious.¡±


    She leaned over to Michael and added, ¡°You don¡¯t have to hold back from crying. Okay?¡±


    Although she can¡¯t give him any solution to soothe his anxiety right now, but at least she wants to lend her ears to listen to his story.


    Michael nodded at her words and reluctantly answered, ¡°Yeah..okay.¡±


    However, it seems like he will not cry. Archel caught his trembling eyes again. Then Archel let out a small sigh looking at her brother¡¯s stubbornness.


    What she¡¯s about to say was exactly what his older sister told her in her previous life.


    ¡°I know that i¡¯m still young, and I don¡¯t know how the world works, but at least i can still listen to you. Besides¡­¡±


    Archel hugged Michael tenderly, completely burying his tiny body into her arms.


    ¡°No matter what I still know more than you do, you know? So don¡¯t keep it to yourself if you¡¯re anxious and tell me if something happens. We can find a solution together.¡±


    ¡°¡­Yeah. I will do that.¡±


    Michael nodded again. Of course, Archel, who had neither the strength nor real power, had a slim chance to solve the problem.


    To find the solution, she¡¯s on her way to the Zenat Dukedom in the east.


    ¡°I¡¯ll surely do that.¡± Michael added in a small voice. His chubby cheeks that had not lost it¡¯s baby fat were held in her arms.


    Even if she¡¯s only 4 years older than him, Michael seemed to understand that she¡¯s also still young.


    ¡°I¡¯ll protect you.¡± Once again her vows echoed.


    Somehow she felt that she must do this. As an older sister now, she can¡¯t help but think about her older sister from her past-life who gave up her life and died while protecting her.


    ***


    After a long journey, they finally entered the eastern Zenat territory.


    At one glance, the prosperous estate of Zenat Maritime Dukedom was so splendid that it was incomparable to Leire County, where the two lived.


    However, the Zenat castle in the middle was rather desolate.


    The ambience was also spiritless, just like all the mansions of dukedom¡¯s vassals that she saw on the way.


    Archel saw a few people dressed in black mourning clothes as she drove by in a carriage.


    ¡°Here too, I guess someone¡¯s mom and dad aren¡¯t here anymore.¡±


    Michael said quietly while observing the people outside. Archel nodded.


    ¡°I guess so.¡±


    She answered vaguely, however, she knew clearly about the harsh truth. The tragedy that fell upon this dukedom not long ago.


    Even other families around them were wearing mourning clothes, so at first glance, you might think that they attended the funeral of the previous Duke and Duchess.


    Of course, it hasn¡¯t been long since the Duke and Duchess of Zenat pass away, and at this point, it is true that their son and the young duke, Gael Von Zenat, inherited the position of The Duke of this maritime dukedom.


    But that was a month ago.


    Gael Von Zenat, did not order those people to wear mourning clothes.


    He made them wear it.


    In short, it was mourning clothes worn by the purged vassal family. No, to be precise, they are those who became vassals now.


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Archel recalled the contents of the book.


    As soon as Gael Von Zenat took over the Duchy, he purged all the vassal families except one.


    Those were all the families who took advantage of the previous Duke of Zenat¡¯s weak personality, gradually seized his authority and sought treason.


    ¡°Now it¡¯s December, Year 991, according to the imperial calendar¡­¡±


    Archel quietly began to calculate. The Duke and Duchess of Zenat died in November, 991, so the atmosphere was still bloody.


    ¡®But I have no choice.¡¯


    ¡°Sister.¡±


    Then Michael called her. His voice awoken her from her deep thought.


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    ¡°Did the Duke request us to come ?¡±


    In short, he was asking whether they were formally invited or not. Archel stroked his brother, who was well-versed in nobility even though he was young.


    ¡°No. But we¡¯ll be alright. We are not going straight to the duke¡¯s castle.¡±


    She looked out the window. Now it is 5 p.m. It was a perfect time.


    Archel, who had read the original story before, was aware of Gael¡¯s condition and activity around this time.


    He will be on the beach where his memories with his parents rested. After getting his revenge on everyone who hindered his limbs.


    -Clack-!


    Archel, who opened the carriage window, ordered the coachman.


    ¡°Keep going on the right side of the road. Let¡¯s go down to the beach.¡±


    ¡°¡­?¡±


    The coachman looked at her strangely, but Archel had no intention of explaining to him. Instead, she just stroked Michael¡¯s head again. Her cold hand touched his chubby cheeks.


    ¡®It¡¯s warm.¡¯


    Because of that her anxious heart gradually relaxed.


    ***


    In a spotless white sandy beach, she saw a man standing still in a place where the seawater was rising to his knees.


    Gael Von Zenat.


    He¡¯s the one who became the Duke of Zenat, successfully exerting his influence throughout the eastern seas of the Empire. He was also only 20 years old.


    But Archel knew. He was young but he already went through a lot.


    Especially since his parents who had weak personalities couldn¡¯t manage to accomplish anything properly, he already accomplished a lot since he was only 14 years old in their place.


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Then Archel recalled another identity of The Maritime Dukedom of Zenat from the book.


    A pirate family.


    From generation to generation, they were a pirate family who occupied the sea territory near the island of the eastern coast.


    A family whose main job is practically a pirate, whose illegal income exceeds ten times the amount reported to the imperial family.


    A family who in reality holds the darkness in the eastern part of the empire.


    Splash-!


    Archel dipped her shoes in the seawater. It was cold, but she had no other option.


    ¡°Michael, I think the water is deep. Do you want to stay here?¡±


    Michael eagerly shook his head and reached out to hold her arm. He doesn¡¯t want to be separated from his sister even for a second.


    ¡®Should I take Michael with me? Would it be okay if I leave him alone while I¡¯m having a conversation?¡¯


    Archel was feeling concerned with his brother, but it was then.


    ¡°This is my beach.¡±


    As soon as the man¡¯s voice came close to her. Archel, who was surprised at the moment, groaned briefly.


    ¡°Ah.¡±

 Chapter 3

    It was none other than Gael Von Zenat who came without a sound. Archel can see his knight was staying alert behind him.


    ¡°You don¡¯t look like an invited guest.¡±


    Gael¡¯s cold voice rang coldly. Archel bowed her head and began to speak.


    ¡°Greetings to Your Highness Duke of Zenat.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s worse, the beach wasn¡¯t your purpose,  I was your purpose¡­¡±


    Gael squinted his eyes and furrowed his eyebrows. The eyes of the two people met at last.


    Archel opened her eyes wide when she saw the appearance of his intense dark-blue pair of eyes. Those eyes remind her of the darkness of a deep sea.


    Those eyes were covered by his jet-black hair. Between his black hair, his eyes gleamed while examining the two strangers in front of him.


    ¡°¡­¡±


    He was a sailor ever since he was young so his skin was rather tanned. Therefore, it was difficult to spot his figure among the beach setting behind him.


    He was holding the sword handle for a while with a tough and powerful grip. He seemed capable of twisting the necks of the two at any moment.


    Still, she can¡¯t open her eyes. No, it was impossible to not be intimidated by his menacing presence.


    He was a vicious person in the first place. A ruler who can suffocate people with only his stare, voice and aura alone.


    The ruler of the eastern sea.


    ¡°I¡¯m the Countess of Leire, Archel De Leire. This is my brother, Michael De Leire.¡±


    At her introduction, Gael¡¯s eyes were nailed at her and her younger brother subsequently.


    ¡°For what purpose, you came here privately without any appointment?¡±


    He was being thoughtful indeed, but it was apparent that he saw them as an uninvited guest. It¡¯s only normal that he thought so, because they intruded his personal moment.


    Archel slowly breathed in. Her beating heart was almost hearable in her ears.


    The purpose of her visit was clear, but she was constantly worried in the carriage about how to communicate it properly.


    ¡°I¡¯m here to make a deal.¡±


    She closed her mouth tightly for a moment, then continued to speak in a calm voice.


    ¡°By any chance, I was wondering If Your Highness needs Leire¡¯s sea territory near the island, and,¡±


    As if he found it intriguing, Gael slightly tilted his head while listening to her shaky voice.


    ¡°I came here to see if you are interested in a loveless and boundless marriage.¡±


    The deal must be established no matter what. Or else, Leire will be ripped into pieces by their greedy relatives and they both will face a devastating ending.


    In that sense, the best option is to come with the best appeal in making a deal. This is while she is still capable of retaining control over the situation.


    Gael¡¯s lips curled up at her words. Now his mind seemed to drift somewhere.


    ¡°Leire, Lady Leire¡­¡±


    According to the book he was a prodigy, so the whole information about her would flashed in his mind  just by hearing her name alone.


    ¡°Not long ago¡­¡±


    Instead of resuming, he slightly nodded and shut his eyes. It was how a noble expressed their consolations.


    Archel, who greeted him first, cast an expressionless gaze on him.


    Apparently, by this time, The Duke of Zenat was also suffering from his relatives who wanted to secure a position in the dukedom by gaining his favor.


    There were even those people who desperately attempted to send courtesans to his chamber using the hands of the vassals.


    Those foolish people somehow trying to coax the young duke to dominate the seas with his own hand.


    Of course, Gael Von Zenat wasn¡¯t interested in marriage at all. Love doesn¡¯t help him conquer the sea at all. That¡¯s what he believed.


    ¡°It¡¯s true that I¡¯m a little envious of the island and territory owned by Leire, but it¡¯s not urgent enough for Zenat to seize the sea of another family, lady.¡±


    His words came like a cold wind. Archel nodded slightly. Of course, it wouldn¡¯t be easy. Because he didn¡¯t expect that the first word she says to him would be a marriage proposal.


    If he was such an idiot, she wouldn¡¯t even come to him all the way here and asked him to make a deal.


    If he was such a foolish person, she wouldn¡¯t put Michael and her future on the stake in order to make a deal with him like this.


    ¡°I know. But rather than not having the sea owned by Leire County at all, it would be more beneficial to have one.¡±


    Now it¡¯s time to bet on a winning move. Gael laughed at her words. It seems like he still assumed that she was a naive young lady.


    ¡°Of course I do. I¡¯m saying that the sea trade routes of Zenat do not affect Leire sea territory. As you already know, the trade route contrary from your territory in the west is already occupied by Zenat.¡±


    Archel already knew about the presence of that trade route known as Zenat¡¯s biggest income source and nodded.


    ¡°Yes I know. But i¡¯m speaking about something else, Your Highness.¡±


    ¡°Something else?¡±


    Archel took a tiny breath. Gael¡¯s unshakeable gaze seemed to constrain her. After making up her mind, she opened her lips once again.


    ¡°Zenat is looking for a bride.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°But you don¡¯t want to accept the marriage with lowly courtesans coerced by your relatives. Your Highness wants to meet the bride that fulfills your requirements. Obviously.¡±


    Gael¡¯s lips went up a little when she said ¡®Lowly courtesans¡¯. Seeing his expression, she wondered if he was somewhat pleased.


    Archel took her breath again and continued her words. She felt less nervous when she started speaking.


    ¡°I know that Zenat doesn¡¯t want a bride. It would be as hard as picking up the stars in the sky to find the one who can comprehend everything and keep her mouth shut.¡±


    Gael¡¯s eyebrows, which had not moved at all so far, slightly flinched.


    ¡°It sounds like you¡¯re signifying that the Zenat Family holds a weakness.¡±


    ¡°No, that can¡¯t be a weakness.¡±


    ¡°I know there¡¯s a reason why you require the sea of Leire.¡±


    She uttered in a calm voice. She¡¯s referring to none other than his pirate job. Zenat¡¯s secret family business.


    Even when there was a ship delivering valuable material, there are times when the sea of Leire County that was bulged out in the middle of Zenat¡¯s territory, obstructed their way several times and caused great damage and loss.


    Nevertheless, it became problematic for pirates to cross over into the territory owned by aristocrats.


    Also, it would be absurd for the Duke to go against the Count and took over his sea territory for no reason.


    For The Duke of Zenat who became the protector of the east region during the day, and a pirate during the night, the sea of Leire was like a deadly blind spot.


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Gael¡¯s lips were shut tightly. Michael clasped her hand tight. Their instinct of danger was ringing.


    Archel was also terrified.


    ¡®What will Gael Von Zenat do when someone who knows his secret comes?¡¯


    Of course, he would slash their throat and shut their mouth eternally. It will be the fastest and simplest solution.


    Before he could even think to sway his sword, Archel lifted her one hand and opened her mouth. It was a declaration of submission.


    ¡°So I¡¯m here to make a deal with you in exchange for Leire¡¯s sea territory.¡±


    Gael slightly furrows his brows, and Archel proceeded to speak.


    ¡°I can give you the sea of Leire. Because I don¡¯t need the sea anyway.¡±


    Leire was already self-sufficient with its land revenue. It doesn¡¯t matter if the sea-route did not function properly because the sea area was overrun by pirates.


    ¡°Please marry me, instead.¡±


    Archel said calmly. It wasn¡¯t a romantic proposal.


    ¡®But I can be the bride that suits his desired condition the most.¡¯


    ¡°I don¡¯t love you. My goal is not love, I just need a shield to send Michael to the academy and guarantee our safety.¡±


    She caressed Michael¡¯s head and then looked up to Gael again.


    ¡°I have no intention of barging into your room like what those lowly courtesans do. Just until Michael graduated from the academy. We just have to stay married until then.¡±


    With Michael¡¯s abilities, he could become a wizard within a few years after graduating from the academy.


    ¡°After that, let¡¯s get a divorce.¡±


    Archel continued.


    ¡°Even when we divorced, I didn¡¯t intend to take back Leire¡¯s sea territory.¡±


    This marks the whole deal. Gael, who was silently listening, asked.


    ¡°I know what happened in the County, but I¡¯m sure your family¡¯s finances aren¡¯t so bad so that you can¡¯t send him to the academy by yourself.¡±


    ¡°Of Course.¡±


    ¡°Then what is your reason for giving all your family assets to me?¡±


    Gael¡¯s voice sounded rather emotionless. Archel knew it was a sign that he was interested.


    ¡°I¡¯ve promised to protect my brother.¡±


    She looked down at Michael. Michael was looking up to her with his eyes wide open when he heard the statement.


    Archel did not tell him anything. Moreover, in the original story, Michael was the kind of person who would do anything for the sake of the female lead more than Archel.


    But she will surely give Michael another chance to become a marvelous wizard instead of die young.


    ¡®I¡¯m content if my brother is doing well.¡¯


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Archel thought in front of the silent Gael. It¡¯s not like she doesn¡¯t have other plans after divorcing anyway.


    It is now year 991 of the imperial calendar.


    Archel knew that in year 995, a large gold-mine was discovered in the southwest forest, and the family near the site were sitting on a pile of money.


    If she bought the land that is still cheap now, she will be settled for the rest of her life. Archel concluded her words in a calm voice.


    ¡°You need our sea and I need a strong shield to protect me and my brother. Is there any perfect deal more than this?¡±


    ¡®There¡¯s no love, but it was a perfect marriage.¡¯


    ¡°Of course, I know that I don¡¯t meet the condition necessary to become the Duchess. So we don¡¯t have to bother with the wedding vows.¡±


    She meant that she didn¡¯t care about how he would become her guardian. Though, if they do not marry,  she will need to take another method to gain the right to control Leire¡¯s sea water.


    ¡®I can meet those conditions.¡¯


    ¡°Of course under those conditions, the County¡¯s island that I would inherit will also belong to Zenat.¡±


    ¡°No, I¡¯ll take it.¡±


    Gael blurted out a word. Archel did not understand what he was saying at that moment. Then Gael came a step closer to her.


    Archel was completely covered by his shadow. With a scarlet sunset shone behind him, he smiled coldly.


    ¡°I have no intention of letting go of the prey who came into my domain.¡±


    His subdued threatening voice was evident. Archel opened her eyes wide.

 Chapter 4

    Gael Von Zenat briefly bid goodbye and left the beach. It¡¯s understandable why he couldn¡¯t have stayed at the beach for a long time.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go Michael.¡± Archel gently swept Michael¡¯s head. Still holding her hand, Michael looked up at her with his beady pair of eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯m scared.¡± A shaky voice was fleeting inconsequentially into the chilly sea breeze and the little hands were unconsciously shivered.


    Archel could feel Michael¡¯s anxiety through the hand that she held. It was so heart wrenching to see his hand trembling.


    Archel bent her knees on the ground, not caring that her clothes were getting wet and looking straight at Michael¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright, Michael.¡±Her hand reached out to his chubby cheeks. The tears hung around his reddish eyes and she wiped it  with the tip of her thumb.


    ¡°Of course, I¡¯m also scared. We have the enemy on our side and suddenly we had to have this talk with a stranger.¡±


    Archel gave the little boy a tight hug.


    ¡°We just need to hold our hands tightly and survive together. That¡¯s all.¡±


    ¡°¡­.¡±


    Despite the silence, the small head on Archel¡¯s shoulder nodded weakly.


    ¡°You can do it, right? You don¡¯t have to force yourself to be brave. If you can be brave, you can be brave. But if you don¡¯t, you can lean on me.¡±


    Archel¡¯s soft voice rang in Michael¡¯s ears. Michael, who is shorter than his peers, quivered in her arms.


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    Archel was astonished when she removed him from her arms. It¡¯s because she discovered Michael¡¯s tiny face was packed with determination.


    Apart from his red eyes, the appearance of his tiny mouth that was closed firmly was unbearably lovely.


    Archel hugged Michael again.


    ¡°Right, just like that. You did well.¡±


    Archel, who patted Michael for quite a long time, stood up from her position. She then grabbed Michael¡¯s hand while brushing off the dirt from both her knees and clothes.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    Although it was slow to match Michael¡¯s tiny steps, both of them managed to hurriedly left the shore.


    By the time that they passed the white sandy-beach and the pile of rocks came out, the composure that she barely maintained crumbled in an instant.


    Gael Von Zenat is an outlaw of the eastern sea.


    Archel had stepped in his territory. Conversing on an equal footing with someone who could take her life in an instant was difficult, no matter how much she reads and knows about the future.


    But still, she didn¡¯t want to crumble in front of her younger brother. So she discarded her fear.


    ¡°Ah.¡±


    The carriage was gone. Just like in the story when the two died on the beach because they couldn¡¯t afford to rent a carriage to return. Right now, the carriage also left them and went back.


    Of course, even if she can buy the carriage now, she couldn¡¯t find it easily. If she could catch it by chance in the street, it would be fortunate.


    Among the nobility, they shouldn¡¯t be glimpsed to catch the carriage themselves without a decent servant, but it wasn¡¯t a big deal.


    This was better than having a bunch of servants who might have been instilled by her relatives.


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Archel tried to hold back her tears from coming out. When she recalled the book story, her heart aching from imagining their tragic ending.


    The hand that held Michael got a little tighter. Even though she knew a lot, it was not easy to accomplish the work as she thought.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go Michael. Let¡¯s catch a new carriage.¡±


    It was when they were about to walk away. From afar, a carriage was headed straight to their direction.


    ¡°¡­?¡±


    It was a fancy carriage. A carriage decorated with silver ornaments and blue cloth, it was the symbol of the empire¡¯s bureaucrat.


    And one of them was The Dukedom of Zenat.


    *Gallop* *Gallop*


    The sound of the horse¡¯s hoof pounding on the ground came nearer and nearer, Archel then hugged Michael with both her arms.


    As if it was unbelievable, the carriage really strode towards the two people. The carriage, which was turning to the other side so that the dust won¡¯t hit those two, had a distinct pattern of The Zenat Family.


    It was a straight sword without a hilt facing down, that pattern was emitting Zenat¡¯s unconquerable aura.


    *Clack*


    The carriage¡¯s door opened and a maid got off. She then bowed and introduced herself.


    ¡°I¡¯m Rosetta, The Dukedom Zenat¡¯s Maid of Honour.¡±


    It¡¯s not even a maid, but a Maid of Honour. Archel opened her eyes wide at her greeting.


    ¡°Are you Lady Archel De Leire?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±


    Archel nodded briefly. Then, Rosetta gradually stepped back from the carriage¡¯s door. As if trying to attend to the two people.


    ¡°It was the carriage prepared by The Duke himself. He particularly instructed us to give a special treatment.¡±


    ¡°Ah.¡±


    When she heard that, Archel burst into a short breath. Since she decided to be his bride, there¡¯s no way he could send someone who would become his bride into any ordinary carriage.


    ¡°Then, I¡¯ll gladly accept.¡±


    Archel relaxed her arms that were holding Michael. Michael looked up at her, holding Archel¡¯s hand again.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    After glancing at the carriage once, Michael unexpectedly went first and got on the carriage. Then he looked inside the carriage, as if he was checking for possible danger.


    She smiled as she followed Michael into the carriage. She was so proud of her brother.


    Seeing the extravagant and luxurious carriage presented for them, it was only obvious that a wooden-carriage would not fit the class of Zenat¡¯s soon-to-be bride.


    It was a common courtesy towards a noblewoman who is about to get married to the family¡­


    Archel thought so and was convinced that was the case.


    Until she found out that the carriage was headed to The Duke¡¯s mansion, not Leire County.


    ***


    ¡°Our home¡­?¡±


    Michael looked up to her in a confusion. That was what Archel wanted to ask.


    ¡°I know. Maybe we should talk to the Duke first.¡±


    She can¡¯t believe that he sent a carriage to go to Zenat mansion.


    Of course, riding a carriage without asking the destination itself is their mistake¡­. but why would he bring the person he met for the first time into his mansion?


    Not to mention, he is the infamous eastern outlaw, Gael Von Zenat!


    ¡°Please come this way.¡±


    When the door opened, all she saw was an old butler without any wrinkles in his face wearing a tailcoat. The butler, who briefly bowed his head and stepped away, was moving swiftly without making a single sound.


    When Archel looked around, she could see that the mansion was surrounded by a strange silence. Although there¡¯s no sea nearby, the salty-water aroma was stuck in her nose.


    And the mansion in front of her was covered with a black vines that exude a salt water aroma, as if it had not been properly maintained for ten years. There was also a black smudge in the corner.


    ¡®But I¡¯m sure the inside would be clean.¡¯


    She knew that very well. She concluded as she looked around.


    ¡®Because this is not the real Zenat Mansion.¡¯


    It wasn¡¯t exactly Zenat¡¯s mansion. The main residence of the Zenat family is in the middle of the sea. In order to maintain their position as a pirate family, they build their headquarters on the island.


    This is the residence of the Duke of Zenat known by people on the land, and also the most spotlighted villa of Duke of Zenat.


    ¡°Do you want to go straight to the drawing room? Or do you want to take a rest?¡±


    Upon entering the mansion, the butler looked back on both of them. Archel looked around at the inside of the mansion, which was different from the outside appearance, just like what she had expected.


    ¡®What should I do?¡¯


    She couldn¡¯t stay for a long time in another noble¡¯s mansion for no reason, while she hasn¡¯t married yet. It wouldn¡¯t be good to stir a rumor.


    ¡®But, will Michael be alright?¡¯


    Archel looked down to check on Michael, but to her surprise, he was looking at her with pure and concerned eyes. He seemed nervous. Maybe because he feels like they¡¯re entering the enemy¡¯s hideout.


    ¡°To the drawing room.¡±


    Now that she has become Michael¡¯s role model, she can¡¯t back down anymore. Archel followed the butler to the drawing-room.


    The Zenat¡¯s mansion drawing-room looks exactly as described in the book. In the center of the splendid room, there was a silver sword decoration lay on top of a blue cloth.


    In case that the guest might harm the owner, it was a very convenient interior decoration.


    Of course, the book said this about the sword.


    [The sword has been spilling other people¡¯s blood mercilessly and hiding it¡¯s blood-stained past with its glistening appearance. The deadly sword.]


    In short, if Gael decided to impale his opponent, he could finish it silently and neatly.


    -Clack-!


    Now she wonders how much time has passed? The door of the drawing room opened and a well-built figure entered. The light reflected his gleaming jet-black hair and his bewitching deep-blue eyes were turned to Archel.


    ¡°Thank you for your invitation.¡±


    Archel opened her mouth first. She¡¯s trying to conclude this visit as an invitation in order to not create any bad rumor circulating. Something like, suddenly an unmarried woman stopped by the mansion of a noble family¡¯s bachelor.


    But Gael didn¡¯t seem to care about that.


    ¡°I¡¯m glad that you¡¯re willing to come.¡±


    He looked much more dignified and neat than when she saw him at the beach before. His figure wasn¡¯t the outlaw of the eastern sea, but the Duke of Zenat, Gael Von Zenat himself.


    His jet black hair was neatly pushed back, and his body stretched down under his sharp jawline, wrapped in a black uniform. As he moved slightly, silver and blue decorations glistened.


    ¡°¡­Of course I have to go back to Leire, so please send me the carriage.¡± Archel blurted out her words carefully while glanced nervously at the newly placed cup in front of her. She can see that the maid was pouring the tea with a nervous look.


    ¡°Why are you in a rush to go back to Leire?¡±


    His etiquette of holding the teacup and putting it in his mouth is impeccable. Each of his gestures were graceful and oozes the noble aura. But Archel knows the truth.


    He was the outlaw of the sea. The one who strikes the opponent¡¯s neck with a sword, overturned the ships in an instant and made hundreds of people drowned in a deep sea.


    ¡®As if he knows etiquette.¡¯ she thought inwardly. Because this man right in front of her was the beast of the sea.


    ¡°Because we¡¯re not married yet. If there¡¯s a rumor going around about me staying at the mansion before the wedding-¡±


    Clink-! It was when Archel said that, her words were interrupted. Gael put his teacup down and the sound of the teacup rang clearly.


    ¡°If so, do you think I will not marry you?¡±


    His deep blue eyes nailed to Archel. Archel thought while looking into his eyes.


    ¡®Why? I asked for a deal first, but why am I feeling cornered?¡¯

 Chapter 5

    ¡°Then do you think I won¡¯t marry you?¡±


    At his remark, Archel was momentarily taken aback.


    ¡°That¡¯s not it.¡±


    That¡¯s not what she meant. She was only being careful because there might be noisy rumors that won¡¯t benefit her and her soon-to-be husband.


    Gael smirked and opened his mouth as if he had read her thoughts.


    ¡°Or maybe¡­does it seem like the bride of the Zenat family would be easily put down by those crap just because of small flaws?¡±


    Archel opened her eyes wide in bewilderment. It was certainly a vulgar expression for a nobleman to use. Gael laughed at her reaction.


    ¡°The one who¡¯s going to be my bride said that she knew my secret, but to be surprised by these little words,¡±


    He then picked up the teacup again and opened his mouth, ¡°What would you do if I said I would cut off the heads of those rude bastards and wipe the deck with their blood?¡±


    It was indeed an abusive word beyond vulgarity.The book also revealed that Gael Von Zenat was raised in a rough environment, but she didn¡¯t know it was this bad.


    Archel quietly fidgeting her lips, and Gael laughed again.


    ¡°Anyway, don¡¯t you want to marry to obtain something from this family?¡±


    This time he¡¯s using his nobleman manner again. Archel nodded slightly and he continued to speak, ¡°Then take it and go for it. What¡¯s the use of worrying about rumors?¡±


    As if to show everything under his control, his hands stretched out towards the ceiling and clasped in the air.


    ¡°Those petty things aren¡¯t worthy for the bride of Zenat. Maybe that¡¯s why you wanted to become one.¡±


    His black pupils fell from Archel to Michael.


    ¡°And if your pretty brother wanted to go to the academy,¡± He seemed to be lost in thought and spat out his words lightly, ¡°I¡¯m afraid that Temila Academy wasn¡¯t good enough.¡±


    ¡°¡­Temila Academy, you say?¡± Archel opened her eyes wide in bewilderment. It¡¯s Temila, you say?


    She thought that if Michael could enroll in any academy, his talents would blossom regardless. It was because he was born with a natural talent to absorb mana even if he stays still, and he was a genius who could memorize the magic pattern once he saw it.


    But Temila?


    In the book, Tamila is described as an academy that is only attended by nobles. It¡¯s a place where even a child who doesn¡¯t have talent, could somehow find their talent. What¡¯s more, Temila is famous for its Wizard Education, and the wizard that graduates from Temila already made their name known all over the continent. That¡¯s why Temila was highly prestigious. It was also a place that didn¡¯t easily receive any contact from nobles, and even if they did, it would take months to reply.


    Moreover, it was clear that they would have to go through a lot of hassle to send messages from Zenat territory in the far east to the academy in the middle of the continent. Of course they would also demand tuition fees equal to the noble¡¯s several-year worth of budget.


    ¡°It¡¯s almost time for Temila¡¯s graduation, so they will accept freshmen soon.¡±


    Such a grandiose place was being said casually by Gael. That means he¡¯d send Michael as a freshman this semester. He said not to worry about not being able to contact Michael, or about not meeting the standards of admission.


    ¡°¡­If it¡¯s Temila.¡± No matter how she looks at it, it feels like she was being tangled in it. She¡¯s sure that she was the first one to suggest the deal. In order to not get entangled like this, she was trying to score a deal in an equal footing. It wasn¡¯t as easy as she thought.


    Besides, Temila is the most sought-after academy. But Archel took a deep breath and shook her head.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to send him there. If only he could go to Liroa Academy, that¡¯s enough.¡±


    The Liroa Academy wasn¡¯t famous in the entire continent, but it was the best academy in the Khan Empire, where  Zenat Dukedom and Leire County are located.


    It¡¯s nothing compared to Temila, but it¡¯s enough.


    ¡°So you¡¯re not fond of Temila Academy?¡±


    Gael tilted his head slightly. Archel shook her head. As she took a slow breath, the oxygen circled in her head. She felt all the reasons gradually coming back to her.


    ¡°Temila, of course, is the best option. But Zenat¡¯s spending would be too high, including the connections and tuition to get into Temila this semester.¡±


    She¡¯s not worried about Zenat¡¯s finance. Zenat¡¯s family business, which has been handed down for generations, was enough to make Temila¡¯s tuition look like a penny. But the problem was Leire¡¯s debt. As long as the debt is incurred, the debtor is forced to be dragged around unilaterally. That situation was a no-no. Somehow, she had to find her completely sturdy position in Zenat. Not simply as the bride of Gael Von Zenat, but also possesses the name of Countess Leire and Archel Von Leire.


    So when she got divorced, she had to regain her family and become independent. By the time the deal is over, it means they should become a complete stranger. It was only possible with a proper discussion.


    ¡°In short, it sounds like you don¡¯t want to be in debt.¡± Archel nodded immediately at Gael¡¯s words, ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±


    Gael¡¯s smile deepened at the answer.


    ¡°By any chance, haven¡¯t you heard about my rumor?¡±


    ¡°Rumor¡­?¡±


    There are too many rumors. From the eastern outlaw, having a secret bride, a sea-robber, even the rumor about him being the demon of the sea.


    Which of those countless rumors are you talking about? Archel was worried about what to answer.


    Gael suddenly touched the desk and approached her. Their gaze met within a breath.


    ¡°Do you think I won¡¯t get them from you?.¡±


    ¡°The contract marriage has already begun, Ms. Bride.¡±


    He whispered.


    ¡°I only do business that would benefit me. .¡±


    ***


    Three days have passed since Archel and Michael had been at Zenat¡¯s mansion.


    Do you think I won¡¯t get them from you?


    Archel could not forget the low voice that was full of arrogance. Insisting on rejecting his offer on the spot meant that you were questioning his ability. It¡¯s the prestigious Temila anyway. It can¡¯t be anymore better for Michael if he can enroll.


    The debt¡­I don¡¯t know what the hell he can get from me, but Gael seems confident to get it.


    In the end, it was three days ago that they ended in agreement.


    ¡°¡­¡±


    In the meantime, Archel unwittingly listened to the rumors in the social circles. She thought there must be a story about Lady Leire who went to Zenat¡¯s estate and disappeared. But so far, there have been no rumors about Leire County.It seemed that there was no rumor circulating while she was still in Zenat¡¯s mansion. Usually, the rumors in society are very fast, so it was strange.


    It was when a few days passed just like that again. A white carriage arrived in front of Zenat mansion.


    ¡°¡­It¡¯s here.¡±


    Archel sighed as she looked down at it through the window. Michael approached her with his eyes wide open.


    ¡°Is it not good?¡±


    Michael tried to look at the window. Archel said while lifting him up to look up the window.


    ¡°It¡¯s not good.¡±


    ¡°Then shall I get rid of it?¡±


    She had no choice but to be stunned at his remark. How does a child know what it meant to get rid of people?


    So being too smart could be a problem¡­Archel shook her head.


    ¡°No. These are people that Michael couldn¡¯t beat.¡±


    Because from the looks of it, it must be from a noble family. She thought so at first. But soon Archel opened her eyes wide at the sight of the people getting off the carriage. It was the first man who got off the carriage. He didn¡¯t look like a nobleman. The man¡¯s hair was shimmering under the sun and he held a folder in his hand. He was decently dressed, but it wasn¡¯t something that a noble would usually wear.


    ¡°¡­Who is that?¡±


    She murmured quietly. Michael was held in her arms, he extended his body to the window sill and looked down with grim eyes. Even when those two people were watching like that, they couldn¡¯t find the correct answer. Then the man walked into the mansion guided by the butler.


    Definitely not a nobleman. Who could it be?


    Not long after her question, the answer arrived.


    ¡°Miss Archel De Leire, The Duke is looking for you.¡±


    The maid who was outside the door called her in a polite but formal manner. Then Archel stood up.


    Should I leave Michael?


    She doesn¡¯t know why Gael called her, and what did he want to discuss¡­


    As she contemplated, Michael held her hand tightly. As if he doesn¡¯t want to be left alone. His pure eyes were turned to her.


    It was then.


    ¡°Michael De Leire was told to come together.¡±


    ¡°Michael too?¡±


    Archel opened her eyes wide.


    She doesn¡¯t think that Gael has much to talk about with Michael. At best, it would be about the academy discussion that came out a few days ago¡­


    ¡­No way? Wasn¡¯t it only a few days passed since he contacted them?


    She couldn¡¯t find the answer and walked with Michael. And then she followed the maid to the drawing-room, and she realized that it was really true.

 Chapter 6

    ¡°I¡¯m Damien, the principal of Temila. I¡¯m delighted to have you here.¡±


    He was the man that she saw outside the window earlier. The folder that he was holding in his hand seemed to have been laid down on the desk. Archel gaze was glued on it.


    [Admission Letter]


    Archel was slightly stunned upon seeing the cover of the document. ¡®Really? Admission?¡¯


    ¡°¡­I¡¯m Archel De Leire. And this is my brother, Michael De Leire, who will be entering the academy.¡±


    After saying her greeting, Archel turned her gaze toward Gael. Gael tilted his head slightly when their gaze met. He seemed to ask if she was bewildered because it was different from what she expected.


    ¡°Alright. Lady¡­please take a seat.¡±


    Demian, the principal of Temila, invited both of them to sit on the left side of the sofa and then sat down last. It was very hospitable treatment.


    It was not something that the principal of a highly prestigious academy deserved to do, not to mention that it supposedly took months to get in touch with him. Besides, he wasn¡¯t only contacted for contract signing. Considering the location of Temila Academy that was in the middle of the continent, it meant that he had departed as soon as he was contacted.


    ¡®What on earth¡­¡¯


    Archel had no choice but to look at Gael again in a face full of dismay. He looked relaxed. Just like yesterday, he was seen lifting the teacup in an impeccably elegant manner. As if the name of the outlaw of the eastern sea belongs to others. At this very moment, he had completely transformed as the protector of eastern seas and eastern borders of the empire, the one and only  Duke of Zenat.


    ¡°I¡¯ve heard a lot from His Grace The Duke. Sir Michael said he¡¯s willing to enter our academy.¡±


    ¡®Why the hell did you say that so politely?¡¯


    Even if Leire County belong to the prestigious families, the principal did not have to bow his head. However, there¡¯s no reason to reject polite treatment. Archel looked back at Michael, but he was looking somewhere else. Neither looking at the admission letter or the principal of Temila, but at Gael.


    Gael responded leisurely, not avoiding his glaring gaze at all.


    ¡°¡­?¡±


    ¡®What is he doing?¡¯


    ¡°Lady Archel?¡±


    Then the principal carefully called Archel again. Archel, who came into her senses, answered his question.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. Michael wanted to enter the magic department.¡±


    ¡°I understand.¡± There were no further questions. The principal immediately opened the admission letter and put something on it. Then he looked back at Michael, ¡°Sir. Michael.¡±


    When his name was called, Michael looked at the principal. The principal addressed him politely although his opponent was a child.


    ¡°Have you ever used magic?¡±


    At his question, Michael looked up at Archel as if seeking confirmation. Michael is now 13-years-old, and as the book stated, he has yet to show his magic talent.


    ¡°Am I going to be a wizard?¡± Michael asked Archel instead and completely ignoring the principal. The principal looked bewildered for a moment but then watched the two quietly.


    Archel made eye contact with Michael as the thought swirled in her head.


    ¡®I knew Michael¡¯s future. No, I¡¯m changing his future because I know Michael¡¯s potential.¡¯


    It was told in the book. Michael was able to become a genius wizard in the whole continent, one in a thousand years. Instead of holding and hugging his sister into his death as in the book, he will be able to find a new life.


    ¡®But I couldn¡¯t force him if he didn¡¯t like it.¡¯


    ¡°If you don¡¯t like it, you can choose other things.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll do it if my sister tells me to.¡± Michael then turned his head. When he made eye contact, the principal lowered his head with a visibly reassuring expression.


    ¡°Sir Michael, have you ever used magic?¡± Michael shook his head at his question, ¡°No.¡±


    The principal seemed to hesitate a little at his confident remark. But then he seemed to discern the matter right away. As the wizard career was prosperous, there were many who wanted to raise their children as wizards. He seemed to think that Michael was one of them.


    ¡°Then, Michael De Leire will be a freshman in the magic department of Temila Academy starting this semester.¡±


    He pushed the document to Archel. There are few empty signature slots and a pen was placed neatly next to it.


    ¡°Temila students are prohibited to meet outsiders until they graduate, except for certain periods of time. Of course, you cannot visit your mansion.¡±


    Michael was hesitating at his explanation, but Archel was already aware of that. Because in her mind, there¡¯s no better place for Michael than that. A place that is completely desolate from the outside. Doesn¡¯t it mean that it¡¯s a place where people who want to covet the Leire¡¯s legacy cannot even dare to reach out?


    ¡°I don¡¯t want it then.¡± But Michael seemed to be dissatisfied. Archel, who opened her eyes wide at his sudden remark, turned to Michael.


    ¡°Michael?¡±


    He¡¯s still young, is that why he doesn¡¯t want to be separated from his family? It was when Archel looked at Michael, a low-voice rang from one side.


    ¡°Are you whining? A child is a child indeed.¡± That was Gael¡¯s voice. Michael and Archel¡¯s eyes turned to him. Gael¡¯s deep blue eyes were glued on Michael.


    ¡°Because of her foolish younger brother who doesn¡¯t even know what his sister has to pay in return for sending him to the academy. It¡¯s a waste of a marriage.¡± He smiled sarcastically. It was a clear provocation. It almost felt like he was putting some emotion in it.


    ¡®Why? Have you two ever met in my absence?¡¯


    ¡®But, was Gael Von Zenat such a free-man enough to feel attached to a 13-years-old?¡¯ Archel was puzzled and shortly after her question was quickly answered.


    ¡°From the start, you¡¯ve been glaring at me with fierce eyes.¡± Tak-! Gael put down his cup and tilted his head, ¡°So was it not a beast cub, but only a puppy?¡±


    ¡°..¡±


    Michael was silent. Instead, a small fist clenched tightly. Archel witnessed her brother¡¯s unusual behavior in agape.


    ¡®Michael, you glared at Gael?¡¯


    ¡°If a puppy bites me, will I get scratched?¡± Gael took the pen next to the admission papers. He gave strength to his hand while supporting the center of the pen with his index finger.


    *Scribble* A small sound resonated in the room. The pen was still intact, but if he put a little more force, the pen would surely break.


    ¡°If you want to dump your chance and stay as a puppy, that¡¯s fine. Zenat doesn¡¯t have a place for a puppy.¡±


    At his provocation, Michael pulled the paper roughly and placed it in front of him. Then he silently took the pen next to it.


    ¡°¡­Are you going to enter the academy?¡± The principal who was puzzled by what just happened, asked while wiping out his cold sweat. Michael nodded and signed. The name ¡®Michael¡¯ was written in neat handwriting.


    Are you sure you¡¯re okay? Archel looking alternatively between Michael and Gael. Those two would growling and refused to look at each other.


    ¡°Then please sign here.¡± The principal¡¯s voice still trembled because he was nervous. Archel looked at Michael again before signing for confirmation. His decision to enter the academy remained unchanged, Michael firmly nodded with his lips tightly closed.


    ¡°¡­¡±


    *Scribble* the sound of a pen ran in the drawing-room once again.


    [Guardian Archel De Leire]


    It was when she had finished writing her name with the pen. The principal asked with a cautious voice.


    ¡°¡­.Please excuse my rudeness, but how should I know the relationship between The Duke of Zenat and the new student?¡±


    Archel¡¯s pen halted.


    It was then.


    At that time, Gael, who suddenly came to her side, inclined his head over her shoulder. Hot breath touched her ears. His hand covered her hand that held the pen and gently led her hand and crossed the name ¡®De Leire¡¯ on the paper.


    [Guardian Archel Von Zenat]


    Archel could only stare at the name in shock. Gael¡¯s smooth voice rang in the drawing-room.


    ¡°He is my wife¡¯s brother.¡±


    The principal¡¯s eyes have grown wide too.

 Chapter 7

    The old mansion of the Zenat family was quiet. Most likely because those who knew Gael Von Zenat¡¯s temper wouldn¡¯t dare to run around unless they wanted to taste The Duke¡¯s agitation.


    The Duke of Zenat was a decent nobleman, but he wouldn¡¯t hesitate to give out severe punishment to those who failed to retain their courtesy.


    The Duke who governs both the land and the sea has often been away from the mansion, but there are no servants who dared to be rude to him. Those who acted carelessly will have their eyes gouged out, their tongue cut, and then either sent to prison or kicked out from the mansion.


    That was Gael Von Zenat¡¯s notorious conception across the land. This young ruler will turn 20 this year. He¡¯s the one who beheaded all the vassals who wanted to covet his place and took over the dukedom.


    He¡¯s the one who remains unnerved with the blood-spilling slaughter, and now his figure was seen looking out the window. He fixed his eyes on the distant sea as if he was longing for his real home that was set in the middle of the ocean.


    ¡°Archel De Leire.¡± There¡¯s no way he heard that name for the first time. He¡¯s certainly done studying the state of each noble family around him. Not long ago, Leire County had an obituary and he knew that it wasn¡¯t long after the funeral.


    If he estimated the time when she arrived, he knows that she came here as soon as the funeral ended in order to talk with him. Not to mention, they came without servants. If so, it means that Lady Leire already knows the situation around Leire County well.


    ¡°¡­¡±


    He squinted his eyes. If Lady Leire was outstanding, there¡¯s no way he didn¡¯t know. It was his priority to banish those who might bring trouble for his ¡®family business¡¯ around the Zenat estate.


    But until a few years ago, he never heard the talks about Lady Leire¡¯s excellency. She was an ordinary young lady and her relatives preyed on her innocence, joined hands with each other to covet the property and legacy of the Leire family.


    Of course, there¡¯s no need for Zenat to interfere. Instead, he accepts the deal. Since Leire was the strongest family around here and the one with the most disruptive sea territory, naturally this division was beneficial for Zenat.


    ¡°You need our sea and I need a strong shield to protect me and my brother. Is there any perfect deal more than this?¡± Archel De Leira spoke so confidently.


    It was certain that Leire¡¯s water territory was the most irritating obstacle for Zenat¡¯s family business, which is piracy. Just like a huge block of reefs that was emerging in the middle of the sea, it was the number one contributor to making things troublesome.


    Nevertheless, the pirates could not invade Leire¡¯s sea and become the enemy of the empire, nor could The Duke of Zenat waging a battle against Leire County without any particular reason. So he had no choice but to stay still, even if he lost a lot of money¡­


    ¡°It¡¯s a deal.¡±


    ¡®Did she say that she wanted to divorce?¡¯ Gael silently lifted the corner of his lip. She said she¡¯ll give everything she had in exchange to ensure their safety as well as her little brother¡¯s enrollment into the academy until he graduates.


    ¡®Michael, you say?¡¯  He didn¡¯t seem to be so well-versed in magic.


    ¡®Have you ever used magic?¡¯


    ¡®No.¡¯ The child who was speaking so confidently, even went as far as to glare at him.


    It was like the eyes of a young beast and Gael could sense a murderous look from him. It wasn¡¯t the energy that was supposed to come out from a 13-years-old. He was convinced that the child has a knack for swordsmanship rather than magic.


    However, as for now, he was just a child with a leash attached in his sister¡¯s hand. As he bared his teeth, it¡¯s obvious that he would protect his sister, no, his master at any cost.


    ¡°¡­¡±


    It will certainly be amusing if he really becomes a wizard. That way, Leire¡¯s property wouldn¡¯t be easily seized and became Zenat¡¯s property. It was also the biggest stumbling block in Leire¡¯s sea, and nothing else became a threat to Leire.


    But it was meaningless antagonizing over a loser, rather, it was better to be invested in the future enemy. If that Leire kid who graduated from Temila Academy could become an excellent wizard, he might be a good opponent. That was all he had in mind for Michael.


    ¡°Your Grace, Michael De Leire is ready to go to the academy.¡±


    It was faster than he thought. Gael looked at his knight who just entered the Oval Office. Even his most devoted right-hand knight possessed an appearance that was close to a pirate rather than a knight.


    A knight and a pirate. He was one of a few who held the privilege to visit both Zenat¡¯s mansion and Zenat¡¯s island.


    ¡°Proceed to send him off.¡± Gael beckoned right away.


    If the order was finished, it would have been good to leave. But the knight hesitated,


    ¡°Elaha, you look like you have something to say.¡± Eventually, Gael looked back at his devoted knight, and the knight bowed his body deeply.


    ¡°¡­it wasn¡¯t my purpose to question your noble intention, Your Highness. However, are you really going to marry Archel De Leire?¡±


    ¡®That¡¯s what he wants to ask?¡¯ Gael smiled silently.


    All his devoted knights who would be traveling between Zenat¡¯s mansion and the island seemed to be uncomfortable with Archel De Leire. It¡¯s only natural, because the moment someone becomes the Duchess, she naturally learns various internal circumstances of the family, whether she likes it or not.


    Particularly, because the Duchess was in charge of household finances and she had no choice but to know about the wealth-income that came from a pirate job. How do you explain to her about the Zenat family¡¯s income that was several times higher than what was reported to the imperial household? Moreover, a noble lady? It was annoying because you can¡¯t just cut off her throat and shut her mouth.


    ¡°I¡¯ve promised her a marriage, so I should do it,¡± Gael answered calmly.


    *Thud* Then Elaha kneeled in front of him and bowed his head.


    ¡°Please reconsider, Your Highness!¡± He knew it without a doubt that Elaha was asking him to reconsider. Gael then gave Elaha a side-eye.


    ¡°If it¡¯s because of the sea, you don¡¯t have to worry.¡±


    ¡°¡­.But, Your Grace,¡± Elaha hesitated. He was a prudent man who served the family for so long and willing to throw himself away for the sake of Gael¡¯s safety.


    ¡°I was informed that the lady seemed to know a little about the sea.¡±


    ¡°Yes, she did,¡± Gael answered casually. Elaha bowed his head deeper.


    ¡°I¡¯ve already checked through numerous informants, but there¡¯s no way that Lady Archel De Leire could know about the sea. And most of The Duke has a secret, perhaps Lady Leire¡­¡±


    In short, he wanted to tell that maybe Archel was just spouting out nonsense. But Gael shook his head.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think she¡¯ll speak without strong belief. More than that..¡± He took a few steps closer to Elaha. As his master approached him, Elaha stopped breathing and became nervous. Gael leaned over him.


    ¡°Why should I reject those who know my secrets?¡±


    ¡°¡­Pardon?¡± Elaha¡¯s body stiffened and Gael laughed, ¡°Why should I be afraid of Lady Archel? If she¡¯s willing to marry me even though she knows my secret, shouldn¡¯t I welcome her?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­¡± Elaha stuttered, but he managed to pour out his words, ¡°But it¡¯s a secret that shouldn¡¯t come out from the mouth of an outsider. Besides, don¡¯t you come into agreement to divorce? Then surely one day, she¡¯ll be part of another family. That way the secret will¡­¡±


    ¡°Elaha.¡± Gael shook his head. His straight gaze and faded smile overwhelm his opponent instantly.


    ¡°If she opens her mouth recklessly, I¡¯ll shut her up. Then how do you think inland people would know about what is happening in the sea? And,¡±


    At last, Gael tilted his head slightly. ¡°Do you think I will lose the fight in my own territory?¡±


    This sea was his territory and not even The Emperor could invade it.


    ¡°¡­No. It¡¯s my false judgment.¡± Elaha slowly bowed his head. It¡¯s understandable that he would be worried, but Gael was so confident.


    Besides, wouldn¡¯t it better to keep someone who claimed to know the secret in the territory rather than let them run loose outside? When it comes to fighting, he can¡¯t lose. Because he¡¯s the owner of this sea.


    Gael smiled clearly. He recalled Lady Archel who looked confident.


    The woman who looked unfamiliar with the sea. The woman who flinched at the small waves tickling her feet. But despite that, she¡¯s still come to him. She was able to finish what she had to say even though her voice trembled. She claimed to know the secret, but it didn¡¯t feel like a threat at all.


    ¡®Did she really know about Zenat?¡¯


    The sea-robbery, or a pirate, was Zenat family business which should be done discreetly. The moment it was revealed to the public, it will become a crime of having unreported troops besides the regular knights, and in extreme cases, it could be regarded as treason. Moreover, the reported income is heavily manipulated which makes the crime more severe.


    ¡®But she knows about it.¡¯ The moment he heard it, rather than feeling agitated,  he felt intrigued that she would keep his secret.


    ¡®Do you really know about me? Will you boldly approach me and the runaway in fear later?¡¯


    Her eyes trembled when he spoke. It is clear that the lady is not used to seeing blood at all, for some reason was so confident to visit him in person.


    ¡®If you really knew me, if you knew my secret, you would know it would be a deathwish to suddenly approach me like that.¡¯


    Gael laughed. She was such a strange woman. It was so strange, so it bothers him so much.

 Chapter 8

    While Gael returned to the Oval Office, Michael and Archel were in front of Temila¡¯s carriage. As soon as the admission is decided, The Temila academy will consider him as ¡®Temila¡¯s student¡¯ immediately. Then he¡¯ll be assigned to the dormitory as soon as possible. It was to prevent the family members from coming when they attend the academy. Archel, who knew the fact, hugged Michael who had a hard time parting so abruptly.


    ¡°It¡¯ll be alright, Michael.¡±


    As soon as his talent blossomed, Temila Academy would no longer give him a hard time. Temila was the best place for talented people.


    Archel stroked Michael¡¯s tiny head.


    ¡°Since you¡¯re already so brave, you won¡¯t feel uncomfortable living in the academy.¡± The principal of Temila said while wiping his forehead. After Michael¡¯s decision to enroll, he remained nervous even after Gael left.


    ¡®My wife¡¯s brother.¡¯


    After hearing those concise words, the principal seemed to have a hard time letting go of his nervousness. But strangely, his words were constantly ringing in her ears too.


    ¡°But why aren¡¯t you surprised? Usually, people are wondering why the student is immediately assigned to the dormitory even though the semester starts in March¡­¡± The Principal carefully examined Archel¡¯s expression. Archel held the hand tightly and looked down at Michael, who would not let go before he got into the carriage.


    ¡°I already knew.¡±


    In a book that she read before she possessed the body, Temila was known as the most unusual academy on the continent. It was explained that even the power of the imperial family is difficult to cross the threshold of the academy. But why the principal was so bewildered with Gael remains a  mystery because the book didn¡¯t explain it.


    ¡°Oh, so you know.¡± The principal shook his head and spoke to Michael.


    ¡±Then, Sir Michael, let¡¯s go.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Michael seemed reluctant to accept the sudden farewell. Arcel leaned down and made eye contact with Michael. She could see that her brother bit his lips hard as if one had made up his mind and refuses to be shaken again. Even if he¡¯s smaller than his peers, he looks like he¡¯ll grow up well. Archel swept Michael¡¯s cheek tenderly.


    ¡°You can still say no if you don¡¯t want to go.¡± It¡¯s only natural for a child to complain. It was not a child¡¯s job to suppress himself. But Michael shook his head. ¡°I¡¯ll be back.¡± He even looked so determined. Is it because of what Gael said? His expression was much stiffer than when he said he didn¡¯t want to go earlier.


    ¡°If it¡¯s because The Duke¨C¡± Archel opened her mouth but Michael shook his head quickly.


    ¡°I must grow stronger.¡± As if it wasn¡¯t because of Gael¡¯s words, Michael held her hand tightly. Archel eventually gave him a tight hug.


    ¡°Because that¡¯s what you told me.¡± Archel listened to Michael while hugging him. Because of this, she couldn¡¯t see Michael¡¯s grim green eyes.


    ¡°Everyone but you and I are enemies, so I¡¯ll become stronger and come back.¡±Michael murmured in a low tone and fell from Archel¡¯s arms. As Archel¡¯s eyes widened, Michael strides away from her.


    ¡°I¡¯ll send a letter! I¡¯ll send it every day!¡± Archel waved at Michael¡¯s farewell.


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll give you a long reply!¡± Perhaps because he was so determined to leave, Michael didn¡¯t respond to her last words. But still, at the last moment, while sitting in the carriage, he was only looking at Archel until the door closes.


    She heard that Temila Academy¡¯s teaching method was unique and sometimes harsh. However, it was also said to be a comfortable place for genius children. Michael will definitely do well.


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Archel saw the carriage moving away. Even if she had a falling out with The Duke of Zenat while he was at the academy, The Duke couldn¡¯t hurt him once he entered Temila Academy. No matter how much the principal says he¡¯s bewildered with Gael, he can¡¯t possibly go to the academy and strangle Michael. That was one of the reasons why the children of noble families gathered in Temila.


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Archel stood still in her position until the carriage disappeared. Michael will study, and this was the time for her to do her obligation. She had to proceed with her marriage to Gael and prepare for future measures before the divorce. Since she already read the book and knows not only what will happen years later, but also the secret situation of the continent. All she had to do is to set the direction.


    ¡®For now¡­.¡¯ Just when she started to think about it, ¡°You seem to be ready.¡±


    A low voice came in and Archel turned around. Gael, who stayed in his office suddenly appeared before her eyes. He was dressed splendidly in a black uniform that was adorned with silver ornaments.


    ¡°We should go.¡±


    ¡°Where¡­?¡±


    ¡®Where do you want to go out of the blue?¡¯


    Gael laughed at Archel¡¯s words.¡±Since you already know the secret of my family, you don¡¯t need an explanation.¡±


    Behind him, a carriage approached quietly. He beckoned the horseman and said, ¡°Elaha. Let¡¯s go to the sea.¡±


    A young man greets Gael from the carriage and then his eyes turned to Archel. He was a man with a sea scent just like Gael.


    ¡®Ah.¡¯


    Archel nodded slightly. In Zenat, not many people could witness at the same time the appearance of The Duke of Zenat and Gael the pirate. The man in front of her is dressed up as a horseman, but he must be one of those people.


    ¡®Yes, there was only one place to go.¡¯


    ¡°So we¡¯re going to the island,¡± Archel spoke as she moved her steps lightly. There¡¯s no way she didn¡¯t know the real home of the Zenat family. Their headquarters were located on an island where the Zenat family worked as a pirate.


    Gael only laughed at her words. It seems like she really knows the secret of the Zenat family. He tilted his head slightly and gestured to Elaha, the knight whose face had hardened. It was then.


    ¡°I have something to do before going to the island.¡± Gael¡¯s gaze turned to Archel. She looked far away, it was the direction of Leire territory.


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid I¡¯ll be away for a long time, so I don¡¯t have time to deal with my family affairs.¡± She made eye contact with Gael as she spoke.


    ¡°The island is not a place to welcome outsiders nor the place to let the insider out.¡±


    For real, he thought that she really knew everything. Gael burst out in a small laugh, then he came to a step closer to Archel.


    ¡°I get it. Are you thinking of going to Leire yourself?¡±


    Archel was a little concerned with his remark. She was already aware of the situation in Leire, because she read the book. She felt refreshed when she came out, but there was no one in the family who were loyal to the people of Leire, only those who were loyal to money.


    In addition, after the funeral, other families would quickly reach out and bribe the people who work in the Leire family. The servants in the family had no faith that the young siblings could lead the County well. So they became the spies for other families. When you¡¯re swarmed with a spy, is there really a need to go there yourself?


    ¡°I won¡¯t go directly, instead, I¡¯d like to send Zenat¡¯s knight.¡±


    ¡°You said you didn¡¯t want to be in debt.¡± Gael laughed. Archel shook her head.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t think it¡¯s a debt. Leire is the second largest family in this area after Zenat, and if Leire grows, Zenat will have no choice but to care.¡± That¡¯s the correct answer. Gael nodded slightly at Archel¡¯s bold remark.


    ¡°That means you can look into the internal affairs of Leire with Zenat¡¯s eyes, so Zenat won¡¯t be at loss either.¡± Gael¡¯s face was colored with interest.


    ¡®Isn¡¯t she quite a daring bride?¡¯


    ¡°Of course, this is only until Leire is fully established,¡± Archel said, firmly drew the line.


    She recalled the contents of the book. The current Leire was invaded by spies, but there¡¯ll be one loyal knight, who makes his comeback and shows up. In the original book, before he pledged his loyalty, the family was already destroyed. But this time it won¡¯t happen. Until the reliable knight arrives, she can borrow Zenat¡¯s power.


    ¡°I don¡¯t like the condition, what would you do if I refuse?¡± Gael asked abruptly and Archel looked up at him.


    The corners of his mouth which are slightly raised, seem to have a lot of playfulness. Rather than genuine expression, his eyes were filled with slight excitement. But Archel quickly retorted his words.


    ¡°Then I have no choice but to use another method. It means that I have to do business in another place. I will choose another place without reluctance.¡±


    Gael tilted his head a little. Strangely, it was a conclusion that he didn¡¯t like.


    ¡°Then you must make a deal with Zenat.¡± he said that in the end.


    As she just said, it would be a long-term benefit to spy on a family as large as Leire on this eastern coast. He then glanced at Elaha.


    ¡°Elaha.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

 Chapter 9

    ¡°At least I want to make sure that the subject of The Leire County wouldn¡¯t be anxious due to the long absence of their lords, ¡±


    Archel said as she walked through the corridor of the mansion. Elaha was leading her to the Oval Office half a step ahead. It was also the office of Gael Von Zenat¡¯s late mother. It¡¯s been a long time since she used this office since she prefers the island.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure there are already many anxious people after the funeral.¡± Archel entered the Oval Office at Elaha¡¯s guidance naturally as if it was her own office. Then she glanced toward Elaha.


    ¡°Sir Elaha. Have you ever dealt with the Duchy affairs?


    ¡°That,¡± Elaha paused at her sudden inquiry. He was a knight, not a butler. No, even the butler can¡¯t touch the family¡¯s important matter. That¡¯s how it usually was.


    ¡°I know some people are given authorization over the handling of Zenat¡¯s family business on the island.¡±


    Elaha stopped breathing. She was right. As a knight, it¡¯s not something he normally does, but as Zenat¡¯s loyal subject, it was something he could get his hands on.


    Knowing how inefficient it is to only pass down the information verbally without any proper documents, Gael only shared the family¡¯s business with a few trusted people. One of them was Elaha.


    ¡°..For a moment, I¡¯ve dealt with it.¡± In the end, Elaha confessed. How far does this person know?


    ¡°You¡¯re The Duke¡¯s most trusted knight, after all.¡± Archel chuckled lightly. Elaha lowered his gaze unconsciously.


    This lady in front of him is surprisingly skilled to have someone in the palm of her hand. He couldn¡¯t raise his head due to the tension. Even though he knew that she¡¯s less than 20 years old and had no physical force at all.


    ¡°Then can you help me?¡±


    Clack-! Archel who reclined her chair and sat down pulled out a blank sheet. The girl smoothly writes down the matters of her territory. Since Leire¡¯s documents are not here, she wrote a rough draft.


    Elaha slightly opened his eyes in dismay. Although the format was not well composed, it comprises everything required to be included. From the tax management of the County to instruction on public security. She marked the map neatly. Though it wasn¡¯t exactly a well-drawn map, the way she smoothly marked the map showed her familiarity with the terrain.


    ¡°Please go through it from the start to make sure there¡¯s no mistake.¡±


    Archel quickly put down the pen and spoke, as she had a little hands-on experience in this field. Of course, before she possessed the body, she didn¡¯t have any experience in managing territory. She only saw the main character who managed the estate. Fortunately, she had seen it a few times after she came into this world. It was because Count Leire and his wife taught her things with all their heart, not long before she became an adult.


    It was only for a short time. Now she had to jump into these work right after their funeral ended. No matter how hard she tried, there¡¯ll be a loophole somewhere.


    ¡°For now, we have to maintain the basic system, but¡­¡±


    She didn¡¯t mean to touch the established system that the Count and his wife had built during their reign. However, since the head-of-family has changed, an adjustment is unavoidable.


    Right now, as she saw in the book, those bandits who looked down on the young lords would begin to lay their groundwork. Of course, they¡¯ll be extinguished quickly.


    ¡°You have to pay extra attention, particularly to public security. Of course, there¡¯s a high probability that even the knights have been bribed by other families, but please proceed accordingly.¡±


    Archel pointed from place to place on the map and explained it. Elaha frowned at the word ¡®bribe¡¯.


    ¡°Are you saying that you¡¯ll utilize the knights that were bribed by other families?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Archel replied without a hitch. Elaha couldn¡¯t digest her intention.


    ¡°If they were bribed, they¡¯re no longer Leire¡¯s knight. So why-¡±


    ¡°Because they¡¯re going to be good at managing public security,¡± Archel spoke moderately. Elaha tilted his head, ¡°¡­Pardon?¡±


    He couldn¡¯t comprehend her actions. Archel stopped writing the document and looked up at Elaha.


    ¡°Sir Elaha. I know that you¡¯ve invested in the business. When you¡¯re expected to make a profit in a few months, what do you think you should do when your business is nearing a danger?¡± Elaha answered her question without much thought.


    ¡°I think I¡¯ll try to prevent the danger as much as possible.¡±


    ¡°Right?¡± Archel raised the corners of her mouth. She then pointed to a map of Leire¡¯s territory.


    ¡°Then what about people who invested in Leire¡¯s estate?¡± Archel tapped the map with the tip of the pen, ¡°The nobles around Leire, especially the blood-related families, are all eyeing at Leire¡¯s estate.¡±


    She looked over and over again to see if there was something she missed. She marked out all the places she saw in the book thoroughly. Particularly, she checked the mountain area that would be the enemy hideout several times.


    ¡°But the pie that you¡¯re supposed to split up shouldn¡¯t be rotten and worn out. What they want would be the prosperous Leire territory,¡± Elaha opened his eyes wide at Archel¡¯s words.


    ¡°That¡¯s not an investment¡­¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t going to be a power dispute between those who want to acquire the land?¡±, Elaha couldn¡¯t keep up.


    The young lady in front of his eyes was somehow the lord of Leire. She shouldn¡¯t feel pleased about the fact that her estate is about to get coveted. But Archel De Leire seemed a little different from what he thought.


    ¡°The result will be an investment. They believe that they¡¯ll succeed. And for me,¡±


    Archel tapped the paper. Then she looked straight to Elaha.


    ¡°The investment that could take care of the land without having to put up a large amount of money.¡± She handed the documents to Elaha, ¡°I already know where the bribed knights and servants anyway.¡±


    She opened her hand as she spoke, ¡°And under the imperial law, it is not necessary to pay salaries to those who betray their owners. Moreover, they will be managing the Leire estate with great care at the order of the owner who bribes them by now¡­¡± Archel laughed. ¡°Then I¡¯ll just have a delicious pie, right?¡±


    Elaha unwittingly accepted the document as if he was being enchanted by magic. This was different from his master, Gael Von Zenat, who gave his neck a cold feeling as if he had a sword pointed at him. This time, there¡¯s no threatening air. But there was a soft charisma that seemed to tighten the logic and eventually lead her to the path she wanted.


    ¡°¡­I understand. But you don¡¯t mind if I know about Leire¡¯s affairs?¡± He asked, trying hard to keep his eyes off the documents. Archel nodded as she looked at the figure.


    ¡°Even if I wrote an order, I have no choice but to send people periodically to manage the estate.¡± She pointed to Elaha as she tidied up her pen,


    ¡°It will be Sir Elaha from now on.¡± Elaha hesitated. That¡¯s the problem. This young lord seems to easily trust people. However, he couldn¡¯t disregard her just because of her young age. It was when Elaha was about to open his mouth.


    ¡°Sir Elaha is a reliable knight. Reliable enough to be entrusted in Zenat¡¯s affairs, even knew about both island and mansion affairs,¡± Elaha swallowed a short sigh. As expected, she¡¯s too young.


    ¡°In other words, not my knight, but the knight of Zenat.¡±


    Elaha becomes dumbstruck at the cold voice, ¡±Right now, there¡¯s no one reliable to be entrusted in managing Leire anyway. Not to mention, The Duke of Zenat and I have a temporary alliance until Michael graduates. In other words, as long as we¡¯re bonded in an alliance, you are at least a more reliable knight than those people who have been bribed by other families.¡± Then she unfolded her hand.


    ¡°Of course you¡¯re Zenat¡¯s knight, not my knight. So I can¡¯t say anything even if you opened and skimmed through the documents for his sake. There¡¯s no way I¡¯d know.¡±  She shrugged casually.


    ¡°But anyway, the words that came out from my mouth are not a secret. That¡¯s what I believe.¡± She pointed to the documents Elaha was holding. ¡°Even if it¡¯s not the case, if it was a secret, you¡¯d still have to deal with it very closely. Isn¡¯t that right?¡± She handed over the documents in Elaha¡¯s hand.


    Even if he didn¡¯t want to see it, it was close enough for him to inevitably be aware of  Leire¡¯s internal affairs.


    ¡°I¡¯d like to borrow Sir Elaha¡¯s skill,¡± She ended her words with a smile. Elaha, whose body hardened, opened his mouth slightly in awe. She has the power to lead people in a different way than his master. She¡¯s the one who can never refuse, but leads people without resistance and brings them to do what she wants.


    If this was really a talent of a 17 years-old girl, it would have been fair to say that it was her natural talent. Because he didn¡¯t have the confidence to reach this level of power even if he spent 17 years of his life.


    ¡°¡­Yes, I understand.¡± In the end, Elaha bowed his head. Archel smiled.


    ¡°Thank you. If you meet any difficulties, please let me know. And after you deliver them to Leire, please pick a blue Silvecia flower in the back garden of Leire¡¯s mansion.¡± At her words, Elaha became puzzled. He is an islander, but he often comes to the land and sees a variety of common flowers.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t Silvecia famous for its silver color?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right. But in Leire¡¯s back garden, we have a blue petalled Silvecia flower.¡± They were the flowers that changed color in response to Michael¡¯s mana. The fact was only known by Archel, who read the book. And if Elaha brought the flowers, it would be proof that Ellaha had stopped by Leire properly and carried out his work.


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll leave it to you.¡± Archel smiled softly. Elaha lowered his gaze to the documents. In the end, he had no choice but to comply.


    ***


    It was only two days later that Archel and Gael headed for the island. Elaha, who had originally intended to drive the wagon, had been away for his mission to Leire. His vacancy was occupied by Ros¨¦ Taga, the mansion¡¯s maid.


    *Rustle* The carriage shook slightly. It was not an annoying disturbance. Archel was silent, looking out the window. Looking at her, Gael questioned her feelings for the first time.


    Don¡¯t you want to ask a question instead of being so compliant to follow me to the island? Those tiny lips that were closed without asking anything bothered him.


    After a long silence, they could see the sea from afar outside the window, which was gradually visible. He was going to take the carriage to a small port, and transfer to the ship to reach Zenat¡¯s headquarter. After that, when you¡¯re completely disappeared from the sight of inland people, that¡¯s when you can freely reach the island of Zenat.


    ¡°It¡¯s unusual for inland people to go to Zenat¡¯s island,¡± Gael said. Archel, who was looking out the window, turned her head.


    ¡°I know. Because it¡¯s Zenat¡¯s secret headquarter.¡±


    ¡°Really,¡± Gael¡¯s answer was a beat faster. He took a sigh and continued to talk,¡± You know a lot about Zenat. Then do you happen to know that the sea in front of the island is extremely rough?¡± Archel opened her eyes a little wide. She shook her head instantly.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know to that extent,¡± She couldn¡¯t have known, for the book didn¡¯t explain about the sea surrounding Zenat¡¯s island. Gael nodded slightly.


    ¡°That¡¯s only natural. The inland lady who went there, either became the islander or,¡±


    Gael, who was sitting the opposite of Archel, knocked on the carriage door. Slowly, she can feel the carriage slowing down, so Archel glanced out the window. The sea that looked distant just a while ago was in front of her. And she could see a big ship approaching the port. The ship was adorned with brilliant blue cloth and silver decorations that belong to Zenat¡¯s family.


    ¡°¡­Because they couldn¡¯t return to the land,¡± As he finished his words, the carriage¡¯s door opened.

 Chapter 10

    ********


    Gael went out first and reached out to her. Escorting ladies is only natural for noblemen, but Archel knows his other image. Perhaps, when he return to Zenat¡¯s island, he¡¯ll become the true outlaw of the sea.


    Clasp-! Her hand was held gently. Archel arrived at the beach as he led her. The ship was much larger and stunning than she thought. And beyond that, there was only a horizon.


    She couldn¡¯t see anything beyond the vast horizon and the sight soothed her down immediately. The world seems to be halved into two parts: The sea and the sky.


    ¡°Island¡­¡±


    The book stated that when the weather is nice, you can see the island from afar. But Archel couldn¡¯t see anything.


    ¡°You must be wondering where you¡¯re going to stay already,¡± Gael spoke and signaled her to stay still for a while.


    *Splash* The man who walked carelessly into the seawater came close to the ship.


    Then from the ship that she couldn¡¯t see any crew in it, a much smaller boat was lowered.


    The figure who quickly got on the small boat in front of her wasn¡¯t the powerful guardian of the eastern sea, Duke of Zenat. But Archel thought it looked better on him. After shaking out his wet hair, he extended his arm.


    ¡°Come up.¡±


    ¡®It¡¯s my first-time to ride a small boat like this.¡¯ Archel thought as she lifted her dress so that it wouldn¡¯t get wet.


    ¡®If I step on the wrong foot, I might fall into the sea.¡¯


    But as soon as she stepped into the small boat, a firm arm pulled her. In the end, she didn¡¯t fall into the sea.


    *Shwaaa*


    Her surroundings were calmer than she thought, with only the sound of wind and water resounded in the air. The small boat with two of them onboard slowly drew closer and closer to the larger one.


    *Thud*


    The appearance of him gliding around the boat was very natural. He jumped several times from one place to another, and when the small boat reached the vicinity of the large ship, he quickly landed on the railing of the deck. As he moved something on the top, a loud sound rang.


    *Gooooooong*


    Archel was surprised at the moment and stepped back. The ground seemed to vibrate, but in fact, it was from the moving ship.


    Soon, a huge wooden staircase descended from the ship, leading up to the water.


    ¡°Come this way.¡± Gael led Archel there.


    As she stepped on the deck that looked so high, she could see the scenery beyond the sea a little further. The vast sea entertained her as if it was tempting her to come.


    And she could see that the storm was more severe than she had expected, and the rushing tides were crashing the ship so that the deck trembles.


    ¡®I¡¯m going to the middle of that place.¡¯


    Archel clenched her fist as if making up her mind. Michael entered the academy safely and not long after they announced to the Principal of Temila that she¡¯s Zenat¡¯s bride, they would be preparing for their marriage.


    After the wedding, she¡¯ll become the madam of this sea. Of course, it was only a temporary position.


    In the meantime, until Michael graduated from the academy and found the purpose of his life, Archel must do her best, too. So by the time Michael graduated, met a good woman, and settled down completely, he would be able to live happily ever after unlike what happened in the book.


    The first step for him has been taken, and there¡¯s no way back. Archel looked far away while holding the railing. No matter how she tried, she couldn¡¯t see the island. There was nothing but a rough-looking storm in the eyes of the inlander.


    ¡°How does it feel to see Zenat¡¯s sea?¡± Gael¡¯s low voice tingled Archel. He then continued.


    ¡°Especially, the sea near Zenat¡¯s island cannot get trespassed by anyone unless they are Zenat¡¯s people. In short,¡±


    He looked back at Archel, ¡°The Eastern Sea wouldn¡¯t accept the departure of these who I don¡¯t approve of.¡±


    The ship moved gradually. As the rope was loosened, the crew, that I¡¯m not sure where they are all this time, began to move.


    Even though it was a big ship, Archel flinched because the turbulence can be felt.


    ¡®If I go to the sea, the only safe place would be here.¡¯


    ¡°So now, you can¡¯t get out of my domain.¡± Gael¡¯s low voice rang as the ship was completely off-shore.


    ***


    It was the first time Archel stood in the middle of the sea. Even before she possessed the body, she had never enjoyed the sea on top of the ship.


    She liked to look at the sea from afar, but she couldn¡¯t afford to take a boat. So it was her first time she had ever been on a ship and enjoyed the vast sea like this. She could feel  the wind tickling her ears.


    ¡°¡­¡±


    She slightly flinched whenever the rough sea shook the ship occasionally, but it was bearable after a couple of minutes.


    ¡°The sea is a little quiet today,¡± said the unknown man on the deck.


    Just like a sailor, the man with healthy tanned skin glanced at her then bowed his head to greet her.


    It wasn¡¯t a proper greeting toward a noble lady. But Archel understood right away when she saw the man wearing a white short-sleeved tee and comfortable long pants that made him easy to move.


    The appearance that she would never see among the nobleman was the appearance of a real pirate that she saw for the first time.


    Then the man of similar attire popped out and said the same thing. She didn¡¯t know in which aspect did they assume it was ¡®quiet¡¯.


    ¡®Did you say this is quiet?¡¯


    Archel¡¯s gaze turned downward. The waves of the sea seemed unusual to her.


    ¡°Is this your first time seeing the sea?¡± Gael came up to her and asked.


    Archel who casually looked back at Gael opened her eyes slightly. He took off his uniform and wore only a light white shirt, with three or four buttons on the top of his shirt loosened.


    If your gaze landed in the wrong place, you could see the inside of his clothes. He didn¡¯t seem to care about the exposure. His firm arms rested over the railing, he was so relaxed.


    ¡°¡­I¡¯ve never been this far away.¡± There was no reason to lie about this.


    Archel said, turning her eyes toward the sea, to avoid looking at his body. The distant sea looked dark rather than blue.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure they haven¡¯t seen inland people on board very often either.¡± Gael pointed to the crew running around the deck.


    ¡°¡­I think so. Because Zenat¡¯s island people are exclusive from outsiders.¡± Gael smiled at Archel¡¯s relaxed answer.


    ¡°I knew you¡¯d say this.¡± Gael leaned over the railing and looked at Archel.


    ¡°If I ask you about how you knew Zenat¡¯s secret, will you tell me?¡± He caressed his chin as if he¡¯s worried. Archel shook her head as she saw his figure.


    ¡°What if I don¡¯t want to talk?¡±


    ¡®I¡¯m sure you wouldn¡¯t believe it anyway, so I¡¯d better shut up.¡¯


    The man that she read in the book, Gael Von Zenat, was a man who wouldn¡¯t try to cut her head right away, even if she shut her mouth. Moreover, she made a promise with her family name at stake. They are getting married.


    When she was tight-lipped, Gael nodded slightly.


    ¡°Then I don¡¯t want to be pathetically hanged. I¡¯ll find out for myself.¡± As he leaned slightly, his lips came near Archel¡¯s forehead.


    The move did not seem to mean anything else. There was quite a wide gap, but it was close enough.


    ¡°In my land, there is no eternal secret.¡± What he revealed was clear confidence.


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Archel nodded slowly. As far as she knows, the people on Zenat island are the ones who knew both ¡°The Duke of Zenat¡± and ¡°Pirate Zenat¡±.


    Those who know the secret of the family. Among them were those who only dealt with information. Rather than targeting other ships in the sea, they were those who sought information about other ships.


    Anyway, even if it¡¯s about the ship, it is impossible not to use an outsider. They were one of Zenat¡¯s valuable resources, collecting information and returning to the island through any route, whether they were porter of prisoner of a captured ship.


    If somehow they were tasked with the work, they¡¯ll be able to collect information about Archel de Leire down to the dust. Of course, no matter how much they¡¯re digging, they won¡¯t know about her being possessed.


    ¡°But.¡± Archel opened her mouth to change the subject.


    Her gaze was directed at the other crew who were starting to run around the deck again.


    ¡°I heard pirates dislike women on ships.¡±


    Her calm words seemed to reach the pirate¡¯s ears because Archel saw clearly that one pirate stopped his movement. Gael nodded briefly.


    ¡°There¡¯s a superstition that when a woman gets on the boat, there is a ghost.¡±


    ¡®But how can you let me ride it?¡¯


    Archel looked back at Gael. Gael continued his speech without much change in expression.


    ¡°After my mother cut off about 20 of those heads and presented them to the sea, no one saw a ghost.¡±


    ¡®His mother?¡¯


    Archel opened his eyes wide.


    His mother, whom she read about in the book, was not a woman capable of doing that. Most of all, his parents couldn¡¯t even carry on the family business because of their vulnerable nature. While she was bewildered, Gael looked at the crew instead of her.


    ¡°A worthless rumor will be buried in the face of overwhelming power, so,¡±


    He finished with a low-pitched voice. ¡°My bride, you don¡¯t have to worry.¡±


    The word ¡°bride¡± in his icy voice seemed unfamiliar. It was when Archel was stunned.


    *Thud*


    The ship shook peculiarly. Surprised Archel hurriedly holding the ship¡¯s railing. It was certainly not a calm wave. The ship tilted to the point of the slope as if a giant stone had fallen into the idle waters of the sea.


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Nervous Archel seized the railing in silence.

 Chapter 11

    Kyle¡¯s hand rested on her arm.


    ¡°The railing is more dangerous at times like this.¡±


    He did not lose his balance at all. Archel was startled by his touch and loosened her grip on the railing.


    ¡°Ah!¡±


    Suddenly, the ship tilted again. Kyle caught her staggering body lightly. At last, she was getting farther away from the railing.


    In a spur of the moment, she fell into Kyle¡¯s embrace, causing her body to stiffen up. She was unwittingly nervous.


    ¡°You look anxious as if I touched your hand indecently. Should I let go of your hand then?¡±


    He was a man who could speak in a smooth voice even on a rocking ship. Meanwhile, Archel couldn¡¯t even open her lips as if she rode a horse running in a fast gallop.


    Instead of answering, she held onto his arm. There was nothing to hold on to on this rocking ship anyway.


    ¡°I¡¯m glad you¡¯re not backing away from this sicko¡¯s hand.¡±


    But she had no time to ask as to why the Duke of this country was calling himself a sicko.


    -Dururu!


    Suddenly her surroundings turned dark. Certainly, they were currently in the middle of the sea, but when she looked up, the sky wasn¡¯t visible anymore.


    ¡°Your Grace¡­!¡±


    The clouds crowded around in the sky. To be exact, the surrounding sky was filled with dark clouds, quickly blocking out any light.


    Then the lighting came along with the rain. The sun continued shining brightly above the sea not far from here, only the weather above the ship turned unusual.


    -RROOAAARR!


    Startled by the loud roar Archel unwittingly grabbed Kyle¡¯s arm once more, strong enough to leave nail marks on Kyle, but he only looked down at her hand without a word. Instead, his gaze was directed toward the sea.


    To be exact, to the newly encountered enemy.


    ¡°It¡¯s a monster!¡±


    A sailor quickly picked up a harpoon and rushed to the railing. It happened to be near where Archel and Kyle were.


    ¡°!¡±


    His agility and the way he bent his body as he got nearer indicated that the sailor was a trained person. Pirates usually didn¡¯t receive training and acted like boorish mobs, but this sailor was completely different.


    Rather, he was like a knight.


    ¡°Ha!¡±


    The sailor held his harpoon, stepped on the railing and jumped up. He jumped as high as he could and thrust the harpoon into the monster¡¯s forehead.


    -Kiiiiii-!


    The monster¡¯s screech shook the deck. Archel covered her ears with her eyes still wide open. In fact, she already knew that monsters appeared near Zenat Island.


    The monsters were powerful, so the Imperial Family granted the House of Zenat full authority to deal with the monsters. The ancestors of Zenat knew that it was unfair, but they couldn¡¯t refuse, so they started the pirate business and turned the crisis into an opportunity.


    But she didn¡¯t know that the actual monster was this big and threatening.


    -Kiiik-!


    The harpoon with a string attached to it was pulled back strongly. The deck shook like crazy when the monster squirmed around. So Archel tightened her grip on Kyle¡¯s arm.


    But the monster didn¡¯t last long.


    Archel did not know, but the monster had a third eye on its forehead which was a vital element for them to use magic. It was an instant death because it was stabbed precisely there.


    ¡°¡­!¡±


    When the monster¡¯s movement slowed down, the sailor caught the string attached to the harpoon. He grabbed the string and launched his body like an acrobatic stuntman and landed on the deck after stepping on the middle of the string once.


    -Shing-!


    Then he cut the string with a dagger. The ship shook again when the string that had been tightly connected to the monster cut off.


    -Groooowl¡­.!


    The sky slowly brightened when the monster sank into the sea, leaving an eerie shriek behind.


    Archel¡¯s eyes turned to the sky. The dark clouds that had crowded the sky had disappeared.


    ¡°It¡¯s over.¡±, Kyle spoke with a casual expression. Only then did Archel realize that she was holding onto his arm ever so tightly.


    ¡°Ah,¡±


    This act was inappropriate in the aristocracy. Even if they promised to marry, they were still not married. In addition, there were many eyes watching, but Kyle didn¡¯t seem to be upset, instead, he smiled softly when he looked at her.


    ¡°I wonder if you¡¯re surprised by the arm of a sicko.¡±


    ¡°How can you call the Duke of this country a sicko?¡±, Archel asked the question that she couldn¡¯t ask earlier. Kyle folded his eyes gently.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you think someone who didn¡¯t flinch to see blood is no better than a murderer?¡±


    He pointed to one side of the deck and it made Archel open her eyes wide. Red blood splattered on the nearby deck. It was too dark and sticky, so there was no way it belonged to a person, even so, it didn¡¯t feel less terrible.


    It was the monster¡¯s blood.


    When Archel realized the fact, she couldn¡¯t help but freeze. What she saw was real. She was in life-threatening danger. When she realized the size of this ship compared to the vast sea, plus the people that she didn¡¯t know properly were risking their lives, she was struck by immense fear. Her hands trembled but there was no turning back.


    ¡°Are you scared?¡±


    Then Kyle leaned his head toward her.


    ¡°Inlanders say pirates are irrational and vulgar. Have you made up your mind to be with them?¡±


    Contrary to what he said, the reality seemed a bit different. The sailors, who seemed familiar with these monsters, returned to their post, and Kyle also looked calm. Even the sea was sunny as if nothing had happened.


    Among them, Archel was the only one who was shaken up. So he was asking if she was confident to stay in such a place.


    ¡°¡­¡±


    The sea was unfriendly toward her, more than what she read in the book. The sea did not welcome her. At that cold reality, Archel gripped the railing again. Unlike Kyle¡¯s arm, the flake of wooden railing stuck in her hand and hurt her. However, she didn¡¯t let go of her hand. She was determined to live through this strange place.


    She didn¡¯t know why she got so determined. But in order to survive and protect Michael, she had to endure it. Because that was her promise.


    ¡°Of course.¡±, she answered in a small voice. Her trembling voice reflected her fear, but it was mixed with her determination to preserve.


    ¡°¡­¡±


    At Archel¡¯s words, Kyle briefly nodded. For a moment, he noticed her hand that brushed against the railings, but that was all. His eyes soon turned to the deck. The other crew members had already finished looking around the surrounding area.


    It was because the giant monster ¡®Satin¡¯ was often dragging his men around.


    The eyes filled with alertness scoured the vast sea, but fortunately, he didn¡¯t find any abnormality in the seawater.


    ¡°Chris.¡±


    Kyle gestured to the man who had just harpooned the monster. As if nothing had happened after the bloody battle earlier, he leisurely munched a biscuit.


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    But the biscuit disappeared from his mouth as soon as Kyle called him. He threw the biscuit into the sea as if he hadn¡¯t had time to chew. Then he quickly arrived in front of them.


    ¡°Did you call me?¡±


    He was a bulky man with a head that was two times bigger than Archel¡¯s. After bowing deeply to Kyle, he greeted Archel briefly and turned his head.


    ¡°You¡¯d better say hello.¡±, Kyle spoke briefly and as soon as he had finished, Chris stepped back and gestured to his crewmates.


    The pirates, who received his signal, abandoned everything they were doing and gathered. Those who were on the stairs or in the cabin quickly rushed to the deck.


    Thanks to this, Archel noticed that this ship was operating on a shift. There were some sailors who seemed like they just woke up. But even with those appearances, these guys seemed to be loyal to Kyle. They were bowing in a calm manner. But that was all.


    ¡°Chief mate, Chris.¡±


    Scratching his back neck while introducing himself didn¡¯t resemble a nobleman at all. He was the one who jumped with the harpoon after all. Then the second chief mate and other sailors started to introduce themselves. Kyle looked back at Archel when they finished their introduction.


    ¡°Would you like to introduce yourself?¡±


    Or do you want me to introduce you? At that thought, Kyle smiled. The pirates didn¡¯t seem to like the formality, so Archel opened her mouth.


    ¡°Archel De Leire.¡±


    It was a short introduction for someone who should be prideful of her family name. Because no one would welcome her had she behaved in a manner that was commonly used among aristocrats.


    People would be fascinated by her greeting. She had a subtle feeling about it. Earlier, the sailor jumped and harpooned the monster like a trained knight, meanwhile, he also behaved recklessly as pirates should. And the way he introduced himself was similar, but she was sure when she heard his greeting.


    Their real selves were knights, not pirates.


    ¡°Soon, it¡¯ll be Archel von Zenat.¡±


    She finished her speech promptly. There was no reason to honour those who would be her subordinates or give a lengthy introduction.


    ¡°Zenat?¡±


    Some of the sailors who heard the name looked at each other. The news of Zenat welcoming a new bride had yet to reach their ears. Only the chief mate, Chris, and a few other sailors were aware of that.


    ¡°Are you saying you¡¯re taking an outsider as a bride?¡±


    It seemed like the second chief mate did not hear the rumours. His eyes widened and he was terribly confused. It was clear that he couldn¡¯t decide whether he should use his knights or pirates persona.


    In front of an outsider, of course, they should put on their pirate persona, but their Lord already erased the restraints toward the outsider who introduced themselves as a Zenat.


    Wasn¡¯t it the Duke himself who allowed her to board the ship?


    ¡°Although we¡¯re going to divorce soon.¡±


    Archel opened her mouth. Kyle only glanced at the shocked faces of his subordinates, but he didn¡¯t bother to explain. In the first place, he wasn¡¯t a man who gave lame explanations to his subordinates.


    ¡°¡­?¡±


    Archel added as she saw the bewildered sailors.


    ¡°In exchange for Leire¡¯s water territory, the Duke guaranteed personal protection for me and my brother and sent him to the academy. The contract is sealed with marriage.¡±


    Kyle liked the simple explanation and slightly nodded. After those words, Archel eyes were directed toward the shore.


    ¡°¡­But still, a stranger?¡±


    The second chief mate was still in denial and only stared at Kyle for an explanation. Archel instinctively understood the meaning behind his aloof question.


    His choice of words was harsh.


    She squinted her eyes. She clearly showed her displeasure without hesitation.