《The Pharmacist Lady’s Secret Trading》


 Chapter 1

    <strong><em>Chapter 1</em></strong>


    The Duke of Debussy celebrated with a feast on his daughter¡¯s birthday banquet at his detached house. April Witzer faced a man who looked as if he was unsuited for the festivity.He wasn¡¯t a stranger. This was actually the third time she had run into him.


    ¡°What is he¡­¡­¡±


    Ian Reykis, who bears the title of a Marquis, belongs to a prestigious martial family.


    A workaholic who has no interest in society, a symbol of abstinence.


    There were a lot of rumors about him, but nothing to exin how he was now.


    ¡°Excuse me, Marquis Reykis?¡±


    He was barely leaning against the wall. When she called his name, he raised his head.


    The moment he looked up at April, she felt goosebumps over her whole body.


    His hair drenched in sweat, golden eyes shining like that of a beast, and the immense color of lust emanating from them. His crimson lips shed a few hot breaths, and he seemed hot and heavy just from the side.


    ¡°P-Please try to calm down.¡±¡°Ha¡­.Don¡¯te.¡­any closer¡­.¡±


    He answered in a harsh voice, but April couldn¡¯t do as he said. She knew that the reason he was like this was because of her own potion. This was a problem that people always experienced even if the medicine was effective.


    .¡±You need to cool off.¡±¡°Don¡¯t touch me.¡±¡°Just listen to me! Hey, can¡¯t you hear me?¡±


    The moment April reached out to his face to examine his fever, Ian sped her wrists tightly and twisted her body.


    ¡°Ah!¡±


    Every time April tried to escape herself from his grasp, his hold got tightened more and more. She felt him rx a bit, but soon her back hit the wall. However, April shut her eyes tightly.


    ¡°Ugh!¡±


    He sped her hand so tightly that it seemed like it would leave a ck mark on the spot. The rich odor from his body irritated her nostrils. His heated lips left a trace of beauty on her neck, as if he was taking in her scent. April shrugged and opened her eyes.


    ¡®Oh¡­¡­no.¡¯


    Ian¡¯s face was in front of her. He opened his eyes sharply and red at April. He furrowed his forehead several times as if he could not see her well, but his eyes, like a brute beast, were much more fierce than usual.


    ¡°I told you¡­.not to touch me.¡±¡°Bu-but if you don¡¯t¡­.take any action¡­.¡±


    April¡¯s trembling voice broke in the middle. For he, unable to find any reason, had swallowed her lips.


    His tongue had suffocated April to the point where she could hardly even breathe, while his disheveled breath kept tickling her neck. The arm, which was holding her back, gradually rose up.


    Their bodies clung together in an instant. While his body seemed to be boiling constantly, she felt that she was now in considerable danger.


    ¡®Please, please.¡¯


    At the time when April was trying to shake him off with all her strength, his body, which had been pushing him violently until now, suddenly fell over April. His body was unable to withstand the energy of the medicine.


    ¡°Ha¡­..wealth is the enemy.¡±


    April groped his tingling lips and looked down at him, who had fallen on the cold floor.The only thought that lingered on her mind was¡®I should not have received this ¡°request¡±.¡¯


    ***


    ¡¶ The Marquis of Elise Witzer brutally murdered 30 women in the province of Carleva.In addition, the fallen aristocrats tried to exploit the nobleman by performing a regiment against them.The evil witch, Elise Witzer, was burned to death.Court of Carleva ¡·


    April read the lines on the door of theboratory again and again. It was a ¡®must-do¡¯ routine before starting the day.


    Ten years ago, there was an incident that led to the copse of a powerful noble family in the northern province of Carleva. It was Elise Witzer, the mother of the witch¡¯s blood, who was cited as the perpetrator.


    ¡°It¡¯s already been 10 years, mother.¡±


    It was a miracle that she was able to escape. With the help of the Debussy family, which had ties to the Witzer family, she studied pharmacology at the Pedova boarding school and became a pharmacist, but it was not the end.


    In order to get rid of the Witzers¡¯ posthumous debt, she had to pay a huge amount of money to the court.


    April was struggling to fill that ridiculous number every day in a smallboratory attached to the pharmacy where she worked.


    ¡°How are my babies?¡±


    April opened the metal safe under the desk. During the day, she worked as a pharmacist, and at night she made seven copies of the medicine and special reagentsmissioned by thedies.


    ¡°Rill!¡±


    While calcting the money, she heard the voice of the woman calling for her. It was Dalia, her partner, and the owner of the pharmacy. She was the one who allowed April to have a small room in a corner of the pharmacy to be used as aboratory.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been doing nothing all day, and I¡¯m getting money?¡±


    The moment Dalia opened the door, her eyes fell on April, who was crumpled under the desk.


    ¡°It¡¯s because I want to give you money. How¡¯s the dinner preparation going?¡±¡°Oh, well.¡±


    At April¡¯s question, Dalia mumbled her lips. Less than a few minutes after the first customer rang the bell, she came to my room, so something must have happened.


    ¡°Did we get another strange request?¡±


    Instead of answering, Dalia kept the envelope on the desk. April, who opened the envelope thinking that it was a letter, looked at Dalia with wide eyes after checking the contents. It was a bill. The paper currency, which began to be used in the empire a year ago, was rarely seen unless it was arge amount, so this was surprising.


    ¡°Is this their first time at a pharmacy?¡±¡°I would say so. How did you know?¡±¡°Normally, nobles don¡¯t bring paper currency to ordinary market pharmacies at night. Let¡¯s change it to gold, even if it¡¯s annoying. Who is it?¡±¡°The Count Rose, I think he has taken his way.¡±


    Dalia put out the order. While wondering what on earth was the request for arge sum of money in advance, April carefully read the contents of the order. Then she sighed in vain.


    ¡¶ A bottle of powerful medicine that lifts the heat to the bottom after four days of its usage. ¡·


    The order was too simple, but her schedule was tight, so she felt like she was given money more than necessary. It¡¯s been a long time since she had made a potion because most people ask for cosmetics, contraceptives, and skin medications. But the manufacturing method was not that difficult, so she could make it quickly.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t he an idiot? I can¡¯t believe he wants to buy this at an expensive price. What on earth is he going to use it for?¡±¡°Doesn¡¯t he want us to build a negotiation?¡±¡°A negotiation?¡±¡°It¡¯s hard for us to understand the world of noblemen, but it¡¯s obvious if it¡¯s a bargaining chip. The price was so exorbitant that I tried to reject it over and over again, but he wouldn¡¯t budge.¡±


    It was Dalia who would meet several noble families every day and would listen to their prideful stories day after day. She nced at her memory with her arms crossed and then approached April as if she had thought of something.


    ¡°The Marquis of Reykis ising back soon.¡±¡°Oh¡­.is that so? But why?¡±


    When April asked, Dalia shook her head. It seemed to be ¡®dumb¡¯ and harsh. She doesn¡¯t even know how their world works, let alone doing business with nobles.


    ¡°The Count Rose is known to be looking for the 7th son-inw, right? That¡¯s why thedy of the house gets so much attention¡­I wouldn¡¯t have been able to show my face if I was her.¡±


    ¡°Where on earth did you hear that rumor?¡±¡°I have my ways. Do I have to tell you this too?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. But I think your intentions are a bit impure.¡±¡°I don¡¯t like it either, but if you refuse, you¡¯re about toe in and knock it over.¡±


    Dalia shook her head. What Count Rose did was an order, not a request.


    ¡°I cannot. It¡¯s better than failing here, so I will do it.¡±¡°Are you going to be okay?¡±¡°It will not be as effective as Count Rose¡¯s imagination, but it will be all right if we keep the quantification perfect.¡±


    After Dalia left, April took out a book of reagentology for the sake of checking the ingredients again. Since she used her own form, she rarely unfolded it, so there was a thinyer of dust at the top of the book.


    ¡°I have to help Miss Lianna with her research and prepare a birthday present for her¡­¡±


    She thought she would have to stay up all night if she started with the order now. In addition, tomorrow, she would have to prepare a birthday present for Princess Lianna of the Debussy family, whom she had been associated with thanks to the schrship.Now that the debt had be moreposed, she felt like she was saving money as she did not have time to spend it. April stared at the money envelope on the table for a while.


    ***


    ¡°Rill! The ingredients!¡±


    By Dalia¡¯s wave of hands in the morning, April opened her eyes with difficulty and checked the table clock. She fell asleep while studying all night, so her eyelids were a bit puffy.


    ¡°Do you want to sleep more?¡±¡°I¡¯m fine. I have to make some money.¡±¡°How can you be sleepy? It¡¯s going to be hectic today.¡±¡°Why?¡±¡°It¡¯s the returning ceremony of His Highness.¡±


    The Third Prince


    It seemed that the army, led by the Grand Duke Fabian Augustine and Marquis Ian Reykis, had recently seeded in conquering the periphery and was about to return. That¡¯s probably why Count Rose hurried to visit. Fabian and Ian are second to none in the Empire, so they will have no time to step in. Moving luggage through the crowd would be a pain in the neck.


    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t there be a lot of spectators in the central square? The gathering is going to start anytime.¡±


    When Dalia opened the window that had been closed all day, the noise outside poured in at once. April approached the window and looked down the street. People were already gathering. The streets were noisier than usual because many people were buzzing about.


    ¡°If you feel ufortable, do you want to go tomorrow?¡±¡°No. It¡¯s okay. This is nothing.¡±


    When April smiled and replied, ¡°When did you sleep?¡± Dalia gave a tongue-tied answer.When Dalia first met April, who was looking for a job, she did not know that she was this crazy about money. She was just a smart girl who was preupied with her studies.


    ¡°Then get home safely.¡±¡°Yes, Dalia.¡±


    She did not want to devote her time to the great people everyone else was interested in. April left theboratory towards her home, hoping things would not get in the way.But in less than an hour, after she confidently stepped forward, her spirit turned into regret.


    ¡°What, how do I¡­. get through this?¡±


    April thought about how to break through a paper bag full of petals in her arms. While she was getting the ingredients, people forced their way onto the pavement.Soon a heavy horn sounded and the g rose high. Under arge g with a ck leopard on a golden background, a herd of riders was fast approaching. The lead was the Empire¡¯s young hero, Grand Duke Fabian.


    ¡°Hey, wa-wait, let me pass!¡±


    When the people started to cheer, April turned around desperately. The onlookers were more enthusiastic than she could have imagined, although she expected it to be this way because she had to pass either by shortcut or by another route.


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s Marquis Reykis!¡±


    When April squeezed into the least crowded ce and barely crossed the front, someone shouted. After minutes of the Grand Duke¡¯s passing, when he appeared, people turned their heads in unison. It was like grass, where the wind was blowing.


    ¡®Marquis?¡¯


    April turned her eyes there in the midst of her insanity. He, who was supposed to be right behind the Grand Duke, unexpectedly turned up behind the procession.


    ¡®That guy?¡¯

 Chapter 2

    <strong><em>Chapter 2</em></strong>


    He was a man she had never seen in the capital. He had raven ck hair and was dressed in dark clothes. He kept looking forward while riding his horse. He might have been on the battlefield until a few days ago, but his golden eyes were surprisingly calm. She could not find any expression on his sleek face.


    ¡®But I have to go now¡­¡­¡¯


    When April tried to move away from the crowd while hugging her envelope tightly to herself, her body was suddenly pushed forward. The line of the spectators broke apart as people rushed to see him.


    ¡°Ah, wait!¡±


    April lost her bnce and was pushed to the ground. As her body leaned forward, red petals scattered away from the envelope. The side of the road was covered with so much dried petals that it looked like a flower garden.


    ¡°Ouch¡­¡­.I should have listened to Dalia.¡±


    The palm of her hand that swept down on the floor was stinging. It was fortunate that she didn¡¯t get hurt enough to be bleeding. April bowed her head to look down at herself. The buzzing of the street seemed to have stopped, perhaps because of the ident that happened in an instant.


    ¡®Now that I see¡­¡­why is it so quiet?¡¯


    As she tried to pick up the petals, a dark shadow fell on the floor before her and a strange scent of smell came over the petals. It was simr to the perfume with musk, but it seemed more natural.


    April lifted her head slightly. As soon as she saw the person who was standing before her, she hurried backwards.


    ¡®I¡¯m screwed.¡¯


    There was a stream of women that tried to approach but held their way back. April has heard that he was a man with such a cold atmosphere that people always used to choose their words with caution. Some said that being polite to him was a way to stay safe.


    Having made such a man turn round, she tried to recall if she had spoken any harsh words. But he was just staring down at April with an expressionless face. Soon, he lowered himself and began to pick up the petals.


    ¡°I-I will do it.¡±


    April hurriedly reached out and touched his hand.


    ¡°Ah!¡±


    The moment their fingertips touched, a strange energy passed through her hand. April was startled, pulling back her hand. He too, winced his hand away.


    ¡®This feeling¡­¡­.¡¯


    It was a mixed but unfamiliar feeling. There was also a bit of creepy sensation. Suddenly, a shiver ran down her spine that awoke the fear that had been sleeping inside her. Her fingers flinching and crouching, April grasped the part of her hand that had touched him.


    ¡°Lady?¡±


    He asked her quietly, his golden eyes shining coldly for a moment.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±¡°A-ah, no-nothing, just¡­¡­¡±¡°Just?¡°No! It¡¯s nothing.¡±


    His gaze rested briefly on April¡¯s eyes before his eyes fell on her fingertips. His eyes were so heavy and sharp on her that she had to look away awkwardly from him.


    ¡°I am sorry to make you fall down.¡±


    Unexpectedly, Ian handed April a petal. It seemed to be just a perfunctory remark because of his unbending voice, but it was very unusual for her to be apologized to by a noble, whom she had never met before. April managed to reach out with her trembling hand to pick up the petal.


    ¡°I am so sorry to interrupt you on your way.¡±


    He held out his hand towards April instead. As soon as April gently ced her hand on his, the surroundings began to rattle. Of course, the people must be gossiping about the two of them.


    However, Ian simply helped April to stand up, not even caring about the voices around him.


    ¡®It feels weird.¡¯


    April exhaled heavily, feeling a much stronger shiver than before. Obviously, his hands were much warmer than other people, but the energy that was spouting from them felt cold and sharp.


    ¡°Lady.¡±¡°Yes?¡±


    Her hands were slightly strained. The part of his hand that was holding her tightened, making April to frown slightly. He rubbed the back of her hand several times with his thumb, causing April to feel a chilling sensation.


    April thought she noticed a momentary wrinkle on his forehead, but quickly looked away as soon as Ian¡¯s eyes fell on hers.


    ¡°Are you all right?¡±¡°What? Oh, I-I am fine.¡±


    Ian looked down at her trembling fingertips briefly before returning to look at her eyes. As soon as their eyes met, he brought his index finger to his lips. It meant that she should not show it. April nodded quickly as if she was possessed by something, while the corners of his mouth bent up faintly.


    ¡°Excuse me.¡±


    Rumors were very courteous as they were, but there was something doubtful. After Elise¡¯s trial, it was a burden to April, who had difficulty when she dealt with the nobility. Leaving her behind, Ian climbed back on to the horse.


    ¡°What was it? That man¡­¡­¡±


    April, who was having a momentary fondness for his afterimage, hurried to her senses at the babble and turned her way towards the opposite street. She was on her way back to her daily life. Without knowing what future this encounter will bring.


    ***


    ¡°I¡¯m here.¡±


    April dropped herself on theb couch as soon as she arrived. She wanted to rest as she felt like she was walking a long way around the street, but she had to get up and go to the front of the workstation because she had a tight schedule.


    ¡°Great. I¡¯ll get you something cool.¡±¡°Yes, thank you.¡±


    April released the premade detox beads into the water and dropped all the petals. After removing the toxin, only the necessary parts were extracted.


    ¡°How¡¯s the material?¡±¡°Good. Nothing has gone bad.¡±


    April savoured the sweet fragrance of the red incense to her heart¡¯s content. Red incense was a material that was rarely sold at the market because it was very difficult to remove small toxins, and thus it was very expensive.


    ¡°It was so crazy outside. The nobles are no joke. The Grand Duke will marry Lianna anyway, so what am I going to give her when I see her?¡±¡°Dear! Do you think that would be because of His Highness? It would be because of the Marquis.¡±¡°Ah¡­¡­¡±


    Excellent appearance, great family, and a never-to-be-troubled penitentiary. As the rumor has it that Ian was a man of great interest in the whole family. At first nce he would seem cold, but it also seemed that he had drawn a line before him so as to notmit any disrespect.


    But April couldn¡¯t get rid of the strain because she cared about something else than his appearance or personality. His hands, which seemed to be desperately ordered to remain silent, were evenly coercive.


    ¡°It felt so strange.¡±¡°What? Is he not good to see in person?¡±¡°No! It¡¯s not that.¡±


    April was terrified every time she remembered the moment she touched him. It was on her mind. It was like a dull pain that she felt when she poked the healing wound again.


    ¡®What should I call this?¡¯


    Dalia looked at April, who was only staring at her palm. Suddenly, she hit the wall as if she remembered something.


    ¡°Oh,e to think of it, was it when you were a kid? I¡¯ve seen the Marquis once. It must have been when he went around looking for a fever reducer until he got married.¡±¡°Do you mean the predecessor of Marquis Reykis? And he was going around the neighborhood to find a fever reducer?¡±¡°Yes. Did he want the best medicine in the world? Maybe Rill could have just prepared it.¡±¡°Then he must have had a regr family.¡±


    Though she didn¡¯t believe the story of the previous Marquis that she heard from Dalia, April replied deftly.


    ¡°You¡¯re thinking of doing some more business, aren¡¯t you? Anyway, I have to get ready for my night business.¡±


    After Dalia left theb, April opened Elise¡¯s notebook, which she had left in one corner of the bookcase. It was aption of the witches¡¯ traditional knowledge that Elise wanted to pass on to April.


    ¡°Did he have a fever or a cold? I have never heard of it.¡±


    The business was not in full swing. As a pharmacist who majored in pharmacology at the prestigious Pedoba Institute, she was only intrigued by the bizarre fact that the fever got better after marriage.


    Of course, she could not find the word ¡°special medicine¡± without some harshness. ¡®You never know again, do you?¡¯


    ¡°Not much.¡±


    After confirming that there was nothing to look for, April ced a lock spell back on her notebook and put it on the shelf. Soon after, she began to prepare the potion that was ordered by Count Rose. After moving some jars of juices and powders from the desk to the workbench, she put out all the lights except for the one at the side of the workbench.


    ¡°Blue atoll juice with some petal powder, a little bit of fruit scent¡­¡­.¡±


    April held the ss bottle in her hand, gently closing her eyes and murmuring briefly. The purple-colored liquid gradually became clear and soon became as transparent as water.


    The work was finished quickly. Even though the material was difficult to prepare, the preparation of the potion was quite easy. April sat down on a chair to catch her breath, ncing at a bottle as big as her index finger. The color of the medicine and Ian¡¯s face kept ovepping before her.


    ***


    ¡°April! This is the ne I got recently. This seems magical, right?¡±


    April, who was wondering why Lianna had suddenly called her, was startled to see what she had handed over. It was no doubt that it was a witch¡¯s tool that she had difficulty in getting from a rare antique shop not too long ago.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. I think it has been over 200 years.¡±¡°Really? They said it was from the north, so I was just wondering!¡±


    April brought the ne close to the light and carefully examined the decorations. Originally, it used to be very shiny, but now that it was neglected for a long time, the surface became much rougher. No imprints representing the original owner could be read.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it the remains of a witch who suffered during the war of chastity about 200 years ago?¡±¡°¡­¡­It might be.¡±


    200 years ago, the most independent witches were killed in a small war to incorporate the outskirts of Carleva, a stronghold of witches, into the empire. Even though it was part of a long history, it was not just someone else¡¯s story to April.

 Chapter 3

    <strong><em>Chapter 3</em></strong>


    ¡°Did I say something wrong?¡±


    ¡°No! I was just trying to point out the information about her descendants.¡±


    Lianna meticulously wrote what April was pouring out without a break as the information she was saying is necessary and will be added to the researchter.


    ¡°You said that the more they lose their energy, the more these tools be useless, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes. It¡¯s because this technology is an antique one. Their ability deteriorated as the witches began to lose their life force. Some people, like me, can still use a bit, but not much like they used to.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re focusing on regeantology, aren¡¯t you? Can you do anything else? Something like a spell?¡±


    April hesitated at the mention of the word ¡®spell¡¯.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±


    April replied, covering her wrist with her bracelet. Noticing that she was feeling ufortable, Lianna hurriedly put down the pen and turned away.


    ¡°Will you being to my birthday party, April?¡±


    ¡°Actually, I feel a bit weird meeting so many people. I would like to give you a present myself, so I will just stay at the detached house.¡±


    Thinking that she would face more enemies, April had never been to a crowded ce ever since she fled. She even missed her boarding school graduation ceremony. Lianna, who also knew about her situation, never asked her again.


    ¡°That will be enough. Actually, I¡¯m a little worried about this party.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Father has invited Ian Marquis. And since I have a special rtionship with his cousin brother, it will be pretty noisy. Count Rose is also invited.¡±


    By Lianna¡¯s cold tone, it was obvious how she thinks of Count Rose.


    ¡®I¡¯m sure the request was aimed for the Marquis. But, I hope nothing serious happens.¡¯


    Circumstantial reagents were bound to enter Ian¡¯s mouth. April bit her lips. A drug or a potion that temporarily changed a person¡¯s tendency could even cause side effects. She started feeling a bit anxious.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, April?¡±


    ¡°Oh, no. I think I forgot something.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve been overdoing ittely. Today¡¯s research is over, so go home early and rest.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    April left the mansion alone and began to walk across the garden. While passing through the low-cut trees, April gazed at the ground, lost in thoughts.


    ¡®Maybe it would show as a trait, but if it bes dangerous, then¡­.¡¯


    As soon as she reached the main gate of the mansion, a shadow appeared in front of her. A familiar fragrance hung at the tip of her nose. The scent was much stronger than it was a few days ago. When she looked up, she saw a man she had already met before.


    ¡°Ah, Marquis Reykis¡­..!¡±


    He was sitting on his horse with his back erect, looking down at April with a rather perplexed expression. April seemed to have suddenly popped out of nowhere and blocked the Marquis¡¯ attempt to pass the main gate.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Marquis.¡±


    April hurriedly stepped back, clearing the path for him. But he stood still, his eyes fixed on her.


    ¡°Last time, you¡­.¡±


    ¡°Oh, well, I was helping Miss Lianna with her research.¡±


    When Ian stayed silent, April hurried to exin even when he didn¡¯t ask for it. It was because she was worried that he would misunderstand the situation because someone who was not an aristocrat walked out of the Duke¡¯s mansion.


    ¡°I know.¡±


    ¡°¡­..Pardon?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s because I heard it from the Duke.¡±


    She only wanted to avoid the embarrassing situation and did not expect an answer. But, Ian just left after replying with a straight voice, just like when they first met. But April kept enjoying his afterimage, unable to step back.


    ¡®It¡¯s like a body odor.¡¯


    The identity of a rare fragrance that rose sharply, and the overwhelming energy that made shivers run down her spine. It was another brief encounter that tickled her mind again.


    Suddenly, Ian turned his head back and when their eyes met for a second time, April turned her head away quickly. No matter how close she was to the Debussy family, she did not want to get involved with a man who was the center of attention.


    ¡°Surely somewhere¡­..huh?¡±


    Extraordinary energy, peculiar body odor, nobility¡­. She quickly matched up the words like jumbled pieces on her mind. April knew the family who was the closest to this condition.


    ¡°Then, the Marquis¡­.!¡±


    The name that she had desperately tried to erase came to her mind clearly. The Liszt family. It was one of the Carleva¡¯s fallen aristocratic families that had used her mother, Elise Witzer, of being a murderer.


    But what was more important was that the Liszt family was a distant descendant of the werewolves, the Langs. They quickly grew into a powerful family thanks to their unique military strength, but fell into a state of debauchery.


    ¡°Then, is it possible that he is one of the Langs, too?¡±


    She was so shocked that it came out of her mouth. April got startled and looked around, covering her mouth. Fortunately, no one was present there.


    ¡®The Langs were a species who used to be weak whenever they were in heat. They also used to be uncontroble.¡¯


    April knew about their characteristics well because she had studied at the institute with a student who was one of thest descendants of the Langs. She had to avoid this situation at any cost. So, she ran in a hurry, faster than she did when she ran away from Carleva. Arriving at the pharmacy, she noticed a carriage standing in front of the door.


    ¡°Why is there a carriage here¡­.?¡±


    She stood there in a daze, trying to figure out why an aristocratic carriage was standing in broad daylight. Then she noticed Dalia, who was snooping out of the window and waving her arms at her, gesturing to her to go towards the back of the pharmacy. This was to keep April hidden from the unknown ¡°night guest¡± who had just arrived.


    April hurried to the back of the pharmacy, opening the door that led to theb.


    ¡°Count Rose is already here.¡±


    ¡°Oh my God, why is he so obstinate? Really, that man!¡±


    ¡°Maybe it¡¯s an emergency. What am I supposed to do when he just came in broad daylight? He is also making the other guests feel ufortable.¡±


    April opened a shelf that she had locked before and took out two ss bottles. One contained a red dim colored liquid while the other one was empty.


    ¡°From now on, I¡¯m going to make a fever reducer.¡±


    ¡°What?! It wasn¡¯t even scheduled, so why?¡±


    ¡°Just an intuition. The potion that was requested can cause side effects.¡±


    ¡°Why would your drugs have side effects?¡±


    ¡°Oh, by the way. Can you give this to him first and tell him to wait for half an hour?¡±


    There was no exnation in detail. So Dalia, after noticing April¡¯s impatience, quickly returned to Count Rose. April hurried back to her work. The procedure didn¡¯t take much time because the reagents, that were required, were fresh and new.


    ¡°This will do.¡±


    It was on the premise that the purpose of this medicine was Ian. She was going to ask him to use it if anything happened. The moment the fever reducer waspleted, Dalia hurriedly opened the door and came in.


    ¡°Rill, the Count, he¡¯s already gone.¡±


    ¡°What? Why!¡±


    ¡°He couldn¡¯t wait for half an hour because of his schedule. But he said he woulde back if he faces a problem.¡±


    Dalia handed over the envelope to April that contained the rest of the money. April tried to figure out the situation by looking alternately between the fever reducer in her hand and the envelope.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t we already get it separately?¡±


    ¡°I took it for granted, but he said that he woulde here again. So, can we just wait for now?¡±


    ¡°¡­..When this gets over, you¡¯d better think twice before doing any business with Count Rose again.¡±


    April was forced to return to theb. Dalia did her best, but she could not just ask the old nobleman toe freely.


    ¡®It would be too presumptuous to ask the Duke.¡¯


    She couldn¡¯t just force anyone to get involved. April fiddled with the envelope before throwing it to the drawer as usually. Now, there was another reason for her to go to Laritte¡¯s birthday party.


    ***


    Ian was sitting alone in the spacious drawing room of the house of the Duke, holding his chin and thinking about a certain silver-haired woman. He forgot that his tea was getting cold.


    ¡®Who was thatdy?¡¯


    Whenever he touched her, he felt her fingers go numb as if her hands were soaked in cold freezing water. The calm light of her violet eyes continued to haunt him. Being one of the Langs¡¯ descendants, his unique sharp sense had taken every short detail of her so intensely that it was imprinted on his mind.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure I will meet her again someday¡­.¡±


    It was not much of a big deal to be surprised by a touch. Anyone with a low status would have the same reaction. But she was somewhat different. The moment he reached her, she seemed to be shocked and ready to defend herself. But after the split, her eyes were still lingering on him. Her curious look and spirit kept bugging him.


    ¡°You must be thinking of something, right Ian?¡±


    Suddenly, Ian, who was in the midst of his thoughts, turned his head in surprise at the voice that called him. Fabian, who hade to meet the Duke of Debussy, was standing behind him.


    ¡°Your Highness, I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    When Ian got up in a hurry in order to be polite, Fabian smiled and shook his head. It meant that Ian could be at ease. Both he and Fabian sat down. Soon, there were two cups of warm tea in front of them.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t even know you were here. What¡¯s the matter?¡±


    ¡°Nothing.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a relief then. I was worried about your situation.¡±


    Fabian replied in a worried tone. It was because of the ¡°heat disease¡± that was peculiar to the Langs, whose blood became thicker and hotter whenever the time came. That¡¯s why Fabian did not allow Ian to stay by the side of the Grand Duke for a longer time. The main reason for hastily returning from the war was because of the severe situation after the outbreak a year ago.

 Chapter 4

    <strong><em>Chapter 4</em></strong>


    ¡°If the usual fever reducer doesn¡¯t work, do you have to borrow the power of a witch? It¡¯s a hollow story.¡±


    Fabian, who did not know about April¡¯s existence, made a joke out of it. Listening to their conversation, Kane tried to be as calm as possible.


    ¡°Don¡¯t overdo it. I will do the rest of the paperwork, so don¡¯t worry about it.¡±


    As Ian lowered his stiff face, Fabian smiled after shaking his head. He did not want to see Ian suffer like this, who was more loyal to him than anyone else, and who devoted himself to the well-being of the Empire.


    ¡°You will still be with me as my knight and friend in the future. But as the only son, it is also your duty to protect your family, so be more faithful to it.¡±¡°They are fine.¡±


    When Ian smiled faintly, Fabian nodded his head with satisfaction.


    ¡°Ah! I heard a funny rumor. Is it true that you bumped into ady on your way back to the capital?¡±¡°Did the rumor spread that much?¡±¡°Miss Lianna told me. You sure do have a lot of admirers in the capital city, don¡¯t you?¡±


    Was he trying to y a prank on Ian or was he thinking of Lianna, whom he had promised his future? But, Fabian was smiling very brightly. Kane, who was watching the scene, also forced himself to hold back hisughter.


    ¡°If you are staying here, be cautious. By the way, is Miss Lianna here?¡±¡°Yes, I have confirmed it. They have arranged a ce on the balcony upstairs for Your Highness to spend a special time with Lady Lianna.¡±¡°Really? What a pleasure! Then, I will be going up.¡±


    Fabian, who was over twenty and who was usually a serious person, always acted like an excited little boy whenever he talked about Lianna. Ian bowed to him politely before returning to sit in a morefortable position, this time sitting face to face with Kane.


    ¡°It¡¯s about time, isn¡¯t it? His Highness must be worried too.¡±¡°Yes. It does get worse bit by bit. Anyway, is the story about the witch that His Highness mentioned true?¡±


    Ian brooded over Fabian¡¯s words. A human being, but born with a special power?


    ¡°If they really exist in the capital, can they help in controlling this disease of yours?¡±


    Suddenly, the image of a woman popped up in his mind. She was a stranger whom he had already met twice.


    ¡°On my way in, I ran into a woman who was helping with Lady Lianna¡¯s research.¡±¡°Ah, April? Why?¡±¡°Lady Lianna, she was working on witch-rted research.¡±¡°Do you think she is a witch?¡±¡°Not necessarily.¡±¡°She was just helping Lady Lianna because she studied reagenthology as a minor in her university.¡±


    Kane had a rough patch to hide the fact that April was a witch. All he could tell him was that she was a genius at the Debussy Schrship. Just as Ian was reluctant to reveal himself as a Lang, April did not want her presence to be known either.


    ¡°Why? Are you interested?¡±¡°No. It¡¯s nothing.¡±


    Ian answered briefly before lifting the teacup towards his lips. He did not forget the moment when a dark energy was passed down to his fingertips, and when he sensed shivers running down her body. If he had the same feeling every time he touched her skin, his senses could never have been wrong. Not even for once.


    ***


    Count Rose eventually failed to keep his word, and now April, who was feeling anxious, was waiting on the second floor of the Duke¡¯s detached house. She was wearing a dark, wide-brimmed hat and is holding a bottle of fever reducer in one hand.


    The banquet hall was opposite to April¡¯s sponsored annex, so it was good for her to keep a watch on the situation even though it was a little far away. A mour spread over the wide-open balcony.


    ¡°That old man shouldn¡¯t do anything stupid.¡±


    In order to search for Count Rose, April leaned against the window and looked outside. She saw Lianna busily greeting people. There were Kane and Ian by the side. Lianna, who seemed to be boasting the perfume that she had just received from April, stretched out her wrists to the two men.


    From her childhood, April always used to spend her daily life among people like that from a distance. She always took it as a whole new scenario, be it the birthday parties surrounded by countless nobles or magical ceremonies of her mother, Elise.


    ¡®The daughter of Count Rose?¡¯


    She noticed a woman with red hair approaching and greeting the three. She was alone. Count Rose was nowhere to be seen.


    ¡®Where did Count Rose actually go after visiting the pharmacy?¡¯


    April was very scared if somehow her medicine was used for a wrong cause. Perhaps, that¡¯s why she couldn¡¯t bear Fiora Rose, who was smiling and talking to Ian.


    The moment when April leaned down again to look at them, Ian caught her eye. His gaze stopped at April.


    ¡°Ah!¡±


    She could point out the glow of his golden eyes even from a distance. April hurriedly glided down the balcony to hide away from him.


    ¡°Why do we keep running into each other?!¡±


    It was the moment when the old noble, who had offered her arge sum of money, became despondent.


    ***


    Ian was walking as quietly as possible through the balcony, enjoying the cool night breeze. The music became faint and the light leaking out of the window hung over the dark patronage. It has been a long time since he had strolled, breathing in the night air. Very different from the air that was mixed with the smell of blood, sweat, and iron.


    ¡°So, the Marquis likes to be alone.¡±


    By the time he reached the entrance of the banquet hall, Fiora, with sses in both hands, weed him as if she had been waiting for him to return. She readily held out the ss which was on her left hand.


    ¡°Thank you. Lady Rose.¡±


    Ian picked up the ss carefully, as if he didn¡¯t want to touch her fingers, before taking a slow breath to savour the aroma. He was usually reluctant to drink alcohol as he did not want to raise his body temperature. But he had to take a sip of this drink because of the strange sweet smell.


    ¡®That¡¯s a very peculiar scent.¡¯


    Fiora watched him gulping the liquid, her eyes fixed on Ian¡¯s face. Gradually, the more the ss was emptied, the more tense he became.


    ¡°It¡¯s a unique drink that you can¡¯t just taste anywhere else. The Marquis will like it¡­..¡±


    As soon as Fiora stopped talking, Ian felt his throat burning. Even when the alcohol was not that strong, it seemed his body temperature rose up as if he was drunk. The heat, which began at his lips and tongue, gradually spread throughout his entire body. Ian managed to take a faint breath.


    ¡°Gasp.¡±


    The feeling was as simr as before, but too fast and too hot to be a fever. It was like a sharp heat burst. His heart was beating as fast as if it was losing all it¡¯s blood. He had the illusion that he could hear it.


    ¡®Damn it, why now!¡¯


    Ian tried not to stumble and turned away to avoid any suspicion as much as possible. It felt so hot that his lips dried up. Intense thirst ran over him. The exceptionally strong smell of Fiora¡¯s perfume and cosmetics was also disturbing his nostrils. It caused him to feel lust.


    ¡°Ma-Marquis! Are you all right? Did the drink not suit your taste?¡±


    Fiora¡¯s voice was full of worry. Ian could not even speak properly. He grasped the left side of his chest with his right hand, and shook his head with difficulty.


    ¡°First of all, shall we get out of here? If it¡¯s hard to call a guard of the Reykis family, we¡­..¡±¡°N-no.¡±


    Ian forcibly took Fiora¡¯s hand, holding it tightly. He flinched even it was just a brief contact. He just needed a ce to hide without making a fuss.


    ¡°I have to go back.¡±¡°What? Where would you go alone like this!¡±


    Fiora¡¯s voice was now filled with anger. Her father, Count Rose, had told her to get close to Ian with the drink. But now the situation waspletely different from what she had expected.


    ¡°I have to return!¡±


    He roughly pushed away Fiora. At the moment, the eyes of those nearby were focused on him. They might be thinking that Fiora was badly rejected while flirting.


    But Ian could not afford to worry about it. The sound of his troubled breath and his beating heart created a continuous buzzing in his ears.


    ¡°What, what is¡­.¡±


    Fiora staggered back, surprised. The coolness of the hard wall hit her back. His red bloodshot eyes and his breath was like that of an angry wolf, as if he would put out his ws anytime.


    ¡°Sh*t.¡±


    The moment he uttered this word in a gentle manner, Fiora ran away somewhere keeping her mouth shut. But Ian, not caring about it, grabbed his chest and staggered towards the detached house. It was the only safest ce for him for the time being, with only those permitted by the Duke.


    ¡°A-ah, Marquis Reykis! You need the doctor!¡±¡°N-No. Not the doctor.¡±¡°What do you mean?!¡±¡°If I just rest for a while, I will get better¡­..Don¡¯t follow me.¡±


    The soldier guarding the annex, who was startled, rushed to help him. When he saw the man with a good physique copsing, he panicked and ordered the others to close the door quickly.


    ¡°Hah.¡±


    When the heavy door waspletely closed, Ian staggered up the stairs alone. The inside of the building was more humid than outside. It became harder for him to breathe. The air in the room seemed to irritate his body, which caused him to flinch, but he didn¡¯t have the strength toin about it.


    ¡°Oh my!¡±


    April, who was leaning against the railing of the stairs while looking down at the first floor, rushed to the second floor when she saw Ian rushing in. Suddenly, amotion started outside, but she hoped that she would not have to face the situation.

 Chapter 5

    <strong><em>Chapter 5</em></strong>


    ¡°What is he¡­¡­¡±


    Marquis Ian Reykis is the young leader of the Reykis family, which is a prestigious martial family.


    A workaholic who had no interest in the society, a symbol of abstinence.


    There were a lot of rumors about him, but nothing to exin what he was now.


    ¡°Excuse me, Marquis Reykis?¡±


    He was barely leaning against the wall. When she called his name, he raised his head.


    The moment he looked up at April, she felt goosebumps all over her whole body.


    His messy hair drenched in sweat, golden eyes shining like that of a beast, and the immense color of lust emanating from them. His crimson lips shed a few hot breaths, and he seemed hot and heavy just from the side.


    ¡°P-Please try to calm down.¡±


    ¡°Ha¡­.Don¡¯te.¡­any closer¡­.¡±


    He answered in a harsh voice, but April couldn¡¯t do as he said. She knew that the reason he was like this was because of her own potion. This was a problem that people always experienced even if the medicine was effective.


    ¡°You need to cool off.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t touch me.¡±


    ¡°Just listen to me! No, can¡¯t you hear me?¡±


    The moment April reached out to his face to examine his fever, Ian sped her wrists tightly and twisted her body.


    ¡°Ah!¡±


    Every time April tried to escape herself from his grasp, his hold got tightened more and more. She felt him rx a bit, but soon her back hit the wall. However, April shut her eyes tightly.


    ¡°Ugh!¡±


    He sped her hand so tightly that it seemed like it would leave a ck mark on the spot. The rich odor from his body irritated her nostrils. His heated lips left a trace of beauty on her neck, as if he was taking in her scent. April shrugged and opened her eyes.


    ¡®Oh¡­¡­no.¡¯


    Ian¡¯s face was in front of her. He opened his eyes sharply and red at April. He furrowed his forehead several times as if he could not see her well, but his eyes, like a brute beast, were much more fierce than usual.


    ¡°I told you¡­.not to touch me.¡±


    ¡°Bu-But if you don¡¯t¡­.take any action¡­.¡±


    April¡¯s trembling voice broke in the middle. For he, unable to find any reason, had swallowed her lips.


    His tongue had suffocated April to the point where she could hardly even breathe, while his disheveled breath kept tickling her neck. The arm, which was holding her back, gradually rose up.


    Their bodies clung together in an instant. While his body seemed to be boiling constantly, she felt that she was now in a considerable danger.


    ¡®Please, please.¡¯


    At the time when April was trying to shake him off with all her strength, his body, which had been pushing her violently until now, suddenly fell over April. His body was unable to withstand the energy of the potion.


    ¡°Money is the enemy.¡±


    April groped her tingling lips, while looking down at him, who had fallen on the cold floor.


    ¡°Ha, argh¡­.¡±


    He groaned out. It seemed painful. April quickly came to her senses and sat down beside him. His treatment was more important even when she wasmenting.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Marquis. Let me help you.¡±


    Ian forced his eyes closed to listen to her voice. Unable to distinguish her face from his blurred vision, he relied on the voice to trace the memory. The scent that he had smelled before hovered on the tip of his nose more intensely.


    ¡°I hope this helps¡­¡­¡±


    As Ian was trying not to lose consciousness after being eroded by the heat, a cold liquid flowed down his lips. It was like water, but mixed with bitterness. Ian frowned, furrowing his eyebrows.


    ¡°It will cool you down slowly, just as the morning breeze soothes someone.¡±


    With the faint voice of the woman, that seemed as if she was chanting a spell, a cold hand swept gently down his eyelids.


    ¡°Ha¡­..¡±


    He breathed out. A chill, that he had ever felt, passed on to him from her fingertips. His beating heart gradually slowed down.


    After a few minutes, he slowly opened his eyes, realizing that he was lying on herp. He also realized that she had fed him something that helped in reducing his fever.


    ¡°A¡­.April ?¡±


    Ian murmured her name while her face became stiff. She forced herself not to scream, even if it was waiting to escape from the tip of her tongue. She felt like her strength was slipping out of her body.


    ¡°How do you know my¡­..¡±


    ¡°We keep running into each other, huh.¡±


    Ian touched April¡¯s hand lightly, which was resting on his forehead. He felt the exact same strange feeling again like the first time when he had touched her. Unwittingly, Ian sped her hand and put it over his cheeks.


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    His cheeks were as hot as fire, as if he could swallow ice. April was startled, trying to withdraw her hand, but his strength turned her down. Seeing him like this where she could feel his breath, she felt heat rising up on her cheeks, her face turning red.


    ¡°It¡¯s cold¡­.¡±


    Ian¡¯s voice rang in her ears. He opened one of his eyes to look at April¡¯s reaction. Was it to ask for her help, or to warm up her cold hand?


    But April did not answer his sleep-talking remarks. She thought that he would not remember it once he became fully awake.


    ¡®But I¡¯m d that he ran to this ce.¡¯


    When he thought that his breathing was beginning to rx, April¡¯s sight had managed to catch his breath again. The hastily made fever reducer still had some effects. Ian closed his eyes with a more rxed look.


    April left him, carefully leaning her back against the wall. When she came down to the first floor, she felt relieved but was tired.


    ¡°Lady April! Are you all right?¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­.. The Marquis is fine too.¡±


    ¡°Thanks to you, I¡¯m relieved. He kept telling me not to call the doctor, so I was worried¡­..¡±


    April had hurried out of the ce, leaving behind only a short note. She just wanted to leave before Ian could gain his consciousness.


    ¡¶The Count Rufous Rose.¡·


    As soon as she got out of the detached house, April kicked the ground.


    ¡®Hah¡­The potion.¡¯


    She did not expect that the side-effects could be this severe. There was something annoying about Count Rose, who had been obstinate until the end. She was not happy with Ian remembering her either. April brushed her fingertips slightly over her lips. They were still warm.


    ***


    Ian opened his eyes in his bedroom, dizzy. His body felt heavy, it was as if he had gone into water with his clothes on. The night was still young when he had lost his consciousness. Now, the sun was already up in the sky.


    ¡°How do you feel, Master?¡±


    ¡°It feels like death.¡±


    The young butler, us, held out a ss full of water. Ian rose up from his bed and drank it in one gulp to quench his thirst.


    ¡°I have prepared a bath for you, Master.¡±


    Ian, dressed in a robe, entered the bathroom attached to the room and glided himself into the bathtub. The steam of the warm water helps in rxing his cold body.


    ¡®How did this happen?¡¯


    The symptoms usually began a few days before his fever used to rise up, but this time it was different. It was literally a sudden raid. The heat, which had been spreading all over his body, was extinguished in vain at once with an unfamiliar medicine and her touches.


    ¡°I ran into her yesterday. Thedy¡­..¡±


    As he tried to recall yesterday¡¯s events, he opened his eyes and groped at his lips. When he drank a strange drink, his body frantically started to go out of control. He had met her again at the detached house and kissed her at the moment¡¯s attraction. It was never a dream.


    ¡°Crazy.¡±


    Hemented. He had done something that might have been formidable to her. He should have been more careful. Nevertheless, she helped him. He did not know what would have happened to him if it hadn¡¯t been for the drug at that time.


    ¡®Wait. The medicine¡­¡­¡¯


    The moment he remembered about the fever reducer that pressed down his heat at once, he raised himself up in an idle way. He came out in a bathrobe, and sat in front of a table by the window.


    ¡°us. What happened about yesterday?¡±


    ¡°The Duke was answerable.¡±


    ¡°Ah, I¡¯ve caused him trouble.¡±


    ¡°The Duke and Lady Lianna were very worried. He said he didn¡¯t remember having a drink that was so strange that would cause someone to copse.¡±


    ¡°Right. So someone might have spiked the drink¡­..¡±


    Ian blurted out, still trying to recall yesterday¡¯s episode. Fiora was waiting for him, as if it was nned from the beginning. The sweet aroma of the liquor she gave him was also strange. The scent that was subtly attracting seems to have forced him to gulp it down his throat.


    ¡°Rose.¡±


    ¡°Pardon?¡±


    ¡°There was something strange about the liquor that was offered by the daughter of Count Rose. And thedy in the detached house offered me a readymade fever reducer. I¡¯ve never seen a drug like that.¡±


    The woman who offered him a helping hand was definitely April, a friend of Lady Lianna. Her scent, the frosty touch of her fingertips, and her voice, he could remember it all with his senses that he inherited from his ancestors, the Langs.


    There could be no medicine anywhere that could take down such a terrible fever. So she must have had a connection.


    ¡°Can she cure Master¡¯s illness?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure, but I will not disclose this to Duke Kane.¡±


    ¡°What should I do, Master?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s try gambling. Send an invitation to Count Rose.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    If she had made a drug that could not even be caught by the Langs¡¯ sense of smell, her skills must be excellent. Ian couldn¡¯t bear but be curious about April, whose truth Duke Kane was trying to hide so badly.

 Chapter 6

    <em>Trantor and Editor: Lea and Aki</em>


    <strong><em>Chapter 6</em></strong>


    us sent an invitation at Ian¡¯smand, and the reply arrived very quickly, as if Count Rose had been waiting for it. Thanks to this, Ian was able to meet Fiora again within a few days.


    ¡°Sorry for the sudden invitation, Lady Rose.¡±


    ¡°No. Thank you for inviting me, Marquis.¡±


    Fiora answered awkwardly while she kept avoiding Ian¡¯s eyes.


    As the only daughter of Count Rose, she became aware of many people. From the moment she received the invitation, she knew that this was nothing special. Otherwise, he, who had never let a woman into the house before, had no reason to invite her.


    ¡°Do you mind if we talk alone? There is something I need to ask you.¡±


    ¡°Ah, yes¡­.sure.¡±


    On Ian¡¯s gesture, us tightly closed the door of the drawing room so as to make sure no words would ever leak out. Ian¡¯s expression became cold as the two panels touched each other.


    ¡°Did Count Rose want this to happen?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean¡­.¡±


    Fiora flinched at the sudden change of his behavior. Ian stared at Fiora with assured eyes.


    ¡°I am asking you because I thought you knew what kind of alcohol it was.¡±


    Fiora bit her lips and dropped her gaze. But Ian kept looking at her with a motive that he would not move a bit until he heard the answer, let alone draw his gaze. Simply, it was an interrogation, not a conversation.


    ¡°I just brought you the drink that my father told me to. I was embarrassed too!¡±


    Fiora answered in a shrill voice, as if she wanted toin of his injustice. Ian, who did not want to be in any more trouble, looked at her with a more fierce look and began.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t invite you to speak ill of you. I just wanted to know what was mixed in the liquor and from where was it obtained.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°I have a reason to meet the person who made it.¡±


    Fiora crooked her head, seemingly iprehensible while waiting for Ian to respond. However, he did not make any additional exnations or excuses.


    ¡°If you are a born businessman, you should know which option is the most reasonable.¡±


    ¡°What does that mean?¡±


    ¡°I never forget the people who help me.¡±


    Ian¡¯s words hit her. Unlike her father, who was eager to find a husband for her, she wanted to focus on the family business herself.


    ¡°¡­.I had never been to those ces before. My father usually goes there.¡±


    Fiora paused and looked at Ian¡¯s countenance. A strain was felt in her hand, that was tightly sping the handle of the teacup.


    ¡°Continue. Whatever your father¡¯s intentions are, I will never harm you.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°If I had a cruel heart, would I have invited you like this?¡±


    Fiora, a little relieved by his words, began to talk quietly with her eyes still down.


    ¡°My mother was suffering from dermatitis, and she was advised to use red cosmetics. The ones that my father ordered from the pharmacy were very effective.¡±


    ¡°Cosmetics from a pharmacy? Is the information correct?¡±


    ¡°It is an expensive material that ordinary people can never use. I have heard that the ce also trades many other interesting things.¡±


    ¡°In a pharmacy like that?¡±


    ¡°Yes, and it has been doing a steady business with the nobles for a long time.¡±


    Fiora¡¯s words were exactly in line with Ian¡¯s idea. Whenever he was on the right track, something seemed to hold him back. Ian gently rubbed his temple and fell into deep thought. He soon remembered the scenery of the day of his return to the capital.


    ¡®Yes, it was then too.¡¯


    All of his thoughts began to converge around April. That day, April, who was pushed by the people, fell in front of him with an armful of red petals.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure that my father bought something from there, but I don¡¯t know about the details. When we had an argument after the banquet, he said nothing but that it was a pharmacy.¡±


    ¡°That will be enough. Thank you.¡±


    On thanking her, Fiora immediately rose from her seat, as if she could not stay there any longer. Ian ordered a maid to escort her to her wagon so that she would not feel ufortable, and then he returned to the Oval Office to call us.


    ¡°us. Check if any of the pharmacies in the market makes red cosmetics. If they say they don¡¯t know, search for thedy named April.¡±


    ¡°Ah, It must be the person who helped you. All right, Master.¡±


    ¡°If you find ady with silver hair and purple eyes, will you give this to her?¡±


    ¡°I will, Master.¡±


    Ian held out the envelope, stamped with the seal of the Marquis of Reykis to us.


    Despite his abrupt request, us took it with no sign of embarrassment and left. He had to act immediately.


    ¡®Was it a coincidence?¡¯


    His thought, that had been swirling in his head for quite some time, returned back to thedy with the silver hair. His thought averted from her fingertips to her lips, that were unnaturally energetic that night.


    For him, who lived a life that had nothing to do with women, he had no choice but to think about the woman, with whom he got intertwined so often.


    ***


    April, who habitually opened the back door and came out of the pharmacy, was speechless at the unexpected sight. She thought there would be no more customers as it was the time to prepare for dinner, but there was another customer whom she had not met before.


    ¡°Ah, Rill.¡±


    As the gaze of the man facing Dalia turned to April, her hand holding the doorknob tightened. With his hair neatlybed back, it seemed he was a servant from a noble family.


    ¡°Please forgive me for thete introduction. My name is us Hall. Excuse me Lady, is your name¡­.¡±


    His voice was calm, but his dark brown eyes shook violently, as if he had seen a ghost in the middle of the night. April was thinking about pulling the door close after going in, but it was toote.


    ¡°She is my cousin, April Quen. She is helping me out with the pharmacy.¡±


    Dalia replied hurriedly before April could even shut her mouth. The surname ¡°Quen¡± was used to conceal April¡¯s n.


    Of course, no matter what surname April used, us was not interested in it. He was only relieved that she was the woman his Master was looking for.


    ¡°I¡¯m here to request for red cosmetics.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s only known to some noble families, how did you know about this ce?¡±


    ¡°I have heard it from Count Rose, of course.¡±


    April, who became sensitive after Count Rose¡¯s case, asked if he was interrogating her. He gave an immediate answer, as if he was prepared.


    Unlike his smile, the wordsing from his mouth poked April in the back of her head. It was natural for her to think about Ian when she heard that she had been introduced by Count Rose. She pretended to act calm even when she was experiencing a bad headache.


    ¡°Dalia, can you step aside for a second? I need a ce to talk with him, but I can¡¯t take him into theb.¡±


    ¡°Sure. Talk slowly. I¡¯ll go into theb.¡±


    Dalia, who was reluctant to leave April alone with a stranger, hesitated before walking back inside theb. April locked the pharmacy door and drew the curtains as soon as Dalia entered the room.


    ¡°You are looking for something, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re quite quick-witted, Lady. I actually came looking for someone, and fortunately, you were here.¡±


    ¡°Pardon?¡±


    ¡°My Master wants to meet you.¡±


    At the stern words of the man, whom she had never seen before, Aprilmented briefly. As us handed over the white envelope, April epted it before searching for the sender¡¯s name.


    ¡®Are they trying to kill me?¡¯


    There was no name of the sender anywhere on the envelope, but she could tell at once what was the source of this letter from the ck seal. It was from Ian Reykis. The crest of a ck wolf depicted the Marquis Reykis, and that the letter was sent through the hands of a servant.


    ¡°I just did what I was asked to do. And I think you have your own responsibility.¡±


    ¡°The Marquis must have heard about this ce from his doctor. So, I can¡¯t me you.¡±


    She knew that there was no guarantee that she would not get caught. This was the only pharmacy that traded special kinds of drugs and potions. So if Count Rose had confessed it all, she would have just one day to stay at this little market. People could have found it even if they just walked around. However, she did not know that she was going to run into someone in just a few days.


    ¡°Then why are you here?¡±


    ¡°My Master wants to have a benefactor. Don¡¯t worry, Lady. He wouldn¡¯t care what you used to do before.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re getting on my nerves, you know.¡±


    ¡°I thought I would have to be sure. Please visit him whenever you like, Lady.¡±


    us bowed and left after finishing his words politely to thest minute. April opened the envelope and scanned through the page. She could not understand how someone could deal with her like this when she only helped in reducing his fever. She was even invited to the Reykis Mansion as a benefactor of Ian Reykis.


    ¡°Rill?¡±


    When April sat still, making all kinds of presumptions in her mind, Dalia called her carefully. Her face did not seem as bright as it was. It was quite oundish for her to have a sudden invite from a nobleman following Count Rose.


    ¡°Who the hell was he, and why did hee to visit you? Something is wrong, right?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s¡­.¡±


    April confided to Dalia about the details of the incident that had happened a few nights ago. Ian suffered from a high fever because of the potion, and after treating him, she had to run away from the ce.


    But her guess on Ian¡¯s identity was not clear, so she decided not to mention him.


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 Chapter 7

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    <strong><em>Chapter 7</em></strong>


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing even more surprising knowing that your potion had side effects.¡±


    ¡°I have been invited.¡±


    ¡°What? Didn¡¯t he take you for granted?¡±


    Dalia jumped excitedly. She had always put April in an awkward situation in front of countless nobles, and still now, she was thinking of it as a request.


    Count Rose was the one who set things up, but April was the one who made them for money.


    ¡°He just seems to appreciate your help. Are you turning a blind eye now?¡±


    ¡°Are you sure? What if he was lying?¡±


    ¡°I think you should still meet him whether or not what he was saying was true. I hope this wouldn¡¯t cause any problems in the pharmacy at least.¡±


    Dalia was a little worried too. April also did not know what the consequences of facing the Marquis, who himself was a topic of interest among the same aristocrats right now, would lead to.


    ¡°All right then, I¡¯ll go talk to him. No matter how important money is, we can¡¯t miss shaping our future.¡±


    April smiled coyly to reassure Dalia.


    She did not want Dalia to be caught up in her business, who had once saved April when she used to have nothing.


    ***


    April looked around, unable to capture both the ends of the Marquis¡¯ building in her eyes at the same time. The tall walls and the buildings were much more daunting than she had imagined.


    However, the garden was much more cheerful and brighter than her expectations.


    The finely trimmed trees were stretched along the path and flowers for the season bloomed, adding color to the scenery. us greeted April in front of the huge mansion at the end of the path.


    ¡°We¡¯ve been waiting, Lady April.¡±


    ¡°Yes, hello.¡±


    ¡°We have arranged a table for you, so I¡¯ll take you there.¡±


    ¡°A table?¡±


    ¡°My master suggested that it would be morefortable than the drawing room.¡±


    April entered the patronage, admiring at his seemingly meticulous consideration.


    It was the wideke that caught April¡¯s eye in a much more peaceful environment than the garden. Ian was sitting beside a small table under the shade of a tree by theke. There was no one else around him.


    ¡°Miss Quen.¡±


    ¡°This is my master, Marquis Ian Reykis.¡±


    ¡°And Master, this is¡­..Miss April Quen.¡±


    us introduced her briefly before Ian stood up and greeted her. April sat opposite to him while us went to stand behind Ian.


    ¡°us, will you please leave us for a moment?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Master.¡±


    While use was on his way, a vast silence fell upon the table between the two of them. Although they have already met several times before, April fidgeted with her fingers, unable to say even a simple greeting.


    As she was about to turn her eyes towards him, Ian started with a light topic.


    ¡°This ce has quite a fruity scent, but I don¡¯t know if you like it or not.¡±


    Ian spoke politely even though she was just amoner, but still, she did not feel relieved. She simply nodded lightly, while lifting the teacup with her trembling hands.


    ¡°Thank you very much for your help.¡±


    ¡°No, I just did what was necessary at that time.¡±


    ¡°Was it because you were a good pharmacist, or was it because of your own medicine?¡±


    At his question, April was so surprised that she almost spit the hot tea. She thought he already knew a lot from Count Rose.


    ¡°You¡¯ve got some interesting medicines.¡±


    Ian rose from his seat and slowly approached April. He lowered his posture before lifting her chin lightly with his hand.


    ¡°W-Why?¡±


    She asked for the reason, but no answer came back. His slightlynguid gaze lingered around her lips. Somehow, when it reminded her of the night at the banquet, she shut her lips tightly.


    ¡°My memory can never be wrong.¡±


    He muttered. April leaned backward, but he did not budge. The strong scent and energy that was emanating from him seemed to devour her.


    But in this situation, her mind went nk.


    ¡°Sorry, Marquis¡­..¡±


    As she spoke in a trembling voice, Ian stopped before shifting his eyes towards hers.


    ¡°Why are you apologizing?¡±


    ¡°Because I made the potion at the request of Count Rose.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t call you here to hear an apology. Rather, I should be the one who should apologize for my rude behavior. That day, I got high on the drug, and I¡­..¡±


    ¡°Oh! Ah! That¡¯s all right. It¡¯s really fine, so please don¡¯t talk about it.¡±


    When she desperately shook her head, interrupting him, Ian smiled faintly before returning back to his seat. April tried to wave her hands to calm her fiery face when he was facing the other side.


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t believe it. The one who saved my life could put me in danger.¡±


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t ask for it even after I found out that Count Rose was after you, Marquis. That¡¯s why I made a fever reducer. I was worried about the side-effects of the potion because of your energy.¡±


    ¡°Is it that easy to make a fever reducer? No, do you mean you felt my energy before that?¡±


    ¡°Ah, that¡­..¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve always noticed a curious gleam in your eyes every time we met. Do you know who I am?¡±


    Ian¡¯s eyes glistened sharply with his every word, causing April to stay silent. She tried to restrain his eyes, but she could not help but twist open her trembling lips.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you¡­..a Lang?¡±


    April answered in a low voice while the harshness of her throat, which was almost strangling, subsided. But she could not just let go of the tension as she did not have the ability to read someone¡¯s thoughts.


    ¡°B-But, I will never disclose anything.¡±


    ¡°I know. I know that you¡¯re different from others too.¡±


    ¡°The moment I came to know who you were, I was expecting it. I knew that the Marquis would face it.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re clever.¡±


    The sixth sense of the Langs, which was several times better than the humans, could never be ignored. There must be a reason why she did not lose herposure even when she was caught hiding something. April replied confidently, but she hid her trembling hands under the table.


    ¡°Excuse me, Marquis, but what¡¯s the real reason that you called me here for? I also heard about the predecessor of the Reykis household.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re much bolder than I thought. I can¡¯t believe that you brought up my family history.¡±


    ¡°I-I¡¯m sorry if I was rude.¡±


    ¡°No, I¡¯ve called you here to make a deal. I would like to hire you as a doctor.¡±


    The statement, made by Ian, was so out of the blue that April furrowed her eyebrows, confused.


    ¡°Uh¡­..but, I¡¯m not a doctor. I¡¯m a pharmacist.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡±


    April could hardly understand this absurd situation. She never rebuked herself from making the strange potion, but she also could not understand whether or not she could trust a man of the Reykis family.


    ¡°It¡¯s a disease that doctors can¡¯t cure. That¡¯s why I called you.¡±


    ¡°So it was true that you were looking for a fever reducer that never even existed in the world.¡±


    ¡°Yes. The Langs¡¯ fever does not heal unless certain conditions are established. But alternatively, the drugs can suppress the symptoms.¡±


    ¡°Symptoms?¡±


    It was the first time that she heard it. April, who was only shallow about the nature of the Langs, tilted her head sideways. But Ian kept smiling vaguely without answering.


    ¡°However, such a sudden proposal¡­..¡±


    ¡°I can promise you the best support.¡±


    ¡°Best support?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll provide you with a dedicatedboratory, along with good security. I¡¯ve heard that you work overnight to make money, so isn¡¯t this a better deal?¡±


    She could tell it was quite a tempting offer. If she agreed, she would be able to make arge sum of money with which she could clear up all her debts.


    However, she was unable to respond to the proposal promptly.


    ¡°But it¡¯s not just up to me. I also have to talk with Dalia about the pharmacy.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to decide here. Here.¡±


    When April hesitated, he held out his right hand towards her while smiling. Simr to how someone would do when they were asking for a dance at a ball.


    The moment Aprilid her hand gently over his, he squeezed her palm. Suddenly, from his fingertips, the energy that she had felt since their first meeting stretched out through her arm and struck her. Somehow, it seemed to have gotten stronger since that day.


    She hurriedly withdrew her hand.


    ¡°I hope it helps you choose.¡±


    ¡®To know about each other¡¯s existence and secrets. Depending on your choice, you will be my medicine or my poison.¡¯


    Ian made April aware of the point with just one gesture. It was more pressing than using any threatening expressions and words.


    ¡°You¡¯re a threat too.¡±


    ¡°Do you really feel that way?¡±


    ¡°¡­.Please give me a week to think about it.¡±


    ¡°All right then, I¡¯lle see you in person in a week.¡±


    ¡°No, I¡¯ll visit you. The other guests might feel ufortable if someone like you visits the pharmacy.¡±


    April replied hurriedly, recalling the day when Count Rose suddenly came to the pharmacy in broad daylight. Ian nodded.


    ¡°I-If you don¡¯t mind, may I ask you a question?¡±


    ¡°Go for it.¡±


    ¡°What exactly is the symptom of your fever?¡±


    At her question, Ian lost hisposure for the first time while his expression stiffened. He tried to answer her several times. It seemed as if he was embarrassed. When April was about to apologize again for her nk question, he finally muttered.


    ¡°¡­..it¡¯s like a rut, as in the terms of an animal.¡±


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 Chapter 8

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    <em>Trantor and Editor: Lea and Aki</em>


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    <strong><em>Chapter 8</em></strong>


    As soon as he was finished, Ian sighed heavily. April, for the first time, noticed that his eyes were shaking and that his face was red due to embarrassment, which made him drop his head down. Now that he had revealed his disgrace, it was only natural for him to react that way.


    On the contrary, it was surprising that he replied gently. He must have been desperate for the cure because he had already shown it once.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I must¡¯ve made you ufortable.¡±


    ¡°Is it notughable for you to hear this?¡±


    ¡°How can I think that way about someone¡¯s illness? No matter how much I am crazy about money, I chose to be a pharmacist solely for the purpose of helping people. I don¡¯t take any kind of illness lightly.¡±


    ¡°¡­..Fine, us will lead you the way.¡±


    He said as he got up from his seat, ending the conversation. It was clearly visible that he wasn¡¯tfortable with this type of conversation.


    April nced up at him as she followed him. His face, which was away from the setting sunlight, seemed lonely.


    ***


    She didn¡¯t know how a week passed so quickly. April entered the pharmacy, still brooding over her conversation with Ian. As usual, the closets were full of medicinal herbs and books.


    ¡°Rill, you¡¯ve got a reply from the court.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I came here as soon as I could!¡±


    ¡°You know, I had to receive it when I went to the post office today. You should write your address properly next time, girl.¡±


    Dalia handed over the mail to April. Upon opening the envelope bearing the mark of the Court of Carleva, a handwritten letter from the Chief of the court appeared. Grasping the paper with her trembling hands, she fixed her eyes on its contents.


    ¡¶The deadline is less than half a year away. You¡¯ll be having twice as much as you have now, but we cannot permit you to get the Witzer Mansion back. As long as your family hasmitted a felony, you will not be able to restore your title.


    So, I hope you will not risk your life for useless things.¡·


    The letter contained contempt for the murderer¡¯s child, but April, who was used to being cursed, did not care.


    However, thest sentence scratched her mind. It tore her mind to pieces, confirming what she knew, that it made her furious again.


    ¡°Dalia, I need a break.¡±


    She thought she needed a good sleep as she was tired and became restless from all these things.


    She threw the letter on the desk before crouching down on the sofa and closing her eyelids.


    ¡®Is it really useless? Does it have no meaning?¡¯


    While repeating the same question, again and again, she was slowly pushed into a deep slumber. As if her body was slowly sinking into the deep, dark ocean.


    As the ck mist that had blocked her sight lifted, zing mes covered her vision everywhere she set her eyes upon. On a night when the fire was burning brightly, people gathered in droves.


    ¡°Kill the witch!¡±


    At someone¡¯s mor, April cast her eyes towards the center of the mes. There she saw her mother, Elise, bound to a pir and buried inside the mes.


    ¡°Mother!¡±


    The mes gradually emerged, swallowing Elise, and soon found their way to April as if they were dancing with the flow. The moment they were about to touch her body, April floundered out of the mes.


    ¡°Gasp!¡±


    When she opened her eyes, the familiar image of herb came into view. The room was deafeningly quiet. The drugs that were brought in today were all piled up on the workbench. April curled up, her face buried in herp, catching up on her breath.


    A short nightmare that reminded her of the real nightmare that happened 10 years ago.


    ***


    It was the day after Elise was murdered. The day 3 years after the death of the Witzer family.


    ¡°My mother wasn¡¯t that kind of person¡­¡±


    Fourteen-year-old April muttered in front of the verdict.


    It was true that her mother, Elise Witzer, was originally the only distant descendant of a witch who had settled in the northern region of Carleva.


    But of course, the word ¡®witch¡¯ always had a different meaning to the people.


    The special ability of a witch could be used as a double-edged sword, in making medicines and in making poisons.


    Elise had to take over the duty of taking care of her family after the departure of her husband. Elise tried to blend in with the society, but it didn¡¯t work. In the north, where the male aristocrats were more influential and neglected other provinces, it was difficult for Elise to live as the only head of her house.


    ¡°A double-edged sword¡­..¡±


    As April unfolded her fingers, a speck of white light hovered like dust. It was the evidence that proves she inherited the power that was only restricted to a few girls.


    ¡®What is this ability for? Saving or hurting people?¡¯


    ¡®Yes, if it is used correctly, it will brighten up my life.¡¯


    April looked down at the red leather notebook on the floor. It was what her mother had always treasured.


    After she was gone, there were only two of her belongings that were left with April. That notebook and a bracelet that she was wearing at that particr moment.


    However, the bracelet was meant to be kept away from her. It, with a thin ck band adorned with blue jewels, was far from being shy. A light like that of cloudy moonlight appeared on the jewels beforepletely fading away.


    ¡°You¡¯re lying. It isn¡¯t true!¡±


    A sharp voice resonated through the deserted mansion. April curled up her fingers into a fist.


    The Court of Carleva, who said 30 women were killed, was apparently at peace before the trial. No screams were heard and there were no hideous rumors.


    But it was a noble meeting.


    ¡°What¡¯s not true, daughter of Witzer?¡±


    Suddenly, a low thick voice rang from behind. Realizing that she was not alone in the mansion, April turned her head tinglingly.


    ¡°Count Gridler!¡±


    On therge corridor, stood a bulky, middle-aged man. He was Orville Gridler, one of the men who was beholden to the Witzer family.


    He seemed to have casually entered this house when all of its members were absent. April quickly hid her wrist, which had the bracelet, behind her other hand.


    ¡°You don¡¯t mind my presence, do you? This mansion will now be handed over to the court anyway.¡±


    He grinned as he had done when Elise was sentenced to death. Now, he seemed more rxed and also had a condescending smile on his face.


    ¡°How dare you talk like that about my mother?! Even after she¡¯s lent all the money you¡¯ve asked for!¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that the problem? She was too lenient.¡±


    Elise, who took over all the power of her deceased husband, always kept a close eye on not on her family, but also on society. She also lent arge sum of money to those who were suffering from theck of wealth in the aristocracy.


    But the nobles of Carleva were not at all pleased with a young widow with wealth, power, and even a special ability.


    ¡°The witch¡¯s property will be handed over to the court by the time you turn 20, and you will never get it back unless you collect money for the next five years. You know what I mean, don¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°¡­.I don¡¯t understand.¡±


    ¡°I am assigned as your guardian! And in this way, I can even get a part of that property.¡±


    To save the Witzer mansion and its great wealth from getting passed over to the court, April as its heir, had to prove Elise¡¯s innocence or pay an enormous amount ofpensation. As far as she knew, Count Gridler¡¯s strength wasn¡¯t enough.


    ¡°How could you not have that amount of money¡­..¡±


    ¡°When did I ever tell you?! Now, please sign it.¡±


    Gridler pulled a white envelope out of his coat, with a pleased smile on his face. It belonged to Count Liszt, who was close to him.


    ¡°It¡¯s a marriage contract. Your fiance is Sir Carl Liszt, the only son of Count Liszt.¡±


    April frowned, which clearly showed that she was confused by the sudden contract. She had no reason to get married to Carl Liszt, who had been recently following her around.


    ¡°Why should I?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think you have a choice.¡±


    Gridler strode up towards April. His eyes were cold, along with one of his eyebrows twitching convulsively.


    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t it be unfair to let the child of a murderer live freely?¡±


    ¡°My mother was not a murderer!¡±


    ¡°Now, now, why didn¡¯t you say that to the court!¡±


    He snorted. Scorn shone in his eyes as he mocked April in a rude tone. April froze at where she was standing.


    ¡°Who knows what might happen to those without an identity?¡±


    ¡°What are you¡­!¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re no different from you now, except for the fact that you are allowed to get your property back.¡±


    Now the tangled tar hase undone. Gridler had joined hands with the Liszt family.


    If April got married to Carl, Count Liszt could easily take over the estate of Marquis of Witzer. That would be a natural benefit for Gridler, too.


    Gridler was threatening to throw April into the abyss.


    ¡°Do you want to live a normal life?¡±


    Reaching out his hand, he grabbed April¡¯s wrist tightly. With that strength of his, he could crush a thin little wrist like hers. She pondered.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay if you don¡¯t want to sign it.¡±


    ¡°Argh!¡±


    A sharp scream escaped her throat. She felt like she could copse at any moment.


    She reached out her left hand and tried to shake off his hand off of hers. However, the strength of a girl, who usually spent most of her time in front of her desk, was not enough.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to struggle anymore, April.¡±


    As if to force her to sign her name, he took out an ink bottle and waved it in front of her.


    ¡®Why did I have to be so weak physically?¡¯


    April did not swallow the surging resentment.


    ¡°N-No!¡±


    At that moment, she felt a sudden chill in her spine. Her eyes ckened, feeling a strong will to kill. Her fingertips then began to tremble.


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 Chapter 9

    <em>Trantor and Editor: Lea and Aki</em>


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    <strong><em>Chapter 9</em></strong>


    ¡°Let me go!¡±


    The little girl¡¯s violet eyes gleamed in the darkness. Anger and fear rose like a blue me and soon enveloped her whole body.


    For a moment, she thought her fingertips were burning¡­.Then, suddenly, a fire broke out on the hand of the count.


    ¡°Arggh!¡±


    As soon as the blue me touched his flesh, he staggered backwards. At the same time, April also stumbled down as she lost her bnce.


    As she suddenly felt a twinge spreading around her nape, she became breathless. At that time, only one thought came to her mind.


    ¡®I have to escape.¡¯


    Count Gridler, who was shocked, couldn¡¯t stand up properly. This was her chance.


    April managed to stand up as she exerted force onto her feet. She quickly picked up her mother¡¯s notebook and ran towards therge gate.


    ***


    That was herst memory of Carleva.


    ¡°And then again¡­¡­¡±


    Shutting her eyes closed, April sprawled on the sofa.


    The blue mes that ate up the arm of a man were like the jaw of a monster from the Southern Forest of Carleva. The fragments of memory of the day of her escape strangled April¡¯s mind.


    ¡°Rill! What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    Did she scream while she was having that nightmare?Dahlia passed her a ss of water. April drank it at one gulp as she felt breathless.


    ¡°I had that dream again.¡±


    ¡°You must be tired, dear. You also haven¡¯t slept well for a while. Is it because of the letter that you received today?¡±


    ¡°I think so.¡±


    ¡°Hey, Rill. Why don¡¯t you ept the Marquis¡¯ offer?¡±


    Dahlia cautiously asked April, who was currently patting her face dry after she washed it. She thought that she might be a heavy burden to Dahlia because Dahlia never seemed to have interfered with her business.


    So, April couldn¡¯t reply whether she liked it or not.


    ¡°You said you wanted something back. You also said you wanted to earn and help a lot of people simultaneously. Like your mother.¡±


    ¡°¡­..Yes.¡±


    ¡°Look on the bright side. You can earn a lot more than what you can do by working here.¡±


    ¡°But if I leave, what will you do, Dahlia? What about the pharmacy?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll start having more daytime visitors. And it¡¯s not like we¡¯re going to lose our connection.¡±


    Dahliaforted April, who was looking at her with wide eyes. But April couldn¡¯t tell if she was really giving her advice or if she was just bluffing so that April could make a little advantageous choice.


    Please read this novel on the original site: mysticalmerries


    ¡°Since you¡¯re already a professional, I think you¡¯d be able to easily support your research now. Moreover, he desperately needs you as much as our other visitors.¡±


    ¡°I guess so. That¡¯s why he was so honest about himself¡­.¡±


    ¡°So what do you think you need the most now?¡±


    Dahlia asked. It was the first time anyone had ever asked her such a question. April thought of Dahlia¡¯s different tactics of earning money and what she had built up. The answer came up easily.


    ¡°Time and money.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s your answer.¡±


    ¡°Do you think so?¡±


    ¡°Yes, April. Go, live your life. As soon as you can.¡±


    Herst words swayed April, which made Dahlia¡¯s eyes shine up in an instant.


    ***


    Exactly a weekter, April went to meet the Marquis. Ian¡¯s face, which was looking forward to her visit, filled up with joy as soon as he saw her.


    ¡°I know it wasn¡¯t an easy decision. But, thank you very much.¡±


    ¡°No, I¡¯ll be responsible for the research.¡±


    ¡°That feels reassuring.¡±


    Ian retorted with a smile. For some reason, April smiled awkwardly because those words somehow touched the guilt in her heart.


    ¡°Um¡­Marquis. Could you just take a look at this? I organized it yesterday.¡±


    April handed him a piece of folded paper. After opening and scanning the paper from top to bottom, he said.


    ¡°Ah, pre-contract conditions. Do I need to verify them?¡±


    ¡°I really want to include some of the parts that I wrote down in the contract.¡±


    April said cautiously, alternating her gaze between the paper and his face. Ian slowly read down the neatly written requests.


    ¡¶ -Allowing visits to the pharmacy and customer requests once a week. -Allowing visit to the Mansion of Debussy, if necessary. -Providing the newspaper of the Northern Carleva once a week. -Providing a ce for growing medicinal herbs. -Permit for a ce for personal research and for the purchase of supportive manuals. ¡·


    As he read each sentence silently, the corners of his mouth gradually rose up. April was staring at the smiling man with a puzzled look on her face.


    Soon after he had finished reading all of them, he put down the paper, which made April gulp. She wondered if she had put too many conditions on the subject of employment.


    ¡°Is that it?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Is that too much?¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re just too simple.¡±


    Ian was confused. He thought that she had a strong attachment to money. So, why were the conditions so simple?


    ¡°Miss Quen, I didn¡¯t call you here to lock you up and make you work only for me. So, make yourself at home. It doesn¡¯t really matter whether you¡¯re signing a contract inside one¡¯s mansion or in a pharmacy.¡±


    ¡°¡­..Thank you.¡±


    Ian justughed it off, but all of this was an unexpected favor for April. He spread out two contract papers and put April¡¯s note under his own, epting it.


    ¡°Would you like to have a read? I didn¡¯t know how much would be good, so I roughly estimated it.¡±


    ¡°Ah, yes.¡±


    As her eyes fell on the amount, she almost screamed in surprise. She wondered if she had misread the number because of her tired eyes due tock of sleep. However, the number looked exactly the same every time she checked.


    ¡°Is this really the right amount, Marquis?¡±


    ¡°Do tell me if it¡¯s not enough.¡±


    April shook her head. Ian¡¯s payment was so high that she could get back some of the property of the Witzer Family,bined with the money she had earned in the pharmacy. Maybe that¡¯s why she couldn¡¯t reply to him readily.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine with this if the Marquis doesn¡¯t mind.¡±


    ¡°d to hear that. I¡¯ll support you with everything while you¡¯re here, so feel free to ask me for anything.¡±


    April nodded eagerly at his every word, repeatedly checking the amount. Noticing her sparkling eyes, he was having a hard time trying to hold back hisugh.


    ¡®She¡¯s so mysterious.¡¯


    Looking back at April while signing the contract, he recalled what she had been through. Even though she was scared and trembling, she came to offer a helping hand towards him in his most dangerous condition.


    ¡°When should I move in, Marquis?¡±


    ¡°You cane tomorrow. The preparations are almost finished.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re so great.¡­.¡±


    April mumbled. Ian, who thought she was just being cautious, did not know that she would ept his offer right away without hearing about any of his opinions about the contract.


    Whether she knew it or not, Ian smiled contentedly.


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t difficult because an original room was converted into a research ce.¡±


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll be here in three days. I have some things which are needed to be sorted out.¡±¡°All right, let¡¯s do that. I¡¯ll send someone to escort you. I look forward to your kind cooperation.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Marquis. I¡¯ll be in your care.¡±


    She left the drawing room while holding a copy of the contract in her arms. She refused anyone to see her off.


    ¡®Will I be sessful?¡¯


    Ever since she had started working as a pharmacist, she had never made medicine for anyone that was based on her own research. The prescribed work of the pharmacy was very ordinary, even the medicines that she used to make at night were far easier than this.


    ***


    ¡°Go ahead, April. Earn a lot and get rid of all the me.¡±


    Dahlia weed her with a hug. They were standing beside a cart full of her clothes and all kinds of necessary items.


    April hugged her, burying her face into her shoulder. The fact that Dahlia, who had always been by her side until the day before, became the person whom she could see once in a week, made her realize the slight aching of her heart.


    ¡°Don¡¯t act as if I¡¯d never see you again. I¡¯ll definitely visit you often.¡±¡°I¡¯m just saying it because I¡¯m worried. Now, don¡¯t skip your meals, and please get some sleep.¡±


    Dahlia¡¯s voice trembled a little. April was not sure if she was just patting on her back or trying to hold back her tears.


    ¡°By the time you get there, we will be finished with your luggage, Miss Quen.¡±


    ¡°What a surprise!¡±


    April, who was staring at the window, was stunned by the voice that came from behind her.


    The polite voice belonged to us. Dressed in all ck, it seemed as if he was buried in the darkness of the night.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry if I surprised you.¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s just that I didn¡¯t expect that Mr. us woulde.¡±


    ¡°We will be seeing each other more often, so please call me us.¡±


    April, who was still feeling burdened to be with him, limped under the pretext of fatigue. In the meantime, the carriage ran fast through the darkness and arrived at the mansion.


    Even though it waste, the mansion appeared like an ind of light. Under thenterns shining brightly in the garden, Ian himself greeted April.


    ¡°I have been waiting for you.¡±


    ¡°Thanks to the Marquis, I feelfortable.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing. Anyway, would you like to take a look around the ce that you¡¯ll be using? I can show you myself.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Ian himself took April to the new detached house. The house had arge window. One could see the whole capital from it if they climbed to the top floor.


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 Chapter 10

    <em>Trantor and Editor: Lea and Aki</em>


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    <strong><em>Chapter 10</em></strong>


    ¡°I know it would be lonely for you to stay here, but don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll tell the servants to help you often.¡±¡°Pardon?¡±¡°Why, do you feel ufortable with frequent visits?¡±¡°On, no, Marquis. I didn¡¯t mean it that way.¡±


    When Ian asked earnestly, unaware of April being surprised, she replied in a low voice. But Ian replied as if it was no big deal for him.


    ¡°This ce is only used when we receive guests. After a long time, Miss Quen is the only one who gave this ce life. So be at ease.¡±


    Contrary to what he said, the detached house seemed to be not sofortable. She followed him, capturing the various parts of the house that would be used only by herself in the future. He led her to a big room in the corner of the hallway.


    ¡°This is the widest and brightest room on the second floor.¡±


    The first thing in the room that caught her eye was a luxury canopy bed with white curtains hanging on its sides, which seemed like it could amodate two people.


    It was so perfect that she felt if she had lied down, she could fall asleep buried deep in it. There was a small table by the bedside for tea and a spacious closet on the wall.


    ¡°Is that the ce for the garden?¡±


    As soon as she entered the room, she stood close to the window and nced outside. She could see the stone road in front of the house and the smallke beside, which she once walked alongside Ian.


    There was, for some reason, something that wasn¡¯t sitting with the situation.


    ¡°Yes, this ce has a field too. The servants will guide you tomorrow.¡±¡°Thank you, Marquis. I think I¡¯m asking too much.¡±¡°Not at all. Would you like to take a look around theb too?¡±¡°Yes, sure.¡±


    Theboratory was two or three timesrger than the pharmacy.


    There was a desk wide enough to hold enough tools of its own, and next to it was a row of empty bookshelves. Ian seemed to have expected that storage space would be desperately needed.


    On the other side of theb was a spacious sofa that was definitely necessary for a short break.


    ¡°I told them not to touch your research items.¡±


    He pointed to one of the walls. There was a stack of pre-delivered items rted to her study. They were piled up unorganized because of April¡¯s request not to be touched.


    ¡°Is there any ce that I can use as the office? I should be able to treat you whenever your fever rises, but I can¡¯t go to your room.¡±¡°Ah¡­.would it be difficult in thisb?¡±¡°I¡¯m afraid it would cause a mess.¡±¡°I didn¡¯t think of that. But I will arrange it soon.¡±


    At the thought that April might have to be put into a room with him whenever he would face the symptoms, Ian felt his face heating up again. Half of it was because he was ashamed of his behavior.


    But April, unaware of his innermost thoughts, tried to take care of every detail.


    ¡°And to prepare the correct medicine for you, I must know everything about your physique.¡±


    As soon as she casually looked at him while speaking, April realized that he was quite embarrassed and closed her mouth. Ian was staring down at her with a stiff face, barely half a step away from her.


    ¡°If it¡¯s my physique, there must be a specific part.¡±¡°W-What a strange remark! I just have to run some tests and show a prototype.¡±


    As April, who got a bit flustered at his remark, started talking again, Ian nodded. She realized that she would have to meet him much more than she thought.


    ¡°Okay. It¡¯ste today, please have a good rest. Your bath will be prepared soon.¡±¡°Ah, wait, Marquis!¡±


    April called him in a hurry as he was about to turn around. Ian stared at her with his feet suspended to the spot.


    ¡°Would it be possible for us to stick around together all day tomorrow?¡±¡°Hmm?¡±¡°Well, it¡¯s for the research, of course. I was wondering if I could study your lifestyle.¡±


    April, who didn¡¯t want to keep him waiting for long, quickly shifted her gaze away from him so as to give the impression that she would exin them to him the next day. Ian looked troubled for a moment but soon nodded.


    ¡°Very well, I¡¯ll let us know.¡±¡°Yes. I¡¯ll see you tomorrow, Marquis.¡±


    Ian bowed to her lightly before leaving the room. April gazed at him until he disappeared from her view and soon turned to her pile of luggage.


    In order to adapt to the new environment as soon as possible, it was necessary to organize her surroundings quickly. She rolled her sleeves before opening the window widely to let the breeze graze into the room.


    ***


    April was feeling tired as she fell asleep after she had cleaned up thebtest night. She rubbed her face against a fluffy nket, trying to savor her remaining slumber a bit more.


    ¡°Miss April?¡±


    She wanted to sleep more, but she forced her eyes open at the pretense of someone calling her.


    ¡°You¡¯re awake.¡±


    A woman was smiling at her brightly. She had reddish-white skin, neatly tied blonde hair, a skinny body, and a tall height. The woman, who had many simrities with Dalia, was wearing clothes worn by a maid.


    ¡°Miss April, my name is Leonore. From today onwards, I will be serving you in the detached house.¡±¡°Oh, hello¡­.Can you please tell me what time is it now?¡±¡°It¡¯s seven o¡¯clock. I¡¯m here because you asked me to wake you up on time for your work, Miss.¡±


    April slowly sat up, rubbing her eyes. She used to wake up at this time only, but since she was tired fromst night, it was a bit difficult.


    ¡°Does the Marquis get up around this time?¡±¡°No. His Excellency usually gets up at six to train. Actually, I was here by that time too, but it seemed like you were sleeping soundly.¡±


    Apparently, April had boldly dered that she would study him the whole day.


    She felt stupid, remembering she had said such a thing like that. It was certainly difficult for her to change her routine in just one day. She wondered how she got up at six o¡¯clock every day when she used to be in boarding school.


    ¡°I see, I¡¯mte from the very first day. Is he still there?¡±¡°Yes. You can watch him for about thirty minutes only.¡±¡°Ah, I¡¯ll be right there then!¡±


    April rushed to the training grounds right after washing her face and changing her clothes. The cold morning air continuously hit her face as she ran away from her warm room.


    ¡°That¡¯s a relief.¡±


    Ian was still engaged in training. In line with his reputation as the best martial arts family, his weapon-wielding gesture, without any useless finesse, caught her eye. His slightly wet hair fluttered every time he moved.


    ¡°He wakes up at six o¡¯clock, and trains for about one hour¡­..¡±


    April muttered as she hurriedly wrote it in her notebook.


    ¡°You must have a lot to write about. As you can see, I am always busy.¡±


    While she was busy noting it down, he approached her afterpleting his training.


    April, who raised her head to greet him, swallowed her breath as soon as she faced him before pulling back the notebook close to her chest to hide its contents. Ian was just around the corner to look at her notebook.


    ¡°When did you arrive?¡±¡°I, uh..¡­.¡±¡°Sorry to surprise you.¡±


    He apologized with a condescending look. Perhaps it was because of the warmth of his body that the subtle scent grew stronger. His face was sharp, but his strangely drawn scent seemed a little dangerous.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get going then.¡±¡°Ah, yes.¡±


    As Ian walked away picking up the towel from the chair, April followed him, trying to calm her pounding heart.


    After returning to his mansion, he took a warm bath before he called April to his room.


    She was guided into his room by us.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be waiting downstairs, Miss April.¡±¡°Thank you, us.¡±


    It wasn¡¯t the first time that she had met Ian privately, but it was her first time in his room. She was nervous at the thought of stepping into a space that no one had ever been in.


    ¡°I need to know your temperature, Marquis.¡±¡°Yes. I asked us in advance and he got the best thermometer he could find.¡±


    As April was entering the room, he finished putting a shirt on himself and sat down on his bed.


    ¡°It¡¯s been a long time since my childhood.¡±¡°From now on, you will need to get your temperature everyday. I¡¯ll be noting down the changes in temperature before the timees. Also, I made a table.¡±


    April unfolded the pages of her notebook in front of him in triumph. It was packed with dates and square boxes, and it was titled as a body temperature calendar.


    ¡°Let¡¯s see¡­¡­¡±


    April carefully wrote down the scales on the thermometer Ian was holding. No matter how good the instrument was, the mercury level could roughly be measured, so she had to draw a scale on the thermometer forparison.


    ¡°Well.¡±¡°Is there anything wrong?¡±¡°Excuse me for a moment.¡±


    April, who was squinting her eyes and checking the scale, approached him. As the distance between them narrowed, a subtle scent ofvender from her tickled the tip of his nose.


    The scent, mixed with her perfume, seemed to awaken the whole sensation. So he held his breath for a moment after he absorbed it.


    ¡°W-What else is left?¡±¡°Just a moment.¡±


    April put one hand on Ian¡¯s forehead and the other on hers, topare his temperature.


    Ian looked at her while she was concentrating. Her red lips were right in front of him and he couldn¡¯t tell where to look. Feeling a bit embarrassed, he swallowed his saliva.


    ¡®She¡¯s too close.¡¯


    He didn¡¯t want her to know about his agitation. But he also couldn¡¯t ask her, who was doing her best as a benefactor, to back down.


    ¡°Ah.¡±


    After a brief moment of silence, she withdrew her hand as if she had realized something.


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 Chapter 11

    <em>Trantor and Editor: Lea and Aki</em>


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    <strong><em>Chapter 11</em></strong>


    ¡°You can rx, Marquis.¡±¡°Is there a problem?¡±¡°I remember what happened at the banquet. Your temperature was as high as a fireball back then, but usually, you¡¯re perfectly normal.¡±¡°Come to think of it¡­..I thought your hands were cold that night too, but now they aren¡¯t.¡±¡°That was the effect of a spell. It helped in spreading the medicine quickly.¡±


    April recalled his hand, which had touched her hand, was burning hot. His voice, which was sore and his eyelids, which were heavy, vividly revived before her eyes.


    ¡°The symptoms are simr to what they were then, right? The same as when you took the potion¡­..?¡±¡°Yeah, it¡¯s like a rut.¡±


    April closed her eyes for a moment, trying to understand what he meant. Then, she remembered the first time she had a conversation with him by theke, when he had blushed saying, ¡°It¡¯s like a rut¡±. It came to her mind clearly.


    ¡°You knew how painful it would be because you made the potion.¡±


    And yes, she did understand it clearly by looking at him that day. One of the aristocrats had put him in a quandary position because he was not interested in women.


    ¡°So, why did youe running to me without any hesitation? You knew that something might go wrong.¡±¡°You were suffering because of my potion, Marquis, and I believed I could cure it. Did I do something wrong?¡±¡°You managed to jump in to help a man who couldn¡¯t even control his actions.¡±¡°Well, the Marquis is rumored to be ascetic.¡±¡°That¡¯s when I¡¯m in my right mind. Don¡¯t you already know it?.¡±


    With Ian¡¯s scathing counterargument, April couldn¡¯t find an answer and dropped her gaze.


    At that time, she was obsessed with the idea of curing him somehow, but now that she thought about it, it was reckless.


    ¡°Why would you want to bring about it here¡­.¡±


    She swallowed the question as she couldn¡¯t throw it directly at him. It bothered her that this was Ian¡¯s bedroom, and the ce where she sat was his bed.


    ¡°Forgive me. I didn¡¯t mean to me you. It¡¯s my fault that I couldn¡¯t control it. I just don¡¯t want you to believe such rumors again.¡±¡°You¡¯re a strange person, Marquis. Do you not think that those things should be kept secret?¡±¡°I just decided it was better for you to know. After all, you are my doctor.¡±


    ¡°Then, can I use my title well?¡±¡°As you wish.¡±


    At April¡¯s question, in which she felt like was wielding a club, ready to hit, Ian smiled before he got up and put on his jacket. This was because us told him that his breakfast was ready.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    April got up interlocking her hands together and walked half a step behind him, trying to shake off the tension.


    ¡®I really need an office.¡¯


    It would be fine if it wasn¡¯t in a separate house. She wanted it to be arranged quickly so that she wouldn¡¯t have to meet him in his room again.


    ¡°Please sit this way, Lady April.¡±


    As she entered the dining hall, us guided her. April sat in her seat facing Ian and put a napkin on herp.


    There were many kinds of dishes present on the table, but all of them were light.


    ¡®Does he usually eat cold appetizers? It¡¯s nothing unusual¡­¡­but he takes good care of his health.¡¯


    She carefully checked the type and ingredients of the food and ate a little bit of hot bread. The rye bread was a bit rough, but the more she chewed it, the more savory the taste became.


    ¡°Miss Quen, is the food agreeable to your taste?¡±¡°Yes, the amount is reasonable and the seasoning isn¡¯t so strong.¡±¡°Did you check all of them?¡±¡°Eating habits are important as well. I was wondering if there was any food that increased your temperature¡­¡­¡±¡°That¡¯s a relief, then. I was worried that it might not suit your taste because I saw you staring at the dishes.¡±¡°No! They are delicious.¡±


    She jumped, answering him, and focused on her eating. He gazed at her with a questioning look. Seeing her thest time when they had a cup of tea and today, he wondered how she was so familiar with aristocratic meals.


    ¡®I have no idea.¡¯


    April would not have learned table manners, but she did nothing against it and knew exactly how to eat. It wasn¡¯t like she gained such knowledge from her studies.


    ¡®Seems like she learned it when she was a child.¡¯


    His eyes filled with more curiosity about this mysterious woman. Suddenly, he wanted to know more about her, even though he was just simply curious.


    ¡°By the way, the Marquis said he works almost all the time, is there anything else he does?¡±¡°Not really. Would you like to join me for a cup of tea for about an hour in the afternoon?¡±¡°Even if it¡¯s your personal time?¡±


    Having heard of apletely different condition from the contract, she had no choice but to doubt her ears.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have anything to do anyway. I wanted to have a ce where we could talk about your research and ask if you needed something. Would you befortable?¡±¡°Ah, I see.¡±¡°There are other reasons as well.¡±


    Ian didn¡¯t even give her a second to reply back. Staring at her in silence, he slightly pushed his upper body forward and met her eyes. She gulped.


    ¡°Since we know each other¡¯s secrets, it would be better to strengthen our rtionship.¡±


    His low voice was powerful, but not much hostile. With a smile on her face, April stared at him with widely opened eyes.


    ¡°If that¡¯s what Marquis means, I¡¯ll be fine too. I¡¯m quite talkative, so don¡¯t worry.¡±


    As she answered back, Ian smiled contentedly and got up from his seat.


    The two split into opposite directions. He went to the Oval Office and she returned to herb.


    Theb, which she nicely organizedst night, was not as friendly-looking as it was in the pharmacy, but it was quite airy.


    ¡°I still have no clue.¡±


    She recalled that his attitude from this morning towards her couldn¡¯t be judged yet. It was like walking a tightrope somewhere between trust and boundaries.


    However, it seemed as though he had no intention of opening his heart to her, at least not outside of his business.


    ¡°Let¡¯s start with the fever reducer I made thest time¡­.¡±


    She took out a small ss case from the cupboard. It contained a red-colored liquid.


    She meticulously poured the materials into it while the murky liquid gradually turned into a blue color. And now, she only needed to ask us to supply it to the Marquis whenever he needed it.


    ¡°I need to know more about the disease, but he wouldn¡¯t tell me directly.¡±


    She was lost in thought, staring nkly at the sk blurred by the heat. Soon after, she made up her mind and added one more thing to the list of things she needed to do.


    ¡¶Collecting Data on the Langs¡·


    ***


    Perhaps because of their different lives, she could hardly meet Ian except for the short tea time after the meal.


    It made her more anxious thanfortable. It was difficult to improve her medicine when she was so far from her client.


    ¡°Are youfortable in your ce?¡±


    As the quiet dinner was over, Ian asked.


    ¡°Ah, yes, Marquis. But I would like to ask you a favor.¡±¡°Sure, what is it?¡±¡°Would you please ask the servants if they could follow you a bit less?¡±


    She asked, putting down her knife and fork.


    Whenever she tried to ask him something, Leonore and the others always came forward to help her, so she could only get very little time to ask him privately. Furthermore, she didn¡¯t want the others to know who she was.


    ¡°I know they¡¯ve been trying to help, but I feel both burdened and sorry.¡±¡°Forgive me, I didn¡¯t think about it before.¡±¡°I wanted to prepare a very satisfying medicine and¡­..¡±


    She paused and moistened her throat by drinking water. She needed time to calm down because it was a little hard to bring the next word to Ian.


    ¡°The people I need to get close to are not them, but you, Marquis.¡±


    Her words were enough to shake Ian, as a moment of silence followed.


    He picked up a ss of water and took a sip to buy time to find some answers. He didn¡¯t want to deny her words or make excuses for it.


    ¡°Miss Quen, would you mind having a walk with me for a moment?¡±¡°No, I wouldn¡¯t, Marquis.¡±


    To calm the awkwardness, he chose to talk with her.


    This was because even though he tried to keep the line, he was moved to a certain extent that he tried to break down the wall he had built for a clear reason.


    ¡°I heard you liked books. In that case, let me take you to the library in the detached house.¡±¡°Is there a library too?!¡±¡°That¡¯s the brightest voice I¡¯ve ever heard.¡±


    Leonore had told her that there was a library in the main building, but it was the first time that she heard the detached building had a library too. Her face brightened up at the unexpected proposal.


    As he watched her getting excited, Ian chuckled.


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 Chapter 12

    <em>Trantor and Editor: Lea and Aki</em>


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    <strong><em>Chapter 12</em></strong>


    ¡°There is a separate library in the annex that stores rare books. It was a hobby of my mother to collect rare and ancient books¡­.¡±¡°The Marchioness¡­..¡±


    It was the first time Ian had mentioned something about his family. He slowed down his pace to match his steps with April.


    The two headed for the top floor of the detached house across the asional patronage of the birds in the evening.


    ¡°Ah, here we are.¡±


    Unlike the other floors, the top floor only had one room. It was long and had three doors. Ian opened the door close to him, guiding April to the room.


    As soon as she entered, she saw a cramped bookcase and a long window. The light of the evening sky came in through the high window, creating a silhouette.


    ¡°There are a lot of books about the Langs that you¡¯ve been curious about.¡±¡°Yes, I heard from us.¡±¡°My signature is required to spend the budget.¡±¡°As a matter of fact¡­..¡±¡°I hope it helps you with your research. Feel free to ask me if this isn¡¯t enough.¡±¡°Thank you, Marquis.¡±


    April slowly walked around the library, savoring the scent of paper from the books to the fullest. Ian was leaning against the window frame, chasing April¡¯s figure with his eyes.


    ¡®It¡¯s been a long time since I¡¯ve seen anyone here.¡¯


    The sound of a woman¡¯s heel cking on the floor was unusual. The sound, which was lost for some time in this mansion, lingered as an afterimage whenever April stepped on the floor. It was quite a pleasant ringing sound.


    ¡®April Quen, hmm, I doubt that it¡¯s your real name.¡¯


    While spending time together, it was Ian who thought a lot about her. He always noticed her short but thick lips whenever she responded to him. He had never felt this way before.


    ¡°There is a separate section of books about the Langs.¡±


    Ian, who had lowered his gaze and was lost in thought, suddenly came to his senses by her voice. She stood before him with three books about different races in her arms.


    ¡°Oh, when did you get here?¡±


    ¡°A little while ago. The Marquis was engraved in deep thoughts, wasn¡¯t he?¡±


    As his eyes met her smiling ones, it was as if time had stopped.


    As if he was captured by those moonlight-infused violet eyes. It felt like he was about to lose his mind, and strangely, it seemed like his heart had stopped beating.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Marquis?¡±¡°N-Nothing.¡±


    He replied, hurriedly turning his head away from her. His right hand went near his left chest and came back down. April stared at him, who was suddenly avoiding her gaze before carefully changing the subject, in wonder.


    ¡°I see¡­.there are a lot of books about nts.¡±¡°It¡¯s what my mother used to read. She was trying to find some medicinal herbs to help with this disease of mine.¡±¡°So, the Marchioness has been working on it for a long time?¡±¡°Yes. For her child, who had inherited the blood of the Reykis family.¡±


    She frowned. The fact that he had to hire her was because the predecessor of Marquis Reykis had ended up closing his eyes without finding a cure.


    Ian was the first to be affected by the fatal disease in his family, and it seemed to have been very heavy on his shoulders.


    ¡°When I first heard about my illness, I wasn¡¯t afraid nor did I feel anything.¡±¡°I see.¡±


    April suddenly recalled the time when he had exined his illness with a flushed face.


    ¡°Maybe that¡¯s why I wanted to consult you at any cost.¡±¡°Even after hearing such obvious things?¡±


    April asked back, but he just smiled faintly. She didn¡¯t know exactly what the smile meant.


    A brief silence filled the room. By the time the dark sky cast over the window, Ian looked down at April. Her loose silver hair shone like a gxy.


    ¡°Will you tell me about yourself now?¡±¡°What do you want to know, Marquis?¡±¡°I heard that you hate being intertwined with nobility.¡±¡°Uh¡­..yes.¡±¡°May I know the reason? I need to know if it¡¯s inconvenient for you to stay here.¡±


    As if his heavy voice had cast a cool light along with his question, when she looked up at him, there was not a single wobble in his eyes.


    ¡®What¡¯s wrong with you?¡¯


    It was like her heart was tightening, but she didn¡¯t hate it. Somehow, she felt like she could tell him everything. April took arge breath before slowly opening her mouth.


    ¡°The aristocracy destroyed my house. The Langs were among them.¡±¡°Well, I¡¯m an aristocrat and a Lang as well¡­..¡±¡°Yes, I was scared when I first met you. That¡¯s why I hesitated when you gave me such a nice proposal, but I finally decided to trust you. Is that presumptuous of me?¡±¡°No, it¡¯s an honor to have you here.¡±¡°The reason is simple. No one treated me like this before. They were busy using my medicines just because they needed them. But now, I feel reassured since I have a contract. It feels like I have a weapon.¡±


    The theory that the safest rtionship in the society was a contract-bound rtionship was her belief. And he didn¡¯t hate her confidence.


    ¡°You¡¯re very calctive.¡±¡°Can I not be?¡±¡°No, it¡¯s a good thing. Please feel free to ask me anytime.¡±


    His voice became lighter. It finally relieved some of the remaining tension in her mind. He beckoned her towards the entrance. The two walked side by side again and left the annex. The empty annex, which had been submerged in the light of the sunset until the time of entry, was lit up.


    ¡°Then take a good rest, Miss Quen.¡±¡°Marquis, could you please just call me ¡®April¡¯ ?¡±


    Heughed as she hesitated for a moment.


    It was because it would be a sign of friendship if they had to take it lightly.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want Marquis to call me by myst name. It¡¯s not even mine.¡±¡°I was curious about it. You¡¯re hiding a lot of things than I thought.¡±¡°It¡¯s safer this way. But I thought it would be better to tell the Marquis.¡±


    Every time he called her ¡°Quen¡±, it reminded her of Dalia, whom she had left behind. So she didn¡¯t want to hear it anymore.


    ¡°Then you would only be hearing ¡®April¡¯ from now on.¡±¡°¡­..Would you not ask me anything else? I thought you¡¯d want to know of everything about me.¡±¡°I don¡¯t deserve the position to ask you.¡±


    Ian was adamant. Of course, he didn¡¯t expect her to tell him, but she was grateful to him for stepping down on his own.


    The line that he had drawn for some sort of vignce seemed to have eased their rtionship.


    ¡°I¡¯ll see you tomorrow, Marquis.¡±¡°Yes. Have a good rest.¡±


    He bowed politely as always and strode away. She gazed at his figure disappearing into the darkness before returning to herb.


    His voice, which called her name quietly, was somehow stuck in her ears.


    ***


    Because of Ian¡¯s drooping throughout the evening, April couldn¡¯t focus on her food.


    For some reason, he had taken a break from his early morning training and had stayed in his room, even when they were having tea together. It was like this all day today.


    ¡®Thesest few days, his temperature has been going up and down frequently. It was bad, especially this morning.¡¯


    She wondered if it was the time for his temperature to rise, but the symptoms were too indefinite to be easily determined. And even though April was his doctor, he didn¡¯t show any signs of his physical symptoms. She was confused.


    ¡°Marquis.¡±¡°Ah, yeah, what is it?¡±


    By the end of the meal, she eventually put down her fork and knife and called him. Ian, who had been absent-minded all the time, raised his head as if he was surprised. His eyes were slightly more red than usual.


    ¡°I¡¯ve prepared a temporary fever reducer. It¡¯s simr to the one you had before. Would you like to have it?¡±¡°Yeah, let¡¯s do that.¡±¡°Yes, then allow me to get it from theb.¡±¡°I¡¯ll apany you.¡±


    After the meal, Ian dragged his sick body along with April. She said she could get it herself, but he refused saying that he wanted to get some air.


    As he walked slowly, his temperature seemed to be transmitted in the night breeze.


    ¡°This is my first time in theb.¡±


    He looked around theb. She was embarrassed about her messyb as she didn¡¯t get the time to clean it up. She tried not to show her face as much as possible.


    She hurriedly gathered the scattered papers and writing instruments on one side of the desk and pushed a pile of books towards another.


    ¡°Do these round things work? They¡¯re like rabbit droppings¡­.¡±


    He asked, looking at the detox beads April had left by the window. They were left there to dry out in the evening. His ridiculousparison made April burst out into augh.


    ¡°They¡¯re not rabbit droppings, they¡¯re detox beads. They increase the quality of the ingredients.¡±¡°Wow, there is so much for me to know about.¡±


    He studied the samples of her various medicines ced in transparent test tubes, but he couldn¡¯t tell what they were used for.


    ¡°Are these different from the ones that are usually sold at drug stores?¡±¡°No, but there are two different results for each medicine here. One is to prevent the entry of the microbes and the other is to prevent the infection. It¡¯s been made to make the effects of expensive drugs with cheap materials.¡±¡°Is that what personal research is about?¡±¡°Is Marquis disappointed? I¡¯m the one who makes those.¡±


    April snapped back. No one would wee such research.


    The people who had been helped by Dalia or April, who have known themselves since their school days, would certainly point out that they had wasted their skills only after money, without even asking the reason.


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 Chapter 13

    <em>Trantor and Editor: Lea and Aki</em>


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    <strong><em>Chapter 13</em></strong>


    ¡°I was just curious. Because what you do isn¡¯t usually what a pharmacist does.¡±¡°Is that all?¡±¡°Well, there must be a certain reason. Anyway, you¡¯re the one I was looking for.¡±


    Maybe her words sounded rude to him. But Ian smiled as if he believed in her.


    ¡®Why do you trust me so much?¡¯


    He was the first man, whom she was contracted with, to be so generous towards her. That remark made her heart ache. Immediately, she turned her face away from him.


    ¡°Those work fast, but their effect is temporary. They only eliminate the symptoms that appear.¡±¡°Like¡­..High fever or something?¡±¡°Yes, but it may differ from disease to disease. So, it¡¯s necessary to examine the results after they¡¯re taken.¡±


    Ian noticed April dropping her head and replying in a lower voice. He frowned, worried that what he said was rude.


    ¡°So¡­.I need to focus on my research again. You look tired, Marquis. Please take a rest.¡±¡°Okay then, I¡¯ll leave now.¡±


    As Ian left theb, April leaned back on her chair. As her eyes moved to the spot where he stood, his expression and voice lingered before her eyes and her ears respectively.


    ¡®When the contract period gets over, we¡¯ll go back to our own lives anyway. So why does it feel strange?¡¯


    He was a man who always drew a line so as to not harm her conscience. What did he mean when he said he wanted to know more about April? Why was he treating her so carefully when their rtionship was just a one-time event?


    She was also curious, but she couldn¡¯t ask him.


    ¡®This will all be over¡­¡­¡¯


    She walked out of theb, brooding over the word ¡°over¡± several times as her feet carried her to the top floor of the detached house.


    She read thest book about the Langs untilte at night, but she couldn¡¯t make out how the disease was transmitted from generation to generation.


    ¡°Ah, so it only appeared in the¡­..Reykis family.¡±


    Among the Langs descendants, this disease appeared especially in the men of Reykis bloodline, but there were many other variables.


    Luckily, the disease wasn¡¯t developed in the direct lineage from the Langs, and so the other descendants escaped from its ws. Rather, it developed in only one family and that¡¯s how it was inherited from generation to generation.


    ¡°So, the only cure to the disease is not through a drug, but by repressing it?¡±


    Although Ian wasn¡¯t feeling well these past few days, she could not note any improvement of her medications since he had no abnormalities in his physique.


    Naturally, there was no such theoretical proof. So, it was all hopeless.


    ¡°As if the person bes more lustful? Like a real rut. The less sexual experience one has, the worse it gets¡­..¡±


    The pretty in sentence in the book reminded her of the day again. Ian had informed her that the blood of Langs in him made his instincts grow stronger and that he always stayed away from women in case his conditions became severe.


    ¡°The only thing that can beat this condition is that you must rule with it? What does it mean?¡±


    Her eyes suddenly fell to the hand-written sentence at the bottom of the page. It seemed to have been left by one of the previous housekeepers of the Reykis family.


    It seemed to have been marked as important as it was underlined twice, but April had not yet figured out the meaning.


    ¡°Well, what I can only do now is to create a proper fever reducer¡­..¡±


    She thought she could create the right medicine for him if she took care of the right proportion of the reagents.


    At this point, she wondered if she should delve into the study of linguistics that could boost the effectiveness of his medicine.


    ¡°I shall prepare that.¡±


    The ss tube that was left over themp an hour ago had cooled downpletely. She carefully filtered out all the sediments with a, then bottled only the clear liquid.


    Just then, she heard urgent footsteps stopping right in front of the door. The person knocked at the door without any dy.


    ¡®Huh? At this hour?¡¯


    She put down her pen, covering everything that had beenid out before opening the door slightly. It was us.


    She was a little nervous. It was the first time that us came to ask for her thiste at night. The fact that he was breathless meant that he was running.


    ¡°us? What¡¯s wrong?¡±¡°Miss April! Haa, Master¡­..¡±¡°Marquis? What happened to him?¡±¡°The fever reducer didn¡¯t work. For a second, I thought his temperature was going down, but the next second, it rose up!¡±


    Before us could finish his sentence, April turned her back. She picked up her coat and the medicine and rushed out of the room.


    ¡°Lead me. I¡¯ll need to see him myself.¡±¡°But, Master pleaded not to¡­¡­¡±¡°I wouldn¡¯t be able to provide him the right medicine if I don¡¯t note his condition. And whom should you be worried about? Me or your Master?¡±


    April could easily guess that Ian didn¡¯t want her to meet him on such asions. He wasn¡¯t even himself for thest few days. But now, she, being his benefactor, was in no position to avoid him like that.


    ¡°Please follow me.¡±


    As soon as she shot back, us bowed a little and took the lead. His hasty steps revealed his impatience. He didn¡¯t wait for April, but she walked as fast as she could, regardless of it.


    ¡°Master is lying alone on his bed.¡±¡°Okay, I¡¯ll go in by myself.¡±¡°Then, I¡¯ll wait outside. Please be careful.¡±


    As us stepped back with a worried face, April took a deep breath and knocked on the door of his bedroom.


    ¡°Marquis.¡±


    There was no answer, but a sound too small to be heard. April pushed the door slightly, feeling a bit frustrated. The heavy door, which had been tightly closed, crept open.


    ¡°Marquis Reykis?¡±


    She carefully entered the room and locked the door. What caught her eye in the dark room was the faint light from themp on his bedside table. It was difficult to confirm his condition from the distance under the faint light.


    ¡°Are you okay¡­..?¡±


    As she forced her trembling steps straight towards the bed, she could see him lying in a position as if he had been thrown into it. His rattling breath and low groan gradually reached her ears.


    ¡°Let me examine you, Marquis.¡±¡°April?! Why are you here¡­.?!¡±


    When she spoke in a low voice, Ian turned away from her, covering himself with the nket. His crackling, grumbling voice was just like a beast¡¯s.


    She approached him,pletely ignoring him.


    ¡°I had toe here when I heard the fever reducer didn¡¯t work.¡±¡°Get out.¡±¡°This is serious, Marquis!¡±¡°This isn¡¯t a fatal disease!¡±¡°I¡¯m a doctor. I have an obligation to treat my patient.¡±


    She understood Ian was trying to protect her, but when he ordered her to leave, she became furious.


    ¡°Damn it, us.¡±


    His chapped lips cursed his faithful butler.


    ¡°May I recline the nket a little?¡±¡°That¡¯s¡­..¡±¡°Only just as much as you¡¯refortable with.¡±


    He didn¡¯t answer. Instead, he sat up and leaned on the bed headboard, still tightly holding on to the nket. He didn¡¯t let it go down, perhaps worried about his symptoms.


    ¡°In that case¡­..¡±


    His slim upper body, with nothing on, shone with his cold sweat. His chest rose with every breath he took. His scent was much stronger. It seemed like his body was a me that needed to be put out at once.


    Ian shuddered as she reached to check his temperature.


    ¡°Don¡¯t.¡±¡°What do you mean ?!¡±¡°Don¡¯t touch me¡­..¡±


    He grasped April¡¯s wrist, as he had done once before. As April put her other hand over his, his fingers flinched.


    ¡°Ha¡­..¡±


    Exhaling, his heavy upper self tilted towards April. His broad shoulders shook.


    Half-leaning, he slithered his head up and stared at April¡¯s eyes. His golden eyes were sharp and acrimonious enough to make her feel like she was facing a wild wolf in a remote forest on a dark night. It was as if he was enjoying the image of his prey.


    ¡°Why are you so stubborn¡­¡­?¡±


    He asked in a rough voice. In a sh, his other arm snatched her other wrist and her vision turned upside down. The thick nket trickled down helplessly.


    ¡°Ah!¡±


    Aprily buried in his warm bed and looked up at him, who was leaning above herself.


    Her gaze reached his eyes after traveling through his exposed waist and solid upper body. Her eyshes trembled at the sight. She was buried under him.


    ¡°M-Marquis! Please get a hold of yourself!¡±


    But now, such a determined word would not reach Ian. The thin string that was barely separating them was now broken. His actions were now uncontroble.


    She tightly sped the sheet beside her. She thought he was about to reach his limit.


    ¡°I can¡¯t s-stand¡­..y-your scent¡­..¡±


    Burying his face in her neck, he inhaled deeply. His lips lightly grazed along the nape of her neck. The aroma of her skin made him feel much hotter.


    His breathing felt stark. His nose touching her skin made her tremble. Her heart was beating so fast that she felt she could hear its sound loud and clear.


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 Chapter 14

    <em>Trantor and Editor: Lea and Aki</em>


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    <strong><em>Chapter 14</em></strong>


    ¡°M-Marquis¡­..please¡­¡±


    April¡¯s eyshes shook in fear. As she forced her weak and cold fingers to grab his arm, Ian raised his head up in surprise.


    His heart was beating so much that it felt as though it was about to burst. He weakly pulled himself up, loosening his grip on her wrists. April hurriedly sat up.


    In a precarious silence and within a fairly close distance, the two faced each other. Ian couldn¡¯t keep his eyes open to stare at her.


    ¡°Forgive me, April.¡±


    His body fell straight towards her, his face buried deep in her shoulder.


    April blushed horribly as she watched him silently.


    ¡°Have you calmed down, Marquis?¡±¡°¡­..Yes, please go ahead.¡±


    He answered, breathing heavily. April ced her hand on his forehead, his wet hair tickling the back of her hand.


    He groaned, crumpling his forehead as he felt her touch.


    April stared at the empty medicine bottle before taking out a new one she recently made in theb.


    ¡°us informed me that the medicine wasn¡¯t effective, so why did you forbid him from telling me, Marquis?¡±


    She asked while beckoning him to lie down. Ian slowly answered, slightly gazing at April¡¯s face.


    ¡°I thought you¡¯d run away¡­.if you saw me like this.¡±¡°Do you not trust your doctor? I wouldn¡¯t even have been here if I had. Please lie down, Marquis.¡±


    Ian, who had nothing else to say at the fact, gently followed her instructions. Meanwhile, she sat on the chair beside the bed. She dropped the medicine into his mouth and muttered the same words as she did then, with her palm covering his forehead.


    ¡®It¡¯s pretty ironic that there has been no cure to this disease even if it had been plundering his family for generations.¡¯


    April¡¯s hand gently stroked his hair.


    But when she was about to withdraw her hand, Ian caught her wrist, as if imploring her not to go. It was very different from his rough touch moments ago.


    ¡°April.¡±


    His red lips called out her name while his burning golden eyes stared up at her.


    ¡°Your hand¡­..¡±


    His grip was so weak that April could easily snatch away her hand, but she did not. No, honestly, she had very little desire to do so.


    ¡°Just stay with me¡­..a little longer¡­..¡±¡°Yes, Marquis, I will stay with you. But you have to sleep.¡±


    Whether he understood her words or not, Ian nodded faintly before closing his eyes softly. Even though his grip on her hand loosened, he did not let it go. In April¡¯s eyes, he looked pitiful.


    ¡®us once told me that he had spent many sleepless nights because of these symptoms. I hope this medicine helps him, even if it¡¯s only a little.¡¯


    Since it was like a sleeping medicine made from herbs, the effects seemed to have spread quickly. April breathed a sigh of relief.


    ¡®It was written in books that a long time ago, a few Langs used to hurt people when they were blinded by their uncontroble strong instincts.¡¯


    Gazing down at him, she frowned as she recalled the examples written in the books. As a matter of fact, she was a little afraid, but gratefully, he was able to return to his original state even when he was in such a condition.


    ¡°Have a good sleep, Marquis. But it¡¯s sad that I wouldn¡¯t be sleeping tonight even though I¡¯m tired.¡±


    As his deep breaths echoed in the room, April murmured in anguid voice. Hopefully, he was sound asleep and did not hear her.


    ***


    Her eyshes fluttered as the sound of the clock¡¯s ticking flowed into her ears in her sleep. Then, she felt something sweep along her long hair. It was very light.


    She did not know whether it was an illusion or a dream of her beingforted. She felt her dreand disappear shortly after.


    ¡°Mmm¡­..¡±


    She slowly opened her eyes, leaving her regrets behind. She could see a hazy blue glow through the sheets of the window.


    ¡®Has the sun not risen yet?¡¯¡®Is it early?¡¯


    When she woke up, her mind waspletely nk. She could neither tell what time it was nor where she was.


    Her hand reached out, fiddling with the soft quilt under her. Then, as soon as she realized that she was lying somewhere else, she rose up in an instant.


    ¡°Huh?!¡±


    Apparently, she recalled sitting at Ian¡¯s bedside, watching himnguidly. However, she had no memory of what happened afterwards.


    ¡°You¡¯re awake.¡±


    At the familiar voice, she flinched and turned her face sideways at the person right next to her.


    Ian was sitting on the chair where she satst night. He was wearing a loose top, with his hair slightly pulled over.


    ¡°W-What happened, Marquis?¡±


    As she realized she was lying on his bed, her eyes instinctively fell upon herself. Ian smiled.


    ¡°Nothing has happened, so rest assured. I just didn¡¯t want to wake you up when you fell asleep.¡±


    His voice wasn¡¯t very hoarse likest night. She hurriedly apologized.


    ¡°Ah, I¡¯ve caused you trouble.¡±¡°No, don¡¯t worry about it. But, Iid you down over the nket because my quilt was sweaty. Was it ufortable?¡±¡°To be honest, I had no idea, Marquis.¡±


    Ian slowly walked to the table beside the window and poured two cups of tea from a kettle. April slipped down from the bed and sat on the floor which was covered with a thick carpet.


    ¡°Is itfortable to sit like that?¡±


    He asked implicitly as she sat with her back leaning against the bed. April nodded while he approached her. As he sat down beside her, she looked up at him in bewilderment.


    The unique scent from him upied her nostrils as he handed her the cup. As it reminded her of the memories ofst night, her eyes fell to the teacup in her hands. She wanted to see the expression on his face, but she couldn¡¯t dare to raise her head.


    ¡°Marquis¡­uh¡­how are you feeling?¡±¡°I¡¯m still weak, but I feel much better now, thanks to sleep. Last night was the first that I¡¯ve fallen asleep among those nights.¡±¡°d to hear that.¡±


    As Ian took a sip of the tepid reddish tea, April nced up at him stealthily. Gazing up at his more rxed expression, some of her worries disappeared.


    ¡°Why are you staring at me? Do I look like a fully blooming flower?¡±¡°It seems like the Marquis is acting much more differently towards me.¡±¡°I guess I am. Well, you¡¯re probably the only one who¡¯s ever seen me get weak this much.¡±


    Ian said,ughing as if it was funny. The fact that his attitude towards April was gradually bing more ted stated that the wall, which had been tightly built between the two of them, was slowly falling apart.


    ¡°I was very surprised yesterday. The Marquis saw my personal research and told me I had a reason. None of the nobles I¡¯ve ever met have cared about me that way.¡±¡°You must have gone through a lot of difficulties, haven¡¯t you, April?¡±


    April shook her head, recalling her horrifying memories of Carleva. It was something that could easily mislead, incite, and eventually drive someone into a ck hole. The nobles, who were responsible, were the only ones she remembered better than anyone else.


    ¡°Before I came to the capital, I hid in an inn on the outskirts of Carleva for a while. It was near the slums. It was then when I saw them bury the body of a girl of my age.¡±¡°If she was a girl of your age, you must have been a little over 10.¡±¡°Yes. The little girl died of an infection after she was attacked somewhere.¡±¡°Ah, poor thing¡­.¡±


    April still vaguely remembered the faces of those children, devoid of any color. For her, it was one of the most terrifying experiences she had evere upon. The fact that they couldn¡¯t properly live a colorful life made her feel depressed as if she sank into the shadows.


    ¡°The drugs that were needed to cure them were very expensive. That¡¯s why I started. I first majored in medicine at Pedoba, but I became a pharmacist after much consideration.¡±


    April had only considered the path that Elise, her mother, had admired and tried to walk on. But it wasn¡¯t until she got out of the fence of her family and stood barefoot on the ground that it became a reality.


    ¡°So, you help them with the money you earn from nobles? Why didn¡¯t you get a ce for yourself?¡±


    ¡°I thought I could stand up properly if I found what I¡¯ve lost and that is, to be helpful to somebody.¡±¡°That¡¯s very kind of you.¡±¡°Am I? Almost all of the people I know think I¡¯m rich.¡±¡°Well, to me, you¡¯re just a person who can¡¯t ignore helping somebody who has fallen in front of her, no matter how ufortable she may feel.¡±


    In a way, Ian actually meant it for his own condition. In a corner of his heart, he, too, considered it as a ¡®more than a mutually beneficial rtionship¡¯.


    ¡°Marquis, you¡¯ve always said nice things to me. When we first met and when you first asked me to meet you at your house.¡±


    His warm words always made her heart flutter. She was even more embarrassed as she admitted them, so she only continued to look down at the cup in her hands without saying anything else. Without his knowledge, Ian¡¯s eyes were already staring at her face.


    The two of them sipped on their tea, unable to make out how they should break the awkward silence.


    ¡°Master, the breakfast has been prepared. Would you like me to bring it to your room?¡±


    By the time the warm glow of the sun prated through the window sheets, us¡¯ voice was heard from outside the door. Ian stood up first before reaching his hand out towards April.


    April carefully ced her hand on the edge of his palm. He slowly pulled her up, his eyes focused on her face as he said.


    ¡°April, do you mind if I meet you some other time? I wanted to know more about you.¡±¡°Not at all, Marquis.¡±


    Ian pushed open the door that had been tightly closed. us, who was anxiously waiting outside the door, brightened up as soon as he saw his master¡¯s rxed face.


    Ian patted him on the shoulder.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll have the meal downstairs.¡±¡°Yes, master.¡±


    us¡¯ voice sounded much more lively than it was yesterday.


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 Chapter 15

    <em>Trantor and Editor: Lea and Aki</em>


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    <strong><em>Chapter 15</em></strong>


    <em>Discord Invites are opened!</em>


    A few dayster, April headed for the field, holding a small basket in her hand.


    It was to harvest a hundred chamomile flowers that were nted for Ian. It had the effect of relieving fatigue and regaining strength, so it would be perfect to brew a cup of tea for Ian¡¯s illness.


    ¡®Ah, I¡¯m thinking of him again.¡¯


    Was it because she saw him suffering before her eyes? She couldn¡¯t forget his eyes that were anxiously searching for her that night. Her cheeks heated up as she recalled the moment his lips touched her neck.


    ¡°Are you crazy, April?! Why are you having such thoughts when you¡¯re working?!¡±


    She shook her head and hurriedly turned to the nts.


    She picked up a couple of itsrge leaves and put them in the basket, and finally, uprooted some of the hundred nts. The bitter smell reached her nostrils as she dusted off the soil. It would be much better if she dipped it in honey, she thought.


    ¡°The tea would taste good if his fever gets down¡­¡­however, will he drink it though?¡±¡°If you¡¯re talking about me, then yes, I will.¡±¡°Ah!¡±


    April, who was busy staring at the flower petals, was startled by a low voice that suddenly rang in her ears.


    As she turned her head, she saw Ian standing beside her. He was so close that she could feel his breath.


    Embarrassed, she tried to move aside, but she stumbled because she was bending her legs for a long time.


    ¡°April!¡±


    As soon as he noticed her losing her bnce, Ian quickly reached out and pulled her towards him. As her hand lost its grip on the basket, the ingredients she had collected fell down on the floor.


    His face got close to her again. His strong arm was tightly holding her back to keep her from stumbling. April gasped with her hands over his chest. It was low, but still, she could feel his heartbeat at her fingertips.


    ¡°Are you all right?¡±¡°Ah, y-yes! I am!¡±


    Embarrassed to be held close to his face, she hurriedly backed away.


    ¡°When did the Marquis get here?¡±¡°Since you stood in front of the white flowers. You looked so busy that I couldn¡¯t interrupt you.¡±


    Ian came out as he thought about fulfilling his promise to show her around the mansion. But he waited when he noticed her concentrating.


    ¡®You didn¡¯t hear me, did you?¡¯


    Did he see her scolding herself while blushing at Ian¡¯s thoughts? April was worried. She couldn¡¯t understand why she was afraid of such a trivial thing.


    ¡°Are there a hundred of them?¡±


    Ian asked as he picked up the nt that had fallen on the ground.


    ¡°Ah, yes, how did you know, Marquis ?¡±¡°Just a guess.¡±


    As he closed his eyes, sniffing on the bitter aroma of the flowers, the corners of his lips slightly rose up as if he liked the scent. April nkly stared at him.


    ¡°I thought it was only an ornamental nt, but it has certain uses, huh?¡±¡°Yes, every flower nted here has medicinal effects.¡±


    April took the nt Ian passed to her and put it inside the basket.


    The two strolled through the small field as they had promised. Although he grandiosely said that he would show her around, there was nothing much to see in a small field.


    ¡°You¡¯re nting a lot more things than I thought you would. Are these for research?¡±¡°Yes. Since they have simr effects, I always try to prepare potions that could be sold at a lower price.¡±


    Naturally, their walk continued towards theke. She thought it was nice of him to be interested in these things, and so gradually, his voice rose.


    ¡°The expensive ingredients are only used for aristocrats.¡±¡°Of course, you all have that money, don¡¯t you, Marquis?¡±


    April smiled and raised up her eyes. Ian, who had been looking down at her as he listened to her, suddenly became quiet when he met her eyes.


    ¡°Marquis? Are you not feeling well?¡±


    Her violet eyes glistened under the sunlight. She reached out in order to check his temperature, but he gently blocked her.


    It seemed like this April is someone else other than the April he met thest day, which only makes it worse, especially when she touches him.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s nothing.¡±


    He equivocated his answer. The strange feelings that were seeping in little by little finally reached him like an autumn breeze poking through his hair.


    ¡°By the way, why is your fever suddenly getting worse? Did my medicine trigger something?¡±¡°I don¡¯t think so.¡±¡°But I¡¯m afraid it began when I started living here¡­..I feel guilty.¡±


    April brought out what she had been keeping in her mind. She was worried by such results as she couldn¡¯t refuse him when he made the proposal after she helped him with a feigning fever reducer in her hand.


    ¡°An illness is something that happens in the human body, and it can¡¯t be the same as always.¡±¡°Is that so?¡±¡°There¡¯s one thing I can guess, but I won¡¯t tell you.¡±¡°What? Why?¡±¡°I¡¯ll just tell you that it¡¯s not something you have to feel guilty about, April.¡±


    He was reluctant to make her worry.


    April impatiently asked him, but he just silently started walking again. He walked slowly so that April could match up with his pace.


    ¡®No way.¡¯


    The timing and reason for the deepening of the effects for the Langs. Ian knew that the biggest reason among them was the change of emotion.


    Although she hadn¡¯t seen the Marquis of the Sun Dynasty suffering from heat since he was a child, she had already learned something simr to that before.


    ¡®It can¡¯t be.¡¯


    Ian gazed down at April with a thumping heart and caught her eyes in the absence of her knowledge. Either way, it was never April¡¯s fault.


    ***


    For the next few days, Ian hadn¡¯t stepped into the detached building to see her.


    Maybe that¡¯s why April didn¡¯t even imagine running into him in the library before she stopped by the field and walked to the top floor.


    ¡°Oh my!¡±


    The moment she saw Ian leaning against the windowpane as soon as she pushed open the door, she almost had a heart attack. The ce where he stood was against the light, so it felt like she had seen a ghost.


    ¡°Ah, you must be surprised.¡±


    When April made a raucous appearance, he put down the book he was reading and walked out of the shadows.


    ¡°I thought nobody would be here. It was always like that.¡±¡°Ie here once in a while to spend a moment of leisure.¡±¡°Oh, what book were you reading, Marquis?¡±


    He shook his head instead of answering. April took it as a meaning that he didn¡¯t want to answer it and asked no further questions. Sure enough, Ian naturally changed the topic.


    ¡°It¡¯s almost dinner time, did youe to read?¡±¡°I was thinking of taking some books. It¡¯s hard to climb up the stairs right after eating.¡±¡°Please take your time. I¡¯ll be waiting.¡±


    As he was passing by her, he suddenly halted and looked back at her. As she lifted her head slightly, Ian nced down at her with a look of indifference and reached out his hand.


    ¡°Marquis¡­¡­.?¡±


    His long fingers swept through her silver locks. With every touch of his hand, April blinked, her violet orbs widening at the gesture.


    It was already time for his fever to rise up, but it didn¡¯t look like it at all. As soon as the thoughts crossed his mind, he smiled and lowered his hand.


    ¡°This was stuck in your hair.¡±


    He held out a white petal. It seemed to have stuck to her hair while she was crouching down beside the nts. April¡¯s mind sank strangely over nothing.


    ¡°Why are you staring at me like that?¡±¡°N-No, it¡¯s nothing.¡±¡°Then I¡¯ll see youter.¡±


    As Ian left the library, April choked, clutching her trembling chest. She gently lifted her hand, imagining the feel of the touch of his fingers, which seemed to have tickled her for no reason. A lingering feeling that caused her toes to curl in.


    ¡°I was just surprised that he suddenly showed up here. Yeah, that¡¯s what it is¡­¡­.¡±


    She kept muttering this and headed to her business. This was because Ian, who was avoiding her questions, raised questions himself. Moreover, where he stood was where April often went to look into books about the Langs.


    ¡°Let¡¯s see¡­..¡±


    When she gently closed her eyes and tried to sweep her fingers through the books, one of the books was somewhat a little bit warmer among the others. It meant that someone¡¯s hand had touched it a little while ago.


    She opened her eyes, pulling it out from the shelf.


    ¡°Oh, I think I¡¯ve read this before, haven¡¯t I ?¡±


    A book that contained the phrase that said, ¡°heat must be controlled by another heat¡±. It seemed nothing unusual, so why did he try to hide it from her? She scurried through the pages.


    ¡°Wait, it had an annotation?!¡±


    The writing was a little faint and obscured. It wasn¡¯t noticeable at a nce, but there was a faint annotation mark. She might have missed it thest time she read it. She hurriedly opened the back of the book.


    ¡¶ Albatros in the sky and wolves on the ground spend their lives with only onepanion. Human beings cannot be different either, but it¡¯s just a norm of society.


    But only the Langs move ording to the blood-set norms. It is romantic to share intense love with only one person, but it is not as beautiful as it is to live with a burning disease until then. ¡·


    After she was done reading the annotation, she raised her head, stared into space, and snapped the book shut. She finally understood the meaning of what she had read before.


    ¡°That¡¯s why! That¡¯s why the previous Marquis was so sick before he got married.¡±


    If so, Ian¡¯s illness was not something April couldpletely cure. She could just restrain him as it said, but it wouldn¡¯t be possible to make itst forever either.


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 Chapter 16

    <em>Trantor and Editor: Lea and Aki</em>


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    <strong><em>Chapter 16</em></strong>


    ¡°Lady April, dinner is almost ready.¡±


    Leonore¡¯s voice came from outside of the door when April was sitting alone. Seemingly, the library was not a ce where the servants were allowed to enter.


    ¡°Yes, Leonore, I¡¯ll being in just a minute.¡±


    She pped her cheeks, clearing her mind of Ian¡¯s thoughts before hurrying towards the dining hall.


    ***


    ¡°Could you please give me a moment, Marquis?¡±


    After putting down the ss on the table, April carefully asked him. It was unusual for her to ask like that, so Ian curiously lifted up his eyes at her.


    ¡°There¡¯s something I want to ask you, but it¡¯ll be a bit weird here. Would you like to take a walk?¡±¡°That would be fine.¡±


    Ian responded readily to her request. He stood up first and reached out his arm to April.


    ¡°Would you like to walk by theke? It¡¯s a pretty good stargazing spot.¡±¡°Yes, sure.¡±


    The two walked side by side in silence. The chirping of the autumn crickets was heard from time to time, and theke, where darkness had fallen, looked serene under the moonlight.


    ¡°You must have noticed that after you met me at the library, didn¡¯t you?¡±


    He was quick-witted.


    She swallowed a lump in her throat and spoke in a calm voice.


    ¡°I¡¯ve seen a line in a book just a few days ago that said the heat has to be controlled by another fever.¡±¡°I see.¡±¡°And thanks to you, I came across its meaning today.¡±


    April nced at his countenance before she spoke, but she could hardly read his expression in the dark.


    She waited until they slowly moved from under the shade of the tree.


    ¡°You¡¯re not looking for apanion¡­¡­are you, Marquis?¡±


    Ian turned to her at the question. A long silence followed as they stared at each other¡¯s eyes.


    ¡®Did I say something wrong?¡¯


    He gazed down at April with a hard look on his face. His mouth opened a few times, but he couldn¡¯t easily spit out what he wanted to say.


    She also couldn¡¯t read his face. His expressionless look seemed boundless, but a thin, trembling look of his revealed his feelings.


    ¡°Why are you asking me this all of a sudden?¡±¡°It¡¯s not a disease that I canpletely cure. It cannot be fixed unless you find apanion.¡±¡°I have already told you. I don¡¯t want to fix it.¡±¡°But Marquis, if you rely on the drugs for the rest of your life¡­..¡±¡°That¡¯s for me to decide.¡±


    It was the first time when he cut off her words. Each syble of his contained a force.


    And that caused her to zip her lips. One side of his mouth went up obliquely as he noticed it.


    ¡°Hmm, apanion.¡±


    He thought over her words with a smirk on his face. She looked up at his eyes, which were gazing down at hers. Her violet eyes shook violently as if they were frightened.


    ¡°Is it that easy for you to say that?¡±


    Was it an injustice for her to say that or did it make him angry?


    Ian couldn¡¯t tell the true nature of the feeling that was creeping out of him. April, who brought up the word panion¡± with that red lips of hers so calmly, was upbraided. It was as if her whole body was rejecting his words.


    ¡®Why does the Marquis look so intimidating all of a sudden?¡¯


    Gazing down at April with sharp eyes, Ian slowly took half a step closer to her. At the same time, she took a step back. His golden eyes, which were simr to that of a beast¡¯s, looked threatening and seemed capable of harming her at any moment.


    ¡°P-Pardon me, Marquis. I said something presumptuous.¡±


    She carefully picked up her words and hurriedly bowed her head in an apology. She should have known that apanion was never achieved only through marriage.


    ¡°April.¡±


    She heard his voice above her head. Soon, his hand came up to her chin, raising her head up.


    Their eyes met again. His expression seemed more subdued, but it was still cold.


    ¡°It¡¯s useless for me to get apanion without a second thought. It¡¯ll only hurt my opponent.¡±¡°Forgive me, but if you don¡¯t find apanion, I¡¯m afraid you¡¯ll have to live like this forever, Marquis¡­¡­.¡±¡°Even if so, I don¡¯t want to hear it from you.¡±


    He said, looking straight at her. She gazed at him in silence, listening to the words of unknown origin. Ian kept staring straight at April with his mouth shut tight.


    ¡®What¡¯s wrong with him?¡­..It¡¯s so difficult for me to read his face.¡¯


    Her heart burned as she stared up at his shadowy face.


    ¡°Can I tell you something, April?¡±¡°Yes.¡±¡°My father once said he almostmitted a crime against my mother. It happened just a few days before their wedding.¡±¡°Pardon? Was it because of the fever?¡±


    As he nodded, April swallowed a dry lump. It was supposed to be a secret behind the prestigiouste Marquis of Reykis.


    ¡°But of course, it didn¡¯t happen. He called in a servant and asked him to rope his entire body.¡±¡°Oh my¡­..!¡±¡°Father regretted that moment all his life. He even asked me not to do anything like he did, to a woman I love, that would make me regret it for the rest of my life.¡±


    Listening to the story of his predecessor, who once belonged to the Languan tribe known for their exceptionally strong blood, she understood why Ian always stayed far away from women.


    He wouldn¡¯t have wanted to hurt her. No, before that, he wouldn¡¯t have wanted to scare her.


    ¡°So the Marquis stays away from women because he is afraid of hurting them?¡±


    Ian nodded. Even if it made his condition worse, he desperately kept holding out.


    ¡°Now you know how terrible this disease can be, and how much I regret what I did to you at the Duke¡¯s banquet.¡±


    Ian clenched his fist with his eyes on the shivering April. He wanted tofort her by touching her shoulders and tell her that she didn¡¯t need to be afraid, but Ian knew better than anyone that he was now in no condition to do so.


    ¡°I¡¯ve called you here out of my own greed, but I¡¯ll let you go anytime you want.¡±


    To his words that would block all possibilities that would put her in danger, she shook her head.


    She seemed confident. She was willing to help Ian, who had hoped to be all alone.


    ¡°No, Marquis, I¡¯d rather choose to stay. I¡¯m your doctor.¡±¡°April¡­..¡±¡°I¡¯m not that easy to get carried away. Do you know I even used to light a fire with my bare hands?¡±¡°Fine- With your¡­¡­bare hands?¡±¡°That¡¯s a story for another time. Promise me instead. If the Marquis loses his mind, he wouldn¡¯t say anything no matter what I do.¡±


    She dered, lifting up her left hand. The blue jewel of her bracelet shone in the moonlight. With April¡¯s full-blown voice, Ian released his guard and smiled. But behind it was a certain feeling of bitterness.


    The two turned around and headed to the detached building, which was lit. Neither of them dared to speak out during their walk. The moment of silence was not ufortable either.


    ¡°Excuse me, Marquis, but what did you mean by that?¡±¡°What do you mean?¡±¡°When I talked about apanion, you said you didn¡¯t want to hear that from me.¡±


    He nced at her as she asked innocently. He wasn¡¯t prepared to exin those words to April.


    ¡°I won¡¯t tell you.¡±¡°What?! You¡¯re making me more curious about it, Marquis.¡±¡°Perhaps, you¡¯ll find out about it someday, just like you did today. But for now, please get some rest.¡±¡°Yes¡­..¡±


    She gave a slight nod before she entered the building.


    Ian stood there silently, gazing at her from behind. When her figurepletely disappeared from his view, he let out a sigh and swept his palm across his chest.


    ¡®Why do I get so intemperate whenever I hear that you¡¯re here for me?¡¯


    These days, Ian couldn¡¯t fully recognize the sudden orientation in his feelings.


    ***


    ¡°Ian, you¡¯re not interested in the North, are you?¡±


    By the end of the meeting at the grand mansion, Fabian asked Ian implicitly. The question had nothing to do with military affairs.


    ¡°The mining district in Carleva will be auctioned around next year. So, would you like to buy it before then? The nobles of the capital have their eyes on it, and I heard the original owner was a great family.¡±¡°I see, but I¡¯m not interested¡­¡­¡±¡°I thought you would be. Ah, speaking of Carleva, do you know about the family of Count Liszt?¡±¡°Yes, they are one of the descendants of the Langs who have rarely been raised into a noble family. I had often interacted with them during my childhood.¡±


    Ian suppressed his smirk as he thought that the Liszt family was such a presence in the Langmunity.


    Even though they had the Lang blood running in their veins, they went on a journey to leave their superior descendants. Ian could not acknowledge Count Liszt, who had struggled up with so many tears and sacrifices.


    ¡°Anyway, he¡¯sing to the capital. Looks like the northern battlefield has calmed down.¡±¡°From Carleva to the capital?¡±¡°Yes, he¡¯sing with his acquaintance, Count Gridler. I heard they want to celebrate our return.¡±


    Ian was convinced that the reason they had toe all the way here would not just be for the celebration. If he had his eyes on the mines, he would have aimed for Fabian, who was the easiest to approach as a warrior.


    ¡°Please send me a word if you face any trouble.¡±¡°It¡¯s reassuring for you to say so. Anyway, go and have a rest now.¡±


    After greeting Fabian, Ian left the mansion and got into his carriage.


    ¡°Carleva, Carleva¡­..¡±


    The name of the ce, which was unusually repeated a few times today, was not something to be looked down on. He had once heard from April that she had escaped from that certain ce with all her might.


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 Chapter 17

    <em>Trantor and Editor: Lea and Aki</em>


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    <strong><em>Chapter 17</em></strong>


    ¡®I¡¯m sure she said nobility was the cause of the fall of her family.¡¯


    A mine that was originally owned by an aristocratic family copsed overnight. April¡¯s constant obsession with the newspaper of Carleva.


    Fabian¡¯s short reports drew all sorts of theories in Ian¡¯s mind.


    ¡°Master, we¡¯ve arrived at the tailor¡¯s shop. Allow me to receive your suit.¡±¡°Go ahead.¡±


    Ian leaned his chin, ncing outside the carriage window while the servant walked into the shop to receive the winter coat Ian had ordered for.


    This shopping district, which was frequented by many aristocrats, had a very different atmosphere from April¡¯s market alley.


    Not far from the tailor¡¯s shop, was a stationery store that sold high-quality paper and writing equipment. His gaze stopped there.


    ¡®She likes to read and write, doesn¡¯t she?¡¯


    Newspapers, books, and notes were always piled up in April¡¯sb. Recalling that she always kept recording something meticulously, he unwittingly opened the door and entered the store.


    ¡°Wee, Marquis.¡±


    An old man, who seemed to be the shopkeeper, fixed his sses before bowing to him politely.


    ¡°What brings you here in person today, Your Grace? Is there anything you¡¯re looking for?¡±¡°There is nothing particr. I just came to have a look.¡±


    Ian¡¯s eyes fell on a certain fountain pen that stood on disy along with many other different pens. The pen had recently be popr. Since it was expensive, it was still being used by many aristocrats.


    ¡°It¡¯s thetest version, Marquis. You can even put it in your pocket, and thus, there will be quite a lesser risk of losing it.¡±¡°Then, I¡¯ll take this one.¡±


    The old gentleman meticulously packed the new fountain pen in the box and held it out to Ian. After paying for the item, he hurried back to his carriage. The servant, who had already returned from the tailor¡¯s, was waiting for him beside the carriage door.


    ¡°Master, I was worried whe¡ª¡±¡°I just went to take a toll.¡±


    His fingers fiddled with the ribbon that held the box. It was his first time buying a gift for someone, which made him feel very awkward.


    ¡®Will she like it?¡¯


    Ian¡¯s mind was slowly drawing the serene face of April¡¯s that was focused on the information she wrote with an old pen in her hand.


    Would she be happy or would she feel burdened? Various of her expressions appeared before him as he stared into the passing scenery outside the window.


    ***


    Meanwhile, April was alone in herboratory.


    She had read all the newspapers of Carleva of the week. Nothing important seemed to be happening in Carleva that felt like a distant world.


    But as soon as she opened the most recent newspaper, peace copsed.


    ¡¶The minefield owned by the estate of Witzer is scheduled to be auctioned within the next six months.¡·


    There had been no mention of the name of the Witzer estate ever since her family¡¯s reputation was burned to ashes.


    Now, if April could not prove her mother¡¯s innocence within these six months or pay the equivalentpensation, thend would be sold by the court.


    ¡°Sigh.¡±


    The paper got crumpled as her fingers tightened on it. She was feeling helpless. Shey prostrate on her desk, struggling with boundless despair.


    ¡°What have I been doing¡­¡­.?¡±


    She mumbled. She felt weak and helpless for not being able to recover a single trace of her family with her own hands.


    The reason why she survived was because of her faint will to at least try to make money, but this one corner article even took away that remaining spirit of hers.


    ¡°That¡¯s a deep sigh.¡±


    A low, gentle, familiar voice reached her as her eyes were about to be filled up with tears. She stood up, hurriedly pushing the newspaper aside before looking towards the source of that voice. Before she even knew it, Ian came and stood behind her.


    ¡°I heard it¡¯s the day for thepletion of the reagent.¡±¡°Oh, P-Pardon me, Marquis. I should have looked it up first.¡±¡°No, it¡¯s fine. Were you reading the newspaper?¡±


    Ian tried to look at April¡¯s face, but she dropped her head to avoid his eyes. But the act of trying to hide her feelings made it even worse.


    Ian nced over her shoulder at the crumpled newspaper before turning his gaze to her again.


    ¡°His Highness said that the minefield in Carleva was about to be cleared up.¡±¡°I beg your pardon?¡±¡°Ah, it¡¯s just a guess of mine, but do you need any help with that?¡±¡°What do you mean, Marquis?¡±¡°You ran away from Carleva, but you still want to keep hearing about the ce. And it seems you¡¯re sad over a piece of particr news in that newspaper.¡±¡°¡­¡­..You¡¯re smart, Marquis.¡±


    Ian stared at her as she gave him a bitter smile.


    ¡°Anyway, I wouldn¡¯t ask.¡±¡°Thank you.¡±¡°But please be at ease to ask me if you need any help. I can be your guardian.¡±


    However, April wasn¡¯t very happy with this unexpected offer of his.


    Being a guardian meant allowing her to do many things in the name of the Reykis family. Appointing awyer for attending a court would not be a difficult task for him.


    But it was not easy to dare toply with the favor.


    ¡°Thank you for your concern, Marquis, but it¡¯s already too much.¡±¡°Is it? It wouldn¡¯t be that difficult, trust me.¡±


    She bit her lips as she raised her eyes at that gentle smile of his. She managed to restrain herself.


    ¡®Why are you doing this to me?¡¯


    She was afraid of her emotions to grow out of control. She constantly tried her best to keep a distance from him.


    ¡°The Marquis is very kind. He has already helped a pharmacist to reach a better ce.¡±


    ¡°Just a¡­..pharmacist?¡±¡°Yes.¡±¡°Do you want me to treat you like that?¡±


    His voice sank deeply. What she just said struck his chest sharply. His overly hard words poked April.


    ¡°Of course! This is just a contractual rtionship. And I¡¯m grateful to you for being nice to me. We¡¯re going to return to our separate lives again once the contract is over.¡±¡°Yeah¡­..¡±


    Ian spoke in a low voice. His face hardened. She said it was just a contractual rtionship with her own lips.


    ¡®But, can you state the reason? Why is it supposed to be like that?¡¯


    These few days, he was turning away from the feelings that had been rising in the dark. However, they suddenly seemed to be slowly disappearing at her statement. But the more he tried to look into it, the less he could me her for hiding his identity.


    ¡°Are you afraid of what I might sayter in the future?¡±¡°Sigh, the more our life getsfortable, the more we worry about it.¡±¡°Do not worry about that. I¡¯ll let you go the safest when the contract is over. If you want, you can act like you haven¡¯t even met me in the first ce. You don¡¯t like to have any rtionship with nobles anyway.¡±¡°That¡¯s not what I meant, Marquis! Rather, I still want to be helpful to you after the contract ends¡­¡­¡±


    She bit on her lips again. Her few overly business-like words somehow stung her heart like thorns.


    Suddenly, Ian stood firm as if he had heard her innermost thoughts as April turned around and busily searched for something on her desk to avoid his gaze.


    ¡°Reagent, ah, here it is.¡±


    April meticulously wrote down the name and date of the preparation on the medicine bottle before handing it over to Ian.


    ¡°I-I hope this will help the Marquis¡­¡­.¡±


    She said in a quivering voice before bowing her head to hide her face. The moment she was about to pass by him, he grabbed her by the wrist and turned her around.


    ¡°Are you crying, April?¡±


    His voice came from above her. April only silently shook her head.


    He lowered his face and slightly spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°If you keep doing that, I might cross the line.¡±


    As soon as the words reached her, her body fell into Ian¡¯s arms.


    ¡°Marquis¡­¡­¡±


    April was unaware of his expression. She wanted to gaze at those golden eyes of his and ask him what it meant, but she couldn¡¯t. She was afraid of receiving an unexpected answer that might crush her. Just the sound of his heartbeats, which had gotten a little faster, and his broad palms that was patting her back soothed her.


    ¡®Can I stay like this for a little longer?¡¯


    For the first time, she wanted to stay a little longer in someone¡¯s wide and warm arms. The familiar scent of him wasforting her.


    However, as she judged this move to be more dangerous, April cautiously took a step back.


    ¡°Have you calmed down a little?¡±¡°Yes¡­.¡±¡°d to hear that.¡±


    He spoke in a calm voice as if nothing had happened. He carefully held April¡¯s hand and gave her the fountain pen he had chosen for himself.


    ¡°What is this?¡±¡°That pen of yours looked pretty old.¡±


    April, with a muted face, stared at the pen before shifting her gaze to his gentle face. It might be strange and awkward to say that he bought it for her from a store he was passing by.


    ¡°Thank you, Marquis. I¡¯ll use it well.¡±


    She answered politely in the midst of the embarrassing situation. Ian, without uttering a single word, gave a light nodded before walking out of herb.


    April sat idly on her chair, staring at the fountain pen he had given her. It was not apanied by grandiose words, but this itself contained enough of his consideration.


    ¡°What are you trying to do, Marquis?¡±


    Why did he say those words? Why was he so kind to her? Did he want her to look forward to it, or was it just a favor?


    Everything was confusing. The more she tried to interpret it, the more difficult the riddle became. Somehow, she could still feel the warmth of his chest lingering on her face.


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 Chapter 18

    <em>Trantor and Editor: Lea and Aki</em>


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    <strong><em>Chapter 18</em></strong>


    A few dayster, Ian was asked to meet Count Liszt. He stared at the invitation letter with a disapproving look.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t really want to continue my rtionship with them.¡±


    It made him think of April. She had said that one of the noble families who drove her into the abyss was a Lang-originated family, but as far as he knew, this Liszt family was the only one in Carleva.


    But he wasn¡¯t really well-equipped with the information.


    ¡°What should we do?¡±¡°Well, I¡¯ll have to ept it because it¡¯s my duty. Oh, and ask Yuri toe to the capital about ten days early.¡±¡°Yes, Master.¡±¡°Here is the reply.¡±


    Ian wrote his reply in a sullen manner and kept the Count¡¯s letter away. After a hectic morning, he had finally found some time to catch his breath.


    After moistening his burning stomach with a sip of water, he pressed his temple with a tired look on his face.


    ¡°us? How long has it been since thest time I fell sick?¡±¡°It¡¯s been 3 weeks, Master.¡±¡°Only that much?¡±¡°Yes. Is there anything I can do for you, Master?¡±


    When Ian asked back in surprise, us¡¯s eyes narrowed into thin slits, seemingly anxious. Ian couldn¡¯t believe it was only 3 weekster.


    ¡°I think it¡¯s beginning again.¡±¡°I beg your pardon? But you still have ten days left to make it a month.¡±¡°I know. That¡¯s why it¡¯s weird.¡±


    Ian washed his face dry. He thought that for some reason, his temperature had risen since yesterday, but when he woke up this morning, he felt it for sure. His senses had also begun to be keen. His sense of smell and touch had be especially sensitive.


    Perhaps that was the reason why the scent from April¡¯s body was so hard to bear yesterday. It didn¡¯t mean anything bad, of course.


    ¡°There was never an irregrity in the cycle before, Master. Is it a side effect of the drug?¡±¡°It can¡¯t be. That drug can¡¯t have such effects.¡±¡°But if there¡¯s any change in emotion¡­¡­.¡±


    As Ian, with his arms crossed, immediately shifted his piercing eyes from his desk to us, he zipped up his lips.


    ¡°There could be other reasons. You know what I¡¯m like, right?¡±¡°Yes. Master gets very dull and clumsy during this sort of course.¡±¡°You¡¯re very sharp.¡±


    With us in front of him with a piercing but blunt remark, Ian had no choice but tough dejectedly.


    ¡®It can¡¯t be.¡¯


    He glossed over it as a joke, but in fact, it felt like his feet were shaking. What did it mean when the cycle was shortened? He knew it well enough.


    To find a solution, he had to rummage through the books in the library. But it was empty. Rather, there was only a single phrase that described it vaguely.


    ¡°Master, if you¡¯re not feeling very well, should I postpone Miss Fiora Rose¡¯s visit to another day? She¡¯ll be visiting soon on a gunpowder shipment.¡±¡°That¡¯s fine. It¡¯ll only take a moment.¡±¡°I see.¡±¡°Then, I¡¯ll check my temperature.¡±


    After dressing himself up, he headed for the detached house across the patronage. It was a ce he visited quite frequently these days. He had been checking his temperature there since something simr to the doctor¡¯s office was established.


    ¡®Is she nearby?¡¯


    Entering the ce, which was now April¡¯s space, he had the illusion of smelling a scent ofvender. His mind naturally associated it with April whenever he thought of her.


    Things like cold hands, a sweet voice, and sometimes, a thickening aroma.


    ¡°Marquis?¡±


    When Ian was silently staring at the second floor¡¯s corridor, April called him from behind. After taking a deep breath, Ian turned around.


    She was holding a wide basket full of dried white petals in her hands.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been waiting for you.¡±


    She greeted him, her red lips crept up to form a beautiful smile. The mixed scent of the petals and her body tickled the tip of his nose. He took a short breath.


    ¡°To check your temperature?¡±¡°Yes.¡±


    The two climbed up the stairs side by side and sat face to face in the doctor¡¯s office. While April skillfully took his temperature, he looked down at her hand that was holding a pen. She seemed to be using the fountain pen that he had recently given her.


    ¡°Uh, Marquis¡­.? Are you having any symptoms?¡±¡°What do you mean?¡±¡°Your temperature is slightly higher than thest time I checked. If so, I have to give you the next medicine a bit earlier.¡±¡°Alright, go ahead.¡±¡°But it seems strange. You said it usually takes a month, but why all of a sudden, it¡ª¡±¡°Did I not mention that it¡¯s not always urate?¡±


    Cutting off her words, Ian answered her stiffly. Curious of his behavior, her gaze dropped down at her notebook for a moment and soon grumbled as if she had epted his words.


    ¡°Ah, perhaps I was thinking about it too theoretically.¡±¡°It¡¯s my fault.¡±


    As he rose from his seat, she followed him to the front door to see him off. None of them uttered a single word during the walk. Unlike usual, Ian did not start any conversation.


    ¡®What¡¯s going on with him?¡¯


    In a somewhat hardened atmosphere today, April nced at Ian¡¯s profile. She wondered if she should say anything, but the silence remained unbroken until they eventually reached the front door.


    ¡°Oh, April. Miss Fiora Rose will be here today.¡±¡°The daughter of Count Rose?¡±


    It was out of the blue. Count Rose was the one who put him in crisis. Therefore, she was curious as to why Fiora wasing and how she did not antagonize the Count.


    ¡®Thest time I saw you two together¡­¡­¡¯


    She recalled that she had seen them on the evening of the banquet. Unlike herself, Fiora Rose had greeted Ian without any hesitation and tried to talk to him.


    She wondered if the potion might have created a point of contact between them, but she found herself not qualified enough to intervene in that matter.


    ¡°I guess you¡¯re keeping a good rtionship with Miss Fiora Rose, aren¡¯t you, Marquis?¡±¡°Oh, no. She¡¯ll only be here to make a deal. I¡¯m just reporting this in advance as you don¡¯t feel muchfortable to show up in front of other people.¡±


    As her violet eyes nced at him, Ian bit his lower lip. She shook her head as calmly as she could. She was d to see his strong denial, but she thought she wasn¡¯t in a position to question him.


    ¡°Thank you for letting me know. I¡¯ll just stay at the detached house today.¡±¡°She¡¯ll be visiting for a short time. I¡¯ll inform you when she has left.¡±


    He walked back to his office in busy steps, leaving only this remark. Then he leaned back on his chair and closed his eyes nervously. A light blush crept up on his cheeks as the thought of himself behaving awkwardly in front of April came into his mind.


    ¡°What else did you expect?¡±


    He did not even know the answer. What was certain, however, was that April was the center of the chaos in him. Every time he faced her, he felt like he was crossing a wide deep trench in a single rope.


    ¡°Ha.¡±


    He felt like he had thrown it far away. Ian knew too well to deceive himself into a moment¡¯s confusion or just consideration for his employees.


    The illness would increase ufortably from the moment you start to lean on someone.


    ***


    Even after Fiora left the mansion, April did not meet with Ian. She thought he¡¯d call her for tea, but he didn¡¯t even show up during lunch and dinner.


    She had to sit alone at arge table and have a small bite.


    ¡®Is it something serious or¡­..?¡¯


    The scene of the two people together was not properly portrayed in her mind. Uncertain spections rose and died down in her head like smoke. Eventually, she found us instead of heading for the detached vi.


    ¡°us, is the Marquis still in his office?¡±¡°Yes, he said he had something to think about.¡±¡°I thought he fell sick again because he skipped dinner.¡±¡°He looked fine until Miss Fiora Rose visited, but I can¡¯t say how he feels at the moment.¡±¡°Can I see him before I return to the detached house?¡±¡°Yes, of course. I¡¯ll show you the way.¡±


    She followed us to Ian¡¯s office. She seemed quite worried about getting rejected since she wasn¡¯t called by Ian himself.


    ¡°Is Miss April going to meet him alone again?¡±¡°Yes.¡±


    She carefully entered and closed the door behind her. Ian sat still in front of his desk and looked really lost in thought. She was worried about him copsing because of his rising temperature, but there was nothing odd about him except for his expression that was dark.


    ¡°Marquis.¡±¡°Ah, April, it¡¯s you.¡±


    Slightly surprised by her voice, he gazed at her with his chin resting on his hand. His voice cracked a little, perhaps because he kept his mouth shut for a long time.


    ¡®It¡¯s impossible for me to check on him from such a distance.¡¯


    As she approached him a little closer, she could feel the heat emanating from him. His cheeks were red, and his body scent became deeper and darker, making it easy to notice. The more she tried to ignore the scent, the more she felt herself getting attracted to it.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t see you at dinner, Marquis. I thought of giving you a visit because I was worried.¡±


    When she deliberately spoke in a more business-like tone, Ian smiled bitterly and nodded. In front of April, who knew his condition so well even when he tried to hide it, he was forced to struggle with helplessness.


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 Chapter 19

    <em>Trantor and Editor: Lea and Aki</em>


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    <strong><em>Chapter 19</em></strong>


    ¡°I wanted to see you¡­..You look more worried than sick now, Marquis.¡±¡°Yes. I was thinking about the mine of Carleva.¡±


    Ian turned the newspaper on his desk towards April so that she could read it. There was an article simr to what she saw a few days ago.


    ¡°He asked me if I wanted to buy it. The Count doesn¡¯t handle his own resources, so he wants me toe forward as his client¡­¡­.¡±


    He said this with his eyes closed and while leaning deeply on the back of his chair. A weak sigh escaped his lips that matched well with his tired-looking face.


    ¡°¡­..It could be profitable to you, Marquis.¡±¡°Well, we already have a gold mine in the east.¡±¡°It wouldn¡¯t be a loss. The mining area has a lot of productionpared to thebor, and transportation will be easier if the road is cleared.¡±


    Ian opened his eyes and gazed at April. His eyes seemed to ask how she could speak so fluently about the situation of the ce.


    ¡°It would be best if the minees under the family of Marquis.¡±


    April had been troubled for several days by the news that someone else might buy a part of the Witzer family¡¯s mining district. If it were to be sold anyway, it would be best if it were the Marquis.


    ¡°Is that why you¡¯re so confident?¡±¡°Yes, and I hope for the Marquis to live the best of his life.¡±


    Aprilughed leisurely, but Ian felt somewhat remorseful as he looked at her expression. He put the newspaper away from April and got up to return to his bedroom.


    ¡°If you¡¯re done, return to your ce. I¡¯ll tell us to see you off¡­..ugh.¡±¡°Marquis?¡±


    Ian, who was reeling from dizziness while getting up, avoided April. Every time he talked, his words were mixed with hard breathing sounds. He kept covering his nose.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Marquis?¡±¡°Don¡¯t worry. It¡¯s just¡­¡­¡±


    ¡®If you¡¯ve been holding on to something that¡¯s been like this since you faced Fiora, you¡¯ve probably reached your limit by now.¡¯


    Nevertheless, Ian showed no signs of copsing in front of April.


    ¡°Are you all right?¡±¡°April!¡±


    As April tried to rush to him, Ian eximed in astonishment. He red at her and held her wrist tightly with one hand. Just like the defensive instincts of an animal.


    ¡°Ha¡­..forgive me. It was unintentional.¡±


    April, who stiffened at his touch, stared at him in silence. His cheeks were slightly red.


    ¡°Then, can I assume that you skipped your meal just because you weren¡¯t well, Marquis?¡±


    She kept pushing him, who was trying to avoid talking with her.


    But Ian couldn¡¯t be honest. It was gettingte and he was afraid of getting intoxicated on April¡¯s scent.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be back after preparing a few things.¡±


    April left the office in the least self-interested manners possible. Ian, who was left alone, could finally catch his breath.


    ***


    ¡°You can¡¯t tell me if you feel sick or ufortable, can you? I am the one who is supposed to look after you!¡±


    She muttered, her face lying down on her desk in theb. She thought they had gotten pretty close, but today, Ian seemed to have been keeping something hidden from her and tried to distance himself.


    ¡°Let¡¯s not be sad. I¡¯m here for work.¡±


    This was the onlyint she could make as a physician.


    ¡®Let¡¯s focus on the treatment.¡¯


    As night fell, April left theb with the medicine bottles and writing materials neatly arranged in a wooden box.


    Nights in between the seasons were colder than the day. Thus, she walked with a warm cardigan wrapped around her. Darkness greeted her as she entered through the back door of the mansion.


    ¡°Huh? They¡¯ve turned off the lights already? There are also no servants in here.¡±


    Whether it was Ian¡¯s orders or not, the mansion was as still as a graveyard. Very few lights glowed through the dark hallway. The servants seemed to have returned to their homes early tonight.


    us also did not call her since she had told him that she¡¯de back at night with the medicine.


    ¡°Stay calm, April. Just give it to him ande out.¡±


    After taking deep breaths, she knocked twice on the door of Ian¡¯s bedroom, but no answer was heard after. It was still very early for him to fall asleep, so she knocked again.


    ¡®Why isn¡¯t he answering?¡¯


    The silence aroused her concern. Eventually, she called him.


    ¡°Marquis, I¡¯ve brought you the medicine. You¡¯ll feel much better if you take it.¡±


    It was a drug she made after reading several books of reagents and repeated extraction and detoxification all day and night. She wanted to give this to Ian as soon as possible, but he didn¡¯te out when she called him. A tired sigh escaped her lips.


    ¡®Is he going to open the door or not? Should I just go in and leave it inside?¡¯


    She was active when she signed the contract, but she didn¡¯t like to sneak in when things came up to be like this.


    She clung herself close to the door and brought her ear to the small crack.


    ¡°Marquis?¡±¡°No¡­.¡±


    The moment she heard him breathing hard, she gulped down her saliva. His voice seemed very weak.


    She wondered if his condition had already started a few days ahead of the schedule.


    ¡®The door is open.¡¯


    The door opened a little when she lightly pushed it. It didn¡¯t seem to have been locked so that us could attend to him at any time. He was seen lying on the bed through the slightly opened door. The tangerine lights were vividly reflecting his brutal breaths.


    Having been at odds between his desperate request and her sense of duty to do something about it, April finally pushed open the door and entered the room.


    ¡°I said no!¡±


    As if he had no energy to stop her, Ian nervously spoke out, lying halfway down in his bed.


    ¡°But I¡¯m your physician.¡±


    As she gave strength to her trembling feet, she could feel the familiar heat.


    His condition seemed worse than thest time he was ill. His bloodshot eyes and that strange intoxicating scent from his body.


    ¡®It¡¯s probably his emotions that¡¯s making the cycle shorter¡­¡­¡¯


    The thought crossed her mind. He should have contacted Fiora after taking the potion. Moreover, they maintained a positive rtionship.


    If he had never given his heart to a woman, she might not have noticed that he had been attracted to Fiora without his knowledge.


    ¡°Do you want me to bring a wet towel, Marquis?¡±


    Ian shook his head. He crouched down, still afraid to face her.


    ¡°It¡¯ll help if you go out.¡±¡°Are you saying that you don¡¯t need me?¡±


    She stopped moving busily and stared down at his blunt remark. Her stomach made a painful lurch and her lips trembled faintly.


    ¡°You¡¯ve met Miss Fiora three times since the party. Besides, you were on that potion on the day of the banquet.¡±¡°What do you want to say?¡±¡°The reason for your condition, Marquis. There could have been a change of emotion in you when you didn¡¯t realize¡ªaah!¡±


    She couldn¡¯t speak anymore. Ian, who was listening quietly, finally caught her.


    Her vision turned upside-down and she fell on the heated bed. The vials in her hand were scattered over the bed and on the floor.


    ¡°Stop it.¡±


    As he swallowed a lump in his throat, his adam¡¯s apple danced before her eyes. Ian¡¯s grip on her wrists seemed as hot as fire. As if there would be traces of burns on her wrists once he released them.


    ¡°M-Marquis, why¡­¡­.¡±


    His zing eyes like a wolf swept over her face. In his lustful golden eyes, April saw herself trembling like an aspen tree.


    Ian hovered above her. The sweat from his face and hair was about to fall on her face. Her body flinched at his ring gaze.


    ¡°April.¡±


    A hoarse voice called out her name. His arm was also trembling slightly, but it wasn¡¯t because he absolutely had no strength. The power of instinct was much stronger than I thought.


    This man was dangerous now. That¡¯s what the soft voice, hidden in the sense of her duty as a physician, told her. Fear wriggled through her.


    ¡°You don¡¯t know¡­ha¡­.anything about that¡­¡­¡±¡°You don¡¯t tell me anything, Marquis, so I just had to guess. One has to consider all the variables as much as possible.¡±


    She flexed her wrist as she sensed the danger. A sensation was felt at her fingertips, simr to when she struggled to get away from Gridler almost 10 years ago.


    ¡°It¡¯s unpleasant to hear the name of the wrong personing out of your lips.¡±¡°What do you mean¡­¡­?¡±¡°What you¡¯re thinking is¡­.ugh¡­.wrong.¡±


    Ian said, barely lifting himself up off her trembling body. Her beautiful violet orbs, thick red lips, her intoxicating aroma and electrifying touch were forcibly controlling him to engulf her.


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 Chapter 20

    <em>Trantor and Editor: Lea and Aki</em>


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    <strong><em>Chapter 20</em></strong>


    ¡°Why would that be!¡±


    April demanded an exnation, but Ian just quietly stared at her.


    ¡°He promised¡­the Marquis promised me that he¡¯d never say anything, no matter what I do.¡±¡°¡­¡­¡±¡°Take the medicine.¡±


    Shaking with mixed feelings and heartbreaking tension, she tried to tell him as calmly as she could.


    Dazing at her, Ian slowly released her and sat up on the bed.


    ¡°The medicine will work better this time. It¡¯s been improved a lot if not the best. Please drink it and lie down.¡±


    Ian gulped down the medicine and lied down on his bed. As his harsh breathing became slower, silence cluttered back to the room.


    ¡°Please forgive me for my behavior.¡±


    He apologized in a weak voice to her, who was massaging her thin wrists. She didn¡¯t answer him right away. She didn¡¯t want to. But¡­


    ¡°You always apologize like that, Marquis. I thought you¡¯d be a little more assertive.¡±¡°I¡­.I can¡¯t. My body isn¡¯t following me. It feels like I¡¯m going crazy.¡±


    His raging reaction didn¡¯t quite make sense to April. Why did he get so angry when she mentioned Miss Rose? Why do you hate her so much? Is there a reason?


    ¡°Are you going to stay here again?¡±¡°Yes.¡±¡°That was loud.¡±¡°I know, but I believe in my medicine as well.¡±¡°So do I¡­¡­¡±


    She gently closed his eyes with her palm. As soon as the soothing effect of the medicine spread in his body, he fell asleep. It was not long before she found herself gazing down at his deeply asleep face.


    April, who stayed up all night watching him sleep, gotpletely exhausted by dawn. It wasn¡¯t easy for her to stay upte at night as she recently got into the habit of waking up early in the morning.


    ¡°Mmm¡­..¡±She squinted her eyes as the cold breeze of the dawn pricked her cheeks. A soft nket was covering her body.


    However, as soon as she tried to enjoy a little more of hernguor, her eyes shot open to the breath of someone else on her head.


    ¡°Huh¡­¡­?¡±


    Ian was right in front of her. She was lying half-asleep beside him. His closed eyes lookedfortable, and his chest went up at a regr pace every time he breathed deeply.


    ¡®Uh, what should I do?¡¯


    Her heart was beating so hard that she could hear it. Stiffly raising her head up, she stared up at his face. There was no sign of the beast fromst night on his neat face.


    His eyelids slowly parted themselves the moment she squirmed. His golden eyes were briefly revealed, the redness absent from them.


    ¡°A¡­pril¡­.? Is this a dream¡­..?¡±


    He mumbled in his sleep, bringing his fingers close to her cheek. He slowly stroked her cheek, slightly squeezing her soft skin.


    April stiffened. Even though she felt uneasy at his touch, she didn¡¯t want his hand to let go.


    ¡°Mmm?¡±


    The sensation felt so real that he opened his eyes to a greater extent. He blinked at her for a moment.


    ¡°I-I¡¯m so sorry, April. I thought it was a dream.¡±


    He stuttered out as he quickly sat up on his bed, averting his gaze away from her. Meanwhile, April got out of his bed and sat back in the chair beside it.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine, Marquis.¡±¡°You were watching over mest night, and then, perhaps, you fell asleep next to me. Did I¡­.make any mistake?¡±


    Ian asked quietly, his eyes still not meeting hers. She quickly waved her hands.


    ¡°Not at all, Marquis! Oh, uh, would you like some water?¡±


    She got up and walked to the table to pour two sses of water. Ian flinched when his fingers grazed on hers when she handed over the ss to him.


    ¡°How¡­.How are you feeling?¡±¡°Great. I think the medicine worked very well.¡±¡°That¡¯s a relief, then. But, it might get harder in the future. The Marquis knows what it means when the cycle gets shortened, right?¡±


    Her words hit him. However, she was worried instead of being rude, so he didn¡¯t get angry as he didst night. He lowered his eyes, slowly rubbing his thumb on the ss in his hands.


    ¡°¡­..April. You said you wanted to help me even after our contract gets terminated.¡±¡°Yes.¡±¡°Then, will you stay if I ask you to stay?¡±¡°Pardon?¡±


    She gently pressed her fist on her left chest. She wondered if her heart had be numb for a second. Even at this moment, his expression made it clear that it wasn¡¯t just a passing question.


    ¡°What do you mean, Marquis?¡±¡°¡­..It¡¯s nothing. You don¡¯t have to answer if it troubles you.¡±


    When she asked back, Ian hurried to suppress her. As if he didn¡¯t want her to be embarrassed. She went to put the sses back on the table by the window.


    ¡®You¡¯re avoiding me again.¡¯


    Her eyes caught the morning scenery. New ideas began to bloom in her mind one after the other. But, she quickly put them aside, thinking it wouldn¡¯t matter if she didn¡¯t take her foot out early in the morning.


    ¡°It would be nice if I could get in touch with you, just so that I can confirm that you are doing well, Marquis.¡±¡°Hmm, that makes sense.¡±¡°The Marquis probably didn¡¯t expect for me to do the work outside of payment, but you¡¯ve given me a responsibility that I didn¡¯t have before.¡±


    She intentionally mentioned it, afraid of letting out her unknown relief and slight feeling of heartache. She covered up her rising emotions with such a joke.


    ¡°It¡¯ll be enough if you could stay like that.¡±¡°Ah¡­..¡±


    Ian couldn¡¯t stop himself from smiling at April¡¯s rather impertinent remarks. Meanwhile, unable to find an appropriate reply, she bit her lips.


    ¡®What¡¯s wrong with me?¡¯


    Light streams poured down behind Ian, who silently stared at her figure. The morning sun rays had squeezed in through the clouds. April slightly dropped her gaze as she found him dazzling under the light.


    ***


    April headed for the pharmacy for the first time since she had started living at the Marquis¡¯ detached house. The market was still crowded.


    She walked through the alleys of the market that was once like her hometown. As she entered the pharmacy, Dalia, who was cutting herbs with a small knife, weed April warmly.


    ¡°Look who¡¯s here!¡±


    Wiping her hands thoroughly with the towel, she came up to April and embraced her into a hug. The hand patting April¡¯s back was warm.


    ¡°Oh, look at your face. It¡¯s not thin anymore.¡±¡°Well, I feel sick of eating so well.¡±¡°That¡¯s a relief. Shall we go inside, then? Let¡¯s have a chat.¡±


    The two entered theboratory that was once used by April. Soon, Dalia brought in tea and a couple of snacks that they often had when they were together.


    It was different than what she had with the Marquis, but she loved it and savored the aroma to the fullest.


    ¡°How¡¯s the pharmacy doing?¡±¡°Yes, thanks to the Marquis¡¯ servants who allowed for the supply of your medicines. They¡¯re also helping a lot in the sells, you know.¡±¡°They¡¯re working on behalf of me, of course. How¡¯s the market doing?¡±¡°Hmm¡­..¡±


    Dalia¡¯s expression suddenly hardened. More or less, April expected her to chant out, ¡°Everything is perfect!¡±.


    Dalia checked if someone had arrived or not by peeking towards the pharmacy counter.


    ¡°Rill. I don¡¯t think you should visit the market for a while. No, don¡¯t even try to set foot outside the mansion.¡±¡°What does that mean?¡±


    April was not satisfied with the sudden subdued atmosphere. Dalia kept checking the counter and continued to speak in a very low voice.


    ¡°Truth is, someone is here from Carleva.¡±¡°What?¡±


    Nothing had made her more afraid than when the name ¡®Carleva¡¯ appeared at Dalia¡¯s lips. A shiver ran down her spine and her hand, which was holding the teacup, was shaking.


    ¡°They said he was some kind of Count. They said he came to the capital two days ago, but for some reason, he keeps walking around this area.¡±¡°What are you implying¡­.?¡±¡°Don¡¯t ask me. The court of Carleva knows that you¡¯re staying in the capital, so I just wanted to tell you for your safety.¡±


    Dalia was clearly worried.


    No matter how young she was when she ran away, they¡¯d still be able to recognize her face. Moreover, her silver hair and violet eyes were not verymon.


    ¡°Did hee here again today?¡±¡°Well, I didn¡¯t see him today¡­..but you may never know. I¡¯ve seen you. So hurry up and return to your ce.¡±¡°Alright. I¡¯ll be back someday.¡±¡°Yes. Please take care of yourself. Do you want me to walk you out?¡±¡°No, I shouldn¡¯t interrupt your work. I can go alone. Take care, Dalia.¡±


    After the unfortunately small greeting, April forced her way out of the pharmacy.


    ¡®It¡¯s dangerous here.¡¯


    ncing at the crowd down the streets, she began to run. She stumbled down again and again, but she didn¡¯t care.


    As she reached the end of the market with her hands holding down her hood, she ran into a man who was just turning at the corner.


    ¡°Ah!¡±


    He almost fell back in shock, but he quickly grabbed her wrist. To prevent her from stumbling down on the road.


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 Chapter 21

    <em>Trantor and Editor: Lea and Aki</em>


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    <strong><em>Chapter 21</em></strong>


    ¡°Be careful,dy.¡±


    The young man, who was dressed in an all-ck attire, said in a low raspy voice.


    She had never met him before. A dirty scar ran vertically from his left eye to his cheek, and it seemed to have been cut by something very sharp. His hands were covered in ck leather gloves.


    ¡°Pardon me, sir.¡±


    April bowed before him before walking past him. After she took a few steps, something in her told her to nce back at him, but he had already disappeared.


    April was relieved by the time she deliberately turned to the corners of the streets until she was finally away from the entrance of the market.


    ¡°Greetings, Miss April.¡±


    us, who was chatting with the gardener, weed April. She smiled bitterly, thinking that this mansion, which seemed huge and daunting, might now be the safest ce for her.


    ¡°Master just went to attend to a business. He¡¯ll be back before dinner.¡±¡°He must be busy¡­¡­.¡±¡°He had to receive a sudden visitor from a faraway ce.¡±


    She was a little disappointed by his absence. But to avoid revealing such a trivial feeling, she bowed to us with an expressionless face and turned away.


    And us did not hear him muttering ¡°Carleva¡± with a sickly face.


    ***


    Meanwhile, at Grand Fabian Augustije¡¯s mansion.


    ¡°It¡¯s been a long time, Marquis Ian Reykis.¡±


    As soon as he entered the drawing room, a stout man greeted him. He had short blond hair and blue eyes like any other man, but Ian could recognize him at once, thanks to his Langian ability.


    ¡°It¡¯s such an honor to meet the Marquis of Reykis. This is Orville Gridler.¡±


    An old, haggard man, who appeared to be apanied by Carl Liszt, greeted him. There was a long scar on one of his forearms that, more or less, looked like a burn. When Ian¡¯s eyes fell on it, he hurriedly covered it.


    ¡°The Marquis hasn¡¯t changed.¡±¡°Is that so? How about you, Carl¡­.¡±


    Ian¡¯s eyes scanned Carl¡¯s cheek. Perhaps because of the scar that was vertically carved from under his eye, the impression he gave off was quite different from when he was young. It wouldn¡¯t have been a minor injury if the scar was left open, he thought.


    ¡°T-This, it happened during the battle.¡±¡°Fortunately, you¡¯re not avoiding my eyes anymore.¡±


    Carl smiled, gently rubbing his cheek, but Ian shifted to the document in front of him without paying attention to him.


    ¡°So, the North-Eastern Defense Line is on the agenda, and if it wasn¡¯t, it wouldn¡¯t have brought us all this way.¡±¡°As expected, you¡¯re sharp, Marquis. I¡¯d like to congratte the Marquis and His Highness on their return¡­..¡±


    The knight¡¯s voice trailed on, and soon, he smiled slightly. Originally, he was an introvert, but now, the change in his facial expressions was more pronounced.


    ¡®I don¡¯t think this is the only reason you¡¯re here.¡¯


    Ian was bothered when he stopped talking without saying anything else, but he didn¡¯t inquire further. Something told him that April would get more depressed. Their ufortable encounter ended with Fabian busily entering the room.


    ¡°It¡¯ste. So, let¡¯s get started.¡±


    As Ian predicted, the establishment of the North-Eastern defense line was not an urgent matter and thus, was not dealt with in-depth. The rest of the time had to be spent on listening to the fervor of how much the two men from Carleva respected the great courage of the other two for restoring peace in the north.


    ¡°I thank you for journeying this far. And Sir Gridler, I¡¯ll review the development n of the mine.¡±¡°Yes, Your Highness.¡±¡°Then, you can go now. I have an appointment I have to attend to.¡±


    As Fabian got up, Ian began wearing his jacket without sparing a nce at the other two men. However, Carl didn¡¯t miss a chance and approached Ian.


    ¡°It¡¯s my first visit to the capital since I was ten. I remember being beaten up in a fight with the Marquis.¡±


    He spoke while walking alongside Ian. Fifteen years ago, Carl was ten and Ian was twelve. It was until now that Count Liszt had minimal interaction with other Lang families.


    ¡°A lot has happened since then, Count Liszt-to-be.¡±¡°Yeah, well, that is correct.¡±¡°I¡¯ve heard that spending has caused a dent in the joining forces. Is everything all right these days?¡±¡°Haha, s-seems like you don¡¯t need me to notify you about anything. Don¡¯t worry.¡±


    When Ian scratched on the sore spot, Carl¡¯s voice shook a little. Carl gritted his teeth, his clenched fists hidden behind him, but Ian felt no pity for him.


    ¡°Anyway, I¡¯m looking forward to the visit. Let¡¯s see what happens if I stop by thest minute tomorrow.¡±¡°It won¡¯t be much different.¡±¡°Well, I doubt it will.¡±


    The smile on Carl¡¯s face was too bright to be ominous. Ian stared briefly at his face that seemed to say something before turning his head away. April would be worried the most, he thought.


    Ian hurried his steps. After a while, he thought of asking Carl if he had any rtionship with April.


    ¡°My house was destroyed by the nobles. One of those families was of Lang origin.¡±


    Just how many things were hidden in her words? Ian was lost in thought on his way back to the mansion.


    ¡°My Lord, you¡¯re here.¡±¡°Where¡¯s April?¡±¡°She¡¯s in theb.¡±¡°I¡¯ll be right back.¡±


    Ian asked where April was as soon as came back and walked straight there. He didn¡¯t have an appointment with her, but he wanted to see her for some reason. After opening the door of the annex, he went straight to the second floor and knocked on the door of theb without having an idea on how to start a conversation.


    ¡°Marquis? What brings you here?¡±


    April, who opened the door, looked up at him with round eyes. He gave her an awkward smile, unable to find any excuses.


    ¡°I was about to step out of here anyway.¡±¡°Let¡¯s walk together, then.¡±¡°Ah, yes.¡±


    Perhaps because of the tightening feeling in her chest, April wasn¡¯t very lively as usual. Concerned that he might have put too much pressure on her, Ian gazed at ner with worried eyes.


    As April took out the key to lock the door, Ian noticed a scar on her index finger.


    ¡°April.¡±


    As she was startled, she hid her hand as he called out to her, his eyes focused on her injury. Ian reached out his hand to her, asking her to show her hand.


    ¡°Marquis, it¡¯s¡­¡­¡±¡°Come on.¡±


    He spat out when she hesitated. She stared at his palm momentarily before slowly sliding her arm to him.


    Whether Leonore helped or it was handled alone, the wound was well wrapped in a clean cloth. Judging from the slight reflection of the blood, it did not seem to be a shallow wound.


    ¡°How did this happen?¡±¡°It happened when I was cutting the leaves.¡±


    It felt like his heart sank into the wound. Ian gently stroked her palm with his thumb before letting it rest on his.


    ¡°If it¡¯s because you¡¯re tired, you can take it easy.¡±¡°No! It¡¯s fine. I can take care of myself.¡±


    April cut off his words. Ian couldn¡¯t hide his uneasiness as she hurriedly pulled out her hand.


    ***


    ¡°We¡¯ll have some guests from Carleva this afternoon.¡±


    Ian said to April, who hade to take a note of his temperature, the next morning. She stopped what she was doing and looked up at him.


    She sped the thermometer tightly as her hands began shaking. The area around her wound ached a little as her fingers pressed in.


    ¡°They¡¯re nobles.¡±


    He said while staring at her as if to note the slight drop in her expression. She nodded hesitantly.


    ¡°Did you know?¡±¡°I heard from Dalia that they came, but I didn¡¯t know they wereing here.¡±¡°I see.¡±


    She had been like that since yesterday. Throughout the evening, she had stayed silent and absent-minded, even while she ate or while she walked along a hallway. She had never made a mistake before, so it was easy to guess what had happened.


    Should he be concerned that April didn¡¯t tell him in advance because she was afraid, or should he have dealt with it sooner? He was confused.


    ¡°They¡¯ll be here a few times while they¡¯re in the capital.¡±¡°It would be rude of me to ask who they are, but¡­¡­¡±¡°Count Liszt and Count Gridler, do you know them?¡±


    The moment the names popped out of his mouth, April stumbled back. Her heart hammered against her chest, her stomach lurched, and her face was covered in a cold sweat.


    ¡°April! Are you okay?¡±


    Her trembling hand barely touched the table in front of her to prevent herself from copsing. Surprised, Ian hurried to catch her, his eyes searching for her pain.


    ¡°It¡¯s them¡­.¡±¡°Them?¡±


    April couldn¡¯t speak out. The more she tried to utter, the clearer her nightmare about the day she ran away became. It sounded so foreign to hear the names from a man who happened to be entangled in her life.


    April was reticent, but Ian could figure out who they were by her reaction alone.


    ¡°April, do you still want to run away from them?¡±¡°Huh?¡±


    Ian carefully took away the thermometer from her hand and ced it on the table. After a long pause, he wrapped his hands around hers, and the tremor gradually subsided from her thin fingers. April stared at him with tearful eyes.


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 Chapter 22

    <em>Trantor and Editor: Lea and Aki</em>


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    <strong><em>Chapter 22</em></strong>


    ¡°Can you say it so easily?¡±¡°Is that what you¡¯re worried about?¡±


    Sitting still on the edge of his bed, he stared at April, forgetting to put on his jacket. His gaze wandered aimlessly on her anxious frame. He bit on his lips, trying to keep his thought about how she looked like.


    ¡°But if they found out that I¡¯m under Marquis, the Marquis will obviously be in¡ª¡±¡°Do you really think they can put a scratch on me?¡±


    He was arrogant, but his words were full of energy derived from confidence. His fingers wiped away her tears.


    ¡°You can take a leave for a few days. You don¡¯t have to worry about me falling sick.¡±¡°Thank you, but I don¡¯t think I can roam out for long. Funny enough, this is the safest ce for me right now. They can¡¯t even imagine I¡¯m here.¡±


    She murmured, dropping her gaze. Ian nodded in response. Of course, she wouldn¡¯t run into those aristocrats from Carleva if she stayed in a separate building, but it was obvious that being in the same space would make her feel burdensome.


    ¡°Actually, I¡¯ve talked with the Duke, just in case¡­..¡±¡°Pardon?¡±¡°About your appointment with Miss Lianna to help in her research. If you¡¯re nning to go there, you don¡¯t have to return today.¡±¡°But, how can I do that? If any more abnormal symptoms¨C!¡±¡°I can endure them. I¡¯ve done it countless times.¡±


    To him, it was more dangerous to let April stay here. And if anything happened, the time she¡¯d spend struggling with pain could be a lifetime instead of a single day. Of course, this was an ostensible reason.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want you to get hurt.¡±


    Because April was stubborn, Ian had to put it in the end. It was what he wanted most.


    However, he didn¡¯t forget to add the formal words for April, who might feel ufortable.


    ¡°It¡¯s my duty to protect my employees from possible dangers.¡±


    She nervously scratched her wrist. It was hard to see what had formed around her eyes. Ian gently raised his hand and used his thumb to gently wipe away the drops that were threatening to fall. She flinched under his touch, but her features were out of his view as she was lowering her head.


    ¡°¡­¡­I¡¯ll take my leave now, then.¡±


    Ian quickly draped the jacket around his shoulders and left the house. His eyes wanted to catch her frame again, but he was afraid they¡¯d stop him in his tracks. Instead, Ian called us as soon as he returned to his office.


    ¡°us. Send a word for Yuri¡¯s presence.¡±¡°Yes, Master.¡±


    Yuri Gray was the man under themand of an army unit on the eastern Reykis estate, the longest-serving deputy on the battlefield beside Ian. Originally, he had toe up for a meeting around next week, but he had moved on and arrived in the capitalst night.


    ¡°Did you ask for me?¡±¡°I¡¯ve checked the report. His Royal Highness has granted you the gun, so supply it to the North-eastern perimeter.¡±¡°I will.¡±¡°And another thing.¡±


    Ian put down a thick bundle of papers and beckoned Yuri toe closer. When Yuri leaned over the desk, Ian spoke quietly.


    ¡°Since you¡¯re in the capital, can you do one more job?¡±¡°What¡¯s the matter? Any suspicious¡ª¡±¡°No, it¡¯s just that you have to follow someone.¡±¡°What?¡±


    Puzzled, Yuri asked.


    ¡°Your specialty is assassination. I¡¯d request you to secretly keep an eye on my doctor as much as you can.¡±¡°If she does anything suspicious¡­¡­?¡±¡°No, the opposite. If a suspicious person approaches her, report it immediately, and if the situation is dire, you can take care of it yourself. Just don¡¯t kill that person.¡±¡°Yes, I¡¯ll do as you say.¡±


    Yuri snorted as he epted Ian¡¯s orders. This was because the Marquis he knew had never made any unprovoked orders or unreasonable demands.


    ***


    April stayed at the mansion of the Duke of Debussy for the day beforeing out the next day when the sun was preparing for its sleep. She covered her face as much she could and refused the escort just in case she got caught.


    ¡®It feels weird.¡¯


    She was fine when she was at the mansion, but as soon as she stepped outside, she started feeling anxious. Perhaps, that was the reason she kept ncing behind her.


    The estates of the Duke and the Marquis were close enough to travel to by walking, but today, the distance seemed exceptionally long. She wanted to reach the ce that was waiting for her with bright lights and kind people.


    ¡®I think I heard something.¡¯


    The rustling sound could hardly be distinguished as the rolling of the leaves around the street or as someone¡¯s presence.


    ¡®It¡¯s all right. Everything¡¯s fine. I¡¯m sure Count Liszt has already left.¡¯


    She continuously reassured herself, but it soon turned into a useless hope.


    As April opened the handle of the backdoor of the Marquis¡¯ mansion with a sigh of relief, someone suddenly came upon her as if they¡¯d been waiting somewhere behind her.


    A firm grasp tightened around her forearms and a ck-gloved hand closed her mouth.


    ¡°Mmph!¡±


    The leather-gloved hands felt cold. The man who caught her now was muscr. She wouldn¡¯t be able to escape him unless she made fire from her palm, she thought.


    ¡°Be quiet or I¡¯ll end you right this instant.¡±


    The man¡¯s voice was as low as Ian¡¯s, but his tone was extremely different. His voice was hoarse and his words were very rude.


    ¡°Why couldn¡¯t you just live quietly enjoying the rest of your life?¡±


    A voice, which was very unknown to her, snarled at her. Suddenly, she felt a fog covering her view, while her ears felt numb.


    She forcefully blinked a few times, her eyes trying to adjust to the darkness.


    She felt a splitting headache, but she couldn¡¯t reach her forehead and massage it. Her hands were tied up.


    ¡°Haa.¡±


    She breathed out, struggling to take in her surroundings. It felt like she was trapped in a nightmare. However, the more she moved, the more theces around her wrist and ankle dug into her flesh.


    ¡®Where am I?¡¯


    A small bed and a small desk in a small, dark room filled her view. The door was fast shut.


    There was only one window, but it was covered by dark curtains. The stifling air in the room felt simr to that of the inn on the outskirts of Carleva where she was once kept hidden for several days. Her quivering self wished she wasn¡¯t somewhere outside the capital.


    ¡°I guess you couldn¡¯t afford to get an escort. That¡¯s why you didn¡¯t even know you were being followed.¡±


    The door opened, revealing her abductor. Her eyes flew towards the source of the voice, trying to focus under the dim light. Fear began gripping its ws on her heart.


    ¡°You!¡±


    Blue eyes, short blonde hair, a scar running vertically. The same man she saw at the market. Approaching and kneeling down on one knee, he looked up at her while she narrowed her brows at him.


    ¡°I wanted you to recognize me at once, but you must be greedy. You¡¯re the same, but I¡¯ve changed a lot.¡±


    He carefully took off one of his leather gloves and put his hand on her back. When they touched her bare skin, an electric spark was felt from his fingertips. Chills ran through her spine and her whole body trembled. His touch was more intense than Ian¡¯s, but much darker and dreary.


    ¡°Carl¡­..¡±


    He smirked as she murmured the name that remained vague in her memory. The shameless boy from ten years ago was nowhere to be found.


    ¡°If Count Liszt is here from Carleva, then it¡¯s¡­..¡±¡°Yes, it¡¯s me. I followed you since the day I ran into you at the market. I¡¯m impressed you found a ce under the Marquis. I thought you were living on the bottom of adder.¡±¡°So, you pretended to not know about it?¡±¡°Well, you were not a regr bet.¡±


    He said, waving his gloved hand before pulling on the leather on the other.


    She clenched her teeth. If he was here, he was bound to have an escort, but there was no sign of anyone around him.


    ¡°You were hiding for a long time. I can¡¯t imagine how you ended up being an aristocrat.¡±


    She wondered what his words meant. Perhaps, he regarded her to be a simple maid running errands for others just because she went in and out of a house of the noble family. In other words, he did not know the secret rtionship between the house of Witzer and the house of Debussy.


    ¡°Is this a trick of Gridler¡¯s?¡±¡°He¡¯s not here. I came out alone because I wanted to talk to you. Besides, he doesn¡¯t want to see you in person after that fire burned his arm.¡±


    Carl said, giving a devilish smile. His solo act seemed to have begun since he met her in the market.


    ¡°By the way, how¡¯d you get to him? It¡¯s so surprising that a man like Ian could let you step into his manor so easily without knowing your past.¡±¡°Don¡¯t talk rubbish. It isn¡¯t like that.¡±


    His eyes narrowed into slits as he dangerously drew his face close to hers. His hands sped the armrests of the chair she was bound to.


    ¡°I knew you wouldn¡¯t tell me the truth. I was worried, you know.¡±


    Carl said, a dismal look looming on his face. April tried to force herself back on the chair, but she couldn¡¯t.


    ¡°If the Marquis knows who you are, do you think he¡¯ll stay beside you?¡±


    At his words, she swallowed her breath. Her eyes, which were afraid of getting caught, shook violently as soon as they heard it.


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 Chapter 23

    <em>Trantor and Editor: Lea and Aki</em>


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    <strong><em>Chapter 23</em></strong>


    ¡®The thing that happened 10 years ago¡­..¡¯


    Ian seemed to have already noticed a little, but he didn¡¯t know the whole story.


    The first thing he would know is that she was the daughter of a murderer. She hated herself for not being able to clear her mother¡¯s name yet.


    ¡®Where did it go wrong?¡¯


    All kinds of thoughts crossed through her mind, but she could find no answer. Her arms and feet were trembling, and she felt weak. She took long shuddering breaths as if her lungs had forgotten to draw in air and something heavy was pressing against her chest. She felt like a fugitive in an instant.


    ¡°What? Still trying to endure through your rtionship with him?¡±¡°No.¡±¡°The Marquis gave the murderer¡¯s child such a goodmandment, I assume? What do you think he¡¯ll do when he gets to know about you?¡±¡°¡­¡­What-do-you-want?¡±¡°ept the contract of guardianship. Politely return to Carleva and stay beside me.¡±


    His rough hand lifted her face, holding her chin between his thumb and index finger. She had no choice but to re at him. His eyes reflected back her small, shaking figure.


    ¡°Never.¡±


    As she forcefully stuttered out, his expression got grimly distorted. When she tried to turn away from him, he violently grabbed her by the cheek, turning her face back to him.


    ¡°You think you have a choice? Because of you, I¡­..!¡±


    His breathing became heavy. She didn¡¯t even want to know what happened to the man who fell silent all of a sudden.


    His hand, which was covering April¡¯s cheek, seemed to travel down to her slender neck and eventually, gripped it.


    ¡°Come back, April. Come back to me!¡±¡°N-No¡­¡­I don¡¯t¡­..want to die.¡­.with you. Kyaack!¡±¡°Why?! Why did you run away from me?!¡±¡°You let me¡­.go. Didn¡¯t you?¡±¡°That¡¯s¨C!¡±


    She struggled to get out of his grasp, but she was no stronger than a trained man.


    His fingers pressed harder on her throat, which slowly drew out the air left in her, leaving her suffocated, nauseated, and teary. Her face seemed to swell up under the pressure.


    ¡®Mother¡­¡­¡¯


    When her vision was about to fade into nothingness, the wooden door broke open with a loud ¡®thud¡¯. Carl reflexively looked back.


    A dark silhouette, a little smaller than Ian¡¯s, appeared at the door.


    ¡°Ha!¡±


    As Carl released his grip from her throat, cool air filled up her lungs. The shock caused her to fall to the floor along with the chair.


    Agitated, she violently coughed up, trying to recover her senses.


    ¡°Hey, who are you?!¡±


    Drawing his sword from its sheath, Carl attacked the man, but it was useless. The man grabbed his sword, blocking the attack and twisting Carl¡¯s arm.


    ¡°Argh!¡±¡°I¡¯m afraid there¡¯s something missing in you.¡±


    Carl, struggling under the pain of his arm being strangled, copsed on the spot when the man hit his vital point hard. But, April couldn¡¯t be relieved at all.


    ¡°Miss April.¡±


    The man walked to her side, pulling out his dagger and cutting all theplicated knots of her bounds. She quivered, sitting up weakly. Red bruises already tainted her thin wrists and ankles.


    ¡°The Marquis is waiting.¡±


    She looked up at him weakly, rubbing her numb hands together. A man with very short shaved ck hair and muddy eyes, of course, was a stranger to her.


    ¡°W-Who are you?¡±¡°Ah, pardon me for thete introduction. I¡¯m Yuri Gray, Deputy Commander of the Reykis Army.¡±


    As the word ¡®Reykis¡¯ fell from his lips, she copsed to the ground. He hastily pulled her up.


    ¡°Are you all right, Miss?¡±¡°Yes, I¡¯m okay.¡±


    Whatever her situation was, she was relieved that she could go back to a familiar ce. But at the same time, she felt anxious about things getting changed.


    Yuri supported April, who was struggling with suchplex emotions, and safely took her to the Marquis.


    ***


    The deep darkness of the night had already crawled in when the two arrived. On their way, April figured she was being dragged to the outskirts of the capital. The detached annex was covered inplete darkness except for her room.


    When Yuri stepped in with April, Leonore hurried to help her get into her room. The maidid April on her warm bed, took off her shoes, and covered her with a nket.


    ¡°Drink some water, Miss.¡±


    Weakly lifting her head and holding the ss with trembling hands, she swallowed on the liquid. She wanted to thank her, but words decided not to escape from her dry throat.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t have dinner, did you, Miss? I¡¯ll get you something.¡±¡°N-No.¡±


    As Leonore was turning around, April grabbed her skirt with her weak hand and shook her head. The maid turned to her, seemingly worried. After silently watching the scene, Yuri excused himself and descended down the stairs of the house.


    ¡°Yuri.¡±


    As a quiet voice called him, Yuri turned to face the man emerging from a pitch ck region. Under the stairs leading to the second floor, Ian stood, his arms crossed over his chest. His expression was very dark and grim.


    ¡°It was like an abduction. It was the guy with short blonde hair and a scar on his cheek. I followed him, and it seemed he was acting alone.¡±¡°Carl¡­¡­¡±


    Ian murmured the name of the man that immediately crossed his mind. But, he was more concerned about April than his anger.


    ¡°How is she doing?¡±¡°I don¡¯t think she¡¯s fine. She just had a sip of water, and she refused to eat.¡±


    Ian gnashed on his teeth to the point where his jaw muscles twitched.


    Yuri could easily interpret the rage in his eyes. It was the same look he gave when he wanted to trample upon his enemies on a battlefield.


    That expression had never been seen outside the battlefield.


    ¡°What does she mean to you, Marquis?¡±


    The question remained unanswered. Though a storm began stirring inside him on the fact that she almost lost her life, Ian could not tell anyone what he felt.


    ¡°Anyway, what shall we do with him?¡±¡°Leave him alone. I¡¯ll take care of him myself.¡±


    And then, with a flip of his heel, he strode to the second floor and stood in front of April¡¯s room. The door was half open, and Leonore was seen sitting by the bedside. As Ian gave a small knock, the maid quickly got up and opened the door.


    ¡°She can¡¯t talk, she just shakes her head whenever I offer her something to eat. I brought medicine for her wounds, but¡­..¡±¡°I¡¯ll do it.¡±¡°Pardon?¡±¡°Come on.¡±


    He snatched the bottle from her hands, gestured her to leave, and carefully entered April¡¯s room. He locked the door, closed the window, and drew the white curtains to prevent the darkness and coldness from seeping inside. Then, he moved to sit on the chair beside the bed.


    ¡°April.¡±


    He swallowed hard on the dry lump forming in his throat as his eyes drifted to the shivering frame of April. He decided not to express his anger before her, who was already startled by his presence.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry. I should¡¯ve kept you here.¡±¡°¡­..The Marquis shouldn¡¯t be the one to apologize.¡±


    She replied in a hoarse voice. Ian shook his head as she tried to lift the quilt to sit up.


    ¡°Here, give me your hand.¡±


    He gently held one of her hands that was slightly peeking out of her nket and began dabbing the cotton, which was dipped in the said medicine, lightly over her bruises. He did not care how his hands tingled as they touched her smooth skin.


    ¡°Ah¡­..!¡±


    She winced every time his fingers swept past the wounds. As expected of the tight knots, the wounds were much deeper.


    ¡°Won¡¯t you ask me anything?¡±¡°I heard some from Yuri. It was the knight from the house of Liszt.¡±


    Closing the lid and putting the bottle of medicine aside, he silently looked down at her. She stared at him for a moment, then forced herself to sit up and meet him at his eye level.


    ¡°Keep lying¨C¡±¡°You can just break our contract or get rid of me, Marquis. But, please don¡¯t hand me over to them. I beg of you.¡±¡°What do you mean? Why would I hand you over? And, why would I get rid of you in the first ce?¡±¡°You¡¯vee to know about me, about my past.¡±


    She bit on her lips, silently brooding over Carl¡¯s words. However, Ian only frowned at her as if he didn¡¯t understand what she just said.


    ¡°What does it have to do with me? If I cared about that, I would¡¯ve done a thorough check on your background even before I made the contract.¡±


    Ian said in correspondence with his usual attitude, grateful that he didn¡¯t identally express his feelings. It made him feel as though he was back where he really needed to be.


    ¡°April, you can use this contract as a fence to protect yourself.¡±¡°How can I¡ª?¡±¡°It¡¯s the duty of an employer. A good employer never wants his people to be ruined by others.¡±


    Ian was adamant. Determined, his words seemed like an order of infinite trust and close consideration.


    April thought this would be the right moment to set the route of their rtionship before she could spend a longer time with him, so she forced her lips open, uttering the truth she thought she¡¯d never tell anyone else.


    ¡°My name is April Witzer.¡±¡°Witzer? If you¡¯re a Witzer, then¡­¡­.!¡±¡°I am the daughter of a murder, a fugitive from Carleva. And, the heiress to thend they¡¯re yearning to possess.¡±


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


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 Chapter 24

    <em>Trantor and Editor: Lea and Aki</em>


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    <strong><em>Chapter 24</em></strong>


    April¡¯s past was so grand that it was hard to believe at once.


    ording to what Ian knew, the Witzer family used to be as famous as the house of Reykis.


    The woman in front of him should have inherited the name, which had been erased for quite some time.


    ¡°My mother has always tried to contribute to Carleva with her ability and wisdom. But, they paid her back with treachery.¡±


    She briefly stopped, clearing her dry throat with a sip of water before continuing. Expectant, Ian silently listened.


    ¡°My mother was framed and executed, and the mastermind, Gridler, tried to force me to sign a marriage contract with the family of Liszt. I ran away from there.¡±


    That was the reason April was so terrified. After hearing her story, Ian¡¯s first feeling waspassion. He felt sorry for her and the injustice she had to face. Along with it, came the crackling hot rage within him.


    ¡®Is she a property to be imed? They¡¯ve made a grave mistake.¡¯


    Her story contained both of his least favorite things. One, she was abandoned relentlessly after being taken against her will, and two, the words of those malevolent nobles were taken for granted.


    ¡°I just wanted to find it, the evidence, in my mother¡¯sb and every part of the house, but before I could find it¡­¡­.¡±


    Her voice broke again. Tears began to flow down her cheeks. Her shoulders were trembling badly. She couldn¡¯t hide her tears even when she covered her face with her palms.


    ¡°A-April.¡±


    Ian stammered as he had no idea how to console her. April continued with a weak voice as she cried.


    ¡°I recently corresponded with the court of Carleva, so perhaps, that¡¯s when they came to know the fact that I¡¯m amoner and is still alive.¡±¡°How can a court disclose that?!¡±¡°Because it¡¯s Carleva, Marquis.¡±


    As if the word ¡®Carleva¡¯, light and despondent, put everything down. Tears continued to flow from her wide-open violet eyes. When her small and frail figure leaned slightly, Ian was worried she might copse down at any moment.


    ¡°April.¡±


    Her being dishonest until now, her tears threatening to spark fire, and his emotions for her, which had been growing for a while, pierced him and it made his heart explode.


    ¡®I want to touch her.¡¯


    To put it simply, this was the only thing he wanted to do. Unable to resist, Ian eventually reached out to her. He supported her body with one hand before embracing her tightly in between his arms.


    His arms became stiff, but he swept April¡¯s silver hair with an awkward but soft touch.


    ¡°I¡¯m so¡­..so tired of it¡­¡­¡±


    April also leaned into his touch. With her face buried in his arms, he was filled with longing emotions.


    ¡°I won¡¯t let you go anywhere. If anything is to happen, let it happen.¡±


    His honest tone shook April. All this time, he was afraid of narrowing the gap between them and now, he had finally paid attention to himself.


    ¡°Why are you, to me¡­¡­.?¡±


    April asked, looking up into his eyes. A beat passed as they stared at each other, their faces closer than before. Him lightly biting his lips, as if trying to hold something in, felt very unusual.


    Ian reached his hand out, his fingers sweeping April¡¯s tangled locks away from her face, as he had once done in the library.


    ¡°Because I don¡¯t want to see you suffer.¡±


    He hugged her again, giving her a little squeeze. He spent the rest of that deep night with her in his arms and the tumultuous pounding of his heart due to her presence and slight fear.


    ***


    Ian stayed by her side as she slept soundly and even put off the work he had in the next morning. Perhaps because of the way she had suffered, April fell into a deep sleep without uttering another word.


    ¡°Master, do you want me to take a shift? You haven¡¯t slept sincest night, and you haven¡¯t had breakfast yet¡­..¡±¡°It¡¯s fine. I¡¯ll be busy all afternoon anyway, so I want to stay here for as long as I can.¡±


    When Ian answered stubbornly, Leonore bowed obediently and left the room. As he sat cross-legged with one hand on his chin, he nced at April¡¯s sleeping feature.


    ¡®I wonder how many times I¡¯ve seen this face.¡¯


    Unlikest night, he used to fall asleep before April, with her sitting straight while stroking his head whenever his fever went up until she fell asleep herself, leaning on his bedpost.


    ¡®Why is it so overwhelming just to see you? You make me helpless every time.¡¯


    He couldn¡¯t say anything in front of her. Just in case April woke up, Ian pulled back his hand that had been stretched out to fiddle with her silver locks. As he swept his palm across his face, a deep sigh escaped through the gap of his fingers.


    ¡°Master.¡±


    This time, us¡¯s voice from outside the door woke him up from his daze.


    ¡°Is he here already?¡±¡°It¡¯s lunch time.¡±


    Ian had been here for quite a long time. He quietly got up from his seat and put on his jacket.


    us seemed to be thinking about something while alternating his gaze between his master and Lady April, but he could not afford to ask.


    ¡°Is Carl in the drawing room?¡±¡°Yes, let me escort you there.¡±


    Taking a heavy step, he began heading towards the drawing room. The longer he walked through the long hallway, the closer he got to the room and the more intense and unpleasant the scent became. It belonged to Carl.


    When he entered the room, Gridler was nowhere to be seen, whom he thought would apany Carl.


    ¡°I¡¯m surprised you didn¡¯t cancel this appointment today. I¡¯d have tried to find you somehow if you did.¡±


    Ian spat out rudely, sitting on the sofa. He did not even greet him.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    Carl¡¯s face became crumpled as he asked. Ian snorted as he watched him, swallowing his own anger. What he¡¯d heard from Yuri seemed to make it obvious that Carl too was attracted to April through his emotions. In particr, it seemed even more vulnerable to provocation or neglect.


    ¡°It¡¯s very brave of you to rise up andmit a crime against my people.¡±¡°Ah, I¡­ I just¡­.!¡±¡°Wanted to talk to her? Is that how you make conversations in Carleva?¡±¡°Marquis, do you know what she¡¯s like? It¡¯s dangerous for the child of a criminal to be here. Also, as a member of the Liszt family in charge of Carleva¡¯s security¨C¡±¡°You know that doesn¡¯t make any sense, right? If you did just try to talk to her, you would¡¯ve asked for my permission.¡±


    Ian struck down the usible excuse Carl was trying to make. Then, he called in Yuri, who was waiting outside.


    ¡°You!¡±


    Carl was stunned the moment he saw his face. When it became clear that Ian had made him follow her to the inn, all the excuses he¡¯d prepared became useless at once. Now, there was only a straight line.


    ¡°What kind of rtionship do you have with April?¡±¡°She¡¯s my employee. She¡¯s helping me with something.¡±¡°Em¡­.ployee?¡±


    It was far from the answer he expected. If he¡¯d saved April by putting his people on her trail, it was bound to have been more than that. However, watching Ian, who¡¯d sessfully hid his expressions thoroughly by showing no personal feelings, Carl felt himself getting rxed.


    ¡°Why are you relieved?¡±


    Ian¡¯s brow furrowed as he saw the relief reflecting off Carl¡¯s face.


    ¡°Are you perhaps thinking you can take her if we had nothing else?¡±¡°That woman was supposed to marry me. It¡¯s strange for her to be here.¡±


    Carl absolutely hated Ian¡¯sposure. It made him feel abominable to hit back and drive him into the corner. Carl clenched his fist, which began to tremble as he suddenly felt full of power, under the table.


    ¡°I still want to wee her as mypanion.¡±¡°Did April herself agree? I don¡¯t think she did.¡±¡°What do you know?!¡±


    Carl punched the table, which caused the tea cup to tter and the liquid to ssh everywhere on the table.


    ¡°You¡¯ve cornered, threatened, and kidnapped April. Is that how apanion should be treated? Besides, you¡¯re the one who threw her out of Carleva.¡±¡°That was the Marchioness Elise Witzer. I only need April!¡±¡°Just for the sake of your needs. Discarding her away is no different from it.¡±


    Ian raised his voice. Carl speaking enthusiastically of nonsense that ovepped with April¡¯s story fromst night filled him with raging anger.


    Ian could not allow a helpless woman to be treated as an object that was to be thrown away after one use.


    ¡°Are you just trying to protect your employee, or is there another reason?¡±


    Carl questioned Ian as he noticed him shaking with anger, but Ian did not answer. He could not. As Carl watched Ian stay silent, one side of his mouth nted up into a smirk.


    ¡°So you¡¯re not going to yield. Would you like to make a bet with me, then? Just like the old way.¡±


    At the sudden suggestion, Ian¡¯s forehead crumpled into a frown. But, the knight had no hesitation. His eyes were already full of poison.


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 Chapter 25

    <em>Trantor and Editor: Lea and Aki</em>


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    <strong><em>Chapter 25</em></strong>


    ¡°If the Marquis is also a warrior and a Lang, he knows what it is.¡±¡°Don¡¯t tell me you¨C¡±¡°A duel. I suppose it¡¯s not a bad deal for the Marquis.¡±


    Ian couldn¡¯t answer readily. It¡¯d be April who¡¯d have to walk in this kind of bet, and he didn¡¯t even think he deserved to bet on her.


    Carl tried to hold back hisughter as soon as he saw Ian¡¯s hardening features.


    ¡®You said you wouldn¡¯t leave a battlefield even if you had injuries, and now you¡¯re hesitating topete with me? I¡¯ve never seen you like this before.¡¯


    Carl wanted to enjoy Ian¡¯s embarrassing appearance a little more, but he had to hit him again. Carl knew he had a simr mind to himself : the more provocative he would be, the easier it would be.


    ¡°Let¡¯s decide it that way. The Marquis has no right to keep April by his side anyway.¡±


    Ian¡¯s face contorted, but the fact that they were bound by a contract was never to be disclosed to anyone else, including Carl.


    Above all, Ian had no choice but to agree, thinking April would be exposed to danger again after the contract period was over. He gestured to Yuri behind him.


    ¡°Yuri, bring my sword.¡±¡°Yes, Marquis.¡±


    After a moment, Yuri walked into the room carrying Ian¡¯s sword and handed it over to him. Ian ced it in front of the knight.


    ¡°Will this do?¡±¡°Yes.¡±


    Carl considered this as an opportunity. A battle of honor as a warrior and a battle of rank as a Lang.


    If he won, he would be able to capture two rabbits, a victory over April and the Langs.


    ¡°If I win, you¡¯ll get out of my way to April.¡±¡°Of course. But if I do, you will not show up in front of her again. But, I would not be able to let you escape satisfactorily, whether I win or lose.¡±¡°¡­..That won¡¯t happen. I¡¯ll see you tomorrow, then.¡±


    Looking up at Ian, who seemed confident, Carl gritted his teeth. He had already heard some vile words from Gridler, who was very angryst night. Ian¡¯s provocation could not have been satisfactory in that situation.


    Carl could no longer stand any more of his pride being stepped on and someone arguing over him.


    ¡°Be prepared to die.¡±


    Ian said before storming out of the drawing room without seeing him off. He stomped straight up to his office and sat in front of his desk, breathing hardly. Golden eyes shed fiercely through his tangled bangs.


    ¡°Damn it!¡±


    He clenched his fist so hard that his fingernails dug into his palm, which formed crescents on his flesh.


    ¡°Did I have to do this?¡±


    Reality struck him. He had the ability to handle people like this easily, but then he would not be able to avoid conflict with Carleva. He couldn¡¯t have felt more guilty to know April was behind it.


    He needed to make a pact not to sacrifice April again.


    ¡°April¡­¡­¡±


    As Ian muttered her name, us entered his office with backlogs of the morning task in his hands.


    ¡°Master, are you all right? I don¡¯t think you look very organized.¡±¡°Did you hear that?¡±¡°Yes.¡±


    us was calm. Keeping his mouth shut, Ian pressed his temple with his fingers. After a deep silence, us carefully opened his mouth.


    ¡°This might be impolite, but I¡¯m worried about your health, Master.¡±¡°What?¡±¡°What does Lady April mean to you, Master?¡±


    The question was enough to knock him down at once, which he had been avoiding all along.


    ¡°What do you think?¡±¡°An employee.¡±


    Ian looked up to meet his eyes. us was indifferently staring at him. This time, Ian did not avert his gaze away or asked any questions.


    ¡°Your face says you¡¯re thinking that it¡¯s more than that.¡±


    A dryugh escaped him. It was obvious how he had acted so far, even to others around him. However, Ian could neither reveal nor express his feelings to April, who was too cautious.


    ¡°What should I do?¡±¡°That is something I cannot answer, Master. I just brought it out of concern, you can forget about it.¡±¡°You¡¯re dismissed.¡±


    After us left, Ian barely paid any attention to the documents umted on his desk. He could write no word.


    Eventually, after swirling the pen a few times in the air and putting it down, he walked to the window.


    ¡®She¡¯s still in bed.¡¯


    April, who used to wander around the detached buildingte at night, was nowhere to be seen today. Leaning against the window, he drew out a deep sigh.


    He had never thought in his life that a day woulde when he¡¯d be troubled by such a thing. The feeling of something blooming inside him was very alien.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t want to get hurt like this¡­¡­¡±


    It shouldn¡¯t even have happened. But he did not have the courage to deny. His insides seemed to be splitting into hundreds of shards.


    Thoughts of April clouded his mind. However, the more he thought about her, the clearer he could imagine her face.


    ***


    April spent the rest of the next morning sitting idly at her desk.


    She tried to do a couple of work since she was in bed the whole day yesterday, but she couldn¡¯t get her hands on it.


    ¡°What did he mean?¡±


    A long sigh escaped her lips as she recalled the memories of that night.


    ¡®Because I don¡¯t want to see you suffer.¡¯


    She recalled the way he had embraced her weak self, his voice still ringing softly in her head.


    ¡°No, no.¡±


    When she was about to visualize his face, April shook her head vigorously. She hoped to get rid of any other thoughts about him besides her work.


    ¡°I should go cool off my head.¡±


    She wrapped a jacket around her to avoid the cold breeze outside. The regions where her wounds scarred her still stung whenever her sleeves grazed them. Ian¡¯s hand had carefully dabbed the medicine on them, and there was no wound he had missed.


    ¡°Ah, Lady April.¡±¡°us?¡±


    Just as she stepped out of the building, she met us, who was seemingly in a hurry to find her.


    ¡°What is the matter? Your face doesn¡¯t tell me that the Marquis is unwell.¡±¡°I¡­.I am here to escort you.¡±¡°Me? Why?¡±¡°Master is at the training field. It¡¯s the day of the duel between Master and Sir Liszt¨C¡±¡°I beg your pardon?!¡±


    She went from being calm to being furious at once. By ¡®Sir Liszt¡¯, he had definitely meant Carl. She felt like she¡¯d hit her head on a big stone. She couldn¡¯t understand why he was in this property when the Marquis was reported by Yuri.


    ¡°A duel?¡±¡°I don¡¯t think I can describe it since it¡¯s a culture that existed a long time ago among the tribe of Langs. It¡¯s an extreme way to solve problems when you don¡¯t want to get your tongue tied up¡­¡­¡±¡°Then, what did they bet on? There¡¯s no way it¡¯d be me, right?¡±


    April, who knew Carl, asked him. us, who was hoping to find a way to turn her down, hesitated. He gently rubbed his temple as if he was having a headache.


    ¡°It¡¯s exined, then. We can go there, right?¡±¡°Ah! You don¡¯t have to go if you don¡¯t want to. Sir¨C¡±¡°Sir Liszt will be there.¡±


    She finished, clenching her fist. us, feeling embarrassed, could not speak properly.


    ¡°It¡¯s like a behavior among animals. It¡¯s very unfamiliar¡­..¡±


    April stomped past him before he could finish. Clearly, she didn¡¯t need anyone to show her the way she¡¯d walked a few times before.


    The maids crept away, clearing the path as she stomped past them. She was definitely boiling inside.


    ¡°How¡­How on earth could the Marquis do that?!¡±


    When she arrived at the training field, Ian was gazing down at his sword with a serious look on his face. Unlike usual, his outfit was also lightly armed. It was the first time for her to see him holding a real sword.


    ¡°Marquis.¡±


    Although her face was overshadowed by her rage, Ian calmly nced at her. He showed no sign of nervousness.


    Her eyes traveled to the field behind him. On the other side of Ian, stood Carl holding a sword in an informal manner.


    ¡°What is all this?¡±¡°Just a simple duel. It¡¯s the only way to keep him froming to you without harming you.¡±¡°So, you¡¯re going to confront him for me?¡±


    Ian nodded, and Aprilmented.


    ¡°Wonderful¡­..¡±


    She had no idea what he was thinking, so she was at a loss on where to start asking. Whether or not she asked, Ian returned to look back at his piece of de.


    Perhaps it was just a feeling, but it looked like he was not going to look up at her on purpose.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m only trying to set you free.¡±¡°Set me free? Doesn¡¯t this seem more like arguing about whom I belong to?¡±¡°Yes, I know! But look at the world, at the court of Carleva, at that knight. You¡¯lle to know my reasons.¡±¡°Yes, I understand what you mean. But why are you so desperate?¡±¡°It¡¯s my duty, as your employer, and¡­..¡±


    Ian swallowed the word, releasing a deep sigh. He could expect her to get offended. April even felt a sense of spite as she stiffened before preparing to yell out.


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 Chapter 26

    <em>Trantor and Editor: Lea and Aki</em>


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    <strong><em>Chapter 26</em></strong>


    ¡°It¡¯s cold. Yuri, get April something to cover her.¡±


    Ian whirled around before April could even ask. He called Yuri, ordering him to lead April inside.


    ¡°Re-Really¡­¡­¡±


    Her situation, which seemed to have been auctioned off like this, was darkened by the shame of being indebted to him again. She was even more angry, unable to figure out what was his first thought on this.


    ¡°Forgive me for the rudeness, April.¡±


    Leaving April behind, Ian walked off to the center of the training field where Carl was waiting. He swung his sword over him.


    ¡°Don¡¯t look down on me, Marquis.¡±¡°I¡¯ll do my best.¡±


    It was not long before the duel between the two began. The sound of swords shing and reverberating through the morning breeze banged on April¡¯s ears. The two men were like beasts, growling and biting each other off.


    April witnessed them asionally pointing their swords on each other¡¯s flesh, but never piercing each other.


    ¡°¡­..They¡¯re not cutting?¡±


    The two were trying to press down on each other without trying to graze the other. A pure struggle to stay up on their knees. None of them got a chance to breathe until the one who was overwhelmed copsed while trying to build up the strength in his limbs, thus ignoring to focus on their senses.


    ¡°Why is it so cruel?¡±


    It might be a rule that one should not lose their life in thispetition for honor, but in a way, it seemed more vicious than a bloody struggle. As time goes by, the inferior side would be pushed endlessly, revealing weakness until his knee was stuck in the ground.


    ¡°Haaa!¡±


    As the battle got intense, Carl stepped back on the impact. He was pushed by Ian, who began wielding his sword like a whirlwind.


    Clenching his teeth and holding the sword above his head, Carl took a moment to inhale. The hairs on his back stood up in fear. He had once retired from the battle upfront due to his injuries. Furthermore, he was being casually pushed by such a person.


    ¡®What the hell, man.¡¯


    Looking up at Ian, who began to trudge towards him as if to split his body, Carl even shivered in fear at the thought that if he lifted his sword, he might lose his life at the same time this duel would end. So he couldn¡¯t do anything other than just blocking it.


    ¡®Have you lost your mind? You can¡¯t¡­¡­¡¯


    Ian¡¯s eyes were even more ferocious, but his sword contained the anger. It was a rough blow, but not sharp. Noticing his piercing eyes, Carl decided to distract him.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it terrible to be so excited about a woman?¡±


    Almost in the corner, Carl struggled to counterattack Ian¡¯s sword, provoking him. He wanted to make up for his inferiority by disgracing him and breaking his bnce. Ian¡¯s grip on his sword became tighter.


    ¡°You look tired. You¡¯re being nosy, aren¡¯t you?¡±¡°You¡¯re the one who¡¯s crazy over¡ª¡±¡°That doesn¡¯t concern you.¡±


    Ian, who was aiming to get an opportunity to strike, suddenly changed his posture. After gripping the sword¡¯s handle tightly, he lowered himself, quickly striking a blow into Carl¡¯s stomach.


    Then, Ian turned to his body, which was defenseless, to block his head. When his own bnce fell off, Carl stepped back, a dull pain piercing his chest.


    ¡°Ha!¡±


    The sword fell from Carl¡¯s hand with a nging sound as it hit the ground. Ian looked down at him with an arrogant look, pointing his sword at his neck. The knight in front only grabbed the dust from the floor with his trembling hands.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it too early to be provocative? Think about it.¡±¡°You¡­¡­!¡±


    Carl gritted as Ian returned the sword to his sheath and threw off his breastte. April had been immovable, standing on one side of the field. Ian walked silently to her, who did not look happy yet.


    ¡°A-Ah! M-Marquis!¡±


    As Ian was about to approach her, she suddenly jumped out to the field, shouting his name and directing him over his shoulder. Soon enough, Ian could hear the man screaming as he came in with his dull steps.


    ¡°You can¡¯t! You can¡¯t leave me!¡±


    Ian whirled around as Carl¡¯s wild footsteps picked up the pace. Carl had picked up his fallen sword and was rushing this way. However, his target did not seem to be Ian. His gaze was directed further beyond.


    ¡°Carl!¡±


    Ian knew that April was at the end of his sight. Quickly grabbing him, Ian fell down together on the ground, resulting in the dust to rise from the field.


    ¡°What are you doing, Carl?!¡±¡°Kkuck! Ha!¡±


    Ian pressed his corbone with one forearm, ring at the struggling knight. Even blood trickled down to the floor from his other forearm where the sword grazed him.


    ¡°Wh-What are you¡­¡­.¡±


    Carl¡¯s hand trembled as it grabbed Ian¡¯s injured arm. Carl¡¯s red-hot face was on the verge of bursting. Perhaps trying to break down Ian¡¯s grip, his fingernails dabbed on his injured flesh, but Ian did not even blink.


    ¡°Marquis!¡±¡°Don¡¯t, Miss April.¡±


    She tried to rush to Ian¡¯s aid, but Yuri blocked her. At April¡¯s voice, which was trembling only for Ian, Carlughed out with a curse.


    ¡°Even in this situation, kkuk, why only the Marquis?!¡±


    Carl mindlessly spat out, his eyes were so full of madness. But Ian did not waver.


    ¡°What-made-you-think-you-could-do-this?¡±¡°Y-You don¡¯t know what I¡¯ve been through.¡±¡°Do I need to know?¡±


    Ian tore off his hand roughly before standing up and trampling on his hand with his feet. Carl¡¯s painful scream pierced his ear, but he didn¡¯t care.


    ¡°This hand had strangled April. Twice.¡±


    Then, he grazed his sword¡¯s de along the back of the wriggling knight¡¯s thigh. When blood oozed out, Carl rolled up, struggling with his leg in his arms. A dark red mark stained the dirty floor.


    ¡°Aaaargh!¡±¡°Next time, it won¡¯t be your leg, but your lungs.¡±¡°You! You¡­¡­!¡±¡°Yuri, take him.¡±


    Ian ordered Yuri to drag him away without giving a second nce at Carl, who shouted something with his rasping voice. Then he approached April, who was shaking.


    ¡°April.¡±


    She stepped back as he strode towards her. But, Ian looked down at her with straight determination and no signs of any agitation.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t want to see him.¡±¡°Then, why were you watching?¡±¡°Funny, my destiny depends on this right now. I¡¯m grateful that you won.¡±


    Her voice was still filled with anger. However, it was somewhat softer than before the duel. She couldn¡¯t just get mad at the person who was hurt right in front of her. April shifted her gaze down, avoiding to meet his eyes.


    ¡°It¡¯s strange. Carl would not dare to strike back for a while. You won¡¯t be harmed for a while. Now that I think about it, I was very mean.¡±


    As a pharmacist who had to save people, April thought it was an unrecoverable attitude. However, Ian shook his head.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry I acted as I pleased. I wanted to free you. I can¡¯t help it if you think it¡¯s an excuse, but this is all I can do for you, who¡¯s trying her best to cure me.¡±


    Every word Ian uttered contained weight. It was the first time she¡¯d heard someone swear at themselves.


    ¡°I started it, so I will be the one to end it.¡±


    He knelt down in front of April, extending his hand out. When April hesitated, Ian sped her hand, kissing the back of it lightly before slowly getting up.


    ¡°You have my fate bound in your hand, so take good care of it.¡±


    Dropping her gaze, she fiddled with her lock that was carelessly resting over her chest. Her vision became blurry. As soon she felt the tension releasing her, she let out what she unknowingly had endured inside. She felt she wanted to talk to someone and rely on them at least once.


    ¡°April?¡±¡°Fo-Forgive me.¡±


    April turned her head around, covering her eyes with her hands. It seemed like she was holding back her tears.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know how long it has been since I¡¯ve been treated like a person, so I didn¡¯t know¡­¡­.¡±


    Ian anxiously stared at her before he stretched his arms out. April¡¯s body, which seemed as though it would break at any moment, came straight into his arms.


    At that moment, Ian felt something hot popping out of his mind. His heart ached as if it was breaking down to pieces, and his arms tightened around her. He wanted to hold her tighter.


    ¡°April, you¡¯re too much for me to handle.¡±


    He was breathless. Gently pushing his chest away, April looked up at Ian. Staring into her eyes, he gently cupped her face in his hands. The golden waves in his eyes raged with passion.


    ¡°Marquis¡­¡­?¡±¡°I¡¯m afraid I owe you a lot.¡±


    As if time had stopped, April could clearly hear the beating sound from his chest.


    ¡°You can forget me or get rid of me. It¡¯s up to you, Marquis.¡±


    Speechless and confused, Ian walked past her, leaving her behind. April could not make her feet move even though she thought she should go after him.


    She couldn¡¯t move. Her feet felt heavy, as if they were stuck in the ground. In her empty head, only Ian¡¯s rugged confession lingered.


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 Chapter 27

    <em>Trantor and Editor: Lea and Aki</em>


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    <strong><em>Chapter 27</em></strong>


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    For days, April had been heaving a sigh through her mouth. Research had also been sluggish. Although the research was based on the first sessful fever reducer, the cure could not be derived aside from only the temperature reduction and sleep causing effects.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t seen the Marquis since¡­¡­¡±


    What always came to her mind after every thought was Ian. Recalling the moment after the duel that took ce a few days ago continued to make her cheeks warm. Because of his confession.


    ¡®I¡¯m afraid I owe you a lot.¡¯


    With his words, the clear scent of him and the clean image of his face surged up before her. Bashful, she buried her face in her notebook. His words were still lingering around.


    ¡°It¡¯s because of me that the disease got worse.¡±


    Now that she was aware of the feelings she didn¡¯t have to know, meeting the one he had feelings for was the only way to suppress his illness. cing her hand over her chest, she felt her heart drumming against her palm. She curled up her fingers.


    ¡°I don¡¯t deserve to be next to him.¡±


    Hampering with her worries, if she had to be realistic, she had to find a way to improve the cure of his illness based on his feelings. That was how much April could do as a doctor, but her heart felt heavy.


    ¡®Let¡¯s do something that is possible.¡¯


    She picked up a book on reagenthology ¨C a record of her mother, Elise.


    When she had just reopened the topic of ¡°For those who are not honest with their emotions¡±, she heard footsteps outside the door. She hurriedly ced a pen inside the page and shut it as the door creaked open behind her.


    ¡°April.¡±


    Ian, who rarely visited the separate house nowadays, was standing there. His appearance and demeanor was unchanged, but his gaze did not meet April¡¯s like it used to before.


    Since the duel, the two had barely made any eye contact.


    ¡°Marquis, how may I help you?¡±¡°I decided to stop by since you rarely came outside except during mealtimes these few days.¡±¡°Ah, I was thinking of doing some backlogs. I¡¯ve had quite a break since the day I was kidnapped.¡±


    When she stammered, he nodded. Half of it was true. It was also because she was not confident enough to face him as before. Every moment she saw him, her heart split in two pieces.


    ¡°Would you like to join me for tea? I have something to discuss.¡±¡°Discuss? With me? Mm¡­¡­¡±


    Slightly turning her eyes, she fell silent. She was also worried if he could hear her heart racing with his sharp sense when her red cheeks were hidden from his view.


    ¡°You¡¯re avoiding me, April.¡±


    Ian, who had been silently observing her, finally talked. The words came as spears, striking her. Unable to deny it, she dropped her head.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I don¡¯t know how to ept that. If I¡¯d ever be able to¡­¡­¡±¡°Why are you apologizing?¡±


    He asked sternly, interrupting her. As she looked up nkly, she faced his eyes upon her.


    ¡°If you are confused by my actions, feel free to let me know.¡±


    As soon as he finished talking, he turned away from her. She could not spot any agitation from those broad shoulders. As if no drop of blood will be spilled even if he was stabbed.


    She wondered if he could tear away the contract so easily. When he was finally out and pushing the door shut, April turned around to him.


    ¡°Wait, Marquis!¡±¡°Hmm?¡±¡°I have a lot of work to finish today. Please call for me tomorrow if you don¡¯t mind.¡±¡°I said it¡¯s fine if it feels burdensome.¡±¡°I was wondering what you wanted to tell me.¡±¡°I see.¡±


    After answering in a firm tone, he walked out before closing the door.


    Countless thoughts gripped her, while several knots began to entangle in her stomach. Even though she was burdened, she was far from regretting epting his invitation. This was a good opportunity to know his thoughts.


    ***


    As she kept herself busy with heating the ss tube with all the necessary ingredients, a scent simr to mint reached her.


    ¡°We have all the ingredients ready, and all that¡¯s left is¡­¡­¡±


    Stopping the tip of the pen at thest sentence on the book, she sighed. Beside her, she had a sharp needle heated by the fire.


    ¡°Can I do this?¡±


    Until a few days ago, she was half determined and half hesitant, but after her talk with Ian yesterday, she had no choice but toplete her task. The only solution for him was April, which she was confident about.


    ¡°Let¡¯s do it.¡±


    She brought her finger over the ss tube that was still hot. After taking a deep breath, she stabbed the tip of her finger with the heated needle.


    Red blood oozed out in a small circle and fell into the ss container. The moment the drop of blood made contact with the transparent liquid, it spread like a flower in the water. But soon, the red color disappeared, leaving nothing but the transparent liquid.


    ¡®This will be thest.¡¯


    Thest hope that she could cure him. After wrapping a pre-cut cloth around her index finger, she began to head to Ian¡¯s ce with the finished bottle of reagent.


    ¡°Miss April, you¡¯re here. I was on my way to call you.¡±


    Smiling, us greeted April. However, the ce where he took April was Ian¡¯s office, not his usual ce of enjoying tea.


    ¡°I thought the discussion would sound a little heavy, so I prepared a seat here. Would that be all right?¡±¡°I see. Yes, I¡¯m fine.¡±


    us knocked twice on the tightly closed door before opening it only for her to enter. She could feel Ian¡¯s scent again as she entered the room. The scent seemed nice, but it was thick enough to make her wonder if it was originally like this.


    ¡°Please have a seat, April.¡±¡°Yes.¡±


    As she sat down, Ian sat in front of her with some documents in his hand. Thinking why he was trying to break the contract, April¡¯s grip around the bottle tightened. She only had this weapon.


    ¡°Haven¡¯t the Marquis¡¯s scent be much stronger?¡±¡°Well, that¡¯s true. Perhaps, the time has arrived.¡±


    He answered awkwardly. Hearing this tantly from the person he lost his heart to, he couldn¡¯t stand it.


    It was not easy to suppress the heat that crawled up in him like a lizard as soon as April came and his sense of smell that reacted too much to her scent. There was no breakthrough other than his wish to talk about business affairs.


    ¡°May I ask what you have to say?¡±¡°I¡¯m thinking of buying the Northern mining area.¡±


    He said as he held out the papers. It was supposed to be over when Ian signed the contract that had already been written.


    April bit her lips. Two things crossed her mind at the same time. The relief that her contract was not terminated, and a question of what this action of his meant.


    ¡°This is the conclusion I¡¯vee to after listening to a story and thinking a lot about you these days. There are many reasons, but now that guns are being distributed, this ce will be a military point.¡±¡°I see. What¡¯s the other reason?¡±¡°That¡¯s forter¡­..ugh.¡±


    Suddenly, while grabbing his left chest, he exhaled a hot breath. Surprised, April went to approach him. His hand on the table was trembling, as if he was having a seizure.


    ¡°Marquis!¡±


    When she reached out to help him, Ian shook his hand at her, stopping her. He thought it would be more difficult if April touched him even a little.


    ¡°Don¡¯t touch me. I¡­I¡¯m fine. Ha¡­¡­..¡±


    He inhaled, briefly touching his forehead. As his jagged breathing calmed down a little, he continued.


    ¡°I called you because I wanted you to be the first to know about the purchase.¡±¡°I don¡¯t have the right to decide anyway, Marquis. I can¡¯t get it back, so don¡¯t feel diforted.¡±¡°It¡¯s not that you abandoned it. If the Witzer family had been strong, it would still be yours.¡±


    The fate of the Witzer family now was irreversible. Everything owned by its people was swallowed by thew and the influence of some noble families who were now in power.


    Nevertheless, April could vaguely see why Ian was the first to think of himself when he bought the mining region.


    ¡°Are you worried about me?¡±¡°Yes.¡±¡°You don¡¯t have to go that far. It¡¯s natural for someone who has the ability to conquer it.¡±¡°My heart, ha, it¡¯s not like that¡­¡­.Hrk.¡±


    Ian, who was continuing to talk between his jagged breaths, eventually trembled. His huge body bent forward and his hand tightened on his chest. His other hand, which was grabbing the edge of the table, also went numb, shaking even the table.


    ¡°Damn it.¡±


    He desperately tried to stand up, but the heat attacking him made him unable to move his body like his drumming heart.


    ¡°Ma-Marquis! Are you okay? us! us!¡±


    Her figure became blurry and her voice became distant to him.


    The sharp desire to have her was squeezing hisst fading sense. He believed he could hold it in, but it eventually exploded. In front of April.


    ¡°Master!¡±


    Hearing April¡¯s voice, us rushed in through the door. She was trembling as she watched Ian, who had fallen to the floor.


    This was the first time she had seen his fever explode before her eyes.


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 Chapter 28

    <em>Trantor and Editor: Lea and Aki</em>


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    <strong><em>Chapter 28</em></strong>


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what to do¡­..¡±


    April knew she could cope calmly no matter when and where he copsed. She had already saved him once at the detached house of the Duke at the banquet, so she vaguely thought she could do that the next time. Her past self, which she thought was so easy, actually came out to be ridiculous.


    ¡°His condition is deteriorating way too much than it usually does. I¡¯ll have to take him to his room.¡±


    Supporting Ian¡¯s struggling figure, us pushed open the door from his office to his room. April finally learnt that the door that was tightly shut behind his desk led to his room.


    ¡°Breathe, Master.¡±


    us deftlyid his weak body on the bed before unbuttoning his shirt. Just as soon as us was finished, Ian¡¯s chest heaved in relief as if he was waiting to be released from a bondage.


    ¡°Do you have any medicine?¡±¡°We hardly had seen any effects from the old medicine, so I ended up making a new one. This is still a prototype.¡±¡°Even if it is¡­..¡±¡°B-But I haven¡¯t decided if I can let him have it yet! I¡¯m not sure about this.¡±¡°What do you mean?¡±


    us asked with a strained look. It felt like he was going to snatch away the bottle out of her hand. Surely, he didn¡¯t understand the meaning of what she said.


    ¡°Miss April, I know a lot has happened between you two. But, please consider the true purpose of your contract.¡±


    He stressed on ¡®curing his master¡¯ was the only reason April hade here. No matter what they had felt towards each other in these few months.


    ¡°The purpose¡­¡­uhm.¡±


    Repeating his words, she looked at Ian, who was struggling to breathe. Groaning, he was staring at April, his eyes filled with pain.


    His eyes, through his disorganized hair, were not of a beast. Rather, they were so intense with all the desperate feelings he felt for her that her heart was shaking.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go out. As usual.¡±


    us walked past her, leaving the room. She heard the door leading to the office close again.


    The door of the room was closed, and the curtains were draped over the windows. Only April and Ian remained alone in the room. She had to make a decision.


    ¡°Marquis.¡±


    She looked down at him. He struggled to look up at her with his weak half-opened eyes, not even caring to push up his hair that was drenched in sweat.


    ¡°Does it hurt?¡±¡°Ha¡­¡­ Listen¡­. You can¡¯t stay here with me.¡±


    He threw off his shirt, as if trying every bit to cool off. But, April couldn¡¯t bring herself to turn on her heel.


    ¡°Go¡­¡­.¡±¡°How can I do that?!¡±


    He must¡¯ve been out of his mind before, and his instinct must¡¯ve suppressed his reasons, bringing him to a state like an animal. Since us said that this time it was worse than usual, his limit would definitelye sooner. If someone touched him, he¡¯d be in a state to explode.


    ¡°It¡¯s because of me, so tell me¡­ how can I do that?¡±¡°It¡¯s not your fault. It¡¯s me who¡­¡­.haah.¡±


    It was pathetic to see him trying hard not to lose his mind. With a confession already made, he stabbed her right in the heart as he tried hard not to harm her under the pretext of his circumstances.


    ¡°Marquis.¡±


    When he got up to drink water, April grabbed him by the wrist. The medicine was clutched in her other hand.


    Instead of being pleased, Ian turned away from her, his face red in embarrassment. His fluctuating chest was covered in sweat.


    ¡°Leave. You know what¡¯s going to happen if you don¡¯t.¡±¡°I won¡¯t.¡±¡°Listen to me, please!¡±


    Swerving, he grasped her wrist, pulling her. Both of them fell on the bed together. As her head fell on the pillow, she briefly shut her eyes tight.


    Her wrist was throbbing, but she kept holding the bottle of medicine. It was difficult to endure the heavy man¡¯s temperature and the dizzying smell.


    ¡°This smell. This is what¡¯s making it worse¡­..¡±


    Ian spread his lips with his tongue while looking down at her index finger that was wrapped in cloth. There was a red dot ¨C her blood ¨C on the surface of the white cloth. She clenched her hand as hard as she could.


    ¡°M-Marquis.¡±


    Only the two of them were in a tightly closed room. A man, who had already confessed, was on the verge of losing his mind with April underneath him. Her heart drummed on her chest, threatening to pop out, but she was feeling less anxious than before.


    ¡°Haa.¡±


    His hot breath skimmed over her face, tickling her sensitive ears while heid still over her.


    She gulped.


    Marquis Ian Reykis, who was known in the Empire for his indifference. The way he threw it off and shed his eyes like a hungry animal made her feel hot for some reason.


    ¡°I¡¯m trying to hold it in. I told you to leave!¡±


    She wriggled beneath him when she felt something foreign over her lower abdomen. She knew what it meant.


    ¡°Since when have you felt this way, Marquis?¡±¡°Do you¡­.need to know?¡±


    He gave her a piercing look. Always Marquis and Marquis. He was annoyed because of her overly polite attitude. He snapped at her, his voice hoarse.


    Her sweet scent bothered him terribly. He wanted to bury his face in her neck and savor it to the fullest.


    After she made up her heart to say those words, there was no other way to do anything about this much bigger conception.


    ¡°I¡­ I need to know. No, I want to know.¡±¡°Why? Because you¡¯re the doctor?¡±¡°I ¡­!¡±¡°Your smell is enough to drive me crazy. Do you know why I¡¯m doing this, why I¡¯m trying to hold on?¡±


    He asked between his raspy breaths that kept tickling her ears. She also seemed to be getting warmer because of his heated body.


    ¡°It¡¯s because you¡¯re the cure to this disease, April.¡±


    He said, sweetly gazing at her before copsing over her. She could feel the beat of his heart. His heart was racing. Because of his illness and April.


    ¡°Marquis, you should have been one of the many patients who visit me on a temporary basis¡­¡­ it doesn¡¯t work out the way you feel.¡±¡°Why do I¡­.. have to be the one to pass on you?¡±¡°You live in a different world from me, Marquis, and you have to. The only reason we were together was because of the contract.¡±


    Unlike her calm and faint voice, April¡¯s eyes were sharp. Ian bit his lips. Looking straight at her and breaking down his alertness, he quietly whispered.


    ¡°Not to me. You¡¯ve already entered my world.¡±


    His voice softened only for a moment, and his words touched April¡¯s heart, eventually opening the door she pushed shut.


    ¡°April¡­.. I¡¯m near my limit. Leave this room before I bother you again.¡±


    He growled, gritting his teeth. The reason why he was able to hold his remaining spirit straight and most of his mentality intact was only because he cared about April.


    The feelings that had built up in the midst of the moment were overwhelming. But she kept declining him.


    ¡°I¡¯m not going out.¡±¡°Again, I¡¯m telling¡ª¡±¡°You said I was the only cure. Then, let me be your cure.¡±


    Snaking her palm to his cheek, she ced a light kiss on his forehead. A golden wave broke out in Ian¡¯s surprised eyes at her gesture. At the same time, he exhaled in agony.


    He felt like he was brought into an open furnace.


    ¡°You sure you¡¯ve thought it over?¡±¡°On the contrary, it was you, Marquis, who saw me for what I was and did not consider me as any means. You gave me your heart.¡±


    Her eyes visibly said she was sincere. Calling her name, Ian leaned down to embrace her.


    She couldn¡¯t figure out how careful he would be now. She felt great, but she also felt sorry for him, who was suppressing this pathological desire for her.


    ¡°Marquis.¡±¡°Ian¡­.. just once¡­..¡±¡°Ian.¡±


    She hesitated a little before whispering his name near his ear. His name, in her voice, thrilled him.


    That very moment, his lips made their way on her lips with no hesitation, and his arm snaked around her waist. It was nothing like in the detached house of the Duke.


    ¡°Ah¡­..¡±


    She opened her lips, and he found a chance to shove in his tongue. The movement was soft but never rxed, with signs of patience.


    Their tongues, deeply intertwining and loosening, resulted in the spreading of the intoxicating scent. Both of them had a fear of regret¡­ of letting go. His other hand found its way to her cheek, while April¡¯s arms were wrapped around his neck, both of them savoring it to the fullest.


    ¡°Oh, April.¡±¡°Hmm?¡±¡°You¡¯re so¡­¡­¡±


    He was embarrassed. She ced her fingers on his left chest. Him tensing up was evident under her touch.


    Her palms slid past his chest, to his broad shoulders, and then to his stone-hard sides. Each time, Ian flinched as if she was gently stroking the fur of the animal he was.


    ¡°I know. Ian.¡±


    For tonight, Ian seemed to be able to sleep in peace under the intoxicating scent of April, in which he was painted. The two naturally epted the intense temptation toward the other.


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 Chapter 29

    <em>Trantor and Editor: Lea and Aki</em>


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    <strong><em>Chapter 29</em></strong>


    Both woke up prettyte in the morning, with Ian barely recovered from fatigue.


    On the calm morning, it was April who first blinked her eyes open when sunlight poured over her eyelids. Feeling a little cold, she pulled up the nket and turned to Ian.


    ¡®He¡¯s still asleep.¡¯


    He looked calm, but exhausted as if he had been suffering from a disease.


    His dark hair was disheveled and his closed eyelids were immobile. His shoulder rose up whenever he took a deep breath.


    ¡®Did it get fainter?¡¯


    The scent of his body, which used to remain heavy until the next day, was already gone, and everything seemed to have returned to the way it was.


    Sitting up, her eyes first drifted to the bedside table. The medicine bottle that was ced there remained intact.


    ¡®He didn¡¯t take the medicine¡­¡­.¡¯


    She quietly lifted the cover and reached out her hand to check the bottle, but Ian, whom she thought was asleep, wrapped his arms around her waist.


    She fell into his arms, her eyes wide at him in surprise.


    ¡°W-What?¡±


    He was so close. She swallowed without realizing.


    With no shirt on, he chuckled right in front of her nose, which was much more dangerous than the night before.


    ¡°You were awake?¡±¡°Been a while, but I thought you¡¯d stay down if I pretended.¡±¡°I have slept a lot, so I ¨C¡±¡°If I had woken up, you¡¯d have left saying you have work to finish.¡±


    His grip tightened around her as he said this. His chest was so warm that she decided to enjoy it a little more.


    ¡°Come to think of it, Marquis.¡±¡°Ian.¡±¡°Ah, I-Ian¡­..¡±


    When she called him by his name just as she didst night, his arms gave her a light squeeze. He smiled satisfactorily, sweeping her hair with hisrge hand.


    ¡°How did your fever go down so suddenly?¡±¡°It¡¯s probably because of the imprint.¡±¡°Im¡­.print?¡±¡°Last night. That¡¯s what we call it.¡±


    As Ian¡¯s voice, which was a little hoarse in the morning, rang surprisingly sweet in her ears, April pulled the nket up to her eyes.


    She was embarrassed to show her flushed cheeks to him. The moment she heard him, it reminded her of his expression, voice, and gesturesst night.


    ¡°If it¡¯s imprinted¡­..would the condition get better?¡±¡°I don¡¯t think so. But it¡¯s getting more tolerable. It won¡¯t be as hard as death.¡±¡°You didn¡¯t choose the harder way because of me, did you?¡±¡°Not at all. I¡¯m more worried about you, April.¡±


    As he leaned in saying her name, she closed her eyes gently.


    She felt his breath skimming her skin followed by his lips.


    sping his shoulder, she savoured the sweet kiss. The question of whether she deserved this moment melted into her hands.


    ¡°I was having a fever because of my symptoms, and I didn¡¯t even know when my chest felt upset. Even if it¡¯s not because of the disease, it can¡¯t calm down.¡±


    His heart jumped inside his chest as he confessed his greed to her.


    ¡°Oh, Ian. The medicine.¡±¡°Huh?¡±¡°I¡¯ve got a clue from the termpanion. One can control the heat with the ardour of the person who resides in their heart.¡±¡°So this is your ardour?¡±¡°Yes.¡±


    Her eyes shifted to her finger wrapped up by the cloth. The medicine was not supposed to cure the first type of fever, but another type. His eyes adored the bottle she handed to him.


    ¡°This must be helpful. You can¡¯t solve it like that every time.¡±¡°Well¡­.. That¡¯s right. Actually, us asked me to use it yesterday.¡±¡°I don¡¯t think it would have helped. If you¡¯d prescribed me this before the imprint, I would¡¯ve gotten any kind of death.¡±¡°Because of me?¡±¡°If this had got in while I was already losing my mind about you¡­¡­.¡±¡°Ah.¡±


    She would have seen him gone crazier. Something unimaginable must have happened. When she realized, she turned her head with an embarrassing smile.


    ¡°Oh, anyway. The procedure is tricky, so I¡¯ll have to look for some alternatives. I only used my blood yesterday.¡±¡°That¡¯s not good¡­¡­.¡±


    He gently grabbed her hand and peered at her wound. The material would work best for Ian, but it would never be appropriate for April. He couldn¡¯t let her stab her finger like this every time.


    ¡°I just hope I don¡¯t need much medicine. Now that it¡¯s imprinted, it won¡¯t explode to the point that I¡¯d copse, and it¡¯ll ease up over the years.¡±¡°Of course. I¡¯ll do some research. Is there a way where it doesn¡¯t need to be consumed?¡±


    Hugging April, he buried his face in her neck. Her essence had always felt nice and soothing. It might not be strong for others, but it got pretty intense for Ian after he felt his affection for her. Sometimes it even brought impulses that were hard to suppress.


    ¡°It¡¯s better to start the day now. I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll have enough time to hold you in my arms.¡±


    He pulled away and ced a kiss on her forehead before getting up from his bed. April sat up, watching his thumb caressing the ss of the bottle.


    ¡°Shall we go down?¡±¡°Yes.¡±


    Taking his hand, they left the room together. As soon as they stepped down to the first floor, they ran into us, who wasing to wake his Master.


    ¡°Good morning, Master. And¡­¡­¡±


    He addressed, but he suddenly spotted the two holding each other¡¯s hands. Noticing him while trying to hide her embarrassment, April thought she should let go, but Ian¡¯s grip tightened.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±¡°Ah, nothing.¡±


    us quickly erased his dazed expression as if he had finallye to his senses. He seemed to want an exnation, but Ian didn¡¯t say anything. Emphasizing that everything was in his sight.


    ¡°Today¡¯s schedule.¡±¡°Ah, yes¡­. I¡¯ve received a report from Sir Yuri. And there¡¯s a request for a visit from Miss Fiora Rose. It¡¯s not about anything else but the dealing of gunpowder.¡±


    us¡¯ voice was slightly higher than usual, and he spoke a little faster as well. As if he expected April to ask the reason for Miss Fiora¡¯s visit. But she remained expressionless.


    ¡°us.¡±¡°Yes?¡±¡°Act as you used to. It¡¯s ufortable for me to watch you like this.¡±¡°Yes¡­¡­¡±


    He seemed very shaken at encountering his Mastering out of his room holding hands with a woman in the morning for the very first time. Ian only smiled at him.


    ¡°Ian. Would you like to sit down first? I have something to say to us.¡±¡°Sure.¡±


    After he walked away, April approached us. Perhaps because of what happenedst night, us was barely looking straight at her.


    ¡°I¡¯m d it worked out well. I apologize for the rudeness I expressedst night.¡±¡°I would have done the same if I were you, us. It was an urgent situation.¡±¡°Thank you for understanding. And¡­. please take good care of us. Now and forever.¡±¡°I look forward to your kind cooperation.¡±


    us said while looking at her eyes. In that brief statement of his request, April felt a sense of responsibility.


    ¡°I¡¯ve had the meal prepared, so pleasee to your seat. My Master will be waiting for you.¡±


    As us cleared the way, April headed to where Ian was waiting. In front of the same table as yesterday, he greeted April with apletely different demeanor. He looked pleased to his heart¡¯s content, with nothing to hide.


    ¡®Am I ready for this?¡¯


    Going by his side without her past being sorted out would be like handing out her luggage to him. As she got closer to him, April¡¯s concerns about the past grew on one side of her mind.


    ***


    Their rtionship had changed, but not their daily life. Ian, with a burning heart, was again pacing back and forth in front of the detached house. He hesitated to go to her, who was confined in herb, saying she waspleting the backlogs of the research.


    ¡°Your shoes will be worn out, Master.¡±


    us said as he came back. Embarrassed, Ian turned away from the building.


    ¡°The Duke hase to visit.¡±¡°I shall be right there.¡±


    Kane¡¯s sudden visit was not unusual, but Ian didn¡¯t hate it. He headed for the drawing room without saying another word.


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 Chapter 30

    <em>Trantor and Editor: Lea and Aki</em>


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    <strong><em>Chapter 30</em></strong>


    Kane was sittingfortably in the parlor with his new coat over his shoulder. Ian sat across from him after a light respectable bow.


    ¡°There were some chests stacked up outside. What are those for? us was keeping an intent watch on them.¡±¡°Just research materials. Drugs, herbs, things like that.¡±¡°Likely to be used by April.¡±


    Ian hesitated for a moment whether to tell him the truth about his rtionship with April or not. Kane was disappointed to hear that April was staying at the Marquis¡¯ house after a few days of her arrival.


    ¡°I¡¯vee here to deliver something to you today.¡±


    Ian politely epted the two envelopes that Kane took out of his pocket. Ian¡¯s eyes opened wide when he saw Grand Duke Augustine¡¯s seal there. It was the words of invitation that he saw as soon as he opened the envelope.


    ¡°A wedding invitation? You¡¯vee here to hand this over personally?¡±¡°That¡¯s right. I was specifically asked for this.¡±¡°For April.¡±¡°I guess Lianna really wants to invite April. It¡¯s her choice if she wants to attend or not.¡±


    Ian nced at April¡¯s share of the wedding invitation.


    Just because she wanted April¡¯s presence didn¡¯t mean she expected her toe, but this was given just in case she changed her mind. After all, it¡¯s an aristocratic wedding event that couldn¡¯t be entered without an invitation.


    ¡°I wanted to give it to her in person, but it¡¯s only a thought. Do me a favor.¡±¡°I¡¯ll give it to her.¡±


    While Ian was cing the letters on the desk, Kane stood up and looked around the office. Then, he took out the chessboard that was stuck in the corner of the bookcase and unfolded it.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t usually care about chess, sir.¡±¡°We don¡¯t have to put it into an argument. We just need an opportunity to talk.¡±


    Ian nodded. There might be a reason for Kane¡¯s sudden wish, so Ian waited silently for his words.


    ¡°Is it true that you decided to buy the northernnd? You said you weren¡¯t interested.¡±


    As expected, Kane brought up apletely different topic. Ian, who said he was not interested in it until just a while ago, was curious when he actively spoke about the northernnd.


    ¡°You already know. Of what resources can be found out there.¡±¡°Hmm, well¡­.. You know how it went up for auction, right?¡±¡°It used to belong to the Witzer family. I¡¯ve also talked to April.¡±


    To Kane¡¯s question having April in mind, Ian gave an immediate response. Both of them fell into a brief silence as the name of the Witzers came up. Curious, Kane was the one to break it.


    ¡°Was she okay with it?¡±¡°Yes. Perhaps I can return it to herter.¡±¡°Is there a reason to venture that far?¡±


    Kane¡¯s head tilted in question. Since Ian had apparently dismissed it as just a necessary contract, Kane wondered if he was looking at April from apletely different perspective from the beginning. Ian decided to reveal it.


    ¡°I have. I¡¯ve been having her on my mind.¡±¡°You!¡±¡°No, is that a surprise?¡±


    When Ian asked with an embarrassed face, Kane just nodded. Kane¡¯s surprise was not because he felt attached to April, but to who he was in love with.


    At the same time, he was worried. The woman Ian wanted to be with was a befall of a great past and an unknown future.


    ¡°You know what she is like, don¡¯t you?¡±¡°Yes, I do. She is an intelligent and honest woman.¡±


    As Ian spoke, Kane¡¯s expression unintentionally softened, and he smiled. Ian was sometimes scared of Kane¡¯s intuition, which was too urate.


    ¡°Is something funny about it?¡±¡°I¡¯ve never seen you like that before. This would not melt away, I presume?¡±¡°No, I would not hurt you a second time.¡±


    At Ian¡¯s crystal clear words, Kane nodded.


    ¡°Sounds like you.¡±¡°I just hope her answer would be the same as mine.¡±


    Ian was hoping that he could be the only one for April, just as April was his. He now had considered her to be indispensable in his life.


    ¡°I wonder how it happened.¡±¡°That¡¯s my question as well.¡±


    Nothing was clear, but he could be confident of one fact. April had begun to change his world.


    His heart started to crave for someone, and he had to admit that it was because of his illness.


    ¡°I have my faith in you. Now that I¡¯m finished with my business, I¡¯ll be on my way.¡±


    Ian stayed silent, but Kane, who had been chewing on the new information, was preparing to go out without asking anything else when he said.


    ¡°Just finish what you were doing. You¡¯ve been wandering around the detached building all this time.¡±¡°Where did you¨C!¡±¡°You came in through the back door. Where else would it lead if it wasn¡¯t the training field?¡±


    Kane frowned yfully before walking out, leaving a beaten off Ian.


    ¡°Master. I¡¯m telling you, it wasn¡¯t me.¡±


    us said, carrying Ian¡¯s coat back to him. Kane may not know, but this word from us was an unexpected attack. Ian just shook his head in a defeated manner.


    ¡°Is that so funny?¡±¡°It¡¯s not funny, it¡¯s new and amusing.¡±¡°Huh¡­.. I¡¯ll go to the detached house.¡±¡°I hope you have a good time.¡±


    Ian nodded to us, who bowed to him, and walked out. As he took a turn past April¡¯s cherished garden, he saw her sitting by theke.


    ¡®Wasn¡¯t she in theb?¡¯


    April sat on a moderatelyrge rock acting as a chair, ncing down at theke where the light had begun to fade.


    Her silver hair was shining under the changing light of the dusk. She seemed to be lost in thought, as if dulling the sound of her surroundings.


    ¡°April.¡±


    As Ian called her, she raised her head and turned to him in surprise. Open and out in the blue darkness, Ian saw the shadow over April¡¯s face.


    But soon, she smiled, so he decided not to pry.


    ¡°I thought you were still in theb.¡±¡°I came out for a while. My eyes were hurting from looking at them all day. Were you going to see me?¡±¡°Yes. I have something to tell you and¡­.. I missed you.¡±


    April smiled softly at hisst words. He was rigid, but he was trying his best to express his inner feelings. Ian held out one of the invitations from Kane towards her.


    ¡°It¡¯s a wedding invitation of Lady Lianna and the Grand Duke.¡±¡°She has invited me as well.¡±¡°It¡¯s up to you to choose, but the Duke said she really wants your presence.¡±¡°I¡¯d like to go. I¡¯d like to congratte her, but can I go to a ce like that?¡±


    As soon as he looked into April¡¯s eyes, Ian could see how pessimistic she was about her situation. She had also been doing some things because of the illness he was born with.


    ¡°Why not?¡±¡°It doesn¡¯t matter.¡±¡°No one here can treat you as a sinner, so don¡¯t feel burdened if you don¡¯t want to go.¡±¡°Right. I should go. This isn¡¯t Carleva, and there¡¯s no one to trouble me.¡±


    She smiled bitterly, smearing the fine writing on the paper with her hands. Ian did not ask her because both of them knew very well.


    The question of whether those things should hide in her mind, which was always there, had deepened today.


    ¡°Ian. Wouldn¡¯t your fever have gotten worse without me?¡±¡°I suppose it¡¯d have. If I hadn¡¯t met you, I wouldn¡¯t have had anyone to think about.¡±¡°That¡¯s something feeble to think about.¡±¡°What did you say? I like thinking about you.¡±¡°Are you sure I¡¯m the right person? If you get in trouble ¨C¡±¡°I never even thought about it. It¡¯s only you that I want to be with.¡±


    It didn¡¯t matter what the surroundings were, he just wanted to be around her. Even that would of coursee from his power, but April was being serious.


    At the same time, a resolution was there that could not be made before. For the sake of his future, she did what she had to.


    ¡°Ian. Would you allow me to desire something?¡±¡°Of course. But what¡­¡­?¡±


    Ian looked down to meet her eyes. April reached out, holding his abdomen for support, and ced a small peck on his lips.


    His eyes opened wide in surprise at her as their lips grew apart. His cheeks were red as if he was a small boy even though he was already familiar with it.


    ¡°This is your desire?¡±¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±


    April equivocate her answer with giggles. She didn¡¯t want to tell him that everything he was doing was out of his desire for her, who now had no power.


    Ian would definitely be heartbroken to hear that, and it might hurt worse than any duel.


    ¡°April.¡±


    Ian peered down at her face. He didn¡¯t try to guess what she was thinking by studying her features. He just gently pulled her by the waist and kissed her again.


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 Chapter 31

    <em>Trantor and Editor: Lea and Aki</em>


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    <strong><em>Chapter 31</em></strong>


    Their warm lips got tangled once again, enlightening a deepermunion than before.


    He caressed April¡¯s cheek gently as he savored it. Ian pulled her closer by cing his other hand around her waist.


    ¡°Mm-hmm.¡±


    Feeling his low breathing, April¡¯s palms dug into his arms. As the hot sensation eased up, he gently released her lips and stroked her locks.


    ¡°April.¡±¡°Yes?¡±¡°Shall we spend tonight¡­.. together?¡±¡°Ah,e to think of it.¡±


    Their rtionship had escted beyond the contract. She had spentst night together with Ian in his room.


    However, he spoke nothing after that. So, April seemed to have fallen in thought at Ian¡¯s question.


    And it was a shameful imagination that came to her.


    ¡°¡­¡­Do you not like it?¡±


    He carefully asked her, who hid her burning face. Ian looked as if he would be heartbroken if she said no.


    April wasn¡¯t looking at him.


    ¡°No, I like it. Should I go now?¡±¡°I¡¯ll meet you. I¡¯ve got work to finishte, so when it¡¯s over, I¡¯lle get you.¡±¡°Okay, Ian. I will be waiting.¡±


    At herst word, Ian smiled softly and took a steady step towards his office. April stood there, gazing at the man¡¯s back, who was unusually hesitant.


    ***


    April prepared the medicines listed in the order sheet from Dalia until the night fell. It was a lot since it was a seven-day order, but the work was not cumbersome because most of it required water.


    ¡°The orders are not decreasing? Has she been spreading the word of my work around?¡±


    It was only after the red liquid was distributed in a clean sterilized container and the lid was tightly closed that the woman could heave a sigh. She stretched out her arms. She had gotten stiff muscle pain because she had been bending down since she started her work.


    ¡°Whew.¡±


    When she opened the window, which had been closed all day, the humidity escaped and a cool breeze blew in. She inhaled deeply, feeling the air outside. Instead of the scent of red incense, the smell of grass came.


    ¡°Lady April, the Marquis is here.¡±¡°Already?¡±


    Her eyes went to look at the watch in a sh. It was well past 9. She must¡¯ve be too busy to check the time.


    It was almost time for Ian to see her.


    ¡°May I direct him to the drawing room?¡±¡°Just bring him to theb. I have something to tell him.¡±¡°Yes.¡±


    Leonore went down to the first floor with busy steps. April wondered if the heavy footsteps that were approaching the door belonged to Ian.


    ¡°It smells like cosmetics.¡±¡°Yes, I had to take care of my orders. I guess it wasn¡¯t fully ventted.¡±¡°Do you intend to continue working at the pharmacy?¡±¡°I think it¡¯ll be the right thing to do. Is that too much?¡±¡°No. I was worried that you might quit because of me.¡±


    She nodded to him lightly and gradually organized what she was left with. She washed the tools, threw the remaining scraps in the trash can, and cleaned the desk.


    ¡°Is there anything I can help you with¡­..¡±¡°It¡¯s okay. I feelfortable when I handle the tools.¡±


    When Ian tried to help, April waved her hand. This was because she didn¡¯t want anyone to touch the experimental tools.


    She grabbed him before pulling him towards the door, and Ian, who had nothing to do, just stared nkly at her busy self.


    ¡°I¡¯ve organized them all.¡±¡°Let¡¯s go, then.¡±


    When Ian reached out, April held his hand. Their hands, which were quite different in size, intertwined around one another. Her hands were a little cold, so his warmth subdued it sweetly against the cold wind outside.


    ¡°Ian. I¡¯ve been thinking a bit about the medicine. Would it calm down if you can feel yourpanion¡¯s essence in any way? It might not necessarily be a medicine, but a perfume.¡±¡°After the imprint, you¡¯ve be my inhibitor, so it¡¯s a possibility. Before that urrence, your presence was making it hard for me to endure.¡±¡°Yes, so I¡¯m going to give it a try.¡±


    Since April¡¯s presence, which previously worsened Ian¡¯s fever and made his condition difficult to treat, had now be a cure, she decided that she no longer needed to make an oral reagent.


    Instead, a new kind of thing was needed that couldst a longer time in a small amount.


    Ian seemed to agree with it. He, who knew his disease best, agreed, and now all he had to do was put it into practice.


    ¡°Let me get your coat.¡±¡°Ah, thank you.¡±


    When they got to his room, Ian took April¡¯s jacket and folded it in order.


    ¡°I have a bath ready, so you can wash up first.¡±¡°Separately?¡±¡°Hm? Then?¡±¡°Oh, it¡¯s nothing.¡±


    April, who had a vague imagination of entering his bathroom together, was relieved when he said they¡¯d wash separately. His attitudest night was way too far ahead of himself.


    ¡®What crap was I thinking?¡¯


    Ashamed of what she imagined, April sighed and burst into giggles.


    ¡°Why are youughing?¡±¡°It¡¯s funny. Did you want to have a bath with me?¡±¡°Ah, that¡¯s not what I meant!¡±


    She sat down on the fluffy bed, shaking her head vigorously. His arms snaked around her waist, pulling her lightly to lie down beside him. His hand brushed April¡¯s messy hair to a neat order.


    ¡°I was hoping so. I wanted to.¡±¡°Then why did you ask me to go first?¡±¡°I¡¯m afraid I can¡¯t stand it. I was going to hold you still tonight since you were so upset all day, but if we went in there together, it would¡¯ve broken my resolution.¡±


    April couldn¡¯t reply to what he said as he gazed at his eyes with her face burning. Ian, on the other hand, simply locked her figure in his arms and rubbed her back. He didn¡¯t need to hear any other words. She already had a tiring day.


    ¡°Ah, April. Speaking of that perfume.¡±¡°Yes.¡±¡°Perhaps, you¡¯ll have to hurry on that soon.¡±


    She looked up at him, while he continued holding April in his arms.


    ¡°I have to travel to the Eastern Territories. I¡¯ve got some work to do.¡±¡°How¡­.. long will you stay there?¡±¡°For a month. I¡¯ll be able to attend Lady Lianna¡¯s wedding. With you if you want.¡±


    This was out of the blue. She couldn¡¯t imagine Ian suddenly going away for a month, with whom she could meet whenever she wanted and hang around anywhere within the mansion.


    ¡°Are you going by yourself?¡±¡°Well¡­¡­¡±


    Ian stared at her as he thought before slowly opening his mouth.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be busy. I¡¯ll have to get the troops under control, and I¡¯ll have to go directly to the northern border.¡±¡°I see.¡±¡°That¡¯s why I can¡¯t ask you toe with me. Even if I took you to that unknown ce, I wouldn¡¯t be able to see you often. Besides¡­¡­¡±¡°The knight of Liszt will be present there.¡±¡°That¡¯s right. I don¡¯t like it when you and he meet.¡±


    Ian clenched his teeth as he thought about April¡¯s abduction. The burning anger in his eyes was equivalent to that of April¡¯s. April sped his hand.


    ¡°But I¡¯m also a doctor. If anything happens to you while you¡¯re alone¡­..¡±¡°I¡¯ll have your medicine.¡±¡°Still! What if there¡¯s a side effect?¡±


    Ian¡¯s determination to leave her behind seemed to have strengthened, and April was more desperate for some reason. She was worried about him. She did not want to be away from him yet. Ian was still her patient.


    But Ian wasn¡¯t the only reason. It was also because of another wolf there.


    ¡°Ian. I think I should face him.¡±¡°What do you mean?¡±¡°I¡¯m just hiding behind you. Compared to the giant Carleva, this knight is only a small thing to deal with, and I don¡¯t think it¡¯ll do anything if I run away from him like this.¡±¡°But that¡¯ll be dangerous.¡±


    Ian replied with a worried look on his face. He silently held April for a while, and then spoke carefully until April slowly blinked.


    ¡°April. May I ask what your n is?¡±¡°Well, I wish to own back the March.¡±¡°The house?¡±¡°I don¡¯t know about the other properties, but I can¡¯t let them dispose of thend. It¡¯s the ce where my family and I found love.¡±


    She could only yearn for it now, and it was something she was the only one who can put it to an end.


    April¡¯s breath was getting heavier with anger. This was the first time she talked about her purpose to a stranger, not Dalia or the Duke of Debussy, who had given up on her.


    ¡°So you didn¡¯t intend to take it off in the first ce?¡±¡°Well¡­.. could I?¡±


    She sounded quite cold. Her tone surprised Ian. But still, he understood her. No matter how smart and strong she was, the wall of reality must¡¯ve been too high for her to climb.


    ¡°Actually, I really wanted to be the one to do it. April.¡±


    She kept quiet for a moment. She wanted time to organize her thoughts. What made her so desperate for money, and what made her choose her house first, was no legal battle.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


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 Chapter 32

    <em>Trantor and Editor: Lea and Aki</em>


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    <strong><em>Chapter 32</em></strong>


    ¡°If I somehow get the house back, I n to visit my mother¡¯sb first. She was preupied with something there until the trial. I¡¯m sure she left something behind.¡±


    She said while fiddling with the bracelet given by her mother. It was never removed since the day her mother left it to her.


    Perhaps her mother gave it to her for her self-defense.


    ¡°Is there anything that could help exonerate the Marchioness?¡±¡°I hope there is. It¡¯s a matter of one way or the other.¡±


    Chances of those odds were very slim. April could hardly guess what a person, returning after 10 years, could convince those who had already taken countless lies as the truth for a long time.


    Ian could also anticipate her idea. As soon as she sets foot on Carleva, she would be treated like a stranger. It would be difficult for a person with nothing to collect evidence, find witnesses, and win the battle. That is, if she was alone.


    ¡°April, you¡¯re a clever person. But if there¡¯s anything you can¡¯t solve with that extraordinary head of yours, I¡¯ll dly stand behind you.¡±¡°Even though it¡¯s just a matter of the family of Witzer?¡±¡°How is your duty just a matter for me?¡±¡°But the down payment costs sorge, how can¡­.¡±¡°That¡¯s the right amount for your ability. And speaking of the contract, didn¡¯t I say it was my duty to protect my employees from threats?¡±¡°What, but¡­ that¡¯s just a usual term of a contract.¡±


    Ian, who wrote the contract, could never be taken lightly because he was always serious, be it as an employer or a man.


    ¡°April, the water¡¯s getting cold.¡±¡°Ah, yes. I¡¯ll go wash up.¡±


    She quickly stood up, picked up her change of clothes, and walked to the bathroom. As she opened the door hallway and nced back, Ian hurriedly turned his head. He seemed nervous.


    ¡°See youter.¡±


    April said, gazing briefly at him before closing the door shut. Hot steam hit her face.


    The room, used only by Ian every day, seemingly smelled strongly of him.


    Maybe the thought of Ian was overshadowed by the heavy atmosphere until a while ago.


    ¡°Whew.¡±


    She pressed her hand against her chest, as if telling her heart to stop beating fast.


    ***


    The next morning, April woke up in an empty bed. She definitely had fallen asleep in Ian¡¯s arms, but when she opened her eyes, she found herself covered by arge, fluffy nket.


    She checked the time when her vision became clear. She quickly put on her outerwear and went outside. There was only one ce where she could find Ian early in the morning.


    ¡°Ian?¡±


    As she entered Ian¡¯s retreating ce in the morning, she carefully called out his name.


    Standing in the middle of the training field, Ian was holding a gun instead of the usual sword. The wooden handle was held by Ian, and the iron barrel of the gun was aimed at somewhere beyond him.


    ¡°Ian.¡±


    When April called him, he took his eyes off his target and looked back.


    Perhaps because he was wearing the same clothes as when he had a confrontation with Carl, April vividly recalled the memory of the day.


    Somewhere on the ground Ian was stepping on, there would be faint bloodstains that he had shed that day.


    ¡°You woke up early, April.¡±¡°Maybe it¡¯s because I went to bed early yesterday.¡±


    He approached April, carefully hanging the gun on one side. His sleeves were rolled up even though the weather was quite chilly.


    ¡°I¡¯ve never seen anyone holding a gun.¡±¡°Is that so?¡±¡°Yes. I guess a lot has changed with time. It seems the days of swords have be very distant.¡±


    April reached out and swept her hand along the gun he was holding. The cold texture of iron made her fingertips run cold.


    ¡°Do you want to try shooting?¡±¡°No. I¡¯m fine.¡±


    Ian held it out to her but she shook her head, causing him to put it back.


    A scar from the duel with Carl still sat on his arm. The cut was deeper and its scar was darker than she thought.


    ¡°It left a scar.¡±¡°Does it bother you?¡±¡°There¡¯s no way it won¡¯t.¡±


    She gave a gentle stroke on the scar with her finger.


    April hated that Ian had such past traces left. The first thing she wanted to do was to get rid of it. To make a medicine that would eliminate the scar.


    But Ian didn¡¯t seem to care.


    ¡°These kinds of scars aremon in a fight.¡±¡°Still, this happened because of me. You were bleeding¡­..¡±


    The memory returned to her. His hand stained with blood, blood dripping on the floor, and even his stained sleeve.


    When he noticed her staring at the wound, he gently lifted up her chin with his hand. He stooped a little to have a better look at her.


    ¡°And then, you got all mad at me.¡±


    He grinned. He slowly stepped forward and gently pushed April, gradually making her back touch the wall.


    Far from his usual seriousness, April met his yful smirk.


    ¡°Well, of course. I misread it.¡±¡°I know. I haven¡¯t said anything.¡±


    As he said those words, he bent down to capture her lips with his. The kiss was slow and warmpared to the morning breeze. Both his hands were caressing her hair.


    She closed her eyes as she felt him slowly and forcefully invading her mouth. It felt like it was endless.


    ¡°Were you worried about me then?¡±¡°How could I not worry when you were losing so much blood? These clothes were stained with blood ¡­..Ah!¡±


    She was speaking quietly, but she suddenly shouted as a thought crossed her mind. Ian blinked his eyes in surprise.


    ¡°What is it?¡±¡°Blood!¡±¡°Hm?¡±¡°The said murder! They said there were people missing, but there was no scene of the massacre. Not even a single little animal could die in that ce.¡±¡°Strange. A few dozen women were reported to be dead in a short period of time, and if there was no sign of murder anywhere¡­¡­.¡±


    He murmured while she was in thought. She was foolish to only think about it now. There was nothing she could do right away with this spection alone.


    It¡¯d be enough if she could find a witness from them. She wouldn¡¯t be able to prove anything without them, and it¡¯d be all over if she couldn¡¯t prove her mother¡¯s innocence.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you curious as to why they didn¡¯t investigate this simple matter?¡±¡°Because no one had to.¡±


    His answer was simple and too straight. With nothing else to say, April sighed.


    ¡°Yes. Everyone else was involved in the same n. That would have been the case.¡±


    Anger against those individuals rose in her again. She had not forgotten about them.


    She clenched her fist tightly. Her nails were digging into her palm, and she was shaking in anger. Ian reached out and wrapped hisrge hand around April¡¯s.


    ¡°April. You still remember what we talked aboutst night, don¡¯t you?¡±¡°¡­¡­.Yes, Ian.¡±


    He asked her, meeting her eyes, as if to soothe her. She nodded in response.


    Knowing about a well-organized group leading an aristocratic society and court, she knew what was needed to break down an overwhelminglyrge opponent.


    And that was exactly what Ian proposed. Of course, the fact made her hesitate.


    ¡°I¡¯ll think about it.¡±


    When April answered in a cracking voice, Ian pulled her into a tight hug with his arms around her. Tightly holding his waist with both hands, she took a deep breath. His energy had already changed as something that gives her a sense of security. Just like April¡¯s did to Ian.


    ¡°April. Do you really want to travel to the East with me?¡±


    He peered down at her, and she nodded instead of answering.


    ¡°It¡¯s cold out here, April. Let¡¯s head inside.¡±


    Without bringing up anything else about the East, Ian reached out his hand which April sped tightly.


    ***


    A weekter, Ian stopped by his usual tailor shop on his way back from the Grand Duke¡¯s house to inform of his absence. It was to get what he ordered three days ago.


    It was generally delivered to the Marquis¡¯ house, but Ian wanted to see the new clothes and take them personally.


    ¡°Where¡¯s the order?¡±¡°I¡¯ll bring it.¡±


    While the tailor retired to the inner room, Ian¡¯s eyes fell on a long row of clothes. Maybe because of the early arrival of the cold season, the clothes hanging there were made of different fabrics. While he was looking at the different patterns, the tailor brought arge box and put it down in front of Ian.


    ¡°I have prepared one set of top and bottom, one dress, two outer garments, and as you¡¯ve said, not too much of a bright fabric was used. You¡¯ve never ordered this many women¡¯s clothes, sir.¡±¡°They were needed.¡±


    Ian scrutinized the clothes the tailor spread out on therge table.


    The blouse was in white and ck, and the sleeves were narrowed to the end so that April wouldn¡¯t feel ufortable in whatever work she would do.


    The skirt was burgundy and gray, and in the same style that April liked to wear. It was long enough to reach her ankles, and perfect to sit tight on her waist. Easy to unravel.


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 Chapter 33

    <em>Trantor and Editor: Lea and Aki</em>


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    <strong><em>Chapter 33</em></strong>


    ¡°The coat was worked on carefully, especially its lining.¡±¡°I like the material. The servant will make the payment.¡±¡°Okay. I¡¯ll prepare the order script.¡±¡°Yes. I shall take my leave now.¡±¡°Have a good day, Marquis.¡±


    It was strange enough for Ian to suddenly order women¡¯s clothes, but the tailor didn¡¯t ask any questions about who those were for. He didn¡¯t ask why those modest clothes were bought in secret.


    Ian turned his feet after telling the owner he was going to pay enough.


    ¡®What should I do now?¡¯


    He had to prepare his luggage and the things he needed for the journey and refurbish a room at the Eastern annex. While Ian organized his thoughts in his head, the carriage had already arrived at the March. us, who was waiting for his arrival, bowed to him.


    ¡°That is a load of luggage, Master.¡±¡°There¡¯s much to prepare.¡±¡°Are you sure it¡¯s alright?¡±


    Ian gave a pat on us¡¯s shoulder before he made his way to the detached house, with no hesitation in his expression. His hand firmly gripped the iron handle of the box.


    ¡®I wonder if she¡¯s in theb.¡¯


    Even with a fairly heavy box, Ian¡¯s steps toward April¡¯s location were infinitely light. He climbed up the stairs and knocked carefully on theb¡¯s door.


    ¡°Who is it?¡±¡°May Ie in?¡±¡°Ah, yes!¡±


    Her voice from inside suddenly rose up followed by a rustling sound. It seemed to be a bustle of what had been left untidy. Ian opened the door and entered only when the sound became a little lower.


    ¡°You¡¯re back?¡±¡°It smells nice in here.¡±¡°That¡¯s a relief, then.¡±


    Ian said while looking around the room as April smiled back. Then she ced a small bottle in Ian¡¯s hand. One-third of the thumb-sized bottle was filled with something light pink. The incense seemed to being from there.


    ¡°It¡¯s the scent I was hoping to make that¡¯d make you feel rxed.¡±¡°Ah, a perfume.¡±¡°Yes. It¡¯s still a prototype, so it¡¯s only a small amount, but it¡¯ll work. If I had more time, I would havepleted it.¡±


    Ian gazed at her newly created solution. Due to Ian, who had to leave for the East, she had locked herself in theb these few days to work on it.


    It really felt like he could feel her energy from the vial. He wanted to make it into a ne and carry it with him all the time.


    [TL/N: Now, I was reading some of thements where some of you may have gotten confused about Ian¡¯s condition.


    When Ian felt attracted to April whenever she was around before the imprint, his sickness would break out, in which he would need April to subdue it. However, once the so-called imprint was done, he could control his sickness and therefore not need April all the time to subdue it, which means he could also get near her without worrying about his condition.]


    ¡°Have a safe journey. Be careful not to get hurt. Contact me if something happens there, okay? And¡­..¡±


    She looked up to think as if to see if she had anything more to ask him. Ian, who was gazing down at her, held back hisughter before holding out the box he had brought from the tailor to April.


    ¡°What is this?¡±


    She looked inside the box before looking up at Ian for rification about the clothes.


    ¡°The Northeast is much colder than the capital at this time.¡±¡°Pardon?¡±¡°I wanted you toe with me. To the Eastern annex.¡±


    His fingers fiddled with the vial absent-mindedly. After he listened to April¡¯s story, he had finally gathered up his courage to say this after a week¡¯s thought. As soon as she heard it, she couldn¡¯t hide her beaming smile.


    ¡°Thank you, Ian! This way, I¡¯d also be able to finish the solution.¡±¡°All you think is about research. I was expecting something different.¡±


    He reached out and touched April¡¯s earlobe. When his skin touched the sensitive spot, she shivered slightly. He gazed at her red face with an endless tenderness.


    ¡°And, I¡¯m sorry you wouldn¡¯t be able to travel with me. I¡¯ll have a tight schedule once I arrive in the East. I¡¯ve arranged for you to follow in a week or so.¡±¡°Yes. I¡¯m fine with it!¡±


    She nodded vigorously. Unable to stay stiff at such an April, heughed. Then, he threw his arms around her, pulling her into a hug.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to miss you. April.¡±


    His arm tightened around her with the words, and he buried his face into her neck.


    It tickled when his warm breath touched her skin. April slowly reached out and patted his broad back.


    With his departure only being 10 days away, it was saddening to express it with all his might. She was bing a routine that he didn¡¯t want to miss.


    ***


    Ian wanted to spend as much time with April as possible until the day he was leaving for the East, but the tasks he had to deal with did not leave him alone.


    Even April was too busy studying to give him time.


    The two, who spent their time in the morning in their respective seats, could only spend time together when the day was over.


    ¡°April?¡±


    Ian, who had returned from washing up after April, looked at her lying in bed and sniffing at something.


    She was so focused that she didn¡¯t even know he was out until he called her by her name. She covered her notebook.


    ¡°Ah, Ian. I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t know you were out. I¡¯ll wrap it up.¡±


    She put aside her fountain pen and notebook before going under the covers.


    ¡°That¡¯s okay. Were you studying?¡±¡°No. I was just thinking a little about the next steps I should take.¡±


    In recent years, April had found herself to be lost in thought several times a day. Then, her concerns used to be only about Carleva.


    ¡°The period will be over soon. If I pay this amount in full before I turn twenty-five, they¡¯d consider moving some properties under my ownership.¡±


    She unfolded the note again and held it out to Ian. He took it and skimmed through the parchment all the way down.


    The amount written there was about the same Ian offered April when he first signed the contract with her.


    But it was not a good thing. It¡¯d only give her very few scales of properties in return.


    ¡°You¡¯re not getting this much of the mansion back?¡±¡°I think they¡¯ve done it supposedly. If I don¡¯t find it, it¡¯ll be and without an owner, and some of it will be auctioned off.¡±¡°Hmm¡­¡­¡±¡°Anyway, this is what I¡¯ve nned so far.¡±


    She grabbed her notebook again and immediately opened the page pinned with her fountain pen. Then she pointed to the list she wrote down there. Ian turned his eyes.


    ¡°ess to Elise Witzer¡¯s library and ownership to all her documents?¡±¡°This should be more than enough within the amount.¡±


    He looked at her sideways. She was leaning on his shoulder, still staring at what Ian had just seen. When she felt his gaze, she immediately looked up.


    ¡°You weren¡¯t interested in the property from the start.¡±¡°Well, I didn¡¯t want to look like that to anyone else.¡±¡°Even to me?¡±¡°Not now though. At first, I wanted you to see me as someone who only cares about money.¡±


    She replied with a smile. Ian shook his head. Ian couldn¡¯t imagine seeing her as an irresponsible individual, from the detached building of the Duchy to the day she wrote the contract.


    ¡°What? Didn¡¯t it work from the beginning?¡±¡°Well, it doesn¡¯t matter now.¡±


    She wasfortable looking like a money ghost to everyone she¡¯d encountered, but there were a few people who didn¡¯t see her as such. Dalia, the family of Debussy, and now, Ian.


    ¡°There must be a lot of work to be done after I finish my business in the East, April.¡±¡°What¡­¡­?¡±¡°We have to deal with the contract first. You¡¯ve been very excellent at your work. And now, the time hase to finish it earlier than what I¡¯d thought.¡±


    He reached out to extinguish the light and lied down in the dark, hugging April. His warmth, adding to the soft texture of the nket, was enough for her.


    ¡°Ian. For a second, I thought I didn¡¯t want to end my contract.¡±¡°Hm?¡±¡°For the contract to be the only thing to bind us together.¡±


    Ian also sympathized with April¡¯s murmur with his eyes closed. There were times when both of them thought of the end and times when they were worried about certain feelings surfacing after the end.


    For Ian, the feeling was regret or longing. Apanied by his potentially explosive heart.


    ¡°We¡¯ll stay the same even after the contract is over, right?¡±


    Their rtionship had already changed, but there was this sense of uneasiness that the contract, which seemed like a safe fence, would end. Ian nced down at her trembling eyes that were staring at him and opened his mouth.


    ¡°You¡¯ll always find me here if you wish to stay.¡±


    His words were straightforward. She gently lowered her eyelids and dug further into him. She wanted to pin this moment in her mind, for he would leave for the East first at dawn.


    Ian ced a light kiss on April¡¯s forehead, forcing her to sleep, which never came.


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 Chapter 34

    <em>Trantor and Editor: Lea and Aki</em>


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    <strong><em>Chapter 34</em></strong>


    It was a little early, but April opened her eyes to the sound of rustling. The curtain was so effective in blocking the morning sunlight that it felt like it was dawn.


    Meanwhile, there was a faint appearance of a man. Blinking her heavy eyes, she fixed her gaze there.


    ¡°Ian.¡±


    When she called his name in a slightly hoarse voice, the man turned around and began approaching her in the dark. His shirt was slightly hanging loose on his figure as he was halfway up doing the buttons.


    Nevertheless, he sat on the bed, bent over, and kissed April on the forehead.


    ¡°I woke you up. We should have slept separately.¡±¡°It¡¯s okay. I was going to wake up early and see you off anyway. After that, I have to pay a visit to the pharmacy.¡±


    She sat up and caressed his cheek. Being so breathtakingly close to him, she couldn¡¯t hold back and crashed into his lips.


    She felt his lips moving as her arms snaked around the back of his neck. Perhaps because of the regret of the brief separation that wasing soon, his hot breath seemed to heat up her whole body.


    ¡°Haah¡­.¡±


    Ian exhaled heavily as they parted. With one hand wrapped around April¡¯s waist and the other hand on the bed, he seemed to have angled forward over her.


    But it wasn¡¯t like that. He just took a small breath, controlling his desire to cross the line.


    ¡°I can¡¯t do it. Not today.¡±¡°Are you okay? Don¡¯t tell me the symptoms suddenly¡­..¡±¡°It¡¯s not like that.¡±


    When April asked anxiously while looking around his body, Ian quickly retorted. He wanted her to know that this desire, which came from time to time, was not due to the fever.


    ¡°Too bad. I want to hold you all day long.¡±


    April smiled gently as if she had been waiting for those words. Then, she buttoned up his shirt.


    ¡°I guess it has be my upational disease. Seeing as I got worried about your fever first.¡±


    While he finished dressing up, April changed into her casual outfit and got ready to head out. It was a dress Ian had tailored a few days ago.


    ¡°That dress¡­..¡±¡°I was going to save it, but I didn¡¯t want anyone else to see it first.¡±


    When she said this, Ian couldn¡¯t help but chuckle at her sweetness.


    ¡°The more you do that, the more difficult it gets.¡±


    He reached out his hand towards her, and she gently ced her hand on his palm. The two, holding hands, walked toward the carriage. us, who was taking care of the ride, walked over and bowed down to greet them.


    ¡°us. Be sure to take care of the mansion and April while I¡¯m gone.¡±¡°Noted, Master. Please be careful on your journey.¡±


    us briefly stated before retreating back tactfully.


    Ian gave April arge hug before he got in the carriage. He breathed in her scent and swept his hand down her silvery curls.


    ¡°Ian. I¡¯ll miss you.¡±¡°I¡¯ll be waiting for you.¡±


    Ian heavily stepped inside the carriage, keeping mind of his scheduled arrival there.


    Soon, the carriage jolted to a start. April stood in the same spot until the carriage disappeared around the corner.


    ¡°It¡¯s a gift from the Master. Is it to your liking?¡±¡°Of course. Doesn¡¯t it look good on me?¡±¡°Yes. It does.¡±


    She asked half-jokingly to which us replied back. At first, he used to be awkward around April, but now, he doesn¡¯t seem to feel any pressure.


    ¡°This way, Lady April.¡±


    He gently pointed his palm forward to show the way. They walked through the garden before the mansion.


    ¡°Today is the day the medicines need to be delivered to the pharmacy, am I correct? The servant¡­.¡±¡°I¡¯ll be going there in person today. We don¡¯t have a lot of orders this time. I can carry it by myself.¡±¡°Would that be all right?¡±¡°Of course. Actually, I was hoping to meet Dahlia before heading east.¡±


    Perhaps because April was kidnapped by Carl thest time she went alone, us seemed to feel uneasy at her decision. But he couldn¡¯t stop her from meeting her old friend, so he reluctantly agreed.


    ¡°But please let one of the servants apany you, just in case.¡±¡°Uh¡­..¡±¡°Master is worried. He has asked me to make sure nothing happens to you while he¡¯s away.¡±¡°Uhm¡­ I can¡¯t help it considering us¡¯s position. However, I¡¯ll only let them follow me from afar. So that the people in the market don¡¯t get so conscious.¡±¡°Yes, Lady April.¡±


    us replied, brightening up a little. April bowed to him lightly before turning away.


    ¡®He has clearly made note of it before leaving.¡¯


    After Carl¡¯s visit, April had also be more vignt than ever. She smiled to herself, thinking of Ian who still was worried about her.


    ***


    April packed a couple of prepared orders and medicines in her bag, and went on her way to the pharmacy. Like on the day of the gathering at the Duchy, her long hair was tied up to the side, and she had a wide-brimmed hat on. She thought us would be relieved if she didn¡¯t show her face much.


    ¡®This wouldn¡¯t be too obvious.¡¯


    By the time she was almost at the pharmacy, she stopped and looked back.


    The man us had appointed was nowhere to be seen. Perhaps he was behind her or had lost her. Thanks to this, she could feel a little content with not being disturbed.


    ¡°Let¡¯s see if the orders are correct¡­¡­¡±


    As she was checking the things inside the bag with the chain slightly opened, she heard some murmurs nearby.


    She hurriedly looked up. The sound came from the side of the pharmacy. People passing by stopped and took a nce at the entrance of the building.


    ¡®What is it?¡¯


    April crept near the store. An aristocratic woman in a wide-brimmed,ce-drenched hat bowed her head at the pharmacy and turned around. She couldn¡¯t see her face, so she made an attempt to stand up on her toes, but it didn¡¯t help.


    April turned her head sideways just in time to find a carriage pulling up at her side. Surprised, she staggered back.


    ¡°Ack!¡±


    In the open bag, the vials bumped into each other. Luckily nothing broke, but April struggled to check them again.


    ¡°What the hell¡­.¡±¡°What are you doing!¡±


    When she started checking the contents of the bag again, almost panicking, a shadow of a person suddenly appeared before her.


    April looked up to find the same woman from the pharmacy approaching her. She walked to April after giving a scolding to the horseman.


    ¡°I apologize.¡±


    April froze the moment she saw the woman¡¯s face. The woman was definitely Fiora Rose. Fiora bowed her head first before identifying April.


    ¡°Ah, no. It¡¯s fine.¡±


    April pressed her hat down in bewilderment and tried to cover her face. When Fiora spotted the bottle in April¡¯s bag, she asked with her eyes wide open.


    ¡°Oh my, do you use it, too?¡±¡°Pardon?¡±¡°The cosmetics from that pharmacy¡­¡­¡±


    Fiora smiled awkwardly and backed away as April quickly shut the bag.


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sorry. I was rejected and was on my way back. Please excuse me. I¡¯ll go scold the coachman.¡±


    Fiora hurried back onto the carriage. April looked up to find it was because some people had gathered around her. And the moment the carriage door closed, it brushed past her ears.


    ¡°That¡¯s funny.¡±


    A short murmur from Fiora.


    ¡®What?¡¯


    April got chills down her spine. The carriage curtains were already draped down, so she couldn¡¯t even look at Fiora¡¯s face.


    ¡®Does she know me?¡¯


    She nervously bit her lip. She was curious, too. She had seen Fiora staring only at Ian at the Duke¡¯s gathering. She still remembered it.


    ¡®I¡¯m sure it¡¯s fine.¡¯


    She obviously had something to do with Ian striking a deal with her after the potion incident. Thinking Fiora¡¯s words didn¡¯t mean much to her, she decided to forget about it.


    She murmured.


    ¡°Dahlia.¡±


    She took a breath and entered the pharmacy. Dahlia was walking around the store with her hands on her waist, and when she heard April¡¯s voice, she sprinted to the entrance.


    ¡°Rill!¡±


    Half-surprised, she rushed to April and gave her a weing hug.


    ¡°What¡¯s the asion?¡±¡°I got this for you. And I wanted toe in person today.¡±¡°It¡¯s so great to meet you, but of all days, today¡­.¡±¡°Has Miss Rose been here?¡±¡°You bumped into her.¡±


    April nodded. Dahlia asked April to sit at a table, and then filled two cups of warm tea.


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 Chapter 35

    <em>Trantor and Editor: Lea</em>


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    <strong><em>Chapter 35</em></strong>


    ¡°She suddenly shows up today and says she wants to apologize for the incident that happened a few months ago.¡±¡°Now, of all times?¡±¡°I think she asked the Count to apologize, but maybe out of shame, the old man just sent her.¡±


    Dahlia let out an exasperated sigh. To April, who had never seen her talk harshly about a customer, it was surprising.


    ¡°So she apologized?¡±¡°Yeah. And she wanted to order some more cosmetics for the Countess. I said I can¡¯t say because of what happened. Nevertheless, she was still consistent.¡±¡°Oh¡­.. You didn¡¯t start a scuffle, did you?¡±¡°Well, yes. I know this cut off a wealthy aristocracy, but I said we needed time to think about conducting business with a family that could pose a risk to us.¡±


    Dahlia shook her head, recalling Fiora¡¯sst words.


    ¡¶ I¡¯ll be taking this as an atonement for what we have done. Please forgive us. ¡·


    Unlike the Count, it was not easy for Dahlia to dismiss Fiora, who politely bowed her head. But she also could not make a decision alone that would make April ufortable.


    ¡°Anyway, did youe here because we had fewer orders this week?¡±¡°I¡¯m going to the East next week. I wanted to see you before that.¡±¡°That¡¯s far, isn¡¯t it? Would you stay long there?¡±¡°No, not for long. Only a few weeks.¡±¡°Ah¡­.. with the Marquis?¡±¡°Yes. I¡¯m staying with him.¡±


    April smiled shyly and nodded. Now aware of the unexpected development, Dahlia dumbfoundedly stared at her face.


    ¡°No way. Are you¡­. with him?¡±


    April¡¯s cheeks turned a dark shade of pink at this. Dahlia did not bother to pry.


    ¡°Is that all right? I mean, the choice for you to be with him?¡±¡°Yes.¡±¡°That¡¯s fine, then. Have a safe trip. And don¡¯t catch a cold out there.¡±


    Dahlia tried not to show her emotion. She held back her sadness that April was seemingly moving away forever, even though she was d she looked happy.


    She sped April¡¯s hand and patted her shoulder.


    ***


    Ian had been focusing on managing the enlisted soldiers ever since he arrived at the East Reykis mansion. It was only a few dayster that he was able to travel Northeast with Yuri. He galloped on a horse in a proper uniform, carrying a weapon.


    He felt ufortable at the thought of meeting Carl Liszt, but he had to get rid of his personal feelings to attend his official duties.


    ¡°I see the North.¡±


    Ian looked up to the distant mountains. The mountain range, which bordered the northernmost parts of the empire, was so steep and high that it could be spotted from his position.


    The reason he chose to be finished with this work was that April would be arriving soon.


    ¡°I think it should be the right decision to have a quick meeting today and inspect the area.¡±¡°Right. I¡¯d like to finish this as soon as possible. I¡¯m slowly getting closer to¡­¡­¡±


    Ian sprayed some perfume from April¡¯s vial on his chest in case anything happened, before entering themand center.


    When Ian entered, the people inside stood up in unison and greeted him with courtesy. Carl Liszt, who had already arrived a few days earlier, also bowed reluctantly. His injured leg seemed to have healed.


    ¡°It¡¯s been a long time.¡±¡°Indeed, it has.¡±


    Ian greeted him in a rather perfunctory manner.


    ¡°Thank you for traveling all the way here.¡±¡°I¡¯m here on duty, so don¡¯t feel pressured.¡±


    Few papers were ced in front of Ian as he sat down. The documents were prepared by Carl, which contained information on the army to be organized around the northernmost point of the defense line and the budget ordingly.


    ¡°Let¡¯s see.¡±


    He read through the material. Although it wasn¡¯t much different from the eastern region, the difference in subsidies was a bitrge as the northern mountainous region became the center. But within the budget, it seemed manageable.


    ¡°That¡¯s a lot of artillery being carried into the hignds. Are you assured of the coverage of the maintenance?¡±¡°Of course. It¡¯s the most ambitious part.¡±¡°There¡¯s no question, then. You¡¯re still in charge of the Northern Command.¡±¡°Yes. And the Eastern end¡­.¡±¡°Will be taken by Yuri Gray here. As my agent.¡±¡°Is it because of your condition that you¡¯re not in charge of it yourself? It hasn¡¯t stopped yet?¡±


    Carl asked implicitly. His question meant why he was taking his foot off the battlefield in the name of injury.


    ¡®Still trying to drag your feet after the duel?¡¯


    Ian smirked, thinking he didn¡¯t change. It seemed Carl intended to mock Ian, but it was more like venting his anger about the previous deal.


    ¡°You¡¯d be staying in the northern end of Carleva, while I would be in the capital. Since the East is closer to my estate, I ced an agent of mine. Now, is that enough of an answer to you?¡±


    Ian¡¯s casual reply felt like a piercing thorn to Carl, who had be weak from the moment he visited the capital. But since he couldn¡¯t show it, he just shut up.


    ¡°I look forward to your kind cooperation.¡±¡°Same goes for you.¡±


    After the meeting, which was held in a formal atmosphere, the two men exchanged only formal greetings and parted. Ian got on his horse and set his eyes out to the Northeast region.


    ¡°Do you happen to have an interest in that area?¡±


    Carl suddenly broke the silence. Ian turned in the direction from where his voice came. Carl was standing, fiddling with the head of a sword on his hilt. As if he was ready to point it at Ian.


    ¡°Do you think I have?¡±¡°It¡¯s not like there isn¡¯t.¡±¡°It¡¯s April¡¯s hometown. I wonder what kind of past that ce might hold.¡±


    Ian jumped off the horse. Carl fixed his gaze on Ian¡¯s hilt as he strode up to him. A long sword and a highly soaring pistol were ced on Ian¡¯s hilt.


    ¡°You pretended she wasn¡¯t yours, and yet you ended up with her? This scent is¡­..¡±¡°I didn¡¯t have April, she came to help me. Seeing you talk like that, it seems you still haven¡¯t set your mind.¡±


    Ian stopped right in front of Carl, staring down at him with arrogance in his eyes. Carl swallowed his dry saliva. He felt as if Ian was about to pull out his weapon and knock him down.


    ¡°Carl. You¡¯re not going to renege on your word, are you? If you have a conscience, that is.¡±¡°¡­..How long do you think you can boast of catching April?¡±¡°I¡¯d like for you to keep your eyes off her as much as possible. I wish that you remain as my fellow soldier.¡±


    Having thest say, he climbed on his horse. There was a lot of work to be finished before April¡¯s arrival, so talking to Carl was a waste of his time. Ian took another careful lookout at the defense line and called Yuri, before heading straight to the Reykis annex.


    ¡®I can¡¯t let that worm twist me.¡¯


    He clenched his teeth.


    ***


    The Eastern part of the country called thend of winter because of its angelic snow cover, seemed to have already received its scenic beauty.


    April opened the window a little to find a cold breeze blowing in from the other side. In fear of catching a cold, she had to close it quickly.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    She was going to see him after 10 long days. He had said he would make sure to take some time off his work today, but she decided not to expect anything because of his possibly tight schedule.


    April leaned forward slightly and opened the window on the wall separating the coachman¡¯s seat.


    ¡°When shall it be arriving?¡±¡°We¡¯ll be there soon enough. That¡¯s where you can see it.¡±


    The man pointed to what was a wall surrounding the Reykis annex.


    Unlike that of the capital, the dark exterior walls were unfamiliar. The soaring, high roof was just like that of a monastery.


    ¡®They¡¯re evergreen. It¡¯s green even though it¡¯s winter.¡¯


    As she looked at the calm and magnificent view around the house, she recalled what Ian had told her before leaving.


    ¡¶ If there¡¯s anything you can¡¯t solve with that extraordinary head of yours, I¡¯ll dly stand behind you. ¡·


    His words were more reassuring than anything else, but April was troubled. The contract would end soon, and she would have to face the change. To move beyond their contractual rtionship, the need was to wrap up the past.


    ¡®I need something greater than money. I can¡¯t ask Ian for anything more¡­¡­¡¯


    Something greater than wealth, something one couldn¡¯t buy with money. April tried to erase the thought that crossed her mind.


    In the meantime, the carriage came to a stop at its destination, passing over a cleanly paved hillside.


    ¡°We have arrived.¡±¡°Thank you. Thank you for your hard work.¡±


    Grabbing the hem of her skirt, as April went to get off the wagon, someone appeared in front of her and pulled her in.


    She fell into his arms without having time to step on the ground. She felt the man¡¯s firm arms gripping around her and what seemed to be his scent, had now be a little stronger.


    ¡°Ian!¡±¡°I¡¯ve missed you.¡±


    Ian pulled apart slightly to kiss the back of her hand. His lips felt unusually warm against her cold skin.


    ¡°Do you have to go out today again?¡±


    She asked him, studying him up and down. He was wearing a uniform, not a casual outfit. Perhaps, his n to rest today was destroyed. With the ck uniform bearing golden buttons and a proper weapon on his waist, he appeared to be ready to go out on a war.


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 Chapter 36

    <em>Trantor and Editor: Lea</em>


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    <strong><em>Chapter 36</em></strong>


    ¡°I was going to rest today but received some news about an unsatisfactory state of work. Which is why I made a quick trip to themand center.¡±¡°How have you been feeling? I think your smell has gotten a bit stronger.¡±¡°I¡¯m good. Your perfume has shown its result. Now, let us hurry inside.¡±


    As April grew concerned, Ian ushered her inside the vi. Walking through the dark garden, April was greeted by a brightly litmp from the hall inside.


    Even though this ce had been left empty for a long time, everything seemed to be meticulously arranged.


    ¡°This is one of the spacious bedrooms here. Tell me if you want to share a room with me.¡±¡°That doesn¡¯t seem necessary at all.¡±


    She gently ced her hand over his, clutching the door handle.


    The door was pushed open to reveal a room a little smaller than Ian¡¯s in his mansion at the Capital. It had smaller windows to beat the cold, and there was another door leading to a private washroom.


    ¡°Ian, give me a moment.¡±


    As soon as April closed the door, she made him sit on the bed and scoured through her luggage to take out the items she needed as his benefactor.


    The items were as follows: the calendar she made marked with his body temperature, the fountain pen he gave her, and the reagent she reinforced in herb a week after he left.


    ¡°From your temperature, it seems the cycle has gone back to how it used to be. The duration of the cycle was shortened with your condition getting worse, but now it¡¯s back to its original¡­.. ack!¡±


    April was muttering quietly while looking down at the dates when she was pulled by Ian¡¯s strong arms. The notebook fell to the floor in the rush of movements. Ianid down, casually pressing down April¡¯s hands under his.


    ¡°Are you really doing this now? Your condition¡­..¡±¡°Can¡¯t you just stay like this for a bit?¡±


    Those words calmed her down, whose spirit was burning with a sense of duty. Also, she could no longer express her opinion as a doctor because he looked quite grumpy.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine. I told you. Once imprinted, there¡¯s no pain I can¡¯t endure.¡±¡°But you never know.¡±¡°It¡¯s been like this every day regardless since we parted. Every day.¡±


    Her shoulders shrank as his breath tickled her ear. His gruff yet gentle voice was as seductive as ever.


    ¡°I could lose my patience any moment.¡±¡°If you set out to explore one thing, you¡¯ll want to explore more, and once you start to like it, you¡¯ll want it twice.¡±¡°I can¡¯t deny that.¡±¡°But I won¡¯t pressure it today. You must be tired from all that journey.¡±


    He sounded regretful. April pulled him in for a deep kiss, gesturing that she also wanted him desperately.


    First, her hands cupped his cheeks, while she shed onto his lips. The rest, she left it to Ian. He gently kissed her, twisting her lips with his own between heavy breaths.


    His heart ¨C aching for her, regardless of his fever. Those feelings, delivered to April, sometimes through hot smooches and sometimes by burying her deep in his arms.


    ***


    The night here proved to be colder than the Capital, so the servants became busy early to warm up the halls with lights. Ian guided April outside.


    Unlike Ian¡¯s mansion in the capital city, this Eastern annex was notrge, but it had a small building that housed the rooms of the servants. This is why the servants were not seen wandering much in the main building.


    ¡°It¡¯s cold outside, but it¡¯s not dark. Come this way first. I want to introduce you to someone.¡±


    The two headed to the dining hall.


    There, onlooking the dinner preparations for the evening, was an old gentleman with his white hair on his headbed neatly. He seemed to have a role here simr to us.


    ¡°Rudy.¡±


    When Ian called out to him, he hurried his steps to where Ian and April stood.


    ¡°It¡¯s such an honor to meet you.¡±


    The man bowed down, gently greeting April. In return for his politeness, she bowed her head to pay silent tribute.


    ¡°This is Rudy Hall. He manages the annex.¡±¡°Huh? Hall?¡±¡°He¡¯s an uncle to us. The Hall family has been deeplymitted to serving our family for generations.¡±¡°Oh!¡±


    At first, she did suspect Rudy to be looking strangely simr to somebody she knew, and when Ian stated his name, it only helped her figure out the simrities.


    But she wasn¡¯t surprised at meeting someone new. Since it¡¯d been months she had seen us as Ian¡¯s butler.


    ¡°I knew that you looked like someone. My name is April. I look forward to your kind cooperation.¡±¡°I hope your stay will befortable.¡±¡°All thanks to your perfect presentation, Rudy.¡±¡°I¡¯m ttered, Master.¡±


    Rudy gently bowed his head at Ian¡¯s appraisal.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go up, April.¡±


    After April bowed to Rudy again, she climbed up the spiral staircase with Ian leading her to the second floor.


    The windows on the walls were small with painting frames at regr intervals to avoid a tight atmosphere.


    ¡°Ian, I have a question to ask. This is the territory of the Reykis family, so why does it have a vi?¡±¡°The Reykis family had previously served in the military based in the Capital. This ce has been awarded for some military cause.¡±¡°Ah, that¡¯s why it¡¯s managed by an agent.¡±¡°That¡¯s right. They are the most reliable people.¡±


    Upon reaching the second floor, her eyesnded on a picture on the wall in front. It was thergest picture frame she had ever seen in her life.


    The woman in the blue dress was sitting on a chair, while the man in white attire was standing next to her. The woman had her hand gently ced over the man¡¯s hand on her shoulder. Both seemed to be around Ian¡¯s age.


    ¡°Ian, by any chance¡­..¡±


    When she pointed to the picture, Ian nodded.


    ¡°The previous Marquee couple, myte parents.¡±¡°Ah, I see.¡±


    She stood still and stared into the painting. The man had very simr features to Ian. His dark ck hair wasbed back and his eyes were golden.


    His wife ¨C Ian¡¯s mother ¨C had her voluminous golden hair tied up and adorned with a jeweled crown. One could feel the dignity from their expressions. They looked great together.


    ¡°I think it was drawn a while after their wedding. I¡¯ve always seen it hanging here throughout my life.¡±


    Ian¡¯s voice eventually expressed his longing for the past. Perhaps, the past before he was left alone in the family with a fever at a young age.


    ¡°The second floor generally belonged to my parents. Their bedroom was over there, and both their studies were side by side on this¡­¡­.¡±


    He stopped, then turned his eyes to the tightly shut door of the study. Just what kind of memory did he retrieve that made him stutter so abruptly, April wondered.


    ¡°Ian.¡±


    April put her hand on his shoulder that caused him to grasp it tightly. He turned to her again.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. This is where my mother came to the end.¡±¡°I understand. It must¡¯ve been the hardest time for you.¡±¡°¡­¡­.After Father passed away, she used toe here to avoid gazes.¡±


    April knew that feeling. This was because she did the same to be alone.


    With the early death of the Marquis, the Marchioness ¨C a widow ¨C must have received unwanted public attention.


    For someone who had to endure the sadness of losing her love, it must have felt asrge and heavy as the frame.


    ¡®Mother used to say it, too¡­¡­..¡¯


    April recalled vague features of her mother ¨C Elise, who had to be stronger than any woman she knew. To avoid all those who despised her and to those who sought an opportunity to marry her.


    ¡°April. Would you like to visit the top floor? We have no library up there, but there is arge window that looks upon beautiful scenery.¡±¡°Sounds fascinating.¡±


    The two climbed up more stairs and walked down the end of the hallway of the top floor.


    As Ian said, she could see the dark blue night sky through therge window.


    It felt as if someone put up a picture of the sky. She suddenly thought this would be a better ballroom than anywhere else with the perfect lighting. Only for two people.


    ¡°Wow, it¡¯s beautiful.¡±


    As April approached the window, her eyes trained on the sky, Ian followed to hug her with careful arms. He snaked his arms around her waist, with his face slightly buried on her nape.


    ¡°Do you know, April? Your perfume, it¡¯s good, but it has side effects.¡±¡°Side effects? What side effects? Are you okay, Ian?¡±


    April turned in surprise, widening her eyes at him. It forced Ian to pull back a little.


    Ian shook his head to what she feared: some serious side effects to his physical condition.


    ¡°The effect is certain, but it made me recall you a lot. It felt like you were right next to me.¡±¡°Oh, you¡­..¡±


    April pushed his chest in embarrassment. When Ian smirked at her flushed expression, she shot him a re.


    But what he said right after melted away April¡¯s anger at once, who wanted toin that he made her worry.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to be apart from you anymore. I only want to be serious.¡±


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 Chapter 37

    <em>Trantor and Editor: Lea</em>


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    <strong><em>Chapter 37</em></strong>


    Probably because of travel fatigue, April woke up the next morning only when the sun shone the brightest. As usual, Ian was nowhere to be seen in the room, but the teapot he ordered was ced on the table.


    Stretching up while getting off the bed, April sat at the table by the window and unfolded the note kept beside the pot.


    ¡¶ You¡¯ll find me in the office, so no need to hurry. ¡·


    She recognized the beautiful stroke of the handwriting to be Ian¡¯s. She smiled, before proceeding to pour the tea into a cup.


    ¡°Did they heat it again? It¡¯s warm.¡±


    Sipping her tea, she got up from the table and walked to stand behind a curtain of the window, gazing over the scenery outside.


    Far beyond the boundary, she could see a pine forest. The area lined with snow-covered pine trees looked just like a blue sea.


    ¡®If we go up this way, we¡¯ll find the North, won¡¯t we?¡¯


    She tried to locate thendscape beyond the vast forest, but it wasn¡¯t visible. She had heard, the sheer mountains in the North could be faintly seen near the North-eastern defense border.


    ¡®We are close.¡¯


    Ten years after she fled to the Capital, she was staying in a ce from where she could see the northernnd. It made her tense. But she wasn¡¯t trying to reminisce.


    She quickly turned around to wash up and get dressed. Then, grabbing her skirt¡¯s hem, she stepped down the stairs and walked to the door at the end of the hallway. She knocked.


    ¡°Come in, April.¡±


    With all her might, she opened the heavy door and walked inside. This office was not much different from that of the Capital. The scenery was the same ¨C piled-up documents.


    Ian pushed the documents aside to wee April.


    ¡°I apologize for getting up sote.¡±¡°No, you could¡¯ve slept more if you were tired.¡±¡°I¡¯ve been waking up early nowadays, so I can¡¯t afford to sleep anymore. It became a habit. I didn¡¯t snore, did I?¡±


    April asked anxiously while Ian smiled and shook his head ¡°no¡±. He then guided her to the guest table.


    ¡°Is Carl Liszt nearby?¡±¡°Yes. He¡¯ll be at themand post and will soon be returning to Carleva. The man who apanied him to the Capital didn¡¯t seem to havee here.¡±¡°Count Gridler, yes?¡±¡°I think so. He had a big scar on his arm.¡±


    Ian pointed his finger from his wrist to elbow, to which April nodded. Though she met Carl, she didn¡¯t encounter Gridler during the incident in the Capital. But, she was certain about his identity.


    The two still seemed to be conspiratorial allies. Carl acted in the front, while Gridler acted behind the scenes.


    From his contribution to the construction of the defense project, it seemed that Carl wasn¡¯t someone who had free will.


    ¡°He must have arge scar.¡±¡°Large enough to be covered with leather gloves. But, you sound like you know how it was formed.¡±¡°Ah¡­¡­ I was the cause.¡±


    Ian frowned at her calmness.


    From what he could understand, the scar was not made by a sharp object or an ident. He couldn¡¯t imagine how on earth it was made, but it was as horrible as a burn scar could be.


    ¡°The day I ran away from Carleva to avoid my marriage contract, Gridler tried to force me to sign on the paper himself. I don¡¯t know how it happened either.¡±


    She gazed down at her hand. Since that day, she never experienced anything simr again. However, the memory of ¡°bright blue mes knocking down Count Gridler¡± that day was so intense, she couldn¡¯t easily forget.


    ¡°Is it simr to magic?¡±¡°It could be, but I¡¯ve never learned to do any of those.¡±


    During the first days of her escape, she couldn¡¯t let her eyes rest at the fear of a bizarre ability of her surfacing and vanishing within a moment. However, she was a little relieved. At least Gridler was reluctant to contact when he heard Carl had captured April in the capital.


    ¡°I suppose you can slowly finish the medicine. May Iplete the rest of the down payment in the same manner?¡±¡°Ah, yes.¡±¡°And before we terminate the contract, I have one thing to check¡­¡­.¡±


    Ian held out the parchment, which had been kept neat and clean, and pointed to the paragraph at the bottom with his finger. It was the first use on the termination of their agreement.


    ¡¶ 1. At the end of the contract, Ian Reykis pays April Quen the deferred payment. 2. As soon as the contract terminates, Ian Reykis and April Quen shall return to be strangers. 3. After the contract is over, Ian Reykis and April do not remain involved in each other¡¯s lives. ¡·


    Thest two lines would sound infinitely cold if one read them.


    ¡°I wish to erase everything except for number 1. What do you say?¡±¡°I¡¯d like that, too.¡±¡°Then, please have a look at this document.¡±


    Ian signed upon the white parchment to terminate. It reminded her about the first time he signed the contract. Feeling nervous for no reason, April took the paper from him and started to read.


    There was a line added at the end of the usual script. It was about the amount he¡¯d pay her.


    ¡¶ The requirements rted to the termination of the existing contract shall be removed, leaving only number (1) rted to promised payment. ¡·


    The sentence was written in boldpared to others. Her name also had been changed from April Quen to April Witzer.


    Imaging Ian struggling to make these changes, her lips curled into a gentle smile.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. Would there be no excuse for you to ask for my help after this contract ends?¡±¡°Well, if I don¡¯t, it¡¯ll be very unfortunate.¡±


    Ian sighed.


    ¡°A few days ago, I saw the northern mountains for the first time. Thend you grew up in is situated far east to the vastndscape.¡±¡°Yes. I don¡¯t think I can do anything by myself there. When you offered your help, Ian, it honestly felt reassuring. But, you know. The reason I¡¯m so worried.¡±¡°Perhaps you¡¯re worried about me.¡±¡°Yes.¡±¡°But what you¡¯re after is not the property, that path holds more risk. I can¡¯t let you walk on that path alone.¡±


    She stared down at her fingers, quietly listening to him. His every syble contained sincere concerns.


    ¡°Ian. I have never told you. What I want to do.¡±¡°I know.¡±¡°What I want the most is to prove my mother¡¯s innocence. I can only find peace then.¡±


    Money could buy back properties, but honor ¨C never. Thus, Ian knew that she needed his help in this battle. April was aware of the fact as well. Nevertheless, she couldn¡¯t readily ask for help since it could put him in danger.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure about anything. There is no guarantee that I¡¯ll find a clue inside my mother¡¯s study, and even if I seed in discovering it, my actions will be limited thereafter.¡±¡°What if I could give you all that?¡±¡°You?¡±¡°I will make sure to facilitate everything you ask for. You wouldn¡¯t have to struggle alone then, would you?¡±¡°Yes, that¡¯s correct. But if you want to help that way, t-then¡­¡­¡­¡±¡°I must be with April Witzer.¡±


    Ian finished for her. April almost asked if he made a joke, but his expression was too serious for him to do so.


    ¡°Let¡¯s sign an agreement.¡±


    Ian picked out a nk sheet of paper from the stack on a pedestal and ced it on hisp. Then he picked up a pen and began to scribble.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t this what you thought?¡±


    Still perplexed at Ian¡¯s hurried movements, she dropped her head to read. He was one hundred percent correct about what she thought, but she couldn¡¯t lift her eyes to discuss it casually.


    ¡¶ Marriage Contract ¡·


    It neither had any major conditions written nor held the aftermath it would bring.


    For the first time, April became resentful of the fact that even marriage was used as a means to acquire resources. The formal union of two individuals, respective towards each other, to bring a fruitful life ahead.


    ¡°I¡­ Forgive me. Please forgive me, Ian. That is what came to my mind.¡±¡°April. Don¡¯t say it like that.¡±¡°But I can¡¯t bear to ask you for this.¡±¡°I apologize for saying it so easily. But I promise I didn¡¯t mean it that way. Only if it¡¯s okay with you, then¡­¡­¡±¡°Ian.¡±


    She wondered how he could be so calm in the first ce.


    Because she felt sorry and a little disappointed, April couldn¡¯t answer his proposal.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to get some fresh air.¡±


    She didn¡¯t want him to tag along. Without another word, April scurried out of the room so quickly that Ian could not see her face. Then, as soon as the door closed behind her, she copsed.


    ¡®I wanted to get married after I proved Mother¡¯s innocence. I wanted it to be all normal.¡¯


    She lost the strength in her muscles. She leaned against the wall and buried her face in her palms, waiting for her mind to calm down. However, she couldn¡¯t see Ian holding his head with a strained expression on his face behind the wall she leaned on.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


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 Chapter 38

    <em>Trantor and Editor: Lea</em>


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    <strong><em>Chapter 38</em></strong>


    April strolled alone in the garden where she thought she would walk only when Ian led her. She was circling the same spot several times. Even though the midday sun shone right over her head, she didn¡¯t think about going inside.


    ¡°Lady April, it¡¯s getting cold.¡±


    Rudy ¨C who had been looking out at the garden all this time ¨C stepped out with a stole in his hand and a worried look on his face.


    ¡°Ah, thank you. It seems like I forgot about the cold for a moment.¡±¡°That is possible when you¡¯re in deep thought.¡±


    She felt the coldness ingrained in her body only when she wrapped therge stole around her.


    Rudy silently stared at her, determined not to pry.


    ¡°Is Ian still in the office?¡±


    Rudy shook his head in response. There was no reason for Ian to be there as he said he had finished all his urgent tasks beforehand.


    ¡°The Lady may find him in one of the ces he has always been.¡±¡°I see.¡±


    Rudy went inside a few minutester. He knew she wanted to be alone, so he didn¡¯t want to disturb her. Meanwhile, April continued on her stroll again.


    ¡®Is it because of my situation that he asked for a marriage contract and not a marriage?¡¯


    Marriage and marriage contracts were tworgely separate things. The former ¨C meaningful and eternal, while thetter ¨C temporary and to meet convenient means.


    Perhaps, he only chose ¡®marriage contract¡¯ over an eternal bonding like ¡®marriage¡¯ to distinguish it.


    ¡®What are you thinking, Ian?¡¯


    Taking onest stroll around, she looked up at the annex and decided to head inside.


    As she turned the doorknob around and clicked the door open, she was unexpectedly faced with Ian himself standing there. He had an extra coat in his hand.


    April was caught off guard, her eyes growing wide in surprise.


    ¡°Ah¡­¡­.¡±¡°Ian.¡±


    Ian looked at the stole wrapped around April and turned to the coat in his hand. The stole was slipping down her body as she froze solid, so Ian ced the coat on her shoulders.


    Because it belonged to Ian, the coat wasrge for April. The hem almost reached down to her ankle, and it seemed like she was wearing another set of a stole.


    ¡°I¡¯mte.¡±¡°Forgive me. I didn¡¯t know if I could follow you, so I asked Rudy.¡±¡°You hesitated? Because I said I wanted to be alone?¡±


    Ian nodded as she asked. His expression, mixed in the joy of seeing her and sorrow of worry, looked innocent and cute. It caused April to put down her burdensome feelings and smile.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±¡°You said you needed to get some air, but how long should itst? Isn¡¯t it cold outside?¡±¡°It¡¯s fine. Oh, I was headed to talk to you. I think we should wrap up the matter we didn¡¯t finish earlier.¡±¡°Shall we go in, then?¡±¡°I want to walk a bit more. We were supposed to walk together.¡±


    April sped her hands together so the coat wouldn¡¯t slip down. She liked the scent of Ian radiating off the fabric, too.


    ¡°I apologize that I left without listening. I was embarrassed to hear that from you.¡±¡°Wasn¡¯t it what you thought earlier?¡±¡°It was, but then I gave up on that thought. Tell me, why do you want to do that?¡±¡°That was the only way you could carry the name of Reykis with you, especially when they ask.¡±¡°That¡¯s why you chose to make the contract?¡±¡°Contracts don¡¯tst forever.¡±


    Ian dropped his head. April wondered if it was because it reminded him of the anecdote about his parents.


    Being part of the Reykis family, he had to ept situations that even a sick person could not handle. That¡¯s probably why Ian couldn¡¯t ask for more.


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid I¡¯ll hurt you again¡­ I almost lost my control once. I didn¡¯t like that.¡±¡°Ian¡­¡­¡±


    Ian took hold of April¡¯s hand. His grip was hot, but not tight. He was even trembling a little.


    ¡®You¡¯re scared.¡¯


    Ian was scared but always prepared himself to let her go if she ever wanted to leave. As a surge of pity came smashing down on her, April rushed to hug him.


    ¡°Can you not think about that? It has just begun.¡±¡°But, since you¡¯ve already saved me¡­¡­..¡±¡°What did you do for me? It would be too difficult for me to take a single step without you.¡±


    April turned the tables on him. She desperately hoped he would get rity.


    ¡°I will sign the contract if you want. But I don¡¯t want it to be the end. Do you want it to end?¡±


    She looked up and pleaded, cupping his cheeks within her hands ¨C to prevent Ian from avoiding her gaze.


    Ian shook his head.


    ¡°Will you listen to what I really wanted to say?¡±¡°Yes, Ian.¡±¡°If you allow it, I wish that our marriage shall not stop at a contract.¡±¡°I¡­¡­.¡±¡°It means that I wish to be with you for the rest of my life, even after everything is over. Just like a man who fell in love with a woman.¡±


    Silence followed as they just stared at each other.


    April could decipher it from his face. That Ian must have thought of this as his greed, and how courageous he must¡¯ve been to finally say it.


    ¡°So, please let me be with you, even after you¡¯ve achieved your goal.¡±¡°Thank you. Thank you, Ian.¡±


    A contract for a new beginning ¨C and not for an ending ¨C was finally signed. A contract that was based on the premise of feelings towards each other, without the mention of the disease.


    ¡°It¡¯s gettingte, so shall we go now? Since we¡¯re going to spend some time together.¡±¡°Of course. But before that, let me get a proper outfit.¡±


    Ian followed her eyes to the stole and coat she was enveloped in.


    Ian chuckled,paring her with a gift wrapped in doubleyers.


    ¡°Funny, isn¡¯t it?¡±¡°Sorry.¡±


    April waved him off when he hurriedly fixed his face. The next moment she knew, he was grabbing her hand and rushing her inside.


    ***


    The ce where the couple arrivedte in the afternoon was by a quiet river near the Reykis annex.


    The area belonged to an Eastern aristocratic family close to the mansion, and the calm riverside surrounded by forests and hills on both sides was perfect for scenic pleasure.


    ¡°It¡¯s beautiful! I¡¯ll never see this kind of ce in the capital.¡±


    She was amazed at the scenery that was hard to capture at a nce. It was cold, but the sun provided enough warmth to carry on.


    Leaves crunched underneath her shoes as she walked, holding Ian¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Now that I recall, I came here during my childhood.¡±¡°You must¡¯ve been visiting this ce often.¡±¡°I came here when my father passed away and I started living with my mother in a separate vi. I did visit with her, but mostly when alone. They allowed me toe in anytime I wanted.¡±¡°I see¡­¡­ I think I understand why you came here often.¡±


    A child Ian sitting beside the river for hours ¨C the picture seemed to have drawn itself to April¡¯s mind.


    ¡°What about you? Was there a ce you escaped when you felt tired?¡±¡°I used to sit in the corner of my room rather than trying to find a ce to hide. However, I seemed to have found it recently. The detached building of the house of Reykis improved me a lot.¡±¡°That¡¯s why we always ran into each other. I have a feeling you will continue to go there.¡±¡°Yes. I¡¯ve been thinking the same.¡±


    April nced to stare at the calm waves. The clear water of the river reflected her face when she peered down. Silver hair, purple eyes, and a face resembling Elise.


    ¡°Oh, Ian. Come to think of it, you have been working with Lady Fiora Rose, haven¡¯t you?¡±¡°That¡¯s right. She¡¯s one of my clients. Does it bother you?¡±


    April slowly nodded. She red at him as he smiled at her yfully.


    ¡°It¡¯s not like that!¡±¡°Aw, I was hoping it would be.¡±¡°Ha! Well then, you¡¯re lying that you have nothing going on with her.¡±¡°Ah, please forgive me. I went too far with the joke. So why were you asking?¡±¡°I ran into her a few days earlier. In the market.¡±


    She recalled the day when she encountered Miss Rose near the pharmacy. What on earth was her intention of muttering something about her, April had no idea.


    ¡°What happened?¡±¡°It unsettled me to see her in person. I wonder if she knew who I was. She¡¯s the daughter of Count Rose after all.¡±¡°You¡¯re worried if she is of bad interest?¡±¡°Yes, but I know I shouldn¡¯t suspect her so soon.¡±¡°Understandable. First of all, let me assure you that she can never harm someone who is mine. If she breaks my weakness, I won¡¯t stay still.¡±


    His voice was cold, but she felt rather relieved.


    She first thought that the fact Fiora made a business deal with Ian was to harm April. Of course, she only hoped that Fiora¡¯s interests were nowhere negative in the first ce.


    ¡°The sun is setting. Shall we go home now?¡±¡°Yes. I enjoyed this, Ian.¡±¡°Same here. For the first time. Because of you.¡±


    The sky turned brilliant red as the sun glided down beyond the hills. The two returned to the mansion by the time darkness consumed the surroundings.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


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 Chapter 39

    <em>Trantor and Editor: Lea</em>


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    <strong><em>Chapter 39</em></strong>


    To prepare for the night, the servants of the annex became busy with lighting the rooms, heating the interior, and preparing dinner. Ian and April waited in the living room before they entered the warm bedroom.


    ¡°I wish we had more time to spend together, but it¡¯s hard to say.¡±¡°That¡¯s okay. I¡¯m following you because I¡¯m worried about you and I want us to stay in the same space. You¡¯ll be busy tomorrow, won¡¯t you?¡±¡°Yes, until evening. But, we will be together all night.¡±


    With that, he slumped down on the fluffy mattress. April followed him and buried her head on his chest. She felt the heat radiating from his body. Hisbored breaths simmered down somewhat as she patted his back.


    ¡°Has it started? Are you okay?¡±


    He nodded when she whispered to him. Unlike earlier ¨C when he was unable to control himself ¨C it seemed he could endure it much better now. It¡¯s just his eyes that looked dreamy because of the heat.


    ¡°The scent of the perfume is still there.¡±¡°Yes. Luckily, I had it with me when I needed it.¡±


    He turned and gently stroked his fingers down her hair. As if he was feeling the texture of her hair.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t want to let Carl see me falling apart.¡±¡°Ah¡­¡­ he did mock your illness once.¡±¡°That¡¯s not necessarily the only reason.¡±


    April gazed up at him half-heartedly, but he didn¡¯t say anything.


    Because he couldn¡¯t do it. He had his pride. He wanted to press Carl downpletely without showing any agitation, who tried to capture April for himself.


    ***


    As it was known, the subsequent days turned out to be frighteningly cold in thend of winter. April put down the book she had been reading all day and stepped out of the study. Because it was time for the sun to set.


    ¡°The sun is setting.¡±


    April walked to the end of the hallway and opened the window to peer outside. She had been doing this since she came here. Sometimes, she even spotted Ian walking back across the garden after his work.


    ¡®Oh? He came back early today.¡¯


    Every day, Ian left to attend his duties and returned around sunset. During the days he came backte, April was determined to stay awake until he went to bed. When he happened to have a day off, the pair spent all day together, but such days were rare.


    ¡°Ian!¡±


    Like every single day, April rushed to hug him.


    Ian hugged her back, squeezing as hard as he could. April shivered in the chill lingering in his clothes.


    ¡°Wee back. You¡¯re early today?¡±¡°It¡¯s in the final stage, so I didn¡¯t have to do anything. But, Yuri will be busy.¡±


    Ian said as he reached out his hand to the second floor. He was pointing toward the office, not the bedroom. The couple turned around and walked in the direction.


    ¡°How was your day, April?¡±¡°The same as usual. I¡¯ve been in theb all day, and reading botanical books in the study.¡±¡°Found something amusing?¡±¡°There was something called silver peony that grows in the East. It¡¯s simr to a regr peony, but it was named so because the petals seemed to shine silver. It seems mass cultivation is still difficult in this environment.¡±


    Ian gazed down and listened to her as she answered quietly.


    When she praised the petals as being silver, his eyes turned to her smooth and glossy hair. He happened to think that the name April suited her very well.


    {TL/N: Apriles from the Latin word ¡®Aprilis¡¯, which means ¡°to open¡± ¡ªwhich could be a reference to the opening or blossoming of flowers and trees.}


    ¡°April, have you thought about Lady Lianna¡¯s wedding?¡±¡°Honestly, I want to go. I¡¯m a little worried that a lot of nobles areing, but I can just go in the name of her assistant.¡±¡°If you want, we can go together as a prospective couple.¡±


    April blushed as he joked. It seemed that the word ¡®couple¡¯ sounded particrly powerful.


    The marriage contract they agreed on was based on their feelings, not solely on the deal.


    ¡°I think it¡¯ll be better for me to look like someone unrted to you at first. It won¡¯t be good if a rumor spreads among the nobles.¡±¡°Why? Won¡¯t it be good for us?¡±¡°I¡¯m afraid not. If the best known Marquis is seen with a woman unknown to most of the society.¡±


    Ian knew how it would burden her, so he couldn¡¯t refute what she muttered.


    In addition, he didn¡¯t want people to gossip about her.


    ¡°Fair enough, April. Let¡¯s attend separately.¡±¡°Thank you for understanding.¡±¡°Don¡¯t mention it. Ah, why don¡¯t we implement the marriage contract right away when we return to the Capital?¡±¡°What should I do first? Register my marriage first?¡±¡°Let me show you.¡±


    He picked up a pen and wrote down the contract details. Meanwhile, she moved to sit beside him before reading the contents of the paper.


    [Ian Reykis provides April Witzer with everything she needs for the ¡®trial¡¯ under the name of the Reykis family.Normalize the marriage between two aristocrats.Legalize the rtionship.Thoroughly guarantee the confidentiality of April Witzer¡¯s status.]


    He finished, faltering for a moment. Leaving a line, he continued to write the rest. April¡¯s gaze moved along with the tip of the pen.


    ¡°April, you said that you didn¡¯t want it to end even after the end of this contract.¡±¡°Yes, Ian.¡±¡°Here¡¯s my question.¡±


    April read thest line again and again. Ink appeared to be clumped up in regions where he stopped or pressed the tip of the pen, marking the weight of the words.


    [ After the end of the contract marriage, April Witzer responds to the formal proposal of Ian Reykis. ]


    Ian stared at her as if waiting for an answer, not caring to put his pen down. He was nervous, but he didn¡¯t flinch. However, his gulp was loud enough for her to hear.


    Without a second thought, April nodded.


    ¡°I¡¯d like that, Ian.¡±


    Her voice trembled. The current contract he made led her to feel relieved.


    ***


    On thest day in the Eastern region, Ian could spend time with April if it weren¡¯t for the documents left to process.


    Yuri sat still in front of Ian, who had his nose buried in the papers he needed to finish faster to get to April. Until Ian raised his head to call him.


    ¡°Yuri. You¡¯ve seen how he is, but it¡¯s less likely that you know where Carl Liszt will be titled. Do you know what it means to have a person like him in charge of a firearms unit?¡±¡°I¡¯ll be careful.¡±¡°I believe you. It¡¯s good that he hasn¡¯t caused any idents yet. He was a bit chaotic in the beginning.¡±¡°I¡¯ll make sure to keep an eye on his firearms unit.¡±


    Yuri never made jokes, and that¡¯s why he was very reliable. Ian nodded at his words.


    ¡°I¡¯ve processed all the documents that need my signature. You may take them away.¡±¡°Yes, Marquis. Allow me to take my departure.¡±


    After Yuri left the room with a polite bow, Ian leaned his back against the chair and closed his eyes. However,pleting his duties didn¡¯t mean he had no work left to bepleted.


    ¡®I better take my pledge as soon as possible. But after the ceremony of His Highness and Lady Lianna¡­¡­..¡¯


    Ian reminded himself.


    After the marriage of the Princess of Debussy. The sooner the preparations were made, the better. He took out a pen and paper to scribble something down.


    [We decided to hold a simple ceremony for taking our pledge, so please prepare what is needed. First, prepare the necessary documents and contact the jewelry store we¡¯ve always traded with. I¡¯ll take care of the rest. I¡¯ll go to the designer myself, so don¡¯t be worried. ]


    After finishing, he rang the bell kept on his table to call Rudy. Minutes after, Rudy entered the office.


    ¡°You called me, My Lord?¡±¡°It¡¯s a letter for us. Can you send it right now?¡±¡°Yes, My Lord. Shall I send it as an urgent letter?¡±¡°Yes, please.¡±


    Ian checked the time. use would take care of it quickly if it was sent now.


    ¡°I hope us doesn¡¯t get so surprised to receive this.¡±


    All that was left was letting the Duke of Debussy know. He was very shocked to know that Ian had feelings for April. Ian wondered how he would react to this news.


    ¡°What is April doing?¡±¡°She appears to have taken an armful of books toward the bedroom in the morning, so I suppose she would still be there. I brought her a warm cup of tea when I thought it was getting a bit chilly.¡±¡°Thank you for looking out for her.¡±


    Spending half of the day in his office, he got out and immediately rushed towards the other side of the hall. However, his pace slowed down as he approached the portrait of the previous marquis couple.


    He stopped to see a young couple smiling brightly at him.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


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 Chapter 40

    <em>Trantor and Editor: Lea</em>


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    <strong><em>Chapter 40</em></strong>


    ¡®Mother, Father.¡¯


    In this portrait, they looked much younger than Ian.


    The father at Ian¡¯s age ended his pain by hanging himself up with a rope, while his lover ¨C Ian¡¯s mother ¨C had to stay by Ian all her life.


    Ian was respectful towards both of them.


    ¡°What is marriage like?¡±


    Could he and April do as well as, or be better than, his parents? Ian was engrossed in his thoughts when,


    ¡°Ian?¡±


    He heard April. He could feel her footsteps approaching him from a distance. Perhaps because the cold was a little worse than it was in the morning, her voice was slightly hoarse.


    ¡°April. I was about to go see you.¡±¡°What a coincidence. I was going to do that, too.¡±


    April strode up to him and followed his gaze at the portrait. Ian carefully grabbed her hand ¨C that was slightly out of her shawl.


    ¡°What were you doing here?¡±¡°Just thinking. We¡¯re about to have a big event.¡±¡°Ah¡­.. You must be worrying a lot. It¡¯s the same for me.¡±¡°Since I¡¯m doing it, I want to be good enough.¡±¡°And, I just need to do what I do now.¡±


    She said, reaching out her free arm and caressing his cheek. The warmth ¨C none of them knew whose warmth it was ¨C spread from she touched him before their eyes met.


    ¡°When we go back to the capital, I¡¯ll first take a visit to the House of Debussy. I have to get the Duke¡¯s permission.¡±¡°Shall I join you, Ian?¡±¡°It¡¯s okay. You must rest.¡±¡°If Duke Kane gets angry, you can take my name as much as you want.¡±¡°Let¡¯s do that.¡±


    Ian chuckled when she said it seriously. She looked up at him with a questioning look, but he only shook his head.


    ¡°April.¡±


    As he approached April to kiss her, she stepped back a little, pushing his lips slightly.


    ¡°I have a cold. What if you get infected?¡±¡°Come on. I¡¯ll get better in a day.¡±


    Ian responded immediately which led April to burst intoughter after a moment of dumbfounded silence.


    Ian pulled her towards him, narrowing the gap and meeting her lips with his. He was fast, and she couldn¡¯t bring herself to refuse him anymore.


    Thest day in the Eastern annex was spent like that, as usual.


    ***


    For days after returning to the Capital, April was forced to take a rest. Until her cold waspletely gone, she wasn¡¯t allowed to work.


    It was not until the cold disappeared that she could sit in front of her desk. Not for research, but for writing to the court of Carleva in months.


    ¡°Sign, check. Write the content properly, check. Write the right amount, check¡­¡­ and it¡¯s done.¡±


    It was just the beginning to talk back to them who had severely undermined her and sarcastically criticized her for fun and waste of energy.


    ¡¶ From April Witzer to the court of Carleva ¡·


    The line she didn¡¯t write in a long time. She proceeded to seal the letter, no sign of the Reykis family on the envelope. The letter looked somewhat in, but it didn¡¯t matter.


    ¡°us, please.¡±¡°Yes, Lady April.¡±


    us took the letter and read the address on the back. His eyes seemed to widen a little when he saw the name of Carleva, but he soon regained hisposure. For Kalus, who was busy meeting a lot more strange needs, this was nothing more than a slight surprise.


    ¡°I¡¯ll send it. As you said, the name of the Reykis family shall bepletely hidden.¡±¡°Thank you.¡±¡°Do you want to reconsider it?¡±¡°No, it¡¯s fine.¡±


    She nodded with a firm face. Reading her resolution, he carried out his order without saying anything else.


    ¡®Mother, please wait a little bit.¡¯


    It was the first bullet she shot after running away from the darkness for a long time. She sped her hands together. It seemed that this time, it¡¯d feel like an eternity to wait for the court¡¯s reply.


    ¡°April. Are you here?¡±


    Ian¡¯s voice outside the door awoke from the trance. She got up from her desk and went to open the door.


    ¡°I was just wondering because you weren¡¯t inside the room, but here you are.¡±¡°Yes. I was writing.¡±¡°Is it the letter to¡­.¡±¡°Carleva¡¯s court.¡±


    Ian wasn¡¯t so surprised to hear that.


    ¡°Although I¡¯m nervous, Ian, I feel reassured because you¡¯re with me.¡±¡°I will be with you. Until the day everything is over.¡±


    The long journey of 10 years spent in waiting and avoiding danger was about to end. It was a new beginning now. Ian took her hand and gave it a squeeze, ensuring he was with her.


    ¡°You¡¯re going to the Duchy, right?¡±¡°Yes. I¡¯ll be right back.¡±¡°Have a safe trip. I¡¯ll be waiting.¡±


    Ian stepped back after giving her a peck on the forehead. Duke Kane felt anxious whenever Ian brought up April in front of him.


    Still, the fact that he had Lady Lianna¡¯s consent in this marriage eased his worries.


    ¡®I feel like I¡¯ve got at least one ally.¡¯


    Ian entered the mansion of Debussy, pondering about what to say first. Kane ¨C who had been waiting for him in advance ¨C came out and greeted him himself.


    ¡°Ian. Why the sudden visit today?¡±¡°You act as if you¡¯ve never seen my face here, Duke.¡±¡°It was just a joke. How was your trip to the East, was it great?¡±¡°Yes. I apologize for the dy in greeting you.¡±


    While Ian and Kane exchanged greetings, Lianna entered the living room. Unlike Kane, she was happy to see Ian after a long time. To her, Ian seemed to be inted with expectations about the news rted to the marriage.


    ¡°The reason why you called Lianna, I can make a rough guess.¡±¡°April wants to attend the wedding. However, there are some personal¡­..¡±¡°Of course, she¡¯ll be under my care. She may attend as my assistant.¡±


    In such arge gathering, no one would pay much great interest in a stranger who would attend alone. However, the Debussy siblings noticed Ian¡¯s cautious behavior.


    ¡°I thought she wouldn¡¯te, but she made a big decision.¡±¡°She felt the need to. There will be many things for her to face in the future.¡±¡°Does it happen to be¡­..¡±¡°One can¡¯t hide forever. That¡¯s why they try to face people with courage. I respect April¡¯s choice.¡±


    ¡®One can¡¯t hide forever.¡¯ Kane quietly repeated Ian¡¯s words.


    ¡°Any ns you¡¯re having after the wedding of His Highness and my sister?¡±¡°I¡¯m thinking of getting married.¡±¡°What? You¡¯re only thinking of getting married, right? You¡¯re not serious, are you?¡±¡°What do you think of me?¡±


    Kane almost spat the tea he had. He never expected Ian ¨C who once debated against needing apanion ¨C to marry so quickly.


    ¡°Would you believe this, if you were me? You may get married because you two are so enthusiastic, but this fast?¡±¡°We¡¯re going to register our marriage, to be exact.¡±¡°You didn¡¯t write another contract, did you?¡±¡°Duke knows me so well, doesn¡¯t he?¡±¡°Oh,e on.¡±


    Kane was shocked. However, he was well aware of Ian¡¯s prudence and meticulousness, so it was impossible to make a judgment.


    ¡°We agreed to each other. To solve the problem of Carleva together.¡±¡°Carleva¡­.. her mother¡¯s case?¡±¡°That¡¯s right. This is the only way I can help her.¡±¡°The past can affect one¡¯s future. That¡¯s true, April alone must be¡­¡­¡±


    Kane nodded with a worried face. Silence filled the room for a while. Kane spoke up after moistening his mouth with a sip of tea.


    ¡°Would it be okay?¡±¡°No one will be able to harm April as long as I¡¯m around.¡±¡°No, I meant for you.¡±¡°Pardon?¡±


    Ian was at a loss for words for the first time. He expected Kane to be rather angry with his decision.


    ¡°I¡¯m asking you because you¡¯re as important as April is. It isn¡¯t very easy for you to rush too, I suppose.¡±¡°I¡¯m fine. You know how I used to be before she came.¡±


    Ian smiled.


    Kane could easily see the meaning of the smile. Ian ¨C who used to be veryposed and difficult, and one who didn¡¯t want to attend ces other than his work ¨C gradually changed after meeting with April.


    ¡°Since it¡¯s something you both agreed on, I don¡¯t have a say in this. Instead, you¡¯ll have my presence whenever you need me.¡±¡°That¡¯s a relief. I happened to have a favor to ask of you.¡±¡°Hm? What is it?¡±¡°We need a witness to our marriage.¡±¡°I know. It¡¯s not that difficult, so I¡¯ll certify it right away.¡±¡°Thank you so much.¡±


    Ian stood up from his seat and bowed to him sincerely.


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 Chapter 41

    <em>Trantor and Editor: Lea</em>


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    <strong><em>Chapter 41</em></strong>


    ¡°Oh, Marquis.¡±


    Lianna hurriedly called him as he was about to turn around. Kane stepped back slightly as she approached Ian calmly and emphasized a word.


    ¡°I¡¯ve never talked to you, but I trust you, Marquis. Please take good care of April.¡±


    Ian nodded down at her.


    ¡°Yes. I will.¡±¡°Thank you.¡±


    Ian politely bowed to her before she silently stared at his retreating form.


    She prayed for April to lead a happy life with Ian, and that they don¡¯t leave each other¡¯s hands in the uing storm.


    ***


    Even though the marriage taking ce between the renowned family of Duke of Debussy and the Imperial family was the public¡¯s main attention, not many people could actually watch the couple getting married.


    Only some noble families who had ties to them were able to attend the wedding.


    ¡°April. You look great in formal attire.¡±


    April was wearing the light pink robe sent by Lianna a day before her wedding. It had narrow sleeves finished with spreadingces, small white floral designs densely covering her chest, and a skirt with much fewer patterns.


    ¡°Hold on, your shoes.¡±¡°H-How can I¡­?¡±¡°Come on.¡±


    Ian knelt and held out a pair of white shoes to her. She hesitated, but held his hand and wore the shoes. Ian stared at her for a while, taking in her image.


    ¡°Does it look alright? It¡¯s been a while since I¡¯ve worn something like this.¡±¡°It may sound rude to Lady Lianna, but to me, you look more beautiful than today¡¯s bride.¡±¡°You¡¯re not blinking.¡±¡°Because it¡¯s true.¡±


    Ian finally stepped closer and hung a pair of moonlight earrings that had been prepared in advance. Though it intended to mean a transcendence from misfortune¡­ to her, it was like an amulet.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±¡°Yes, Ian.¡±


    They stood before two separate carriages. They decided to separate from here to not attract attention.


    ¡°How do you feel?¡±¡°Nervous, but this is something I wanted.¡±¡°The banquet will begin soon after the ceremony. When the music announces the banquet, we return to ourselves.¡±¡°Yes. I¡¯ll be back. See you at home.¡±


    Ian beckoned April to get on the wagon first. As soon as she sat down and closed the door, the carriage began to rattle to the wedding hall.


    ¡®I told him I¡¯d sit in a corner.¡¯


    April settled at a table far away from the ceremony. Since the ceremony wasn¡¯t visible from there, she thought others would prefer to not sit with her. She waited until the rest of the seats filled up.


    ¡®Besides, where is Ian?¡¯


    She looked around before her eyes found him, sitting far away on the other side.


    Ian was sitting in the front seat for the VIP. It felt like he was beyond a river away.


    ¡®I can only meet you after the sun sets.¡¯


    The ceremony began on time. It was a strange experience to see someone from the Imperial family, even from a distance. If Marquis Witzer was alive, she could have been in the middle of the guests.


    ¡®Lady.¡¯


    Lianna stood up nobly. The hem of her skirt ¨C with denseyers ¨C bounced like a flower¡¯s petals every time she took a step.


    Fabian¡¯s eyes never left her. April longed for the day to stand side by side with Ian like them someday.


    ¡°This deres you two a couple.¡±


    After the congrattory speech by the highest priest in the Empire, April apuded sincerely like any other guest. She hoped it would reach Lianna.


    Lianna did nce back at her, but April didn¡¯t see it.


    ¡°Now, let us rejoice¡­¡­..¡±


    By the time the banquet began and more aristocrats filled in, April walked towards the exit and headed to the ce Ian was expecting her to be.


    ¡°There he is.¡±


    It was not difficult to find him among the increased number of people. He had a particrly good physique that attracted a great deal of attention from a flock of people. April leaned her back against the wall and gazed at him. She picked up a drink so she wouldn¡¯t stand out.


    ¡®He can¡¯t see me.¡¯


    Soon, he was surrounded by people of the most prominent families, but everyone seemed to be careful because of his sincerity.


    ¡°Marquis seems to be drawing attention to his outstanding self.¡±¡°I¡¯m ttered.¡±


    April heard a woman much older than herpliment Ian.


    She was unfamiliar to April, but the others appeared to step back a little as she approached Ian. So, it meant she was from a fairly influential family.


    ¡°This Marquis doesn¡¯t seem to have any thoughts about marriage, does he?¡±¡°No, I don¡¯t really have any.¡±


    Ian replied with a straight face before sipping on his drink. As a result, the woman was embarrassed.


    After a brief awkward silence, someone in the crowd brought up another story.


    ¡°I heard a family showed interest in the Marquis recently, right?¡±¡°Ah, I heard that a youngdy from that family often visits him!¡±¡°I heard thedy isn¡¯t very nice, which is surprising. I wonder if the Marquis was merciful.¡±


    As if to help him, a man and a woman remarked sarcastically.


    ¡®It¡¯s about Count Rose. Why are they making fun of Ian?¡¯


    April was sure that they were trying to bring out Lady Fiora¡¯s name. Although the name of Count Rose, the main culprit, waspletely left out.


    Sure enough, those who knew what really happened between Count Rose and Ian kept silent.


    ¡®Come to think of it, Fiora¡­¡­..¡¯


    April turned her eyes around, but Fiora was nowhere to be found beside Ian. Ian was keeping his expressionless face, but April could tell that deep down he was feeling ufortable.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think I understand what you¡¯re saying, but let me tell you what you¡¯re curious about. I will not ept marriage in the future. From any family that has ever been spoken of here. So stop ndering Lady Rose, with whom I have no rtion.¡±


    He firmly dered before silence filled in. Those sitting in front of him with confidence looked embarrassed, but Ian replied with a smile.


    ¡°I¡¯ve had someone in mind for a long time.¡±


    Hisst words were enough to make his surroundings tumble out of existence. The impact was even greater because he was always veryposed. Compared to the others, Ian seemed quite relieved.


    ¡®Ian¡­¡­.¡¯


    When Ian turned his head, he met April¡¯s eyes. It was a brief encounter before they both turned away.


    Meanwhile, music started to y in the banquet hall announcing the ball.


    ¡®I must leave now!¡¯


    April grabbed the hem of her skirt and hurried. As soon as she passed thest people chatting, she increased her speed and ran towards the detached building where she couldn¡¯t hear the music.


    The faster she ran, the more she stumbled because of the shoes. But she took no care.


    ¡°Ah, wait! Your earring!¡±


    By the time I reached the annex, she heard someone calling after her. That voice belonged to Fiora.


    ¡®Why is she¡­¡­¡¯


    April stopped and turned around. She could have just ignored it, but Ian¡¯s gift was in her hand, so she had no choice but to stop.


    ¡°I picked it up for you¨C We¡¯ve met before, haven¡¯t we?¡±¡°¡­¡­.¡±¡°No? I remember you from your hair.¡±


    It was not a crowded hall, but she never imagined she would meet her outside. April only bowed her head and fixed her veil to hide her agitation.


    ¡°I guess you¡¯re not happy to see me. Forgive me. I was lonely.¡±


    She seemed to have been walking alone near the detached building. The ss in Fiora¡¯s hand was empty. It seemed that no one stepped up to fill her ss or bring a new one.


    ¡®I wonder if she came out here because she felt ufortable inside.¡¯


    It reminded April of the group of people who tried to attack Ian.


    They knew that Count Rose had some suspicious means to go after Ian, and Fiora didn¡¯t want to stick in there.


    ¡®I wonder how those people act normally.¡¯


    April also knew what it was like to be the topic for a conversation. So at this state, she could rte a bit to Fiora.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you taking this?¡±


    She reached out her hand. On top of her purple gloves, April¡¯s jewel earring resembling moonlight sparkled. Ian chose it himself.


    ¡°Moonlight earrings. I guess someone really cares about you.¡±


    Fiora grinned. April could not return the gesture, remembering they didn¡¯t exchange any words when they met a month ago. She silently took her earring back.


    ¡°Thank you for picking it up.¡±


    April bowed quietly before she turned away. Fiora stared at April, quickening her steps each minute, until she disappeared.


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 Chapter 42

    <em>Trantor and Editor: Lea</em>


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    <strong><em>Chapter 42</em></strong>


    After her carriage arrived at Ian¡¯s mansion, April hurried down the garden. The clicking of her shoes sped up as Ian came out to greet her.


    ¡°I left as soon as the dance began, to have the most spectacr time with you.¡±


    Ian stated as he took her hand. As the door opened, the lights turned on one by one illuminating them both.


    ¡°I was about to lose my mind when someone said they had someone in mind for a long time.¡±¡°That¡¯s why you¡¯re here?¡±¡°Yes.¡±


    It seemed the tension they received from the ceremony melted away.


    ¡°I¡¯m happy that she¡¯s right in front of me.¡±


    He pulled her in, wrapping the other arm around her waist. There was no space left between them.


    ¡°Have you ever danced?¡±¡°I have received lessons when I was young, but I¡¯ve never done this before.¡±¡°I promise it won¡¯t be hard.¡±


    In the quiet hall ¨C with no colorful and shing lights or magnificent music ¨C they slowly moved their feet. They danced to their own music.


    ¡°Come to think of it, you arrived a littlete.¡±¡°I ran into Lady Fiora Rose in the detached building. I guess I was careless.¡±¡°Oh, please don¡¯t always me yourself.¡±¡°It was probably because she found it difficult to mix into the group.¡±¡°That¡¯s right. No matter how much you try to bring up the truth, you can¡¯t control the false rumors that were spread before it. Therefore, she wanted to avoid them.¡±


    Both Ian and April had experienced it before. Moreover, Fiora ¨C who was rumored to be involved with Ian ¨C was living with a more severe misunderstanding. April felt bad for her. Whenever April saw her like that, she was reminded of what she went through in Carleva 10 years ago.


    ¡°You seem worried.¡±¡°It¡¯splicated. Even I, who herself is in a simr situation, doubted and tried to avoid her.¡±


    April tried to concentrate elsewhere, but she kept wiggling her hands and focusing on her shoes below.


    Ian only pulled her in by her waist. Their premature ball continued for a while longer.


    ***


    Ethan Hale, an advisor to the family of Reykis, thought that the young master of the Reykis family might have gone crazy.


    It was because he proposed an increase in down payment, even though all that needed to be handled right now was work rted to the North-eastern mining region.


    It was lucky for the ransom to rise even though he stayed still, but Ethan had his doubts because he knew Ian wouldn¡¯t do anything in vain.


    ¡°Let¡¯s wrap up the story of thend first. We¡¯ve gone through all the purchase procedures, am I correct?¡±


    Whether he knew about Ethan¡¯s curiosity or not, Ian flipped through the documents carelessly. Ethan put on his sses and carefully examined the documents signed by Ian. There was a lot to deal with because thend came in such aplicated manner.


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing wrong. The Marquis can proceed like this.¡±¡°It¡¯s my first time buyingnd, but thanks to you, I settled it well.¡±¡°I¡¯m ttered.¡±¡°So then, I¡¯d like to entrust you with a job where you can make more use of your outstanding talents. You said you were interested in such events when you were in the academy.¡±


    ¡°Pardon? Well, that¡¯s true¡­.. But are you trying to raise the down payment for that?¡±


    At Ethan¡¯s question, he grinned. It was the first time Ian had such a goofy smile. Ethan squinted his eyes suspiciously at the document he handed out.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you? Why am I getting paid so much?¡±¡°It¡¯s to prove someone¡¯s innocence.¡±


    Ethan tried to think. None of the Reykis family had such a story, so it must have been someone Ian cared about. Ethan wondered who it was for Ian to help them so much.


    ¡°But, isn¡¯t this amount a little too much?¡±¡°It was a case 10 years ago, and I think the local court was involved. We need to start collecting evidence now.¡±¡°Then, it sounds appropriate.¡±


    Ian chuckled when Ethan murmured. Just in time, a knock was heard on the door of the office. It was us who was ordered to call April.


    ¡°Bring her in ande in.¡±


    April entered when us gently gestured her toe inside.


    Ethan ¨C who saw a woman of his age at Ian¡¯s house for the first time ¨C couldn¡¯t take his eyes off April. The whole time she walked toward Ian, his eyes followed her figure with a shocked look on his face.


    ¡°April, this is Ethan Hale, our family advisor.¡±¡°N-Nice to meet you.¡±


    Ethan hesitated, while April looked surprised because she met a helper much faster than she expected. Ian stood up from his seat and walked to her.


    ¡°This is my wife, April.¡±


    At Ian¡¯s words, both April and Ethan whipped their heads to look at him. Their eyes were wide in surprise. Ethan ¨C who had not been reported of the marriage ¨C was surprised that Ian suddenly introduced a woman as his wife, while April was surprised he called her wife when they weren¡¯t married yet.


    ¡°I-Ian.¡±


    April looked up at Ian. He gently lowered his head to whisper in a voice that was deafening to April¡¯s ears.


    ¡°This would be much morefortable.¡±


    Because it wouldn¡¯t require additional exnation.


    ¡°I can¡¯t hold a ceremony because of the circumstances, but let me tell you that we¡¯ll soon be legally married.¡±¡°Yes, I mean, may I know what the false usation was¡­¡­¡±¡°April will exin the details herself.¡±


    Ian guided them to the guest table. Then, he ced a bunch of files he received from April on the table and rmended Ethan to read them.


    ¡°Hmm.¡±


    Ethan began to turn them over one by one. The first file of the misceneous data stated that judgement was assured by the court of Carleva by burning the Marquis alive.


    The next document contained the court¡¯s ruling, witnesses, arguments, Elise¡¯s rebuttal, and at the end, an usation against Elise.


    ¡°This is¡­¡­¡±


    Ethan was speechless.


    The im that a woman ughtered dozens of vige women alone was absurd, and the time given to prove her usation was too short.


    Elise, who strongly resisted at first, seemed to have given up at once at some point.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry to hear this, but it seems it was a setup.¡±


    Ethan put down the files. It was the story of a woman staged as a viin, or rather as a witch found in precedents a long time ago. Her crime was imed to be murder, and it was also said that she seduced men.


    Of course, murder deserved a heavy sentence, but there were cases of minor crimes where a witch was burned or buried to death.


    ¡°Is there any other basis for iming that your mother was innocent?¡±¡°My mother was never like that, so let me tell you the truth. She devoted her entire life to research and taking care of her family. She had no time tomit such an incident. She also lost her physical strength because of the hard time she had.¡±¡°Was there anything suspicious besides personal reasons?¡±¡°Even though so many people have been ughtered, there has been no report of such disappearance in Carleva. The scene of the incident has never been disclosed.¡±¡°I agree with you, but I need more evidence.¡±¡°Evidence that she wasn¡¯t guilty?¡±¡°I need more evidence of her innocence, evidence that doesn¡¯t constitute the alleged crime.¡±


    The key was to find something that could prove her innocence.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure your mother would have left a small clue. I want to start from there.¡±¡°Do you remember anything?¡±¡°Yes. My mother¡¯s study. There should be a clue there.¡±


    Her study ¨C which was shut closed since 10 years ago ¨C might contain numerous secrets.


    ¡°So please help me. Sir Hale.¡±


    It wasn¡¯t strange to judge that Ethan ¨C who studiedw for a long time ¨C had no chance of winning. April joined her hands earnestly. He remained silent for a while, switching his gaze between the documents and April, before he raised his sses as a habit.


    ¡°I will do my best as the Marquis¡¯ legal advisor.¡±¡°Thank you. Thank you so much!¡±


    April bowed her head repeatedly. Ian picked up the files and reached out to Ethan as he was getting up from his seat.


    Ethan hesitated for a moment before he shook Ian¡¯s hands.


    ¡°I look forward to working with you. I¡¯m counting on you.¡±


    It was quite a big deal for April that her ally increased by one. She bowed politely to him leaving the mansion. She raised her head only when he disappeared beyond the gates.


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 Chapter 43

    <em>Trantor and Editor: Lea</em>


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    <strong><em>Chapter 43</em></strong>


    ¡°April, you can rx now.¡±


    Ian said, slowly stroking her back as she rxed. She took a deep breath with her hand resting her hand on her chest. She took a memoir of the past ten years she spent in one determination.


    ¡°Thank you, Ian. Thank you for taking care of this for me.¡±¡°I just did what I had to. And, I¡¯m sorry for making you flustered earlier.¡±¡°What? Introducing me as your wife?¡±¡°Yes.¡±¡°It will be true soon anyway. I knew that you were trying to help me.¡±¡°Thank you for understanding.¡±


    Ian was also in a hurry as much as April. Impatience was wriggling inside him as if it was his duty to fill. However, he was also trying hard not to ever find that he was running in vain.


    ¡°Soon, we will have to pay frequent visits to the North for justification purposes. I¡¯vepleted the process of purchasing the mine.¡±¡°Wow! That¡¯s good to hear!¡±¡°I¡¯ve also bought a small mansion near the mine.¡±¡°The ce where my family¡¯s caretaker used to stay?¡±¡°Yes.¡±


    Ian discussed his ns on the mine with April.


    ¡°That¡¯s why you¡¯ll be the chief manager.¡±¡°What?¡±¡°You¡¯re smart and you know the ce better than anyone else. You could help me in this way.¡±¡°But, now it belongs to the family of Reykis.¡±¡°That¡¯s the reason I¡¯m leaving it in your hands. You will soon be a member of our family in papers, and above all, you are the person I trust the most.¡±


    Ian grinned as he finished. In response to his persuasion, April shook her head in sympathy.


    ¡°I¡¯ll give it a thought.¡±¡°Good. So, you¡¯ve found one now.¡±


    Ian counted to himself. He was sessful in recovering the mine that previously belonged to April¡¯s family.


    Starting with that, Ian vowed to walk beside her and return what she lost step by step.


    ***


    On one wintry day half a monthter, the two shared their vows. The marriage consisted of only a few letters written on a white paper, in the absence of cheers from guests.


    ¡°Once you¡¯re done, you can sign here.¡±


    They ¨C after carefully reading the marriage terms ¨C added their respective signatures. Ian submitted Kane¡¯s attested certificate and deration altogether.


    Ian and April ¨C who were lovers until they entered the court ¨C left the same door as a couple.


    ¡°I need to practice saying my name now.¡±


    April jokingly unraveled her restless mind.


    She was nervous at the thought that the surroundings would begin to change after this.


    ¡°So, you wouldn¡¯t be shy if I introduced you as my wife now, would you?¡±¡°Hmm¡­¡­ I think so? Ah, that doesn¡¯t mean that I didn¡¯t like what happenedst time!¡±


    Ian was also concerned about his marriage, but he pretended to be calm so that April could rely on him more. Throughout the journey back to the mansion, he made sure to never let go of her hand.


    ¡°Can you spare some time for me, April?¡±¡°Sure. But where are you going?¡±¡°I¡¯m not going anywhere.¡±


    He led her to the detached building. He took her to the ce where he used to sneak through the window whenever he missed April.


    ¡°Here?¡±¡°There¡¯s something I wanted to give you.¡±


    Theke ¨C where they first talked to each other ¨C was shining calmly under the sunlight of the cold afternoon. He guided her under the two trees standing side by side along theke.


    Despite the cold weather, the two camellia trees with green leaves and red petals stood out in contrast to the scenery.


    ¡°April, hand.¡±


    Puzzled, she ced her hand on his outstretched hand. Then, he took something out of his coat and carefully put it around her fourth finger. Shining brightly, it was the ring he saved for this day.


    ¡°Ian¡­¡­.!¡±¡°Honestly, this ce was just a ¡®ce¡¯ until I met you. But because of you, it has be meaningful for me.¡±


    Camellia trees ¨C which bloomed more colorful with the increase of the cold weather ¨C were a perfect symbolism of love. Below them, Ian wanted to promise April the future.


    ¡°This is so beautiful, Ian. I¡¯ll always be sorry. There¡¯s not much I can give you.¡±


    Ian shook his head. He pulled her into a kiss. The warmth of his feelings was evident through his lips. April gripped his arm as the kiss deepened.


    ¡°You saved me so many times, and stop saying sorry.¡±


    He whispered as they parted. Her eyesnded on her hand which shone exceptionally bright today.


    It was a sign. A sign that Ian would not let go of her even in the midst of the blizzard that was toe.


    ***


    April began organizing theboratory in case she had to visit Carleva anytime soon. Since her research was almost over, she thought it was better to organize what she umted. On the other hand, a perfumeplementary to the prototype waspleted based on the enchantments she practiced.


    ¡°It¡¯ll be finished soon.¡±


    Ian appeared to have stabilized day by day after the imprint, and his dependence on the drugs seemed to have decreased noticeably, but for the time being, it was necessary to press down his symptoms in case of an emergency.


    It was because of what Ian always said that the human body could never be as perfect as a ruler.


    ¡°Should I put this aside¡­¡­.¡±


    She nced at her research materials piled up next to her desk. She put them in empty boxes one by one.


    After cleaning up, she ced her hand below the drawer of her desk.


    That drawer could only be opened through a spell she ced herself. She used it to hide Elise¡¯s notebook.


    ¡°There might be something.¡±


    After she stood by the deskmp, she flipped the pages one by one. Her mother¡¯s study should be storing a clue or information if it was tightly shut all these years.


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    As time went by, she found nk white pages. But, there seemed to be something written at the end.


    Perhaps, she couldn¡¯t read it under all the lights.


    ¡°How can I read this?¡±


    The letters cut off in the middle seemed to be intentional. April thought. If Elise didn¡¯t want to show it to others, then she somehow ced a lock on it.


    ¡®I have to try everything I know.¡¯


    April thought of several spells that could solve passwords and rubbed the paper with her hand.


    ¡°Huh? That was easy.¡±


    Surprisingly, the handwriting became distinct the moment she finished. It felt like she found treasure buried deep into the ground. Only April could use it.


    ¡¶ I told ine to withdraw. If she gets caught, the road to ¡®Carko¡¯ shall be cut off here, and the magic will likely extend to April. I think I have to respond to their hunt now. ¡·


    ¡°ine? Who is she?¡±


    Was she someone Elise used to know? Whoever she was, she seemed to be moving at themand of Elise, but April knew none of the servants with the same name.


    ¡¶ Luckily, even if I disappear and the property falls to them, this record will never disappear or fall in the wrong hands. I never thought I¡¯d have to use witchcraft in this way. ¡·


    ¡¶ If you¡¯re my daughter April who is reading this, I hope you already know. The ¡®blue eyes¡¯ that I asked you to keep will show you the way.


    It¡¯s up to you whether you want to use it or not, but whatever you choose, make sure you do it without regret. I will always love you. ¡·


    This was the record. The handwriting was Elise¡¯s. It seemed that she wrote this in a hurry. Her scrawled handwriting and the errors she made at the end were the proof.


    April closed the notebook without another nce.


    ¡°Mother.¡±


    This was one of the pieces of evidence that Elise had tried to find out about the missing women until the end. Unfortunately at some point in time, she had the desire to sacrifice her life to save April.


    This showed how great her mother had been.


    ¡°Why am I seeing this now¡­¡­.¡±


    April was devastated. She sobbed silently, covering her face with both hands.


    ***


    Fabian could not let go of his work even though he was immersed in the sweet dreams of his honeymoon. To his demise, he needed to pay a lot of attention during thepletion of the North-eastern defense and stabilization period.


    Ian also wanted to organize as soon as possible, so he had to be present in briefing every day for thest eight days.


    ¡°There has been no reported ident and the progress seems to be fast. As a result, there was nothing for you or me to see personally. No wonder, do you have any other ns?¡±¡°I was going to tell you.¡±


    Ian heavily sighed. Fabian closed the file, ced it aside, and leaned deeply against the chair.


    ¡ª


    tl/n: hi! unfortunately, this will be dropped by our group after this chapter. thank you so much for following our releases until now!


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