Chapter 25
“…The Tower Master’s reward for the subjugation is clear. She doesn’t move for political reasons.”
“You mean the condition about exempting land tax in the Morgenda Forest. But Commander—”
“Enough.”
Carpe clearly had more to say, but Helios looked down at him and spoke in a low voice.
“Do not deploy the shadows without my command. Ever again.”
“Mm, yes! That’s disciplinary action, right? Should I cut off my right hand?”
“The punishment will be delivered through Marie.”
“Yes, sir!”
Now Carpe was genuinely curious about Enya.
Helios Deferth. As far as Carpe knew, he cherished his people deeply—but oddly enough, he trusted no one. It was as if he had once been terribly betrayed. Even Carpe, his own shadow, was watched by others. Suspicion and doubt never left him; he was always tense.
It was a virtue in a superior—but personally, it seemed like an exhausting way to live.
Marie once described him as “a man who has people, but no friends.” Honestly, Carpe never really understood what she meant.
In any case, Helios—who would suspect even a passing dog—was telling him not to investigate Enya Valencia.
Ah, Commander… if you act like this, it’ll be hard for me to sit still.
As Carpe lingered stubbornly, Helios narrowed his eyes in fatigue.
“Anything else?”
“Yes! I’ll withdraw the shadows as ordered, but I did gather some information.”
Helios’s brow instantly furrowed, and Carpe quickly continued.
“Prince Ogatai has invited the Tower Master of Morgenda to his residence tomorrow.”
“….”
“And Commander, aren’t you also scheduled to meet the Crown Prince tomorrow?”
It was true—Helios had planned to see Ogatai off before he returned north the next day. But he hadn’t expected Enya to be there.
“So?”
“May I accompany you tomorrow?”
Carpe sheathed his dagger and smiled.
“As the leader of the shadows, I’ll just confirm things. That way, I can be at ease.”
His reasoning was sound, and Helios allowed it without much resistance.
What followed—Carpe getting brutally beaten by Marie during roll call, forced into a push-up position—was not much of a secret. It was punishment.
Enya and Hasan arrived at the inn only after the sunset had completely faded.
Laila, still furious, had refused to come—shouting, “I’m not going!”—so only the two of them left the tower. Their finances weren’t great, so instead of a carriage, they had ridden horses for half a day. Their tailbones felt like they were about to split, so they planned to rest for a day before attending the publishing event.
But Ogatai had already stationed an extravagant escort in front of the small inn early in the morning.
They made no attempt to hide their northern origin—dressed in black cloaks, long-sleeved garments, and hats adorned with gold fabric. Compared to them—like sleek black crows—Enya, who had just woken up, looked like a stray cat dragged out of ashes.
One of the attendants spoke without expression.
“His Highness wishes to see you.”
Enya let out a sharp scoff, her black eyes landing on the flag attached to a spear. It bore the symbol of northern Kastamonu—ruled by Ogatai—a black horse with four wings.
The horse’s face looked annoyingly similar to Ogatai’s own smug grin. Just looking at it made her sick.
“So?”
The lead attendant feigned surprise, then quickly got off his horse with a sly expression. He personally opened the carriage door.
“He wishes to see you. Now. Immediately. We will escort you to the residence.”
Her refusal had been clear—but in the end, the attendant practically bundled her into the four-wheeled carriage. Hasan followed with their belongings.
The carriage departed at once.
Inside the moving carriage, Hasan handed her clothes and began brushing her hair. Enya just grumbled.
“Ogatai, that bastard acts like he’ll die if he doesn’t see me. He could’ve just sent a messenger bird instead of going through all this trouble.”
“His Highness is impatient. Be generous, Enya.”
“Yeah, yeah… Hasan, are you okay? You’re not tired?”
Hasan usually didn’t move around much, and as a child, he would often collapse. She couldn’t help worrying.
“I’m fine.”
“You don’t go out often. And you’re not even good at riding horses… Hasan, tell me if you’re in pain. We can just go back.”
“Enya, I’m fine.”
He cut her off firmly.
Although Hasan and Laila were the ones who dressed, fed, and took care of Enya, she always treated them like ten-year-old children. Since that would never change, it was easier to just shut it down.
“…Alright. Tell me if you’re tired.”
“Yes.”
Enya leaned her elbow against the window frame and rested her chin.
Outside, Ogatai’s attendants surrounded the carriage.
She spoke loudly enough for them to hear.
“What am I, a dog? Wagging my tail to greet my master?”
“Isn’t it because you have no power, Enya? So yes—dog.”
Enya turned her head sharply, raising a brow at Hasan.
“Want some cold water?”
He handed her a leather flask.
While she gulped it down, Hasan resumed fixing her hair—tying and braiding it neatly despite the shaking carriage.
“Just leave it.”
“Laila told me to take care of you. There’ll be a lot of people at the Crown Prince’s residence. You’ll get criticized looking like that.”
“I don’t care—”
“I do. I’m the one who’ll get criticized. Do you know how much servants and attendants compete with each other? Look at how dressed up they are.”
At that, Enya fell silent.
Since becoming Tower Master, she had rarely gone out—handling most matters through Hasan, Laila, or messenger birds. Even the Crown Prince usually came to Morgenda himself instead of summoning her.
This was practically her first outing with Hasan since then.
She knew well about the invisible battles between attendants. She just hadn’t thought about it this time.
Her own reputation didn’t matter—but she couldn’t let Hasan and Laila be insulted.
“…Is my outfit okay?”
Hasan adjusted her sleeves and collar.
“Clothes only enhance beauty. Yes, you look fine.”
“…Where did Laila say she liked madeleines from?”
“Hitch’s madeleines.”
“Let’s buy some on the way back.”
Hasan smiled.
Whenever Enya felt embarrassed, she changed the subject—especially when complimented on her appearance. Laila would deliberately tease her for it, claiming she was so cute she almost wanted to tear her apart.
But both Hasan and Laila were completely serious about her beauty.
Tall, languid eyes, clean brow and nose line, deep black eyes, and pitch-dark hair that held no light—she was breathtaking, even in disarray.
Others might call it nonsense, but to them, she was overwhelming.
“Lady Valencia, you’ve cleaned up nicely. Looking good.”
A voice from outside the window.
Enya glared, annoyed.
“Sorry to interrupt your pleasant time—but we’ve arrived. Please step out.”
“Yes, yes.”
“Enya, you’ve got something on your eyelashes.”
“Mm.”
Enya closed her eyes briefly.
Helios might be here too…
Annoyance surged.
She had just managed to prepare herself—if he saw, he’d definitely mock her again.
Still, there was hope. There would be many nobles gathered. She could just blend in—or hide somewhere.
Worst case, I’ll pretend to be sick.
If she said she was ill, what could they do?
“All done. Perfect.”
At Hasan’s words, Enya opened her eyes resolutely and stepped out of the carriage.
But instead of an attendant—
A completely unexpected person stood waiting.
“Helios?”
The name slipped out in shock.
She hadn’t expected him at all.
Damn it… of all times.
He had clearly seen her preparing until just moments ago.
Dressed in formal white attire with heavy gold adornments, he looked flawless—far too perfect compared to her.
His golden hair was neatly combed back, his brows precise, and his dark green eyes balanced his otherwise bright appearance with a heavy depth.
“I—no, um. Why are you here?”
She stumbled as she stepped down.
Before she could fall, a strong hand grabbed her arm.
In an instant, she was pulled upright—but the momentum made her collide into his chest.
From the outside, it looked exactly like he was escorting her.
Now she wasn’t just flustered—she was baffled.
“Are your legs just for decoration, Tower Master?”
His tone was cold despite his supportive grip.
“Can’t even get down properly?”
Enya scoffed, trying to regain her balance—but his hand slid down and firmly grasped hers instead.
Their fingers intertwined.
A shiver ran down her spine.
His hand was rough. Too rough.
“What are you—”
“If you don’t want to fall, behave.”
“Why are you even here? And let go—people are watching.”
She whispered, conscious of the onlookers—but he didn’t release her.
“There are many people here today. We need to show that we’re on the same side.”
“Ogatai’s orders?”
“Stay close properly.”
