IRMLIMP 13

chapter 13

After ascending the throne, Emperor Ferdik claimed that by granting Lishid the Grand Duchy he once held, he had paid his final respects to the late Emperor and Empress.

But Lishid—already branded a fake prince—was neglected from that day forward, receiving no proper education and growing up into a Grand Duke skilled only in swordsmanship.

‘Even now, Lishid is being driven around by Emperor Ferdik’s orders to subjugate monsters.’

What more perfect narrative could there be?

The tragic relationship between Lishid, the unfortunate prince, and Emperor Ferdik was widely known.

Which made Ferdik the perfect “false villain” I could pin things on—even without solid evidence.

There was just one problem…

“Why did you stop talking, Lady?”

I swallowed hard.

Over Lishid’s questioning voice, I recalled those piercing red eyes that seemed to see right through me.

“I hate lies the most.”

Right. Lishid had said he hated lies more than anything.

Well—second only to crying.

‘But me…’

I had already kidnapped and deceived him to save my own life.

And there was no way I was going to suddenly confess, “Surprise! I was the culprit all along!”

If I did, my head might roll on the spot.

Letting out a faint sigh, I clenched my hands tightly.

‘…It’s fine.’

My conscience stung, but it was far too late to turn back.

My one and only life was on the line—I couldn’t afford hesitation over guilt.

‘Still, accusing the Emperor is a huge risk.’

If things went wrong, I might not die at Lishid’s hands—but at the Emperor’s.

And Lishid himself could be put in danger.

‘So I need to approach this carefully.’

For now, I decided to add the Emperor to my list of “false villains” and chose my words cautiously.

“It’s true… the circumstances do seem to line up as if someone planned this.”

“You think so as well?”

“Yes. But, Your Grace… wouldn’t it be better to observe a bit longer? At least until the welcoming ceremony ends.”

I felt Lishid lean forward slightly, puzzled.

“Why?”

“Well… it’s not something that would benefit him, is it? If anything, he stands to lose from it.”

Today’s banquet had been arranged by the Emperor himself to honor his nephew—Lishid.

At the same time, it was meant to display how obedient the Grand Duke of Effenterion was to the imperial command.

So if Lishid thought about it a little more, he would understand.

There was no real gain for the Emperor in cursing him.

“……”

I waited for his response, watching carefully.

But his silence dragged on.

‘Hmm… was that too presumptuous?’

Not being able to see his expression made it even more nerve-wracking.

My palms grew damp with tension, but I tried not to show it.

Before long, Lishid finally spoke.

“…You’re right. Your reasoning makes sense.”

“Really?”

“Yes. I may have been too hasty.”

But strangely, there was a hint of self-mockery in his voice.

“Perhaps I should have informed Cassel of this situation.”

He muttered as if to himself.

Cassel…

‘His aide?’

I frowned slightly at the familiar name when suddenly the orchestra music filling the hall came to an abrupt stop.

The murmuring voices died down, and the doorkeeper at the entrance shouted loudly:

“Sir Cassel Elvience, representative of His Highness the Grand Duke of Effenterion, enters!”

Through the grand doors, a man with ash-gray hair, wearing a uniform adorned with golden epaulettes, stepped inside.

The nobles filling the hall immediately bowed their heads.

I quickly stepped out from behind the pillar and gathered my dress, performing the curtsy I had practiced for days.

Even if he was only a representative, imperial law required proper respect to one delivering the Grand Duke’s words.

‘So that’s him.’

I lifted my gaze slightly to observe the man heading toward the stage.

Cassel Elvience.

A supporting character who appeared frequently in the original story—and one I personally liked for his fun chemistry with Lishid.

‘First Seria, and now I’m seeing Cassel in person…’

For some reason, my heart started pounding.

Hmm… it feels like I’m crossing a point of no return.

‘…I’ll be okay, right?’

Lishid’s aide, Cassel, trudged across the banquet hall and climbed onto the stage.

‘Unbelievable… I couldn’t find His Grace before the ceremony started…’

After his lord disappeared, leaving behind only a short note—

Cassel had secretly searched for him, following the order: “I have urgent business. Do not let anyone know I’ve disappeared.”

But no matter where he looked, there wasn’t even a single credible sighting.

‘Can a person just vanish from inside a carriage?’

He hadn’t jumped out mid-ride, nor used a teleportation scroll.

Something was definitely strange.

Still, Cassel didn’t dare doubt or worry about his lord.

Strictly speaking, this wasn’t a disappearance—it was closer to running away.

But—

‘Ugh… I hate this, Your Grace… You know I’m terrified of crowds, and yet you left me with this burden…!’

As a severe introvert, standing here was pure torture.

Just wait until he returns—this time, I’ll cry my eyes out, throw my resignation letter at his handsome face, and go home.

Sniffling internally, Cassel silently resented Lishid.

Then he noticed a cluster of nobles whispering among themselves in one corner of the hall.

‘Those… western bastards…’

They were the western nobles surrounding Marquis Langard.

Cassel immediately straightened, anger flashing across his face.

Even if it had been the Emperor’s order, the Knights of Effenterion had risked their lives to eliminate the monsters in the west.

Yet not a single one of those nobles had shown up during the campaign.

No supplies. No donations.

Instead, they fled to the capital, fearing failure, rather than worrying about their own lands.

Cassel ground his teeth.

‘Our Grand Duke and the knights couldn’t even sleep…’

And yet, just look at their well-fed faces!

As Cassel glared at them, practically burning with indignation, a servant’s voice rang out from the staircase leading to the stage:

“His Majesty, the Sun of the Great Retinoa Empire, arrives!”

The nobles instantly bowed their heads. Cassel, suppressing his anger, turned and dropped to one knee.

Descending the stairs at a measured pace, Emperor Ferdik took his seat upon the throne.

“Raise your heads.”

Everyone slowly straightened.

“Today, I have prepared this gathering to welcome the Grand Duke of Effenterion, who has returned after subjugating the western monsters.”

The Emperor’s dignified voice echoed through the hall.

“However, the guest of honor informed the imperial palace this morning that he would not attend—without offering any explanation.”

A ripple spread through the crowd at the subtle criticism.

But the Emperor rose with a gentle smile.

“High Priest.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Holding the ceremonial holy sword, Erkael stepped forward and presented it.

The Emperor approached Cassel.

“Welcome back safely, Sir Elvience. May the blessings of the gods also reach my beloved nephew, Lishid.”

Lifting the holy sword, the Emperor slowly traced a sign of blessing over Cassel’s shoulder.

Watching this, the nobles were reminded of the Emperor’s kindness—granting a grand title even to a nephew of uncertain origin.

By praising Cassel instead of reprimanding him, it was clear he was overlooking the Grand Duke’s absence without excuse.

“Now, raise your glasses.”

The Emperor took a prepared glass of champagne.

“Sir Elvience has brought words on behalf of the Grand Duke. Let us hear them.”

“…Y-Your Majesty?”

Caught off guard by something never discussed beforehand, Cassel glanced around in confusion.