* * *
“Henders?”
“Ah—Lady Sylvian, you’re here!”
Henders, who had been inspecting and organizing the ring for the duchess, lifted his head to greet Sylvian.
There were even darker circles under his eyes now, and Sylvian gave him an awkward smile.
“So? Find anything useful?”
“Yes. If a location is registered, you can send documents to it. It has both transmission and location-tracking magic.”
Henders had spent half the day carefully examining the ring’s internal structure.
Since it was meant for the Duke, he took extra time.
“The transmission magic can be customized, and the tracking magic can be applied to any item you choose. I’ll engrave it for you.”
Even the Duke had asked to have tracking magic engraved onto a bracelet—it seemed the duchess also had quite the possessive streak.
Henders smiled, thinking they were quite the affectionate couple, and waited for Sylvian’s response.
“Can you track it anywhere in the empire?”
“Oh—it’s not that far-reaching. It needs to be within range of the tracking device—roughly about the size of the capital.”
The capital, huh?
Still, that wasn’t small.
If something happened to him, this would help them find him.
There was a difference between running away and being kidnapped by another faction.
“Then, can you link it to this map?”
Sylvian pulled a small model of the empire out of his pocket.
It was palm-sized and displayed maps to scale when you spoke the name of a location.
It resembled xMap or the green portal maps and could even render 3D structures for buildings if needed.
He’d heard it was an incredibly expensive item, yet one day it had just appeared in a corner of his bedroom.
“Perfect.”
Henders examined the device with interest, turning it over in his hands.
He said he could definitely inscribe the magic and disappeared inside for a moment.
‘When I meet Karl and Lady Nefer tomorrow, I’ll know for sure.’
Sylvian looked forward to the formal dinner scheduled for the next day.
The Holts were probably just overly kind and nosy.
Yuri was more ambiguous—but as long as Sylvian held the position of duchess, he intended to maintain appropriate boundaries.
The only issue left was Karl.
Considering how they constantly clashed, there had to be something going on between them.
“Are you ready?”
At Zeroth’s question, Sylvian nodded. It was the day of the promised event they had postponed due to Myrtius’s circumstances.
The two of them had been understanding, willingly rearranging their schedules to comfort Martius over what had happened.
Since Martius was staying at the estate, they had already received permission for him to attend as well.
“What? Did you fall for him again?”
Zeroth laughed when Sylvian simply blinked at him, frozen in place.
His face flushed, and Zeroth wanted to bite into those blushing cheeks.
“Ugh… Zeroth, you’re always handsome.”
As Sylvian’s hand reached up to touch his burning face, Luaia shot him a sharp look.
“I went through all the trouble to dress you up properly. Don’t mess it up now.”
When Sylvian pulled his hand away at her glare, Zeroth clicked his tongue in disappointment.
“The other two will be here soon. Shall we head down first?”
“Is Young Lord Martius ready?”
“Yes. He’s already done and waiting.”
Kelvin answered Zeroth’s question.
This was an important formal dinner attended by two of the Empire’s Marquis houses, Marquis Rooster and Marquis Nefer.
Of course, it was common knowledge among the capital’s residents that the Marquis children had fought fiercely since childhood.
It was a surprise that the Duchess didn’t know this—though considering his health, they had no choice but to let it slide.
After Martius came to live at the Duke’s residence, they’d questioned him under the pretense of caring for the Duchess, and it had confirmed what the intelligence bureau had already found.
“Marquis Rooster should be arriving soon.”
One of the attendants announced the time.
At that, Zeroth offered his arm to Sylvian, inviting him to escort.
“Martius said he’ll be returning to the Viscount’s estate next week.”
Descending the stairs, Sylvian spoke with a pout.
“Oh dear, is he leaving already? He could stay longer at the Duke’s estate.”
“His parents are worried and told him to come home, but… I don’t think Martius wants to impose.”
The whole time he stayed at the estate, he had worried he was a burden.
“Then how about we have him stay until the New Year’s party?”
“Can we do that?”
“Of course. If Sylvie wants it, then it should be so.”
He had thought the New Year’s party would be held on the first day of the year, but it was actually hosted by the imperial capital on the final day of the first month.
There was a tradition of spending the beginning of the year with precious family members.
Families would stay home, share meals, and maybe invite a few close guests for dinner.
Having two Marquis houses visit the Duke’s estate during such a time could potentially be seen as a threat to the royal family.
Which was why Kelvin had done his utmost to ensure this banquet would proceed without issue.
Meanwhile, the Duke and Duchess—who had arranged the banquet—were completely disinterested and off talking about other things.
“After the New Year’s party, Yuri has to return to the academy.”
“Shall we arrange a visit to the academy during break?”
Tormenting Yuri Holt a bit might be amusing.
Zeroth agreed with Sylvian’s suggestion to help him relax.
“Brother.”
“…You look amazing.”
Martius, dressed properly, waited for them where they were supposed to receive guests.
Seeing Sylvian’s overwhelmed expression, Zeroth let out a small laugh.
He talked about Marti so much since he arrived, it was clear how fond he was of his younger brother.
‘He looks pretty average though.’
What was so amazing about him?
He was only a little taller and a bit more muscular than Sylvian.
Sure, he was handsome—but that was expected of an Alpha.
He had perfect pheromone control and never slipped up, unlike some others.
“The Marquis of Rooster and the Lady of House Nefer have both arrived at nearly the same time.”
A servant announced the awkward news.
Why?
Just as Sylvian tilted his head, a thunderous noise shook the estate.
Dadadak!
Udududududuk!
Hyah!
The sounds of galloping horses approached rapidly.
“Ze-Zeroth?”
The carriages looked like they were about to smash right through the gates.
“It’s fine. They’re both skilled. They’ll stop on their own.”
If they damaged the estate, they’d just sue for damages.
Zeroth calmly patted Sylvian’s hand.
“Whoa there!”
Screeech!
The two coachmen stopped their carriages at the same time.
The sudden stop after such speed caused both carriages to shake violently.
“I’d only heard the rumors…”
Sylvian gaped, and Martius looked on curiously—he never thought he’d witness this in person.
Bang!
Both carriage doors slammed open at once, and the Marquis of Rooster and the Lady of House Nefer stepped out simultaneously.
“W-who should I escort…?”
Sylvian fumbled, and Zeroth gently pulled him close, reassuring him.
Having been briefed in advance, Martius stepped toward the Lady of House Nefer.
As he held out his hand to escort her, her lips curled into a smile.
Taking Martius’s hand, she stepped down from the carriage with the dignity and flair of a queen.
Her tight black dress accentuated her figure, and the black fan and red shawl made her even more enchanting.
“Tsk.”
Karl, who stepped out alone, scowled upon checking his surroundings, then quickly turned to face the Duchess.
“Thank you for the invitation.”
Beating Charlian to the carriage exit, Karl bowed to the Duke and Duchess with formality.
* * *
