Yura, standing by the window, hugged Kian Blake after confirming that Lape had left the manor.

‘Once the princess arrives, everything will be over, right?’

While embracing Kian, Yura also hugged the twins, who were sitting with gloomy faces.

“The Marquis will be here soon, so please wait just a little longer.”

“Really?”

“Of course.”

Contrary to everyone’s worries, the twins did not fight at all and remained remarkably well-behaved. They even stopped arguing over who would sit in a chair first during meals.

Even when told that if a fire broke out in the carriage, they must not panic and quickly retreat to the mansion, the twins did not take it seriously—after all, fires in wood-laden carriages happened often.

Though they were told their father was temporarily staying at the manor due to a business trip, the twins intuitively sensed, amidst the heavy atmosphere, that there was more to it.

After seeing the King’s trusted aide, who led the royal guard, come and go, they thought they should ask about their father’s whereabouts, but found it difficult to bring up the subject.

Fortunately, the trustworthy Duchess took the initiative to share the news first.

Only then could the twins feel slightly relieved.

Yura and Seo Yeon, aware that the children were observing them, instructed them to study as usual and put them to bed early.

After the children fell asleep, Yura, Seo Yeon, Durion, and Vika Lamberst gathered in the parlor, sipping warm tea and unwinding from their fatigue.

“You’ve all worked hard.”

The remark was tantamount to urging them to keep going, and Vika, perhaps already interpreting it that way, was nearly sprawled across the parlor chair. Though seated comfortably, her senses remained sharply attuned to the outside of the mansion.

“The Duke is coming.”

The moment Vika spoke, everyone sprang up like coiled springs—but they did not go outside due to Vika’s next words.

“He hasn’t reached the mansion yet, so please remain seated.”

Vika’s keen ears had already detected sounds approaching from afar.

Those who had risen could not sit back down and waited anxiously for Sikar.

Seo Yeon was curious about Reidox’s whereabouts, while Yura wondered where the princess had been kept.

Durion, maintaining combat readiness, polished his sword.

Not long after, Sikar Blake entered the mansion, attended by servants.

Yura felt relieved that Sikar had arrived safely, and next, her heart fluttered with hope that Kian would finally meet the princess.

But Sikar’s first words upon entering disappointed not only Yura but everyone gathered in the parlor.

“The princess? How could this happen?”

Yura was so flustered she forgot even the etiquette she had resolved to maintain in front of others.

“Gillian would never execute a princess of such utility so obediently—we naively believed him without question.”

“So, it was a trap?”

At Yura’s sharp question, Sikar nodded.

“Correct. Clever girl. You must be curious how this happened. I’ll explain—everyone, sit down.”

Since Sikar confirmed that Reidox’s party was safe and, though Veronia had not been found, he was certain she was unharmed, Yura’s tension eased considerably.

Hearing that Reidox was safe, Seo Yeon also sighed deeply in relief.

“So now it’s become more complicated than simply returning to square one.”

Everyone focused on Sikar’s response to Yura’s bitter question.

“The situation has indeed grown more difficult, but since the princess is still alive, there is hope.”

‘Yes. Above all, what matters most is that the princess is alive.’

Yura thought, even so, it wasn’t enough to cause complete despair.

“I’ll explain things well to Kian.”

“No, I’ll tell him. I’ll promise him I’ll find her next time.”

Yura didn’t show it outwardly, but her heart warmed. At that moment, nothing could have been more reassuring or comforting to her.

As their conversation ended, Durion was about to bring up Lape’s visit—as if he had been waiting—but Sikar, having read Yura’s memories, spoke first.

“So the King summoned me?”

Unaware that Sikar could read memories, Durion tried to recall whether he had already mentioned it, but found no such memory. He assumed the Lady must have spoken first.

“I believe it’s a lure, meant to corner you into a trap.”

Vika, who had been silent until now, nodded in agreement.

“You might be imprisoned the moment you enter the palace tomorrow.”

“Wouldn’t it be better to feign illness?”

That wasn’t Sikar’s style.

“I’ll summon all the other nobles and go with them.”

“With the other nobles?”

“Since Princess Veronia was abducted en route to execution, the nobles are all lying low, terrified of being swept up in charges of treason.”

“Then wouldn’t it be even more dangerous to go with them?”

“They were all supporters of the deposed king—but the moment I placed Gillian on the throne, they changed sides. In their eyes, if I—a loyal subject—am accused of treason, they too will no longer be safe. Thus, to secure their own safety, they will side with me.”

Vika nodded as if agreeing.

“Exactly. Whoever the real traitor is, what matters to them is avoiding the sparks.”

Sikar knew the nobles’ habits well—they were the sort who would readily wear two faces to protect their wealth and lives.

Sikar’s gaze was more murderous than ever.

“If they provoke me and earn the resentment of other nobles, the one who’ll be lying low this time will be that bastard Gillian.”

[Traitors intercepted the criminal, preventing the execution. Since the traitors have not yet been identified, no one can escape suspicion of treason. Those who have ever broken their oaths of loyalty will find it even harder to avoid suspicion. Therefore, all nobles must enter the palace and prove their innocence to clear themselves of suspicion.]

Because Sikar had sent such letters to the nobles since early dawn, they all rushed to the palace as if their backsides were on fire, desperate to save their own skins.

An unplanned royal audience commenced in front of the throne chamber, as nobles had gathered there since morning.

Gillian, having realized this was all Sikar’s scheme, was deeply displeased. Normally one who rarely showed outward emotion, today was an exception.

“What brings you here so early in the morning?”

The moment Gillian finished speaking, Sikar spoke pointedly.

“In times like these, it is only right for nobles to gather and further support Your Majesty through renewed oaths of loyalty.”

Hardly had Sikar finished when the first to speak was the man who had betrayed the deposed king the moment Gillian ascended the throne.

“Your Majesty. The ten nobles gathered here have all pledged loyalty to you. Not for a moment have we forgotten that our peaceful lives are solely due to your grace.”

“And so?”

“We shall become Your Majesty’s hands and feet, to uncover those aiding the traitor, Marquis Yukandar.”

As soon as one finished speaking, other nobles chimed in one after another.

“We shall expose the collaborators and prove none among us have betrayed Your Majesty.”

They were all vouching for each other’s innocence, terrified that if any one of them became implicated, they would all be branded traitors together.

It was exactly the scene Sikar had envisioned. Seemingly pleased with how things were unfolding, Sikar spoke on behalf of the nobles.

“Marquis Yukandar has been a malicious man discontented since Your Majesty ascended the throne. We shall uncover every soul who conspired with that villain and present their heads to Your Majesty.”

As if rehearsed beforehand, the nobles beside him all echoed in agreement.

“We shall do so.”

Gillian, unable to fully trust Sikar until he re-examined Sikar’s son, the young duke, did not take those words at face value.

His suspicions only deepened, since he had summoned Sikar today precisely to search the Blake estate.

Had it not been for the black-eyed woman, he might never have harbored such suspicions.

But since the nobles had gathered in unity, desperate to save themselves, he had no choice but to let the matter pass quietly for now.

Gillian resolved to win them over through private audiences later.

Yet he could not simply let Sikar leave as he was—he needed to issue a warning.

“Then, Duke Blake, will you represent the nobles and uncover the collaborators, including Marquis Yukandar?”

“I shall uncover them without fail—even those who shelter traitors.”

Sikar’s subtle smile irritated Gillian.

“With Duke Blake lending strength, I feel reassured. I shall no longer doubt the loyalty shown by those gathered today—please all withdraw.”

“Your Majesty. Should you require assistance, summon us anytime. We shall always await your call.”

“Understood. Duke Blake, I have something to say to you—remain behind.”

Sikar, as if he had expected this, remained seated.

Once all nobles had withdrawn, Gillian dropped his courteous smile and leaned back in his chair.

“You have yet to fulfill your promise to uncover the assassin and reveal the truth. Yet now you pledge to uncover traitors?”

“My apologies.”

“You failed to uncover the assassin, but you will certainly capture the traitors?”

“Is there any doubt? This time, I shall not disappoint Your Majesty.”

“Indeed? May I truly expect results?”

“Certainly. It will be quite entertaining.”

“I have one more question for you, Duke.”

Sikar, knowing what Gillian would ask, retained his composure.

“Please speak.”

“I was aware you were rather close with Marquis Yukandar. Did you truly not notice he was plotting treason?”

“I merely entrusted my son to a trustworthy tutor.”

“Is that truly your answer?”

“If it were anything more, would I have any reason to associate with that insolent Marquis?”

Most of Sikar’s words were lies—but his description of Reidox as insolent was sincere.

Gillian, still unable to fully trust him, asked with a sly smile.

“Oh? Then how do you explain the soldiers sent from the Marquis’s estate to support the Duke’s household previously?”

“Perhaps because Blake has been providing spirit traps to Yukandar.”

The explanation fit perfectly. Whether it was clever evasion or truth, Gillian found it impossible to fully discern—but once suspicion had taken root, it was rarely shaken.

“I see. Regardless, since you have failed to keep your promise, I shall now take custody of that merchant. Since Veronia was abducted, I must make an example of him and hang him from the gallows.”

Still sulking because things hadn’t gone his way.

Sikar said nothing further.

“I shall do as you say.”

As Sikar rose to leave, Gillian did not let him depart in peace.

“May I truly believe you will capture Marquis Reidox this time?”

Of course not. He wouldn’t go quietly.

Sikar turned his head, smiled, and left Gillian with words meant to provoke him further.

“I shall surprise you beyond your expectations.”