# 55
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After Mortega's antics were repeated several times, where he would move his lips in strange expressions and then shake his head, Certain decided to treat Mortega with complete indifference instead of paying attention to him.
No matter what he's worried about, it's probably really uess.
The person who broke their awkward silence was not Mortega or Sertin who were in the office together.
“Your Highness, Duke Spelman requests an urgent meeting with you.”
Cyrtain did not refuse the Duke of Spelman's request for a meeting. It was likely that this encounter had something to do with the Oliver Hall incident, since the cunning person had personally come without going through the Emperor.
“Thank you for accommodating the sudden request, Your Highness.”
Certain shrugged.
“I learned that all of the princess’s palace servants have been investigated due to the princess’s kidnapping incident.”
“This is to be expected.”
“Yes, but I heard that some people from the Duke’s family have also been investigated, Serena and Rosie. They have been with Her Highness since she was little.”
“Time will not tell what happened.”
“You are right, Your Highness. However, I wanted to ask you about that. This concerns my daughter as well.”
Duke Spellman smiled with a smile devoid of intent. It was clear that he had discovered the empty box in the museum, yet his features were extremely calm.
'He's not Duke Spellman for nothing.'
He was definitely hiding something. Before meeting those people, he couldn't tell what his intentions were.
'I've got all the information I need.'
Serena and Rosé were lower-level minions. They were watching Evelyn and giving her orders.
They didn't have a big role. There was no recognition to be gained from them.
'Neither of them tried to admit anything.'
Either Duke Spelman has a soft spot for them, or they are truly loyal to him.
Anyway, even if Duke Spellman allied himf and killed them now, there would be nothing to regret.
“I will accept the meeting.”
Duke Spellman's expression changed slightly at those condescending words.
'Insolent bastard.'
But Duke Spelman quickly regained his confidence.
“But one of my assistants must be present at this meeting.”
“Yes, it is normal considering that they are both criminals. I hope that my meeting with them will be useful in the investigation.”
Duke Spelman said this coldly, as if his words were an expression of his sincere intentions.
* * *
Serena and Rosie, whom he met after a long time, looked fine except for their pale faces from lack of exposure to sunlight. This meant that they were treated well compared to criminals.
“Duke!”
“Thank you for visiting us. We have suffered a lot over the past period.”
Rosie and Serena started crying.
“This is the least duty. I have not forgotten your suffering all this time. If there is injustice, it will be revealed and you will be released.”
Serena and Rosie randomly shook their heads at Duke Spellman's words. Duke Spellman naturally placed his hand on the table.
Mortega was watching the entire scene. It was a really trivial conversation. It was like a meeting between a loyal servant and his master. Duke Spelman was smiling all the time with a smile full of compassion.
At that moment, something small in his actions caught Mortega's attention. Duke Spellman was casually knocking on the table as if it was just a habit of his, and he didn't even make a sound.
'Signal!'
Mortega, who was in the army, had learned all the signals on the continent. That was the reason he was here.
Mortega tried to hide his worry and looked forward as if nothing had happened. He focused all his attention on the subtle signal.
Tok, tok tok.
[Did either of you confess something?]
Serena and Rosie shook their heads no.
“How can we repay you, Sir Duke...”
“You care about such two worthless maids...”
“You are the ones who take care of my daughter. This is the least duty. Didn’t I tell you before? I do not betray loyalty. What happened to Evelin is very unfortunate.”
Continue talking calmly.
Tuk-tuk, tuk-tuk.
[Has Evelyn been showing strange behavior?]
Mortega swallowed. What does he mean by that?
“We really don't know how this happened to the princess in...”
“Do you believe in our innocence, Sir Duke?”
The answer was no.
Duke Spelman's conversation with the two maids made Mortega's heart beat fast. That was also what he cared about.
Sertin did not give a clear answer. Until he discovers the truth himf, Mortega will get no answer.
Meanwhile, the words spoken by Rosalina were causing turmoil inside him.
“Of course I trust you both. Evelyn will too.”
Tok tok tok.
[Does Evelyn seem to have regained her sanity?]
At this question, Mortega could barely conceal his shuddering breath. He also managed to keep his lips from trembling. Mortega's soul seemed to be trembling inside.
“If you really do that, I won’t ask for anything more.”
Tears burst from Serena and Rosé's eyes.
“I can’t forget the last time we saw Her Highness. She looked like a lost child.”
“We are the only ones who can truly protect her.”
“Even if she is a child, she is not oblivious to everything... How would she be afraid of us not being there?”
“We are the only ones who can truly protect her.”
“Just because she's a child doesn't mean she doesn't know everything... How scared would she be without us?”
“She sees us as her best friends.”
This was a complete denial.
Mortega barely exhaled slowly.
“…I am also what I fear most is this. However, I believe that His Highness the Crown Prince will protect her safely. You should quickly clear yourves as well. I will wait for that day.”
Duke Spellman smiled and then stood up to leave as if he had finished everything.
“Is it over?”
Duke Spellman had his hands on his staff naturally. By that he meant it was over.
“Take good care of them. They are children who grew up in the duke’s family. They think that Evelyn is everything in this world.”
“I will do it.”
Mortega answered in a deadpan tone.
Duke Spelman left the prison quietly, while the two maids bowed their heads and shed tears behind him, and then Mortega left as well.
His mind was full of questions.
'Why would he doubt? 'Was it just a simple check?'
His heart was beating fast.
He thought about meeting the doctors who examined Evelyn in those days. But if he messes with these things...
“The situation could be more dangerous.”
Who would have caused this?
Is he worried about Evelin now? He was the one who wished more than anyone else that Evelyn would step down from her position?
This was really ridiculous.
Mortega looked at Certin, who was waiting for him. He watched any change in his facial expression, not wanting to miss any detail.
“Your Highness, Duke Spellman has a secret conversation.”
"Morse code? That's something only people in the military do?"
Duke Spelman was most likely not interested in being found out. Most likely, their conversation was just idle talk. Sertin smiled indifferently.
“What was he talking about?”
“…about betrayal.”
"They answered no, didn't they? Is that all?"
“He asked if…Her Highness had done anything strange.”
“Weird behavior?”
“…His question was if she had regained her sanity.”
At that moment, Sertin raised an eyebrow. It was a very slight movement, but Mortega saw it.
His heart was falling.
“Was there something I didn't know?”
Did Evelyn betray Cyrtain? As Rosalina said, was there someone else?
Unless…
Mortega frowned in confusion.
Think of Evelyn being kidnapped instead of Veronica. What was that?
No. Are all these assumptions correct? Has Evelin really come to her senses?
His confusion increased, and Sertin, who was supposed to give him an answer, became confused.
“You're talking nonsense.”
He still doesn't give an answer. It seems that the wall between Certin and Mortega is higher than ever.
And this wall seemed like it would never collapse. That's why he was afraid.