# 58
---
He didn't get anything from Serena or Rousey.
Although he even tried to contact and pressure the servants working in the other palaces in various ways, he did not discover anything unusual about Evelin.
“She still wanders around the park these days and plays hide and seek.”
“Tsk, tsk, the noble Duchess is having a hard time.”
“Perhaps dissatisfaction will grow within Roger’s Duchy. If I were in their place, I would feel the same.”
“Who would have thought that her relationship with the Crown Prince would take this path?”
“It is never easy to take care of a stupid woman.”
Duke Spelman has made his decision.
He gave a part of himf, so he should get more in return. He may have abandoned Raymond, but he may be able to take control of Roger instead.
If he could tighten his grip on Evelin and Roger together, he could set a trap for Siren deep within the palace.
This wasn't a bad situation. Duke Spellman stared at the huge palace in front of him.
Although they both held the title of duke, Roger's dukedom was a little different.
Unlike the Duchy of Spelman, which flourished under his authority, the Duchy of Roger has been unshakable since its foundation.
They obtained the title of duke with the support of the first emperor, and continued without significant problems through the generations.
Some even said that there would be no Lykesia without Roger.
For the imperial family, this dukedom was like a double-edged sword. She has always been on the side of the throne, but who knows what might happen in the future?
“I came to meet the family master.”
“Please wait a moment, Your Highness the Duke.”
Calmly, Duke Spellman glanced around the foyer of Roger's Duchy Palace. This was his first time coming here.
He wanted to own Roger. He wanted to direct his sword as he wished.
If he didn't submit easily, he would think of a way to make him kneel before him.
In order to make up for what he lost, owning a Roger would be necessary.
The current Duke Roger was the son of the late Duke, whom he had in his final years. He inherited the dukedom at a young age.
Compared to the late one, the current Duke would be easy to manipulate.
“I didn't expect you would come to see me.”
Demeter Roger appeared.
“Ah! It is a pleasure to meet in such a casual setting. I see you are growing more and more like your late father. His features can be clearly seen on you.”
“Thank you. I see you still remember my father.”
Duke Spellman smiled softly. The introduction was good, the atmosphere was right. Even his choice to speak in front of a portrait of the late Duke was a calculated move.
Even between Roger's Duchy and the Crown Prince, there was a rift that could be exploited.
"my dad!"
"my father!"
Upon hearing the sounds of children's feet, the two men turned towards the source of the sound. Demeter quickly stood in front of Duke Spellman, as if he was protecting them.
He held the two children in his arms and kissed their cheeks.
“Where is my mother?”
“Leia, didn’t we say your mother is busy with work?”
Roderick said seriously.
“So, who will tie my hair for me?”
"I will. Roderick, we have a guest. Can you read a book to Leah in the meantime?"
“Yes, father.”
After Rodrik answered maturely, Demeter kissed his cheek again, then sent the two children away. This was to protect his children and prevent any contact between them and the Duke of Spelman.
Duke Spelman watched the scene with his shining eyes.
The Duchy of Roger's biggest weakness is their soft feelings.
As for Duke Spelman, he did not hesitate to use the sword against his family if it was necessary to achieve his goals. Just as he did with Augustin, abandoning him without any hesitation.
It is true that the gunpowder he collected with his family's wealth ended up in Sertain's hands, but he did not regret it.
If the opportunity occurs again, he will choose the same decision again.
But the Duchy of Roger had always been a prisoner of her emotions.
Weak people who cannot protect themves become weak points. Like Cyrtain, who is bound by his love for his mother and sister.
For those willing to live like the bad guys, these things turn into weapons.
Duke Spellman's smile widened.
“I heard that Duchess Roger is taking care of the Crown Princess these days.”
Demeter looked at him coldly, then stood up to block the passage into which his children had disappeared.
“This is her duty as a loyal servant of Lyxia. The Duchy of Roger has always been devoted to the Empire.”
“How wonderful that you are such an upright person. There is no doubt that the Crown Prince values you very much. I am also very grateful to your wife who is taking care of my daughter.”
“It is her duty as well...”
“But I wonder, do her children share this feeling?”
Demeter looked at him warningly
“Don't even think about using my kids!”
“I have no intention of doing so. I just wonder if the Crown Prince is asking you and your family to make too much of a sacrifice.”
“What are you trying to say?”
“Just as you said. I'm just worried that the Duchess of Roger and the Duchy of Roger itf may be sacrificing too much.”
Duke Spelmann said this with satisfaction. He had always been interested in Roger. He was thinking of using it one day, either as a sword to attack with or as a shield to make use of.
If he couldn't take it for himf, he wouldn't let it fall into someone else's hands.
The strong relationship between Duke Roger and his wife would be poison, as would their fless love for their children.
When there is a weak point, it is very easy to tear them apart. Separating Roger from the Crown Prince was very easy.
“This doesn't have to happen, right?”
Demeter did not answer, but stared at Duke Spellman silently.
“The Duchy of Roger deserves better treatment. I am able to provide that treatment.”
“You...”
"Of course, the opposite could also be true. I'm willing to turn Roger's loyalty to nothing."
Duke Spellman laughed sarcastically.
“I feel like I've talked too much without even having a cup of tea. Duke Roger, think about it, and look at the bigger picture. The world is wider than you think. And also...”
"No red sun lasts a thousand years. You must return their mother to her children, or you may lose her forever."
Duke Spellman turned his head again and stared at the image of the former Duke. Then he added an offer.
“My daughter is in my hands. She has endless possibilities, and the Crown Prince is completely fascinated by her.”
Then he smiled as if he had said all he had to say.
“I haven't had a cup of tea, but we've said everything we need to say. So, I'd better leave now.”
Demeter did not escort him out, but stood there, lost in thought, watching his back turn away.
Mortega's fears were growing deeper by the day. He was unable to ignore Rosalina's words.
He couldn't ignore the fact that the empire needed a more solid and powerful Crown Princess.
Mortega was not the only one who felt this, it was a source of concern for all the nobles who supported Cirten.
Crown Princess Evelyn…
But the more Mortega tried to work for Certin's benefit, the more he seemed to move away from him.
Mortega knew that winning Certin's heart meant following his gaze. And Evelyn was the one at the end of his sight.
However, his devotion was referring to Rosalina. What is the right decision?
This morning, Rosalina visited him again and asked him if he had investigated Evelin.
“Mortega.”
"Yes?"
"If you have something to say, say it directly. You've been sighing for the past few days."
Certain said this with an indifferent face.
Mortega felt as if his blood had frozen. Sirtain's gaze was like a spear piercing him.
“I have a question, Your Highness.”
Sertin remained silent.
“Does Her Majesty the Crown Princess have any people close to her?”
“What do you mean by that?”
“There is a report... that on the princess’s birthday, she was seen in the company of an unknown man.”
This was the gist of the story Rosalina was telling indirectly.
“I'm concerned that maybe someone is trying to get close to an innocent person like her to achieve something.”
Mortega bit his lips hard. However, what surprised him was that Certain was smiling.