# 65
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After a week
Sertin and I arrived in Laros, a coastal city in the west.
We were greeted by the smell of salt air mixed in the warm breeze.
It was a stressful trip.
I felt as if Sirtain and I were locked in a small box that couldn't even be called a closed room.
Certain was skilfully reviewing the papers without appearing dizzy, while I was hiding my gaze behind the book and watching him surreptitiously.
Did I say that a man who works is sexy? The blue eyes that were reviewing documents with a slight frown were very attractive.
'Those looks are dangerous.'
I said to myf, and as I raised the book to hide my face, Sertin pulled me towards him.
Then came the soft touch of lips. His fingers were caressing me gently.
With a cautious movement, as if he was very keen and asking for permission. I felt like every cell in my body was on fire.
If I hadn't had more f-control, I might have done something I shouldn't have done in the carriage.
But fortunately, Sertin and I were sensible and stopped in time.
In fact, I was not afraid for myf, but for Sertine. How could he look at me that way?
After gaining freedom, Cyrtain became more outspoken. Especially when it's just the two of us.
Cyrtain touched the hat I was wearing. And messed with it.
“Shut up, you're wasting time.”
He looked around calmly and then lowered his voice.
“However, the meeting with Count Chints in Larousse is important.”
Over the past week, Sertin and I have been spending time like this…. We weren't just doing irrational things.
I tried to ignore the play of Cyrtain's hand on my leg as I devised a plan to get rid of Augustin.
“Count Chintz is not a fair person. He can be manipulated to an extent.”
“Killing him directly would be a big mistake. Duke Spelman will make Sirten take the responsibility for killing him. How about turning things around in our favor instead?”
“Hmmmm”
"Maybe Augustin is thinking like Cyrtain. Maybe he's planning to kill his wife. What if we wait for it? Or maybe we make it happen faster."
“If Count Chenz helps, hiding the body won’t be difficult.”
If a noble died in the administration area, it was natural for officials to intervene.
“Of course, Duke Spellman and Augustin will try to convince Count Chenz. Perhaps he has already started.”
“Looks like we need to fine-tune things.”
That's why this meeting was important. In order to attract Larus, the land full of sea blessings, to our side.
Sertin listened carefully to my plan and approved it.
We had some differences in our opinions; Certin thought it was better to use people to force Count Chints to make a decision, while I thought things could be resolved in a calmer way.
In any case, it was clear that Cyrtain could not deviate from his dark nature. We were in a medieval-inspired world, and this meant a certain level of brutality.
As soon as we leave, the fuse of the plan we planted will be ignited.
Just before we arrived at Larousse, two Cirtine knights rode to the place of Augustin's exile.
Now all we have to do is play our part well.
Sertin, who was fiddling with my hat dissatisfied, crossed his arms.
“Hurry up, Sirtin.”
Serten sighed and straightened his clothes.
The lights came on in the ballroom that had been prepared to receive us
People began to gather around us like butterflies around a fire.
This was the first banquet on board the tourist yacht that would take Sirtin and me.
* * *
At that time when Evelyn and Sertine were heading to their first party on the yacht, Veronica opened the door of her palace and went out. She was carrying something in her hand, and as if she was afraid of losing it, she held it in her arms with a stern face.
“I will immediately go to the Crown Prince’s Palace.”
“But His Highness the Crown Prince is not in the palace now.”
Veronica paused at those words.
'My brother is gone?'
Of course, it was not necessary for Sertin to report his destination, as he had never done so before. His gaze as he stared at Veronica was cold and emotionless.
“What do you care about knowing where I'm going?”
Veronica bit her lip nervously, lost in thought. She did not know that their relationship was heading towards a complete collapse.
“Do you know where he went?”
“He went to the Kingdom of Yuris.”
“Is there another war...”
“No. He went to the Yuris Kingdom to pick up Princess Elizabeth. I asked him personally.”
Princess Elizabeth...?
'Is grandma coming?'
Veronica had a surprised expression on her face. There has not been any kind of relationship between Veronica and Elizabeth yet.
They were just two people who knew each other existed. So Veronica didn't have any special feelings when she heard that Elizabeth was coming back.
The strange thing is that Cyrtain agreed to this simple trip.
“…And what about my mother?”
“She lives in the palace.”
That is, she will not get out of it. Obviously, after seeing that scene, she would remain in isolation for a while.
“So who is now in charge of the Crown Prince?”
“I believe Lord Mortega is handling this.”
“Not Duke Roger?”
"Yes, this is correct."
It seems like something happened. Julia cared for Evelyn, I knew.
“…And what about Evelyn?”
“I left with His Highness.”
I had a strange feeling that the relationship between Sirtain and Evelyn was getting better and better. Evelin's lack of presence meant that the Crown Prince's palace was almost empty.
“But I can’t postpone any longer.”
I mustered up the courage to go out. I wanted to do what I had planned before this courage was extinguished.
“I need to meet Mortega.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
When the maids saw her looking so serious, their faces looked puzzled. Then, as usual, she headed to the Crown Prince's palace surrounded by maids.
She is greeted by Lord Mortega and Demeter Roger. There was some kind of hidden tension between them.
“Your Highness, bring light to the Little Empire. Have you been in good health?”
Mortega greeted her coldly. He looked like his master, Cyrtain. His eyes had the same look. Veronica bit her lip.
I made myf helpless like this, and it was only because of myf.
Maybe that's what I felt, because Mortega looked like usual.
“I have come to discuss something with you, Lord Mortega. I do not know if you have time for that.”
“…hmmm.”
Mortega looked at Demeter, who looked uncomfortable.
“You can talk to the princess. Since I am no longer of use, I will leave now.”
“Surely Her Highness didn't mean that, Duke?”
“If that's what you think, that's fine.”
Demeter suddenly stood up and walked out of the room. His movements caught the attention of the maids.
Mortega took a deep breath and then looked at Veronica.
“Now it looks like we have some time.”
“Please, let everyone out. We have a conversation that must be confidential.”
Mortega nodded. Veronica's maids were nervous, but they couldn't refuse.
When they were finally alone, Veronica looked around anxiously. Then, for no reason, she pulled the curtains and checked the sounds coming from outside.
“Your Highness Princess…? This area is protected by the Crown Prince’s knights. There will be no one to eavesdrop unless they are prepared to be exposed.”
"… good."
Veronica's shoulders slumped. She placed the white envelope she had previously been holding onto like her life on the desk. Veronica looked at him with sad eyes.
After hearing Serten's reprimand, she thought about it for a long time.
And Veronica figured this was what she could do now.
The Duke of Spelman is charged with murder.