# 37
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Struggling with the cruelty of reality to achieve his ideals, ending his life without tasting victory - that was my favorite character.
Seeing him in person after he was embodied in the novel made me unable to turn a blind eye to him.
He endures repeated insults like a puppet, deprived of the most basic necessities, and carries all the burdens alone.
However, the steady fire burning in his chest was dazzlingly sparkling.
Even without the message I saw after reincarnation, or the special hour, I probably would have chosen to help him anyway.
Giving bread to the hungry and blankets to the trembling is essentially human kindness.
So, I didn't want to waste time untying myf now.
“When Prince Ethios achieves his goal, will you reveal your financial support to him, ma’am?”
“...Hirose.”
“His goal is to regain his throne, right?”
His challenging tone made me sigh softly and lower my gaze.
Then he raised his eyebrows in the manner of Catherine, and she spoke.
“Do you think I'm that naive?”
“My father, the Duke, was at the heart of the Imperial faction that treated Ethios as a thorn in the side, do you think some support actions would forgive that sin?”
She smiled slightly at Hirose.
“They will certainly try to kill me, to moderate public opinion, which is groaning under the pressure of the Emperor’s tyranny.”
I crossed my arms and continued.
“But don’t worry, I have ways to escape, think about your own future instead of wasting time on uess thoughts.”
The menacing look he once sent me when I held his dagger to his neck was still stuck in my mind.
I knew that people who were strong, whether physically or psychologically, always attracted followers who craved their strength.
Even his admission that he had found his identity might have been connected to me.
“You're a good person, Hirose, but you can't stay by my side forever. There must be someone who appreciates you more somewhere else.”
His eyes hesitated before he lowered his head slightly.
It was a rejection in a way that told him to find another master.
“To console you... I am not the person you think I am.”
His outlook grew darker the more she made choices that truly resembled the evil Katherine.
“Just as you wear a mask, so do I.”
In reality, I was just a weak, struggling person, enduring everything with tears in her eyes.
"no."
After a short silence, I heard Hirose's voice.
“Whoever you are, my lady, you are my only master.”
He slowly leaned down in front of me and kissed the ground.
Even though it was dirty, he didn't mind.
I saw his sharp nose and clear features as he raised his head.
“Expert Hirose will serve you until the end.”
His brown eyes sparkled with an honesty that made my chest hurt a little.
“So don’t even think about pushing me away.”
* * *
[Spring has come. What if I tried lighter clothes now? ૮₍ – ͈ ꇴ – ͈ ₎ა]
Caron was smiling brightly as he placed an order for large quantities of spring clothing for the Revolutionary Army.
Recent generous patronage has allowed them to rebuild their dwellings and camps and to furnish new clothing for all.
What pleased him most was that he could finally order a proper uniform for his master.
Even when there was money, Etheus insisted on spending it where needed, and his old clothes were never changed.
Fortunately, he never rejected his sponsors' suggestions.
“Please use the finest and most suitable fabrics for your ceremonial robes.”
Caron was excited, imagining how his owner, who was dressed in the oldest clothes of the castle, would finally look respectable.
“I also prepare comfortable everyday clothes from good materials.”
Etheus recently returned after being away for two days, and his clothes were torn as if he had been attacked.
Although he was not injured, his disheveled appearance worried Caron.
However, Etheus did not give any explanation.
From the branches that were stuck to his torn clothes, Caron guessed that he had visited the frozen lands.
'Did he lose something in the villa?'
He had so many questions but he couldn't pressure his silent master.
All he can do as a servant is support him with everything he has.
“The request has been completed. Shall we go now, Your Highness?”
They were scheduled to receive information from a regional allied group in Beit Shai today.
Etheos was deep in thought. He looked up and nodded.
His blue eyes glowed dark green like a hidden forest swamp.
[tea house]
They reached their destination soon.
After ordering, the server brought the tea – along with an unexpected plate of biscuits.
“Send this gentleman... Oh, he's gone.”
When the servant bowed and left, Etheus picked up a biscuit.
He tapped it lightly, and the cookie wrapper broke off to reveal a sheet of paper baked inside.
The paper contained an encrypted message.
“Before spring leaves, a new spring can begin.”
Saying this, Caron was deeply moved.
It seems that all regional allies are now ready.
The burning fire of the nation's heart was about to break out.
If they don't turn it around, destruction will be their fate.
It was a game to be played—and he was the master of it.
Etheus burned the note in the flame of the table candle and raised the teacup.
“Are you really going to use it on Mrs. Elmore?”
A sudden sound behind them made Etheos' hand stop.
The men talking behind him lowered their voices.
“I have already broken off the engagement.”
Then came a harsh voice.
"It doesn't matter."
Hearing that, the man opposite sighed lightly.
“You know...this was hard to get, if my brothers find out I stole it, they'll kill me.”
“That's why I pay you ten times the usual price, take it without complaint.”
Etheus saw his eyebrows move, Caron whispered softly.
“Let us leave, Your Highness...”
But Etheus remained silent.
Velius' voice continued.
“Just once is enough, if she loses her mind just once, I can do anything, don’t worry.”
“Tell me the plan.”
“When my father goes to pay the balance of the business rights, I will go instead of him. When we are alone in the drawing room, I will give her a drink. When she feels hot and clings to me, I will hug her and make her sign the annulment of the engagement and the division of the wealth.”
Caron shook his head and whispered in frustration to Etheus.
“What a despicable man.”
Etheus's eyes sparkled with cold anger.
Filius, unaware of their gazes, stood up and left with the Regalo family guards.
Moments later, as the broker was counting the money Filius had given him, a shadow loomed over him.
Etheus stood there.
His priority was to find out what type of drug was being sold.
“W-Who are you?”
Terrified, the man hid the money in his clothes while Etheus pulled out an official badge.
Castle staff were handling various civil matters, including criminal investigations.
“R-officially?!”
The man saw Etheos's cold look and quickly took something out of his pocket and threw it at him.
“Cook.”
Black smoke exploded, obscuring Etheos' vision, and the pungent smell made him cough.
rang —
The table was overturned, cups shattering as Etheus shielded his face with his arm.
The broker fled from the tea house at full speed, heading into the back alleys.
The drug that Velius had prescribed was no ordinary one – it was a dangerous illegal substance used in heinous crimes.
If he is caught, prison will be his fate.
He couldn't let the official catch him.
“Huff... I should be safe now.”
He thought he had lost his pursuer, so he stopped.
But then –
Sssss —
Shadows crept at his feet and attracted his body.
"Heck! What is this?!"
Terrified by the sensation of snakes crawling over him, he tried to shake them off but could not.
The shadows wrapped his feet tightly as if they were obeying an order.
“The Dark Curtain.”
It was a powerful ability inherited from the Kleid royal lineage, known only to Karon besides Etheus himf.
“kg.”
The man fell, losing his balance.
The shadows melted back into the ground and faded away.
“What a hell-creator...!”
While he was in a panic, a pair of shoes appeared in front of him.
“You--you...!”
It was the official in the castle who had allowed him to escape previously – Etheos.
A low, cold voice flowed from his lips.
“Hand it over.”