The Young Male Protagonist Who is Destined for Ruin Fell for Me - Chapter 88

The vast Chaield ducal estate housed numerous annexes beyond the building Claire used as her residence.

I knew that one of these annexes had been designated as a research facility for alchemists under Chaield’s patronage.

It had only been a few days since the Imperial Lily Medal ceremony, so expecting groundbreaking research results was unrealistic. However, with an astronomical research budget and generous performance incentives, the situation could change.

“Vanessa, you’re back earlier than expected.”

“It was just a short trip to the research lab in the auxiliary palace. Besides, since I mentioned that my lady had sent me, they welcomed me with open arms.”

“…Is that so?”

“Yes. Apparently, if their research report meets your standards, His Grace, the Duke, has promised them a bonus. They were absolutely thrilled.”

How exactly did Kyle decide when and where to spend money?

Setting aside that mystery for now, I turned my attention to the research report Vanessa had brought.

The alchemists who had received the demonic beasts trapped within sword aura had conducted an analysis that rivaled the best corporate research labs. Not only had they gathered extensive information on the beasts themselves, but they had also uncovered valuable details about Cordelia, the one who had summoned them.

According to the report, Cordelia’s sudden, unnatural aging—as if she had transcended time—was the result of Marabas’s alchemy.

Her appearance could be an illusion crafted through alchemy or magic. But if she deliberately chose to take Cordelia’s form, there must be a reason behind it.

However, I knew absolutely nothing about Cordelia Weill. If not for my father and the steward’s past acquaintance with her, neither Kyle nor I would have even realized she was Cordelia.

I needed more information about her. Understanding what Itar and Marabas were trying to achieve through her was also crucial.

Stay positive. If I can get through this crisis, it will be the last. There are no more villains left to appear…

Vanessa clenched her fist determinedly, and I tilted my head in curiosity.

“My lady, what are you plotting this time?”

“Vanessa, I’ll need your help for a while. As always.”

“I have no idea what kind of trouble Anne Smith is about to stir up again. If people found out Anne Smith’s true identity, the world would turn upside down.”

Vanessa instinctively reached for the typewriter, but I stopped her and glanced out the window instead. A carriage had just arrived and was waiting for me to come out.

“We’ll deal with that later. It’s time to head to the tea party.”

“Oh… That tea party you agreed to attend a few days ago? Do you think it’ll be fun?”

“It’ll be useful. Fun? I’m not so sure.”

Picking up a lace-trimmed fan, I rose from my seat.

Now was the time to fully embrace the role of a noble lady.

A High-Ranking Meeting at the Imperial Palace

At the same time, Kyle was in the palace attending a high-level meeting.

The imperial round table was abuzz with discussions about Traiha’s silver influx and the coronation of Keltman’s new king.

However, the most critical topic of the meeting wasn’t on the official agenda—it was addressed during the break.

The key figures in this conversation? Emperor Berd and the Duke of Chaield.

“Duke Chaield, you were right. Princess Lienne is quite remarkable. She would make a more than suitable consort for me.”

“…”

Kyle shot a sharp glance at Berd, who had been in a state of excitement ever since his encounter with Lienne at the medal ceremony.

More than suitable? That was an understatement. Lienne was far too good for him. The words hovered at the tip of Kyle’s tongue.

“I did say you would like her.”

“The princess is like a lone wolf… So fierce and untamed.”

“I’d prefer to discuss something else. Any news on the old woman who threatened my fiancée’s safety?”

“I was wondering when you’d bring that up.”

As the ultimate authority on everything that transpired within the imperial palace, Berd bore the responsibility for what had occurred during the award ceremony—an event funded by the imperial budget.

“As you requested, I had people investigate the coachmen, servants, and guards stationed at the inns in Traiha.”

“Did you find anything?”

“That depends on what you consider something. When asked if the prince had a companion, everyone said no. But when pressed for details, their memories suddenly became vague. And this happened just days ago.”

“They’ve already taken steps to cover it up.”

Alchemy was a nuisance not just because it was difficult to counter. Unlike poison or a blade, which left tangible evidence, alchemy could erase all traces of wrongdoing.

“No matter how advanced Haile is, when it comes to the arts and alchemy, Traiha is still leagues ahead. And from what I hear, the Third Prince has a deep interest in alchemy.”

“He developed that interest after his sister’s death, so his expertise is likely quite advanced.”

“…Judging by your response, you’ve already set something in motion.”

“There is one fatal flaw in alchemical creations—everything can be reverse-engineered.”

“You intend to dismantle the spell by reversing the alchemy?”

“Yes. If possible, I plan to identify the one who performed it. To start, I need permission to take custody of the guards stationed at the Third Prince’s quarters.”

“…Very well. But in exchange, I expect you to share the results with me.”

Kyle had no intention of sharing anything with Berd, but he gave a perfunctory nod for the sake of formality.

He already had ample data gathered from raiding Marabas’s hideout, and a team of alchemists brought from Traiha was working on it. It wouldn’t be long before they uncovered something substantial.

Lady Claire had already secured proof that Marabas, a man exiled for his near-treasonous ambitions of empire-building, had been hiding under the Third Prince’s protection.

All that remained was proving that the demonic beasts which attacked Amel during the ceremony had emerged from his magic circle. If they could establish that, it would expose Itar’s plot to harm Amel in collaboration with Marabas.

The real question is—was the Third Prince truly prepared to lose everything?

Kyle recalled the moment Itar had kissed his fiancée’s hand.

The look in his eyes—hungry, possessive—still irked him.

As Kyle’s expression turned unreadable, Berd instinctively tensed.

The duke had been noticeably softer since securing his engagement, but now, his countenance suggested he was about to wield his power once more.

“You didn’t actually stab Itar or anything, did you?” Berd’s voice carried a note of genuine concern. “Please, think about my position as Emperor of this empire. That kind of approach won’t do. At the very least, consult with me beforehand.”

Kyle withdrew his gaze from Berd and instead looked out toward the distant mountain ridge. The clouds lazily drifting along the slopes—it was the very image of the peace his fiancée cherished.

“There wasn’t enough solid evidence yet, so I opted for a peaceful warning.”

“…A peaceful warning?”

“A non-violent yet unmistakably Chaield method.”

Kyle looked thoroughly pleased with himself, but a bead of cold sweat trickled down Berd’s spine.

Itar de Traiha was currently residing in a grand estate on the outskirts of the capital.

As befitting a prince, he was accompanied by dozens of guards and attendants, yet the place remained eerily silent, devoid of onlookers or unwelcome guests.

With no spies lurking around, the Third Prince and his entourage could move freely.

Of course, the true reason for the lack of disturbance wasn’t just tight security. The estate’s former owners had long since fallen under the influence of Marabas’s mental domination Arete, leaving them unable to resist.

Despite such convenient circumstances, Itar’s expression remained grim. He shot a sharp, irritated glare at Cordelia, who sat slumped in a corner.

“Marabas. This isn’t what you promised. Didn’t you say we’d know Lady Diane’s Arete by this morning?”

「We’re nearly there. Had it not been for Persh Diane’s sword aura interfering, we would have found out long ago.」

The demonic beasts Cordelia had released on Amel during the ceremony were designed to absorb Arete energy.

Marabas had claimed that half a day would be sufficient to analyze the power contained within them, yet he had produced no results.

Annoyed, Itar signaled an attendant to bring him a drink with ice. The blank-eyed servant obeyed without hesitation.

Fascinating.

When Marabas was exiled from the imperial palace for attempting to establish his so-called world empire, Itar had never expected him to hone his abilities to such an extent.

He had always been an exceptional talent, but now that he operated without the ethical constraints of the palace, his mind-controlling sorcery was stronger than ever.

Even the servants were a testament to this power. Except for when they slept, their minds were completely subdued.

Their instincts handled basic functions like eating and sleeping, allowing Itar to use them as mere tools without fear of betrayal.

How is this even possible?

Itar silently marveled. Without Marabas Rydell, assembling an army and consolidating his forces in such a short time would have been impossible.

If not for him, the plan to launch a coup on the anniversary of Iana’s death would have remained nothing more than a fleeting daydream.

「It is ready, my lord.」

Shifting his gaze from the dazed servants, Itar turned back to Cordelia.

No matter how many times he heard it, he still wasn’t used to hearing a young man’s voice come from the old woman’s body.

“What is Lady Diane’s Arete? I assume it’s more useful than Duke Chaield’s worthless defensive ability.”

「Lady Diane’s Arete allows her to read the thoughts of those she touches. It is an exceptionally powerful mental-type Arete.」

“…She can read minds?”

Itar was momentarily speechless.

Among all the Aretes he had encountered, the most valuable had been Marabas’s mind-controlling ability, obtained through Harmonia’s necklace.

But this?

Amelia Diane’s ability was beyond anything he had imagined—an Arete truly befitting its divine reputation.

With her in his grasp, he could make anyone confess the truth.

If he wanted, he could tear the corrupt empire apart and rebuild it from the ground up.

…Iana.

It couldn’t be a coincidence that the girl who looked so much like Iana possessed such a gift.

The images of the two women—both smiling—began to blur and merge in his mind.

He was just about to smirk when—

A sudden wave of footsteps filled the estate’s lobby.

Itar stiffened for a moment but quickly dismissed his concern. The estate’s owner had made no complaints that morning, so this was probably nothing.

Yet the footsteps drew closer.

And closer.

Until finally, they stopped on the floor where Itar was staying.

A firm, deliberate knock sounded at his door.

Remaining cautious, Itar opened it, expecting imperial guards or Chaield’s men.

Instead, he was met with… surveyors and sculptors, their work clothes dusted with debris, casually shaking off the dirt.

“…What’s going on?”

“The owner of this property has ordered a full survey of the building. We’re simply following instructions.”

“You must have the wrong estate. The owner had no plans for any renovations.”

“There’s been a change… As of this morning, the property has a new owner.”

Itar frowned, as did Cordelia, who had been lounging limply in the corner.

The ownership had changed overnight?

The idea of relocating so suddenly was frustrating, but making a scene would only land him in the headlines—‘Traiha’s Third Prince and His Entourage Involved in Property Dispute!’

“…Can you give us some time? Just until we secure another place to stay.”

He sent out his hypnotized attendants to inquire about neighboring estates that might accommodate them. Surely, if he offered enough money, someone would be willing to house them until the Haile-Keltman engagement ceremony.

But when the servants returned, they all repeated the same baffling report.

“All the nearby estates changed ownership this morning as well. We must obtain the new owner’s permission.”

“…Are you saying that every single insignificant mansion in this area was suddenly bought out?”

As he processed this absurdity, an image flashed through his mind.

A beast with its front paw raised.

Chaield.

The faction that never hesitated to use whatever means necessary to get what they wanted.

…Are they forcing me to leave the country? If they acquired all these properties, that must be their message.

Grinding his teeth, Itar realized he had no countermeasure.

He had no choice but to order his men to pack their belongings.

Meanwhile, Amelia Diane would soon hear of Kyle’s real-life version of Monopoly—and be left utterly speechless.

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