"Leyla…"
I, sitting in front of Xerta's castle, stiffened slightly. That was Xerta's voice calling me. I could see the heavy bags under his eyes.
I knew Priest Johannes's death weighed heavily on him. After that incident, we didn't even hold an after-wedding party. Even when we managed to visit the palace afterward, I was sure Xerta's mind was unfocused.
I had also seen Keith receive recognition directly from the King—now he was officially called Keith Solstice.
That night, we left for Xerta's Northern territory. The whole journey had been filled with silence.
"If you keep sitting outside like this, you'll catch a cold." Xerta came closer. "The weather is turning harsher, come inside."
"I was only looking at the snow. A view I'd never see in Nerwine—everything blanketed in white… Honestly, I like it a little."
Xerta gazed at Leyla, captivated by her radiant delight. He realized he hadn't truly looked at her in days.
Turning toward the voice beside him, he confessed, "I feel anger. I feel anger towards myself when I think about that day. I let my guard down, and those who wished for my downfall took advantage. I'm grateful you survived, Leyla."
An emotion unlike any he had shown before colored Xerta's voice.
'So he also feels anger too, huh…'
"Xerta…" I placed my hand on the back of his. "There's no point in being angry."
Xerta looked startled at my words. "If the perpetrator doesn't feel anger, then what's the use?" I whispered.
"You're right. I've already asked the Norven squad to investigate. I never expected their elusive leader would agree to meet me."
"I heard about them," I replied quickly. "That mysterious squad people often talk about in the capital. They say their methods are highly secretive. They even exposed the nobles who sponsored the slave trade."
"I didn't expect you to know about them, Leyla."
Of course, I'd done some digging. The second I got to the capital, I started hearing rumors about that group, whether it was from Xerta's maids or just eavesdropping on the guards.
'I am a woman with a keen ear for rumors.'
"Could it be that photo of Remy indulging with so many men… you got it from them?" I asked.
Xerta nodded. "That was before I even realized they had a leader. Usually, they stayed hidden. I didn't expect them to reveal their leader's existence after that incident."
Xerta rubbed his temples, deep in thought. "Lately I've been busy with complaints from village heads. They've noticed strange movements near the monster borders. Today I have a meeting with them."
'Xerta looks exhausted…'
"Xerta… I am your wife, right?"
His face reddened at my words. "Of course, officially you are. Why bring that up?"
"I want to help you. I'll meet Norven's leader myself," I said firmly.
"Leyla… that's a dangerous duty, even for a wife. I won't allow it. Besides, I still don't know their leader's true intentions. I don't know if they'll be my allies or not."
I puffed my cheeks. "Are you doubting me too?"
"Of course not." Xerta shook his head awkwardly. "In fact, because you've had a clean record from the beginning—that's why I chose you for this contract marriage."
"Well… maybe. You did marry me with a purpose, didn't you? I'll prove to you that marrying me brings not misfortune, but good fortune."
"Wait—why would you think that? Not once have I thought of you as misfortune."
'But that's how I feel… Our wedding day became your tragedy. From now on, you'll remember that day as the anniversary of death, not of joy. Someday, you'll regret marrying me.'
I bit my lower lip, remembering the strange dream I had the night before the wedding.I was sure that dream connected to the tragedy that followed. Could I think this way? That Cynthia was the only true suspect?
"Leyla… I don't want you fixated on that day," Xerta explained earnestly. "Don't let it define the misfortune of our marriage. I don't blame anyone. You're right—the only one at fault is the culprit. So don't worry. If you insist, then do whatever you want."
Xerta placed both hands on my shoulders. "Do whatever you need to, whatever makes you feel at ease. You're my wife now. Don't worry about anything—you can act as my wife."
"Josh, come here." Xerta called.
"Yes, my lord." The head butler, Josh, turned up at his side.
"Please take care of her too. If anything happens, report directly to me."
"Yes, my lord, I will."
"Speaking of which, my lord… I believe the communication orb rang just now." Josh added.
"Alright, I'll go at once." Xerta then turned to me. I waved hesitantly, and he went back inside the castle.
"Sir Josh," I finally said.
"Just Josh, miss. I am but a lowly servant. What is it you wish?"
"From now on, whoever comes to meet Xerta in the next twelve hours—I'll attend to them first, before they're reported to him."
Josh stiffened and asked, "Understood, miss. Should I report this to Lord Xerta?"
I winked and responded, "About that… you can keep a secret, can't you?"
"Of course, miss. My lips are sealed," Josh replied with a faint smile.
I decided to investigate those around Xerta myself, considering the numerous enemies he had and every possibility, including potential allies of Duke Hemser.
----
"Yes, hello…?"Xerta pressed the communication orb in his study.
"It's me."
Xerta's face shifted. The man on the line was from the Norven squad—the one he had always thought was their leader.
"Yes… what is it? You know communicating through this orb risks interception…" Xerta replied cautiously.
"Today I'll be heading to Northern Territory—with our leader, N."
Xerta hadn't expected them to choose today. "Are you sure? I mean, didn't you say I could just communicate through you all this time?"
"I already told you—our leader is N. He's meticulous and a perfectionist. He's decided to meet you today. That cannot be disputed. Will you agree? Or shall we end all connection with us forever?"
Xerta faltered. The schedule for today was already packed. But he couldn't ignore the chance to meet Norven's leader. They had a vast network—it would be easy for them to track down the perpetrators of the bombing and Prometheus that day.
"Very well…" Xerta finally answered.
"Good. A pleasure communicating with you, Lord Xerta."
Piip—
The call ended. Xerta slumped into his chair, frustrated. He exhaled heavily, covering his face with his hands.'This is confusing…'
KNOCK…KNOCK…
"Come in."
"Lord Xerta, the village heads have arrived. May they come in?" asked Solum.
"Let them in."
"Yes, my lord."
'Let's hear their grievances.'