Julius was about to explode, his face red with fury as he snarled at Subaru. "I'm going to beat the living shit out of you," he growled, his fists clenching at his sides. He taunted Subaru mercilessly. "You're such a good husband that you can't even provide for Rem. You're like a parasite to her—leeching off her hard work while you wallow in your failures."
Rem's eyes widened in horror. "Stop, Julius! Don't harm Subaru!"
Subaru's lips curled into a bitter sneer, his own anger boiling over. "At least I could provide a night. From what I hear, you and Anastasia don't fuck—of course, unless you're already fucking Rem behind my back."
Rem screamed at Subaru to stop, her voice breaking as tears welled in her eyes. "I would never!"
Julius's expression darkened further. "At least I don't manipulate my wife and call out the names of other women in my sleep." But seeing Subaru's face twist in rage, Julius pressed on. "And seeing that you can't even appreciate Rem and insult your own wife like this, you're truly a pathetic man."
Rem started to cry, her shoulders shaking as the weight of the words hit her. Julius felt a pang of regret, realizing he had said too much, his taunts crossing a line even he hadn't intended.
Subaru grabbed Rem's hand roughly, yanking her toward him. "We're going home," he snapped, his voice harsh as Rem crumpled to the ground in tears, her kimono pooling around her.
Anastasia's patience snapped. "Shut the fuck up, both of you! We're in public!"
She stepped forward, her voice sharp. "Subaru, let go of Rem's hair!"
Subaru, blinded by fury, pushed Anastasia to get her away, but the force sent her stumbling. She fell to the ground, pain shooting through her as her face hit the dirt, a sharp sting blooming across her cheek.
Rem, seeing her fall, looked terrified and turned to Julius, who now looked like he was going to kill Subaru—his eyes blazing with murderous intent. Rem begged for forgiveness, her voice trembling. "Please, Julius, stop! Subaru, say sorry!"
Subaru, realizing his mistake, paled and stammered, "I'm sorry, Anastasia. I didn't mean to push you."
Anastasia got hit in the face, and even in pain, she screamed at them. "Stop making a scene! We're going to the hotel where people are to stay!"
Julius rushed to her side, scooping Anastasia into his arms with careful strength, carrying her like a precious burden. Behind them, Rem and Subaru walked in tense silence. Subaru knew he had really messed up, his grip on Rem loosening as guilt set in. "I'm sorry, Rem," he muttered, his voice low and ashamed.
The group moved away from the festival's bright lights, the music and laughter fading behind them as they headed toward the hotel, the night heavy with unresolved tension and regret.
Rem cried as they walked, her voice breaking into choked sobs. "You ruined everything again, Subaru... everything!"
Subaru hurried after her, his face pale and desperate. "Rem, I'm sorry! I didn't mean— I just lost control, I—"
Julius was really pissed. His jaw was clenched so tightly the muscle jumped, his free hand curled into a fist at his side. If not for the fact that he was worried for Anastasia, he would have killed Subaru right there on the festival path. The knight's eyes burned with barely restrained fury, every step measured only by the fragile woman he carried in his arms.
Anastasia, her left eye already swelling and throbbing from Subaru's punch, barely held back her own tears. The pain was sharp, pulsing with every heartbeat, but she forced her voice steady as she spoke to Julius. "Get yourself under control, Julius. It was a little my fault too—I teased Subaru too much before the festival about you and Rem."
Julius didn't care. His voice came out low and dangerous. "He hit you, Anastasia. That's all that matters."
She stopped him again, her hand tightening on his sleeve, pleading. "Please... you can't act on emotions right now. This festival is a big thing—important people are coming to the late party, and Julius, you need to be there. Subaru is the main organizer; he can't be beaten up or the whole event collapses."
They reached the hotel at the edge of the festival grounds, a quiet, elegant building reserved for sponsors and VIPs. Julius gently set Anastasia down on her feet, supporting her as she steadied herself. Her eye was already turning purple, the skin tight and hot. She turned to Rem and Subaru.
Rem looked really sad, tears streaming down her face, her shoulders shaking. Subaru stood beside her like a beaten dog, head low, eyes hollow with regret and shame.
Anastasia took a deep breath, forcing a calm smile despite the pain. "It's fine. It was my fault in this too—I teased Subaru too much before the festival. We all need to get our emotions under control."
Subaru stepped forward, voice cracking. "I'm sorry, Lady Anastasia. I didn't really mean it—I just... I lost my temper."
Anastasia waved it off gently. "It's fine. You need to go back and make sure the festival is going smoothly. People are counting on you."
Then she turned to Rem, her voice softening. "Rem, please don't cry. I'm not going to fire you or Subaru. I promise."
Rem's knees buckled. She literally dropped to the ground in front of Anastasia, bowing deeply, forehead nearly touching the floor. "I'm so sorry, Lady Anastasia... for Subaru's actions. Please forgive us."
Anastasia reached down, gently lifting Rem by the shoulders. "Stand up, Rem. You don't need to do that. I'm going to stay in the hotel for the rest of the festival—my eye hurts too much to be out in public. I need you to assist Julius for the rest of the night. Smile politely at the party when we meet people, and make sure Julius doesn't do anything stupid."
Rem nodded quickly, wiping her tears. "Of course, Lady Anastasia."
Anastasia gave her a small smile. "Good. Now, come inside with me and clean your face."
Rem stood, but Julius stepped forward, his voice cold as he looked directly at Subaru. "I'll take care of Subaru's wife for the rest of the night."
Subaru flinched, the words hitting him like a slap, but seeing Rem's angry, tear-streaked face, he didn't respond. Rem turned to him, her voice sharp despite the tears. "You've already done enough damage tonight. Trust me for once, Subaru."
Subaru looked hurt, his shoulders slumping as he realized just how badly he had messed up. He opened his mouth, but no words came out.
Anastasia turned to Julius, her voice low. "That was unnecessary. You should say sorry for it."
Julius's eyes hardened, his arm still supporting her. "I will not be telling sorry to the guy that punched my wife."
Anastasia winced as a fresh wave of pain shot through her swollen eye. She barely held back the tears now, the throbbing making her vision blur on one side. The festival lights in the distance blurred into colorful streaks, but she forced herself to stay upright, leaning on Julius.
The night was far from over, and the real party—the one where important people gathered—was only just beginning. But for now, the four of them stood in tense silence outside the hotel, the weight of everything unsaid hanging heavy in the air.
The three of them entered one of the private suites on the upper floor of the hotel, the heavy wooden door clicking shut behind them with a finality that matched the tension in the air. The room was elegant, reserved for high-profile guests: soft lighting from crystal lamps, a large sofa, and a vanity mirror that reflected the festival lights flickering through the window. Julius remained completely quiet, his jaw locked, shoulders rigid with irritation. He didn't look at either woman as he walked to the window and stared out at the glowing festival grounds below.
Anastasia forced a calm smile despite the throbbing pain in her swelling eye. She turned to Rem, her voice gentle but commanding. "Rem, go clean your face and put on some makeup. You look like you've been crying for hours. We still have the late party to attend, and you need to look presentable."
Rem nodded silently, her eyes downcast, still red and puffy. "Yes, Lady Anastasia." She disappeared into the adjoining washroom, the door closing softly behind her.
The moment Rem was gone, Anastasia let out a long, shaky breath. The mask dropped. In her mind she screamed:
These fucking bitch and her pathetic cuck husband dared to hit me... after everything I've done for them. Subaru should be on his knees thanking me that I didn't let Julius kick his worthless ass into the dirt.
She had imagined this night playing out in a dozen delicious ways, but never like this. The plan had been simple and perfect: she would casually pull Subaru aside for a "private sponsor discussion," leaving Rem and Julius alone to enjoy the festival together. Romantic lights, music, alcohol, the slow burn of the evening — everything was set for them to finally cross the line. Instead, Subaru had ruined it in seconds and almost destroyed the entire investment she had poured into Rem.
All those weeks of collecting Julius's seed, the perfume, the expensive necklace, the festival funding... all of it was meant for one goal: Rem carrying Julius's child. A child that would be hers. Anastasia would raise it as her own, the heir she could never give Julius herself. Rem was nothing more than the vessel — a beautiful, fertile vessel that would finally give her husband the family he deserved.
The pain in her eye pulsed sharply, reminding her how close everything had come to collapsing. But Anastasia straightened her spine. No. I will put the plan back on the right path. Tonight. No matter what.
She turned to Julius, who was still staring out the window, fists clenched at his sides. Her voice came out softer now, almost pleading.
"Julius..."
He didn't turn around immediately, but his shoulders tensed at the sound of her voice. The silence between them stretched for a long moment, heavy with everything unsaid.
Anastasia took a step closer, ignoring the sting in her eye, and reached out to gently touch his arm.
"Julius... talk to me."
Julius's voice was low and tight, barely containing the storm inside him. "You should not have stopped me."
Anastasia reached out, her fingers brushing his arm, trying to anchor him. "Julius, please... you saw that. It wasn't intentional. He was angry, he lashed out. It was my fault too—I pushed him too far with my teasing."
Julius turned to her, eyes dark with frustration. "I feel pathetic. I let him walk away after he hit my wife. I stood there and did nothing."
Anastasia stepped closer, her voice soft but insistent. "You're not pathetic. This is exactly why I stopped you. I'm pushing Rem and you together, Julius. I've been doing it for weeks. You know that."
He looked at her then, really looked — a mix of confusion, hurt, and something deeper flickering in his golden eyes.
Anastasia took a deep breath. She knew she had to be careful, but he was vulnerable now, and she couldn't waste it.
"I know you've been frustrated about Rem for some time," she continued, her tone gentle. "Since I can't have children... since I can't have sex with you anymore. I try my best to satisfy you in other ways, but I know you're not happy. Not truly."
Julius's expression softened with pain. "Anastasia... I am the happiest man alive when I'm with you. That has never changed."
She smiled sadly, but inside she was already shifting into manipulation mode. Seeing him like this — raw, open — she decided to push just a little further.
"Even since I saw the chemistry between you and Rem," she said quietly, "I felt jealous. I knew I was holding you down. So I looked into Subaru. I found out what kind of man he really is — a coward, a traitor, a manipulator who blackmails pure, innocent Rem and forces her to stay in a toxic relationship with a monster."
Anastasia let the words hang, watching his face. "Do you know what I mean? When I compare you to that... creature... I realized Rem needs help. That's why I've been pushing you two to spend more time together. I hoped that once Rem understands what a real, good husband should be like, she would leave Subaru."
Julius was silent for a long moment, his brow furrowed. "I still don't know, Anastasia. Rem loves Subaru. She's loyal to him."
Anastasia's voice dropped, becoming almost conspiratorial. "Does she? Think about how he acts in public — so possessive, so quick to anger. Imagine how he acts at home. Maybe he beats Rem for something as small as accepting a necklace from another man."
Julius's entire body tensed. His fists clenched so hard his knuckles turned white. The image clearly hit him hard — the thought of gentle, kind Rem being hurt by Subaru made his knightly instincts flare with protective rage.
Anastasia saw it working. She pressed her advantage, her voice soft and coaxing. "So instead of humiliating Subaru by beating him up in front of everyone... humiliate him the way that actually matters. Take Rem to the festival tonight. Have fun with her. Make her happy. Give her what that worthless man can never give her."
Julius stared at her, breathing hard, torn between duty, love, and the dark temptation she was offering.
Anastasia reached up, gently cupping his cheek, her swollen eye throbbing but her resolve iron. "Please, Julius... for me. For Rem. Do this one thing."
The room fell silent except for the distant sound of festival music drifting through the window. Julius didn't answer immediately, but the conflict in his eyes told Anastasia everything she needed to know.
She had planted the seed.
And it was already taking root.
Julius took a deep breath, his eyes locking onto Anastasia's with a mix of love and disappointment. "I know you too well, Anastasia. I know you're trying to manipulate me."
Anastasia's heart skipped a beat, but she kept her expression neutral, waiting for him to continue.
"And I'm not okay with it," Julius said, his voice firm but gentle. "I love you, but this is really dirty on your part. It's underhanded, and it hurts that you'd resort to this."
Anastasia felt a surge of anger bubble up inside her, her mind racing with insults. How dare he call me dirty? After everything I've done for him? Ungrateful knight, hiding behind his honor like a shield.
But Julius wasn't done. "Second, I know Rem loves Subaru. Through the time I've spent with her, I can tell she'd never let him beat her. She's strong, Anastasia—she'd leave if it was that bad. I hate Subaru, but I'm not a homewrecker."
Still, Julius's expression softened slightly as he looked at her. "But... I do think Rem deserves to be with someone better. She's a great girl. So, I'm going to take her to the festival and make her happy tonight."
Anastasia's anger melted into triumph in her mind. Yes! I don't care about Julius's reasons—as long as he does what I want. He's finally giving in.
Julius stepped closer, his hand gently cupping her cheek, careful of her swollen eye. "But Anastasia... please, stop teasing me about Rem. It's not fair."
Anastasia's happiness surged at that. He wants me to stop teasing because it proves he's attracted to her. He's fighting it, but it's there. Perfect.
She nodded, forcing a soft smile through the pain. "I understand, Julius. I'll stop."
With that resolved, Anastasia decided to go into the bathroom where Rem was putting on her makeup. She needed to check on her pawn, ensure everything was still under control. As she walked to the door, her mind raced with plans—Rem would be Julius's tonight, one way or another.
She knocked lightly before entering. "Rem? How are you doing in here?"
Rem looked at Anastasia, her eyes filled with genuine concern as she dabbed at her makeup in the mirror. "Lady Anastasia, wouldn't it be better if I stayed with you? Your eye looks really bad."
Anastasia masked her strength not to insult Rem, swallowing the sharp retort that bubbled up inside her. Ungrateful little slut, thinking she can play caretaker now? But she kept her voice calm and measured. "No, Rem. You need to make Julius look good at the party and the festival. As much as I hate to demand it, I need you to act like you were Julius's partner tonight."
Rem's eyes widened, her hand pausing mid-motion with the powder brush. "Lady Anastasia, I—"
Anastasia stopped her, her tone firm but laced with a hint of vulnerability. "You owe me this, Rem. For forgiving Subaru's outburst. I know it's going to be hard, but you need to do it."
Rem hesitated, her lips parting in protest, but Anastasia pressed on. "If people see Julius solo, they'll talk about today—why I'm not there, what happened. Rumors will spread like wildfire. But if they see Julius with a girl, they'll talk about that instead. Many nobles don't really know how I look; they're merchants and dignitaries who've only heard my name. I want you to introduce yourself to people as Anastasia. If anyone calls you on it, explain that you got orders to do it—you can tell them I'm in really bad condition and I didn't want to insult people by not showing up, so I sent a double. You can discuss business deals with them too, since you've done the paperwork for the past months."
Rem's face paled, her discomfort clear. "But... pretending to be you? That's—"
"Second," Anastasia interrupted, not letting her finish, "I need you to take care of Julius. I don't want him to do anything stupid, so I want you to babysit him and make him loosen up a bit. He's extremely tense right now."
Rem stood there for a long moment, her eyes darting between Anastasia and the door, weighing her options. Finally, she nodded reluctantly. "I... I accept, Lady Anastasia. If that's what you need."
"Good girl," Anastasia said, her smile not reaching her eyes.
So after they left the bathroom, Anastasia turned to Julius, who was still brooding by the window. "For the rest of the night, Rem is going to pretend to be me in front of people."
Julius raised an eyebrow, his irritation momentarily overshadowed by confusion. "What? Anastasia, that's—"
She held up a hand. "Trust me. And Julius... don't do anything perverted with Rem at the party when Subaru is present. We've had enough drama for tonight."
Julius looked grimly at Anastasia, his eyes narrowing as he caught her words. He got exactly what she meant with that tease—a subtle permission wrapped in a warning, stoking the fire she'd been building for weeks. His cheeks flushed slightly, but he said nothing, the tension in his posture shifting from anger to something more conflicted.
Rem walked over to Julius, her voice small and apologetic. "Sir Julius... I'm really sorry about what happened."
Julius softened immediately, his knightly demeanor returning. "It's fine, Rem. I'm not angry at you."
He extended his hand toward her. "May I?"
Rem glanced at Anastasia for confirmation, then placed her hand in his. She gave him hers, their fingers intertwining as they prepared to step out into the night.
Anastasia watched them go, her swollen eye throbbing, but a spark of satisfaction igniting in her chest. The plan was back on track—Rem and Julius, hand in hand, heading into the festival lights. Perfect.