IABCBMH Chapter 50

Disclaimer: Some words or phrases may be lost in translation. The word might not have a literal translation in English or there may be sayings in Korean culture that I am not familiar with.

(athanasiafrost)

“Yes…?”

I momentarily froze at his unrealistic words. Johannes pretending to love me? Blinking in sheer astonishment, I listened as Johannes calmly.

“By professing our love for each other, we can sidestep any arguments that Yujei might present, no matter how logical or critical they are.”

According to Braeden, the mere addition of the word ‘love’ could render even the most implausible connections unconditionally believable. It was said that this peculiar sentiment possessed the uncanny ability to transform all impossible things possible. I pursed my lips, shrugged, and answered calmly.

“Very well, then. Because I like the duke.”

I, too, sought to avoid any explosive confrontations similar to the one we had previously endured. Upon closer inspection, both Yujei and Johannes has the same strong-willed personalities. If their fight were to escalate unchecked, it could quickly spiral beyond my control.

All I wanted for was to ensure that Yujei participated in all diplomatic schedules, refraining from causing any major disturbances. An excuse as simple as ‘love’ is a sufficient reason Yujei for her to give up.

For the time being, our task was to appear together and execute our roles smoothly until the hunting event. In this endeavor, I, too, could use Yujei.

But the problem was elsewhere.

“But how do genuinely affectionate couples behave? My experiences have been limited to unrequited love.”

That was a really serious question on my part. I had never witnessed a pair of ‘devoted lovers’ in my life.

“No need for anything exceptional. I’ll take the lead in most situations, so just try to synchronize with me when the need arises.”

Johannes replied plaintively.

“You did confess that you like me, didn’t you? Well, then, your genuine sentiments should naturally appear.”

While he had consistently professed disbelief in that fact, his sarcasm eventually amounted to ‘You’ll have to figure it out on your own.’ Pressing further with questions, it was obvious that I would be more suspicious.

Given the North’s straightforward demeanor they don’t show affection to each other well, so it was okay to to engage in casual conversation… Yet, the prospect of feigning genuine affection towards Johannes before Yujei suddenly felt remote.

“We merely need to openly convey that we are crazy about seeing each other.”

I rolled my eyes and conjured a rather fitting example. While I had never observed authentic lovers in action, I could recall instances where a man and woman exchanged prolonged glances, seemingly enchanted by each other’s presence. One example that came to mind was Zion and the women that surrounds him.

“Ah.”

I smiled confidently.

“I think I can do really well, Duke. No need to worry.”

Johannes’ eyes narrowed momentarily, seemingly taken aback by this abrupt shift in attitude. Yet, his reaction wasn’t sarcastic, almost as if he, too, believed it. In response to my self-assured words, he held my hand, bringing it to his lips.

As my eyes widened in surprise, a knowing grin played upon his lips. Bright, almost animalistic, yellow eyes gazed up at me from above my hand.

“Don’t react like a startled rabbit. Consider this a prelude.”

Are there rabbits that hunted evil spirits… I was stunned by that cute title, but I didn’t show it and asked back.

“ah… Do I need to engage in physical contact, too?”

“We’re portraying ourselves as a couple in love. Mere verbal assurances of affection aren’t likely to be convincing, especially considering our prior interactions.”

“Oh, I see.”

Upon hearing his words, a renewed sense of truth echoed. I was acutely aware that I possessed a certain awkwardness when it came to navigating ‘ordinary’ human interactions. Hence, I was more than willing to wholeheartedly adhere to Johannes’ guidance.

“Understood. I’ll also make an effort to initiate physical contact.”

That wasn’t difficult either. I had witnessed numerous scenes involving the women who frequented Zion.

“… I’m at little nervous about you being too confident.”

Johannes, with a somewhat shy expression, finally released my hand, and I merely gave a single nonchalant shrug. My confidence was not without reason. While I hadn’t anticipated Zion Renoir assistance in my life, I could effortlessly copy what I had observed. There was little cause for concern.

“Then see you at dinner, Duke.”

“Change what you call me too. Call me by name.”

“Very well, John.”

“….”

“Apologies, Johannes. That name simply reminds me of the endearing temple dog. I was aiming for a more amiable tone…”

“Do not compare me to that damn bastard that only follows you around. Anyway, I’ll come escort you to dinner. Adorn yourself with no more than six rings so you can hold the spoon properly.”

Johannes got up from his seat after tossing it carelessly. It was a plain yet detached gesture, consistent with his disposition. It appeared that the charade of a couple would appear during dinner.

Then I felt like I had to start in earnest from then on. To be honest, as Johannes said, if I didn’t cooperate with this, it would seem that I had no conscience, so I made up my mind to do really well.

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(athanasiafrost)

Night was casting its shadow over the imperial palace nestled at the heart of the capital. Diego looked at the reports and correspondences from the Duchy of Noavik, his face betraying an air of displeasure.

In any case, protocol mandated informing the imperial court of any foreign delegations being received. Johannes was annoying, yet when it came to procedural matters, he is thoruough.

“It seems that the princess of Emmenta, unable to withstand this, has crazily came.”

Diego’s brow furrowed sharply. Pondering Johannes Noavik summoned a sensation like indigestion. It was as if a fishbone had lodged itself in his throat, an constant irritant.

The Duchy of Noavik was a dangerous land. The very fact that it remained within the Empire’s was, by itself, astounding. The vast expanse of the northern territories boasted rich resources, and its citizens were strong.

It was their duty to shoulder the repercussions of the actions taken by Dante Noavik, the first of the Noavik lineage and former high priest of the Empire, upon this very land.

However, too much time has passed since the demons began appearing, and now no one remembers the will. In Diego’s view, a connection unsupported by formal documentation or treaties was devoid of credibility.

Especially, he couldn’t trust a crazy person like Johannes Noavik.

The moment the Duchy of Noavik had declared its independence and formed the Northern Alliance, it had cast a cumbersome shadow upon the Empire. Diego harbored his own reservations about the announced war plans, uncertain of a triumphant outcome.


“The Duchy of Noavik must be appeased unconditionally. Regard them as indispensable partners. After all, won’t they serve as a barrier against those northern savages? It’s whispered that the indigenous inhabitants of the north possess arcane magics. There’s no need to disturb them.”


Emperor Theodore Belianas III, consistently advocated for harmonious dealings with the North. He believed that by keeping the Empire at bay, the Northern territories would cooperate, as they had been historically. His elder brother, Crown Prince Obedin, held similar sentiments.


“Maintaining an amiable rapport with the North is indeed wise. Their people might be blunt, but they are formidable and resolute.”

Even when the Northern War took longer than expected, and the former Ducal couple of Noavik met their demise, Obedin had led imperial forces to provide support, ultimately falling on the battlefield himself.

After that, the emperor fell ill, and Diego, who succeeded Obedin as crown prince, took control of the imperial family. And after he got his hands on the imperial family, the first figure to engage his vigilance was Johannes Noavik.

A young man with a large body who ended the Northern War at once and introduced a son bearing an uncanny resemblance. After designating the infant as heir to the Duchy of Noavik, he had bowed himself in pursuit of the ‘Blue Ruby’.

“… No matter how meticulously I scrutinize him, he slips through my fingers like a mudfish. is this a man with heavenly luck… .”

Diego had a strange intuition every time he saw Johannes. Johannes was indeed willing to bend a knee to Diego and demonstrate allegiance to the throne, yet an enigmatic undercurrent pervaded his persona.

Even after ‘Ace’ was disbanded, ‘Blue Ruby’ continued to operate, and Johannes remained a faithful follower of the temple chasing ‘Blue Ruby’ until the end. This commitment was so fervent that it had even swayed the temple’s authorities, to the point that Diego himself had been persuaded.

“We don’t know what the madman is thinking. Have you not observed the peculiarity in his gaze? Anyway, ‘Blue Ruby’ is a difficult opponent for us, so we have no intention of stopping him. Furthermore… .”

The High Priest, a longstanding ally, interjected with a smirk.

“… With his presence in the capital, we have an embellishment at our disposal.”

With the Emperor’s health in decline, Diego, now seated as Crown Prince, possessed unchallenged authority. All concerns had been resolved, save one nagging anxiety rooted in the North.

Leo Noavik. A boy who was said to have been rescued from the battlefield by Johannes Noavik, bearing an uncanny resemblance to him.


“Reina Noavik is missing. However…Yet… the circumstances are odd. Given Reina Noavik’s temperament, she isn’t one to abandon Crown Prince Obedin. Yet, she fled desperately alone.”


The presence of the child continued to gnaw at him. Although Johannes Noavik had declared Leo his son, the boy had been concealed in the North, out of Diego’s reach.

According to Diego and the temple’s original plan, now that uneasy existence had to disappear. However, Leo is unscathed, and Johannes had journeyed North, forging an alliance with Princess Emmenta. This was the worst, unexpected turn of events.

However, this meeting could not be disputed. Because Johannes already had a wife.

A peculiar woman from the South, seemingly descended from the heavens, whose identity remained shrouded in mystery.

Despite Johannes’ pretexts to evade marriage, Diego’s frustration led to shattered vases and bitter curses. Yet, this intricate tapestry appeared to unfold in a direction wholly contrary to what Diego had plotted.

However, when a ridiculous woman appeared and married him, the things he planned began to twist one by one.

(athanasiafrost)

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