IABCBMH Chapter 39

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)

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So, that evening, he decided to kick her out.

Not because she had engaged in any particularly suspicious behavior or lacked the capability to do so. Rather, he sensed that if her actions persisted, they would introduce an unpredictable element into his life, which was already a mere shell.

“Eloise. Do you remember when you were eight years old?”

The strange things he uttered that night is an evidence of her influence.

He wished to maintain the emptiness in his life until its end. He was reluctant to unveil too much of his genuine emotions to the woman who hit the nail on the head. He wanted the strange night to end that night.

But external reasons changed his decision. He looked at the window where the pitch-black night was falling along with his complicated feelings.

Eloise, who disliked the midnight sun in the South, he pondered whether she would find restful sleep on this particular night.

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Back when I was at ‘Ace,’ I never put in this much effort. It was all about dull memorization, but there was a finish line – I was told to survive.

After days of cramming, Braeden seemed satisfied with my background knowledge and pulled out a new book.

“Alright, from now on, we’re diving into the history of the Noavik duchy. To understand that, we need to start with the origins of demons. Madam, you grew up in the South, so you might not know much about it, right?”

I have a rough idea. I learned theology from a somewhat knowledgable teacher when I was young…”

It’s a stretch to call her a teacher, but that’s the only title that fits Barbara somewhat normally. Braeden frowned, acknowledging,

“Well, theology usually deals with only a few types of demons. Unless you majored in theology, you wouldn’t be equipped to teach it properly.”

Barbara did major in theology and conducted research, though I kept that to myself.

“A long time ago, demons were created during an experiment involving sacred power and time in a temple. That’s why demons are weak in holy power and why top-level demons drop the ‘Time Stone.’”

I’d known this since childhood, but I nodded, feigning moderate surprise.

“Afterward, the temple considered it punishment for their arrogance in tampering with the gods’ power, so they halted all scientific experiments.”

This was old news, basic knowledge Barbara had explained ages ago.

“Demons come from this world. The stronger the demon, the less time it can stay here. Just existing takes up so much energy that it becomes unbearable. Higher temperatures make it even harder for them to last.”

There’s a clear link between temperature and demon activity – they swarm in the north but avoid the south entirely.

Demons usually arrive from the other world around midnight, so high-level demons rarely appear after dawn. The ones that can endure until daylight are usually the weakest.

In the capital, daytime is peaceful because retired priests can handle the lowest-level demons easily.

“And here’s a fact that very few people in the North are aware of.”

Even though I already knew all this, I feigned interest as Braeden lowered his voice and continued explaining.

“The person actively involved in those scientific experiments was the first head of the family, Dante Noavik. He also held the rank of high priest at that time.”

“… Oh.”

This was a bit surprising.

Even Barbara hadn’t told me this. If she knew, she surely would’ve shared it.

It was genuinely new information. The first head of the Noavik family was a high priest and the one behind the failed demon-summoning experiment. I was genuinely shocked and swallowed nervously.

“It’s said an astronomical amount of gems were invested in those experiments. Most scholars speculate that demons drop gems because of these experiments.”

Despite having exorcised demons and amassed numerous gems, I’d never thought about their origin. It felt like this mystery was finally unraveling. I nodded eagerly, absorbing the explanation.

“Dante Noavik gained abilities close to demons due to the experiment. He could sense the highest-level demon and discern the power of the ‘Time Stone.’”

It felt like scattered knowledge was finally coming together. I knew the Noavik family had unique abilities, but this was the first time I learned the reason.

“To take responsibility for summoning demons, Dante settled in the north, the area most haunted by demons, and declared an unwavering fight against them.”

“Huh…”

I exclaimed without realizing, forgetting to blink. Today’s lesson was surprisingly interesting, a welcome change from days of memorizing genealogy and geography.

“As generations passed and northern blood mixed, the high priest’s blood weakened, and the northern traits became dominant. Nowadays, everyone, including Duke Johannes, exhibits the distinctive features of the northern race, right?”

“That… yes.”

“Anyway, for the Noavik duchy members, fighting demons is like fate.”

Braeden continued speaking seriously.

“Now, many years have passed. The people of the North may have forgotten Dante Noavik’s mistake, but they hold onto the spirit of Noavik, who led the fight against demons to protect the people. In essence, the Noavik motto is ‘Take responsibility, risk everything.’”

Braeden concluded with a solemn declaration, placing his hand on his chest as if embodying Noavik’s blood.

“But.”

I wasn’t particularly moved by the emotional conclusion, so I raised my hand and asked a serious question.

“Why doesn’t the Duke embody Noavik’s spirit?”

“Yes?”

“Instead of leading demon exorcisms in the north, he’s always in the capital. Is catching the ‘Blue Ruby’ more important than Noavik’s spirit?”

“That’s a good question. Dante Noavik’s sense of mission has one blind spot. Have you noticed anything?”

“Hmm… Noavik’s special ability is related to the highest-level demon and the ‘Time Stone,’ but doesn’t the highest-level demon mainly appear around the capital?”

“You are clever, madam.”

Braeden grinned and gave me a thumbs up.

“Exactly. It appears around the main temple, where it was initially summoned. The higher their level, the more likely they are to linger there.”

“Ah, I see.”

“Do you know why this isn’t common knowledge among civilians?”

“Huh. You probably don’t want the public to know that demons exist because of the temple.”

“Exactly. It’s not a proud history, even in the North, so only a few people in the Duchy of Noavik are aware of it.”

“… Is it okay for me to be in that minority?”

“It’s because you bear the Duke’s name. Any true hostess of Noavik must know this.”

I smiled awkwardly. I was about to be expelled right away, but due to Princess Yujei’s visit, Johannes ordered my education. So, people were mistakenly assuming that Johannes had finally accepted me as a true Northern hostess.

It was a harmless rumor, so I didn’t correct it, and Johannes showed no intention of doing so. Perhaps they suspected a spy from the Kingdom of Emmenta in the castle.

And there’s another important thing. Noavik’s abilities can be measured by the power of their lineage.”

“Oh, really?”

“Fortunately, most Noaviks born in a single generation had similar abilities, so there were very few cases of controversy over selecting a successor.”

Braeden sighed lightly for a moment and continued speaking.

“However, the birth of Duke Johannes Noavik brought about a rare case where ridiculous differences between siblings caused trouble.”

At the mention of Johannes Noavik, I was surprised and widened my eyes.

Now, a dilemma arises here.”

Braeden spoke with a serious expression.

“Should someone with Noavik’s abilities be in the North or in the capital?”

“Uh… hmm…”

It was a challenging problem with reasons on both sides.

To catch the highest-level demon, one had to be in the capital, but considering Noavik’s symbolism, staying in the north was necessary. I hesitated and then answered.

“Top-level demons don’t appear often, and there’s no need to do anything that benefits the people of the capital… Wouldn’t it be more reasonable to appoint him as the successor to the North?”

“Yes. There were a lot of opinions like that, especially in wartime situations.”

Braeden sighed lightly, then smiled and extended his hand.

“Okay, I know you’re having a hard time walking with your crutches, but let’s move around for a bit. I will explain the rest in the corridor.”

“Corridor?”

I asked with wide eyes, not knowing what the corridor was. Braeden smiled kindly and explained.

“It’s a place where portraits of the Noavik family through the ages are collected.”

“Oh.”

I had never imagined such a place with collected portraits. My eyes widened, pondering if such a tradition existed in a historic noble family.

“Do you have portraits of the Duke and Leo there?”

“Not yet. The final family portrait depicts the ancestral Duke Noavik and his wife, Princess Reina, and the Duke as a child.”

After hearing Braeden’s explanation, I nodded, indicating my understanding. This meant that we could see Johannes’ deceased family members. I took Braeden’s hand, got up, grabbed my crutches, and left the room.

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IABCBMH Chapter 38

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)

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‘Yujei’s obsession is far more intense than I had anticipated.’

Despite having married someone else, he hadn’t foreseen that upon arriving in the north, she would promptly lead a delegation and inform him of her visit. Even after he had firmly rejected her in his own manner, he sighed at her lingering inability to forget him.

‘I can’t just dismiss Yujei while she’s staying here anyway…’

He wasn’t inclined to purposefully escalate the situation and had concluded that it would be more effective to discourage Yujei by demonstrating Eloise’s secure position during the few days of Emmenta’s delegation visit.

“Hehehe, isn’t that the Duke?”

Returning to his room after observing Eloise’s study session, Johannes encountered Braeden. Braeden beamed, his eyes gleaming.

“Are you returning after seeing your wife?”

Johannes clicked his tongue inwardly at the thought of running into Braeden.

Internally clicking his tongue at the unexpected encounter with Braeden, Johannes, despite Braeden being his esteemed teacher and an old knight with admirable insight, found him excessively inquisitive about matters between men and women.

He tried to avoid being noticed by Braeden as much as possible. However, Eloise had chosen a room in a peculiar corner, making it impossible to hide the fact that he was coming from her room just by observing his movements.

“No, I haven’t seen her.”

“Aha! You were secretly watching!”

Braeden squinted his eyes, stroking his white beard. Detecting a nuance, Johannes responded straightforwardly.

“I had something to inquire about, but she was engrossed in her studies, so I returned.”

“Ah. On this late night, you intended to engage in a conversation but ended up just passing by after witnessing her dedication to her studies.”

Despite Johannes glaring at Braeden, who had misconstrued his words, Braeden continued to smile kindly, as though he were impressed, and added the following remark.

“But these days, she’s putting in a great deal of effort. Even though I assigned her a somewhat challenging task, she made sure to memorize it all.”

“… She appears to be quite focused. Despite the leg.”

“Well, Duke. A sprained ankle doesn’t hinder the use of one’s intellect. But I understand your concern for your wife.”

“Braeden.”

“yes.”

“… Very well then.”

Johannes was about to say something to his old teacher, but he held back. Then he bowed briefly and turned around.

“Yes, Duke. Good night.”

Braeden departed with brisk steps. Despite the likelihood that this conversation would circulate throughout the Dukedom by tomorrow, it was a trial that needed to be endured. Left alone, Johannes strolled slowly, lost in thought.

Yujei’s delegation was imminent, so it was crucial to purposefully propagate the rumor within the castle that the two were on amicable terms. Considering the timing, it seemed likely that Yujei’s informant had clandestinely infiltrated the ducal castle.

In truth, Johannes had contemplated divorcing Eloise and sending her south soon. However, given the current circumstances, it was prudent to keep these thoughts to himself. Thus, he endured his old teacher’s jests with remarkable patience. All he needed to do was feign ignorance until Yujei’s visit concluded.

Afterward, if he formally ended things with Eloise and descended to the capital, he could avoid annoying encounters with Yujei.

Hence, he concluded that for now, he should postpone discussions about divorce and delay confronting her privately to discern her genuine sentiments. Still, he acknowledged it as a form of self-justification.

“… Interrogation, interrogation… No matter how much pain and suffering you subject me to… you won’t be able to extract a background that doesn’t exist.”

She was truly a strange woman. Despite exuding an air of menace, she smiled unflinchingly. Yet, at the mere mention of ‘interrogation,’ her entire being quivered.

(athanasiafrost)

“I-I don’t know how much torture you plan to inflict, but I-I saved Leo…”

Her desperate and resolute manner of speech didn’t appear to be an act. Rather, it was evident that she vehemently wished not to be discovered. Truly, she seemed to have endured considerable torture…

Johannes had always been wary of her, but at that moment, he felt a peculiar sensation. She was flustered because her fear of being caught by him was glaringly apparent.

Contrarily, even though the typical course of an interrogation is to capitalize on such vulnerability and press further, he instinctively reassured her that he wouldn’t resort to torture.

The reason Johannes hastily arrived in the North was due to the disparities from his expectations. If someone had been harmed, they wouldn’t have ascended. It made no sense for the temple to dispatch such a magical beast to the north.

Upon hearing that Eloise was among the group awaiting him, he rushed to engage her in conversation because he harbored suspicions about her. He believed there was absolutely no reason for her to endure the frigid night when she couldn’t even ride her horse.

He anticipated that there must be an ulterior motive, that something untoward would occur. Naturally, he never imagined she would sacrifice herself for Leo.

He wasn’t one to leave unsettling matters unresolved. Especially since the North needed to be securely handed over to Leo, there were more than a few matters that required investigation. Yet, in the midst of this, he received news that a delegation from the Kingdom of Emmenta was on its way, leaving him with little time for a thorough inquiry.

Moreover, the behavior of the malevolent spirit was atypical. According to the reports from the knights, the demons behaved as if they had a will of their own. It was perplexing.

‘With a suspicious wife occupying my attention, I can’t even spare the time to track down the Blue Ruby.’

Johannes released a soft sigh and once again contemplated the image of Eloise immersed in a thick book, with slightly furrowed brows and engrossed blue eyes.

During his stay at the Duke’s castle over the past few days, it became evident that many residents had already been captivated by Eloise. Her unwavering positivity and radiant energy seemed to quietly fortify the North’s inhabitants worn down by prolonged conflict and demons.

Despite appearing delicate, as if a mere touch would make her crumble, she harbored an inner strength. Unfazed by the malevolent spirit incident, and she wasn’t offended by the bluntness of the northernersand even rejecting the need for an escort.

Following the incident where she intentionally fell off her horse to lure the evil spirit away from Leo, admiration for her soared among the populace. Not only Leo but even skeptics like Katie couldn’t help but naturally develop positive feelings toward her.

‘At this rate, everyone will fall for her before we uncover her true intentions. No, she has already surpassed that.’

She was truly a strange woman. He had no words to describe it other than that modifier. Initially perceived as having a charming and dazzling personality during their first encounter and marriage proposal, Johannes found her serious demeanor more impressive on the second meeting. The shared experience of leaping off a cliff on A-Day during their third encounter stirred a peculiar déjà vu and suggested a potential shared history.

Johannes has been seeing her in the Duke’s castle lately, Johannes marveled at her ability to adapt. Despite initial reservations about the North’s harsh environment, Eloise thrived and endeared herself to those around her. Johannes couldn’t help but chuckle at the recollection of the castle residents rushing to tend to the injured Eloise without acknowledging him.

Reluctantly acknowledging Eloise’s success in the North, Johannes found her laughter at his previous misconceptions both intriguing and bemusing.

‘Really…’

‘She’s such a strange woman.’

She was a woman who was difficult to understand from beginning to end. Despite their limited interactions, she made incisive comments about his life, as though intimately acquainted with him for a considerable time. It was as if she saw through the life he deemed worthless, hitting the mark.

“Duke, you have everything. Why throw away your life for so little?”

Her eyes conveyed sincerity, hinting at a deeper narrative. While there was an evident past connection, Johannes couldn’t decipher the specifics.

“Isn’t your amazing life precious to you?”

Johannes had long discarded any semblance of attachment to his life. It now served solely to rectify past wrongs, making him impervious to most disturbances.

“Then you should be kicked out.”

Yet, Eloise persistently stirred him. Her unpredictable actions complicated his already turbulent state of mind.

He couldn’t mock the northerners who had already given her their hearts, fervently hoping she was a genuinely good person. Eloise’s unpredictability fueled such hope. However, she continued to reveal unexpected facets to Johannes.

It wasn’t a lie when he said he liked her. He genuinely wanted to observe the workings of that small head and comprehend the unhesitant words flowing from those lips, eager and resolute until the mention of ‘interrogation.’

During the night spent alone in the forest with her, engaging in a conversation that was truthful yet not entirely accurate, Johannes experienced an ominous premonition. He had an ominous intuition that if he continued to be with her like this, she would shake up his entire life.

More so than any other ‘woman,’ even the elusive ‘Blue Ruby.’

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IABCBMH Chapter 37

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)

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This place boasted excellent security, with residents well-versed in self-defense and stringent criminal laws keeping unlawful activities exceptionally rare. Having spent my younger years surrounded by criminals, the safety here was oddly comforting.

Despite being a woman naturally prone to suspicion, those around me blushed in response to the favors and compliments I gave them. The brief period I spent here turned out to be surprisingly pleasant.

If there was a place where I could find respite, especially considering my profound physical and mental exhaustion from enduring prolonged stress, it would be a place like the North. This realization was not apparent when I first arrived.

“Me too… .”

I mumbled while the rooster crowed at dawn. In the serene northern region untouched by demons during the pitch-black night, I expressed my hope for a comfortable haven.

“I hope so too.”

At that moment, my sentiment was genuine. However, the harsh reality remained—without stealing the ‘Time Stone,’ my lifespan remained uncertain, yet acquiring it would jeopardize my stay in the North.

Surprisingly, the most notable individual among those who visited was not the sincere bell tower keeper. In fact, the person who underwent the most significant attitude change was Leo.

“… I came to visit you, Eloise.”

His hesitant and polite words revealed a newfound openness, evident as he visited me every morning, often in the company of John, the Yorkshire Terrier who had become my friend.

“How are you feeling today?”

“Hmm… I know it’s a bit difficult to call me mother. But we are family. No need to be so polite.”

I smiled while stroking John, who affectionately clung to me. It was unreasonable to expect a boy who did not call Johannes ‘father’ to address me as ‘mother.’

“Then…”

“Treat me a little more comfortably. Don’t stand so straight and make a blunt expression.”

“… Yes, Eloise. I will try my best.”

Leo, who would typically reject me at least once, nodded with his ears turning red. Then, as if he was embarrassed, he disappeared like lightning.

‘Oh cute.’

I chuckled to myself as I watched Leo run away. The more I thought about the shy face of a child who matured early, the cuter it became, and the more I laughed.

‘Really… cute.’

Observing Leo in good health brought an odd sense of relief.

In a way, it felt like I had come to the Dukedom for nefarious purposes. However, witnessing Leo’s lively activities allowed me to tentatively rationalize that I wasn’t doing anything wrong. Paradoxically, seeing a healthy child in front of me felt like salvation.

And also, the third significant event that transpired for me…

“Hehe, madam.”

Now, I had to contend with Braeden, who visited daily after lunch, laden with books.

“How is your ankle today?”

“Well, it’s okay. The doctor mentioned that I naturally have a slow recovery, but it’s improving bit by bit.”

“Heh… This old man thought something really big was going to happen. I’m genuinely glad.”

Braeden nags me with the same advice every time we met.

“You were able to act recklessly because you didn’t know anything. Luckily, everyone was safe this time, but please don’t do anything like that again. The North is not a place where things can be solved by throwing one’s arms around an impulsive sense of justice.”

While every word seemed misplaced for someone like me, I grinned and nodded.

“Yeah, I got it! From now on, no more throwing myself into situations—just knives!”

“Haha… I don’t know what that means… Then, let’s start studying today.”

Braeden opened the book and spoke solemnly. I nodded, quill in hand. It all began with something Johannes mentioned on the day he returned to the duchy.

“Teach Eloise about the basic common sense of the Duchy of Noavik.”

Since that afternoon, Braeden had been faithfully visiting to educate me. It served as a substantial motivation.

“Everything between the South and the North differs — from vegetation, race, lifestyle, and history. To prevent something like this from happening, Eloise must know the North and the Noavik family well. Moreover, if you are going to deal with an envoy from the Kingdom of Emmenta, you will naturally need to have basic common sense about that country.”

“Ah, um, well, right… .”

“Today, we will start by studying the history and characteristics of the Noavik family. It will probably be very helpful in understanding the Duke.”

“Oh, starting today?”

“Well, if you’re truly tired or finding it challenging, we can postpone until tomorrow. I will inform the duke accordingly. Oh, you can keep it a secret and take a break surreptitiously. I have a heavy mouth.”

In reality, I wasn’t that fatigued. However, I wasn’t particularly eager to study just to better understand Johannes.

Anyway, Johannes compelled me to study to avoid the fatigue from dealing with Princess Yujei. He harbored resentment towards the man who threatened to expel him summarily, making cooperation seem unappealing.

Well, who would suffer if I were to be embarrassed in front of Yujei? It wasn’t my concern, and all of this was other people’s business. I nodded, appearing somewhat fatigued, thinking it was acceptable to buy some time for a few days.

And then, the third significant event unfolded for me…

“Hehe, ma’am.”

Now, I had to face Braeden, who arrived daily after lunch, loaded with books.

“How is your ankle today?”

“Well, it’s okay. The doctor mentioned that I am naturally slow to recover. But it’s improving bit by bit.”

“Heh… This old man thought something really significant was going to happen. I’m really glad.”

Braeden repeated the same admonition each time he saw me.

“You were able to act recklessly because you didn’t know anything. Fortunately, everyone was safe this time, but please refrain from such impulsive acts. The North is not a place where matters can be resolved by embracing an impulsive sense of justice.”

Having an impulsive sense of justice didn’t quite suit me, but I smiled and nodded nonetheless.

“Yeah, I got it! From now on, I won’t throw myself, only knives!”

“Ahaha… I don’t know what that means… Then, let’s start studying today.”

Braeden opened the book and spoke earnestly. I nodded, holding the quill. It all commenced due to something Johannes mentioned on the day he returned to the duchy.

“Teach Eloise about the basic common sense of the Duchy of Noavik.”

And since that afternoon, Braeden had been visiting me to provide instruction. It served as a considerable impetus.

“Everything between the South and the North differs—vegetation, race, lifestyle, and history. To prevent something like this from happening again, Eloise must be well-versed in the North and the Noavik family. Moreover, if you are going to deal with an envoy from the Kingdom of Emmenta, having basic common sense about that country is essential.”

“Ah, um, well, right… .”

“Today, we will start by studying the history and characteristics of the Noavik family. It will likely be very helpful in understanding the Duke.”

“Oh, starting today?”

“Well, if you’re truly tired or finding it challenging, we can postpone until tomorrow. I will inform the duke accordingly. Oh, you can keep it a secret and take a break surreptitiously. I have a heavy mouth.”

In reality, I wasn’t that fatigued. However, I wasn’t particularly eager to study just to better understand Johannes.

Anyway, Johannes compelled me to study to avoid the fatigue from dealing with Princess Yujei. He harbored resentment towards the man who threatened to expel him summarily, making cooperation seem unappealing.

Well, who would suffer if I were to be embarrassed in front of Yujei? It wasn’t my concern, and all of this was other people’s business. I nodded, appearing somewhat fatigued, thinking it was acceptable to buy some time for a few days.

“Ahaha, then let’s put it off until tomorrow, and you can get a bit more sleep…

“Is that so? Well, the bloodline of Duke Noavik is quite distinct from that of ordinary people, so there is quite a lot to study. Whether it’s the Senate’s recognition of a successor, the eye to see into demons, or the ‘treasure room’… .”

Wait a minute, ‘treasure room.’ Then, the story took a slightly different turn. I immediately changed my mind and swiftly grabbed Braeden’s hand as he turned around.

“No.”

“Yes?”

“Sleep is something you can do when you die. When I think about it, pushing tomorrow’s studies to today was a personal hobby of mine. I want to start studying.”

And so, my studies began from that day. It turned out to be quite advantageous for me. Despite feeling like I was going crazy due to curiosity about the ‘Treasure Room,’ I was so determined to keep it to myself that I couldn’t inquire about it.

Even attempts to gather information under the guise of playing hide-and-seek with the kids proved futile, as not a single child knew the location of the ‘treasure room.’ Everyone simply shrugged their shoulders, stating that only Noavik’s immediate family was privy to that information.

However, having the opportunity to teach myself under the guise of studying was truly remarkable. I refrained from searching for information for fear of appearing suspicious, a circumstance that worked to my advantage. I assumed an upright posture and smiled brightly at Braeden.

Ultimately, Braeden flashed a smile and settled at the desk with me. While I had hoped for insights into the ‘Treasure Room,’ he instead opened an immensely thick book and declared,

“Then… We will start by memorizing the genealogy.”

Regrettably, instead of learning about the ‘Treasure Room’ that day, I found myself subjected to infuriating memorization for several days. Braeden insisted that I commit to memory the tedious genealogy, geography, and vegetation of the North, emphasizing the need for a basic understanding.

‘Uh… I really don’t want to do this… I guess I should do it though… .’

In some respects, all of this might be considered a bit overdue. It was knowledge I should have acquired a long time ago, being a hostess of the North.

However, owing to Johannes’ directive to ‘observe without asserting authority,’ coupled with my indolence and lack of interest in learning, my knowledge of the North had remained limited until now.

But now things are a little different. Following Johannes’ decision not to find fault with Princess Yujei, I now had to do the bare minimum of research about this area.

Initially, I harbored some resentment toward Johannes, but considering he could have abandoned me in a forest filled with wolves, yet he personally brought me here and even healed my ankle, my feelings shifted.

Furthermore, he exhibited good manners and consideration until the end, refraining from making any statements about kicking me out or getting a divorce in front of others. Even though no one realized he was more polite than perceived due to his usual cold and arrogant demeanor.

So, since I had committed to studying, I felt magnanimous enough to prevent him from embarrassing himself in front of Yujei.

Moreover, I now had a powerful incentive to work diligently and extract at least a tidbit about the treasure room.

Leaving everything else aside, it was undeniably lamentable that he possessed the Noavik castle yet remained oblivious to the fact that packs of wolves roamed the surrounding forest.

As I delved into my studies, even sacrificing sleep, Johannes never sought me out.

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“1201… Sewerage maintenance in Edina Noavik… Leto Kingdom merges with Mazien Kingdom… .”

Seated at her desk, Eloise was engrossed in memorizing history and geography with a determined posture. A bandage was wrapped around her ankle, and neatly placed crutches stood by the desk.

When faced with difficulty recalling something, she would sigh and lean against the large teddy bear positioned beside her. Her flowing blond hair sparkled in the moonlight, and her lips moved incessantly as she worked with her pen.

Johannes watched Eloise’s profile through the open door and then quietly turned around.

Observing Eloise’s profile through the open door, Johannes silently turned away. The side view he had been focusing on appeared so innocuous. It had been a few days already.

Initially, they had agreed on a designated time for divorce, and if she declined, the plan was to have a private discussion every night to discern her true feelings. However, as he observed her lips diligently uttering the names of northern locations, he couldn’t bring himself to interrupt.

Complications had overtaken his thoughts.

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IABCBMH Chapter 36

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)

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Katie involuntarily swallowed, her throat dry, and nervously bit her lower lip. The sender was none other than Yujei, the princess of Emmenta.

It wasn’t a very welcoming name. As Johannes read the letter, a wry smile appeared across his face.

“I suppose now is not the time for us to fret over the crown prince’s rat.”

“… Yes?”

“It looks like Emmenta’s rat is here. Given their shared northern heritage, blending in as spies would have been an easy endeavor.”

A myriad of thoughts raced through Katie’s mind. Johannes, sensing her contemplation, spoke with a hint of exasperation.

“Katie, prepare to receive our guests.. They say they have already departed from Emmenta.”

Katie, bewildered, responded to Johannes’ directive.

“If they’re departing… are they coming here? From Emmenta?”

“Yes.”

Johannes clicked his tongue, displaying the letter to Katie as if it held no particular confidentiality.

“Yujei herself is said to be accompanying them.”

“P-Princess Yujei?”

At the mention of Yujei, Katie’s gaze involuntarily sought out Eloise, who was joyfully engaged with children, her bandaged hand revealing a tale of recent struggles.

Katie knew Yujei well—a towering figure with the proud stature of a northern pureblood, armed with a trident. Despite repeated marriage proposals, Johannes declined, stating his aversion to marriage. Yet, Eloise’s presence had extended his stay in the North, much to Yujei’s concern.

Yujei harbored a persistent eagerness to meet Johannes whenever he came to the North, making Johannes to discreetly depart the region upon sensing her anticipation. However, an unforeseen circumstance, Eloise, compelled Johannes to extend his stay in the North, disrupting his usual pattern.

That’s why Yujei immediately announced that she would visit the duchy. It was obvious how she would react upon seeing Eloise in this situation. Even now, Isn’t Eloise injured? Yujei was a typical northerner who believed in the law of flesh and blood.

‘This is what the word spy meant. The situation is not good.’

It was also very bad timing. Now, in any case, Eloise was labeled as ‘a weak wife who went with a dagger, but ended up stabbing herself in the foot, and was miraculously saved by Johannes.

‘Madam… though uniquely charming, she blossomed in the gentler climates of the south. Princess Yujei may not see her as an equal.’

Katie and other people in the duchy think of Eloise as a cute little bird-like girl who they want to protect. Yet, Yujei, adhering to the northern creed, would likely view her differently.

Probably, the weak ones who can’t even handle a dagger properly will try to suppress such power, saying they can’t stay in the North. She was a woman who would somehow be driven out of her ballroom and proudly declare that she was better suited for the position.

‘It got complicated.’

The letter indicated that Yujei’s arrival was imminent, complicating matters. As Katie sighed, contemplating Eloise’s situation from a distance, Johannes issued a low-toned command.

“Convey this to Braeden. Instruct Eloise on the Duchy of Noavik and the history of the North.”

“… Yes?”

Katie’s puzzled response, Johannes frowned as if he was in trouble and continued speaking.

“I don’t want Princess Yujei to stay here. When that hot-tempered princess sees Eloise, who do you think she will find fault with?”

“Understood. I’ll convey it promptly.”

As Katie hastened away, Johannes sighed softly, realizing the challenge of promptly sending Eloise southward.

---

‘Yujei’s actions are swifter than anticipated, but I’m relieved nonetheless.’

I thought, observing Johannes’ troubled expression. Originally, I had planned to use my ankle as an excuse to delay until Yujei’s letter arrived, but she appeared more impatient than expected, which worked in my favor.

“Madam, are you really okay?”

“Yes. I just need to get enough rest. The duke is very considerate.”

I smiled at the children talking anxiously by my bedside.

Johannes, in consideration of my well-being, had intended to discuss our future plans—specifically, the ‘expulsion schedule’— in my room. But, upon my entrance, the children flocked my room.

Even Johannes, esteemed as he was, could not turn away the children bearing small gifts.

And in the meantime, Katie arrived bearing a missive from the Kingdom of Emmenta. Their conversation was not discreet, allowing me to overhear. Everything unfolded as expected, albeit with a much earlier timing than I had anticipated.

‘Postponing the impending eviction seems plausible now. Perhaps I can stay in the Duchy a little longer.’

While my political knowledge was limited, I understood that Prince Diego harbored concerns about the alliance between Emmenta’s Princess Yujei and Johannes. The Crown Prince feared the North uniting and evolving into a force that could pose a threat to the Empire.

“Did you hear? Rumor has it that Leo Noavik from the Duchy of Noavik has passed away. It seems his devotion to his son knew no bounds. Word has it that during the funeral, the Princess of Emmenta made a marriage proposal, only to be promptly dismissed by the Duke. It’s said that the Princess had been eagerly anticipating the Duke’s arrival in the North.”

Upon my return, I learned that as soon as Johannes journeyed to the North for Leo’s funeral, Princess Yujei promptly followed suit. Rumors circulated that she proposed marriage during someone else’s funeral and was rejected.

‘So naturally, I anticipated a similar scenario this time.’

Given her audacity to propose at a father’s funeral, it was evident she eagerly awaited Johannes’ arrival in the North. It was inconceivable that she would ignore his trip this time.

Upon my return, I learned that as soon as Johannes journeyed to the North for Leo’s funeral, Princess Yujei promptly followed suit. Rumors circulated that she proposed marriage during someone else’s funeral and was summarily rejected.

“So naturally, I anticipated a similar scenario this time.”

Given her audacity to propose at a father’s funeral, it was evident she eagerly awaited Johannes’ arrival in the North. It was inconceivable that she would ignore his trip this time.

Moreover, I couldn’t help but wonder about Yujei’s curiosity regarding my sudden emergence as his wife and my journey to the North. In her pursuit to gather intelligence on the duchess, they likely dispatched a spy, enabling them to swiftly learn of Johannes’ trip. He likely departed immediately upon hearing the news.

While I didn’t know Yujei well, her actions suggested a strong possibility that she sought to expel me because I am no northerner.

‘And for Johannes, that’s possibly the worst thing.’

Johannes, exasperated by Crown Prince Diego’s scrutiny, detested anything that diverted his attention from chasing the ‘Blue Ruby,’ to the extent of marrying someone as suspicious-looking as me.

However, if Yujei, after my expulsion, were to complain, ‘I will take his wife’s place, why can she do it and not me?’—it would be taxing. Being already married to me, he couldn’t use the excuse that he had ‘no intention of getting married.’

Whether true or not, the mere possibility of a union with Yujei reaching Prince Diego’s ears could spell trouble.

The dilemma lay in maintaining amicable relations with the Kingdom of Emmenta, given its northern location. Thus, Johannes couldn’t afford to treat them rudely, explaining his prolonged stay in the North after receiving the departure letter.

‘If I’m expelled in this situation, Yujei might think I’m crazy and cling to Johannes… The best course for Johannes is to present me as a steadfast wife, especially in the presence of Emmenta’s delegation.’

Consequently, he instructed Braeden to educate me to avoid awkward excuses when Yujei arrived.

“Regardless, I’ve bought some time.”

While unsure of the duration of Yujei’s stay, I could at least remain in the duke’s castle until then. I sighed in relief, feeling a sense of gratitude, even if unspoken, toward Yujei.

---

02. Emmenta’s special ability


Thanks to Yujei’s impressive performance, I found myself with an extended stay in the Duke’s castle. While Johannes might have contemplated sending me away after Yujei’s visit and returning to the capital, that was a matter I could address when the time came.

During the few days I waited for the delegation from the Kingdom of Emmenta, I focused on three significant tasks.

The first was the absence of demon invasions. From my understanding, before my regression, Leo had faced constant attacks from demons. It struck me that Leo had been attacked for two consecutive days.

The only variable was that Johannes was currently staying in the North.

‘It’s peculiar. The attacks ceased after Johannes arrived.’

Certainly strange, yet not an unfavorable situation for me. It also meant that I had no need to unveil my holy power. While banishing the demons wasn’t a formidable task, I feared Johannes might expose my identity.

The second task was the noticeable shift in the castle residents’ attitude. Initially friendly, their watchful eyes had never wavered. Now, however, signs of outright suspicion were absent.

Northern people admired strength, and though they acknowledged my physical weakness, they deemed me mentally strong enough to sacrifice myself for Leo.

Despite my inability to showcase my skills due to Johannes’ unexpected appearance and my subsequent injuries, I had undoubtedly achieved something noteworthy for the North.

The announcement of Princess Emmenta’s impending delegation to the Duchy of Noavik had the castle bustling with activity. Despite the busyness, they took good care of me.

One dawn, the bell tower keeper approached me discreetly and whispered,

“Eloise, I hope you are not the crown prince’s spy.”

“Huh? What are you talking about?”

“Everyone is praying for that, including me. Everyone likes Eloise. It would be very sad if you were truly a spy. Philip, Argent, and I!”

The use of the word ‘sad’ stirred something within me. If he had said ‘angry,’ I might not have felt anything, but the sincerity in their concern saddened me, making me regret any impure intentions I have had coming to the North.

“Well, I did risk everything… I am not the crown prince’s spy.”

“Really? You’re truly here because you genuinely like the Duke, right? So, are you planning to stay with us in the North for a long time? Right?”

In the North, for a long time. I quietly contemplated these two phrases.

Although I had become accustomed to it and was not entirely aware, my heart was perpetually in a state of intermittent pain. If I truly dismantled the time bomb-like magic circle within my heart, where would I find myself afterward?

Life at ‘Ace’ was dreadful, and I had no desire to live in a capital city with those memories

While I hadn’t stayed there for an extended period, the South, with its intense petty fights, wasn’t a place I wished to settle down.

In the end, the North was the only place where I held cherished memories.

---

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IABCBMH Chapter 35

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)

---

The boy bearing a striking resemblance to Johannes remained silent as he finally met Johannes, someone he had eagerly awaited. His gaze was not fixed on Johannes but rather focused on Eloise’s injured ankle, a concerned expression clouding his face. Eloise, however, greeted the situation with a radiant smile.

“It’s only natural for families to look out for one another.”

“…We haven’t known each other for long.”

“But we’re still family.”

With a gentle stroke of Leo’s hair, Eloise continued.

“And I’m fine. This is just a wound from a mishap with my dagger.”

All eyes turned to inspect the injury, confirming their earlier assumptions about Eloise’s lack of offensive capabilities.

“But it will leave a scar! What should I do?”

“Better than it being cut off, whatever. I’m just glad it was a dagger. If it were an axe… Well, I’m joking. Why’s everyone looking so serious?”

Though it may not have been the most appropriate joke to tell with a bright face, an awkward laughter rippled through the group.

“Haha, that’s Eloise for you…”

In fact, Eloise had just told her first joke since arriving in the North, though she hesitated to admit it. The awkward laughter quickly turned to surprise when Johannes chimed in.

“Don’t stand for too long; it’s not good for your ankle. Let’s go to your room. That’s something we can agree both agree on?”

Then Johannes held her in his arms, a display of kindness and concern that nobody had anticipated from the typically indifferent Johannes.

With Eloise safely in his arms, Johannes swiftly made his way into the duchy. As they watched, Serena couldn’t help but grin at Braeden.

“What if my usually cool-headed judgment of the situation is wrong, old master?”

Serena chuckled as she held Leo, whose eyes were sparkling with joy.

“Maybe something significant happened while they were alone. Did I hit it on the spot? Love can strike in an instant, can’t it?”

Hmm… Indeed. Is that kind of atmosphere?”

Pagan furrowed his brows and mumbled, to which Serena replied with a prophetic tone.

“Even if it isn’t, spending time together in that atmosphere is bound to deepen their relationship, don’t you think? Would the Duke normally be one to lift someone up and embrace them like that? I believe many things will change.”

And just as Serena foretold, the entire duchy began to make way, their eyes wide in astonishment, as they observed the Duke and Duchess.

This bizarre scenario arose because, unbeknownst to most, Johannes was, in essence, a gentleman, unlike reputation.

He had already made the decision to send Eloise away. However, he had imagined quietly agreeing on the timing and notifying her.

After all, she had been injured within his domain, so it was only right to provide treatment and ensure her safe departure. He assessed her to be physically weak, especially after a night of riding, and decided she should rest.

Eloise, nestled in his arms, seemed to grasp his thoughts and inwardly sighed.

The pattern was remarkably similar to what had transpired before her regression. Johannes harbored suspicions and caution, but in the end he was merciful to her and allowed her situation to go exactly as she intended.

Although she hates to admit it, he was, at his core, a warm-hearted individual, incapable of cruelty. She would do her utmost to leverage his kindness and maintain hope for her survival.

It appeared that history was destined to repeat itself, and Eloise couldn’t help but smile with a touch of bitterness at that realization.

---

(athanasiafrost)

‘Thank God.’

Katie thought as she urgently instructed the search party, who had departed earlier in the day, to swiftly return to the Duke’s castle.

‘Glad, they came back safely…’

Katie, who had not been part of the meeting group, received the news in the dead of night while she was busy with preparations to welcome the knights inside the Duke’s castle.

Two demons appeared, and Eloise, fleeing with Leo, had sacrificed herself to draw the demons away.

In all honesty, it was something that went beyond common sense.

It was astonishing that a noble girl from the south, the object of envy, had acclimated herself to the harsh north. Yet, she willingly risked her life for her stepson, a child with whom she shared no blood and who didn’t hold much affection for her.

‘However… She seems like the kind of person who would do that.’

In reality, every time she graced the North with her innocent smile and declared her contentment, the hearts of the northerners warmed. To someone who saw only the warm and good side of this harsh land, it seemed entirely fitting that she would make such a noble sacrifice.

‘It appears the little prince has truly opened his heart this time. I hope she turns out to be a genuinely good person.’

No matter how emotionally attached she had become to Eloise, who had thrown herself in front of the duchy’s heir, Katie had to maintain a rational outlook.

Johannes had instructed her to keep a vigilant eye on Eloise. Naturally, a woman who had arrived in the North on her own couldn’t escape suspicion. As of now, she had not interfered in the duchy’s affairs and had conducted herself without raising any suspicion.

‘Why did the Duke suddenly come, and how long will he stay? There’s much to find out.’

Katie took a moment to catch her breath as she looked into the distance from the top of the flying tower. Johannes’ visit was sudden, no one knows the reason or the duration.

‘I wonder what will happen to Eloise… .’

Braeden had persistently lamented the possibility of Eloise returning to the south, fearing that Johannes might force her away. Yet, she remained uncertain about Eloise’s fate.

‘I must descend quickly. I need to ensure she’s unharmed.’

As her thoughts reached this point, Katie felt an urgent need to personally assess Eloise’s condition. She was about to come to her senses and climb down her tower.

Thud, thud, thud!

Katie cast an inquisitive glance at the unfamiliar sound of wings flapping.

“…What?”

Her brow furrowed as she observed the carrier pigeon that had just arrived. It wasn’t one of Noavik’s carrier pigeons. That black silhouette with a distinctive red marking on its beak was unmistakable.

“Why is Emmenta…”

Emmenta bordered the Duchy of Noavik and had risen to power after the fall of the Kingdom of Leto. Katie’s expression subtly hardened as she swiftly took the telegram from Emmenta and checked the sender’s name.

With a light sigh, she began to descend the tower, the urgency of meeting Johannes clearly weighing on her.

---

“Where is the duke?”

Katie, now at the base of the tower, grabbed a kitchen boy who happened to be passing by and asked. The young lad, who was clutching a cookie, looked startled.

“Um, maybe… In Eloise’s room. I heard he took her there personally.”

“What? This…”

Katie’s heart weighed heavily as she learned that Johannes had personally taken Eloise to her room.

It was none other than Duke Johannes Noavik, a man known for taking matters into his own hands, even if they were small. He was the one who had embarked on a relentless pursuit of the elusive ‘blue ruby.’ While Katie couldn’t be entirely certain, she was convinced that Eloise must have suffered serious injuries.

Katie lightly bit her lower lip, reminiscing about Eloise’s innocent smile. She began making her way towards Eloise’s room, and the kitchen child hesitantly followed, not daring to question her actions. Soon, they arrived at Eloise’s door.

“…What is this?”

Katie came to a halt, and her gaze met Johannes, who wore a similar expression of confusion inside the room.

The kitchen child, trailing Katie, rushed to join the cluster of children gathered around Eloise’s bedside.

“Eloise! Are you okay? this… Last time, I secretly brought back the oatmeal cookies that I heard were similar in color but not in taste! Ah, but how do you know what the old water tastes like?”

It appeared that all the children who had grown close to Eloise at the Duke’s Castle had come to visit her. Behind Katie, her maids and servants also milled about with expressions of concern.

“What brings you here, Katie?”

Johannes stood up, laughing as if this situation was absurd.

“Did you come running out of concern for Eloise, much like these folks?”

“Um… well…”

“It seems no one is giving much thought to the lord they haven’t seen in quite some time. The duchy’s future is indeed very promising.”

Katie realized that there was no cause for her to feel slighted by the situation. She, too, had been concerned about Eloise and had been on the verge of rushing over before the missive from Emmenta arrived.

“What… .”

Katie blinked with a sheepish expression.

“Anyway, since she has sacrificed herself for Duke Leo, as an employee, I would like to thank her…”

“It’s no trouble.”

Johannes rose, the scraping of the chair against the floor accentuating his movement.

“It’s been a while since I visited the duchy. Things seem to have changed rather rapidly.”

Though Johannes’ statement was made in jest, Eloise had not actually played any significant role in the duchy. Still, a hint of surprise flickered across Johannes’ face.

“You got stabbed in the ankle with a dagger? You must have cried.”

“Why would I cry? Oh, there was some cursing.”

That’s because Eloise’s face, who got along with the children without hesitation, showed signs of genuine intimacy.

After a moment of observing her innocent smile, Johannes approached Katie and extended his hand.

“Hand it over.”

“Yes?”

“Aren’t you here to give that to me?”

“It’s Emmenta’s.”

As expected, Johannes had a sharp eye, so he seemed to have already seen the letter in Katie’s hand. Katie sighed and held out the letter.

“Just now… I just received it from the tower.”

Johannes opened the letter on the spot with a deadpan expression. Then he frowned clearly. Eloise was quietly observing that expression.

---

(athanasiafrost)

I just came back from Korea and looked at the site. The chapters are supposed to auto-upload while I was gone but that doesn’t seem to be the case. While Chapter 34, 47-50 was uploaded just fine, the rest didn’t. Chapter 41-46 is sitting in my drafts and didnt auto-upload, while 35-40 and 51-54 disappeared and I can’t locate them anywhere.

I am trying to reach to out to WordPress about this as it is a month worth of work. I’m honestly so dejected by this as I did not have any backup and would take me a few weeks to catch up if WordPress is unable to fix this.

In regards to this, if anyone wants to volounteer and help me out, it would expedite the process. If you’re interested, feel free to contact me through the Contact Me page.

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IABCBMH Chapter 49

(athanasiafrost)

During our days in ‘Ace’, members of the organization would often use methods like these to distribute illegal items. Although I wasn’t directly involved in the distribution, I was familiar with the basic combinations and aliases.

‘Teddy’ was the name I gave to my teddy bear, which concealed my long gun, so ‘Little Teddy’ became the code for my pistol. In my recollection, before my return, Vincent had been continuously researching pistols. However, progress was slow as he was taking care of me in the capital. By now, he likely had ample time to advance his research while stationed in the South, and he sent me this pistol.

“Hmm, it certainly feels lighter compared to before I left. Vincent wasn’t merely idling, it seems.”

I muttered to myself as I turned the pistol in my hand. Long guns were known for their ease of shooting and high accuracy, but they lacked portability.

While it was fine to keep Leo within my chambers, he was an active child, not an object. There was no guarantee that a similar situation to the one at the previous camp wouldn’t repeat itself.

The handgun might not be as straightforward to handle as the long gun, but it was still effective against mid-level demons.

“In some way… the timing feels like fate.”

I murmured as I concealed the pistol on my thigh. Originally, I hadn’t been too interested, but the prospect of the oath of loyalty had a certain allure.

Fortunately, Northern clothing was designed in layers to stave off the cold, ensuring that the concealed pistol remained inconspicuous.

“As I need to remain here for a while longer.”

Though it was an impulsive notion, I hadn’t yet formulated a fully-fledged plan. At this point, I thought that Yujei would lend a pretty good hand for me.

Even so, thanks to Yujei, I gained a lot during that time. It had also provided a great opportunity to subtly inquire Braeden about the ‘Treasure Room’ without arousing suspicion.


“Yes, Braeden. Among the ‘Noavik’ abilities, does access to the ‘Treasure Room’ included? My brother used to run a pawnshop, and I’ve heard mentions of the treasure room.”

“Ah, indeed. It’s said that only direct descendants of the Noavik lineage have access. It’s a repository for Noavik’s heirlooms, passed down through the generations. Such as the ‘time stone’.”


While I had been informed that only individuals of the Noavik lineage could gain entry, my hope wasn’t entirely dashed. With my significant holy power, there might be a chance for me to enter and exit. The key, of course, was pinpointing its location.

“Braeden mentioned that Noavik’s ability is akin to the transformed divine power of a high priest. In that case, individuals with heightened divine power might be able to access it?”

“Well, it’s possible. In truth, I’m not well-versed about the treasure room either. We don’t even know its location, correct? Likely only the Duke and Prince Leo within this duchy are privy to that information.”


Given my unique circumstances, characterized by my substantial holy power, there was certainly room for an attempt to enter and exit. Thus, it primarily became a matter of finding out where it was situated.

At the very least, I was certain that the ‘time stone’ resided within its confines, solidifying my objective. As for the issue of its location, while devising strategies to unravel that puzzle, I still needed to find a way to extend my time in the North. That’s when Yujei appeared before me like a providential gift.

As I sorted through my thoughts and belongings, a knock on the door disrupted my concentration. A voice, low and unwelcome, followed.

“May I come in for a moment, Eloise?”

It was Johannes. It appeared his tour of the castle was already complete.

‘I guess they just did it roughly according to the procedure… .’

I could easily envision Johannes guiding Yujei in a cavalier manner like licking a surface of a watermelon^[1]. At that moment, another knock was heard.

“Open the door.”

It was a clear command. I lacked the resolve to resist, so I greeted him with a shy smile and admitted him into the room. He seated himself gracefully in front of me, nonchalantly crossing his legs.

Though he maintained that Yujei only assessed his physical prowess and coveted him in such a manner, the outward demeanor of Johannes Noavik exuded an air of elegant self-assuredness.

He possesses a slender physique with refined muscles, his deep eyes tucked beneath dark eyebrows, and a poised bearing that oddly contrasts with his intense gaze. His red lips, issuing forth callous yet cutting remarks, possess their own kind of alluring charm.

Seated across from him, I offered an awkward smile. Although I had previously studied alongside Braeden without such unease, my entire being now seemed unusually tense.

The pistol, which I had experimentally fastened to my thigh, served as a persistent reminder of its cold metallic touch. Had I foreseen Johannes’ impromptu visit, I might have secured it more firmly, a regret now firmly etched in my mind.

“uh… Was Princess Yujei guided well into her room?”

A palpable awkwardness enveloped the silence, prompting me to introduce a neutral subject. Johannes responded with a nonchalant shrug.

“Oh, yes. I assigned a new chamber to the maid responsible for cleaning the carriage. It appears the person tidying up the wagon was quite competent. His conscience seems decent enough not to discard an incapable individual.”

“haha.”

This marked the second instance of Johannes gracing my room, and the first time we were alone. During his prior visit, I had been injured, and a stream of maids had filled the space. He had surveyed the surroundings with an imposing aura, before departing seemingly as abruptly as he’d arrived.

“Why did you choose this room? Didn’t you mention you would make the selection yourself?”

“Ah.”

Naturally, I made an excuse I had prepared before.

(athanasiafrost)

“I liked the view. While my understanding of other factors might be limited, I can’t stand being blocked. And I like gloomy things, hence my preference against the south and east directions… Thus, I settled on this location.”

“View… .”

Undeniably, the room I had chosen lay somewhat distant from the heart of the Duchy. Johannes shifted his gaze gradually towards the window and mused.

“I can see Leo’s room and my room right away.”

“… Ah, the Duke’s room… Yes… .”

Upon reflection, I recalled hearing that Johannes’ room lay directly above Leo’s. It hadn’t truly crossed my mind, hence it held little significance.

“You needn’t respond in such an indifferent manner. You have no talent in entertaining.”

“Oh, entertainment… Do not worry. I will be good to Princess Yujei.”

“Must you, though?”

Arching an eyebrow, Johannes queried. I parried with a smile.

“Wouldn’t that be preferable to not doing so?”

“Well, then don’t anticipate the grand diplomacy of Duchess Noavik. I can place faith in a wife skilled in hospitality and embrace a more open-minded approach.”

It was obvious sarcasm. I asked sullenly.

“Why are you here anyway? I must prepare myself now.”

“More?”

Truth be told, I had donned quite an old-fashioned outfit to welcome Yujei. Observing Johannes’ languid expression, I extended my hand.

“I also have a lot of jewelry. Adorning oneself with all available necklaces might seem somewhat childish, and I’m thinking of putting rings on all ten of my fingers. The attire has to match.”

At my words, a genuine laughter escaped Johannes. His eyes then fixed upon me, gleaming with the delight of someone thoroughly amused.

“Indeed.”

“yes?”

“I’d like you to coordinate your outfit with mine. That’s why I came.”

I momentarily puzzled over his words, tilting my head in confusion. After giving him a once-over, from head to toe, I asked with genuine curiosity,

“… what … Should I wear a sword instead of a ring?”

Johannes’ ensemble exuded aristocratic perfection, yet what truly caught one’s attention was the sword he wore, a weapon that suited him impeccably. Naturally, I couldn’t retort that I intended to accessorize with a gun rather than a sword.

“Is your conclusion a sword? Your enthusiasm truly ignited a brief internal debate over whether I should disrobe.”

Johannes rolled his eyes with a languid grace. His tone was unmistakably teasing, a subtle amusement that could easily draw people in.

“what…”

“Not that sort of idea.”

“Then?”

“The most effective strategy to quell Yujei’s restlessness would likely involve presenting ourselves as a devoted couple.”

“Yes? What do you mean by ‘devoted couple’?”

It was perhaps one of the most absurd things he had ever uttered. The description of a ‘good relationship’ had never applied to the dynamic between Johannes and me. Puzzled, I inquired, my question met with his gallant gesture as he lightly lifted my hand, as though extending an escort.

“Cooperate if you have the will, ma’am.”

Despite his haughty manner of speech, it was a hard proposition to decline, given his courteous demeanor. The hand I had extended was ensnared. While I hesitated, he added, unhurriedly,

“If you possess a shred of conscience, you’ll recognize that I’ve been quite lenient toward you.”

I replied as if protesting.

“Isn’t that self-evident? I haven’t engaged in anything suspicious, underhanded, or intrusive.”

“Indeed, but you not divulging my presence in the castle could be conducive to your comfortable daily life.”

His grip on my hand tightened. His gaze bored into mine, an expression that seemed to regard me as an accomplice.

“Eloise, no matter who sees us, we are a strange couple, you know?”

“Is that so? Why?”

“You have a knack for lying, but you’re not good at faking emotions. Emotions don’t surface naturally for you, and your speech can be as mechanical as a parrot’s.”

Sadly, I was ill-equipped to comprehend how individuals genuinely enamored with each other behaved. Zion was flirting with women, though he had never demonstrated a genuine affection for anyone. Moreover, my efforts to imitate him had left me with graying hairs and a lack of versatility in diverse situations.

Objectively, Johannes didn’t necessarily have to choose me. While his decision might have been influenced by a desire to avoid the crown prince’s interference, the case of Princess Yujei was different. Judging by the magnitude of her involvement, there were clearly other motivations at play.

“Until now, our interactions have primarily been confined to individuals within the Duchy. Consequently, no one has truly probed into our connection. However, matters shift when dealing with outsiders.”

“uh… Um, is that so?”

For Johannes, it would not be pleasant to find out that we were formally married and his wife was about to be kicked out. It’s because Yujei will run rampant more.

In truth, it was evident that Yujei’s hasty appearance was spurred by some distress. Claiming I remained due to my unrequited love was hardly a compelling excuse. After all, Yujei herself likely harbored an unrequited love Rolling my eyes, I listened as Johannes continued in a leisurely tone,

“Thus, when facing Princess Yujei, I have to pretend to love you.”

(athanasiafrost)

[1] 수박 겉 핥기 – Licking the surface of a watermelon means only experiencing/knowing surface level things.

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IABCBMH Chapter 48

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)

In the grand castle, Johannes assumed the role of guiding the esteemed guests, while I chose to stay behind, using my injury as a pretext. Braeden, understanding my need for rest, promptly led me to my room.

“Why does the duke act so carelessly? And why does the princess not confront him, given her strong personality?”

Perplexed, I turned to Braeden, feeling that it was the opportune moment to seek answers.

“Anyway, considering she’s a Princess of a Kingdom, her status should be on par with the duke’s, shouldn’t it?”

“That… That’s because the pecking order have already been sorted out.”

“Order?”

It was a word that could only come out of the beast world. When I was puzzled, Baden eagerly explained.

“During the Northern War, Princess Yujei acknowledged her inferiority to the Duke. Despite building her own kingdom and becoming a princess, they abide by a code where strength defines their relationships, not external status, they have lived by those values all their lives”

“Oh, I see.”

It was savage, but convenient. Braeden’s words continued.

“Nonetheless, the Empire demands that we welcome foreign guests, as dictated by its law. Since the Emmenta Kingdom is also recognized as a kingdom, proper diplomatic procedures must be followed if they visit us.”

Understanding dawned upon me as Braeden elaborated. Despite Johannes’ reservations, he meticulously prepared to greet the guests to uphold the Empire’s image. Admirably, he was unwavering in his commitment to avoid any actions that could tarnish the Empire’s reputation.

“Besides, any interactions with foreign countries must be promptly reported to the Empire. We can’t cut ties on our own; it’s an unavoidable aspect of being part of the Empire.”

I realized that Johannes eagerly wished for Yujei’s swift departure from the castle.

The visit of this unwelcome delegation added to his vexations, and my presence, too, contributed to his frustrations. It was a reminder of the meticulousness of the Empire’s diplomatic processes, which I now appreciated.

“So, if I understand correctly, the Imperial Castle was promptly informed about the upcoming visit of the Emmenta delegation?”

“Yes. As soon as I was notified, I wasted no time in sending a telegram to the Imperial Palace. It is our duty to follow the law in such matters..”

Having clarified the matter, Braeden proceeded to inquire further, ensuring that I was apprised of all the arrangements.

“To start with, a welcoming dinner is scheduled for today, and various ceremonial events are planned over the next week. You are aware of all these details, I presume?”

“Yeah, of course”

I responded nonchalantly, for even though I hadn’t been directly involved in organizing the welcome for the guests, I had still been privy to the discussions.

“Ah, they’ve also planned a hunting competition that will span the week,”

The hunting competition was to be the centerpiece of the ceremonial events. Unanimously decided, it was believed that the thrill of Yujei hunting down animals day and night would be more captivating than any extravagant spectacle.

Personally, I thought hunting was well-suited to Yujei’s character. Her strong and muscular form, the imposing trident she carried on her back – all suggested she could take on several wolves single-handedly.

“Traditionally, the true purpose of the visit is discreetly discussed during the protocol event, and diplomatic matters are earnestly addressed at the farewell dinner…”

Braeden mused, scratching his chin,

“However, given Princess Yujei’s nature, it is highly likely that she will engage in extensive conversations during today’s welcome dinner. After all, it is not an imperial decree, and there seems to be no reason to strictly adhere to such customs. I advise you to prepare yourself accordingly.”

“Ah.”

I understood what he meant without him needing to spell it out. Perhaps, being weak and confined here, I might be perceived as an imposition on the empire. Yujei might propose to Johannes that he divorce me and join her in her pursuit of northern independence.

Naturally, I knew Johannes would not entertain such a suggestion. He was more obsessed with obtaining the ‘Blue Ruby’ than seeking northern independence. If they achieved independence, the justification for seeking the ‘Blue Ruby’ would disappear.

(athanasiafrost)

While many criticized Johannes for being overly devout to the temple’s orders, I suspected there was more to his fixation on the ‘Blue Ruby.’ Evidently, he didn’t hold the priests in high regard.

‘Looking at priest and seeing the temple bastards and whatnot… I couldn’t help but feel distanced from any sense of godliness. Moreover, during the wedding ceremony, Johannes didn’t seem wholly devoted to the sacred proceedings. The more I observed him, the more I questioned his sincerity.’

Lost in contemplation, I was interrupted by Braeden’s cautious words.

“Do you know that the madam is expected to attend the welcome dinner as well?”

Braeden’s concerned gaze rested upon me.

“Princess Yujei is going to jump out in front of a lot of people, but… Perhaps the Duke will protect you. He probably acted like he did earlier to press down on her energy from the beginning.”

With a shudder, I recollected the audacious display Yujei had made earlier. Yet, I couldn’t deny that Johannes’ actions, though seemingly extreme, had effectively contained her energy. Even from the beginning, Yujei couldn’t budge Johannes from his resolve.

Upon reaching my room, Braeden politely bid farewell and withdrew.

“Then, get ready and I’ll see you at dinner.”

“Oh, wait.”

But before he left, I seized the opportunity to inquire about something that had piqued my curiosity earlier.

“A while ago, the princess mentioned something about an ‘oath of loyalty’… What does that entail? Why would she speak of loyalty to the Duke of the empire?”

“Ah, that is.”

Braeden rolled his eyes once and replied faithfully.

“Have I ever explained that the Emmenta clan is capable of folk magic?”

“Ah, yes.”

“’Loyalty’ is one of those spells. It is a kind of contract that you make with a strong person you recognize, regardless of your position or status. It is said to make a direct proposal to an opponent who has shown overwhelming strength.”

“If it’s folk magic, you mean it has magical powers?”

“yes. You have to obey orders unconditionally once, and you can never reveal them to others because of the law of prohibition.”

“Wow, really?”

“Once the ‘loyalty’ magic is performed, the physical abilities, the Emmenta tribe in this case, are enhanced. They must then unconditionally obey the orders of the person to whom they’ve pledged loyalty. However, due to their pride, they would never make an offer to someone weaker than themselves.”

“Wow, is that so?”

“Perhaps the princess’ infatuation with Johannes is not only due to rational admiration and possessiveness, but it may also be connected to this ‘loyalty’ magic. Given Johannes’ strength, it’s difficult for her to find someone stronger than herself.”

“Aha.”

Upon comprehending the explanation about the ‘loyalty’ magic, I nodded in understanding. It was evident that the Emmenta tribe’s power would enhance their physical abilities after pledging absolute obedience to a stronger individual.

Johannes’ reluctance to engage with Yujei was now crystal clear, as he seemed determined to avoid any entanglement with her. Even my own presence here was likely a result of his efforts to keep me safe from Yujei’s advances.

Every piece of information was crucial to me, as it appeared that Yujei might possess what I desired.

“The Emmenta tribe indeed possesses remarkable abilities. The shamans, for instance, can temporarily lend their powers to others, which grants them great confidence even against the Empire,”

“I see. That’s cool. Well then, I’ll see you later at the welcome dinner,”

It was the time when I was about to enter the room with a deliberately unsentimental greeting. A Katie was coming towards me from afar.

“Katie?”

“Ah, madam.”

Katie approached me carrying a large box, and I immediately recognized the mahogany wooden box she held.

“… A letter came from Zion Renoir. And with this stuff… .”

“Ugh.”

I sighed and shrugged upon receiving it.

“I had explicitly asked him not to respond… Well, he’s not a person that listens. Come in and put it down, Katie. It is heavy.”

Katie placed the box in my room, and I first read Zion’s letter.

“Eloise, your brother is dying to see you. Considering how Vincent doesn't respond whenever I make a fuss about it, he probably misses you quite a bit too. But I'm so afraid you've forgotten the South. Please don't forget your southern childhood memories, represented by this little teddy bear and your favorite toy."

Vincent’s lack of response was unexpected, but it wasn’t an urgent matter. I carelessly tossed the letter aside and opened the wooden box.

It was collection of odds and ends, from wind-up metal dolls and large music boxes to small iron toys that only children play with.

Obviously, it wouldn’t have arrived just now, and it was evident that the box had already gone through all the inspections by the Duchy’s personnel before arriving. I said with a slight smile.

“I want to burn the letter, but these items definitely remind me of the past. Thank you, Katie,”

Winding the rusty mainspring of one of the dolls, its arms moved grotesquely with a squeak.

“Then I’ll say my goodbye… See you at the banquet.”

Seeing me like that, Katie nodded bluntly, said that she would see me at dinner later, and left the room.

Seeing no issues during the inspection since the items were ordinary metals, I swiftly got to work as soon as Katie left.

I carefully removed the arm from the wind-up metal doll and extracted the screws that acted as needles from the inside of the music box. Assembling from the pile of metal junk wasn’t a difficult task, as I simply had to combine the parts based on the shape of the scratches on the metal.

In a short while, I successfully constructed a functional handgun from the seemingly innocuous items in the box.

(athanasiafrost)

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IABCBMH Chapter 47

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)

‘Is this a simple delegation?’

I couldn’t help but wonder as I observed Princess Yujei’s arrival. Being the heir to the largest kingdom in the North, I expected a grand entourage to accompany her, but to my surprise, she came with just two people. One of them was an old woman who seemed frail and lacked any visible fighting skills.

I found myself intrigued by Yujei’s imposing presence as she sat tall and dignified on her horse.

It was the first time I had seen such a tall beauty. She was an awe-inspiring beauty with her fiery red hair tied up in a high ponytail, cascading gracefully in the wind. Her large trident resting on her back and a necklace adorned with colorful jewels caught my attention immediately.

The simplicity of the delegation might be attributed to Yujei’s strength, as she appeared to be someone capable of holding her own. Considering that the kingdom of Emmenta had a long history, they likely didn’t place great emphasis on formalities.

‘Regardless, I had to put on a warm and welcoming demeanor. Diplomatically, she held a significant position, and she should be happy to the point of tears…’

If it wasn’t for Yujei, I would have been kicked out already. Thinking of that brought a naturally bright smile to my face.

Thanks to her unexpected presence, I had gained invaluable knowledge about the highest level of demons and the location of the treasure room under the guise of studying. In a sense, Yujei had become a great benefactor to me.

“Oh my god.”

One nearby servant heard a moan from behind.

“… I knew that the Lady was recklessly bright and warm, but to think that she would smile at Princess Yujei like that…”

“Really… Isn’t she too kind?”

The castle staff had grown increasingly anxious over the past few days, anticipating Yujei’s openly disdainful behavior towards me. One of the laundry maids even begged me to practice making scary faces.

However, I couldn’t help but be true to myself. My innate sincerity prevailed as I greeted Princess Yujei with a bright smile and a casual greeting.

“Hello, Princess Yujei. Welcome to the Duchy of Noavik… Oh my god!”

While holding Leo’s hand with a smile and a casual greeting, I screamed in surprise.

Everyone, except Pagan and Serena, reacted with astonishment, their surprised screams filling the air.

Johannes appeared out of nowhere and tossed a man in front of Yujei’s horse.

Really, literally ‘threw’. A large, freckled young man whose job was to clean the wagons rolled in the mud all the way to Yujei’s horse.

‘Uh, that crazy bastard… His wife is saying welcome and he throws a body right in front of her?’

In that moment, I was startled and found myself gripping Leo’s hand tightly in pain.

As a result, Johannes did stick to the procedure. Despite Johannes’ unconventional approach, he had indeed followed the procedure by receiving his guests directly. However, his actions and words were far from ordinary and is literally messed up.

After a while, I noticed that the man Johannes threw was still alive. He seemed to linger, touching the ground only slightly.

“Well.”

Johannes, who threw one person at random, slowly looked at Yujei and opened his mouth. His mouth twisted arrogantly.

“I prepared it as a welcome gift because I thought you might want to see someone you know from your home country first.”

Leo, too, was taken aback, tightening his grip on my hand. I swallowed dryly as I watched this bizarre sight. It was evident that Johannes had caught the man sent from Emmenta Kingdom as a spy and threw him like a trophy to show off.

“Do you like it, Princess?”

Even I, who was standing in the back, was very nervous as the cool expression was added to the calm tone of voice. His golden eyes gleamed with deep contempt, exuding a sense of superiority over his opponent.

And whenever Johannes behaved like this, my heart would always drop.

Even when he had caught me before and questioned me about my connection to the ‘Blue Ruby’, I had not been as scared as I was now. It was the first time I faced such a terrifying expression in all the time he had pursued me.

From a distance, Johannes often wore a cold yet strangely sympathetic expression. Every time I saw that look, fear would grip me, and I would tremble, even as I tried to escape from his pursuit.

If I were to reveal my true identity to Johannes at this moment, I could only imagine him looking at me with that expression of disgust. The thought of it numbed me, and I couldn’t help but feel a deep sadness for some reason.

Perhaps his relatively gentlemanly treatment towards me so far was due to the fact that I hadn’t been charged with anything yet. In truth, he was capable of showing such coldness even to his closest comrades, as evident by how he treated a mere servant sent into the castle.

(athanasiafrost)

‘It’s too harsh.’

To be honest, I could not help but think that Johannes’ treatment was a bit excessive, as I had considered the position of a maid before his wife’s position to enter the dukedom.

The people of the Duchy were naturally wary and unwelcoming to outsiders, and they typically only hired Northerners. My small frame, as a non-Northerner, wouldn’t even fit on a resume.

Moreover, even if anyone succeeded in joining the staff due to their Northern heritage, access to crucial information was closely guarded and restricted only to those considered fully trustworthy.

Considering the man sent from Emmenta Kingdom had been assigned to clean wagons, he might have picked up some casual gossip around the castle. For instance, he could have learned that I was small and slender, with a cheerful personality and no sword-handling skills.

While the information might not be significant, the embarrassment of being under such scrutiny was unpleasant. The current suspicion was worrisome, but I couldn’t bear to imagine how harshly they would judge me if they knew my true identity. I bit my lower lip, and Leo whispered.

“Don’t be too scared, Eloise. The Duke is only so strict with those who deceived him.”

“Yeah, I see…”

That was not comforting at all. Sadly, I was now the biggest fraud to Johannes in the world. The ‘Blue Ruby’, is now taking his wife’s place.

Of course, I wasn’t the only one who was flustered.

“Uhm, I was just… It’s just… I’m was just curious about the Duke’s wife… .”

“It’s not something the princess would be interested in.”

Johannes replied coldly. Yujei hurriedly continued.

“You know very well that it’s not jealousy, Duke. If the Duke’s wife truly possessed the strength and qualities of a Northern woman, I would be the first to kneel down and swear allegiance to her, just like I wanted to do at the ball. But alas, that’s not the case…”

“Since when does the Duchess Noavik’s abilities need to be verified by the Emmenta princess?”

Johannes retorted sarcastically before coldly turning away.

“Go inside at once. Oh, that dear servant will be assigned to the princess from now on, so take care of it yourself.”

It was a welcome greeting dripping cold. Had it been me, I would have turned and left right away, even if I were in a foul mood. However, Yujei let out a sigh before lowering her head behind Johannes and reluctantly nodded to him. Then she turned her gaze towards me.

With a courteous gesture, I slightly bent my knees and smiled.

“I welcome you from the bottom of my heart, princess. I’m Eloise Noavik.”

Upon hearing those words, Yujei immediately became annoyed.

“I detest the pretentiousness of the weak. Cease with these false greetings. Are you truly in a position to welcome me now?”

It was a pity that I couldn’t demonstrate my true strength, and the irony was that she was more welcome here than anyone else.

“When you encountered an demon, you trembled and dropped your dagger on your own foot.”

Her gaze fell on the bandage wrapped around my foot, and she sneered once more. In truth, it wasn’t a demon encounter that caused me to drop the dagger; it was my reaction to seeing Johannes unexpectedly. However, the quality of the information gathered by a mere wagon cleaner turned spy was evidently flawed. Yujei growled and continued.

“Did you know that the previous Duchess used to fight on the battlefield herself? Northern women have always stood at the frontlines, defending their land”

She then pointed to her necklace.

“Let me make one thing clear. Each of these gems comes from demons I have slain. Do you understand? To rule the North, you must possess at least half of this level of ability.”

“Ah…”

And to those words, I reacted in a daze without even realizing it.

“… You are generous?”

If half of those jewels were at stake, I could obtain them in no more than half a year.

“I beg your pardon?”

Yujei stared at me as if she was dumbfounded and leaned in front of me.

“I don’t think the Duchess has any real knowledge of demons… .”

Despite feeling a formidable presence closing in, I refused to back down and pointed to each jewel on her necklace that hung before me, whispering confidently.

“Well, this one is of low-grade, this one is intermediate, and this one is the lowest…”

Yujei’s eyes widened, and I grinned, playfully squinting my eyes.

“But there aren’t many top grades. Understandably so, it must have been quite challenging to obtain this emerald. There are several cracks in it.”

“Uh, what… .”

Yujei was left speechless. It was at that moment when Johannes, who had been striding ahead, turned back and coldly remarked.

“Hurry, Princess. Boasting about the number of demons I’ve slain to a stranger, especially someone from the South, would be meaningless.”

Upon hearing those words, Yujei looked around with regretful eyes, and Leo, holding my hand, pouted.

“I overheard you boasting about your necklace, Princess.”

Everyone looked at Yujei with a slight sigh, and she glared at me before reluctantly following Johannes, stomping her feet with all her might.

(athanasiafrost)

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IABCBMH Chapter 33

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)

In its own unique manner, it was a proposal that carried an air of desperation, enough to set my heart trembling. But at that moment, what was reflected on Johannes’ face was a puzzled expression of ‘Is that even possible?’ He released a light sigh and responded as if stating the obvious.

“I can’t give up ‘Blue Ruby’. At this point, I might as well cease being Johannes Noavik. I would appreciate it if you could contemplate this matter without such rigid principles.”

For Johannes, ‘Blue Ruby’ held a significance. In essence, it signified his unyielding pursuit, even at the risk of his own existence.

Whenever the topic of ‘Blue Ruby’ comes up, he would suddenly become as solid as a wall. And every time I felt like I was getting douse with cold water.

I harbored no ill will toward him, so is the order of the temple that important to him? Or is there another reason?

I probably won’t know why for the rest of my life. Even the Northerners, whom he trusted, remained ignorant of the roots of his fixation on ‘Blue Ruby.’

Once, while playing hide-and-seek with the children, I overheard the whispers of the maids.

“Why hasn’t the Duke shown his face in the North? Is ‘Blue Ruby’ truly that important?”

“I wonder. However, when I asked Miss Katie about it recently, she said that it’s a Northern tradition to leave only one individual in a castle for the sake of succession stability once Prince Leo was designated as the heir.”

“Brotherly… Was there such a tradition within familial bonds?”

“Well, it seems there isn’t much of an age gap between the two… Nonetheless, don’t you find it peculiar? Leaving the Northern territories vacant and journeying to the capital on his own after the birth of Leo?”

When I overheard that, I thought it was a relief that Leo wasn’t there at the time. Simultaneously, it confirmed that even the Northerners were ignorant of the rationale behind Johannes’ irrational fixation.

I shrugged my shoulders nonchalantly and responded to his firm declaration.

“But in truth, I have nothing more to say. I came because I genuinely liked the duke, Duke.”

“Is that so?”

He gazed at me for a moment before breaking into a smile. My confession, though met with skepticism by others, essentially marked the end of our negotiations.

“You mean even though I’ve put out all the cards I can use it had no effect?”

“Is there any strategy to employ when there’s nothing to gain?”

After consistently rejecting his advances, he nonchalantly raised his chin and calmly stated:

“Then you shall be kicked out.”

What? My eyes widened in astonishment at this unexpected decision I hadn’t even considered.

“Pardon?”

“There is nothing left for me to wager. Thus, negotiations have reached an end, have they not?”

“Duke!”

My shock was palpable. What could motivate such an extreme decision? I exclaimed, beating my chest in disbelief.

“You said you liked me!”

I felt a profound sense of betrayal. He had recently offered himself to me, seductively implying that he was mine, and now he was abruptly casting me aside.

“Surely you did!”

Seeing my baffled expression, Johannes responded plaintively.

“It was merely an attempt to sway you to my side. Without even that, you would have already been expelled without the opportunity for dialogue.”

It was incomprehensible. In all honesty, I hadn’t committed any wrongdoing at this point, and I had even risked my life to protect the duchy’s heir.

It seemed only humane to at least offer some form of acknowledgment at this juncture. I lifted my gaze and voiced my protest.

“I risked my life to save Leo. Are you truly planning to cast me out without any form of recognition?”

I glared at him openly, hoping to highlight my valor, but Johannes responded with an air of detachment, as if this were the core issue.

“…That’s precisely the problem. You consistently defy my expectations, from one to ten.”

In that fleeting moment, an unexpected kinship with Johannes welled up within me. Just as I had encountered individuals who defied my expectations, he now appeared as a kindred spirit, as though we were two sides of the same coin.

“My apologies for presuming I could predict your every move.”

His seemingly polite apology carried a subtle undercurrent of sarcasm. I began to respond but he continued.

“I misjudged you. You’re no mere pawn for a hapless spy awaiting capture. You are a figure of much greater significance. Take pride in that.”

His words, delivered in a cold yet composed tone, hung in the air. The man who had tenderly kissed my hair moments ago had vanished without a trace.

(athanasiafrost)

“Your actions consistently elude my predictions, and I’m not inclined to tolerate such an unpredictable factor in my life.”

Swiftly, I voiced my protest against his pronouncement. Yet, he had pointed out an undeniable truth.

“To cast aside a wife who still loves her husband for saving her son’s life! How preposterous!”

“That does sound rather peculiar.”

“Indeed, it does!”

As my emotions heightened, Johannes lowered his gaze, then abruptly drew me into his embrace.

“What! Let go! Let go!”

“Negotiations have crumbled, and further discussion serves no purpose.”

His tone was detached and chilly. The stark contrast between his demeanor when he spoke of becoming a good husband and now when he was casting me aside was disorienting. I struggled, but he tightened his hold around my waist, his lips curling into a sarcastic smile.

“My dearest wife, do you truly wish to part ways here, in this desolate valley?”

“… … .”

I wouldn’t allow this to happen again. My anger surged, but I ceased my struggles. In truth, with his decision to exile me, there was little I could do.

His actions defied my calculations, much like when he suddenly embarked on his journey to the North. I glared at him, and he raised an inquisitive eyebrow.

“Or should I accompany you back to the duchy and arrange a carriage for your journey back to the South?”

I barely held back the expletives that threatened to spill from my lips. Earlier, while he had sweetly proposed that I take him as my own, he now declared his intent to cast me aside. It was becoming clear that he was indeed the kind of person who could simply abandon me here and proceed alone.

Ultimately, I responded meekly,

“…First, we should make our way to the Duchy.”

“Your situational awareness is rather astute. It would indeed be a waste of your talents to stay here.”

In the end, I was silently enveloped in his embrace and mounted A-Day, who had approached us unnoticed. With my reluctant compliance, Johannes spoke in his usual composed tone.

“It may be nighttime, but we shall press on. Let us journey to the castle without delay. Farewells can be exchanged tomorrow.”

“Very well, let us proceed for now.”

I nodded with a heavy heart. I hadn’t intended to quietly accept my exile, but staying here any longer seemed futile.

“Everyone will be worried. Especially Leo… He waited eagerly for the Duke’s return.”

“Right.”

Even when Leo’s name was mentioned, Johannes remained impassive. The thought of Leo, who had been brimming with excitement since the departure of the retrieval party, waiting in the North without being able to properly express his longing for the Duke, ignited a sudden rage within me.

“That child, who matured so quickly, left alone in the North, unable to convey his longing for the Duke…”

But my words were abruptly interrupted by Johannes’ low voice.

“Eloise.”

“Yes?”

“Do you remember when you were eight years old?”

The question about being eight years old caught me off guard. What memories did I have of being eight?

I had been brought to ‘Ace’ when I was seven, and my recollection of events after that was hazy at best. My world had suddenly shifted, and all I could remember was an overwhelming sense of fear.

And as for the eight-year-old version of me at ‘Ace’… Nothing specific came to mind. Vague memories of the gloomy hideout and the dark forest path I had been led through were all that remained.

“Hmm… It’s a bit dim. I don’t have a clear recollection.”

I answered with a puzzled expression, prompting Johannes to speak slowly.

“I can’t recall my own experiences at eight either. No matter how hard I try, those memories remain elusive, blurred. Only a few intense events and my actions during that time are etched in my memory.”

Johannes seemed to be pinpointing the same sense of haziness I was experiencing. He continued in a soft tone.

“What’s important to Leo isn’t just the feeling of loneliness or longing; it’s the process of enduring and understanding that the North is his homeland.”

Every time he shared thoughts like these, I was left with a profound sense of bewilderment. Johannes could behave like a recluse, but it was evident that he concealed a vast depth within him.

This deep, unfathomable sea within him continued to intrigue me. For his own reasons, he had relentlessly pursued me even before his return, displaying a desperate need to clarify something.

“Why… .”

But with no knowledge of his past, I could only pose foolish questions. Johannes answered slowly.

“Because I believe that by inheriting this place and living here, the faint yet profound memories, the most significant ones, will sustain him. The faint sense of nostalgia he feels now will fade as he grows into an adult, much like you and me.”

His words were hard to grasp fully, but it was apparent that he had delved deeply into the memories of his eight-year-old self. It was like catching a fleeting glimpse of his existence in the dark and impenetrable sea of his past.

I stopped trying to say something. The words that couldn’t find their way out were replaced by our visible breaths in the cool night sky.

Johannes took hold of the reins and continued speaking.

“Moreover, it’s not just for people. Nights are long in the North, and morning arrives quickly. We should aim to reach the Duchy soon, so you can rest and tend to your ankle.”

Amidst his casual conversation, I detected a meaningful phrase. “Tending to my ankle” implied that he would provide me with some time before casting me out. Given Johannes’ personality as I had come to understand it, it seemed that he would allow me to stay in the Duchy until my ankle had healed.

While he could be blunt and cold at times, he also displayed a gentlemanly side when it mattered most. After all, hadn’t I risked my life to save Leo? It was evident that he would grant me at least the bare minimum of consideration.

And that small window of time would likely be enough to create a reason for me to remain. I had a strong feeling that something significant would transpire in the Duchy very soon, and I wouldn’t be expelled from it.

Alright, then. As long as he granted me this time, I wouldn’t be banished from the Duchy.

(athanasiafrost)

I admit that I have been inconsistent these past few weeks because I’m on vacation for 2 months so I’m enjoying it to the fullest. I will be flying back to Korea soon(hopefully buy some hardcopies of Ropan Novels) so updates will be irregular but I will try my best.

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IABCBMH Chapter 32

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)

He shook his head, speaking hastily.

“An interrogation doesn’t necessarily involve pain or torture, especially when you haven’t done anything wrong. Did you grow up so sheltered in the South that you don’t even understand the basic meaning of such words?”

“… uh… hmm… .”

“What the hell do you think I am?”

His voice held a touch of genuine bewilderment, and the aura of intimidation he had been exuding seemed to vanish. He let out a light sigh as he observed me trembling like a small animal.

“Honestly…”

He shook his head reluctantly.

“… It’s truly baffling, Eloise. If you’re acting, how do you conjure up reactions that are so out of the ordinary?”

“Well, but…”

I posed the essential question, my expression still cowering.

“How does one conduct an interrogation without pain or torture? How can you manipulate an uncooperative subject to your advantage?”

“I have no taste for harming innocent people. Wouldn’t it be more effective to present an enticing incentive?”

His tone was no longer aggressive; it had become quite gentlemanly, though far from dripping with sweetness.

“So, please, don’t tremble. I feel like I’ve turned into a scoundrel.”

Nevertheless, his words of “don’t tremble” held a magical power. His tone remained stern, but I sensed an attempt to comfort me.

Gradually, my body began to warm up again, and my stiff tongue started to loosen. I replied in a steadier tone, without stuttering.

“However, it would be difficult to present such an enticing incentive. Even looking at it from this perspective, I don’t possess a particularly greedy nature.”

“Any lure will be impossible to offer. But I do detest wasting time.”

Johannes leaned in closer, his demeanor suddenly mischievous.

“So, I’ll start with a big gamble right from the beginning.”

Unconsciously, I pulled back slightly. Johannes smiled leisurely, keeping that precise distance.

“Eloise.”

He called my name in a low voice, and I held my breath. But Johannes continued at once.

“How about having me?”

“… yes?”

I stood in a daze for a moment, not comprehending what he meant.

“H-have the Duke? Me?”

Observing my bewildered expression, Johannes smiled slightly. It was the smile of a predator who enjoyed seeing me caught off guard.

“Okay. I mean, I will offer you myself, Johannes Noavik. I don’t believe your outrageous claims about falling for me.”

Yet, it was Johannes who appeared puzzled by my subsequent words.

“uh… however… .”

I asked with complete seriousness, my expression earnest.

“What am I supposed to do with the life of a Duke?”

“… … .”

“What… It’s not a terribly bad proposition, but I’d rather not take it to the point of killing.”

“… … .”

Johannes’ expression stiffened slightly. Watching his puzzled face, I carefully posed my question.

“I apologize, but… Isn’t that what ‘having a Duke’ implies?”

For a moment, Johannes gazed at my serious expression with a perplexed look.

“I’ve said it many times, but your acting is truly exceptional. And imaginative.”

He spoke slowly.

“… Typically, the phrase ‘have me’ is interpreted rather romantically.”

“Romantic?”

“I’m not that incapacitated.”

Was he implying he was offering his manly attributes to me? Bestowing them upon me like a gift?

It wasn’t until the word “impossible” left his lips that I finally grasped his meaning, and in sheer astonishment, I waved my hand hurriedly.

“G-goodness, is life really that complicated?”

“A very unusual and swift rejection.”

Johannes chuckled with a mix of dejection and sarcasm.

“Don’t you find this to be suspicious of someone who initially approached you and proposed, claiming it was love at first sight?”

“By ‘proposing’, I didn’t mean that I was asking for… well, you know, the physical aspects of it. Not at all. You said so yourself.” ^[1]

My words came out stuttered; it was almost absurd to speak them aloud.

“You needn’t be so alarmed. Are you stammering as you did when uttering the words ‘torture’ or ‘pain’?”

Johannes replied incredulously, then tilted his head.

“Don’t just parrot the ‘love at first sight’ notion; act reasonably, Eloise. Most young ladies in the capital would treasure a conversation like this with me.”

Well, I can understand that feeling to some extent… .”

I gave his deep-set eyes and sculpted nose another glance before continuing calmly.

“I mean, in this world, there’s bound to be a woman who adores the Duke’s appearance alone and might not even desire… the other aspects.”^[2]

And if there was indeed such a woman, it could only be me. Much of my life had been spent avoiding any contact with Johannes. Johannes responded with a casual shrug.

“It’s rather unfortunate for that woman to be my wife, isn’t it?”

“I don’t know about that, but the Duke married me with the intention of using me from the very beginning, so… .”

“Do you really need to make it sound so… dry?”

The man who wouldn’t be out of place in the driest desert continued with an eerily composed expression.

“I don’t believe any of that nonsense about you being infatuated with me. Nonetheless, it wouldn’t be an unfavorable choice for me to become yours.”

(athanasiafrost)

“uh… hmm.”

“Even if it’s not a physical connection, I can promise to be a loyal husband if you just speak the truth now and tell me you want me.”

It was a needlessly solemn statement, and I almost found myself nodding involuntarily. I didn’t know what exactly constituted a good husband, but it was apparent that if Johannes set his mind to it, he would perform the role dutifully.

If offering himself was what this bet entailed, then it was indeed a substantial gamble. Something perhaps even more challenging to possess than wealth or power.

“No matter why you initially approached me or whatever your intentions may be, I will embrace you. So, consider carefully if you’d like to reconsider, to become one with me. I think…”

He chuckled and whispered.

“… I think I like you quite a bit.”

If this was temptation, it was indeed a tempting offer.

It meant that I could placate and observe any spy from any corner. He had already seen through the fact that my initial proclamation of liking him was a lie. Internally, I couldn’t help but laugh heartily.

Aligning with Johannes… It was something I had never thought of.

A man who refused to simply get rid of himself of an overtly suspicious wife from his land, a man willing to keep her regardless, provided she unveiled her true intent. He was certainly no ordinary individual; in some respects, he was the most compassionate person I had ever encountered.

‘… He said he would accept anything?’

This declaration carried an air of peculiarity. It also implied that my predicament held little significance for him if he was prepared to accept it so readily.

So what truly mattered to him? I pondered this briefly, and seemed to hit the nail on the head.

“I am quite lenient outside of ‘Blue Ruby,’ so I’m likely to be accommodating towards almost anything, no matter your circumstances.”

Ultimately, it meant that his leniency is not for me.

The term ‘anything’ only applied to those not affiliated with ‘Blue Ruby.’ I abruptly snapped back to reality, releasing a strand of hair I had been clutching. I answered earnestly.

“As I suspected, I don’t really wish to ‘have’ it.”

“Why?”

Johannes appeared genuinely intrigued by my refusal. His demeanor was akin to a salesman inquiring why I would decline an item marked down significantly. I attempted to keep my eyes off the ‘sale’ of ‘Johannes Noavik’ he was presenting.

Undoubtedly, Johannes was a challenging man, but he was a man who possessed it all: wealth, power, fame, good looks, physique, and even his unique brand of gentlemanly charm. And he appeared to be acutely aware of this.

Quietly, I addressed him. And I posed a fundamental question.

“Why, when you have everything, would you wish to relinquish your life so readily? Isn’t the life of a great duke something of great value to you?”

His eyes twitched, widening in surprise.

“And when it comes to ‘giving away the duke,’ wouldn’t you typically say that to someone you genuinely care for, rather than someone you are seeking a trivial truth from?”

“Eloise.”

Johannes released a light, annoyed sigh and raked his fingers through his jet-black hair. He then spoke with cold, golden eyes.

“I have never loved anyone.”

Truly, this statement suited Johannes, who could turn cold in an instant. It was such a predictable response that it hardly caught me off guard.

In fact, I considered it virtually impossible for him to feel love. If he did indeed harbor a passionate love for me, the solution would be straightforward: I could merely ask him for the Time Stone he had acquired at the age of eight.

However, the reason seduction wasn’t an option from the start was that I couldn’t see him being trapped by a woman’s seduction. Yet he stubbornly asserted that he would never love anyone, prompting me to ask sullenly.

“But… there seems to be an exception.”

Rather than laugh, Johannes smiled and nodded in agreement.

“Come to think of it, this is the first time I’ve engaged in such an long conversation with a woman. Your words aren’t at all predictable, which has led to this lengthy conversation. You are my exception. As I mentioned before, I like you.”

“uh… hmm.”

I was slightly taken aback by this unexpected affirmation, but Johannes calmly continued, his smile gentle.

“Yet, apart from this inexplicable charm you hold, I find myself in a position where I simply can’t love. I’d rather offer myself as your pawn, but I cannot be a subject of affection.”

I looked at my nemesis in front of me and became distant for a moment. There had to be some untold story behind his behavior.

What kind of story does this man have to take a boy who is not even his own son, raise him as an heir, and live a life of wandering around the ‘Blue Ruby’, talking about ‘the situation of not being able to love properly’?

What sort of narrative was unfolding between him and me, one that I remained unaware of?

“So Eloise.”

Johannes continued speaking earnestly, even with one of his eyes appearing empty.

“If you require a lie of love from me, I can play that role as effortlessly as breathing. I can deliver a convincing performance. But to genuinely love is beyond my capacity.”

“Then, having the duke is only owning a shell after all.”

“Well, even with that alone, there have been countless individuals eager to ‘have’ me. Did you not leverage that fact to come all the way here?”

That was certainly true. But for me, that held no significance.

“then… .”

I looked at him and asked the most curious question.

“So, if I were to have the Duke, would you then be willing to relinquish ‘Blue Ruby’ at my request?”

(athanasiafrost)

[1] They mean consummating the marriage.

[2] Again… They mean sex

I went on vacation for an entire week and totally forgot to turn on auto-updates. As an apology, I’ll be updating 2 more chapters this week.

If you’d like to help me survive throughout the day, It’ll be greatly appreciated: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/athanasiafrost

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