She could endure the slaps on her cheeks as a punishment for a crime she didnt even commit.

But this?

Larittes legs became numb.

She didnt fall to the ground, thanks to the people who caught her from behind.

Rose heard her shriek through the cracks of the door as she closed them.

She rushed down to the first floor, smirking. As she reached the floor, she met the Count.

Rose asked, catching her breath as she was walking at a fast pace.

So, what exactly is going on, father?

We dont know. Your mother went back to check on in the castle as soon as she heard about the Dukes appearance. Ive been waiting to hear from you.

The Count said sweeping his chin, where he had begun to grow a beard, with his fingers.

Why did Ian Reinhardt appear in the castle?

If it were him, he would have lived the rest of his life in hiding.

Rebellion was one of the most serious crimes in the world.

Even if the royal family did something merciful, why did he have to show up in the castle when he was a traitor?

There must be some reason.

The Count fell into a deep agony.

***

Now let us go back to the beginning and perceive the day from Ians point of view.

Looks like well have to get separated here.

If possible.Ill come and visit you in a few days after Im done with my business.

After Ian and Laritte bid each other a goodbye, they began pacing in opposite directions slowly.

As he glanced backwards, he was able to confirm Laritte entering the Banquet Hall.

Unfortunately, he didnt hear the words, The Duchess, Laritte Reinhardt, is here.

It was a chance to know her real name.

Ian kept moving.

Every single moment he had spent with her at the villa flooded into his mind.

The first one was when he tasted her meat stew.

Do you like it?

That was the first thing she said to Ian.

So, what did he say? Nothing?

Ian clearly remembered the aroma of the stew. A scent mixed with meat and spices.

And the woman who made it was sitting right in front of him.

He also recalled his temperature rising the very next day.

She had given him a cup of milk tea mixed with sugar.

A cup of savory tea of the right temperature for him.

It made him feel relaxed.

Several other things passed through his mind.

There were times when he was surprised that an uninvited guest did all the chores in his villa all by herself.

He thought the time they spent staying there, separated away from the world, would last forever, but here he was.

.

Ian unconsciously fixed his robes as he walked down the hall.

It was time to make a conclusion.

First of all, he was going to take care of their tight security. It would be annoying if he caused the gathering of all imperial guards at once.

He wanted to see the emotionless blue eyes of Laritte again, which rarely shone unknowingly.

The basic rules of the imperial security system were in groups of two.

This rule had been in use ever since it was passed on by a deputy defense minister nearly a hundred years ago. It was much more effective to neutralize them one by one. Therefore, it was necessary to divert their attention to resolve it quietly.

Ian walked up to a deep deserted corridor where there would be less security and hid behind a pillar.

Just in time, two guards were approaching him from afar.

He took one coin out of his robe and threw it lightly towards the opposite pillar as soon as they passed by it.

The coin hit the floor, creating a ringing sound.

Hey, did you hear that?

Ill take a look.

The shorter of the two men returned to the place and searched the area carefully. He scratched his head when he didnt find anything unusual.

Theres nothing here!

All right then, lets resume our patrol.

The guard in the front started to move.

It would be impossible to think there could be any problem inside the Imperial Palace right away. So, it might simply be an illusion.

Ian cautiously moved as the other guard rushed towards the first one.

He tightly sealed his mouth so that the guard in front wouldnt hear him.

..!

Shh.

Ian quietly struck him at his neck, knocking him over in a flash.

His next target was the guard in front of him.

Within one second, Ian took out the dagger from his left boot. The next second, he kicked the ground with his right foot and took out his sword.

The opponent turned his head to the sound of the fast footsteps.

What..

His vision was covered by Ian as he leaped down on him.

Without getting a chance to defend himself, he got hit at his head with the handle of Ians sword, and thereby, lost his consciousness.

Sigh.

Advanced chapters are available at the end of the chapter!

It was somehow annoying to Ian that he couldnt kill them but had to knock them over.

Ian continued to dispose of the guards around him one by one.

It was completely different from the mopping techniques that he had shown Laritte during their time at the villa.

The Swordmasters had an extremely terrifying reputation.

Among them, Ian was like a flesh-cutting beast

His actual nature as a Swordmaster did not follow the true antecedent. It was only a name that he gained with some kind of awe about his power. As a warning that he should never be confronted.

However, Ian had been at the forefront of the whole dispute by the imperial order, so the nickname murderer was also somewhat realistic.

Therefore, he currently had no hesitation.

When quite a few people had fainted, Ian estimated the time.

This should be enough.

He stood stiff at the spot where he had separated with Laritte.

Many noble families, including the royal family, were already gathered at the main hall by now.

You arent allowed to enter this hall unless youre an aristocrat.

Ian ignored the guard and walked forward to open the door.

The servant tried to stop Ian in astonishment, but when he didnt budge at all, he realized he wasnt a match for this unknown figure.

Who is he?

A suspect? Guards!

But no one dared to advance towards him.

Everyones eyes were on the unidentified man (Ian), who was wearing a robe, that came through the huge door.

Ian spotted the Crown Prince standing in the distance.

He was the only one here who was on Ians side.

A young man, who had the same age as Ian, with brown hair. Although he was not a prominent beauty, he was a gentleman dressed in formal attire.

Finally, Im here.

There was a security system in the main hall as well.

No noble could move their limbs, but the Imperial guards could.

Guards surrounded Ian as if to protect the Imperial family.

Ian, who was anticipating the situation, glanced at the Imperial family beyond them.

There were two people. One was the Empress.

She was given full power when the Emperor lied sick in his bed. Now, she was the most influential figure in the Empire of Iassa.

And she was the one who planned Ians assassination and was the cause for the downfall of the Ducal name.

Next to her was Prince Oscar.

The sole heir to the throne of the Empire.

He was also believed to be involved in Ians assassination plan

Oscars and Ians eyes met at once.

Ian fixed his robes again so that no one could identify him yet.

But Oscar could tell who he was.

It was Ian.

His old friend.

It made Ian feel gloomy, but he couldnt show it. He had to be cautious.

Oscar silently glanced towards his mother.

Stay away!

One of the guards warned as he approached him a little.

The 1st Division of the Imperial Household Agency was the best of all the imperial knights.

Among them was Bartolt, a former member of the Reinhardt Ducal knights.

After betraying Ian, he had moved to the palace. In addition to being favored by the Empress, he was one of the Eight Swordmaster nominees and was also in a great position here.

Surrender yourself, intruder! Or you shall face the consequences!

Bartolt raised a long sword and aimed it towards Ian.

Lower your hood! Show yourself! Raise your hands over your shoulders!

Upon hearing his orders, Ian smirked under his robe.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep