I Became a Sick Nobleman

Chapter 116: Deceive and be deceived (3)

***      

Huan and Serti walked down the hallway talking.

“I heard a lot from your father. You are clever and wise.”

“I’m embarrassed.” Serti replied, touched by the compliment.

“How is your father doing well these days? I heard a rumor that a few businesses are faltering.”

Serti’s hand holding the fan trembled at his sarcastic remark.

The Shio family had supported Huan in the past, but how difficult had it been since he suddenly announced his intent to give up the throne.

He stabs someone in the back and pretended as if it never happened.

Serti composed her crumpled expression. “Your Highness, the rumors are different from the reality.”

“Is that so? It was rude to ask, but I was worried as we were once in the same boat afterall.”

“There was a time when your relationship with my family was special, but I don’t think our relationship is close enough to bring up such a story now.”

Huan noticed something in Serti’s manner that made him realize that Serti was unaware what her father, Diagos Shio was up to. 

The relationship between the Shio family and himself hadn’t changed.

He felt like he was going to laugh at the sight of Diagos, who was struggling to prevent his daughter from becoming his dog.

However, in the end, the Shio family was his dog.

“So, what is the relationship between Setiria and you? As far as I know, you and Setiria had no connection. Could it be…?” Huan trailed off, lifting the corners of his mouth.

Serti’s expression sank slightly.

“I only came at my father’s command, so I hope there are no other misunderstandings.”

“Lord Diagos Shio?”

“That’s right.”

In response to Serti’s answer, Huan stroked his chin.

‘Diagos. Are you doing something I didn’t ask you to do?’

Why did he send Serti Shio to Setiria?

The obvious intention was visible.

‘Insolent.’

Huan clenched his fists.

“Your Highness,” Serti’s voice soon came, and Huan responded with a friendly face.

“Yes?” Huan asked.

“I honestly can’t understand why my father would withdraw his support for you,” Serti said abruptly.

Huan didn’t say anything in response to the sudden remark.

“I think you still have a chance to aim for the sky, Your Highness,” Serti added.

“What are you trying to say?” 

“Give me a chance.” 

Huan smiled with interest. 

“Why did my father send me here? If I can capture Lord Setiria’s heart, Setiria will be mine.”

“Is that an easy task?” 

Even though Huan’s words sounded sarcastic, Serti smiled brightly.

“Is there a unique way to capture someone’s heart? In my opinion, Your Highness, you seem to need Sertiria’s support. What do you think?”

It was the typical gaze of a noble, seeking only to satisfy their own ambitions without understanding their position.

Huan forced a smile, suppressing his amusement at the situation. 

“Your father doesn’t seem to favor me very much.” 

“Your Highness, I am a direct descendant of the Shio family.” 

Huan understood exactly what that meant. 

It was a declaration of intent to push aside Diagos Shio and take control. 

Huan finally let out a genuine smile. 

‘Yes, I was thinking about getting rid of Diagos, but it worked out well.’

Serti Shio. She was Diagos’ most beloved daughter and was the perfect tool for his plans. 

“I’ll consider it,” he said, and Serti subtly covered her smile with a fan in response to the positive signal.

***      

Rustle.

Cassion, who was wiping the sword next to Ruel, stopped his hand for a while.

His subordinate quietly left a note to him and disappeared.

“Ruel-nim.” 

“What is it?” Ruel responded, flipping through some documents. 

His bandaged face was now uncovered, since he was feeling stuffy. 

“It is said that Serti Shio contacted Huan and made their next meeting.”

“As expected,” Ruel smirked. 

Serti Shio was as good an actor as the prince.

She had made a deal with him, in exchange for assurance for her father’s life. 

Huan was the person who would eventually kill Diagos. Those who knew too much were always a danger, and their relationship was based on gain rather than trust. 

Crunch.

Ruel had informed Serti of his speculation that Huan would kill Diagos.

For Serti to protect her father, for Diagos to move to protect her.

‘The more one builds a relationship for personal gain, the smaller the crack that can shake everything,’ Ruel thought, anticipating Serti’s actions. 

—Ruel, Ruel! You’re so wicked right now. 

Leo, who had a listless expression, soon opened his eyes round.

“I thought it was kind of fun.”

Ruel smiled excitedly and took a bite of the meat pie.

Glitter.

The ring lit up. 

It was Banios. 

‘Didn’t you say you were going to let Adoris suffer on purpose?’

Ruel was trying to infuse mana into the ring when he heard Cassion’s call.

“Ruel-nim.” 

“What is it?” 

“There are numerous calls coming in on the communication device.” 

Ziing. 

The vibration seemed particularly loud today. 

Ruel’s voice sounded excited, as if he was enjoying the situation. 

“If it’s Ketlan, let him know, but if it’s from the barons, ignore it.” 

It would liven up the atmosphere if all the barons came to the mansion together. 

As Cassion rose from his seat, he asked, “Are you not planning to inform the barons?” 

“No, why would I? Of course, once they’re here.” 

From his position serving Ruel, Cassion truly pitied them. 

“Understood. I will contact Ketlan and come back.”

Ruel nodded and infused mana into the ring.

“I…”

-Are, are you okay?

“I’m fine…”

-The carriage exploded! Was that supposed to happen? Was it my brother’s idea? 

“No, it’s not…”

-I’ll go ask my brother right now!

Ruel inhaled Breath.

He couldn’t say anything.

Didn’t he clearly tell him not to be surprised in advance?

“Please wait, Your Highness Banios.”

The sound of footsteps stopped.

“I’m fine, I’m safe. Nothing happened. So rest assured.”

-Are you really okay? Really?

“I planned the carriage explosion. I would appreciate it if you would come to see me with the same concern as you have now.”

Soon a deep sigh of relief was heard.

-… Lord Setiria, please tell me in detail next time.

“I told you clearly.”

-I thought something would go wrong in the doing of the ‘little surprise.’

“Please pay more attention.”

Ruel chuckled.

-You… I understand. If I come to you like this, no one will suspect anything. Then.

The ring’s light went out.

‘Phew, that was close. My eardrums almost burst.’

Knock. 

Cassion came inside with a light knock.

“His Highness Adoris has contacted you.”

Ruel swept his face.

The brothers were in an uproar because the carriage had exploded.

‘Why aren’t they using their perfectly good brains here?’

Surely, they should be suspicious of what’s happening. 

All he had done was put chocolate on a pre-made cake.

“Pass it to me.”

Cassion handed over the communication device.

“I…”

-Ar-are you okay?

Ruel felt déjà vu.

***      

“Astell.”

Ruel held Leo and quietly called Astell from the kitchen.

She was startled, but then looked at Ruel with a slightly angry look on her face.

“Do you know how many times our hearts have skipped a beat today between my colleagues and me at the dreadful news?”

“I know. I’m sorry.”

Since both Serti and Huan had arrived on the same day, he didn’t bother hiding it from the servants and knights anymore. 

However, he has already heard from Astell and countless others saying the same thing.

Last time Ruel checked he was the patriarch. Why should he be the one scolded?

“Don’t do that next time. To us, you’re not just a Lord.”

“Okay.”

Ruel was about to ask what she meant by ‘not just a Lord,’ but decided against it, thinking she might begin a different lecture.

Astell sighed heavily and asked softly, “Did you come because you wanted to have cocoa?”

“Yes. Just two cups.”

“Does Cassion know that you’re here?”

“Of course.”

Astell knew it was a lie, but she pretended not to notice.

“Are you dressed warmly?”

“I even wore gloves today.”

Ruel showed off his thick gloves.

“The sky wasn’t very clear today.”

“I’m not going out to stargaze. Just going out for some fresh air.”

“You shouldn’t catch a cold like last time.”

Astell didn’t ask why Ruel was going outside after returning from a walk. She simply made cocoa with warm milk so that he could enjoy it. Leo had already swallowed his saliva at the sweet smell.

Astell was about to hand the cup to Ruel, but cautiously suggested, “I’ll accompany you outside.”

“It’s fine. I’ll enjoy the cocoa.”

Ruel quickly grabbed the cup, chuckled, and left the kitchen.

***            

—There are no stars today.

Leo said, licking his cocoa and looking up at the sky.

“Instead, the moon is out.”

—Really!

Leo smiled brightly as he watched the round full moon with his tail wagging.

It wasn’t cold today. 

He had Aris’s cloak, Cassion’s gloves, and Tyson’s scarf to keep him warm.

—Ruel.

Leo asked, burying his face in Ruel’s stomach.

He glanced and noticed the cocoa stains still there.

“Why?”

—Are you sad?

Ruel lowered his head at Leo’s question. 

His green eyes, just like Leo’s, sparkled like stars. 

He stopped himself from lying. At this moment, with no one around, he didn’t want to hide his emotions. 

He knew he had to hold back at certain times, but not now.

“Yeah, I’m a little sad today.”

Ruel smiled bitterly.

He felt overwhelmed by his own existence. He felt trapped within layers of walls. He didn’t want to become someone important to someone else, not wanting to be the important person to those whose faces and names he didn’t even know.

—This body will hug you tightly.

Leo hugged Ruel with his short front paws.

Seeing Leo’s gesture, Ruel burst into laughter.

It was small, but it was enough, and it was warm.

Ruel managed to stifle his laughter and sipped his cocoa.

Ha.

It was very sweet.

‘It’s delicious.’

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