Chapter 156

Abelus’s visit to see Nerys was, just as she thought, an act born of impulse.

‘There’s no need to sour relations with the Elandria family. If the Jeweled Eyes manifested only in that girl, gathering information from her won’t hurt. To do that, I need to make her feel goodwill toward the Imperial Family.’

Nellusion had turned into a man with a face that was annoyingly smooth, which irked him, but from the Imperial Family’s perspective, he was a necessary political partner. Especially since Abelus and he were of similar age, the cooperation between the ducal house and the Imperial Family could become tighter than ever.

So when Abelus heard Camille vowing to do something to ‘that little girl with Jeweled Eyes whom Nellusion cherished,’ he decided it was best for him to take a different path than his sister. It was surprising that the girl manifested the Jeweled Eyes, but so what?

Jeweled Eyes often appeared in the Imperial Family anyway. It must mean the girl also carried Imperial blood. Strange that it appeared without navy-blue eyes, but what could anyone do once it already manifested?

With such casual thoughts, Abelus lingered around the investigation chamber. And when he saw the one Nellusion cherished… he was a little taken aback.

He had already heard of the Jeweled Eyes. But no one had mentioned she had become this beautiful.

‘Was her name Neros?’

He had heard it a few times but forgot. Still, this was the first time her presence imprinted itself so strongly in his mind.

The girl had always had neat features, that was true. But her slightly pointed nose tip, almond-shaped eyes, and slender red lips had strong, distinct lines.

‘Neros’ had not only eyes, nose, and lips, but her entire face carried a uniquely captivating aura that made her seem prettier than the reigning beauties of high society.

But with a somber expression, or to those who looked at her with ill will, she could also appear unremarkable.

Abelus nonetheless received a good impression of her. They said she had been crowned queen at the graduation ball—indeed, it was believable. So he praised her.

From ‘Neros’ came a humble reply. Of course—if the Crown Prince himself, no less, praised her, humility was to be expected. Abelus puffed up with pride.

The problem arose right after, when someone less welcome appeared.

Cledwyn Maindulante had the audacity to approach the Crown Prince with a sly tongue, his greeting little more than a formality.

Insolent bastard! Ugly—Abelus convinced himself Cledwyn was ugly, even though the man’s large eyes, straight nose, and small face argued otherwise. That was why Abelus had always hated him!

‘Madman! Murderer! Always weaving schemes in the shadows! He should have been killed when the chance was there!’

And while Abelus was rebuking him with princely dignity despite the insult, even Nellusion arrived looking for ‘Neros.’

“Big Brother!”

‘Neros’ face bloomed into a radiant smile. Perhaps because she was from a lesser noble family, that smile contained a sincerity rare even in the Imperial Family or the highest circles of society. Yet strangely, it didn’t feel lowborn at all.

For a moment, Abelus envied Nellusion for receiving such a smile. Surely it was pleasant to be adored by such a beauty.

“Did the questioning go well?”

Apparently Nellusion had feelings too, for the fox-like schemer wore a warm, gentle smile as he looked at ‘Neros.’

‘Wait, did he call her Nerys earlier?’

Yes, that was it. Nerys smiled like sunshine, though faint weariness showed at her eyes.

“Yes. You must have waited long. I happened to meet these two here.”

Nellusion’s gaze turned toward Abelus and Cledwyn. Abelus magnanimously welcomed him with princely grace.

“You’ve doted on her since childhood—so you even followed her into questioning?”

“I greet Your Highness the Crown Prince. Since it was not a pleasant summons, I felt my presence was needed at my young sister’s side. And since I have the chance to speak, allow me to say: Your Highness, Nerys is innocent. She knows nothing of this matter.”

Abelus also knew Nerys hadn’t killed Marquis Tipien. None knew his sister’s methods better than he did.

Still, even if he would not break ties with the Elandria family, keeping some leverage was useful. So Abelus waved his hand dismissively.

“That’s not for me but for my sister. Investigators will decide that. I’ve no authority here. Do you think a Crown Prince has power over everything?”

“How can you say that? You are the small sun of this Empire.”

“Small sun indeed—for now.”

It was a remark that could be construed as insolent, but no one in the Empire dared to admonish the Crown Prince. Nellusion merely smiled politely, feigning discomfort.

‘Fox. He already knows how I’ll answer.’

He was only pleading in front of a beauty to win her favor. Abelus saw through him easily.

Nellusion was just as sly as Cledwyn. The only difference was he wasn’t as detestable and was worth keeping as a subordinate. That was why Abelus tolerated him.

“So, why are you here? Did you also come to escort some cousin sister?”

“Something similar. Not a cousin, but there is a young lady I must meet.”

The moment those words dropped, the atmosphere shifted.

Nellusion moved Nerys behind him, shielding her. His knight Joseph glared, and Cledwyn’s escort Aidan tensed as well.

Were they insane? To nearly brawl before the Crown Prince? Abelus roared in authority.

“What are you all doing!”

Cledwyn smiled with infuriating composure.

“Because it seems a kidnapper is right before us.”

“How laughable. That’s my line.”

Nellusion shot back without yielding.

Were two of the Empire’s most eligible noble heirs really about to fight over one woman? Abelus stared harder at Nerys’s face with interest. Her calm was fading, her small features uneasy and flustered.

And above all, her violet Jeweled Eyes shone with overwhelming presence.

‘She is alluring.’

Had she been merely a beauty, her status as a distant relative of the Elandria family and a top graduate of the Academy would only take her so far.

But the moment the Jeweled Eyes manifested—a trait certain to mark the blood of the highest houses—she gained immense symbolic weight.

‘If adopted by a Duke, she could be a Countess, perhaps even a Marchioness.’

Duchess or Grand Duchess might be too far, though politics could allow it. Crown Princess?

‘Not with real ducal daughters in the running.’

And she already seemed taken. Abelus glanced at her hand clutching Nellusion’s sleeve shyly and sighed inwardly. Backgroundless, beautiful, unusual—perfect as a future Emperor’s consort.

Cledwyn’s eyes also lingered on her hand. Abelus did not miss the tightening of his face and secretly rejoiced. He always wanted to see that unruffled face crack!

Then Cledwyn suddenly strode forward, grasping the very hand with which Nerys held Nellusion’s sleeve. Nellusion’s eyes turned sharp.

A cold, short silence fell. Who would be first to cause a scandal in the Imperial Palace? Abelus wagered inwardly on Cledwyn.

But Nerys lowered her head and parted her lips. Her free hand fidgeted against Cledwyn’s, gently prying off his fingers.

“P-please… return, Your Grace.”

The silence shattered like glass.

Cledwyn’s face hardened further. Nellusion wore a victor’s smile.

“You heard her, Your Grace. My sister wants no more entanglement with you.”

That man never revealed emotions like this. Nerys must mean a lot to him. Abelus interpreted Nellusion’s face that way, though they weren’t truly siblings by any stretch.

Cledwyn did not answer Nellusion. His gaze fixed solely on Nerys.

“Do you mean it?”

“Yes… and please, if you have any conscience at all, release my mother too.”

So that was it. Abelus inwardly chuckled, already thinking of what he’d tell Camille later. Sister, will you still claim Nerys chose the Duke willingly? With her mother held hostage?

Cledwyn’s gray eyes darkened. He bit his lip faintly.

“…You’ll soon learn. Staying by my side would have been best for you. I could have given you anything.”

It sounded like a confession. Abelus found Nellusion all the more admirable. Without him whisking his sister away from Camille, they’d never have witnessed this scene.

(T/N: Damn, Cledwyn and Nerys should get an Oscars for their performance. lol)

Nellusion’s lips curled.

“That will never happen. Let her go. Is this what you call chivalry, Your Grace?”

Cledwyn slowly released Nerys’s wrist, raising his empty palms to show he meant no harm. Nellusion looked at him with scorn.

“We will lodge a formal protest for this insult. And release our family member at once. I never thought Your Grace would stoop to such methods.”

“If you mean Lady Truydd, she is under courteous protection. If you want her back, her daughter must come fetch her.”

“There is no reasoning with you.”

Nellusion spoke coldly and turned away, wrapping Nerys’s shoulder tenderly.

“Let’s go, Nerys. Your Highness, forgive us, but we’ll take our leave.”

“Go ahead. With such ruffians in the palace, I can hardly invite you for tea.”

Abelus quickly played along.

With Joseph escorting them, Nellusion and Nerys departed. Cledwyn gave Abelus only a slight nod before disappearing as well.

Only after some moments did Abelus realize that Cledwyn’s manners had not satisfied him in the least.

❖ ❖ ❖

Nerys climbed into the carriage with Joseph’s hand, sighing in relief. Dora had already met him earlier, so she took the gamble.

Perfect acting, perfect lines. They had never rehearsed, yet both Abelus and Nellusion were fooled. And Cledwyn even added a pitiful line before releasing her.

‘Do as the note instructed.’

Nerys had deliberately grasped Nellusion’s sleeve to signal Cledwyn: ‘Take my hand.’

Since Cledwyn had settled in the capital, sooner or later his people would cross paths with hers. And hidden in her sleeve was the note she needed him to receive.

She could have used Dora to deliver it, but what she was about to do was complicated and required his understanding. She had to sketch out her plans so he wouldn’t act rashly, and explain what aid she needed.

As if by magic, he had received the note and hidden it quickly. Nerys flashed a dazzling smile at Nellusion sitting opposite her.

“Thanks to you, I could say all I needed. Even though you outrank him, you still stood up for me—thank you so much.”

“It is only natural for me to protect my family,” Nellusion said kindly.

The carriage door closed and rolled forward.

Soon Nerys realized they were not heading toward the ducal residence. She cautiously asked,

“Big Brother, we are going to the Duke’s mansion now, right?”

“No. I am taking you to meet someone who can help you. You may be tired, but if this person supports you, it will mean much. Bear with it a little longer, Nerys.”

“Really? Who is it?”

So the Jeweled Eyes could only be used once a day—it must be taking its toll. Nerys chuckled inwardly. Nellusion spoke gently, naming exactly who she expected.

“Madam Moriah.”