Episode 2

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A duke of a nation, moreover, a close aide to the king, was found in front of a small nobleman’s house. And there were no attendants searching for him until morning.

Two sentences that defied common sense in this world materialized within the day.

Had all his attendants been wiped out? It was absurd. Erhen Rosenheim was a sorcerer who could wipe out a hundred soldiers alone.

A murder aimed only at Erhen. And this was something that didn’t happen in the original work.

The conclusion Charlotte agonized over all night had been reached.

“Lida, send a message to the duke’s residence.”

Having made up her mind, Charlotte instructed Lida.

“Tell them the duke is here.”

“Yes, milady.”

“And Lars.”

Charlotte turned around. Lars, who had been waiting beside Lida, approached Charlotte as if he had been waiting for her.

She extended a small piece of cloth she found in Erhen’s pocket from her bosom.

“It’s time to show off your skills after a long time.”

“What if I’ve gotten rusty?”

It was a light tone that didn’t match the atmosphere.

Strictly speaking, Lars was a bodyguard and information provider hired by Charlotte to protect herself and keep her safe, as she was aware of her past life. Now that the original story was over, there was no need to continue the employment contract, but based on the bond formed then, they still maintained a friendly master-servant relationship with Charlotte.

Understanding Lars’ intention, Charlotte smiled subtly.

“Then we should terminate the contract.”

“You’re speaking of a big decision, milady.”

Lars took the cloth from Charlotte’s hand. It had a pattern of flower petals facing the ground.

“It’s amusing that a group that murders uses a flower pattern. I’ll look into groups with this pattern.”

“I’ll do my best.”

As Lida and Lars exited, Charlotte’s gaze turned to Erhen lying on the bed.

Was it necessary to go this far for someone whose connection with her had ended? But strangely, the thought that she must do it dominated her mind.

The time when the duke’s people arrived was the next morning when the sun rose.

Representing Duke Rosenheim, the person who came was his aide and former soldier like Erhen at the time of the attempted coup, Viscount Phillip Rimelt.

Observing him descending from the carriage, Charlotte rose from her seat.

“Ma… No, Viscountess Linz.”

Phillip’s expression under his hastily removed hat seemed shocked, as if he had hurriedly set off upon hearing the news.

He was about to address the former duchess by her familiar title but managed to address her with the correct formality before lowering his eyes.

Seeing Phillip, who had rushed from afar after hearing the news of the lord’s injury, Charlotte felt that there was no need for the usual greetings between them over the past year. She nodded lightly in response to Phillip’s words.

“His Excellency has overcome the crisis and is currently recovering. He has not awakened yet.”

She conveyed the situation as they moved to where Erhen was. Phillip’s face lit up with relief at Charlotte’s words.

However, it was brief. Upon seeing the figure of Erhen lying with wounds, he hardened his expression grimly. After capturing his expression, Phillip murmured briefly as he touched his ear.

“The duke’s guards are on their way and are expected to arrive tonight. I’ve just informed Baron Werner.”

“I see.”

“Thank you very much for looking after his Excellency, Viscountess Linz.”

Although he said so, it was strange considering he was found right in front of her house.

Suppressing the words she wanted to say, Charlotte smiled slightly.

The table in the reception room stopped Phillip’s gaze, smaller than the usual rooms of dukes.

“Are you asleep?”

“What?”

“The coffee still looks warm.”

Was Phillip originally sharp-eyed? Taken aback by the unexpected words, Charlotte hurriedly spoke.

“Oh, it’s fine. Let’s go outside to talk so his Excellency can rest comfortably.”

“Okay.”

On the table in the reception room, there was warm milk tea and soft rolls prepared. It was food for Charlotte and Phillip who had traveled overnight instead of a meal.

Charlotte and Phillip sat facing each other at the table.

“I think Viscount Linz should know as well.”

Phillip calmly described the last time he saw Erhen.

“His Excellency was as usual.”

According to Phillip, Erhen, who was usually blunt, was still blunt that day. But he had occasionally traveled without attendants, which he hadn’t done before except for official duties.

When he first mentioned traveling without guards, they secretly had a few guards follow him, but he caught on, and after that, they were always caught by Erhen.

“It sounds unbelievable.”

He seemed to need some time alone.

He said he was going on a trip again and left the mansion. But it was the first time his trip had lasted this long, so Phillip worriedly came to Viscount Linz.

Wait, Erhen traveled alone? Was that his original personality?

“I’ll look into it separately on our side and let you know.”

Charlotte nodded. Although the identity of the attackers targeting Erhen was shrouded in mystery, it was only a matter of time before they found out with this clue.

* * *

Charlotte wet a handkerchief beside Erhen’s bed and gently dabbed it with water. Then she lightly tapped his forehead, damp with sweat.

It had been a week since he went into a coma. It was strange that he hadn’t woken up yet despite hearing that he was fine. Was there something the doctor hadn’t discovered? As her worry deepened, her expression stiffened.

Erhen’s eyelids twitched, and then he gently opened his eyes.

“…Your Excellency?”

“Charlotte….”

Her name was called out softly, like a whisper.

Confirming that Erhen had awakened, Charlotte sat up abruptly. In her haste to call someone, she stepped back but stumbled and faltered.

And it was just for a moment.

“Oh.”

Just before falling, Erhen grabbed Charlotte’s wrist and pulled her into his arms. But the strength of the man who had just awakened was not great. Charlotte ended up falling onto Erhen lying on the bed.

His cheek against hers was hot.

Charlotte quickly got up. His face in front of her was dizzying.

“Sorry, sorry!”

In a moment of panic, she tried to get off the person in pain, but she was stopped by the strength she felt in her wrist. She didn’t understand what situation she was in.

And what stunned Charlotte was the calm voice.

“Have I finally died?”

His voice was unbelievably calm.

Erhen, who was playing with Charlotte’s hair, reached out and cupped her cheek, lifting her head.

Without any time to react to the unfamiliar sensation on her lips, something hot invaded between Charlotte’s lips, as she was taken aback.

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