Contract Marriage: Rewritten - Chapter 26
Chapter 26
Translator: Yonnee
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Laniakea sat trembling, a blanket draped over her shoulders.
‘Who…? Why would someone try to kill me?’
Even after arriving at the annex of the main palace where Hyperion was staying, she couldn’t calm down. Her hands shook so badly that she couldn’t even hold a teacup.
Seeing her unable to regain her composure, Lucy looked at her, uncertain, before whispering,
“Lupin tribe. Secret. Protection.”
It seemed Lucy thought Laniakea feared her now because of the matter involving spirits.
“Yes… I trust you, Lucy.”
Not just because she was from the Lupin tribe.
At that moment, someone knocked on the door and asked for permission to enter.
Lucy tensed as she opened the door, and an enormous man stepped inside—even larger than Hyperion.
“Greetings, Your Highness. My name is Signo. I am His Highness Hyperion’s chief administrative aide.”
“Chief administrative aide…?”
The man had the kind of rugged face and muscular frame that made it seem like he could wield any weapon effortlessly.
Naturally, Laniakea assumed he was Hyperion’s military deputy or personal bodyguard—but an administrative aide? Weren’t aides usually scrawny men with dark circles under their eyes from working too much?
Noticing Laniakea and Lucy’s puzzled expressions, Signo let out an awkward laugh and scratched his head.
“I may not look like it, but I have a weak constitution. And as for swords… ugh, I can’t imagine how people even wield those things. But I’m good with numbers, so His Highness took me in.”
Weak?
This man looked like he could punch a bull to death.
“This young lady—is she Your Highness’s chambermaid?”
“No, Lucy is—”
“I am. Lupin warrior. Duel. Challenge.”
The moment Lucy heard ‘chambermaid’, she bristled and glared at him.
For once, she had spoken in a full sentence. She even rolled up her sleeves.
Thud!
Signo dropped to his knees so hard that it shook the floor.
“My apologies! Please, spare my life.”
Lucy, looking dumbfounded, slowly rolled her sleeves back down.
“Know your place. Very good.”
Laniakea, watching the exchange, felt some of her tension ease.
“You’re quick to apologize.”
“I’ve heard plenty about the Lupin tribe’s reputation. I knew there was a warrior in the palace, but I didn’t realize it was her. Please forgive my rudeness.”
“Hmph. Hm.”
Lucy shrugged, pleased by his immediate apology. Most people didn’t believe she was a true Lupin warrior just because of her appearance.
But Signo had immediately admitted his mistake and bowed his head—it seemed that had earned Lucy’s approval.
For the first time, Lucy was communicating smoothly with someone, so Laniakea wasn’t thinking about the assassin.
After humbly making peace with Lucy, Signo straightened and turned to Laniakea.
“The man who attacked Your Highness has been… dealt with. He tried to cover his tracks, but thanks to his weapon and the way he fought, we were able to gather more information than expected. His Highness believes we will find the one who sent him soon. And…”
Laniakea swallowed dryly at the word ‘and’.
Had Hyperion told him about the spirit?
“His Highness has requested that you stay here instead of returning to the annex for the time being. He will have everything arranged to ensure your comfort as quickly as possible.”
Hearing this, Laniakea quietly sighed in relief.
Hyperion hadn’t told his secretary about the spirit.
“I understand. But… is His Highness very busy? I’d like to thank him in person.”
“…You would like to meet with him?”
“Of… course?”
“I just thought… since you saw him during a time of… distress… it might be difficult for you to face him.”
“Oh…”
Laniakea suddenly understood why Hyperion had sent Signo instead of coming himself.
He thought she was afraid of him. After all, she had seen him kill someone right in front of her.
But as soon as she realized that, Laniakea also realized something else. She didn’t feel afraid of him—at all.
“If Your Highness is comfortable with it, His Highness will come and explain in person.”
Signo gave her an almost pleading look, and Laniakea nodded. As soon as she gave the signal, Signo practically sprinted out of the room.
A few moments later, hurried footsteps echoed down the hall, and Hyperion entered.
He saw that Laniakea had finally stopped trembling, then turned to Lucy and Signo to dismiss them.
Normally, Lucy would have refused outright and insisted on staying, but this time, she bowed to him and left.
Laniakea’s eyes widened in shock. Lucy never left her alone with others. But she had just trusted Hyperion enough to do so.
Before Laniakea could recover from her surprise, the door closed.
With only the two of them left alone in the room, Hyperion stepped forward and bowed immediately to her.
“…I apologize. This attack was entirely because of me.”
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Maitaivas
Off topic. But I wonder if Laniakiea is going to come up with a nickname for Hyperion. “Hype”? Jk. Maybe “Rio” is better.