Thank You For The Confinement, Grand Duke! - Chapter 69.1
Enfrise pushed aside the completed documents.
Normally, he would have finished them in the study, but Tambor had been insistent that he should rest, so he brought them to his room instead.
With a low sigh, he stood up and walked to the window. The pale, pure moonlight, as white as Chaperil’s hair, gently illuminated the darkness.
“…Chaperil.”
Unconsciously, he closed his eyes and brushed his lips with his fingertips. The memory of her skin felt so incredibly soft it seemed as if it would melt in his mouth.
And that frightened him.
He wanted to lean on her words and let himself be spoiled. He wanted to explore every part of her, from head to toe, even where it lay beneath that soft neck.
But was that okay?
Was it right to indulge in her like this, knowing she had lost her memory and couldn’t even remember her fiancé?
“…Just a little longer… Just a bit more waiting.”
Enfrise recalled his conversation with Elmare and tightened his arms crossed over his chest.
— For Chaperil to leave that mansion, at the very least, I must have control over the magic tower and the church.
The rebel forces were not something he could control. Therefore, he needed to have at least two forces under his control from the imperial family.
However, he lacked the power.
— As you know, what I have been given is only a title. They wouldn’t listen to my orders. So I have a request.
— A request, you say?
—Grant me… the authority to punish crimes.
Originally, royalty had the right to punish anyone who committed an offense against them or broke the law immediately. However, by renouncing his position as crown prince, he had also forfeited that right. What he could do was judge and punish actions occurring within his territory immediately.
But that wasn’t enough to help Chaperil regain her memories.
— I have the confidence to protect her. But if I wield my sword in the capital, I would just be seen as a simple murderer.
As long as they were within his territory, killing someone wouldn’t be considered a crime. In addition, he was exceptionally skilled at taking lives.
…Truly, to the point that he was so sick of it.
So, no matter what happened, he was confident he could protect Chaperil. But outside…
He couldn’t even begin to gauge how the nobles, who already viewed him as a thorn in their side, would use this to their advantage. Unlike swordsmanship, human thoughts and words were utterly unpredictable.
— …I understand what you’re saying. But why bring this to me? Wouldn’t it have been better to talk to Brother Barca?
There were limitations to Elmare’s authority as a prince. Knowing this, Enfrise still chose to make the request to Elmare.
The reason was simple.
— I cannot trust Barca.
— Huh?
— If Jaha hadn’t informed me, I would have had to leave the mansion unprepared to deal with Barca’s sudden visit. It’s strange that at that moment, a member of Count Kaun’s family would hide themselves there.
The unease that had been nagging at him was growing larger.
Normally, one would expect Enfrise, who had abandoned his brother, to receive at least some harsh words in response. Yet, Barca said nothing. That alone was odd. It was also strange that Barca, who had previously ignored multiple requests for a meeting, suddenly chose to visit the mansion.
It seemed like an attempt to separate him from the estate.
— Brother, could it be that Brother Barca…
— Honestly, I can’t believe it either. Considering the situation, it certainly seems like Barca is responsible, but there’s no reason for him to act that way. However… at least for now, I cannot trust Barca.
With Enfrise’s words, Elmare nodded in understanding. Then he spoke again.
— I’ll do everything I can, but Brother, may I suggest one thing?
— A suggestion?
— It’s not a bad idea for you. Just…
At that moment, an unusual visitor arrived in the night.
The sound of knocking echoed through the air, and without realizing it, Enfrise instinctively reached for his sword.
“….”
Was it seventeen?
From that age, assassins had stopped visiting his room though no assassin had ever knocked and boldly entered. What could this mean?
No, there was no time to think. Enfrise quietly approached the door.
“Enfrise, are you sleeping?”
As he neared…
The sword slipped from his hand with a thud.
“Chaperil…?”
“Ah, you’re not sleeping yet? Can I come in?”
In an instant, his mind froze.
Was it a panic? He couldn’t think at all, only feeling a tightness in his head. The thought that kept swirling was just one.
Why was Chaperil here at this hour?
“Ple, please wait a moment.”
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
