A shiver ran through her as she realized, her only option was to turn to the very person who had planned this nightmare.
She, a proud viscountess would now have to plead for mercy from the very same man who had unleashed such chaos upon her life.
She clenched her fists in anger and fury but the truth remained that Julian was her only possible savior in this trap he had set. She hoped that she could somehow negotiate with the devil.
Back in the king’s room, Duke Ethwer spoke up, “Let’s remain here and protect His Majesty. The assassin may attempt another attack.” The other dukes nodded in agreement.
The king however, softened his gaze as he turned to Julian. He had a faint smile in his face.
“My grandson has grown to a wise and strong man,” he said with pride clear in his voice.
Alden’s eyes watered with emotion at the king’s words. Hearing the king finally recognize Julian as his grandson was a proud moment for Alden that he had waited for countless years to be part of.
However, Julian simply offered a polite smile and was not moved by the king’s sudden acknowledgement.
What happiness could he feel from someone who needed almost two decades to finally acknowledge his own grandson?
He could not entertain the idea and did not want to indulge in such wishful fantasy of him having another grandfather out of nowhere. He clearly did not acknowledge the king as his grandfather, but he did not dare show it.
The king who was unaware of Julian’s deeper motives, continued, “He possesses the sharpest mind among us. While we were quick to suspect the Viscount, a man who has served this kingdom loyally for many years, Julian alone saw the wisdom in granting him the chance to prove his innocence.”
The dukes nodded in agreement all oblivious that this was all planned by Julian himself.
Alden chuckled with pride shining in his eyes. “Yes, Your Majesty, it seems age is catching up with us. Soon, I might need to step down and let the younger generation take the reins.”
The king laughed, “If you call yourself old, then I must be a bag of bones by now!”
Duke Hans joined in, “Nonsense, Your Majesty. You will still rule for a thousand more years.”
The king and the dukes shared laughter, and for a moment, it seemed as if the assassination attempt never happened in the first place
Amid the laughter, Duke Ethwer and Duke Norish exchanged worries glances. This display of affection between the king and Alden only solidified their resolve. They were now even more committed to finding a way to cut the influence of the Easvil family.
Marcus clearly feeling outshined time and again, clenched his hands in fury. There was rage in his eyes as he glanced at Julian, the man who had taken everything from him.
The king continued. “Rest well, Julian we will need your strength for the battle ahead.”
Julian bowed respectfully as he said, “Thank you, Your Majesty,” before excusing himself and heading to his room.
As he left his calm and commanding presence lingered in the air, leaving an impression even among the veteran dukes and the king.
Back in the hall, the viscount sat beside his wife. His face was filled with frustration and worry
“Do you think we can find the assassin?” he asked as the weight of their situation pressed heavily on them.
The viscountess turned her gaze away from her husband. “We can’t do anything, even if we find out who the assassin is,” she said as her tone carried a weight of defeat.
The viscount frowned as he sensed the change in her demeanor. He leaned in slightly and with his voice now laced with concern asked, “Do you know who the assassin is?”
His eyes searched hers trying to read her thoughts, but the fear in her expression made him question whether there was something she was hiding from him.
The viscountess’s voice trembled slightly. “That doesn’t matter,” she said, her eyes lowered. “What matters now is how we can get out of this predicament. If we don’t… our whole family will be executed for treason.”
The viscount clenched his fist as the weight of her statement held him down. His frustration boiled over and he slammed his fist onto the table.
“But what can we do? Who can we rely on?” His voice cracked with helpless anger.
The viscountess, though equally desperate, took a deep breath. Her eyes narrowed as if contemplating a dangerous choice.
“There is someone” she replied slowly, her tone filled with both resolve and fear. “He can surely help us. But we have to make a deal with a devil.”
The words sent a chill through the viscount, the implications of her words were clear, no help would come without a cost.
“Who” The viscount asked.
The viscountess looked around and with a low whisper, “Julian” she said.
The viscount swallowed hard while his mind raced as he processed her words. “Julian?” he asked.
“How can Lord Julian save us? And why do you call him a devil?”
The viscountess looked around cautiously as if ensuring no one was listening before leaning closer.
“Because we do not know who he truly is,” she whispered. “No one does. Not the king, not the dukes, not even his own father.”
Her voice rose slightly as anxiety seeped into her words. “He hides his true self behind a mask of charm and grace”
The viscount’s mind raced as he processed his wife’s words.
“What are you talking about?” he asked in disbelief. “How can you even say such a thing?”
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The viscountess looked him in the eye, her expression a mixture of fear and desperation. “I can’t explain it all right now,” she said, her voice trembling, “But he’s the only one who can help us. We have no other choice.”
The viscount’s brow furrowed in confusion. “But why would he help us? What could we offer him?”
She hesitated for a moment before responding, her voice quieter but filled with an undeniable tension. “He will not help us out of kindness but he will if we give him what he wants”
The viscount’s eyes widened as he realized the implications of her words. “You mean… we have to bargain with him?”
The viscountess nodded solemnly. “Yes. We’ll have to offer him something he wants”
The viscount’s eyes widened as he realized what her word’s implied.