Home/I confined you, but I have no ill will/ch 101

101.

In the commercial district, the Bermans' lodging was there. Wealthy nobles had townhouses in the capital, but they didn't—nor did they know anyone to impose on. To maintain some pride, they'd rented a decent inn.

"Damn—the money's just flowing out!"

Complaints changed nothing.

"Let's go back."

Vivian's excitement had faded. Walking through the district, she saw other noble ladies and realized she couldn't compete. Now she just wanted to go home.

"After coming all the way, just go back?"

This was their chance—they couldn't waste it.

"That arrogant girl doesn't know her place—forgetting all the family's kindness!"

But what could they really do? Vivian sighed and glared out the window. She disliked Ibelin too, but there was nothing to be done.

Unlike her, Berman and Derick seemed consumed by strange hopes.

'Archduke Gracias is supposed to be terrifying...'

Her family's excitement to get something seemed admirable.

"I don't care—do what you want!"

Vivian stood, annoyed.

What is this?

They feared the duke yet coveted his power and wealth. Vivian was usually like them, but unlike Derick, she was more realistic. Playing queen in the provinces was better than groveling in the capital.

Just then—

Knock, knock—

"Vivian—did you buy something again?"

Derick asked irritably. She'd overspent on impulse and had to return some items.

"No—it's not me!"

She snapped back.

"Always blaming me—you and Father are the fools!"

"What? Where are your manners—you've shown no improvement!"

"What's manners got to do with this!"

The argument grew.

Knock, knock—

The second knock was lost in the shouting. The visitor didn't wait.

CRASH—

The door burst open, barely hanging on.

"Ah!"

"Hah!"

They screamed.

"Wh-who's there!"

Derick drew his sword. A silhouette appeared in the doorway.

"Who else?"

A low, chilling voice.

"Oh—"

Vivian recognized it—Archduke Gracias. Why was he here at this hour? She hid behind Derick.

"I felt we didn't properly greet each other earlier."

He wasn't alone—several uniformed knights stood behind him.

"Archduke! What is this!"

Berman protested—Kite remained calm.

"Ah—don't you know? My reputation in the capital is quite something—perhaps you're from the provinces. I can't stand things I dislike."

He smiled with wide eyes—handsome, but not pleasant. Like a great beast savoring its prey.

Overwhelmed, Berman fell silent. It was Vivian who spoke.

"I'll make it like you want."

Trembling, she said it—Alex whistled softly.

"The lady's bravest here?"

Derick bristled but didn't act.

"So—how will you do that?"

Berman gathered his thoughts.

"We won't approach Ibelin—and we'll warn the other relatives!"

He'd been quick to take over, but there were others. Kite nodded and turned without a word.

When Berman blinked, they were gone—only the broken door remained. He sighed in relief. Derick was still angry, but he didn't understand.

"Enough."

He rubbed his forehead.

"Pack."

"Father!"

"We're leaving the capital."

So Ibelin's relatives returned to the provinces, empty-handed.

---

Deep darkness—a strange space between reality and illusion. Ibelin stood alone.

"Your taste is getting stranger."

She sighed—laughter echoed. The darkness lifted, revealing Unknown. He'd once looked like a well-bred noble, but now he was increasingly haggard.

She didn't want to care, but she'd spent time with her grandfather and learned something—he felt guilt toward Unknown. He wanted Unknown to break free and find freedom.

'Why?'

She could guess. Martin had offered to tell her everything about Unknown's tragic past and her grandfather's involvement, though Kailun opposed it.

"Ibelin has the right to know."

Kailun's expression darkened.

"I'm sorry for involving you in my affairs."

She'd answered then.

"Your business is my business."

"I don't think it's strange taste."

"It is—you know the dreamscape is getting stranger. You can't endure much longer."

He smiled faintly—she'd struck a nerve.

"I'm fine."

"Liar."

She put her hands on her hips.

"Worried about your enemy?"

"I don't want to be."

"Ah—so you've learned."

He looked at her.

"Did you learn what I showed you—and more?"

"Does it matter?"

"...I never thought it did. But I'm curious—now that you know Kailun's sin, how do you feel? He turned away from dying children."

She bit her lip. Unknown said her grandfather was guilty, but she couldn't accept it. He'd always been kind, helping many—including Kite.

He couldn't abandon children in danger.

"No."

She said firmly.

"Grandfather didn't deliberately abandon them."

"But the result is the same—sometimes result outweighs intent."

"Unknown."

She slowly approached him.

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