Home/I confined you, but I have no ill will/ch 92

92.

Leonhardt urged them to stay at the palace, but they wanted to go home.

"It's been a while."

Though he'd been solemn, he briefly acted like a petulant nephew—but they were too tired. They wanted to rest somewhere familiar.

"Come visit after you've rested!"

"Of course."

"Promise!"

Only after locking pinkies with Leonhardt could they return home.

Ibelin barely made it to the sofa—she couldn't sit on the floor in her dress.

Tired.

Leaning back, staring at the ceiling, she realized—though she hadn't been here long, it already felt like home. Humans are creatures of adaptation.

After the maids helped her undress and wash, she changed into comfortable clothes and had dinner with Kite. At her request, they ate in the room—simple but satisfying.

"Hoo."

Somewhat full, she spoke what she'd been thinking.

"I need to meet Grandfather—he's alive."

"You must have many questions."

"Really, so many! Starting with why he faked his death."

She sighed and grumbled, feigning lightness—but Kite could read her hurt.

"Any idea how?"

Faking death to his granddaughter and not contacting her since—he wouldn't be easy to meet. Kite ground his teeth.

No matter how great a swordsman, he couldn't enter her dreams. He was annoyed at Unknown for intruding and spouting nonsense every night.

"If I just search, he'll probably run."

"Yes."

From her grandfather's perspective, he wouldn't want to meet her. She couldn't think of another way.

"Why did he do it?"

She sighed.

"Do you doubt his love?"

"No—I don't. But... it hurts."

Hurt more because she couldn't meet him.

"What if we made him come to us?"

"Excuse me?"

"Make him come himself."

"How?"

She widened her eyes—Kite answered.

"Everyone has weaknesses—pre-Kite me, the Emperor—even Baron Frillie."

He smiled elegantly.

"You'll see soon."

She tilted her head at that.

---

There are many newspapers. Even in the capital, over a dozen—major ones and cheap yellow rags.

All share one trait: they constantly crave the most sensational material. Kite was the best at providing it.

Kailun was bedridden. He wanted to move, but Taysh guarded him—every time he tried, Taysh called Martin, who'd scold him endlessly.

"Just—just hit me!"

One day, he said—Martin snorted.

"Hit a patient? Don't be ridiculous."

"Your scolding is worse!"

"Then behave until you're better."

"Who knew you had this talent."

"Try being department head for a few years—you'd develop it."

Kailun writhed in boredom.

"What's allowed in?"

Taysh answered.

"Newspapers—but you must return them."

"What harm could I do with papers?"

Grumbling, he asked for them.

Taysh collected several days' worth—and Kailun soon exploded.

"What trickery is this!"

The front pages featured huge photos of Kite and Ibelin. The content was simple—just a loving couple—but with Kite, it was news.

All papers reported on his changed attitude. Those without photos used illustrations—a handsome noble, once a madman, softened by love.

[The Empire's Finest Sword and a Provincial Noble's Blazing Love]

[Archduke Gracias Awakens to Love]

[True Love, Not Political Maneuvering]

Love stories always capture interest.

"Oh no! Wasn't it supposed to be fake? Why are they so close! And—and why is she holding his arm!"

"Escorting—it's normal."

Taysh's innocent reply made him crumple the paper.

"Lord Kite wouldn't—he's not interested in women!"

"Seems he is now."

"Not my granddaughter!"

"He's not a bad match."

"Bad, I say! Ibelin should marry someone moderately handsome, faithful, kind, and gentle!"

Taysh narrowed his eyes—only "moderately handsome" might apply.

Like a landed fish, Kailun threw down the paper and tried to leave—Taysh blocked him.

"Can't let you."

"A madman's after my granddaughter!"

Earlier he'd called him a true patriot—now his tune changed.

Martin arrived—his room was next to her office. She saw the papers and understood.

"Martin, let me out!"

"Let a man who keeps seeking death go out?"

"This time—I'll just check if it's true."

"Your eyes are bloodshot—I'll check. Lie down."

She was calm. Kailun insisted—but Martin had held this post while fixing Intelligence. He'd lose.

Probably.

---

Late at night, Kailun—pretending to sleep—opened his eyes.

Taysh had stepped out briefly. Rare, so this was his chance.

He rose quickly and checked the window—double-locked, but easy to open.

Using old skills, he opened it and jumped out. The height was manageable, with a convenient tree.

Wait for me!

He moved swiftly, leaving Intelligence grounds—just as Martin had predicted.

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