The Author's POV

Duke Ukhan licked his lips as he grasped the hooded figure by the throat. Raising his hand, he reached out for the hood and lowered it.

When he did so, something unexpected caught his attention.

"Interesting..."

His voice bordered on amusement and annoyance.

Presented in front of him was what seemed to be a male wearing a white mask. It covered his entire face, only exposing his blonde hair.

The Duke opened his mouth and made sure his voice was loud enough for everyone to hear.

"I wonder what gave you the confidence to attack a noble in front of everyone?"

While everyone present was a 'noble', the term could also signify a purer bloodline as compared to the others, with the seven houses placing more emphasis on them.

At this very moment, Duke Ukhan was using this pretext to find trouble with the person who had just saved Priscilla.

Had it not been for him...

"Tsk."

He clicked his tongue and grasped more tightly.

"Ukh."

"What are you doing?"

Priscilla was unable to maintain her silence at this very moment. She did not know the hooded figure, but he had indeed saved her life moments earlier. She was not the type to repay a debt with ungratefulness.

"Let him go."

She took a step forward. This time, her words were not empty threats, and she was truly determined to take action. While she may not have died, he had indeed saved her a lot of trouble. If she did not save him, she'd look like someone who didn't care about those on her side.

Duke Ukhan looked at her.

"What's this? I'm sure he hit you. Why are you defending him? Does your pride only amount to this much?"

"It does."

She smiled, and her eyes turned hazy.

"I'm from the Sloth clan. What do I need pride for?"

"Hah."

The Duke lightly laughed at her words.

"You set a very bad example, Duchess..."

As he tightened his hold on the individual wearing the mask, ruthlessness began to spread across his eyes at that very instant. He was prepared to break his neck.

Priscilla's face quickly changed when she noticed this, and her figure blurred.

"Don't you dare!"

"Sorry, bu―"

Grip

The Duke was about to clench his fist when he was suddenly grabbed by the wrist by an unseen hand.

"Let's settle this peacefully."

A calm voice sounded not long after.

"Uh?"

At that very instant, the entire vibe shifted, and everyone's attention turned to the one responsible for all of this.

It was another hooded figure.

"Insolent!"

A loud shout echoed within the perimeter of the cave.

Almost immediately after that, the guards that were standing behind the Duke moved. Within a split second, they stood behind the masked figure with their weapons drawn and ready to attack at any moment.

"Wait."

They were stopped before they could take action.

Looking at the hooded figure, Duke Ukhan's eyes glossed over their body.

'How did he get near me without me noticing? Furthermore, my guards too... He only looks to be a Marquis ranked individual.'

Duke's mind at that moment.

"Who are you?"

"His friend. "

been before. Despite the fact that his face was hidden, the duke could feel

It irritated him.

"Hm?"

guards in front of him began to twitch, and the Duke in front of him raised his head. Staring into the distance, all trace of expression vanished from his face, and he quickly let

and the duke cast a wary glance toward the entrance of the cave before turning his attention back

"Haaugh...haaa...haaa..."

low sounding thump, the masked man fell to the

"You're really lucky."

understood what they meant. This was

cast a glance into the distance and

the reinforcements arrived on

would've happened had they arrived a tad bit

duo before walking up toward the one that had appeared

him, she stopped and

"Let's have a talk."

***

three figures appeared. It was none other than Duke Ukhan himself, accompanied by two of

plush grass. There was no sign of emotion on his face, and it appeared as though he was deep

guards behind him

himself back under control by taking a few deep breaths. After that, he smiled

what to

but the two guards immediately

kill them if you can. Leave their bodies exposed, and don't bother

his eyes flickered

deal with, send me a report. I'll personally get rid of them myself. If there is a time to act, it's now. Especially since the Patriarchs are away dealing with the World Decree

two guards. A dangerous and oppressive

his head, he

"Understood?"

nodded without saying a

vanished before shifting to the distance. In the direction of

his mouth, his voice

of envy, all variables

***

feels like

yet at

really

years

Sometimes, I hear voices.

when I eat,

on and on

last time that I slept

want to be normal

***

I had to deliver a letter. You don't mind, do

"No, have some tea."

dressed in butler attire stood behind me as an emerald green substance poured into a teacup that was in front of

examining it, I determined that it was safe

Duchess sat. In her hand was the same cup

like to finally thank

butler next to me removed the teapot from the table and performed a single

looked at her, I reached for the cup of tea and took a sip from it. My tongue was flooded with a wave of bitterness, and the sensation almost caused my face to change. But I didn't let it show on the surface. I knew

the

"It's nothing worth mentioning."

graciously escorted to the Duchess's mansion. At that moment, everyone was standing behind me. For some strange reason,

Duchess sat her

worth mentioning to you, but you still saved

"Oh? In what way?"

chin and pretended to fall in deep

a bit low

direction from the corner of my

I didn't waste any time and simply told

bit shameless, but I didn't

"Pretty straightforward, aren't you?"

"I indeed am."

didn't see it, as the hood still covered

much do

can you

"Twenty Jor."

life only worth that

"Fifty."

"One hundred."

it to my lips. I didn't take a sip. I was just pretending to. It tasted horrible,

"Hmm."

a moment. Eventually, she nodded