Act 36

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“Are you planning to declare war on the Crypart family?”

While I was about to purchase a fairly decent coat recommended by a clerk, a voice suddenly intervened, and I turned my head.

There stood Aileen de Donassien, wearing an expression of disbelief.

Her dark navy hair reminiscent of the night sea and her contrasting light red eyes. 

The combination made her furrowed brow seem all the more distinct and clear.

“Good day? It seems Miss Aileen is also in need of some clothes.”

“Yes, I’m sure we’re headed to the same destination.”

The same destination as me.

Seeing her in the formal wear section, it seemed she was invited to a wedding. Like me, she must not have proper formal wear.

“It looks like Miss Aileen has also been invited to Lady Renia’s wedding.”

“Yes, I’m a member of the Donassien, one of the four great families, after all.”

“I see.”

I responded disinterestedly, about to pay for the coat I was holding, when I remembered what she had mentioned earlier.

“But Miss Aileen. What did you mean by your earlier remark?”

“You do know what this emblem represents, don’t you?”

Aileen pointed at the chest of the coat I was holding. There, an elegant emblem adorned with golden crowns and swords was placed.

“It’s the emblem used by a few knightly families backed by royal authority when they executed their rivals under the pretext of disturbing the royal power.”

“Is that so?”

“What does that mean? Though its significance has faded now, it still carries a political meaning. What would everyone think if you wore it to your family’s wedding?”

I could see her point.

This was why she used the word “declaration of war.”

Julian is affiliated with the ‘Closed Eyes,’ an exclusive agency of the royal family, and the Crypart family is akin to the head of the noble council, which could be considered an opposition to the royal family.

My current goal was to secure a Soul Stone in the ‘Crypart family’ in advance.

The relationship between the family and Julian couldn’t exactly be described as friendly, so stirring up trouble would not be wise.

“It seems it was indeed a poor choice.”

“It’s good that you realize it now.”

“But it’s a pity. There’s no other color available now.”

I sighed lightly and returned the clothes to the clerk.

“Then why not choose a different color?”

Aileen spoke as if it were obvious.

Indeed, she made a valid point.

To be honest, with ‘Julian’s’ face and physique, anything would probably suit him.

“I just want something plain and in a dark shade!”

But why is it that everything catching my eye is in shades of pink or fluorescent colors?

Deep within, ‘Julian’s’ instinct to express his ego was wide awake. It was so intense that even fluorescent star-shaped sunglasses hanging on the wall kept drawing his attention.

‘All the formal wear I know of tends towards black.’

The combination of pink and fluorescent colors definitely didn’t fit the ‘normal’ category.

Yet, seeing himself considering those colors as ‘nice,’ he doubted this shopping trip would end successfully.

If things continued this way, any clothing he’d buy would strongly reflect ‘Julian’s’ taste. But the purpose of today’s shopping was to acquire a ‘normal’ sense of fashion for Lee Si-hoo.

‘Ah, right.’

While my eyes kept drifting to lively colors, I suddenly thought of a brilliant idea.

Observing Aileen’s attire, which looked much more conventional than ‘Julian’s,’ I wondered if getting her recommendation might solve his dilemma.

“In that case, this would be a good choice.”

Knowing she wouldn’t help me out of kindness, I decided to use a strategy of provocation.

With that thought, I picked out a plain dark gray top with a satisfied smile.

Then, pretending to ponder for a moment, I chose a pair of pants to complete the formal wear set.

Naturally, in pink.

“Wait, just a minute.”

“Why is that?”

Her voice betrayed significant surprise.

Good, this was the reaction he wanted.

“That combination… Are you sure?”

“Yes, I don’t think there could be a more fitting color scheme.”

“No… Who mixes pink with gray!”

Seeing her tongue-tied and astonished, I felt it was about time to provoke her pride.

“A plain but somewhat bland gray. Pink was chosen to add a point of interest to this simplicity. It’s a thoroughly trendy choice.”

“To call that adding a ‘point’ when you’ve chosen a solid bright color for the entire piece… It’s a case of the tail wagging the dog!”

“It’s easy to criticize. To think a member of the Donassien family, renowned in the arts, could lack aesthetic sense.”

Provoked by my challenge, Aileen furrowed her brows and began walking around, picking out clothes and showing them to me.

“If it were me, I would have coordinated it like this. It might seem plain to you, but at least it’s not ridiculous like what you’ve chosen!”

With that, Aileen turned her head sharply and left.

Left in her wake were the ordinary clothes she had excitedly selected just moments before.

I smiled contentedly and told the clerk, “Please, ring these up.”

***

A garden as beautiful as if it were embracing the seasons.

Beyond, the stately mansion of the Crypart family appeared, its grandeur such that calling it a work of art would not be an overstatement.

Arriving at the Crypart estate, I felt an internal discomfort.

There’s nothing more uncomfortable than attending an event of someone you barely know.

‘Even though we’re from the same family, the only person I’ve met face to face is Herand.’

Surrounded by unknown kin, having to bless the marriage of a person I’ve never met was indeed regrettable.

Yet, with the goal of securing the Crypart family’s Soul Stone, I had no choice but to attend the banquet, regardless of my grievances.

I handed my invitation to the guard with a concealed discomfort.

The guard, upon seeing the invitation and then my face, was noticeably startled.

“J, Julian Crypart Prason. Your invitation has been confirmed.”

It seems they hadn’t expected me to attend the banquet.

Given that Julian had almost severed ties with the Crypart family, it was no surprise they were shocked to see me at the banquet.

“Yes, thank you.”

After a brief greeting to the guard, I was led by a servant towards the banquet hall.

The place was lined with numerous paintings and expensive-looking crafts, and brilliant chandeliers hung from the ceiling.

The hall, crowded with people, was as noisy as it was bustling.

However, the commotion was temporary.

As I entered the hall, the bustling noise gradually began to subside.

Like a drop of water in a lake, a ripple of silence spread around me.

‘……Uncomfortable.’

It was the look of those who saw an uninvited guest at the party.

It wasn’t just a guess; it was certain.

A distant relative and the empire’s ‘Smiling Executioner’ appearing at a wedding that should be filled only with blessings?

It was enough to warrant scornful glances.

“Does that guy have no sense? Why show up at an event like this?”

“Exactly. If he’s a distant relative, he should act like one, keeping to the sidelines like a dog of the royal family.”

“Some people are just unpleasant to look at.”

Even some nobles didn’t bother to hide their disdain.

I’m already used to such riff-raff.

A slight tilt of the head and a soft smile should be enough to make them back down.

“Ugh.”

“Ahem.”

Just like that.

But that didn’t make this uncomfortable situation any more bearable.

Securing the ‘Soul Stone’ from the Crypart family was the goal, so it would be best to move as soon as the banquet was over─.

“Julian! You came!”

A voice cut through the uncomfortable silence. Turning towards the source, I saw a figure in an elegant wedding dress.

Judging by the attire, it was clear this was the star of the banquet, Julian’s sister, ‘Renia Crypart’.

“Sister Renia.”

Holding the middle of her dress skirt, she hurried over and embraced me tightly as she got closer.

What’s this, someone showing affection to Julian like this?

“It’s been a while, Julian. Do you know how much I’ve missed you?”

Her tone was sincere, filled with the joy of seeing her brother after a long time.

Had I ever encountered such a person before? No, I hadn’t.

This triggered some alarm in me, and I checked above Renia’s head for ‘the color of falsehood’, but there was none.

“It’s been a while, Sister Renia.”

“Those squinty eyes of yours are still the same! How have you not changed at all since you were little?”

To think there was someone who showed kindness to Julian in this way.

Given that I was here to surreptitiously secure the Soul Stone, having someone show kindness was a good sign, though it was unexpectedly disconcerting.

To be in friendly terms with this human trash…

While exchanging greetings with Renia, a familiar face approached from behind her: Aileen.

“Aileen, sorry. I ran off in the middle of our conversation.”

Renia apologized to her, draping her arms around my neck and turning her head. It seemed they had been chatting before I arrived.

“No, it’s fine. Renia.”

Aileen responded with a smile, then turned her gaze to examine the clothes I was wearing.

Throughout her inspection, her lips seemed to slightly curl in amusement, and she appeared quite pleased with herself.

“Let me introduce you, Julian Crypart. My brother… ah, no need for introductions, right? You two are seniors and juniors after all.”

I glanced at Aileen upon Renia’s introduction. Seniors and juniors, huh.

That might explain the ‘disgust’ I sensed upon our first meeting, perhaps related to their academy days.

“Anyway, Julian. You look so neat dressed ordinarily like this. Usually, you dress too much like a clown.”

“That style is the recent trend in the empire.”

“Oh my, if that’s the trend, I’ll leave the empire as soon as today. Ho ho.”

Renia chuckled at her own joke, clearly pleased.

As her laughter lingered, I was about to speak up about my purpose for coming here when someone else beat me to calling Renia’s name.

“Oh, Joshua!”

A young boy called Joshua by Renia approached us with a sharp expression.

His youthful appearance not yet of adult age, the Crypart family emblem on his shoulder, and a face emanating a different kind of arrogance from ‘Julian’, seemed troublesome at first glance.

“You’re here, Joshua.”

“Yeah, sister. You look beautiful in that dress.”

“Thank you.”

“But… what are you doing here?”

True to his nature, Joshua’s attitude shifted abruptly, leaving Renia visibly perplexed.

“Why are you neglecting other noble attendees at such an important event to chat with these two lowlifes?”

His words were undeniably offensive, yet Renia didn’t show any displeasure. She just chuckled in the same manner she had with me.

“I’m just happy to see them. Come to think of it, Joshua, the last time you saw Julian brother was over ten years ago…….”

“Who would call that thing a brother? Are you crazy, sister?”

As Joshua cursed with a grim face, Renia’s smile finally faded.

“Don’t you remember how father was furious when you insisted on sending an invitation to this person?”

“I’m, I’m sorry…”

“As if being stubborn wasn’t enough, you’re openly fraternizing with distant relatives at the wedding… And you two, don’t you have any sense?”

“Joshua, it was us who approached Lady Renia first…”

“Donassien’s half-breed, who asked you to speak up!”

Aileen, taken aback, had tried to defend Renia, but Joshua pointed a finger at her, gesturing for her to mind her own business.

Aileen furrowed her brows, clearly offended, but there was little she could do.

This was Renia’s wedding venue.

Causing any commotion that could lead to scandal would bring criticism not only upon herself but also on those from distant branches of the family.

“And you.”

Joshua’s discontent continued, seemingly finding something else lacking.

Was I the next target?

He pointed a finger at me.

“What are you thinking coming here? Do you think someone of your lowly distant relation would be acknowledged as part of the family?”

“I’m not attending as a member of the Crypart family. I came here because I received an invitation.”

I confidently pulled out the invitation from my pocket and showed it to Joshua, who snatched it and started tearing it to pieces.

“Happy now? Get lost.”

“I cannot do that. I came here to wish Sister Renia a prosperous future.”

Responding calmly to Joshua’s hostility, I saw a red haze form over his head.

‘The color of anger.’

Suddenly, Joshua grabbed a wine glass from a tray a servant was holding.

“Surely he’s not going to throw it?”

Unfortunately, the unthinkable happened.

Joshua’s hand, holding the dark red wine, aimed at me.

If that wine were to spill on me, my clothes would get dirty. Despite this, I decided it was worth the risk.

My reason for being here was not to cause trouble but to secure the Crypart family’s ‘Soul Stone’.

But wait, if my clothes get dirty now, I have…

I realized the clothes I was wearing were the only ‘normal’ ones I had left.

The cobalt blue coat I liked was at the tailor’s after my trip to Verniden.

Without this outfit…

‘I’m left with pink and fluorescent colors.’

At that thought, I slapped Joshua across the face.

Anything but pink… I absolutely refuse.

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