Prev I TOC I Next

Inside the carriage escaping from the Duke’s estate, a curse mixed with anger spilled out. 

For Camilla, it was a failure she hadn’t experienced in quite a while. 

To have the criminal right before her eyes and yet fail to arrest them. 

It was shameful for a member of the Duke of Loberk’s family.

“More than anything, that look in his eyes. I don’t like it.”

Moreover, the sight of him smirking over his shoulder at her provoked a feeling of indignation. 

Camilla’s eyes narrowed.

This northern expedition was a failure.

Fortunately, it seemed unlikely that it would lead to the worst-case scenario of Luciana sending a letter of protest, thanks to them backing off first.

But it was far from the worst.

The situation she now had to face was like a massive iceberg that might capsize at any moment.

Rumors in social circles are always swift. 

Probably her siblings would take this as an excuse to rightly attack her.

“…Let’s postpone revenge for later. First, we need to think about how to deal with this.”

Tap, tap.

Camilla’s fingertips drummed on the armrest as she was lost in thought.

“Pride is hurt, but I must send a personal letter of apology to Baron Byron’s family quickly. Saying that we have reached a peaceful agreement seems the most effective… Ugh!”

Suddenly, a large vibration shook the carriage violently up and down, interrupting Camilla’s thoughts.

“Hey, can’t you drive properly?!”

A sharp shout filled the carriage.

However, no response came from the other side despite her rebuke.

“…What?”

Suddenly, Camilla could not stop the cold sweat from trickling down her forearm.

The guards were not ones to not respond without reason. 

Given the gap in status, they were absolutely obedient.

Especially since this was a journey abroad. 

She had personally selected loyal individuals to accompany her.

That meant…

It was highly likely that the guards had already been taken down. 

Monsters, and demons.

Camilla took a deep breath at the unknown fear she had not experienced in the West.

‘If it’s the former, the guards still alive might be used as bait to escape. But if it’s the latter…’

“Hmm. It’s not these ones. Why don’t you come out of the carriage? Or should I personally come to greet you?”

Camilla sighed at the worst-case scenario she had imagined.

“…I’ll come out on my own.”

Camilla’s pupils shook violently as she stepped outside.

In the cold, a blonde woman dressed lightly, her arms crossed, was waiting for her.

If one were to combine enchantment and fear, would this be the shape it takes?

Blonde hair as sweet as honey and features as delicate as marble sculpted by a master.

The supreme beauty that made one want to hang on every breath she exhaled.

But that was momentary.

Red pupils resembling roses seen in the garden, sharp fangs slightly protruding from her mouth, and wings resembling those of a bat.

‘To think I would meet a vampire, only heard of in rumors.’

Camilla’s fingertips turned cold.

If the opponent was a demon, especially a vampire, it was futile to run away given their intelligence.

“Why should I bother memorizing the surname of a human like you… Hmm, what was it again? Anyway, you’re peculiar. You are the daughter of a duke’s family, right?”

Especially if she had been the target from the beginning.

‘And that mana…’

Though it was an ambush, her own guards fell without being able to put up any significant resistance.

Being a mage herself, Camilla could feel it. The overwhelming difference. It was clear that engaging would only lead to her defeat.

“What do you want?”

“What I want, hmm. If I had to say, your blood?”

Her face paled at the words, which were as good as saying she intended to take her life.

Her hand went to the whip at her waist.

‘If I’m going to die anyway, might as well fight back…’

“Kyaa!”

“Such foolish actions.”

But that attempt ended in vain. 

Lightning magic manifested from the fingertips of the vampire. 

In the blink of an eye, her wrist was paralyzed, and her only means of defense dropped to the ground.

The vampire, with a languid smile, flicked her fingers.

“Just come quietly. You wouldn’t want to see your men die, would you?”

At that moment.

Looking at her guards floating in the air, as if by some magic, Camilla clenched her teeth. 

Honestly, she didn’t care if they died. 

Wasn’t it the duty of a knight to protect their lord, even at the cost of their own life?

‘The problem is, even if I choose to abandon them and flee, can I truly shake off this demon?’

Regrettably, those blood-drenched eyes didn’t seem like they would let go of their prey once targeted.

“Fine.”

“Good, you’re coming quietly.”

-Snap.

With a flick of her fingers, the guards fell to the ground.

“Come, someone wants to meet you.”

The vampire turned and walked away. 

Camilla bit her lip hard and followed her. 

For now, she would comply and look for an opportunity to escape.

‘I can’t die here.’

Like livestock being led to slaughter.

But with a firm will to live, Camilla followed the blonde demon slowly into the middle of the snowy wilderness.

***

If Camilla could be defined in one word, it would be the incarnation of vengeance.

“Mother. I will surely avenge…!”

Catching criminals.

And all other actions.

In the original story, every single one of her actions is focused on revenge.

Thus, even though I have managed to humiliate Camilla for now, it was clear how her anger would return.

Eventually, she might threaten the Byron family as part of her plans for revenge.

So.

“…I need to shake off this annoyance.”

I twisted my lips, watching the brilliant golden light and vibrant green approaching from afar in the glowing snowy wilderness.

“Hey, Frost Mane. Brought her.”

“Thank you for your efforts, Bathory.”

“Hmph. To think a vampire noble is being used like this. You’ll pay dearly.”

“Of course. I will try a bit harder.”

The face of the arrived guest turned pale.

It was a very satisfying reaction.

“Kuk, you are…!”

“Just half a day, Lady Loberk.”

I greeted her with a smile, my bow impeccable in my perfectly tailored servant’s attire.

“You’re insane! Do you even realize what you’re doing?!”

“If I were to put it in terms of the criminal law you’re so fond of, it would be kidnapping a high noble, and treason for colluding with demons.”

I couldn’t help but laugh.

It was the same with Bathory, the same with Elizabeth, but this moment was the most enjoyable.

‘I really do have a bad personality.’

The conditions for joy are simple.

Stepping out from Luciana’s servant role to reveal another identity of mine and the moment I deceive someone else.

Feeling the intense pleasure flowing from my brain.

I sharply lacerated Camilla with my venomous tongue.

“But that’s all according to human standards, isn’t it?”

“…What?”

“Aren’t you curious? How a mere thief could command a high-ranking magic-wielding demon at will.”

“If I know Camilla, she could deduce it easily with just a bit of circumstantial evidence. That the identity of Frost Mane is me.”

“Impossible…!”

Even if that was based on several misunderstandings and incorrect information.

-Tadadat.

At just the right moment, Friede came dashing towards me, wagging its tail, with a bright golden mask in its mouth.

“…You used that dog to steal it.”

“Allow me to introduce myself anew. My name is Frost Mane. I am a demon.”

I kindly provided her with additional information as she stood there stunned.

“Specifically, a doppelganger demon whose specialty is disguising as others.”

“…Save your pointless words.”

“Hmm?”

“To think I would face assassination, not in the west where I’ve faced countless threats, but here in the north, to be 

exterminated.”

She glanced at Bathory and exclaimed.

The mask of bravado she wore did little to hide the intertwining despair and anger, which was quite a sight.

“I won’t play along with your pathetic drama, so stop wasting time and just kill me.”

“Me? Kill you? Why?”

“…Stop mocking me.”

It seems she concluded that there was no chance of survival after revealing myself as a demon.

I opened my mouth towards Camilla, who was glaring fiercely.

“How could I possibly cut open the goose that lays golden eggs?”

“…What?”

“Your emotions, that is.”

Spreading my arms, I brainwash myself once again.

See, I am a doppelganger.

A demon that assigns a gourmet value to every bit of human emotion.

The essence of acting begins with deceiving oneself.

I whispered with a dazed look.

“It’s quite stimulating. If Luciana’s emotions are like a refined white fish fillet, savory yet continuously inviting, then yours, shall I say, have a certain kick to them?”

“What….”

“Yes. To use an analogy, it’s like barbecue smothered in every spicy sauce imaginable, fresh yet with a unique taste.”

A reason utterly incomprehensible by human standards.

Camilla’s eyes, previously resolute, now harbored a look of utter astonishment.

‘Wow, at this rate, I might actually get addicted to scamming?’

The delicious reaction in front of me was excessively satisfying.

I shrugged my shoulders without hiding my amusement.

“Well, the point is this. I have no intention of killing you, who harbors such sweet emotions.”

“…Ha. You mean to leave a thorn in your side just for that reason?”

“Just? To me, the dining on emotions is the joy of life, my raison d’être! There’s nothing more important!”

Camilla was left speechless by the strong rebuttal, her mouth agape on the spot. 

Even Bathory watching us shook her head in disbelief.

[Achievement unlocked: Perfectly deceived both the lady and the demon.]

[Frost Mane’s infamy rises.]

With the status window’s validation, I truly became one with the doppelganger identity.

“So? You plan to keep me imprisoned here?”

Then.

Having understood that there was no intention to kill her, Camilla coolly observed me. 

The faint hope in her eyes was amusing.

Her cunning tongue tiptoed on a dangerous line between life and death.

“It won’t be wise. Even if this is the North, news of a Western duchess’s disappearance would be like stirring a hornet’s nest.”

I know.

If she were kidnapped, naturally, I would have to brace for a large-scale search by the soldiers in this vicinity.

But if the kidnapped person returns unharmed within a short period and resumes life as if nothing happened, can it still be called a kidnapping?

“That would be too simple and crude a method for me. It would be a great blemish on my gourmet experiences. I will release you soon.”

“…Then what exactly do you want?”

I clasped my cheeks, beaming brightly.

“I simply wish to be good friends with Miss Camilla.”

“Friends…?”

“Yes. I occasionally wish to feast on your emotions.”

At that, Camilla responded with a disgusted look.

“Enough with the nonsense. Do you think I would compromise with a criminal, let alone a demon enemy of the Manhet Empire?”

The disdain deepened.

The rejection was expected.

After all, it would be strange for anyone to show kindness to a madman who wants to eat their emotions.

‘Considering her past, with her mother killed by a band of thieves, it’s natural for her to show hostility towards someone involved in thievery like me.’

“Of course, I won’t ask for your emotions outright.”

But,

-To achieve great revenge, sometimes small revenges must be forsaken. Remember that.

Recalling the lines she often spat at the protagonist, I spoke up.

“I have information that could aid your revenge.”

“…What?”

“Shouldn’t you seek revenge? Not against a petty thief like me, but against your real enemies.”

The ones who directly killed her mother were undoubtedly the bandits of the wilderness.

However, as is often the case with noble intrigues, there were others who had commissioned the deed.

“Your half-brother, and your stepmother.”

Mentioning the enemies who had smiled while plotting assassination to secure their succession, Camilla’s pupils shook violently.

“How could you…”

“You seem to have forgotten that I come from the West. I happen to know a thing or two, including the fact that you’re at a disadvantage in the succession battle.”

“…..”

“Really, am I more important than your mother, than the head of the ducal family, Miss Camilla?”

Compared to the ducal family, her maternal family was significantly weaker.

A childhood struggling even to survive, let alone qualify for succession.

Her past, as depicted in the original story, was truly bleak.

And not much different now.

She’s barely holding onto her position as heir based on her achievements.

The few supporters she has now would likely leave if they knew she had meddled with Luciana’s personal servant.

But if she listens to me, the situation could change.

She could ascend to the dukedom and take her revenge on those scoundrels.

Whispering so, Camilla’s pupils trembled.

I stepped closer and extended my hand to her.

Close enough for our breaths to touch.

Intimately close, where if Camilla had hidden even a single dagger, she could stab my heart.

“Shall we forget our minor grievances so far and become friends?”

Yet, I was certain.

Of the choice she would make.

After all, her life’s priorities are securing the dukedom of Loberk and revenge.

A fierce flame ignited in her eyes.

“…You’ve already tasted my emotions. Give me the information.”

Soon, the lady’s hand was laid over mine.

“An excellent choice.”

[Achievement: Exceeded satisfaction for an urgent mission]

[Additional rewards will be granted.]

Thus, another ally for Frost Mane was born.

Prev I TOC I Next

Prev I TOC I Next

‘Everything is going according to plan.’  

The two noble ladies were on the verge of a crisis.  

With handcuffs on, I secretly smiled.  

– I did as I was told.  

Elizabeth, who followed behind Luciana, the main contributor to this situation, smirked.  

Thanks to her, who became my voice on days when it was hard to approach Luciana, everything went smoothly.  

If suspicion has been cast by circumstance,  

then flipping the situation itself would solve the problem.  

The speculation that the identity of Frost Mane might actually be a demon, and even more so, the fact that this came from the mouth of her respected father,  

How would she not accept it?  

I assured that it would be much more reliable than any plausible speculation.  

This was the result.  

“…Understood. I’ll release the servant, so put away that sword first.”  

In that tense standoff, it was Camilla who backed down first.  

Of course, even Camilla, renowned for personally capturing criminals in the West, was not lacking in strength compared to others.  

But her opponent was unfortunate.  

This place values strength as the highest virtue in the North.  

Luciana became the most notable noble not just because of her lineage but for clear and significant reasons beyond it.  

Moreover, the stage where the incident unfolded was just as unfavorable for her.  

“This is not the West but the North, what will you do?”  

I whispered, audible only to her, opening my mouth. 

Camilla glared at me with fierce eyes.  

Of course, I didn’t care at all.  

If this were the West, she could fully exercise her power, but this is the North.  

Moreover, within the Speda family’s territory.  

“Lady Speda, listen to me. As a guest, all I can do is express my dissatisfaction like this.” 

“I told you I don’t repeat myself.”  

But Luciana’s resolve was firm.  

Her goal was one.  

My liberation.  

“So it seems. Time to loosen this up, shall we? Keeping my arms forced behind is quite uncomfortable.”  

“…Impudent. You’ll be caught again soon, so enjoy this brief freedom.”  

Camilla whispered this thin sound only for me to hear, then turned her head back to Luciana.  

“Fine. I will. But promise me. You’ll listen to my story afterward.”  

With a reluctant expression, she inserted the key into my handcuffs.  

“Phew. I don’t want to experience being detained again. I could really understand what being wronged feels like.”  

In truth, I could have unlocked these handcuffs at any time with a little magic.  

A bit of inconvenience is bearable.  

“Hans, are you alright?”  

“Yes, thanks to you, Lady, somehow.”  

For a dramatic reconciliation with Luciana, what wouldn’t I do?  

She lifted my wrist, which had been handcuffed until a moment ago.  

To emphasize again.  

She ‘took’ my ‘wrist with her ‘hand’.  

Isn’t this equivalent to holding hands? My heart flutters with bold skinship.  

A thrilling chill spread from the place warmly touched by my favorite person.

But I desperately held it in.  

The red marks created by the pressure of the handcuffs.  

She clenched her mouth shut because she saw those marks.  

Fortunately, no one saw my lips quiver as I barely held back.  

Ah, except for Elizabeth, Luciana’s close friend and ally, whose expression soured.  

“I’ll apologize personally later. For now, we need to take further actions.”  

Luciana’s cold gaze turned towards Camilla.  

“I had no idea the Duke of Roberk would recklessly pick a quarrel with another ducal house. He is our family’s servant. He is not someone you can treat as a criminal.”  

For Camilla, who came to celebrate Luciana’s birthday as a guest, it was a hard point to argue against.  

But even though she was taken aback, Camilla soon tried to dissuade Luciana with a rational attitude. Indeed, the future famous judge and pursuer was exceptional from the start.  

“…Lady Speda. Fraud is a crime that often happens not by complete strangers but by those around you who you trust. This person is undoubtedly the infamous Frost Mane recently.”  

“I swear, I have been loyal to you, my lady. I have never even dared to think of betrayal! And to say I am Frost Mane, even for Lady Roberk, that is a baseless accusation!”  

But having me as the opponent, is like trying to swallow a sprout in one bite.  

Although Elizabeth, who knows my identity to some extent, gave me a cold look, I stood my ground.  

Fraud? What nonsense.  

I simply hold multiple identities.  

A loyal servant to the Speda family, the phantom thief Frost Mane, and the mysterious demon, all are me.  

Among them, being a servant is enough of an identity to reveal to Luciana.  

Strictly speaking, since I have no plans to betray her, it would be more accurate to speak of perjury and omission of truth!  

“Anyone can say that, you despicable pickpocket.”  

“Enough.”  

Luciana’s face hardened as if she herself had been insulted by the derogatory words aimed at me.  

“Lady Roberk, do not insult Hans any further. He is my loyal personal servant and the benefactor who has saved me numerous times.”  

“But Lady Speda, evidence doesn’t lie.”  

Camilla bit her lip and threw her last bet with a determined face.  

“…Evidence?”  

“Yes. Let’s go check his room. I found out that the artifact always worn by Frost Mane is in his room.”  

The situation where plausible circumstantial evidence has already been overshadowed by more likely speculations, turning into mere fragments.  

Therefore, Camilla attempted a frontal breakthrough.  

“I arrested Hans Byron without giving him a chance to erase any traces, right as he came out of his room, so if we check now, we should be able to find it.”  

“Ah. It’s so unfair that I can’t even speak properly.”  

“Quite confident. That means you have no objection to searching your room, right?”  

Camilla, brimming with confidence.  

I shrugged my shoulders at her, who was under the illusion of having the upper hand.  

“Of course. How could I, a mere servant and son of a baronial family, dare to disobey the lady’s words? Do as you wish.”  

“…What?”

When I responded sarcastically, it was Camilla who ended up being flustered.  

“Hans, are you sure you’re okay? You can refuse if you want. Searching through your room isn’t exactly a pleasant experience.”  

“I am innocent. A room search? I will gladly accept it.”  

Luciana, perhaps feeling sorry for her previous coldness, seemed ready to call off the search.  

‘But why would I refuse?’  

This was actually an opportunity.  

To completely remove any ground for doubt to take root in Luciana.  

***

‘You, surely not! No, there wasn’t time to hide anything. Just bluffing.’  

“There’s nothing to hide in the first place. Just the room of a plain and loyal servant, without a single luxury item.”  

“Hmph. We’ll see when we turn over the cards. Hey!”  

At Camilla’s command, several of her loyal guards responded to her call.  

“Search his room thoroughly and find the golden mask.”  

“Look all you want. As if it would appear.”  

***  

The thirtieth drawer that was opened screamed in protest.  

The candlestick on the desk nearly toppled from the hasty searching.  

“Two hours have passed, is there still more to search in this small room?”  

Camilla grew more anxious with each passing moment filled with disdainful remarks.  

Despite what her eyes had confirmed.  

Was her own magic showing her illusions?  

The mask that was surely left on the desk was nowhere to be found, no matter where she searched in the room.  

‘Damn, I should have observed for a little longer if I knew this would happen…!’  

She had restrained Hans Byron too hastily, confident in the evidence she had secured.  

Due to the nature of familiar magic, which consumes a lot of magic power, she couldn’t maintain control over him and keep an eye on the surroundings at the same time.  

Who would have thought it would come to this.  

“Well, have you found anything?”  

Hans Byron, smiling slyly at her, confident of his victory.  

Criminals she had caught in her inexperienced days always wore that expression.  

That infuriated her, clenching her fists tight.  

“Of course not. I couldn’t possibly have such luxurious items like gold.”  

True to his words, in the spartan room with only a desk, wardrobe, and bed, there was no sign of a golden mask.  

There must be some trick.  

It must be hidden somewhere.  

But unless she could reveal it right away, she was the one who would be in trouble.  

It was rude enough to insult a servant of another household, not to mention trying to oppress him and take him to the west.  

“I’ll give you ten minutes. Decide for yourself.”  

With a cold voice, the meaning of her words was clear.  

Either continue searching for evidence in the remaining time  

Or prepare mentally to apologize for what she had instigated.

“…I’m sorry, Lady Speda. I acted too rashly.”  

She chose the latter.  

Despite trying for two hours to uncover the trick he used to hide the item, it was as if the evidence had evaporated.  

Ten more minutes of pondering wouldn’t unveil his method.  

Thus, it was right to apologize, even at the cost of a bit of pride and reputation.  

“You’ve chosen the wrong person to apologize to.”  

“…?”  

However, cold anger still flickered in Luciana’s eyes.  

“Have I suffered any harm because of you?”  

“What do you mean….”  

“Shouldn’t you be apologizing to Hans?”  

Her apology was fundamentally for infringing upon the dignity of the Ducal House of Speda.  

“…That would be difficult.”  

Moreover, the apology Luciana demanded clearly contradicted the principles of nobility.  

A member of the Ducal family apologizing to a mere baronial offspring?  

If this fact became known, it would create significant problems in the succession race.  

‘Besides, I have no intention whatsoever of bowing my head to a criminal.’  

Her pride wouldn’t allow it, having clearly seen the evidence with her own eyes.  

“Is that so? Then I will act as I see fit.”  

“…And what would that be?”  

“I will formally protest. I will send a letter to the Duke of Roberk detailing all the rudeness you have committed here.”  

A measure previously taken against the Count of Baltreon.  

However, the implications this time were entirely different.  

Initially, since the Baltreon Count and the Speda Duke were on opposing sides of the nobility and the Emperor, the matter ended with Dmitri’s confinement.  

Both knew too well what could happen if the balance between the Emperor’s faction and the nobility was upset.  

Of course, everyone guessed that the negotiations conducted behind the scenes ended in a way that satisfied Speda.  

But what if that protest letter reached the Roberk Duke, who was also part of the Emperor’s faction?  

The impact would be incomparable to that with Baltreon.  

Especially since they shared the same interests, they would try to take even more.  

Especially given the Duke of Roberk, with many children under his care.  

He might dismiss Camilla herself to minimize losses.  

No, he certainly would.  

“…Hans Byron.”  

Sometimes, to achieve great revenge, small vendettas must be set aside.  

The belief of the noble from the West momentarily bowed its head, breaking her high pride.  

But.  

“I’m sorry.”  

“What? My wrist stings, I didn’t catch that. What did you say?”  

‘That…!’  

The despicable servant nonchalantly tilting his head in front of her.  

Camilla forcefully suppressed the boiling rage within her.  

Letting out her feelings now would only show Luciana how she might react.  

“Accusing you unjustly, and even forcing oppression… I did.”  

“Hmm. I doubt the sincerity, but this will suffice. I accept your apology.”

Yet, his teasing demeanor persisted to the very end. Her body trembled with humiliation. How dare a man of baronial birth, a criminal at that, mock her. 

‘I will definitely have my revenge someday!’ 

A specific means immediately came to mind. He is from the West. 

She had never even heard of the Byron baronial family, but what would be so hard about ruining such an insignificant house, given my influence?

“Express gratitude for the leniency. That will be all.” 

Camilla quickly fled the scene as if escaping. She felt as if staying any longer in front of that sly man would expose all her thoughts of vengeance.

Meanwhile, Luciana watched her leave, breathing a sigh of relief internally. 

‘Hans was innocent. I almost lost a loyal person because of my misjudgment.’ 

Fortunately, he was spared from the unjust situation he faced. However, she could not deny her share of responsibility for the incident unfolding.

“Hans, I too owe you an apology.” She uttered words of apology, something she would never do for anyone else.

“What are you talking about, Lady Luciana? Apology?” 

Unlike with Camilla just moments before, he bowed deeply, showing great remorse. “Rather, didn’t you help me when I was in trouble? It would be improper to act this way.”

“But still…” 

“Those in high positions must weigh their words carefully. Those below do not know how to take them.” 

His refusal to accept the apology was a roundabout way of saying, making Luciana’s heart sink heavily.

‘Did I disappoint him?’ 

But then, something was placed in her hand, making her look up again. 

“What’s this?” 

“Isn’t it your birthday? I prepared a small gift as well.”

In her hand was a glass box the size of a ring case, inside which a rose shone with an enchanting light. 

“I pondered quite a bit. I knew well that you don’t fancy lavish jewels like other ladies.” 

So, he thought of something practical yet suitable for a birthday gift. And this morning, watching her in the garden smelling the roses, he had a brilliant idea.

“It’s a rose carved from a return magic stone. Please accept it.” 

Holding the blue-flowered rose, Luciana was momentarily speechless, caught in a strange emotion. It was as if the feeling that sometimes tickled her heart was climbing up to her throat.

“Thank you.” 

She barely managed to say, to which her servant also smiled and replied. 

“I’m glad you like it. Please, keep it with you always. The return stone isn’t just for show.”

“Alright.” 

However, following his advice was problematic. Carry it around? It wasn’t difficult, being no bigger than a button. The issue was that once a return stone is used, it loses its light and crumbles.

For some reason, Luciana wanted to keep this rose forever. It had no scent, and while the craftsmanship was quite good, it couldn’t hide the imperfections of an amateur’s rose. 

“Damn it…!”

Prev I TOC I Next

Prev I TOC I Next

“Lady, it’s been a while. Do you remember me? From the Cromwell viscountcy…”

“How can your hair be so beautiful? It’s a treasure of the North. Could you possibly share your secret…”

Typically, followers are expected to flock around the daughter of a duke’s household.

Followers signify the nobility’s influence. While managing them can be a nuisance, their presence is beneficial in some ways.

Luciana would usually respond indifferently or lightly, but not this time.

“Oh my, you don’t look well. Is something the matter?”

“There isn’t.”

Her usually blunt demeanor came off even colder, quickly dampening the mood among her followers.

“I’m tired. Stop crowding around me and leave.”

“Ah, haha. Understood. Then we’ll take our leave here…”

Whether out of genuine admiration or to cling to the duke’s prestige.

Their intentions varied, but they were nobles engaged in politics, adept at gauging their master’s moods.

One by one, starting with a young lady from a viscountcy who had imprudently approached, they began to distance themselves from Luciana.

Except for one.

“…Liza, why are you still here?”

Did she think she was an exception?

Luciana’s gaze turned icy.

Even if they were close friends, this was something she had to bear alone.

‘Besides, Liza is Hans’s fiancée. It’s better she doesn’t know.’

“If you’re going to leave…”

“What are you talking about? I’ve just finished the investigation you asked for.”

Elizabeth’s response silenced Luciana.

‘She did ask her to look into the identity of Frost Mane that day.’

Suspecting Hans and now armed with additional information.

“Here, information on Frost Mane obtained from the Thieves’ Guild. It cost a pretty penny.”

Hesitantly, a rolled-up document was handed over.

If Hans Byron’s name was mentioned, it would confirm everything.

What was once a mere assumption in Camilla’s household would become reality.

She hesitated to untie the string around the paper, not wanting to believe that Hans could betray her.

“Should I say it’s expected of the Thieves’ Guild? At first, I thought it was absurd, but they do have their reasons. It’ll help with the tracking once you read it.”

Elizabeth’s comment, as if she had already seen the contents, made Luciana involuntarily look at her.

“Liza, you’ve seen this and have no thoughts?”

“…Huh? What do you mean?”

Impossible.

If it were as Camilla suspected, Elizabeth, as the fiancée, would be even more distressed.

Yet, her reaction was the epitome of calmness, with a face full of curiosity.

The contents implied that the situation had nothing to do with him.

“…Liza, thank you.”

A slight curve added to Luciana’s icy gaze gave her the courage to undo the string.

‘The sheer peace that comes from knowing he wasn’t involved feels almost like a lie.’

It was indeed strange. Perhaps this was the first time she had felt so shaken at the thought of her own confidant possibly betraying her.

She, the master, should have been the first to recognize and trust that he wouldn’t do such a thing.

It was nothing but shameful.

“…What! It’s something friends should naturally do for each other.”

Elizabeth, meeting her gaze, warmly clasped her hands. The warmth felt genuinely comforting.

Thinking about it…

‘In the past, like everyone else, she would have cautiously stepped back.’

The thought that they had grown closer struck her anew. Not retreating behind the psychological barriers of status, she brought exactly the information Luciana had wanted.

“I’ll pay the commission.”

“No need. It was expensive, but not unmanageably so. Just read it.”

Urged by Elizabeth, Luciana unfolded the document with a wry smile.

[Regarding the Identity of Frost Mane]

[There are many speculations about Frost Mane. Some suggest, based on recent cooperation with the Sand Moles, that he might be from the West.]

The very beginning of the text made her frown involuntarily.

The same speculation that had made Camilla suspicious of her.

‘No, it’s too early to conclude. There’s still much left in the document.’

Moreover, if this was it, Elizabeth, a noble, wouldn’t have easily handed over a document placing her fiancé under suspicion. She would have somehow remedied the situation first.

As expected, another opinion followed immediately.

[A more plausible theory exists: Frost Mane is a demon.]

…A demon?”

It was a completely unexpected term.

Her gaze naturally moved down to check the next part.

[The speculation that Frost Mane is a demon started with a request from Duke Speda.]

[The content of the request, conveyed through the steward, was to investigate a vampire named Bathory and a thief known as Frost Mane.]

[The steward also added a directive to consider the possibility that Frost Mane might be an unknown type of demon.]

An equally unexpected name appeared. Demons, humanity’s enemy, constantly causing friction with the North where they bordered.

Frost Mane, belonging to their kind?

Especially when the request came from her father, her suspicions only grew.

[Investigations suggest a potential link to a minority demon race known as doppelgängers.]

[Doppelgängers, having no physical form but shadows, can change into any appearance. This matches testimonies that Frost Mane disguised himself as a noble during the heist at the count’s estate.]

-This was similar during the auction house theft. Disguised as one of the guards, he was moving the stolen goods when he was caught by her.

[Furthermore, it was confirmed that the vampire Bathory was also a demon expelled from the power structures of the Evildon Empire to the North.]

[From this, a hypothesis could be formed that the doppelgänger infiltrated the North to assassinate the vampire.]

[The intense battle marks found in the cave where the demon attack occurred support this claim.]

‘Intense battle marks, huh.’

At that time, she was unable to use her powers effectively and was defeated by that vampire.

If that’s the case, then this too is convincing. She hadn’t even been able to create those battle marks.

“That means the premise is different, isn’t it?”

If Frost Mane is a demon, then naturally, Hans Byron is out of the suspects’ list.

After all, Hans Byron was a noble with a confirmed identity. At least, the fact that he was human could not be denied.

Moreover, hadn’t he risked his life for her more than once?

‘It was unnecessary worry. A failure as a master.’

Luciana’s expression, which had briefly lightened, became heavy again.

How much effort had Hans put into preparing for her birthday celebration?

Even she, who had observed from the side, knew.

To doubt him, let alone believe in him, based on a few words.

“I should apologize.”

Starting with how she coldly dismissed him a moment ago, and for many other reasons.

“La, Lady!”

In the midst of this, someone hurriedly approached Luciana.

“…What’s the matter?”

She looked displeased at the son of the Benifer baronial family, who was serving as a servant here.

A person still remaining a page due to his insufficient conduct.

Moreover, his behavior now was quite rude. To cause a commotion during a social gathering.

A page who approached the master without being called, without proper manners, could not be seen favorably.

The privilege of acting upon guessing the master’s will is reserved only for personal pages.

A task only Hans Byron could undertake.

However, the urgent words he blurted out made Luciana forget his rudeness and step forward.

“Ha, Hans! Hans has been arrested by the lady of the Roberk ducal family!”

“Lead me to that place immediately.”

‘It wasn’t this page who acted rashly, but them.’

To dare challenge the authority of the North while being a guest was unacceptable.

Her gaze, colder than the chill she had shown to Hans and her followers earlier, dropped to absolute zero as it lingered at the end of the corridor.

***

“It would be good to at least know the charges before being arrested.”

At the page’s insolent demeanor, Camilla’s eyes narrowed involuntarily.

“A criminal, yet so lively with words.”

“A criminal? I am a first-class citizen who diligently pays taxes and fulfills the duties of nobility.”

“I’ve seen many like you.”

Camilla’s gaze sharpened.

Hans, mocking while wearing mana-suppressing handcuffs, did not seem like a captured criminal at all,

But she knew these types well.

Those who mistakenly believe they would be absolutely acquitted.

Those confident they haven’t left any evidence.

“Unfortunately, you’ve met the wrong opponent.”

Camilla smiled broadly at him, her smile filled with leisurely scorn.

If one commits a crime, one must face the punishment.

That was her only creed.

Catching and punishing a squirming rat was her favorite moment. Naturally, status, age, or gender did not matter to Camilla. Even if it was a page from the Speda, the most powerful family in the North.

“Huh. Is that all you have to say, unjustly detaining an innocent person?”

“Say whatever you want.”

She answered indifferently, looking at the door and eagerly awaiting the executioner. Like a fish caught and flapping around. To Camilla, Hans was just that at the moment.

‘I wonder when that confident voice and attitude will plunge into despair.’

A faint heat rose on her calm face. Luciana seemed ready to execute him, probably when the knife falls on that neck. She was looking forward to seeing him, who she believed had completely deceived her master, face the justice he deserved.

The anticipation was tantalizing.

“I will formally protest.”

“With what power? You, just a minor noble from a pitiful baronial family?”

“But my connections are different.”

Speda ducal family, Frontal earldom… He mentioned the significant families entwined with him.

“That could very well poison your succession battle.”

“Really? As if they would help you, even after seeing this evidence?”

Camilla explained one by one, as a last act of mercy, the suspicious elements she had mentioned to Luciana.

The audacious page narrowed his eyes.

“Isn’t all this circumstantial evidence? You’re arresting me based on mere assumptions?”

Of course, there were logical flaws in his words.

“This alone is enough reason for me to arrest you for interrogation as a prime suspect.”

Camilla mocked the man before her with a broad smile. Originally, she hadn’t planned this, but it seemed necessary to make him fully realize his situation to break that arrogant gaze.

“You should have been more careful with your room.”

“What do you mean?”

“If you’re here, how did you plan to hide the mask left so carelessly unprotected in your room?”

‘Ah, what a pity.’

She had hoped for a pale-faced reaction, but, regrettably, he simply closed his eyes quietly.

“Roberk!”

“Just in time, your precious master has arrived.”

Technically, it was the toy she had been toying with at will, but the pity she felt for Luciana would come later. Now was the time for punishment to take precedence. Still, given the public setting, some pleasantries were necessary.

“Lady Speda, arresting your personal page is not a challenge to you or the Speda ducal family’s authority. It’s merely about a criminal…”

“No.”

The hesitant Luciana from the morning was nowhere to be found.

“Release him now.”

“Oh? You’re choosing to harbor a traitor?”

“There was never any betrayal to begin with. We were the ones who misunderstood.”

Suddenly, Camilla was startled by the chilling intent she felt down her spine.

“Lady Speda…?”

“I won’t say it twice.”

Society rumors said so, didn’t they? Among the nobles of their age, there was no one in the North who could win against the Northern gem in a fight. Although the rumors had somewhat died down after a defeat in a tournament, Camilla realized at this moment that those rumors weren’t entirely unfounded.

If she faced her, she would almost certainly lose.

“Release Hans now.”

Camilla swallowed dryly at the sight of Luciana, who had already drawn her sword, her hostility clear.

Something was going terribly wrong.

Prev I TOC I Next

Prev I TOC I Next

-No, that can’t be.

A familiar voice coming from the listening device.

It was undoubtedly Luciana’s, whom I had just encountered.

“You were looking for it separately.”

It was a disappointment.

She is a warrior with a strong competitive spirit.

I should have anticipated her tracking the Frost Mane.

“But still, that’s too fast.”

I inadvertently shivered when I heard the opponent’s reasoning crackling through the bug.

The relationship with the sand mole.

Just from that one piece of circumstantial evidence, narrowing down the candidates until pointing directly at me.

Could it be because of the distance?

Although the sound from the bug was muffled, I felt as though I knew who it was.

“Camilla…”

The person who had been with her from the time we parted in the garden until meeting Luciana in the drawing-room.

“What business does the noble lady of the Robèrk dukedom have with her?”

There’s always a purpose behind people’s actions.

Elizabeth, who employed strategies beyond the common sense of a political marriage, had the underlying desire to separate me and Luciana as her very purpose.

But now, I’m not sure.

Why would she, who needs to establish her position in the west, chase a petty thief from the north?

-I’m curious if you’re planning to return to the west?

Just a question thrown out of curiosity?

No.

If that was the real purpose, she wouldn’t have revealed her intentions so openly.

“Let’s start by examining Camilla’s setting one by one.”

If there’s no clear answer, the only choice is to deduce from original knowledge.

First.

In the game, Camilla is depicted as a quite capable noble.

For a noble in the west, performance means catching criminals.

Her being considered capable was backed by a high arrest rate.

And behind that was not just a sense of honor.

-Criminals, regardless of their status, gender, or age, must all receive punishment deserving of their crimes. Anyone.

Second.

Because of Camilla’s character setting as a vengeful spirit.

For her, who lost her mother to a thief, the criminals of the west were entities she couldn’t even associate with.

Moreover, the tip of her vengeance was…

Recalling that, I finally saw her purpose.

“It seems she came to chase the sand mole that her side lost.”

The news that the famous thief of the west appeared in the north’s black market and swept away all the goods would naturally spread not only in the north but also to the nobles of other regions.

“Now I understand.”

Camilla’s attempt to arrest Frost Mane was merely a part of the process.

The real goal was to catch my master, the sand mole.

For her, both personally and familially, arresting Perno was like a long-cherished project.

However.

Luciana, who had clashed with me several times wearing a mask, would inevitably bear grudges against Frost Mane due to the circumstances.

“It’s complicated. Where do I even start to unravel this?”

Luciana’s gaze was as cold as her harsh winter.

As I recalled the betrayal that filled her with anguish, my fingernails dug into the fist I clenched.

In response to my anger, translucent letters flickered before my eyes.

[Quest Initiated!]

[You have discovered that Camilla Robèrk’s meddling has significantly affected the trust between you and Luciana Speda.]

[She is trying to torture Frost Mane to extract information about the Sand Mole and aims to elevate her reputation in the west.]

[Eliminate Camilla Robèrk promptly and overcome the crisis.]

[Reward: Increase in Luciana’s favorability]

[Failure Penalty: Decrease in Luciana’s favorability and increase in corruption level, permanent loss of servant position]

The penalties, written in clinging red letters, seemed to starkly indicate that failure would essentially mean game over.

But.

“Alright. Let’s give this a try. She dares to drive a wedge between me and Luciana, she’ll pay the price.”

Was it the anger towards Camilla that made my head hot?

Fear?

Rather, I was filled with the thought of giving her a taste of her own medicine.

What should I do now?

The decision was quick.

“I should keep my distance from Luciana for now.”

The seed of distrust has already been planted.

Defending myself now would be meaningless.

Of course, this doesn’t mean I plan to stay silent and just bite my tongue.

“I can always borrow someone else’s mouth.”

Since I seem to have gotten closer to Elizabeth, I could use her.

Leave that aspect to a collaborator, while I deal with the very source of all these suspicions, Camilla Robèrk.

I smirked and murmured quietly.

“Camilla, your deduction was brilliant, but you’ll never catch me.”

A noble listed in the directory, albeit from a baronial family.

Moreover, in the north, I have my own honor as a martial arts tournament winner, and I’m nominally engaged to the Frontal count’s family.

For a duke’s daughter, without any evidence, I’m too big a fish to swallow.

“I should give the duke’s daughter a proper lesson in life.”

I acknowledge she cornered me based on circumstantial evidence.

But without physical evidence, it’s all for naught.

Circumstantial evidence becomes worthless if you can overturn the board itself.

Eventually, for her to achieve her goal, she needs solid evidence.

That’s what I’ll wait for.

Plans on how to deal with her meticulously formed in my head.

***

Camilla tended to trust her intuition when it came to catching criminals.

Of course, this intuition didn’t just come out of nowhere.

It was built on comprehensive situational data and circumstantial evidence.

In that sense, this man named Hans Byron was exceedingly suspicious.

“Hmm… seems right.”

The suspicion started from narrowing down the suspects for Frost Mane.

A noble who moved from the west to the north.

Hans Byron matched that description exactly.

And the suspicious points didn’t end there.

[The martial arts tournament winner from the west? How far has the north’s competitiveness fallen?]

Glasses used only when examining evidence.

She carefully scanned the provocative headlines of the article visible beyond them.

He had faced off against a northern noblewoman favored to win and triumphed.

He even used magic, albeit at a low level…

“If he had this kind of ability, he would have become famous in the west a long time ago. Was there a reason he lived hiding his identity?”

The offspring of the Byron baronial family.

Had he revealed this power earlier, he could have aimed for the position of family head in a succession battle, or even sought a knight’s position in the close Robèrk dukedom or Duheim count’s family.

To give up that position and leave for another land to serve as a servant?

Is it an unfounded suspicion to guess that his departure from the west was to commit crimes?

Especially, on the day Luciana met Frost Mane at the auction.

This servant had taken a leave under the pretext of a holiday a week prior to leaving the mansion and, quite coincidentally, returned not long after the incident.

With such perfect circumstances.

Maintaining neutrality for lack of solid evidence seemed foolish.

Do criminals ever openly reveal their true identities?

Assuming every suspect is a criminal is necessary to prevent potential further harm.

At this moment, Hans Byron was the prime suspect.

“If coincidence upon coincidence stacks up, it’s simply the truth.”

-Crunch.

The moment that quiet sound leaked from Camilla’s mouth,

She chastised herself while pressing her forehead.

“…I let my personal feelings get involved without realizing.”

She had acted rashly, swayed by emotions for a moment. Had anyone seen, they would have thought it unbecoming of a duke’s daughter.

Anyway, if he was the culprit, what she had to do was decided.

However.

“There’s no evidence.”

The truth seemed already out there, yet it all came back to investigation and inquiry.

She wanted to forcefully arrest him by wielding the duke family’s authority, but…

He wasn’t just any noble’s offspring.

Luciana, harboring suspicions, hadn’t been able to decisively turn him away due to their past trust.

The Duke of Speda seemed to think well of him too,

Receiving protection from the duke’s family, of course.

And he was even engaged to the Frontal count’s family, which held the financial reins of the north.

Conclusive evidence.

Finding clear evidence that Hans Byron was Frost Mane was necessary for a legitimate reason to arrest him.

Camilla’s eyes widened.

“Evidence is always to be found in the suspect’s residence.”

There was no reason to hesitate.

She arrived at the room assigned to Hans Byron in the duke’s manor and knocked forcefully.

“Hans Byron, are you in there?”

“Lady Robèrk? What brings you here?”

‘How inconvenient, if there had been no answer, I would have broken down the door right away. Pity.’

Conducting an overt investigation in front of the party involved could risk destroying the evidence.

“Sir Hans, I have something to ask you.”

“Ask away.”

“I came here to celebrate Lady Luciana’s birthday, but I realize I don’t actually know what she likes.”

If a frontal assault won’t work, then circumvent.

She hid her true feelings behind a smile.

“I’ve piled up a bunch of gift candidates in the drawing room. Could you help me choose an appropriate one?”

All she needed was for the person to leave the room.

Then she would have her way.

“The joy of the master is the joy of the servant. I will gladly accompany you.”

Without showing any sign of suspicion, he took the lead.

“…Rise.”

Camilla whispered secretly behind Hans.

Simultaneously, the exquisite golden sand from the west spilled onto the white floor of the ducal mansion.

-Squeak.

The sand coalesced on its own into the shape of a mouse, a familiar that could share its sight and take simple commands.

This magic was incredibly useful for conducting investigations unnoticed.

Soon, they reached Camilla’s room, where a pile of gifts was indeed gathered on a table.

Hans Byron picked up a smooth gem exuding a purple glow and marveled.

“Oh. This is a high-quality mana stone.”

“Being from the west yourself, you’d know how valuable this is. I wonder if Luciana would like it.”

While responding vaguely to Hans, Camilla began to move the hidden mouse.

This was the drawback of the magic.

Managing everything in detail made it difficult to multitask.

Following the path they came, the mouse’s overlapped vision showed his room.

As the familiar was connected to her consciousness, it was easy to slightly open and enter through the ajar door.

‘Wasn’t his symbol a flamboyant ceremonial sword decorated with a golden mask and jewels?’

Bed, wardrobe, drawers…

After searching with the familiar, she finally saw his work desk.

“…What’s the matter? You seem pleased.”

“Of course, I am.”

What the familiar saw was a strange golden mask, clearly matching the description given by Luciana.

Placed conspicuously on the desk, it was undeniable evidence that the man before her was Frost Mane.

“Hans Byron, are you aware of the unique authority granted by the great Emperor Manhet to the Robèrk ducal family?”

“I’m also from the west. I’m well aware of the provisional trial system.”

Provisional trial.

The right to arrest suspects and conduct trials on the spot, even outside the west.

“Good. Then this will be quick. Hans Byron, I’m arresting you on charges of special theft and lèse-majesté.”

“…What? What are you talking about?”

There’s a limit to shamelessness.

She suppressed the rising disgust for the criminal and continued.

“Hans Byron, it seems you’ve quite enjoyed deceiving your master.”

-Snap!

Camilla pulled out a whip hidden within her clothes and swiftly wrapped it around his leg.

He must not escape from this place.

“Huh. This is so absurd it leaves me speechless. Do you have any evidence?”

Camilla smiled at the phrase she had heard too often in her life.

-Evidence! Where is the evidence that I committed a crime!

Just before being thrown into a mana stone mine, all the cornered criminals said the same.

Unfortunately for him, Camilla always silenced them.

Presenting clear evidence and interrogating with it was her most cherished and enjoyable hobby.

‘It’s over.’

Just proceed to detain and interrogate.

Camilla had already dismissed her interest in the captured Frost Mane.

She imagined what followed:

A villain tarnishing the family name, the arrest of the Sand Mole, and the support of the Lady of the Speda ducal family.

‘This should solidify my standing in the succession contest.’

However, blinded by distant goals, Camilla failed to properly see the person right in front of her.

Though Hans’s voice was panicked, the corners of his mouth twitched upwards, as if he couldn’t help but smirk.

Prev I TOC I Next