Chapter 18

"Demian?"

"Ah, I was startled, hic."

Demian clamped his hand over his mouth, seemingly surprised by the hiccup himself.

However, Demian's hiccups didn't stop. His shoulders trembled with each "hic" that burst out.

I was equally surprised by the sudden hiccups, but first, I needed to calm Demian down.

I cautiously extended my hand toward Demian's nose. His clear blue eyes widened in a circle.

"Like this, if you block your nose, the hiccups will stop..."

"..."

"Hey... they stopped."

Embarrassed by the sudden cessation of hiccups, I withdrew my hand.

'I heard that hiccups stop if you're startled.'

It seemed my sudden hand movement had startled him.

I shouldn't touch him so casually, but every time I see Demian, my hands move on their own.

'But those cheeks are just so soft.'

I looked at Demian with eyes full of regret.

"Hey... are you going to get hiccups again?"

"Huh? Why, why?"

"Your face is as red as if it's going to burst. Look."

I poked Demian's cheek.

His warm, soft cheek felt just like a steamed bun.

With one cheek still pressed, Demian mumbled.

"I, I'm just... hot..."

"Hot? Then should we keep some distance?"

The bed was wide enough. Unlike the narrow orphanage bed, he could sleep comfortably.

But Demian shook his head vigorously.

"N, no, I don't want that."

"Huh? But you said you were hot."

"Y, yeah... but... um..."

Demian's expression was worse than when we talked about being a couple.

I tilted my head, then gently asked.

"Could it be... you're afraid of having nightmares like last time?"

"..."

At my question, Demian's eyes sparkled, and he nodded.

"Y-yes. And... this place is too unfamiliar, so I'm scared..."

In the novel, it was written that he quickly adapted to the new duchy. It seems that part was too condensed.

"Alright. Then can you endure the heat? It's better than having scary dreams, right?"

"Y-yes."

Demian nodded, his cheeks turning red.

"Close your eyes."

He promptly closed his eyes tightly.

His adorable appearance made me smile.

"Goodnight, Demian."

Tonight, and tomorrow night too.

I hope the Milky Way fills your dreams, not nightmares.

Before falling asleep, I had such thoughts.

* * *

Under the pale moonlight, deep into the night.

"Damn it!"

Count Corvino erupted in a fierce roar.

"Not only a child, but now a woman too!"

He couldn't back down. Absolutely not.

"Which family's woman? How did you deceive Duke Schuetz?"

He muttered like a man possessed.

Eli was not an orphan but the daughter of an unknown noble.

'No matter what, I must stop the marriage.'

The son could be dealt with later.

But marriage was different. If another family got involved, it would be even more troublesome.

Knock knock.

"Count."

At that moment, the door opened with a small knock.

"Who dares to enter without permission?"

"Sorry, but... there's something important..."

The servant flinched at the count's sharp rebuke.

"The person you mentioned earlier has arrived."

The count's eyes widened.

"Bring him in quickly."

As he gave his consent, the door opened, and a person in a black robe entered.

"Good evening, Count."

He looked very small, almost like a boy, and his voice was still a high-pitched, undeveloped one.

"Did you find out anything?"

Without any greeting, the count asked directly. The robed person answered.

"Yes. Fortunately, I have good news for you, Count."

His speech was halting, but his voice wasn't thin enough to stand out.

"What is it?"

"The child Duke Schuetz brought is a commoner. Moreover, her deceased mother was a very famous thief."

"A thief?"

Count Corvino's eyes narrowed.

"Yes. You must have heard the story of the woman who calmly stole and fled with the emperor's treasure."

The count nodded.

About 15 years ago, the empire initiated a great war.

Starting from a small kingdom not even marked on the map, they conquered all, including minor tribes.

'The non-existent power will rebuild the empire.'

This was due to the oracle that descended upon the Great Priest of Grapes.

The meaning of the non-existent power was clear.

The first magic recorded in history was the strange life force emanating from the World Tree.

People investigated this mysterious power and realized that 'magic originates from nature.'

Additionally, they discovered that the closer one lived to the World Tree, the more mana they were born with.

However, the World Tree, which had supported the continent, began to wither one day and eventually disappeared into the annals of history.

Near the World Tree, a unique clan lived who could use distinctive magic. They believed they needed to revive the World Tree and divided their power into several branches.

They were the purest and most unique magic users, so they thought they could revive the World Tree.

But despite their efforts, the World Tree never bloomed again.

What if they had been hiding this fact?

Rumors swept across the continent, and the royal family, to protect the empire, joined forces with the temple to start a war.

Thanks to Duke Schuetz's military strength and tactics, the empire won and successfully controlled the minor clan.

But three years later, a coalition army rebelled to reclaim their rights.

Amid the chaos of the second war, a thief stole the emperor's treasure and fled.

Until then, nothing was known about the thief because the royal family, considering it a disgrace, had not revealed any details about the thief.

Thinking the thief would live comfortably after stealing the emperor's treasure,

She was caught during another theft and eventually her past was exposed.

The small stone she tried to steal was a gift from the emperor to a viscount's family to celebrate a victory.

'But she failed and was caught, and I heard she was hanged at the viscount's castle.'

This was the first I heard that the thief had a daughter.

Because the empire was in turmoil due to the war, it didn't attract much attention.

'But the daughter of that woman?'

Ha. Count Corvino burst into a hollow laugh.

A boy of unknown origin and the daughter of a thief.

'They truly make a fitting pair. The emperor would love it.'

Count Corvino smiled, lifting the corners of his mouth.

"Well done. Good information."

The count threw a pouch of gold coins.

"Indeed, information travels fast. I can't help but be impressed."

"Thank you for your praise."

He caught the gold coins. The pupils visible through the gap in his robe were as narrow as a snake's.

Count Corvino, left alone, stroked his chin in thought.

What would happen if the emperor found out about this? The daughter of a thief who stole the emperor's treasure might be beheaded immediately.

'I need to inform His Majesty quickly.'

The count hesitated as he was about to leave the room.

'No, that's not right.'

Not just anyone, but Duke Schuetz. He couldn't have been unaware that the girl was the daughter of a thief.

'Then he must know everything... What is his plan?'

To keep the royal family in check? No, that would be too risky.

No matter how ruthless Duke Schuetz was, he wouldn't have thought of such a low-level scheme.

The count paused, lost in thought again.

Before considering the duke's intentions, he needed to think about the benefits to himself.

'If the emperor finds out, the duke will face severe punishment.'

The duke's and Clider's fortunes might be confiscated by the royal family.

'That must not happen.'

He couldn't let the emperor sit idly by and take everything.

How could he protect his interests while getting rid of that scoundrel?

Count Corvino suddenly lifted his head, having a simple idea.

'Since she's the daughter of a thief, it would be enough if she's caught stealing.'

One can't ignore the blood in their veins, can they?

Count Corvino smiled with a chilling expression.