Arc 4

Summary of Ch. 32-33: The fall of Serrat occurred. Frian and Leandro found Luciano after he was drugged and raped by women of Raymond, when he wanted to save Mileia in the library. Mileia, King & Queen of Serrat’s body were hung on the walls of the castle. All of Leandro & Frian’s family also died, and so were many nobles who fell under Teges’ army. Serrat is burning, and ‘The Land of the Flowers’ is gone.
A magnificent chalk castle floating on the lake. The drawbridge, the only entrance and exit to the castle, has remained raised since the accession of Queen Alana. The entire country was protecting the last lineage of the Millennium Empire. Only the Queen, the Chancellor, and those specially granted by Callisto could come and go to the castle.
Even nobles were not allowed to approach the castle unless they were invited.　A boat was sailing on the lake. Listed, was a gold plate displaying the Queen’s permission. Long silver hair swayed in the wind. Violet eyes reflected on the surface of the lake, which shone like jewels. It was reminiscent of a lake in his homeland that his family had visited in the summer. That day, just like today, was sunny and calm.
“Your Highness, Luciano. I was surprised that we could enter the castle of Armenia so easily.” The one who spoke up was Leandro. He still had the same thick eyebrows.
“Hmm, the person who’s to become my wife seems to be generous. Everyone seems to permit it.”
“Which is why we should be cautious right?” It’s Armenia. I’m sure there’s something behind this. Luciano, I will surely protect you. Let’s get rid of the Queen promptly and leave the castle.”
Luciano, with his elbows on the edge of the ship, glanced at his men.
“As you know, I’m the one who will kill the Queen. Don’t take away my fun, okay?”
There was something that stuck with Luciano. Mileia had once told him. ‘There’s an amazing child among the messengers from Armenia. He could speak Serratian fluently. His pronunciation was also perfect. And he gave me some Armenian sweets. He said it was called ‘The Stone of the Wise Emperor Lorenzo’. He was a nice boy with dark hair, but I didn’t get his name.’
Black hair. The Stone of the Wise Emperor Lorenzo.
Perhaps that was the man his sister was in love with. He could only assume that the man had something to do with Mileia’s death.
“Frian. In the castle, search for a man with the same black hair as you.”
Luciano took a glance Frian, who promised. “Yes, sir.”
Then to Leandro. “You will be looking for the Stone of the Wise Emperor Lorenzo. There are few people who have confections as valuable as jewels. Compare your results with Frian’s and report back to me those who match any of the criteria. The rest of you, split up and find out who’s been to Serrat before. Women are soft-spoken. It’ll be easier to cajole them.”
“Please leave it to us. Oh, Luciano. There is something I have in my possession from Flavia.”
“Throw it away.” Luciano answered immediately, but Leandro took it out of his pocket.
“Please look at it for the time being,” he said.
In the palm of his rugged hand was an elaborately decorated vial. At first glance, it looked like a beautiful bottle of perfume. Shaking inside was a cherry-red liquid.　When he received the vial, he opened the lid and brought it close to his face. The scent of roses tickled his nostrils.
“At first glance, this looks like a source of rose water, but it is poisonous. It is said that if the subject is made to drink it every day until he coughs up blood, he will die in about two weeks even if he does not bother to take it after that. It only looks as if the person is ill, and they can be buried without suspicion. Also, if you dilute it, it can weaken the body. In that case, it will not lead to death, but it will certainly deprive him of physical strength.”
Luciano snorted. “The woman said that she had previously found a good pharmacist. Perhaps that’s his potion.”
“Probably. Flavia wanted to use the potion. I hate to follow her lead. I’m not a fan of obeying her, but for once I agree with her, because it will ensure your safety and surely allow you to kill the Queen.”
Luciano looked at the lake again. What he saw was a huge white castle; its reflection shimmering and swaying.
♔♔♔
A hundred knights lined up in a tight row, along with the Chancellor and Callisto, to greet Luciano, the prince consort.
It was hard to say it was a welcome, but it didn’t matter. When they finished bowing to each other, smiling inwardly, the Chancellor and the knights left, leaving only Callisto in his white formal attire.
Luciano observed Callisto from head to toe, but he also seemed to be observing every inch of him. Callisto, who was uncomfortable, felt the urge to kill him, and Luciano chewed his laughter.
──By the way, this man also has black hair. Queen Alana’s lover. I’m sure he hates me.
“Behind me are my subordinates, Frian and Leandro. Just so you know.” He introduced his aides, but Callisto, like a nobleman of a great nation, did not look at his subordinates.
“I’d like to remind you that in Armenia, commoners are not allowed to look at nobles without permission. It is a punishable offense. It is also forbidden for anyone to look at the Queen unscrupulously. Only when the queen calls out to them are they allowed to make eye contact and have a conversation, and will be pardoned. The only people in this country who are entitled to speak freely with the queen are the Chancellor, the servants who are his aides, and you, the Prince consort.”
Luciano glanced at Frian and Leandro.
They hailed from a venerable noble family. As he expected, their pride seemed to be hurt, and they looked like they had chewed on bitter bug. *
*their expressions were sour.