♔ 4 – Betrayal ♔

That night, Silvio headed to his usual spot in the town below the castle. He wanted to speak with the owner, who was a trusted source of information.

“So, it’s true that the survivors of the Fontana family are still being persecuted?”

Standing at the counter, drinking beer, Silvio asked. The owner, who was behind the counter, responded in a low voice.

“Yes, the King still fears retaliation for the purge five years ago. He’s reportedly having any Fontana family members found executed on the spot.”

Running a place frequented by various people, the owner was well-informed.

“Some may have escaped, but there’s no clear information. They’re probably too scared to come out.”

“I see. Thanks.”

Silvio finished his drink and paid a bit extra. As he was about to leave, he heard a commotion outside.

“What’s that?”

Frowning, he was stopped by his deputy, Robert, who had just entered the shop.

“For precaution, please exit through the back.”

“What happened?”

“It’s just a fight. Some thugs got into it with our men.”

“In that case—”

Wouldn’t it be better for him, the commander, to step in and mediate? Silvio started to say, but Robert shook his head.

“There’s someone watching from the second floor of the shop across the street. They might be trying to lure you out to shoot you…”

As soon as he said it, a gunshot rang out, followed by more shouts in the distance. Silvio exchanged a look with Robert.

“…Persistent fools.”

The King feared Silvio, a survivor of the Fontana family, who had returned with the backing of a neighbouring country. Recently, Silvio had frequently been the target of such cowardly attacks, likely ordered by the King. Earlier that day, he had narrowly avoided a knife attack, thanks to his capable subordinates.

“I’m sorry for the trouble my personal matters cause you all.”

His subordinates, soldiers of Mediolam, had nothing to do with the feud between the Leveaux and Fontana families. Robert shrugged at Silvio’s sigh.

“It’s our job. But who knew you’d be here today?”

Silvio thought for a moment.

“…Idyllia.”

“Anyone else?”

“No one.”

“See?”

Robert’s words, meant to convince him, made Silvio shake his head with a wry smile. It was possible that Idyllia had been told to gather information by the Queen, but he couldn’t believe she would be involved in a plot to kill him. It seemed more plausible that the King of Mediolam was behind the attacks.

“If someone were tailing me, anyone could arrange an attack.”

Silvio replied lightly, and Robert responded with frustration.

“Would she really do something so reckless…?”

“Stop assuming she’s the culprit.”

“I wish you’d stop assuming she’s innocent. You only have one life, you know.”

“────…”

After a moment of staring at each other, Silvio laughed and patted Robert on the shoulder.

“Interrogating the assassins will make things clear.”

Just then, another subordinate brought a horse. Silvio thanked him and mounted the horse. Robert looked up at him.

“She’s the Queen’s sister. She’s definitely connected. I’d bet on it.”

“She is neither foolish enough to unwittingly reveal my location to her sister nor malicious enough to do so knowingly,” Silvio responded curtly, spurring his horse forward. Idyllia had suggested that the Leveaux family should actively protect the remaining members of the Fontana family. She was likely the only one in the country thinking along those lines.

(Her actions prove what kind of person she is—)

According to the investigation conducted before coming to this country, after the Fontana family purge, she ignored the Leveaux family’s rise to power and entered a convent. This was seen by many as a protest against her father, who had trampled on her relationship with Silvio. She had been estranged from her sister, who had become queen, for a long time. Why she left the convent and came to Silvio at her sister’s behest was unclear, but it was likely that she had been threatened with the closure of the convent or harm to the nuns if she didn’t comply. Given her gentle nature, such threats would have been unbearable for her. Even so, no matter what kind of threats she faced, Silvio couldn’t believe she would conspire in an assassination attempt. She could not be the type of person who would do such a thing without a care. If caught between threats and her loyalty to Silvio, she would suffer, and he wouldn’t stand by and let that happen.

(I know no one as pure-hearted as Idyllia…)

She was shrewd and discerning, but all for noble purposes. Seeing her work tirelessly to mediate between Silvio and the Leveaux family and steer them toward reconciliation had only reaffirmed this belief. She was devoted, compassionate, and brave. The longer he spent time with her, the more her virtues shone through. She hadn’t changed a bit from five years ago. She was still the girl he had fallen deeply in love with as a boy, only now, her allure as a woman had grown even more.

After praising Idyllia wholeheartedly, Silvio was brought back to reality, a heavy feeling settling over him.

“──”

The excuse of tarnishing the Leveaux family’s honour by humiliating her was just that—an excuse. The guilt of being the lone survivor had been no shackle at all. He was now fully aware of his feelings.

(She alone is my salvation… my hope for life. I love her—)

Recognising his feelings, he was faced with the wall of reality.

(What should I do?)

He couldn’t give up on his vengeance against the King and the Leveaux family. He had obtained his position as the Duke of Mediolam for that very purpose. Moreover, they were even trying to eliminate him to secure their position. Total resistance and revenge were necessary.

(Now I have a mission to fulfil, but once that’s done, it will be time for my counterattack.)

Gradually, he would corner the Leveaux family, trap them, and ensure their downfall…! Despite this resolve, another voice had been emerging lately. Spilling unnecessary blood for personal grudges was futile. It would only create new enemies. Shouldn’t he instead focus on building a happy future with Idyllia? Torn between two earnest voices—seeking revenge or pursuing his own happiness.

(No, it’s impossible…)

He couldn’t forget the horrific massacre of his family and seek his own happiness alone. But—could he let go of Idyllia for that cause? Knowing the joy of holding her in his arms, could he now bear to part with her? Still unable to find an answer, Silvio rode on, his thoughts in turmoil.

♔♔♔