For You In The Cage - Chapter 82

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Derek glanced at the boxes piled up next to the desk. He had been threatened to collect all the feathers by noon the next day, plus there was even the threat of death, so he thought they would be burned as soon as they were handed over, but Yulif just checked and left the boxes in that state for several days.

“Why do you keep looking? Are you coveting?”

“No, that’s not it. I looked at it because I was amazed that you left it unattended, considering that you asked me to collect it.”

“Do you know how to burn Canaren’s feathers?”

Of course, Derek instantly thought he knew. He tried desperately to nod his head. If he didn’t, his body, not feathers, would burn first and become ashes.

Despite Derek’s expectations, Yulif didn’t even have the slightest thought to burn the Almans. He just couldn’t stand the idea of ​​having someone other than himself carry things she had made herself out of her feathers.

The amount Derek had collected was much larger than expected, so Yulif thought it was a good idea to issue a collection order. He gave orders to employees who have not yet received a notice to never take it for any reason whatsoever.

It was also true that he had implicitly expected that his turn would come sooner if they did.

However, Canaren, who he met every morning, only smiled and showed no sign of handing over an Alman. Looking at her pretty and bright smile, he felt like he didn’t need anything, but he was still very annoyed when he found white feathers dangling around Roana’s waist.

Derek insisted that he could never take Roana’s Alman, and if it bothered him so much, why not just ask Canaren to give one to him? The moment Derek asked Yulif to tell Roana directly, he was reluctant to say anything more, as he didn’t want to be treated like a moron or end up saying something strange.

Time went on and on while he could neither do this or that.

While dealing with Derek and the territory, someone knocked on the door. Yulif beckoned at Derek to open the door. The knight standing by the door put his hand on his chest and politely showed courtesy.

“Report! The congratulatory group sent by His Majesty has arrived and is requesting entry.”

“They’re here already?”

He thought it would take three or more days, but it was faster than expected. It must have been the result of Count Knox’s will to win the emperor’s trust by making as much effort as possible. Yulif nodded lightly.

“Check thoroughly to make sure there are no suspicious people and that there is no magic on them. It doesn’t matter how insulting it is. Then let them in when security is confirmed.”

“All right!”

It hadn’t been long since the attack took place at a wedding attended by the emperor, the empress, and even the crown prince. Yulif’s order was reasonable and had a cause, so the knight withdrew without any questions. Derek also guessed Yulif’s dark intentions and his body trembled. To insult the congratulatory party sent by the emperor by checking them all over was like insulting the emperor. It seemed that Yulif was planning to fight the emperor in earnest.

“What are you doing? Finish the report and go.”

“Yes.”

Yulif swiftly continued his work as if he didn’t care about the congratulatory party. There was also a work that would serve as a stepping stone for dealing with Deltinus in the middle, but he passed it on so casually that even Derek didn’t notice.

The seeds of treason were to be planted without anyone knowing, not even the ones who were on the same side. 

Pionia was the second most prosperous city in the empire after Cicena, so the workload was considerable. It seemed that there was even a strange magic trick in which if you dealt with one, three would come in, and if you dealt with three, six would stack up.

Even Yulif was pressing his temple with a tired expression, but a knock sounded again and the knight from earlier reported,

“The congratulatory group that has completed the checkpoint has entered the castle and is waiting. What should I do?”

“Only the noble members of the celebration group may enter the office. Organize the rest on your own.”

After a while, several nobles followed the knight into the office. Sitting on the chair, Yulif gazed at the nobles, his eyes staying on the woman who stood at the very end. She slightly lifted her head, which had been bowed, as if she had also sensed Yulif’s gaze. The rare blue-gray eyes were gently curved.

It was Rena Harrodsell.

Yulif did not take his eyes off Rena, opening his mouth and said,

“Welcome to Pionia. Everyone must have had a lot of trouble moving around by carriage.”

A strange air flowed. From head to toe, Rena, who was decorated luxuriously but not excessively, was a sophisticated beauty boasting a unique arrogant atmosphere. When such a beautiful woman smiled, even the thoughtless Derek reflexively blushed.

Derek, who was trying to find his composure while looking at his superior that treats women like stones, doubted his eyes for a moment. Likewise, Yulif couldn’t take his eyes off Rena, and he had a faint smile on his lips. ‘Huh!’ Derek’s face turned white as if he had seen a ghost.

“There was an invitation to deliver a present to the Duke as soon as possible. His Majesty said he was sorry for not being able to properly congratulate the wedding, and said that he prepared this gift with all his heart, so he would like you to receive it happily.”

“His Majesty must be very worried about the unfortunate incident, so I’m grateful that he took such care. Please tell His Majesty that you have been well received and that the gift will be put to good use.”

“I will convey the will of the Duke to His Majesty without exception. The Duchess of Rubius…”

“My wife is busy. I think I’m covering my wife’s share so as not to disappoint.”

“Of course, I am grateful that the Duke has given us such time. We were also asked to congratulate the Duchess.”

“I’ll let the Count’s greetings be passed on to my wife.”

Count Knox hid the embarrassment on his face by bowing his head. This was because, while talking to the count with his wife being the topic, Yulif only looked at Rena the whole time. Rena showed no sign of shyness. Rather, she seemed to enjoy Yulif’s blatant gaze.

Count Knox clicked inwardly at the two individuals exchanging passionate glances.

‘They were talking about the love of the century and so on. It’s been less than a month since the wedding, but are you already paying attention to other women? The duke is also the bloodline of the emperor. It seems that the duchess did not come here for this reason.’

“Is there anything else I need to know?”

“No. His Majesty’s words are all that I have conveyed.”

“You look tired. It will be difficult to return right away, so you can stay in the castle and rest, then return, Count.”

“I am deeply grateful for the kindness the Duke has bestowed upon me. If you allow me, can I leave for the capital after staying for three or four days?”

“Of course. Derek, guide the guests. His Majesty sent them, so treat them with respect.”

“All right. I will take care of it without any shortage.”

“Let the Lady of Harrodsell remain.”

Everyone except Yulif and Rena was surprised. Derek’s eyes were wide enough to pop out, then received Yulif’s stinging glare and rushed out of the office with the congratulatory group. The air in the office, where people had escaped like low tide, subsided more subtly than before.

Yulif rested his chin on his clasped hands. Rena, who was standing in the center, glanced at him and moved lightly. As she got closer to his desk, he could smell her sweet perfume.

“Stop.”

The low-pitched voice without an accent was colder than the midwinter north wind. Rena was startled and froze in her place.

His eyes that had blatantly scanned her body in front of people and which she thought bore the lust of a man… had disappeared. Those purple eyes now contained no emotions. The cool eyes were saying that the unfamiliar woman in front of him was no different from objects such as desks, chairs, and picture frames.

Rena realized that her Yulif had pretended to desire her in front of her people. She returned to her original standing position and bowed.

“I believe you and I want something from each other.”

Rena didn’t answer. She was not enchanted by magic, so she had a choice not to answer. Still, seeing how she did not deny at once meant that she had something to do with Deltinus.

Yulif exhaled a moderate sense of intimidation, pressuring Rena.

“You must have made a deal with the emperor with Count Harrodsell’s life as collateral.”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“I know what you want. What did the Emperor want from you?”

“Before answering, I dare to hope the Duke promises me one thing. I know it’s a cheeky request that doesn’t suit my situation, but…”

“Tell me.”

Yulif cut Rena’s words in the middle. He didn’t want to continue the conversation with Rena for a long time by accumulating unnecessary face and courtesy. Simplicity was better. Rena, who was aware of Yulif’s intentions, quickly organized her thoughts.

“Even if I do not do business with the Duke, please guarantee confidentiality and safety. Instead, whatever the Duke asks, I will answer honestly.”

“I’ll do that. Now it is your turn to answer.”

“His Majesty wants me to ruin the relationship between the Duke and the Duchess.”

The expected answer came back. Yulif’s eyes sank a little darker and darker. Again, Deltinus did not give up. Now, the fight between the two was no longer just to keep Canaren by his side. It was a war that would only end when one of them had to fall or die.

Yulif had never been defeated in a war until now. It will be so in the future. This war would be the last war for his life. He would surely win, and he would make Canaren happy.

“I will save Count Harrodsell and your family.”

“Then what should I do for the Duke?”

“What you have to do doesn’t change. Get between me and my wife.”

“….What?”

Rena’s voice grew louder as if she was very bewildered. It was difficult for her to understand Yulif’s words. Knowing that the emperor wants the two apart, but instead of stopping it, he agrees to it?

Shocked, Rena stared at Yulif, but Yulif didn’t even look at her, gazing intently at the box next to the desk.

“Please be a little bit more precise about what you want me to do…”

“Simple. Be friendly at breakfast time. When I’m with you, you just be with me, and when I’m not, you make my wife believe that I like you.”

The more she talked with Yulif, the more she felt like she was falling into a labyrinth. Rena swallowed dry saliva and, as if trying to confirm one last time, she asked Yulif.

“Can I really do that? I wonder if the Duchess would believe that much. At least pretending to share the same bedroom…”

“Rena Harrodsell.”

The sharp-edged force flew in from all directions as if choking her at any moment. It hurt as if a sharp thorn pierced her skin. The atmosphere was so terrifying that she thought she was more comfortable in front of the emperor, who was much more explicit and violent.

Rena forced her wobbling legs to hold on. She felt like her neck was going to fall if she fell to the floor.

“Don’t try to do anything more than necessary. Don’t ask for more of me.”

“Oh, I see… I will keep that in mind.”

“There are only certain things you can say to my wife. If you talk nonsense and hurt my wife…”

Yulif bit his mouth for a moment. Because he realized how contradictory he was. It was none other than he who tried to use Rena Harrodsell to hurt Canaren and make her give up on him. But to take anger out on someone else… and also on the weak Rena Harrodsell. He couldn’t stand it because his appearance was funny and pathetic.

Yulif closed his eyes and swallowed his sigh inwardly.

“Do you need more explanation?”

“No. I know now what I need to do.”

“It doesn’t matter if you run into her, but I hope you don’t go to my wife first.”

“Yes. It will never happen.”

“I’ll find a suitable knight to escort you.”

Yulif gestured as if signaling for her to leave. Rena was not interested in slightly lifting her dress to show respect. Tachak. As soon as the door closed, a sigh that had been suppressed escaped from Yulif’s mouth.

Thinking that someone else was interfering at the only time he could have a conversation with Canaren face to face already made him feel annoyed and angry. But what made his heart even heavier than that was Canaren’s heart, which would be deeply wounded by this.

Canaren’s face, stained with betrayal, sadness, and tears, shimmered before his eyes. His heart was pounding hard. The pain was similar to what he felt when he suffered from the regression side effects. Yulif gently pressed his right hand against his chest.

Afraid. He was afraid he would be remembered as worse than an emperor and she would never forgive him, who took her freedom and ruined her life.

But what scares him the most right now is the future in which she will not give up on him even after doing this. Then what should he do? If she doesn’t doesn’t let him go until the end, he…

‘Isn’t it your job to make sure that doesn’t happen?’

Yulif laughed at himself. It was easier for him to decide to kill the emperor and put his son on the throne instead. If he could kill the emperor and keep Canaren from getting sick, he could have killed hundreds of thousands of times in the most brutal way in the world. Even if the pain returned to him, he would be willing to endure it.

Yulif opened the box and took out an Alman. The feathers that fell off Canaren’s wings were as white and smooth as snow. He couldn’t express how lovely it was to see the back of the person sitting at the table and moving her hands eagerly to make this and give it to the employees who work in the castle.

Yulif found it rather fortunate that Canaren didn’t make a gift for him. If he had received her gift filled with affection, concern, and hope, he might not have been able to bear this guilt, which would have been heavier than it is now, and would have confided it all to her.

‘I love you. Even so, I can’t stay by your side for long, so I’ll kill the emperor instead. I want you to live happily without me.’

The dice was thrown, and the arrows left the bow. All that was left before him was to move forward. There was only progress. From the moment the door of time opened, there was no way back for him.

In his office where he was left alone, Yulif sat motionless for a while with his eyes drooping. He swallowed the urge, carefully touching the feathers on the Alman, trying to prevent it from breaking.

Contrary to his hot and fervent impulse to leave this place immediately and run to Canaren, it was an infinitely sweet and gentle touch.