Chapter 175

“The person I want revenge on is Duke Axion Ruthius. He abused me for twenty-one years.”

Duke Ruthius stopped breathing. It felt like a dagger had been plunged into his heart.

“I’ve lived alone in the annex since I was five. I ate food that was on the verge of rotting, and any decent dresses or accessories were taken from me. Even as I was slowly going mad, I never once received proper treatment.”

“…”

“Of course, you didn’t abuse me directly, Duke. You simply abandoned me.”

Duke Ruthius silently lowered his head.

What he had done to his children was indeed abuse. Nothing, not even death, could ever atone for the pain Astell had endured.

“I’m sorry.”

“I don’t need your apology. I intend to take what you desire most as payment.”

“What do you mean?”

“Duke, you want to die right now so you can be with Mother, don’t you? That’s all you’re thinking about, isn’t it?”

That had certainly been his plan. But then he found himself wanting to see the forest, and he wanted to see his children.

His greed was endless. Just seeing his child wasn’t enough. He wanted to see her smile, to hear her chattering voice. He longed to be called ‘Father.’

‘My god.’

Duke Ruthius was struck anew by how shameless he was.

“You’ve picked the wrong person, Duke. I have no intention of letting that happen. You think you can just take the easy way out? Hmph, not a chance.”

Astell scoffed haughtily and made her demand with confidence.

“You will atone for your sins by my side. No matter how much you want to die, you cannot do so without my permission. And if I don’t permit it, it means you won’t be able to meet the mother you love so dearly. That is the revenge I want.”

Duke Ruthius bit his lip. The corners of his eyes grew hot. He had thought his tears had long since dried up, but his cheeks were now damp.

“As your ally, I demand it. Help me with my revenge. For the record, if you refuse, I plan to use force, so choose carefully.”

“…Will that truly be enough?”

“Yes.”

“I want you to be free. My presence will only bring back bad memories…”

“Now that’s the mouse worrying about the cat. Your ridiculous excuses won’t work on me, so just take my hand.”

Astell extended her hand further.

How could he possibly take that hand? He was so overwhelmed with guilt he could barely move.

As Duke Ruthius stood frozen like a statue, Astell snatched his hand, muttering to herself that the Duke didn’t have a choice in the matter anyway.

Marcella had been like this, too. When he was with her, he never had to worry about making a choice. All he had to do was follow her lead. Duke Ruthius had found that incredibly comforting.

When did this little child grow up so much? Duke Ruthius quietly savored the warmth of her skin against his.

“Huh? What’s this? Hold on, Duke.”

Just then, Astell unceremoniously pulled back Duke Ruthius’s hood.

He quickly tried to cover his face to hide his tears, but it was no use. With both his hands held by his daughter, Duke Ruthius was utterly flustered.

“Why, what are you doing?”

Contrary to his expectations, Astell wasn’t pointing at his tears but at the burn on his left cheek.

“That’s my line! What in the world happened to your face, Duke?”

“My face? Ah… you mean the burn.”

“What? A burn? A buuurn?”

Astell’s fair face contorted in anger. A sharp energy filled the bedroom.

“Didn’t your constellations give you a potion? What were they doing, letting a burn like this go untreated? On a man whose only asset is his face!”

“…”

“Wow, the more I think about it, the more pissed I get. If you watch the show, you should at least pay the subscription fee! Aren’t they just a bunch of robbers?”

At Astell’s outburst, Duke Ruthius blinked his green eyes.

What? Why is this usually calm child suddenly so angry?

Judging by the atmosphere, it seemed to be because of the burn. He hadn’t realized Astell was so fond of his face.

Duke Ruthius tried to hide his bewilderment and soothe her.

“Astell, it’s not like that. Just calm down a little…”

“What do you mean, it’s not like that? Forget it! I’ll give you a potion, so just kick out all of your constellations. Chop off every single one of their heads! Got it?”

“…”

“Why aren’t you answering? Surely you’re not thinking of forgiving those wretched constellations who just stood by and watched while their Hunter got hurt?”

“N-No… I understand. I’ll do as you say.”

“Don’t be scared of the constellations, Duke.”

“Scared… what?”

“I’m stronger than them, so don’t worry about what they think. You won’t be clearing any gates, so you have even less reason to care. Don’t get hung up on your viewer count. Understand?”

It seemed Astell had misunderstood, thinking Duke Ruthius was being mistreated by his constellations without getting any proper support.

Before he could correct the misunderstanding, Astell placed a foot on the windowsill.

“We need to go outside. Scrolls don’t work inside buildings. You must not have gotten much rest, but you don’t have to worry about concealing your presence. There’s no one around.”

“I was once a Sword Master. Erasing my presence won’t exhaust me.”

“Did I say it would?”

Astell smirked and climbed out the window. Watching his child leap down, Duke Ruthius muttered awkwardly.

“I… suppose I should have used a potion.”

— Anonymous Constellation: Ugh… my head.

— Anonymous Constellation: We told you so many times! We begged you to use a potion! You ignored us then, and now what? You’re going to kick us out?

— Anonymous Constellation: Do you have any idea how persistent Astell is? She’s the type who hates bothering with anything, yet she’s obsessive enough to kick people out every three days on the dot! What are you going to do now!!!

— Anonymous Constellation: Go and tell her! Tell her we sent you dozens of potions! Hurry up and explain yourself to Astell!

That was a bit…

If he told the truth, her anger would turn from the constellations to him, wouldn’t it?

Duke Ruthius silently apologized to the constellations and jumped out the window.

The wind felt refreshing.

***

It was a little past midnight when I arrived at the mansion with Duke Ruthius.

The moment Alex saw Duke Ruthius, he burst into tears.

He didn’t even ask about the emperor. He just kept repeating that all that mattered was his safe return, tears streaming down his face.

For a man built like a mountain, he sure cried a lot.

Frank the butler silently took the Duke’s hand. He didn’t show it, but he had clearly been very worried. His wrinkled eyes were moist.

I returned the ring to Duke Ruthius.

Duke Ruthius gazed at the ring for a moment before slipping it onto his finger.

Only then did I finally feel at ease.

When Duke Ruthius had left behind the ring he treasured more than his own life, I knew he was planning to die.

It was just a feeling I had. A conviction that as long as he wore that ring, Duke Ruthius wouldn’t die.

“When should we announce your survival, Duke?”

“…It would be best to keep it a secret for now.”

“Why?”

“The emperor’s death will be known soon enough. If it’s revealed that I’m alive, everyone will suspect us. It is wise to avoid unnecessary suspicion.”

I didn’t like it, but he was right.

“Then the best time would be after the coronation, once everyone has forgotten about the emperor.”

“That seems right.”

“You’ll have to hide in the mansion until then… Where would be a good place? Butler, do you have anywhere suitable?”

“There is a mountain cabin prepared for guests who lose their way on the walking trails. You may stay there.”

Fortunately, the Ruthius estate was vast enough that hiding one person would be easy.

One could probably live here for a lifetime without being discovered, as long as they avoided the staff.

“Even if it’s a remote place, doesn’t someone go there for maintenance?”

“I will take care of that matter.”

“If the butler says so… Are you okay with this, Duke? No matter how well the butler handles it, it will still be stifling and uncomfortable for you.”

“I’m more comfortable being alone. I don’t have to suppress my emotions or be careful about my actions.”

Duke Ruthius gave a faint smile. His expression was so relieved that I was left speechless.

“Well… is there anything special you need?”

“I would like to read as many books as I can.”

“Reading is the best way to pass the time. I’ll have the butler send them to you.”

“That….”

“Yes?”

“If you have time… you could bring them yourself.”

I stared at Duke Ruthius. The side of his face, turned slightly away, was tense. As if he was afraid I would refuse.

I replied quietly.

“I will.”

Even after settling the urgent matters, the three of us didn’t return to our respective bedrooms. We sat and talked for a long time, sipping tea the butler served.

I realized that Duke Ruthius was different from before.

His way of speaking had softened, and you could feel his emotions. He smiled more, too. While not outright laughter, it wasn’t hard to see a gentle smile on his face.

He even comforted Alex when he whined about not wanting to be the family head, rather than scolding him.

Duke Ruthius, patting Alex on the back to console him.

To be honest, it was an incredibly awkward and stiff attempt at comfort, but this was *the* Duke Ruthius we were talking about. It was as if he’d become a completely different person.

Unable to adjust to the family-drama atmosphere, I ended up making a mistake. I confessed that I was genuinely in love with Dante.

‘Oops! I didn’t mean to say it this soon…’

The warm, cheerful atmosphere froze in an instant.

“Astell! Are you crazy?”

“Astell, let’s have a talk with your father.”

I was subjected to a long lecture from Duke Ruthius and Alex and was only released around dawn.

Returning to my bedroom, I collapsed onto the bed without even properly washing up.

“I’m the one dating, so why are they making such a fuss? I’m the one who likes him.”

I really didn’t understand why they disapproved of Dante so much. I’d have to set aside a day to tell them just how adorable that man is.

“Ugh, I’m so tired.”

My body felt as limp as a wet rag. I felt like I’d just taken on two S-rank bosses back-to-back. It would be perfect if I could just fall asleep right now.

“Still, I have to do what I have to do. It’s the last one.”

Forcing my drowsy eyes open, I opened the window.

[system: The quest <Confirm the End of Sin> has been successfully completed.]

[You have acquired the final Memory Fragment (7/7).]

[The acquired item can be viewed in your inventory.]

[system: Would you like to play Memory Fragment (7/7)?]

[YES] / [NO]

The final piece.