Chapter 135

Ah, before that, I have something to give you. Before he went inside the Dukes mansion, Albus slowed his steps and stopped. Then, he took out something from his pocket.

That is

Take it. I bought it because I thought it would look good on you.

It was a rare-looking ring; three red stones beautifully shone in a row, and Evelyn stared at it like she was bewitched.

Its pretty.

Can you try putting it on?

Yes.

Evelyn put the ring on her finger, not on her ring finger since another ring that Albus had gotten for their engagement shone in that spot.

As expected, it fits you well. Albus swiped Evelyns hand and the ring simultaneously. Shall we go? We cant have the Duke waiting for us.

Yes. Evelyn placed her hand on Albus arms with a smile on her face. The red ring on her finger glowed eerily.

* * *

The party went along smoothly and there werent many guests. They didnt have to spend much time on greetings, but every single guest ranked above a marquess, and they had to mind their manners more carefully than usual. Evelyn suffered from the heat surrounding the party; the smell of the perfume that floated whenever people passed them, and the fatigue she felt after participating in many parties for the past few days made her dizzy.

Are you all right?

Yes, I can manage. Evelyn forced a smile so that Albus wouldnt worry about her.

Just endure for a bit longer. The Crown Prince will arrive soon. Lets rest after we greet him.

Yes.

Evelyn entrusted her body to Albus and slowly moved. The Dukes most esteemed guest had finally arrived. One by one, people began to greet the Duke and his wife who appeared with the Crown Prince. As Evelyn stared at the Crown Prince, her dizziness grew stronger.

I just have to endure it a bit longer.

Evelyn didnt need to do something amazing. She simply had to greet the Crown Prince and back off after making some well-wishing remarks. Albus would handle most of the small talk. Even if she remained quiet, if Albus explained that she was sick, even the Crown Prince wouldnt say much.

Finally, it was time for them to face the Crown Prince, and the two walked in front of him. The Crown Prince welcomed them with a smile, and the two greeted him politely. Then, the Crown Prince said something, but Evelyn couldnt understand what he was saying. Her dizziness worsened.

I dont think I can endure it any longer.

If she didnt leave right now, she thought she would make a fool out of herself. To ask for the Crown Princes understanding and excuse herself, Evelyn stared at Albus. Albus looked at her as if he could read her thoughts. Yet unlike his usual self, she felt that his eyes looked very cold. Her consciousness grew dimmer. The noises in her surroundings rang, and she thought she heard a scream. She also felt a warm liquid splash onto her body, but before she could fully understand the situation, her consciousness completely faded away.

* * *

Like usual, Zich looked down at the city from the bell tower. The temple, which was located near luxurious mansions, was ideal for overlooking the aristocrats homes. Zich carefully eyed the carriage that Evelyn and Albus were riding and saw which residence it entered. Then, when he saw a carriage crested with the royal symbol appear right behind it, he got up.

Today could be the day.

Zich thought Albus would carry out his scheme on the Kings birthday, but he also thought it wouldnt be strange if today was D-day. Today was also a day when all the possible players such as Albus, Evelyn, and the Crown Prince were present. Zich looked at the mansion with grea