Key Witness, Veronica
“Why are you with that man?”
“That man…?”
Following His Majesty’s gaze, I saw Lord Runken standing there.
The glittering hostility in His Majesty’s eyes told me exactly why he was in such a foul mood.
(I see. His Majesty and Lord Runken don’t get along, after all.)
Though they were cousins by blood, from His Majesty’s perspective, Lord Runken was likely someone who could seize power at any moment.
The former Duke Runken, brother of the late king, was His Majesty Brian’s uncle, and as things stood, Lord Runken was first in line to inherit the throne.
Should anything happen to His Majesty, the next king would be Lord Runken.
That was undoubtedly a threat to him. His Majesty had always been especially harsh toward Lord Runken.
“That’s…!”
I opened my mouth, about to explain why Lord Runken was here, when His Majesty tightened his grip on my wrist.
(Ow…!)
I winced involuntarily. The very person we were speaking of, Lord Runken, stepped forward and joined the conversation.
“I happened upon Her Majesty by chance.”
“I wasn’t asking you.”
His Majesty snapped sharply, but Lord Runken, completely unfazed, pointed something out.
“Your hand.”
“… What?”
“I don’t believe it’s appropriate to seize someone so forcefully.”
“You… again…!”
“Kyah…!”
My wrist was suddenly released, flung away with such force that I staggered.
But I didn’t fall—hands gently caught my shoulders from behind.
Even without looking, I knew it was Lord Runken.
“Thank you.”
I thanked him, and His Majesty sneered at us.
“Hah… I thought it was strange, you taking such a long vacation. Were you just frolicking around, confirming your love with that man?”
“Please refrain from vulgar assumptions. I have never been unfaithful.”
“Oh, really? Is this to get back at me?”
“Just because you yourself are guilty of such things, please don’t assume everyone else is too.”
I nodded to Lord Runken to let him know I no longer needed his support, then turned back to His Majesty, repeating myself.
“Please return to the castle, Your Majesty.”
“I refuse. Clementina… you cut your long hair because of me—out of love for me.”
“If you truly believe that… then I’m afraid your memory is failing.”
“How hateful. You could at least shed a tear to show some remorse.”
“Unfortunately, I’m not the sort of woman who cries so easily.”
“So unadorable.”
“Had I been more agreeable, perhaps we’d be living a very different future.”
His Majesty’s misplaced anger actually helped me regain a sliver of composure.
I couldn’t fathom why he was suddenly so obsessed with me.
But it certainly wasn’t love.
Even now, face-to-face, his eyes held no warmth—just an icy chill.
A tense silence stretched between us until it was broken by Lord Runken, who had been quietly observing our exchange.
“… Forgive my impertinence, but—”
“What now? I didn’t give you permission to speak.”
His Majesty’s purple eyes narrowed, filled with a mix of hatred and murderous intent.
But Lord Runken, accustomed to such looks, remained composed as ever and spoke plainly.
“I judged this an emergency and took the liberty to speak. Your Majesty, is it truly appropriate for you to be away from the castle right now?”
“What are you implying?”
Lord Runken brazenly cut him off.
“No, I should rephrase. Did you… run away from the castle?”
“Wha—”
I gasped, stunned.
(Run away…?)
From whom?
Still wide-eyed, I turned to Lord Runken, but he wasn’t looking at me—his gaze was locked on His Majesty.
“Watch your tongue… Do you not value your own position?”
His Majesty raised a hand.
Behind him, a royal guard instinctively rested a hand on his sword hilt.
Despite this clear threat, Lord Runken’s voice remained calm.
“I merely offer my advice, as any loyal subject would.”
“I have no need for your lectures. No… this is the perfect opportunity. I’ve thought this for some time—you are a nuisance. The Runken family has grown far too powerful, and I’ve always been wary of it. Consider this your punishment.”
“Y-Your Majesty, please wai—”
Things were spiraling out of control, and I didn’t want to just stand by and watch, so I tried to intervene—when suddenly, another voice rang out.
“Your Majesty!! So this is where you were…!!”
The three of us turned toward the source.
A group of knights and bureaucrats—likely messengers from the castle—came rushing over, their anxiety obvious.
“Please return to the castle immediately!”
His Majesty clicked his tongue in irritation.
Clearly, being repeatedly told to return was grating on him.
But judging by the messengers’ urgency, something serious had happened.
I motioned for them to continue, and after briefly hesitating upon noticing me and Lord Runken, one of the officials decided to report nonetheless.
“The suspect Lady Veronica has gone missing…!!”
What do you think about this chapter?
