Chapter 109
Why did the wolf shapeshifter obey my command? Was it just a coincidence?
Or… is this also part of my power?
My head was tangled and confused. My heart was still beating as if it might burst, and my ears felt muffled.
Large hands gently wrapped around my shoulders. A familiar scent and warm temperature.
Before I knew it, I was embraced in Karden’s arms.
Karden held me while raising his sword. The tip was pointed precisely at Berdin.
“Explain why there’s a berserk shapeshifter at the royal ball, Duke Berdin.”
His restrained voice, suppressing anger, cut through the cold air.
Berdin remained composed even with the sword nearly touching his chin.
What gives him such confidence?
Just then, the Crown Prince and the royal knights hurriedly came toward the fountain. Owen and Yudis were also visible among them.
“Your Highness, the Crown Prince, you’ve arrived.”
Karden and Berdin paused their confrontation and bowed their heads to Crown Prince William.
William’s expression was displeased, and Owen and Yudis also had dark looks on their faces.
“Your Grace, I have something to report.”
Owen approached Karden and reported in a low voice. Karden’s jaw tightened and he narrowed his brow as he listened.
I have a bad feeling. Did the search of the shapeshifter shelter not go well?
After assessing the situation, William spoke.
“I’ve received a report from the Knight Captain. A shapeshifter attendant went berserk because of Turba flowers? Whose attendant was it?”
The Knight Captain bowed his head.
“Upon confirmation, it was an attendant of House Alred.”
Wait, he threw a dagger at his own attendant without hesitation?
That’s too cruel.
William glared at Berdin with a cold gaze.
“Is this true, Duke Alred?”
Berdin respectfully bowed to William before explaining.
“It’s true that the wolf shapeshifter is my attendant. But it seems he came to give me an urgent report and went berserk after smelling the Turba fragrance. I will take responsibility for the negligent management of my attendant. However…”
Berdin’s golden eyes flashed sharply.
“I wonder why Turba flowers were used as decorations at the royal ball. Our family produces Turba flowers in strict secrecy and distributes them safely. Shouldn’t we prioritize finding who intended to decorate the ball with Turba flowers, Your Grace?”
I was dumbfounded by his attitude, pretending to be a completely uninvolved victim.
Who caused this in the first place?
William raised one eyebrow with a displeased expression.
“I understand that Turba flowers are the cause of shapeshifters going berserk. House Alred, which produces and distributes Turba flowers, bears responsibility for inadequate management and supervision. Furthermore, I will severely punish the crime of causing a disturbance in the royal palace.”
William turned his gaze and ordered the Knight Captain.
“Place Duke Alred in temporary custody.”
“I will obey your command, Your Highness.”
The Royal Knight Captain and knights seized both of Berdin’s arms. Berdin didn’t resist and instead wore a relaxed smile.
What is he plotting?
I have a bad feeling. Berdin’s composed attitude seems like that of someone who already anticipated this situation.
“Your Highness, something terrible has happened!”
Just then, the head chamberlain and servants rushed over. The head chamberlain stood before the Crown Prince, breathing heavily.
“What’s happened?”
“His Majesty the King’s condition has suddenly worsened.”
“Father? Have you called for a healer?”
“Well…”
The head chamberlain trailed off, glancing toward the arrested Berdin.
“His Majesty is insisting that he needs Duke Alred’s medicine, and demands that Duke Alred be summoned immediately.”
A startled William exchanged glances with Karden. Karden nodded with a serious expression.
William gritted his teeth, visibly struggling to contain his anger. The Crown Prince approached Berdin and glared at him fiercely.
“Duke Alred, you must ensure His Majesty’s complete recovery. Only then can your punishment be reduced even slightly.”
“I’m grateful for Your Highness’s mercy.”
Berdin bowed his head respectfully, but when he raised it again, the corners of his mouth were slightly twisted upward.
Berdin headed toward the main palace, where the King’s chambers were located, accompanied by the head chamberlain.
“Ah, we’ve let the caught fish slip away!”
William couldn’t contain his anger and exclaimed in a low voice. Karden approached William to calm him.
“Your Highness, please remain calm. Without clear evidence, it’s still premature.”
“Hyungnim, I heard there was no evidence at the shapeshifter shelter. What should we do now?”
“For now, focus on His Majesty’s recovery. I will pursue Duke Alred’s crimes to the end with the Northern Knights. Right now, we need House Alred’s medicine to treat His Majesty’s illness.”
“Haah… very well.”
The Crown Prince sighed and straightened his posture. His gaze turned to me standing behind Karden.
“Shuvelia doesn’t look well. Hyungnim, you should take her with you first. I’ll end today’s royal ball here.”
I quickly bowed to the Crown Prince.
“Thank you for your consideration, Your Highness.”
“No. Shuvelia, are you alright? I heard you saw a berserk shapeshifter.”
“Ah, well…”
I hesitated, not knowing what to say.
Honestly, I was barely standing. The Turba flower scent had disappeared now, but my legs kept trembling and my heart was racing.
A shapeshifter obeying my command. I was confused about how this was possible.
I was just pretending to be fine because I didn’t want to worry Karden.
Just then, a familiar scent drifted to my nose. An instinctively compelling scent so familiar and longed for.
The voices of people around me gradually became fainter, and the surrounding space felt suddenly cut off.
I slowly turned my head.
A vivid silver figure beyond the darkness of the garden and tree shadows.
Franz was staring intently at me.
How long had he been there?
Why are you looking at me with such a pained expression, Franz?
The moment I thought I should catch him this time, a splitting headache surged through me. It was pain as if all the nerves in my body were burning.
“Ah!”
My legs wobbled and my body tilted as I collapsed.
“Shuvelia!”
Karden’s hand tried to catch me, but.
As if a heavyweight was attached to my body, my consciousness sank into the deep sea.
How long had I been unconscious?
Through blurry vision, I could see the canopy bed ceiling.
The cozy fireplace light gently illuminated the room.
Ah, this is… Karden’s bedroom.
It was the first time I’d been in Karden’s bedroom since staying at the villa.
As I turned my gaze vacantly, Karden was slumped at the head of the bed.
Had he stayed by my side all night? He was dressed in a simple tunic, and his black hair was disheveled.
The shadows were deep beneath his tightly closed eyelids. Even in sleep, his brow was deeply furrowed.
He’ll get wrinkles at this rate.
I carefully smoothed his brow with my index finger.
His expression softened at my touch.
I examined his face, where light shadows fell along his long eyelashes and high nose bridge.
Usually, his face is proud and expressionless, but his sleeping face looked as gentle as a young boy’s.
Why does my heart ache dully when I look at him?
Why can’t I take my eyes off him?
As if having a nightmare, his face contorted slightly, and his breathing became rough.
I carefully placed my hand on his forehead. His ragged breathing gradually calmed.
“Karden…”
I quietly called his name in my mouth. Like caressing a treasured glass marble.
Then his eyes flew open.
I startled and removed my hand from his forehead, but he quickly caught it.
“Shuvelia, are you alright?”
“Ah, yes. I’m fine.”
Only then did Karden let out a deep sigh.
“Haah, that’s a relief. Ron said you suddenly went into shock. It must have been because of the Turba flowers. I’m truly glad you’re safe.”
“I was careless. I should have noticed the Turba flowers sooner.”
“No. It’s enough that you’re safe.”
Karden handed me a cup of water. It was just what I needed as my throat was dry. After moistening my throat with a sip of water, I poured out my questions.
“What about the ball? What happened?”
“It ended quietly for now. His Highness the Crown Prince has hushed up the shapeshifter incident for the time being.”
“Ah, I see.”
I nodded, then belatedly remembered Cade’s face.
I couldn’t forget her eyes, filled with terror as she looked at me.
‘No way… are you a monster?’
Discussion
0 CommentsReactions
No comments yet.