92.
Though he had brought the bead with that thought, Lyunne’s expression remained calm upon seeing it.
“You brought such a thing. Do you intend to use it?”
Even if he were to detonate it, Lyunne wouldn’t be harmed. But she clearly knew it was a bead containing explosion magic, so why was her reaction so calm? Instead, Lyunne extended her hand and whispered kindly.
“Use it if you want to.”
Lyunne continued approaching Yu Jin with her arms spread. Having reached a distance where she could touch him if she stretched out her hand, Lyunne smiled, raising the corners of her mouth. And then Yu Jin finally understood Lyunne’s intention completely.
‘She wants others to catch us together in this situation.’
It was obvious what would happen next if they were caught. Hadn’t it appeared often in novels? It was clear what would happen if she confessed that sexual acts had occurred in a space where only the two of them were present. She would either try to kill Yu Jin or, conversely, demand that he take responsibility. Naturally, Lyunne would choose the latter, and Yu Jin would be tied to her for life.
‘I had considered that possibility too.’
But he thought that Lyunne, being the daughter of a Duke’s family, wouldn’t resort to such a petty method.
‘But she is.’
Yu Jin put away the bead he had taken out and gauged the distance between himself and the balcony railing. The hall where the party was being held was on the first floor, but the balcony was on the second. As the ceiling of the hall was higher than the combined height of two floors, stairs surrounding the area led to the balcony. Most people preferred the second-floor balcony to the first floor. After all, it had a better atmosphere.
Now he was thinking of jumping from the balcony, but would this body be okay falling from the second floor? No, maybe it would be fine. Having thought that far, Yu Jin ran towards the railing, avoiding Lyunne. He saw Lyunne’s surprised expression but cleanly ignored it. He grabbed the railing and flung his body outward.
“Wow.”
It was his first time falling from this height. A chilling sensation ran down his spine, and his heart beat wildly. They say it’s the second floor, but it seems higher than that. Although the chances of survival were high since there were trees below in the garden, he couldn’t help feeling scared. Yu Jin unknowingly squeezed his eyes shut. But the terrible thing he had been imagining didn’t happen.
Thud.
Thanks to Jinhyeon catching Yu Jin as he fell, he was safe.
“My heart.”
Yu Jin pressed down on his still-pounding chest with his hand. Then, as he raised his head to thank Jinhyeon, his expression froze. Jinhyeon had a terrifying look on his face that Yu Jin had never seen before.
“…Let’s talk later.”
That’s even scarier. But Yu Jin had no choice but to nod obediently and follow Jinhyeon. As he put his feet on the ground and looked up at the sky, he could see Lyunne looking down at them from the balcony. She wore an expression of disbelief.
“Are you crazy?”
“No, I’m not.”
“What do you mean, no? Who jumps from up there?”
Lyunne bit her lips repeatedly and then sighed. She seemed to have much to say, but that was the end of it. She turned and disappeared inside. It seemed the urgent situation had passed for now.
“Where’s Keith?”
“He’s upstairs, preparing for any contingencies.”
Jinhyeon answered politely even in his angry state. Thanks to this, Yu Jin was able to understand the ongoing situation. Inside, they were in the middle of presenting gifts to the Duke, and Yu Jin was able to return to his place just in time.
“Greetings. I am Yu Jin of the Lucid family.”
Having received help from Ruhan in many aspects, including the gift, it was natural to put the family name first. It had been a life where he always only mentioned his own name. Putting the family first felt strange.
“Ah yes, I hear you’ve been selected as the heir recently.”
“It happened that way somehow.”
“Don’t say it like that. The head of Lucid I know is someone who cares for his family. There must have been a reason for choosing you as the heir.”
Yu Jin had a brief conversation with the Duke and handed over the prepared gift. It was a watch in a small box, and upon seeing it, the Duke exclaimed in admiration.
“It’s a protective device made by the Magic Tower. And it’s engraved with a single-digit number.”
Among the artifacts manufactured by the Magic Tower, there were some that couldn’t be obtained even with money, and this seemed to be one of those cases. The Duke was very satisfied and kept Yu Jin by his side longer. Because of this, the gazes pouring in from around were uncomfortable, but he couldn’t escape. He was no longer the rogue Yu Jin.
“You’ve changed a lot too.”
“People are meant to change.”
“But most don’t.”
The Duke said this and then paused for a moment.
“To be honest, I don’t like you.”
“Is that so?”
Yu Jin was accustomed to being disliked, so he could remain unmoved by the Duke’s harsh words.
“Aren’t you going to ask why?”
“I imagine it’s for similar reasons as others.”
“That’s partly true, but it’s a bit different. The reason I dislike you is because of my youngest daughter. That child, who has never even held hands with a man until now, likes you.”
“…I see.”
Yu Jin wasn’t sure what Lyunne had told the Duke. Even so, this seemed like the story was twisting too much. Yu Jin tried hard to grasp the situation by turning his thoughts. And he reached one conclusion. All of this didn’t seem to be purely Lyunne’s idea.
If so, let’s consider there might be someone behind this. Looking at the situation, it seemed that what the mastermind wanted was the union of Lucid and the Roeng Duke’s family. Lyunne had ambitions to become the head of the Duke’s family, but it was awkward for her to readily bring up the topic of marriage with Yu Jin. The Duke’s family already had an heir, and if Lyunne married Yu Jin, she would naturally come to Lucid. Then Lyunne wouldn’t get what she wanted. If so, there was only one thing for the mastermind moving Lyunne to do.
‘Kill or drive out the heir of the Duke’s family.’
Then Lyunne would be closer to the right of succession. If a child were to be born between Lyunne and Lucid, that child would naturally inherit the Duke’s family. And at that time, Yu Jin would become an unnecessary existence. Lyunne, who had already been worked on, would be easier to handle than Yu Jin. Just as he thought that far, the Duke opened his mouth again.
“So, what do you think of my daughter?”
The Duke spoke with a displeased expression.
“Lady Lyunne is an extraordinary person. She is more beautiful and wise than anyone. She doesn’t suit me. Don’t you know of my past infamy?”
“I know. But I also know your current reputation. Above all, my daughter wants this.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Do you not fancy Lyunne?”
“I already have someone I love.”
“That Colosseum slave?”
The Duke snorted.
“You’re rejecting Lyunne for such a thing?”
Such a thing? Jinhyeon was the one who would become king later and defeat Leviathan, who would make the people of the continent suffer. Later on, he would even be able to cut down a dragon with one sword.
‘Of course, this person doesn’t know that.’
Considering the current Jinhyeon, it was natural for him to speak like that. Rationally, Yu Jin understood, but he felt strangely upset. Yu Jin naturally raised his hand to brush his mouth. It was to stop the harsh words that were about to burst out. He had to choose his words carefully as he was speaking to a Duke.
‘Jinhyeon is a more remarkable person than you think. What do you know to call him “such a thing”? Later, you’ll be bowing your head and trembling before him.’
This won’t do. Let’s just keep quiet. Whatever he said would lead to the worst situation. Yu Jin turned his gaze away from the Duke. Just then, Hector from the Mellock Marquis family was stepping forward.
“Greetings, Duke. I am Hector of the Mellock Marquis family.”
“Ah, Hector. I’ve heard rumors about your talent in swordsmanship.”
“Thank you for thinking so highly of me.”
Hector, uncharacteristically pretending to be innocent, handed a gift to the Duke.
“It’s an ancient relic with the ability to clear one’s mind.”
Generally, anything with the word “ancient” attached to it was expensive. In short, the gift prepared by the Mellock Marquis family was also an item of great value. But still, it couldn’t match what Lucid had given. No matter how ancient the relic was, it was natural that its price would be lower than an artifact engraved with a single-digit number from the Magic Tower.
“I accept it with gratitude.”
The Duke passed the gift to a servant standing beside him. And at that moment, Hector dropped a bombshell statement.
“Duke, I wish to spend my life with Lady Lyunne.”
Lyunne, who had just revealed herself, stopped in her tracks upon seeing this, but it was already too late. Hector turned towards her and knelt before her.
“Lady Lyunne. Please accept my proposal. I can do anything for you. Tell me what you want. Then I will burn this body for that cause.”
It was meant to be a romantic declaration, but unfortunately, the situation and the target were not right. Yu Jin, watching this, unknowingly rubbed his arms where goosebumps had formed. As a rule, an unsolicited confession is a nuisance.
