The New Sub-Duke (2)
"Isn't that the man who was interrogated as a criminal at the public trial back then?"
"What? That guy from back then?"
"You must not have attended the public trial that day, so you don't recognize his face. That man's known as the 'Serpent of Mercury,' a subordinate of the Black Witch."
"Serpent of Mercury? What kind of nickname is that?"
"That silver-haired guy toyed with the nobles, including Count Orba, with his words during the trial. That's how he got the name—meaning a 'snake bearing silver poison.' He looks slender and frail, but the way he speaks is cunning as a serpent."
Standing on the prisoner's platform, when he shot back, 'If you deem Elvin evil, then you're no different from evil yourselves,' his gaze alone made the nobles furrow their brows.
"And His Excellency the Duke invited that man to the celebration for the new sub-duke's inauguration?"
"That's why I can't figure it out. What connection could there be? Even Alex, the new sub-duke himself, stepped up to testify on his behalf."
"Why would they... a lowborn like him, practically a criminal... Has the Armitas ducal house finally begun to decline?"
"Who knows? Maybe he sweet-talked his way into clinging to the duke's family for scraps."
"True. A commoner with nothing to his name, calling himself the Black Witch's lover? Living off a high-rank digit mage's fame. Pathetic."
"I hear he has nothing—no home, no possessions—so he's holed up in the witch's mansion. A pet snake raised by the witch. The nickname fits perfectly. As a fellow man, it's shameful."
"Tsk tsk. If that's the case, the ducal house is truly past its prime. I worry if the sub-duke can lead it well."
"Then we step in to help. Unlike others, we've supported Armitas materially and morally in our faction. They won't ignore us."
"Is that so? Heh heh."
"Ha... "
Erin, overhearing the nobles arbitrarily judging the ducal house by their own standards and badmouthing Eunhyeon, wore an exasperated expression.
Just as she moved to approach them, Eunhyeon grabbed her arm, stopping her impulsive action.
"Ignore them."
"You want me to just sit here after hearing that? They still haven't seen how amazing you... "
Erin, who usually downplayed herself in public settings and lacked confidence, was uncharacteristically emotional as she poured out her words to Eunhyeon. But Illyana, walking beside him, had a grim expression, so Erin trailed off.
Having heard the nobles' whispers too, Illyana shot them a sharp glare. The nobles shuddered, cut off their conversation, and hurriedly averted their gazes.
"Tsk. Let's go."
Illyana clicked her tongue softly, hooked her arm through Eunhyeon's with a glance, and quickened her pace.
Erin had expected Illyana to show the nobles a thing or two on her behalf, but seeing her do nothing but hurry along left Erin even more baffled. She knew Illyana cared for Eunhyeon just as deeply as she did—perhaps even more.
Illyana had publicly declared Eunhyeon her lover, yet here she was, swallowing it and moving on. It made no sense.
"No need to waste emotions on trash like that. They're just making noise—they can't even stand straight under Illyana's gaze. I don't take it to heart at all."
"But... "
The nobles knew nothing of who Eunhyeon truly was.
To the public, he was merely Illyana's lover, a nobody riding her coattails.
Erin had been saved by him and knew his greatness firsthand, so it puzzled her that he showed no reaction to such humiliating public judgment.
"I hate to say it now, but you're kind of a masochist in this regard."
Illyana, who looked just as annoyed as Erin, sighed at Eunhyeon.
"A masochist?"
Erin blinked in confusion at the explanation, prompting Illyana to nod and elaborate.
"This guy's weird. He feels most at ease when people look down on him and underestimate him."
"...Why?"
Erin's gaze screamed, What kind of bizarre trait is that?
"Makes it easier to smack them upside the head later."
"Huh...?"
"Nobles or merchant guild leaders—people in high positions often think they're the noblest and smartest in the world. Being above everyone makes them feel like puppeteers. They never imagine anyone above them."
"And you're the one pulling their strings?"
"Hardly. People like that are convinced they're the smartest. That's why they let their guard down. The more insignificant or lowly they see the opponent, the sloppier they get."
"So... you feel relaxed when people underestimate you?"
"Relaxed isn't quite it... My wording sucks. It's just convenient for getting things done."
Seeing Eunhyeon's wry smile, Erin could tell.
"You're really weird... "
"Harsh. It's not like I'm putting up with it because I enjoy it."
[But you're still sticking to that method, aren't you?]
'I've lived this way. Can't help it. Oh, and this isn't blaming you, Goddess, so no need to apologize.'
Lately, whenever this topic arose, Verdandi always looked apologetic, so Eunhyeon preempted her.
[The child sticks to the same path even when other roads are offered.]
Verdandi gave a bitter smile now, rather than remorse.
How could Eunhyeon, after centuries of this approach, change his habits overnight?
"Duke Armitas, entering!"
At the herald's cry, all the nobles turned as Abros entered, followed by Alex, Elenoa, and their mother—Abros's second wife, Luness Armitas.
Ashton and his mother were absent.
Abros ascended the central platform, scanning the nobles' faces before speaking.
"I thank all of you for attending to celebrate Alex's appointment as the new sub-duke of House Armitas. This banquet is for him, so I'll hand the floor to the star—my son. Alex."
"Yes."
Alex stepped forward onto the vacated platform, facing the crowd.
"First, my deepest thanks to all the distinguished guests who came to celebrate me."
His speech began with gratitude.
"Recently, the Pernias Kingdom has seen three major scandals."
Erin realized two involved her directly: the 'Hersha baronet embezzlement' and the 'Fernin noble serial assaults.'
What was the third? Curious, but not the time to ask, she focused on Alex's words.
"I see this as a time of great turmoil. Taking on the heavy role of sub-duke amid chaos gave me much to ponder. Though lacking, I'll strive to prove worthy of the heir's position. I ask for your guidance and support."
His formal, respectful speech ended to resounding applause from the nobles.
"Please enjoy the banquet."
He bowed slightly, concluding, and the festivities resumed.
"Impressive... "
"Impressive?"
"Yeah. I hadn't fully grasped it before, but Alex really is from such a high-ranking family."
To Erin, Alex had just been a 'friend of a friend.'
His casual visits to Illyana's mansion with Elenoa or friendly approach to the newly met Eunhyeon felt un-noble-like, so she'd grown used to it.
But tonight's Alex was different—serious, burdened with duty. It reminded her of Eunhyeon's words:
- Nobility means bearing the lives of many. One choice can sway lives; a single mistake from those at the nation's core can doom it.
"Is that what Hyun means by a 'noble'?"
"Better than the others, at least. That guy."
"Come to think of it, Hyun doesn't put on that fake front around the duke's family."
"Fake? Call it sales skills."
"He's weak against good people. No guilt smacking bad guys, but he hates backstabbing the nice ones."
"Shut up."
Illyana giggled teasingly, and Eunhyeon—rarely irked—glared at her.
Knowing it was him hiding embarrassment, she stifled her laughter, amused.
"Eunhyeon-nim."
"Hm?"
The woman's voice calling him soured Eunhyeon's enjoyment of his champagne.
"Father is waiting."
Elenoa's polite demeanor, personally relaying Abros's summons, silenced the hall momentarily.
"That damn... "
Eunhyeon instantly grasped Abros's intent, grinding his teeth.
Illyana caught on too, smirking at the fun twist, while Erin looked puzzled by their reactions.
"Understood."
"I'll guide you."
Elenoa led the trio away courteously, and the hall buzzed anew.
"See that? Lady Elenoa's deference?"
"Saw it. Why treat a mere commoner so politely?"
The daughter of the kingdom's second-most powerful house personally escorting—not Illyana, but Eunhyeon.
"Could it be... "
"You're thinking it too?"
"You as well?"
For the first time, seeds of doubt sprouted among the nobles: perhaps Eunhyeon was far more significant than assumed.
"A pointless stunt."
Eunhyeon's displeasure was plain, but Abros smirked, satisfied.
"Making that face is plenty gratifying for me."
Openly flipping off the world with satisfaction left Eunhyeon dumbfounded.
Having his daughter formally fetch Eunhyeon before the nobles was a blatant show of ducal endorsement.
Now, those nobles would eye Eunhyeon with interest—and wariness.
It clashed with Eunhyeon's usual strategy of fostering contempt and complacency.
"Didn't you plan to reveal yourself anyway?"
"There's a process. I didn't want needless vigilance."
"Too bad."
"You don't look sorry at all."
"In the end, I let the nobles know not just the Black Witch, but me backs you. Good is good—let it slide."
"Pfft."
"...No way?"
Elenoa burst into laughter at Eunhyeon's glare, unable to hold it.
It echoed his line from when she'd angrily requested Berman's treatment.
Eunhyeon instantly knew whose idea this was.
"This your revenge?"
"Hee hee, whatever do you mean?"
After glaring at her feigned innocence, Eunhyeon sighed in resignation.
"Fine. You win. Didn't expect such lingering spite."
"I'll take the compliment."
Abros, intrigued by the rare sight, soon grew serious.
"Now, to business."
"Ah... "
Abros eyed Erin; she let out a soft groan, meeting his gaze.
"First time introducing myself properly. Abros Armitas, head of House Armitas. Also the father of the man who ruined your brother and family."
"E-Erin Hersha. D-Duke... sir."
"Do you resent me?"
His blunt question left Erin speechless for a moment.