DDW 3

The monster of wicker!

Yes, that was indeed the most despairing aspect of this marriage.

It accounted for half of the reason why Mirane was so distraught.

Grand Duke Wallenstein was renowned for an appearance so horrific that people would scream in terror upon seeing him once. According to rumors, a witch who had been insulted by the previous Grand Duke and his wife had cast a curse on him, turning him into a monster.

The Minnesingers composed songs about a beast that tore people apart and drank their blood.

A cruel Grand Duke who bit people’s necks to suck their blood and raped virgins. His terrible notoriety, a blend of a brutal personality and a hideous appearance, was famous across the continent.

‘The monster of wicker, a monster.’

No matter how hard he tried to calm his heart, ominous imaginations continued to plague him. If the rumors were even slightly true, nothing but hell awaited his future. No matter how much he tried to reassure himself, the swamp of anxiety buried him in despair. As time passed, Mirane’s expression grew rigid, and his mind was consumed by an unfortunate future.

Then, he snapped back to his senses.

‘What am I doing?’

Mirane’s breath hitched.

‘Isn’t it just a rumor? I haven’t confirmed the truth yet.’

His wavering eyes settled calmly.

Steadying his fracturing heart, Mirane Raster straightened his back.

There was no need to be frustrated before he had even met the man. It was unproductive and, moreover, rude. Harboring such worries would only increase his anxiety; there was nothing to be gained from it.

And also… in a way, he was a pitiful man.

At that moment, a bitter smile escaped him.

A man who was mocked on a continental scale, cursed through no fault of his own.

‘Abandoned by family, just like me…’

It was said that Castell von Wallenstein had lived in a spire since childhood because the previous Grand Duke and Duchess were stolen contentrepulsed by him. They claimed he avoided stolen contentpeople’s gaze out of anger at their mockery.

Instead of fear, a look of pity began to surface on Mirane’s face.

‘How could they be so cruel to the fruit of their love, when love alone should not have been enough?’

Family should cherish and love one another. Parents should unconditionally care for and give affection to their children.

‘A child cannot choose their parents… so why would they treat their own blood worse than a stranger?’

The fruit of love!

A laugh escaped him at that thought.

He thought of himself, growing up alone in a vast mansion; his mother, who left him when he was young; and his cold-blooded father, who neglected him and eventually sold him off.

In that moment, Mirane’s heart sank into a stillness like the great ocean.

With a calm mind, Mirane closed his eyes.

‘Castell von Wallenstein.’

The rumors of the Grand Duke, carried by the wind, settled in Mirane’s ears.

「Arrogant Yohaim insulted the witch.

The witch, in her rage, cursed Yohaim’s son.

Who could have known?

When beautiful Roselyn bore Yohaim’s son,

A son like a snowflake with soft, rosy cheeks,

Would turn into a man who had passed through a thicket of thorns.」

「Listen here.

They say a monster lives north of Obert.

With a scarred appearance like a leper,

A Grand Duke who kills a hundred lions.

The witch said as she left Yohaim:

‘I shall leave your son a hideous appearance like mine.

I shall leave your son a brilliant talent like mine.’

How just the witch of Obert is.」

His emerald eyes slowly opened.

He remained silent for a long time, showing no movement.

Then, letting out a slow sigh, he reached out to close the window.

It was then.

Click. The sound of the door opening was heard. It was a sound [visit our site]that brought [unauthorized copy]a unauthorized copystrange glint to Mirane’s eyes.

Startled by the sudden presence, Mirane turned toward the door. The moment he saw the figure stepping over the threshold, his eyes widened.

“You?”

There stood a voluptuously dressed woman, her thighs exposed. With wavy reddish-blonde hair cascading down, she revealed her body, which shimmered under the moonlight.

“Lord Mirane.”

At that moment, Mirane let out a hollow laugh. He realized the situation.

“Leave.”

His voice was strained.

“I will tell Father— No!”

Confusion clouded the woman’s eyes. Mirane’s face had turned pale.

‘Today is the full moon!’

Realizing the forgotten fact, he lost his composure and acted impulsively.

Grabbing the arm of the woman crossing the threshold, Mirane held his breath.

“Gasp!”

Hearing the sound of her breath catching, Mirane Raster’s expression hardened.

‘She saw.’

Displeasure flashed across his usually gentle face.

Mirane’s gaze pierced the woman sharply.

A dark voice flowed.

“You should not have come here.”

The prostitute, who knew well how to flatter people, was unexpectedly unable stolen contentto compose herself in this [visit our site]moment. Looking at her vacant expression and trembling body Read on Read BL Novelswith heavy eyes, Mirane suddenly let out a sigh.

This was not her fault.

“I, I…”

“The Count’s estate should have strict security; how did you get in?”

“The, the Count… he said you were pitiful. That you should embrace a woman one last time…”

As expected. Mirane let out a bitter smile.

Pushing aside the disappointment and anger that seeped into his heart, he continued in a calm voice.

“Today is not a good day, so please go back. And if my father asks, answer like this: Mirane does not appreciate such favors.”

Having said that, Mirane released the woman’s arm. “My apologies.” At his brief words, the woman’s face flushed.

Despite the clear order to leave, the woman remained sitting there for a long time, unable to move. Realizing the woman was voyeuristically admiring his reflection in the window, Mirane let out a troubled smile.

Mirane urged her in a soft voice.

“Please, hurry.”

The woman moved in a flurry.

“I-I am sorry.”

Tadadak!

Listening to the sound of footsteps echoing down the hallway, Mirane could only lament.

‘Father!’

Was this his father’s version of a heart?

Was this called pity…?

He knew well that he was foolish. He knew it was stupid that, even as an adult, he could not break free and was swayed like a dog on a leash.

However, Mirane could not disobey Count Raster. This engagement had occurred by agreement with the Emperor, and he was the Emperor’s stolen contentknight and his father’s son. Regardless of whether he hated him or not, he had lived as Count Raster’s son for over twenty [Read on Read BL Novels]years. stolen contentClinging to the occasional displays of familial affection, craving that love.

Therefore, Mirane could not refuse his words. It was like the loyalty of a trained dog or horse. Or perhaps like a dancing bear accustomed to the whip.

Thus, the agonizing night passed and morning dawned.

The incident with the prostitute was shocking, but Mirane did not confront him. No, there was no time to confront him. He had to move quickly to complete the handover within the given time.

“I believe I must stop working now. I am sorry.”

As soon as he entered the palace, he had to submit his resignation to Edwick, the General of the Royal Guard.

A man with a lean impression, black hair touching his shoulders and dark green eyes—deeper than Mirane’s—shining darkly, looked at him with deep eyes. Edwick was a high-ranking official responsible for the forces directly under the Emperor. And he was Mirane’s immediate superior.

As if he had been forewarned, Edwick simply accepted the resignation without a word. Without prying, he calmly read the neat handwriting on the resignation letter.

“I see.”

Edwick’s face was more ruthless and cold than usual. Looking at a face that would instill fear in others, Mirane could only let out an awkward smile. He knew well that his superior made a cold face when he felt sorry. Just like right now.

“Understood. Mirane Raster. You’ve worked hard.”

‘He feels guilty.’

Looking at Edwick, who lowered his gaze to avoid eye contact, Mirane sighed inwardly. There was absolutely no need for Edwick to do so, yet he felt a guilt that even his father did not feel. For Mirane, it was awkward, but he couldn’t help but be grateful. Seeing the chilly knight feeling flustered warmed a corner of his heart, and Mirane uttered a soft thank you filled with affection.

“Thank you for everything.”

He felt nothing but gratitude toward Edwick. Perhaps they could catch up later. With a faint smile on his lips, Mirane bowed.

Looking at him, Edwick spoke bluntly.

“Twenty-one years since you joined the royal guard.”

Mirane’s body stiffened.

“There were many knights with greater abilities than you, Mirane, but there was no man as wonderful as you. No subordinate I cherished as much.”

Mirane’s body wouldn’t move. Edwick looked at him with indifferent eyes.

After composing himself for a moment, Mirane finally took a step.

Edwick did not stop him as he exited the door.

Throughout that day, Mirane had to cross between heaven and hell.

“Captain. If anything happens, please tell me anytime.”

“Do not worry. Nothing will happen.”

“Captain. Please, please do not keep it all bottled up inside.”

Numerous people had their eyes redden with regret over Mirane’s retirement. Mirane was moved by this unexpected phenomenon, yet he also felt the heart-wrenching pain of grief.

‘I suppose I lived my life well.’

Even while thinking this.

‘Who on earth am I that they…’

He had to swallow a groan at such a thought.