Ruining Old Fang was just another task that would only strengthen the Empire and weaken a family.

Having a heart and forsaking privileges are foreign concepts to the elite. Destroying is another matter entirely.

It is not cruel to drag the world into slumber yet something dark tugs at her bones.

Her family was by no means poor and despite the Strogameer’s wealth returning to the Regis, private accounts were hidden away.

Rain, in his paranoia, stashed money away any chance he could and even had bank accounts registered to others. Some were found but most were not. Her mother never told her the passwords but had hinted they were hidden in the family’s old properties.

To find such hidden wealth would require her to venture onto old Strogameer land and look for clues, but they’re a protected space only the Regis can enter.

Emperor Rajabu forbid all from entering such residence, and the law has been upheld, though ones who choose to break it are never heard from again.

However, despite the many lands her ancestors owned there were only a few that went into frequent use.

Kingship was a castle situated in the deep woods located near the mountains. Hardly anyone dared to venture there in this age, but it’s not only because of Rajabu’s orders.

Ghosts of the long forgotten Age of Sara are said to roam the abandoned castle. Wrath lingers in the halls, some rumors say.

Anmutig has only ventured those halls once when her mother brought her there. Well, it was more like carry since she was still in her womb at the time.

How her mother managed to escape the castle will remain a mystery.

Suddenly, a voice separates her from her thoughts.

“I suppose you’re going after me next.”

Zachary drawls like the elder he is. He smokes an electronic cigar that gives off blue smoke when he breathes out.

“I must say I’m quite impressed with your little maneuvering. You caused quite the stir in the Lower District, so much you’ve gone a little viral!”

“I’m aware.”

“And yet you boldly show your face in public.”

Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.

“I have nothing to be ashamed of so I don’t see a reason not to venture out.”

“And yet you haven’t addressed me by my proper title.”

“Is there a law stating such a thing? I reserve such things only to his Majesty and the heir.”

“So intelligent, little Anmutig. You haven’t answered my question.”

“You haven’t answered mine.”

“We never made a contract.”

“Exactly. Now if you’ll excuse me I must be on my way.”

“Actually I was hoping to form a new contract.”

A laugh almost escapes her.

“Oh? And what would that entail?”

“Have you wondered why no one has approached you despite your blunder?”

Absolutely.

“I’m obviously not an idiot.”

He gestures around like it’s a show and not a potential murder scene.

“This is my influence, Anmutig. Without it you would’ve been apprehended.”

“So this is a warning disguised as helpfulness.”

“It’s not a threat, I’m just honoring our families contract to protect each other during times of turmoil.”

Is he trying to imply her mother is alive?

“I see.”

…

Zachary had tried to establish another contract but luckily he received a call urging him to return home.

She ventures home to a distracted husband.

Verrat is too busy arguing on the phone with their manager to notice her return. She’s unsure how he’s managed to survive to his twenties. At least the Empire will spare him.

It’s almost painful to admit her parents were right in regards to him.

Perhaps she’d been obsessed with his handsome face or caring personality. He was never like this when they were dating, though they weren’t living together at the time.

Still, he’d seemed so doting at the beginning. However, he’s an actor and those types are wonderful liars. How funny. Two liars married to one another.

Marrying him wasn’t an act of rebellion but naive love.

“Babe, try not to look at your social media for a while.”

“I already saw.”

He groans.

“Sorry babe, I’ve tried to defend you in the comment section but they keep trashing us. I mean there are some defending you but still.”

“It’s fine. Thanks for defending me.”

“I wish they could see your beautiful smile. We’ll get through this babe.”

Her heart melts and her mind is filled with regret for ever doubting him.

“But I had no idea you were a Strogameer! That’s kind of cool. We should’ve used that earlier to increase our follower count!”

“Y-You’re joking right? I told you before we were married.”

“You did? I must’ve forgotten.”

Yep, no one is going to kill him.

The next day Anmutig spreads out various tablets on the floor and verbally activates them.

“J, please show me Gilded Square.”

A chorus of chimes emit from the small devices until holographic maps emerge from the screens.

She makes a show of scrolling across the maps using the stylus.

“Verrat, how about we go to our managers house Wednesday and plead our case? See? It’s near Gilded Square.”

Her husband pops his head into the room.

“Are you sure? He wasn’t exactly thrilled yesterday.”

“It’s worth a shot. Remember Verrat, you’ve accomplished so much in the years I’ve known you so I’m confident we can get through this.”

The Gilded Square is situated near the woods that house Kingship castle so if all goes according to plan then she’ll be able to sneak away long enough to examine the perimeter. The only problem is that it hails near the Royal District but such things can’t be helped.

Moreover she hasn’t forgotten Zorn and his suspicious ways. Recently he’s been advocating for Michelly’s death on social media but his mistake was announcing he’d be in the Square on a certain day.