Chapter 10

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Translator: Harry Potta

Chapter Title: There is No Mercy 10

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“Come on in.”

In the meantime, someone had knocked, and a voice called from inside.

The head butler opened the door to the study and stepped aside.

I gave him a nod of thanks before stepping inside.

The first thing that struck me upon entering the study was its stark atmosphere.

No flowers, no potted plants, not even a single painting on the walls—just a barren space.

And in the midst of that dimness sat a man with ash-gray hair and golden eyes like polished amber.

Aden Riplton.

He lifted his gaze from the documents in his hand and turned it toward me.

His expression was utterly emotionless and dry, though a faint wariness lingered beneath.

Just natural caution toward an unexpected visitor, I supposed.

Aden rose from his seat.

“You've had a tough journey.”

I responded to his brief greeting with proper etiquette.

“May Harmonia's grace be with you. I'm Sierra Brilloxen. It's an honor to meet you, Archduke.”

Though we'd already had an unpleasant encounter unofficially, this was our first official meeting.

In this historic moment, Aden rolled his eyes briefly, pausing. But, mindful of the formalities like I was, he played along.

“Have a seat, for now.”

Aden waved lightly, dismissing the knights who'd escorted me and the head butler who'd shown us in.

As the door closed, Aden's demeanor slowly hardened.

“You have a talent for startling people, my lady.”

Aden stepped back and approached the large window.

He pulled aside the blackout curtain and opened it.

Noises from outside filtered in.

The soldiers must have been untying the ropes securing the loads.

“A total of eight wagons! Each packed with grains, medicines, clothing, and other goods like liquor, luxury foods, and merchandise!”

As the covers were removed and the contents revealed, murmurs rose from the onlookers.

It was less than half of what we'd brought, but piled high on the wagons, it created an illusion of abundance.

Aden, peering outside, glanced at me before turning back.

Our eyes met.

I gave a slight smile, and Aden narrowed his eyes as he looked at me.

Now was the moment he'd ask what it was all about.

I pondered my response when an unexpected question slipped from his lips.

“What kind of tea do you like?”

“Tea?”

I stared at Aden, who had abruptly asked about my tea preferences.

Aden waited silently for my reply.

Ah, right.

Offering tea was basic courtesy.

But the austere state of the castle I'd seen on the way in flashed through my mind.

Was he going to brew it himself if I said yes?

There was no pantry in the room, no maid standing by.

That would mean Aden handling it personally...

“No, I'm fine.”

I shook my head, and instead of pressing, Aden came over and sat down.

He leaned back in his chair, gazing at me.

A brief silence filled the room.

Aden stared into my eyes as if testing my resolve, unblinking.

I met his gaze steadily in return.

The staring contest stretched on until Aden finally broke first.

“Can you explain now? What are those goods, and why have you come to see me so suddenly?”

“They're gifts. Don't you like them?”

Aden let out a dry chuckle at my response.

His golden eyes lingered on the desk before slowly rising to meet mine.

His lips parted.

“Such sudden gifts. They're a bit disorienting, but not unwelcome—especially if they're useful.”

“I'm glad they're helpful, then.”

I smiled brightly, and a flicker of puzzlement crossed his eyes.

Before he could speak, my voice flowed out.

“I know showing up out of nowhere with supplies must seem suspicious, but there's no ulterior motive. It's just my way of apologizing for last time. So please, accept them without suspicion.”

“Last time, huh...”

His lips twitched faintly before curving into a smile.

He looked at me with keen interest and spoke briefly.

“You said you heard nothing back then, but that doesn't seem to be the case.”

His voice sharpened like a needle.

“Did you hear everything?”

“Not everything—just enough. Does it matter? What matters is that I've brought the supplies you need.”

He straightened his leaning posture, rested his back against the chair, and lifted his chin slightly.

An arrogant, haughty pose.

But it suited this man perfectly.

“Brilloxen lady. What do you want?”

“I don't want anything...”

“If you say you want nothing, I won't entertain whatever proposal or offer you make next. So choose your words carefully.”

This was a tough negotiation.

A young archduke who ruled this harsh territory naturally suspected everything.

I blinked a few times while holding his gaze, then slowly spoke.

“These past few years...”

Meeting his narrowing eyes, I continued.

“I've heard you've been cut off from supplies from the Bozbon family. And I know about the contract between the Bozbon and Riplton families.”

“And?”

“I also learned that you're engaged to Bellieta through that contract.”

I paused to gauge his reaction.

His golden eyes gazing down at me showed no tremor.

Impossible to read his thoughts or feelings, I hesitated before pressing on.

“That day, when you and Bellieta argued in the garden—it was about this contract, wasn't it?”

Aden leaned back, gesturing for me to continue.

“Her stubborn resistance derailed the deal, leaving goods unexchanged for years on both sides.”

“And?”

“I don't know about the Bozbons, but Riplton must be struggling without basic supplies. That's why you tried to persuade her. Am I right?”

“Go on.”

He stood and approached the desk.

I eyed his broad, sturdy shoulders.

Aden picked up a sheet of paper from the desk and perched on its edge.

I narrowed my eyes at him intently before speaking slowly.

“Riplton Ghost Archduke...”

His gaze shifted at my deliberate tone.

“Don't you need supplies?”

I tugged at my lips, mirroring what he'd done.

Aden's brows slowly furrowed.

“I'll supply them for you.”

“Why?”

“Nothing much. Call it charity?”

“Too much for charity.”

“My father taught me that those who have much should give much.”

I flashed a bright smile.

Aden's eyes were predatory.

I didn't flinch from their probing depth.

After holding his piercing stare for a long moment, his voice came slowly.

“Long preamble. Get to the point.”

“It's simple. As I said, I'll provide ample supplies to Riplton every year. Ask for more if you need it—I'll deliver anything. High-quality iron, sturdy steel. I can even supply gear for your soldiers and send blacksmiths.”

“Conditions?”

“Simple.”

I extended a finger and poked my chest.

His head tilted curiously, so I emphasized my words.

“Choose me.”

“What?”

“And look only at me. Even if someone slanders me or tempts you with something alluring, choose me. And come running when I need you. That's all.”

His hair fell with the tilt of his head.

But his eyes remained steady.

Aden rolled his eyes briefly in thought before fixing them on me.

“I don't understand.”

“Shall I put it more simply?”

I lifted my chin and straightened up.

Then boldly declared.

“Break your contract with the Bozbon family and take my hand. I'm a woman of my word—I never disappoint those who join me or breach deals on a whim. So...”

I had no desire to hide my intentions.

Even if I dreamed of revenge by using this man, right now, I meant it desperately.

The unadorned Ghost Archduke with golden eyes.

“Be my man, Aden Riplton.”

The air grew tense.

His eyes on me, head slightly tilted.

His lips pressed into a firm line, fitting the mood perfectly.

A ghostly man.

Monster seemed a better fit.

My proposal was shocking from his perspective, impossible to answer lightly.

I wasn't expecting an answer today anyway.

If he refused, I'd keep delivering supplies and persuading him.

Even if he'd already fallen for Bellieta.

To topple the giant tree that was Aden Riplton, I'd forge a diamond axe if I had to.

Metaphorically speaking.

“Don't you like the idea?”

He gave no reply to my question.

His unwavering eyes stared straight at my face.

My fists clenched involuntarily.

Averting my gaze felt like defeat, so I stared back without blinking.

Finally, Aden's lips parted.

“I don't get it.”

“Do you need a reason?”

“No. Reasons I could fabricate plenty. Formality isn't the issue. I'm just curious what you really mean by this.”

“Do you think I'd make such a proposal without knowing full well?”

His eyes narrowed again.

Aden, perched sideways on the desk, approached slowly and held out the paper he'd been holding.

I looked down at it before him, then met his gaze.

“What's this?”