TRCR 28

Croa had taken over Leo’s grooming because the usual groomer was on honeymoon leave.
It happened in a flash. A moment’s distraction, and Croa botched it.
He shaved a two-finger patch off Leo’s head, leaving a bald spot on Yulian’s nape too.
Leo let it slide, amused by his own antics, but Yulian was livid.
He raged about finding the culprit until Leo calmed him down.
Recalling Yulian’s crazed expression, Croa shuddered.
“Not that, please!”
“Then spill. Who’s this mystery boss?”
Croa wanted to cry.
But he reconsidered.
Tanisha, knowing his blunder, would figure out Rebecca’s identity eventually.
Better to reveal it now and avoid trouble later.
“Fine, listen closely…”
Tanisha tied back her light brown hair, leaning in.
* * *
“The emperor summoned me?”
“Yes, he insisted on your expertise…”
Zeppelin rubbed his forehead at Elwin Devonshire’s words.
“Can’t you handle it?”
“It’s too critical for my capabilities.”
“Damn it.”
Zeppelin exhaled coldly.
Elwin, watching his mood, gripped his clasped hands tightly.
He managed the Devonshire family’s art trade.
Zeppelin picked the pieces, and Elwin acquired them, no matter what.
He respected Zeppelin’s eye for art—no client had ever disliked his choices.
But this request felt off.
The imperial court often dealt with them, and Elwin usually handled it.
The emperor knew this, yet insisted Zeppelin personally secure this piece.
“Not even a finished work, just a commission, and I have to go myself? Stay until it’s done?”
“The artist’s identity mustn’t leak, they stressed. Said you’re the best for discretion…”
“Damn it! Why didn’t you talk them out of it? You let it get this far?”
Zeppelin hurled a paperweight at Elwin, the emerald striking his forehead.
Elwin stumbled, then stood, rubbing the bleeding gash, unfazed.
More scared of Zeppelin’s wrath than the injury.
Zeppelin shouted, unappeased.
“Rebecca’s sick right now! What if something happens while I’m gone?”
“S-sorry…”
Elwin wiped blood, bowing.
Zeppelin scowled at the blood on his hand.
“Get out before you stain the carpet.”
“What about this matter…?”
“I’ll handle it. Didn’t you hear me? Out!”
Elwin bowed repeatedly and left.
Maids rushed to treat his wound, more concerned about blood on the pristine estate than his pain.
Elwin trembled.
Technically, he was Zeppelin’s uncle, but he couldn’t protest this humiliation.
His daughter, Charlotte, was Zeppelin’s hostage.
“Don’t do anything foolish. I’ll take care of Charlotte. Do your job, and she won’t get hurt.”
Elwin sighed deeply.
Zeppelin sent photos and censored letters of Charlotte as rewards for good work.
She looked fine in them.
But every night, worry consumed him.
Charlotte… where are you?
He feared this incident might provoke Zeppelin to harm her.
“Uncle, hello.”
A bright voice greeted him in the lobby.
Elwin paused, seeing Rebecca.
“Rebecca?”
“Oh, your forehead… You saw him, didn’t you?”
He stared at her in the wheelchair.
Now he understood why Zeppelin was so irritable.
“I heard you were hurt, but this…”
“It’s fine. Not incurable. Must be urgent if you came here?”
“Well…”
Her kind tone almost made him speak.
But piercing stares from all sides silenced him.
His hands grew clammy. The estate felt like it had eyes in the walls.
To him, the Devonshire estate was a demon’s den.
And Rebecca, its most treasured prize.
He cut himself off.
“No, forget it. Don’t worry, just rest.”
He fled the scene.
Rebecca called after him.
“Say hi to Aunt for me!”
He glanced back.
She waved with a radiant smile.
He froze, stunned.
Was she always this bright…?
After Elwin left, Rebecca summoned Kanna.
She nodded toward the exit.
“Find out what’s going on.”
Kanna nodded silently.
* * *
“The emperor’s request?”
“Yes. It’s secretive, but it’ll keep the count away for a while.”
“Since Uncle came, it’s likely art-related. What’s big enough to need Zeppelin himself?”
As Rebecca pondered, Kanna cautiously asked,
“Doesn’t it seem too convenient?”
“Yeah. So perfect I want to cheer.”
“Should I check for suspicious activity?”
“No need. I have a guess.”
She recalled her talk with Yulian days ago.
“Then make Zeppelin so busy he can’t stay in the estate. That’d let me move freely.”
She’d said it jokingly, but remembered Yulian’s thoughtful look.
And the determined expression that followed.
She’d sensed he’d cause a stir but hadn’t expected him to involve the emperor.
Yulian was shrewd for his age.
Smiling, she told Kanna,
“Zeppelin’s going to be busy for a while, huh?”
“Seems so.”
“Perfect. Easier to slip out.”
“By the way, I got this note on my way. It’s for you.”
“For me?”
Rebecca opened the note Kanna handed her.
<From your puppet CEO. The office is ready. Visit when convenient.>
A brief address was included.
“How’d they know you, Kanna?”
“I’m wondering that too. Only Robert knows I’m your aide.”
“Either a trap or someone very capable.”
“Are you… going?”
Rebecca tapped the note lightly.
“Hm, I have to. Got other business there anyway.”
“…”
“Why that look?”
“I’m scared.”
“Of what?”
“That one day, with these reckless moves, you won’t come back.”
Rebecca gazed at Kanna’s drooping brows.
She was surely recalling the day Rebecca threw herself down the stairs.
Reaching out, she cupped Kanna’s cheeks.
They flushed pink in her hands.
“Kanna, don’t worry. I have no plans to die. I’ve never wanted to live more.”
Pausing, she added,
“Even if I die someday, it won’t be now.”
Kanna gave a faint, reassured smile.
But her unease lingered.
She couldn’t shake the ominous feeling that Rebecca might leave her behind one day.
Her bad premonitions rarely came true, so she savored Rebecca’s warmth cautiously.
* * *
Lunch was silent. Alicia, usually chatty, focused on her food.
Her boldness against Fabiola was gone; she’d become a demure wife.
Rebecca watched, shocked.
Zeppelin had been “training” her for less than a month.
What was in the Hall of Light that made every hound fear it and tamed the haughty Alicia so quickly?
Finished, Zeppelin wiped his mouth.
“Rebecca, I’ll be away for a while. Tell the head maid if anything comes up. Alicia, don’t even think about causing trouble.”
Alicia smiled softly, rubbing her slightly swollen belly.
“Of course, my lord. I’ve decided to be a virtuous wife for my child.”
“Training paid off. Even beasts can be useful with discipline. Rebecca, you’ll behave while I’m gone, right?”
Alicia’s brow twitched at “beast.”
But she ate a tiny dessert as if she hadn’t heard.
Rebecca glanced at Alicia’s graceful fork movements, nodding reluctantly.
“Good. While I’m out earning money, what will my lovely wives do?”
Despite likely fuming over the emperor’s summons, Zeppelin seemed calm.
Rebecca suppressed a mocking urge and spoke, flashing a stunning smile that melted his expression.
“The sun’s gentle today, so I’ll paint in the garden. You’ll love what I create.”