The Mansion Awaits Spring
Chapter 52
[Superintendent Pezin Dieus, Special Investigation Headquarters, Empire Branch]
He wrote it down, then immediately tore the envelope to shreds.
[Pezin Dieus, Second Son of the Dieus Family]
No matter what he wrote, his sin toward the dead remained the same.
Pezin, who had been lost in thought with his face buried in his hands, recalled April standing in the midst of the fog with her characteristically calm expression.
He wanted to know why she was so unaffected there.
If he knew the reason, perhaps he could prevent any further deaths.
A moment later, Paul entered the office and asked.
“Superintendent, have you finished writing the letters?”
“I’m done. Once all the letters are sent... I need to return to the Runos estate.”
“Again, sir?”
“If I can find out why April is fine in the fog, we can reduce the number of victims next time.”
“I see.”
Paul nodded.
Pezin closed his eyes, then opened them and muttered.
“I’m thinking of just being honest with April Runos and asking for her help.”
“...About the Imperial Order?”
“Yes. What do you think?”
The look in Pezin’s eyes was something Paul Soar had never seen before.
It was a gaze that sought unconditional agreement, directed at his subordinate with a weight that felt almost like pressure.
Pezin might have an arrogant attitude, but he was never particularly authoritative when it came to work. In fact, he was more aware than anyone that he was a 'parachute' appointment, placed as the head of the headquarters solely because of his bloodline as the second son of the Grand Ducal family.
Yet now, Pezin was exerting pressure just to gain validation for his decision.
Unsettled by that look, Paul spoke up.
“One moment, please.”
He stepped out and returned with Logan.
Logan, who had been dragged away in the middle of practicing magic tricks, listened to the situation and spoke to Pezin.
“I think it’s a good idea.”
“Is that so?”
When Logan agreed so readily, Paul turned to him with wide eyes.
He had called Logan in because he didn’t know how to respond to the unyielding Pezin, and he couldn't believe the boy had just jumped straight to agreement.
Logan continued.
“However, Miss April will likely feel a great sense of betrayal.”
“That’s why I’m saying I’d rather tell her sooner.”
“It’s not soon. You know Miss April likes you, Superintendent.”
Paul flinched at the words he’d thought but hadn't dared to utter, and Pezin glared at Logan.
Logan went on.
“There’s no telling what a person might do when they feel betrayed. Especially not Miss April, who isn't the type to tolerate injustice. What if she finds out the cause of the fog lies with the Empire and rushes off demanding the factory be shut down immediately? What will you do then?”
“…….”
“You’d have to kill her.”
Paul felt both glad that he’d brought Logan in and regretful that he hadn't expected the atmosphere to sink this low.
Pezin stared at Logan for a long moment before finally nodding.
“I will take that into consideration.”
“Yes, that would be for the best. Well then, I’ll be heading back out.”
Logan gave a polite bow and left the office.
* * *
Ever since the garden party where April Runos made her appearance, the nobles visiting the Grand Ducal residence brought her up at every opportunity.
Most of it was negative, but that wasn't all.
Every conversation began with the reason why Pezin Dieus had brought April Runos to the party, and surprisingly, there were positive remarks as well.
Some said that after meeting her in person, she wasn't as wicked as they had thought.
Of course, she did appear even more unyielding than the rumors suggested. However, that was only natural for someone fulfilling the role of a Head of the Family. Even though the culture of the Empire was spreading like a rising tide, the people of the Right Island still held the seafaring traditions deep in their hearts—a psychology that admired a dignified captain. Thus, her demeanor actually earned her some favor.
They couldn't chatter openly since the Grand Duke couple had ears everywhere, but it was true that a sense of anticipation regarding the Runos family had begun to sprout.
This year’s social season ended with the garden party, and the next season wouldn't begin until late March, when the snow finally started to let up.
As always, the Grand Ducal family would hold the first event to signal the start of the season, followed by other prominent families preparing their own banquets.
People’s curiosity was focused on the Runos family. They were intensely curious about when the Runos family, said to possess the largest ballroom on the Right Island, would finally host a social event.
Yet, no topic was more compelling than the curiosity surrounding the relationship between Pezin and April.
Given the circumstances, it was only natural that all eyes turned to the suitor who had just returned from the Runos estate.
Vincenz Grand entered the Grand Ducal residence the moment he returned from the Runos house.
Before anyone could even ask a question, Vincenz Grand began gulping down wine as soon as he stepped into the villa building of the residence.
Vincenz had gone to propose today, but regardless of his efforts, he had returned empty-handed.
Therefore, he had to divert people’s attention and come up with an excuse for his failed proposal.
In such a situation, there was no better excuse than 'there was another man.'
He spoke before anyone could prompt him.
“She was with an escort. Of course, he was likely performing his police duties. But the way he looked at me didn't suggest that. It was clearly... the gaze of a man looking at a rival.”
The noise died down for a brief second, only for a flurry of whispers to erupt instantly.
Just then, one of the police officers from the Special Investigation Headquarters wore a troubled expression.
To prevent further misunderstanding, he finally decided to sacrifice Pezin’s dignity.
“It couldn't be helped that the Superintendent stayed at the Runos mansion. He wasn't feeling well. He was in no condition to return home.”
“He wasn't feeling well?”
At the noblewoman's question, the officer replied.
“He caught a cold. Having spent so much time in the Empire, it seems he’s susceptible to them...”
The young officer’s ears turned bright red, feeling guilty for making the Headquarters Director out to be a 'weak' man.
However, seeing Miller’s expression darken significantly at a distant table after hearing from his own people that Pezin had stayed at April’s house, the officer felt he had no choice but to say it.
Fortunately, the officer’s words were effective. As soon as Miller heard them, he burst into a pleasant, gentlemanly laugh.
“That sounds just like him.”
With that laugh, the atmosphere in the villa regained its cheerfulness.
That pleasant mood fortunately lasted until just after lunch, when Pezin returned carrying the list of donations.
Stepping into the villa garden, Pezin narrowed his eyes as he spotted the Grand Duke couple looking at him, unable to hide their mischievous smiles.
“What’s with those suspicious looks?”
“Calling your only hyung 'suspicious' is a bit harsh.”
“Your expressions are enough to warrant such harsh words.”
Pezin retorted as he leaned down to kiss the back of Heidi Dieus’s hand. After greeting her, Heidi spoke.
“I heard you caught a cold?”
“Who leaked that? It was supposed to be a secret.”
“It was for your sake. Since you stayed at Miss April’s home, people needed to know the reason.”
Pezin let out a short, mocking laugh, his eyes searching for Vincenz Grand. He thought to himself that the man certainly had a loose tongue.
Heidi continued.
“We cleared it up in case it caused any misunderstanding.”
“What is there to misunderstand?”
Pezin replied nonchalantly, his hands behind his back.
“If I hadn't liked the person I escorted to the party, there’s no way I would have stayed at her house.”
“Pezin.”
“I would have dragged myself out even if I were collapsing on the street.”
Pezin said this as if testing the waters, watching his brother’s face.
