Chapter 38. The False Appearance

Perhaps today was the best day of Henry Ashford's life. In honor of the occasion, he even had a glass of white wine, though he usually wasn't too fond of liquor.

Everything was working out just the way he wanted it to. Couldn't he be happier?

Raymond Cassius, whom he had been trying to get close to for so many years, was finally dead. It was as if the heaviest burden had fallen from his shoulders and a welcome relief had come.

Only his daughter remained… And then this cursed lineage would be finally destroyed.

The Archduke, among others, hummed an unobtrusive tune to himself as he poured another glass.

— «Strike while the iron is hot.» Have you heard that phrase?

His personal secretary, who almost always remained an invisible shadow in his office, silently recalled:

— Yes, Your Grace.

— Huh… I guess that's just our case. While there is such a commotion, we must get this matter over with quickly.