The Truth (1)

The investigation began.

Hadrian and the Melchoir elders tell Rheannon what their family might have done wrong. They apologized–especially Hadrian. Rheannon didn't expect to receive such an apology. So she forgave them just like that.

"I have absolutely no personal grudges. Even if there is, what can I do?"

That's what Rheannon had been telling them.

Chas knew that too but decided not to interfere or say anything. Instead, he would tell Duke Colton about everything that happened at the Melchoir residence.

"I didn't expect you to come home first. Are you sure you don't want to investigate with me?" Hadrian asked Chas, who was about to go home.

"No. As I've said, the Colton family already did their research," Chas replied. "If you want, we can match the information later. Besides, other people will come to help you."

At first, Hadrian didn't understand who Chas was referring to. He thought Rheannon would help him.

But a few days later, a guest came to Melchoir's residence.

***

"Oh, it's Desmond, is it? Good afternoon."

Desmond tightened his grip on Hadrian's hand. His son lowered his head, then glanced at Hadrian's unexpected guest.

"Desmond," Hadrian scolded. "Come on, give Prince Axelle a good greeting."

"I… Desmond Melchoir, come greet you, Your Highness," said Desmond then.

Axel smiled gently. "You are a lovely child, just like Lord Chas said," he said. He then turned to Hadrian. "Good afternoon, Marquess Hadrian. Sorry for my sudden arrival. No one should know about my coming here."

"Yes, Your Highness," Hadrian said. He watched Axelle for a moment. "I understand."

By God, how long had it been since Hadrian had met this person in front of him? They parted ways on bad terms, and he suddenly appeared while offering his usual smile.

Almost no change in Axelle except for her slightly longer hair. His smile was still the same, his expression and gentle way of speaking were still the same, and the glow in his eyes was still the same. Even though Hadrian had once betrayed him and made Axelle live in seclusion, the young man was still as kind as ever.

"Your Grace? Is there something wrong?"

Hadrian blinked and found both Axelle and Desmond looking at him. "No… Nothing," he said. "What brings you here?"

"To check on Desmond," Axelle said cheerfully. He returned his smile to Desmond. "Then… if you will, I want you to hear Lady Rheannon and me."

"Stories," Hadrian snorted. What Axelle meant just now was the actual incident when the coup happened. The story that Hadrian had so far denied.

Would he be able to hear stories like that from survivors?

"F-father!"

Axelle swiftly supported Hadrian's suddenly unsteady body. Meanwhile, Desmond gripped the hem of his shirt tightly.

Hadrian massaged his temples. He hadn't felt it in a long time since he married Rheannon.

Axelle helped him sit on the sofa. Meanwhile, Desmond immediately ran to call someone.

"I'm sorry, Your Grace," whispered Axelle earnestly.

"No, no. Haven't I always been like this?" Hadrian replied. He tried to sharpen his sight. Axelle looks very close to him. "Recently, I'm getting better."

"Since marrying Rheannon," Axelle added.

Hadrian furrowed his brows. "How do you know?"

Axelle muttered something while placing her palm on Hadrian's forehead. A cold and soothing sensation immediately hit him. "I actually don't want to say this, Marquess Hadrian. It's just… I've always suspected that a demon actually influences you," he told her.

"Yes… I know about that. Rheannon once told me that a nightmare demon was influencing me."

"Not only that." Axelle's expression turned sad. "I don't know what happened to you before, but there are a lot of demons influencing you."

"There are many?"

Axelle nodded. "Not just one or two."

Hadrian shuddered for a moment. Suddenly he could feel his body getting heavy and his mind darkening. He seemed to be able to hear the whispers of unwanted creatures.

Hadrian slowly began to understand everything. A feeling of emptiness and loneliness haunts him. Headaches and a heavy body that always bothered him. Axelle and Desmond's feelings of fear… It was all because of the demon looming behind them.

"Marquess Hadrian! Are you okay?" asked Calore as soon as he appeared with Desmond.

Axelle, Desmond, and Rheannon could see the demons influencing Hadrian. Meanwhile, the people in his residence did not.

"Hah." Hadrian brushed back his hair, then gripped his tightly as if he wanted to grab him tightly. "What hero? I… I'm just a stupid weakling."