There Are No Eternal Secrets in the World
The atmosphere inside the carriage leaving Aytan after successfully concluding the contract was peculiar.
Gray, unsure of what to say, looked out the window with a flushed face, while Casa stuck close to Rose, grinning.
“Hmm, Rose, I didn’t see you that way… Who would have thought you’d be like that? Look, my thick-skinned cheeks are all red. See, quickly, aren’t they as red as apples? Huh?”
Seeing Casa’s face, devoid of any blush, but still making a fuss, Rose felt so irritated that she wanted to hit him right away.
Sensing the danger, Casa slyly moved to the opposite seat.
His eyes, curved with a smile, sparkled mischievously like a troublemaker who had found a new toy.
“Are you mad?”
When Rose kept her mouth shut, Casa’s mouth opened as if he was having the time of his life.
“No, seriously. Voyeurism? No matter how much I try to understand, I can’t. If you’re upset, just explain. And even if you were, so what? Do women not have sexual desires? Why can’t women secretly watch? It’s okay. I can understand everything. If our Rose wants to do it, what’s the big deal about a little voyeurism?”
Rose growled, clenching her teeth.
“I told you, it’s not true.”
“Not true? You looked so guilty.”
“No! It’s not true!”
Rose, who was known as a charismatic leader to Gray and the guild members, was different only in front of Casa.
Perhaps it was because their first meeting was through a hole in the wall of a count’s mansion.
Having no barriers between them, their conversations hadn’t changed from their childhood level.
Finally, Rose, who hit Casa on the head, expressed her grievance.
“I’ve never even met the Duke. Why would I, who have no interest in men, deliberately spy on him?”
Casa’s red eyes narrowed.
“Really?”
“Stop when I’m being lenient.”
As Rose’s voice turned cold, Casa pushed himself deep into the chair and said.
“Okay, let’s say that’s true. But when we return, the old folks in the guild will be a nuisance because of this contract. Are you okay with that?”
Not wanting to talk to the annoyingly grinning Casa, Rose turned to look at Gray.
Since the contract was concluded, he had been silent, frowning with a worried expression.
Rose called out to him, who was only sighing.
“Gray, if you have something to say, say it.”
“…So far, you have never failed to achieve your goals, so I believe in you this time as well.”
“If you’re not comfortable, you don’t have to keep it to yourself. Speak up.”
When she urged him again, Gray, unable to hold it in any longer, revealed his troubled heart.
“As the Duke acknowledged, Aytan has mental issues. The late Duke was old, already had an heir, and had no interest in people, so it didn’t matter. But the heir… the heir…”
“The heir?”
When Rose asked again, Gray contorted his face and exclaimed.
“He’s too handsome! They say there’s never been a proper man with a pretty face!”
“Huh?”
Rose didn’t expect him to say such a thing.
Gray kept hitting his knee with his fist, venting the frustration he had built up.
“Did you see how thick-skinned he was earlier? He’s an untrustworthy fellow. If such a person were to desire you, who could stop a Sword Master? Him?”
Gray pointed at Casa, who was biting into an apple.
Casa, suddenly insulted, opened his eyes wide, then grinned and waved his hand.
“Sorry, I can’t. The Duke is a Sword Master, after all. Are you telling me to die?”
Gray, looking like he wanted to sew Casa’s mouth shut, couldn’t contain his anger and hit him hard on the back.
Though Casa winced from the loud slap, his mouth didn’t stop.
“Ouch! They say even dogs aren’t bothered while eating. Isn’t this too much? You can’t vent your anger at the Duke, so you’re taking it out on poor me.”
“You rascal!”
Gray lunged at Casa.
Rose was more worried about Gray’s blind faith than the scene unfolding before her eyes.
Where did this confidence come from that the Duke would like her enough to risk physical confrontation?
Shouldn’t he be worried about her being discovered as the former empress and killed?
Contrary to her complicated feelings, Gray seemed to feel better after managing to hit the dodging Casa one more time.
With an improved expression, he continued.
“That’s my personal opinion. But even from a public standpoint, Aytan is dangerous. It’s not just anything, but a family with mental illness. Nine out of ten wives end up dead there. And isn’t there a famous story about some crazy magician who tried to uncover the Sword Master’s secret by grave robbing, only to find clothes? Moreover, to dare to set conditions taking advantage of our urgency! I can’t trust someone with such a thick skin!”
Gray took a deep breath, chewing his lip.
After a while of moving his lips, he spoke in a subdued voice, looking resigned.
“But if we turn a blind eye to all that, there’s nothing we can’t do. It’s because you want Aytan, Rose. If it wasn’t absolutely necessary, you wouldn’t have compromised this much.”
With that, Gray firmly closed his mouth.
In fact, the terms of the deal were as he guessed – Rose had taken a step back.
The temple’s oath required Rose to stake her heart as a party to the contract, so strictly speaking, it wasn’t an equal condition.
Even though he thought it wasn’t fair, Gray remained silent throughout the deal and followed her will.
Gray had always been like this since establishing the guild with Rose’s money.
He had always treated her respectfully as the master of Chaos since she was young, and only moved with her permission before executing any plan.
No matter how worried or concerned he was, Gray always trusted her.
Rose, feeling her tense and tired mind relax, straightened up from her brief lean and explained the reason.
“The Chaos Guild holds the financial power of the continent, but because of that, we’re under various pressures and checks. Most of the powerful, including Terran and Argar, are eyeing us. Do you think I’m jumping into their upcoming war simply because I’m the former empress of c? If that were all, I could disband the guild and hide somewhere without coming to Aytan. But would that help? Not one, but the two largest empires on the continent are fighting, and the longer this war lasts, the more the flames of war will engulf the entire world. The reason other countries have watched their fight until now is because they believed Aytan would control it. The northern military might is fearful, but at least Aytan, indifferent to external affairs, is a trustworthy entity.”
Gray also nodded in agreement and spoke.
“The North has always been on the defensive, never invading. The harsh environment meant we had to fight with the nomads over the nearby plains, but we never raised an army to conquer. We lacked resources, so we resorted to war to fill that gap, but now it’s in a lull, and the lords are surprisingly quiet about their dwindling funds. I’m not sure if it’s stubbornness or just obstinacy.”
Rose chuckled.
“It’s probably arrogance. The local lords here may be poor, but as the heroes who defended the nation through war, they have a sense of pride. They’d rather starve than beg the Terran aristocrats. They’d sooner try to charm the Duke of Aytan or make him a son-in-law. Being surrounded by Aytan and Terran, the isolated North doesn’t have many options. And of the available choices, Aytan is the safest and surest bet. That’s why the Duke is trying to introduce a fake lover before the aristocrats latch on, and he needs time to sort out internal issues after identifying friends and foes. But those are none of our concern.”
Rose looked at Gray.
He seemed reluctant to agree, frowning and opening his mouth with difficulty.
“The North is under Aytan’s dominion, and it only obeys the Duke. Even if the Terran Emperor comes, they won’t bow down. Since external influence doesn’t reach here, this is the most suitable place for us. The advantages outweigh the disadvantages, so unless there’s a better alternative, I can’t give it up. Damn it.”
Gray looked as if he wanted to cry, feeling it was unfair to agree so easily.
Rose smiled and gently patted his shoulder.
“As expected, Gray. You’ve grasped the core of the matter.”
“Don’t laugh. I’m so upset. Damn Argar, war is useless! May the Emperor be struck by lightning!”
Startled by the rumbling thunder outside, Gray’s eyes widened.
Rose chuckled softly and continued to soothe him.
“We’re just merchants in the eyes of others. And do you think they’ll just leave us alone when the two empires are fighting? There’s been subtle pressure from Argar’s outposts for a few months now. In that case, it’s better to have the North as our backing so that no one can touch us for the time being. Both Terran and Argar know that the North’s presence acts as a buffer to prevent other kingdoms from joining the war. So, until the war’s outcome is decided, they won’t dare to provoke me, the Sword Master’s lover, and risk his wrath. The incident where the first Duke of Aytan killed a foreign noble who harassed his lover is well-known. So, we’ll quietly gather our strength and wait for Argar to weaken from the war, then tear the country apart when it’s in decline.”
Her voice was as cold as ice, and her eyes were fierce like a predator eyeing its prey.
“To do that, we need to carefully observe the situation. Gray, what do you think of Terran now? Can it withstand Argar’s offensive?”
After a moment of thought, Gray slowly shook his head.
“Duke Dukan, who supports the young Emperor, is a strategist but lacks tolerance. He runs the government to his liking, and behind the scenes, buying and selling off official positions is rampant. The existence of the North has actually caused Terran’s national fortune to decline. The long peace brought by an overly strong shield has made the nobles complacent. Compared to the North, which has constantly fought against Argar and the nomads, Terran’s military power is pathetic. The Emperor of Argar won’t miss this golden opportunity. Whether your identity is revealed or not, the war will happen. If, by any chance, the North, which is at the forefront, collapses… no matter how capable Terran is, it won’t be able to hold out.”
Gray’s face began to turn pale as if he had realized something.
It seemed he understood that Rose chose the North not just as a shield but because it had to hold out.
Rose, with a faint smile, rubbed her tired eyes and said.
“Yes, if Argar devours Terran, we’ll be next. The Chaos Merchant Guild controls the continent’s cash flow, which means we have influence over the entire trade. Argar, wanting to break free from being an agricultural nation, won’t resist the temptation. By expanding to as many countries as possible and establishing markets, we’ve protected the merchant guild while also creating a double-edged sword. Argar’s ambition will be to either possess the trading company or wipe it off the face of the earth. They’ll naturally swallow the core, and if my identity is revealed during this process… It’s too horrifying to even say.”
“But the Chaos Merchant Guild won’t easily collapse even if the headquarters is destroyed. All the branches operate independently, following the headquarters’ instructions, and there are those who work under assumed names. Argar can’t simply pluck us out all at once without causing problems in the overall market economy…”
Gray furrowed his brows, then let out a bitter laugh as if he had realized something.
“So you’re attacking Terran first. You’re planning to find a way to devour us while they’re occupied.”
“Probably.”
Gray’s chest heaved with anger, but after a moment of hesitation, he turned to Rose.
“Have you ever considered directly attacking Argar?”
“I have.”
“Why… did you give up on that?”
Remaining silent, Rose just gave a bitter smile, and Gray slumped his shoulders.
“If we fight Argar, whether we win or lose, the Chaos Merchant Guild won’t survive. No matter how powerful our financial might is, to overthrow the empire, we’d have to go all out, and the trading company would be left in tatters. The moment the power of money that protected us disappears, we’d be like a flock of sheep thrown to the wolves. I know, I understand… But I’m still wary of the madness of the Aytan family. There’s no telling when their mental illness might manifest, and there’s no guarantee it won’t target you, Rose.”
“We’ve discussed this problem many times, and the conclusion has always been the same. Unless there’s another alternative, this is the only way. Or do you want us to lead the merchant guild and directly fight Argar? To make those who have never even held a sword fight a war? They’re merchants, fighting to survive, not to kill. I can’t ask them to sacrifice themselves for my own survival either. We’re the merchant guild, and they are the merchants. Don’t confuse the two, Gray.”
Gray closed his eyes tightly, feeling troubled.
Of course, Rose was also aware of the issues with Aytan as much as Gray was concerned.
As the Duke mentioned, they frequently endangered their family due to emotional issues and continued their lineage through arranged marriages.
Although mental illness did not always manifest, it was undoubtedly a risk factor.
Whether it was simply jealousy or a chronic disease due to the family’s history of producing Sword Masters, Rose considered Aytan the best choice.
She erased the cold expression she had when discussing Terran and Argar and leaned her tired body against the carriage.
“Gray… I want a shield. But that shield is not made of iron; it’s a person. If stabbed by a sword, it can bleed and lose its life. Even if the war is inevitable, the fact that Aytan will protect us with their lives doesn’t change. No matter how much money we pay for safety… it’s cheaper than a life.”
The carriage fell silent, and only Rose’s voice slowly spread.
“That’s why I conceded once, even though the Duke made me angry. He also bore the burden of an unknown enemy that the Chaos Trading Company dreaded, and we both took a step back.”
“…It seemed to me that the Duke was deliberately picking a fight to test us. Do you think he realized the purpose of this deal?”
Seeing Gray’s somewhat relieved expression, Rose slowly nodded.
“I didn’t expect to completely hide it, but he was a difficult person to deal with. Considering he saw through our intention to involve Aytan with just the word ‘comprehensive protection’ in the deal.”
Then Rose chuckled.
“If I saw correctly, the Duke seemed like someone who usually spoke directly and concisely. Just by hearing his slightly rested voice and slow speech, it’s clear he usually didn’t talk much. Why do you think he explained so long and kindly?”
“Well…”
Gray realized that the Duke was asking her to step back and let out a bitter laugh.
“What an arrogant request.”
“Well, that’s how it is. I agreed because I could at least grant the request of being a fake lover. Of course, he has his own plans just as I have mine… but as long as we’re on the same boat, we should cooperate as long as we don’t cross the line.”
Casa, who had been listening, bit into an apple and interjected.
“What if the fake becomes real? I’ve heard Aytan is a clingy boyfriend. Can you handle that?”
His red eyes sparkled mischievously as he looked at Rose with a smile.
She snatched his apple and took a bite.
“It’s fine. If that happens, I’ll use you as a sacrifice to escape. So, train diligently so that the money I spent on you isn’t wasted. Do your best as a lizard’s tail that can be cut off at any time. I’ll sincerely cheer you on. Good luck.”
Gray, who was looking at Casa’s giggling face with pity, spoke.
“The Duke didn’t even seem surprised when we visited without prior notice. Moreover, he quickly dealt with the spies within the duchy. Aytan’s intelligence is extraordinary. If this continues, there’s a risk of your identity being exposed, so I’ll tighten the security.”
“No, there’s no need for that.”
Gray didn’t argue and waited for her to continue.
Rose, smiling softly, buried herself deeper into the carriage and said.
“There are no eternal secrets in the world. If it gets revealed, let it be. Don’t try to stop it.”
Gray thought deeply and then shook his head.
“Indeed… even if the Duke finds out, there’s nothing he can do. Everyone knows about Aytan’s obsessive love, so they’ll believe he kept silent even if he knew. No matter what anyone says, you are the Duke’s lover, Rose.”
Then, as if he had an idea, Gray let out a small laugh.
His deep blue-gray eyes narrowed as he spoke in a tone that seemed almost mocking.
“No matter what his intentions are, he said he would protect us, so as a man, he won’t go back on his word.”
Gray, finding it amusing, looked at Rose, his eyes widening.
“Wait… come to think of it, if we make a covenant with the temple…”
Rose, leaning against the carriage, smiled faintly.
“The Duke knows. He agreed to make the covenant knowing that. If we make the covenant, he can’t talk about my affairs recklessly and must stand up for us. It’s a matter of life and death for him too, so he won’t act rashly. Most importantly, the temple’s covenant is a matter of getting divine certification through the heart, and breaking the contract could result in death. Since he doesn’t have an heir yet, he’ll be even more cautious.”
“I feel ashamed for showing my foolishness to you, Rose. I was swept by emotions and didn’t think deeply. I’m sorry.”
“I know you were worried about me. Normally, you wouldn’t have even brought it up, and it was a situation worth worrying about. Even I was taken aback when the Duke set his conditions.”
“Rose…”
As Gray couldn’t continue speaking, Rose closed her eyes briefly, then opened them and smiled with a tired face.
“Everyone’s lives are at stake, so I won’t be picky about my methods. So, don’t worry too much.”
Seeing Rose’s exhausted face, Gray closed his mouth and just nodded.
As she closed her eyes to rest, the carriage quickly fell silent except for the sound of breathing.
The heavy snowfall obscured even the moonlight, making the carriage interior so dark that one couldn’t see an inch ahead.
But Rose, though she closed her eyes, couldn’t rest.
The Duke’s question kept echoing in her mind.
‘Do you perhaps have voyeurism?’
At first, she was too flustered to think properly, but the more she pondered over it, the more it sent a chill down her spine.
This wasn’t harassment.
It was to test Rose.
‘For what?’
She had been thinking about this all along, but unfortunately, the conclusion wasn’t very pleasant.
‘Did he… recognize me?’
Sometimes in her dreams, she felt that Khan was aware of her presence.
From the first time she saw him in the bathroom to the battlefield, and in the forest where he slept alone, Khan would occasionally stare intently at where she was.
It didn’t happen every time, but the Duke clearly seemed to know that Rose was there.
‘Is it not that my prophetic dreams show a moment in the future, but that I’m actually staying in that time? Is that why the Duke recognized me?’
Although Rose had a headache from this new realization, she wasn’t too worried.
After all, the Duke couldn’t catch her, who was merely an illusion, and even if he recognized her, there was no way to confirm it.
However, the satisfaction in Khan’s eyes as he looked at her confused her heart.
Casa, who had been watching Rose’s frowning face in the darkness, wiped the usual smile off his face and fell into thought.
He gazed at the window as if gauging the direction of Aytan, which was already out of sight, and slowly caressed his sword.
Until they reached the capital of Terran, where the headquarters of the Chaos Trading Company was located, no sound came from the carriage.
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