The Crown Prince Who Raises a Side Character

#45 The Servant Cedric (11) – Things Drawn to Flowers

#45 The Servant Cedric (11) – Things Drawn to Flowers

“Madam Toria. Have you heard news of the Etched Territory?”

“Etched? It’s the first time I’m hearing of it.”

“You know, the place where the youngest son of the Marquess of Redbell is staying.”

“Ah. That place, then. Is something the matter?”

“Well, you see—”

Word of Etched Ryeong spread like wildfire amongst the kingdoms of Virka.

That the Redbell family’s black sheep heiress had ousted the acting lord and seized his seat was noteworthy enough, but the whispers spoke of new policies being implemented, all fueled by the family’s Vision. How could such a thing *not* pique one’s interest?

Some focused on the surprising effectiveness of the heiress’s policies. Others scoffed, deeming it a vulgar misuse of the family’s Vision.

For the other scions of Marquess Redbell, the situation was, to say the least, unpleasant.

“Claudia, has she lost her senses? I can barely hold my head high these days!”

Mira Redbell, the Marquess’s third child and only daughter from his first wife, spat the words with a venomous edge.

Her younger brother, Ervin Redbell, mirrored her sentiment, face flushed with irritation.

“Blast it all. That disgrace is dragging the family name through the mud! How could she even *think* to use the Vision for such base endeavors? Has she no sense of the dignity, the pride, expected of a noble?”

A Vision was not merely a symbol, a boast of a family’s unique character and history. It was a weapon, a source of tangible advantage.

Highly efficient mana cultivation techniques, sword arts of ascension, spells unknown to outsiders – simply possessing them was enough to create a chasm between families.

The Redbell family’s ‘Bloodfiend Hounds’ were among the more exceptional and potent of these Visions.

While technically classified as magic, one did not need to be a mage to command the Bloodfiends. Moreover, their strength grew in tandem with their master’s skill.

They were as easily managed as well-trained hunting dogs, offered no threat of betrayal, and even in death, could be replenished given enough time. Where could one find a more convenient servant?

For Ervin, who had painstakingly molded his own hound into a creature nearly as formidable as a ki-wielding knight, the mere thought of his powerful familiar being lumped into the same category as Claudia’s mongrels sent him into a simmering rage.

“Hmm.”

Amidst the rising tide of condemnation directed at Claudia, Armin Redbell, the eldest son, remained silent, lost in thought.

His younger siblings, clearly displeased by his reticence, voiced their frustration.

“Brother, say something. Are you just going to let Claudia run amok like this?”

“If things continue as they are, the Redbell name will be dragged through the dirt. We must seize that imbecile and put an end to this madness at once!”

The eldest son fixed his gaze upon his siblings before finally shrugging his shoulders.

“I understand your intentions, but specifically, what do you propose we *do*?”

“Why, we tell her to stop what she’s doing, right now.”

“Do you truly believe she would even deign to listen to us?”

At the eldest son’s words, the second son and third daughter fell silent.

They shared a father, yet Claudia was born of a different mother.

Bound only by the facade of siblinghood, any genuine family bond was all but nonexistent; they were, in truth, more inclined to tear each other apart. Speaking to her amicably was simply out of the question.

Politically pressuring her was equally fraught, as Claudia’s position as a Lady was, by all accounts, entirely official.

It wasn’t as if Claudia had ousted a legitimate Lord to seize their place; rather, she had simply rediscovered the means to utilize something that was rightfully hers to begin with. While others outside might gossip and speculate, issuing her direct orders was exceedingly difficult.

“There are only two who can officially command the girl. The royal family and the Head of the House. However, the royals have no particular reason to keep Claudia in check. She holds no claim to the succession, making her no rival, and as she is, at the very least, of royal blood, any increase in her influence within Redbell would be a boon, not a hindrance, to them.”

“So, the Head of the House must intervene, then?”

The eldest son, and the second son, too, referred to the Marquis of Redbell as “Head of the House,” instead of “Father.”

The Marquis of Redbell was a man so distant and formidable to them.

“Indeed. If the Head of the House deems Claudia’s actions troublesome, then he will handle it himself, without requiring our interference.”

The third daughter squinted, inquiring, “But what if… he *doesn’t* intervene?”

“Then it would mean he has found some value in Claudia. Perhaps the Head of the House might even choose to support her. He is not one to be stingy with investments, after all.”

Confirming the entertainingly contorted expressions of his siblings, the eldest son shook his head wearily.

“It seems there’s nothing we can do, taking the forefront. Still, do not fret so. Somehow, it will all work out, yes?”

“…Yes.”

“I hope that it turns out for the best, as you say, brother.”

The eldest son clapped each of his brothers on the shoulder, then turned on his heel and left the room.

And inwardly, he mused.

‘Mira and Ervin loathed Claudia and their stepmother with a passion. Claudia gaining influence is distasteful enough, but the thought of the Lord taking an interest in her… they’d never stand for it.’

Armin had said it himself.

There was no official way to stop Claudia.

Which, in other words, meant there were plenty of *unofficial* ways.

For instance, physically threatening Claudia, forcing the recall of the Bloodfiend escorts assigned to protect her.

Of course, such a move would be terribly shortsighted.

A tactic Armin himself would never employ.

But his brothers were different.

‘Such endearing siblings, aren’t they?’

One cannot love a rival who threatens their position.

But loving those who are inferior is hardly a challenge.

Therefore, Armin, the eldest son, loved his two younger brothers.

And even the youngest, who harbored an animosity directed solely at him, he loved as well.

At least, for now, he did.

‘I do hope you remain a darling little brother, little one.’

*

Etched Territory, within the Lord’s residence.

Claudia Redvel, the figure drawing all eyes, the subject of much talk, was attempting a rendezvous both delicate and clandestine.

“…The goods?”

“Here they are.”

Not some shady black marketeer… but rather Neria, the maid who had recently grown much closer to Claudia, presented Claudia with something wrapped meticulously in cloth.

Claudia spoke.

“You weren’t discovered, were you?”

“I acquired it while Cedric was away on a long shopping trip. I kept it a strict secret from everyone else as well.”

“Much appreciated. I’ll repay you later.”

“I wish you success with your plan. I’ll take my leave then.”

As if caught up in the atmosphere, Neria cast sharp glances around as if to ensure no one was around, then departed, her footsteps muffled, like some assassin.

Claudia followed her with her eyes, locked the bedroom door, and carefully unwrapped the cloth Neria had given her.

Inside was a book.

[Rose and Pocket Watch – How Lady Roselia Captured the Heart of Her Dignified Servant -]

Reading the title emblazoned on the book’s cover, Claudia swallowed hard, her throat dry.

And with trembling hands, she began to open the book.

One might think she was making a fuss over merely reading a romance novel, but Claudia, for her own reasons, was deadly serious.

‘Somehow, if I just stay still, Cedric feels like he will leave. I have to find a way before that happens.’

The contract period between her and Cedric was three months.

At first, she hadn’t thought much of that period, but lately, it had been grating on Claudia’s nerves.

Wasn’t it saying that after three months, if Cedric left, there would be no way to hold him back?

Of course, logically speaking, when the contract period ended, she could simply sign a new one.

The power behind the throne of the Virka Kingdom, or, if not quite that, a rising star indeed – the ‘Lady of Redbell’ promised good treatment and sought to hold him fast. No servant would refuse such an offer.

But Claudia knew better.

A man like Cedric was never to be considered within the bounds of common sense.

He would work if he desired, and leave if he no longer did.

And neither money nor power could ever hold him.

Therefore, Claudia aimed for the third option.

‘The key is for Cedric to fall for me, isn’t it?’

Of course, this was no easy path either.

The biggest problem, first and foremost, was that Claudia had no idea how to win a man’s heart.

That was because, for her, the interest of the opposite s*x wasn’t something to be strived for, but simply ‘something naturally given’.

A beauty like a flower bud, not yet in full bloom, yet all the more promising for the future.

A social standing as the Lady of the Redbell family and the vast wealth that accompanied it.

Men who met Claudia struggled to earn her favor, and this was a natural, almost daily occurrence until Claudia went mad and rampaged as a rogue.

Where, then, would she have learned how to seduce a man?

Claudia needed a textbook to make up for her shortcomings, and that textbook was this romance novel, which was said to be popular among the kingdom’s ladies lately.

*Flap. Flap.*

Roselia, a noble lady born of noble lineage, raised preciously like a rose in a greenhouse.

Amidst everyone cherishing her, Clark, a servant who bewildered his master with behavior that oscillated between arrogance, insolence, and courtesy.

At first, Claudia was intrigued by the premise, as it seemed to fit her and Cedric as if it were written about them. But as the story progressed, she couldn’t help but gradually grow discouraged.

‘…They said this servant is very popular among noble ladies, but is he *that* good?’

A beauty both chilling and sharp, evoking the image of a keen-edged blade?

Not even close to Cedric, all puppy-dog sweetness with flashes of unexpected depth.

Work ethic so artistic and perfect, as if measured by a precise ruler?

Judging by the descriptions penned in this book, I’d say he’s roughly 0.6 Cedrics.

A bestial ferocity that makes him snarl even at noble ladies?

Please. Compared to Cedric, who bluntly called his own master “a b*tch insulting to dogs,” he’s just a cute little puppy.

And the backstory is far too contrived.

Turns out, he isn’t a commoner at all, but a noble – the third son of a Northern Archduke, no less.

At least they didn’t throw in some nonsense about being the rightful heir; seems the author retains a modicum of sanity. Even so, things still feel off. Frankly, what would someone of that stature lack, that he’d be playing servant?

Unless he’s possessed of a bizarre mindset, capable of enjoying servitude as a hobby – a lunatic, in plain terms, perhaps.

“Haa. This is no use.”

In the end, Claudia closed the book she was reading.

As a simple entertainment novel, it was passable enough to perhaps revisit later. But as an instructional text for wooing Cedric, it was utterly useless.

Perhaps I should ask Neria to find me a new book next time.

So thinking, Claudia went to extinguish the lamp illuminating her bedchamber.

*Click.*

Someone grasped the door handle of the bedchamber and turned it.

Claudia froze instinctively.

It was late. Terribly late.

For someone to seek out a noble lady’s bedchamber itself was an extraordinary indiscretion, liable to incite any number of scandals.

Even a simple knock, to turn the handle and attempt entry without one was an act of sacrilege, deserving of decapitation without complaint.

Claudia felt something icy crawl up the back of her spine.

Her mind raced.

To hold her breath in silence, or to raise a clamor?

Which course was wiser? Assuming the figure at the door was what she suspected, what situation would they most avoid?

She acted.

-Woof! Woof woof! Arharhar!

The Blood Beast summoned to her side began to growl fiercely and bark wildly.

A raucous din that would echo through every corner of the lord’s manor.

*CRASH!*

Immediately, the door to her bedchamber splintered inward.

Bursting into the room were three assassins, cloaked head to toe in pitch-black cloth.

They swiftly cut down the loudly barking Blood Beast with their swords, then began to scan the room’s interior.

A contest of speed: Would they find Claudia, hidden somewhere in the bedchamber, before others, alerted by her signal, came rushing in?

Unhappily for Claudia, the assassins’ preparations proved more thorough than she’d anticipated.

One of them produced a parchment, tearing it asunder. The light that erupted from it shot directly towards Claudia.

Realizing she was discovered, Claudia bolted from her hiding place in the doorway’s shadow, out into the hallway, the assassins hot on her heels.

The instant the assassins’ hands were about to grasp her…

“Forgive my tardiness, Lady Claudia.”

A familiar voice echoed in her ear, and at the same moment, Claudia’s body was swept up into the air.

What transpired after, Claudia didn’t fully register.

A few seconds of the world a dizzying blur, punctuated by the thud of someone being kicked and sent flying.

Only after the reeling in her vision ceased did Claudia fully grasp the situation, and her face flushed crimson.

Cedric.

He held her in his arms as if she were a princess being rescued.

“Hey, l-let go of me, already!?”

“I was planning to release you in any case. The enemies have been dealt with.”

“Huh?”

At the mention of being let go, Claudia’s squirming, fueled by embarrassment, abruptly stilled.

Her eyes darting about, she spoke.

“…We don’t know if it’s safe yet or not, so just wait a bit.”

“It is quite safe, though?”

“Just wait.”