What Happens When The Second Male Lead Powers Up [EN]: Chapter 224

#224

Commedia dell’arte (2)

The night deepened in Cheboim.

Sleet mingled with the grim weather of Brother Island. Whoo-woo…

-Thump!

“Donna Corleone! He has appeared again! S, Scaramuccia, I mean!”

The door burst open, and a young man rushed in, prostrating himself before the admiral.

The woman, seated in the highest seat in the room, scrutinizing documents, looked down at him indifferently.

His back, clad in a thick leather coat, heaved rapidly.

Emma Corleone discerned that it stemmed from fear, not exertion.

It was pathetic.

“His purpose?”

“Y, yes?”

A gruff voice came from the middle-aged woman.

The subordinate couldn’t even lift his gaze, wetting his lips with his tongue.

He needed to deliver his message properly, but standing before his dear Signora, his mind went blank, and his limbs trembled.

Even after serving her for a year, he was still in this state.

A senior colleague, who had once seen the Emperor of the continent from afar, compared their auras like this:

‘His Imperial Majesty seems like he would slice me in an instant if I did something evil. He’s a swordsman of great spirit. On the other hand, our Signora is the type who would throw anyone to the demonic beasts if she simply didn’t like them.’

“Doesn’t he have a purpose?”

The Signora’s question landed. It was already the second time.

At this rate, he might have to take a dip in the freezing winter sea.

The subordinate hurriedly gave an answer.

“That is, Scaramuccia doesn’t answer anyone who speaks to him; he just beats them up. Today, he knocked out a diner with a minstrel’s guitar. According to the victim, his accent seems to be from the Empire…”

“He smuggled himself in?”

“That’s the speculation. But his martial prowess is overwhelming, so the constabulary can’t handle him. They’ve repeatedly failed to arrest him.”

“Then we’ll have to replace the constabulary.”

The admiral said lowly. The subordinate swallowed hard.

It was difficult to distinguish her jokes from her serious remarks.

-Click

The sound of the woman opening a cigar box was heard.

One of the marines guarding her swiftly lit a cedar splint.

Sizzle, crackle…

“Hoo…”

For a while, only the sound of the cigar burning and the pungent, rich aroma filled the room.

The air became hazy and murky. The young subordinate remained prostrate, motionless.

He couldn’t even think about leaving the room until permission was granted.

After what felt like an eternity, the admiral, with the cigar in her mouth, slowly opened her lips.

“Weren’t all the guys who got beat up thugs?”

“Y, yes. But from their perspective, they feel it’s wrong for someone who appears to be a foreigner to treat citizens of the principality like vermin… So, they’re reporting it.”

“…”

“Some are even claiming injustice. They say they were just flirting with a beautiful woman as usual, but some guy flew in and attacked them.”

The subordinate barely explained, biting his tongue.

‘Scaramuccia’ was a troublemaker who had only appeared in Cheboim for three or four days.

The reason he quickly gained a nickname and became famous was simple.

A tall man, with his eyes covered by a black mask, wearing valuable furs and a black satin cloak, with a large raven perched on his shoulder, was turning the streets upside down with his immense power.

Some prostrated themselves at the admiral’s feet, pleading that he was a cursed villain.

However, some testified that their children had been saved from trouble thanks to him.

Although Admiral Corleone was not officially a citizen of the principality, commoners still came to her for help when they were in trouble.

Unlike Duke Lorenzo or his eldest son Alessio, whom they would never dare to meet in their lives, the Duchess was always there to protect them.

She was a benefactor who avenged their enemies and helped them get their debts back.

“Signora, we must capture Scaramuccia. If he continues to run rampant, copycats may appear.”

The subordinate bravely spoke his mind. The admiral’s gaze lowered.

She had seen such ruffians many times in her life.

‘Vigilantes.’

It was something that righteous young people did because they couldn’t control their boiling blood.

“Send the chief of the constabulary. If he can’t catch him, there’s a problem.”

“…Yes.”

“Don’t tell my father. He’s busy enough as it is.”

“I understand your command.”

The man wriggled and raised his body. The spurs on the admiral’s boots gleamed sharply.

“What happened to that pirate ship?”

He flinched at the gruff question. Come to think of it, there was that too.

The subordinate prostrated himself again.

“That’s not my department, but… It hasn’t moved an inch. It’s not the anchor, but the seabed where the ship is located is frozen solid. They say they can’t move the hull.”

“Has there been thawing on the coast?”

“No, there hasn’t.”

“But why is only that ship frozen?”

“That’s… We also think it doesn’t make sense, but…”

He had nothing more to say.

The subordinate looked like he was about to die from the simultaneous troubles erupting everywhere.

The expressions of his colleagues waiting outside were probably similar.

A few days ago, a pirate ship appeared off the coast of Cheboim.

But it had no flag and didn’t launch any attacks.

The principality’s coast guard shook their heads at the incomprehensible phenomenon.

Most bandit groups were blocked in advance by the Margrave of the Empire’s north, and it wasn’t the season for pirates to come down to escape the cold.

So, as soon as the ship docked, they searched it, but found nothing.

There were blankets and traces of a fire, but no crew.

“There’s talk of a ghost ship…”

‘Hoo.’ The admiral exhaled a long stream of smoke. The subordinate squeezed his eyes shut and opened them.

In the Empire and the principality’s territorial waters, the one who commanded the sea, called the owner of the ghost ship, was none other than the Signora.

To mention ghosts in front of someone who had crossed the line between life and death for over twenty years was a pathetic excuse.

“T, the fact that only the area around the enemy ship is frozen is eerie, so the commoners made up the story.”

“That rascal from earlier.”

“Yes?”

Scaramuccia? The subordinate’s head tilted slightly. The admiral flicked the cigar in her left hand.

“Isn’t that his ship?”

“Ah…”

The man let out a foolish exclamation and lowered his head.

It was something they could have connected with a little thought, but no one had questioned it until now.

The appearance of the unidentified man and ship had only been four days ago, and the constabulary and coast guard’s duties didn’t often overlap.

The admiral was also aware of that. She continued.

“Catch that Scaramuccia, or scarab beetle, and interrogate him about the enemy ship.”

“Yes.”

“Once it’s sorted out, burn the ship. I don’t want to see the weaklings crying about being anxious.”

“I will do so.”

The subordinate answered respectfully.

Although it was a rough tone, the admiral’s remarks were considerate of the frightened citizens.

Among sailors, there was a legend that disaster would strike if they encountered a ghost ship.

In an island nation with a high dependence on fishing and trade, few things were more frightening than maritime accidents.

-Thump!

“Donna Corleone!”

At that moment, another subordinate came in and saluted. Unlike the first subordinate, he had a bright expression.

“Marquis François D’Huem of Liestere has left Adma and arrived at the Cheboim portal. He will reach the mansion within an hour.”

“That’s welcome news.”

The admiral said.

The soldiers, reading pleasure in her tone, snickered.

The second subordinate added with a beaming smile.

“You’ll like the entourage too. According to Luciana’s message, the Marquis’s younger son has grown into a magnificent handsome man. The young man who came as a guard knight is as elegant as a lily. The second Duchess is now twenty, and she’s strong and lively, making everyone feel cheerful just by looking at her.”

The group burst into laughter. The corners of the Signora’s lips moved almost imperceptibly.

The report didn’t end there.

“But there’s a rumor that there’s an absolute beauty among them. A widower wearing a black veil as a servant…”

“Ahem!”

“Hey!”

The listeners poured out rebukes at the word widower.

Some exchanged subtle glances. The admiral silently looked down at the subordinate.

The woman, meeting expectations, gesticulated and blabbered.

“He’s an incredibly handsome man with golden hair as bright as the sun of Adma, white skin, and delicate eyelashes. His lips are as luscious as ripe cherries. Some people saw his face when the veil was lifted by the play of the seabirds, and they flocked to Villa Corleone, causing quite a stir.”

Some who heard the explanation greedily lit up their eyes. The audience buzzed.

The admiral spoke bluntly.

“Too bad for his dead wife.”

“Wahahaha!”

“Hahaha!”

It was impossible to confirm whether it was a joke, but everyone responded because the Signora seemed to be in a good mood anyway.

Even amidst the unexpected events, she was about to have a second husband.

It was a joyous occasion.

“Let them in as soon as preparations are complete.”

“Yes, Signora!”

Extreme courtesy poured out. The admiral sucked on the cigar until her cheeks became hollow.

Two islands are so far apart, yet they are one country and called ‘Twin Islands.’

In Korean terms, isn’t that like Incheon and Jeju Island being in the same neighborhood?

Of course, considering the scale, it would be a much more distant distance.

Nevertheless, the reason why the principality has been able to maintain the same cultural sphere for so long is said to be thanks to the ancient portals that densely connect the islands.

I moved my steps, newly impressed by the amazing setting of the fantasy world.

Still, I wasn’t tired thanks to getting a good night’s sleep as soon as I arrived in Cheboim.

I had also rested for three days right before.

“This way. Signore, Signora!”

Luciana, whom I had met at the Adma portal four days ago, was guiding us again here.

The woman had a new flower in her hair.

Marquis François and Sir Ervé were at the head of the group, followed by Maria and me.

Sir Johann was escorting us from the rear.

I took in the scenery of Cheboim unfolding outside the window.

‘Casa di Corleone’ was the admiral’s home and workplace, where the jade-colored sea filled up to the doorstep.

-Step, step

-Swish…

-Thud, thud

The sound of the waves and footsteps diligently mixed together.

Unlike Adma, located in the south of Liestere, Cheboim was an island in the west.

In a straight line, it was closest to Sarnez, where Christel was, and a little further down by sea route, it reached As, the free city of Serenite.

It was very cold because it was as far north as the Imperial Capital.

When I crossed over the portal last night, I thought, ‘This is perfect weather to get hypothermia.’

The sea breeze at the end of December was bone-chilling.

“We’re here. The Signora is so kind. She waited until midday because she thought the Marquis would be tired from arriving late at night, wouldn’t you say?”

Luciana, wearing a voluminous demonic beast fur coat, joked.

I tried not to be nervous and looked up at the large wooden door.

The Corleone family’s ornate crest was embossed like a tree ornament at the very top of the center.

Come to think of it, yesterday was Christmas. It’s a meaningless day here, though.

It seemed like I had relaxed appropriately, seeing as I was having random thoughts.

“Thank you. I will express my gratitude directly to the admiral.”

Marquis François, leaning on his mace, replied in an elegant tone.

He seemed like a completely different person than when he was in the Empire.

Luciana nodded and pushed the door.

-Click! Creeak…

I checked my veil one last time, thought of Demi and Tete, who were still playing in bed, and thought of the friends who would be waiting for us in Liestere.

I also recalled my family at home.

If the conversation goes well here, we will be able to reach the Imperial Palace safely.

Then I will meet my teacher, clear my name, and I will survive once again.

Someday, I’ll be able to go home too.

“Let’s go in.”

The woman said in a whisper. We entered the admiral’s reception room.

The room was dim, and it smelled strongly of tobacco, which I had never smelled since being possessed.

The curtains and lights hanging everywhere were all different in size and shape.

I reflexively frowned.

It was tough because I had no smoking experience, but this was really unfamiliar.

The affectionate behavior of the people of the principality, which crossed the precarious line, and this place as well, were hard to believe as ‘Toegye Gong’s’ setting… [Likely a reference to a Korean historical figure and philosophical school, implying a clash between traditional values and the current situation.]

“Ah.”

I let out a small exclamation. Perhaps,

“Still beautiful, François D’Huem.”

A voice as rough as sandpaper was heard.

“Madam Corleone.”

The Marquis gave a splendid Imperial greeting to the woman sitting in the highest place.

My thoughts were briefly interrupted.

Just before I hurriedly bent my waist, I felt like I made eye contact with her.

“…”

Sharp, gray-green eyes were half-closed. A large scar was visible on her right cheek.

The unbuttoned shirt was in the Corleone style, and the white Imperial uniform was taken off and draped over her shoulders.

Full dreadlocks flowed down to her lower back.