Chapter 125: To Win His True Heart…
Scratch, scratch.
The sound of a pen gliding across paper filled the quiet office.
Inside the office were Yohan, Elena, and Rudbeckia, but none of them spoke. The only movement came from their hands, diligently flipping through documents.
There was simply too much work to handle.
“…”
Scratch, scratch.
As Rudbeckia briefly organized the information brought by the knights regarding the demonic lairs, she glanced sideways.
Both of them were entirely focused on their work.
Of course, it was natural to concentrate during work hours, but she had expected the Purification Bureau to be much more relaxed.
Usually, minor tasks would be handled by aides, while the director would only review and approve the compiled reports.
But here, everything revolved around Yohan.
Since the bureau had just been established, it was understandable, yet it was still astonishing to see him managing all this work alone.
It was simply impressive.
‘As expected of Yohan…’
Rudbeckia’s gaze softened as she looked at him.
He might not be perfect, but he was a relentless hard worker who gave his best in everything he did.
And she admired that about him.
A person who never took things lightly and always saw things through to the end.
Yohan had always been like that.
‘No, this isn’t the time to be thinking about that…!’
Realizing that her thoughts were drifting in the wrong direction, Rudbeckia shook her head slightly.
‘I need a chance to build a connection with Yohan…’
But with his overwhelming workload, there was no opportunity to cross paths naturally. At this rate, she was just wasting time. She needed to come up with a plan.
Maybe she should start by tracking Yohan’s movements? Observing him after work, following him for a few days to understand his daily routine. That way, she could naturally create an opportunity to approach him.
‘Would that be too obsessive…?’
However, that thought didn’t last long.
If she did that, how would it be any different from her past self, who foolishly followed him around, hoping for his attention?
This time, she wanted to win his heart for real.
‘Still…’
There’s a saying: Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will not be defeated.
Not that Yohan was her enemy, of course.
‘Alright, let’s start by understanding the Yohan of the present.’
Before her regression, she might have known him well, but his life was now completely different. Things had changed too much.
‘Lunch break is coming soon. I’ll ask him to eat together.’
Just as Rudbeckia raised her hand—
Knock, knock.
A knock echoed through the room, followed by a woman’s voice.
—“Director, Special-Class Knight Highlander is here.”
“Let them in.”
The door opened, and a woman stepped inside.
She had stunning silver-blond hair and calm, gray eyes—a composed yet captivating beauty.
‘One of the Four Great Houses, huh?’
There was no way Rudbeckia wouldn’t recognize that name. The Highlander family was known as the most prestigious lineage of knights in the Rozino Empire.
Holding a few documents in her hands, the woman spoke.
“The demonic lairs in the western region have been fully investigated.”
“Hmm…”
Yohan narrowed his deep blue eyes as he scanned the report.
“A single special-class entity and multiple first-class ones… This place will be troublesome as well.”
After setting the documents down on the desk, Yohan pressed his fingers against his temples. It seemed the demonic lairs were larger than expected.
“What about you, Eris? Were you hurt?”
“I-I’m fine…”
At Yohan’s concerned question, the woman blushed slightly and averted her gaze.
Rudbeckia’s green eyes narrowed, her gaze turning cold as she watched the interaction.
‘Oh? Look at that…’
As a Director, it was natural for him to worry about his subordinates, yet she was blushing and acting shy over such a simple gesture.
Her reaction didn’t seem like that of someone merely admiring a respected figure.
‘That is—’
It was more than admiration. It was the kind of feeling a man and woman shared—unrequited love.
Having harbored a one-sided love for the longest time in this room, Rudbeckia could recognize it instantly.
Eris Highlander—she secretly loved Yohan.
“That’s a relief.”
“Th-Thank you for your concern…”
When Yohan smiled warmly, Eris shrank back even more, her delicate fingers fidgeting as if trying to express the emotions she couldn’t put into words.
“It’s almost lunchtime. Have you eaten?”
“Not yet, but…”
“Then let’s go together.”
“Y-Yes…!”
Yohan stood up and spoke to his aides.
“You should come too.”
“Yes, Director.”
“Y-Yes…!”
Elena put down her work and rose from her seat, while Rudbeckia, who had been staring at Eris, hastily tidied up her desk.
And so, Yohan and the three women left the office and headed for the dining hall.
As they walked down the still relatively quiet hallway, a strange silence lingered. Rudbeckia narrowed her eyes, her gaze fixed on Eris.
‘Should I get rid of her?’
Loving someone wasn’t a crime, but the thought that Yohan was still her husband—whether she admitted it or not—made this situation unbearable.
Anyone would feel the same. Even if Yohan accepted polygamy, watching him grow close to another woman was an entirely different matter.
Her gaze was sharp, piercing. So much so that even Eris, a knight with keen senses, picked up on it.
“…”
Eris glanced back and locked eyes with Rudbeckia. Neither woman looked away.
On the contrary, their gazes grew sharper and colder, as if they were trying to see through each other’s hearts.
Their eyes clashed midair.
It was like sparks flying.
‘Hah.’
Rudbeckia scoffed inwardly. That look—Eris had no intention of giving up.
And Rudbeckia knew that look all too well. It was the same expression she had worn countless times before.
Eris Highlander wouldn’t back down unless Yohan personally rejected her.
The thought that she needed to separate them wrapped around Rudbeckia like a cold wind. Her instincts told her the same. But how? Finding the right method was always the problem.
Rudbeckia narrowed her eyes and looked away, not because she was intimidated by Eris, but because she needed to think.
As her chilly gaze shifted, Eris, too, turned forward as if nothing had happened.
However, a shadow flickered across her eyes. Even someone as oblivious as her could tell.
‘Another pesky insect has latched on.’
The more beautiful the flower, the more insects and animals it attracted. Yohan was no different.
That newly appointed aide clearly liked him.
‘I need to get rid of her.’
‘I have to deal with her somehow.’
For the first time, their thoughts aligned.
***
The work at the Purification Bureau was over. However, Rudbeckia didn’t return to her mansion in the Freeche Imperial Capital. Instead, she followed Yohan from a distance, watching him.
Immediately after work, Yohan went to the public office and met Francia.
As always, they greeted each other with a kiss on the cheek and held hands affectionately, like a loving couple.
Rudbeckia ground her teeth at the sight, but Francia was an ally. She had to make that distinction.
Anyway.
The two of them didn’t return home right after work.
Instead, Yohan and Francia got off their carriage and headed toward a famous restaurant in the capital.
A place known for its seafood dishes, prepared by a former Imperial chef.
‘I’ll follow them.’
Rudbeckia quietly followed behind the two, even with her mask on. It was obvious that this was just an ordinary date, but since it was the first day, she needed to watch until the end.
“Welcome.”
As Rudbeckia entered the restaurant following them, a waiter greeted her politely.
“Do you have a reservation?”
“It’s my first time here today.”
“In that case, we will need to—”
“We’ll be going up to the second floor.”
“…Pardon me, but may I see your insignia?”
The reason the waiter asked for an insignia was that the second floor was reserved for nobles and other distinguished guests.
While anxiously watching Yohan and Francia ascend the stairs, Rudbeckia pulled out a coin engraved with the insignia of the Freeche family from inside her clothes.
It was an item that served as proof of one’s noble lineage.
“I have confirmed it. Orders will be taken separately on the second floor, so please enjoy your time.”
“Thank you.”
With her status confirmed, Rudbeckia was finally able to head up to the second floor. Though she hurried, she remained cautious, ensuring that she wouldn’t be noticed.
Perhaps because it was still early in the evening, there weren’t many guests on the second floor. However, Yohan and Francia were nowhere to be seen.
It seemed they had entered a private VIP room to avoid prying eyes.
‘Does this mean following them was pointless…?’
To find out which room they had entered, she would have to open each door one by one, which was out of the question. That would be completely inappropriate—she would have no excuse if she were thrown out.
‘Should I just leave?’
Just as she was hesitating in frustration, another woman ascended the stairs behind her.
Silvery white hair and sky-blue eyes. A woman whose elegance radiated from her with every step she took.
‘That person…!’
Even though Rudbeckia wasn’t well-versed in central nobility, there was no way she wouldn’t recognize her.
Before her regression, this woman had been the Empress. Originally, she had been the Crown Princess-to-be. A grand noble who orchestrated large-scale executions.
Rudella Bismarck.
As Rudbeckia flinched at the unexpected encounter, Rudella Bismarck entered the VIP room at the far right. Inside were Yohan and Francia.
‘What…?’
A question mark popped up in her mind.
Why was Rudella Bismarck meeting with those two?
‘Alright, I need to check this out.’
With cautious steps, Rudbeckia entered the VIP area. She adjusted her mask just in case, but the three were so absorbed in their conversation that they didn’t notice her presence.
She felt a little hurt that Yohan hadn’t recognized her, but at the same time, she was relieved.
The VIP room was divided into three sections, each separated by partitions. Magical soundproofing devices prevented eavesdropping.
Rudbeckia sat in the only spot where she could still see. Francia wasn’t visible, but she had a clear view of Yohan and Rudella Bismarck.
“Are you feeling well?”
“Fufu, Yohan worries too much. I am not a fragile glass doll.”
“Even so…”
“The royal physician advised me to get some fresh air from time to time.”
The two seemed very close. No, rather, it was excessive. Rudella’s voice was soft and tender, overflowing with sweetness.
‘What is going on…?’
What exactly was the relationship between these three? Why was Rudella Bismarck at a date location?
Rudbeckia was baffled. She had heard from Francia that Yohan was in a polygamous relationship, but she hadn’t been told who his second lover was.
She had assumed it was simply someone she hadn’t been introduced to. But now, a suspicion began to take root in her mind.
Could Rudella Bismarck be Yohan’s second lover?
‘No way.’
She dismissed the thought. It was too hard to believe that that Rudella Bismarck would be involved in such a relationship.
Shaking her head to keep her composure, Rudbeckia lifted her teacup and refocused on their table.
And at that moment, her eyes widened behind her mask.
Yohan’s fingers moved naturally.
A piece of food on the tip of his fork was brought to Rudella’s lips.
Yohan was feeding Rudella the hors d’oeuvre. His actions were affectionate, as if this was a regular occurrence.
Yohan asked,
“How is it?”
“Since it’s from Yohan, it tastes delicious.”
“Haha, give me a real opinion.”
“Hmm, I don’t know. I only know Yohan.”
As Rudella gave a soft smile, Francia’s voice interjected.
“Hmm, Miss Rudella, there’s a lot you don’t know.”
“That’s only natural. After all, I even learned love from Yohan.”
“Huh…!”
Listening to their conversation, Rudbeckia’s mind went blank.
Her heart suddenly plummeted.
‘W-What…?’
Her thoughts froze, turning completely white.