Regret Is Unnecessary for the Substitute Princess - Chapter 66
The dark alley behind the gambling house reeked of mold and wet coin. Perfoné pulled his cloak tighter, golden eyes sharp as he waited for the man to arrive.
Tieran.
A mid-level investigator from the intelligence guild. Reliable. Loyal only to coin.
“You’re late.”
“I had to make sure I wasn’t being followed,” Tieran muttered, glancing around before handing over a sealed envelope. “The information you requested. About the person named ‘Devin.’”
Perfoné ripped it open without a word, scanning the contents.
“The man named Daniel Devin lived in a remote village on the western border. Went missing about six years ago. No confirmed death.”
Tieran continued, “He had a daughter. Irina Devin. Lived with a beastkin girl named Alisha.”
Perfoné’s expression didn’t change, but his fingers tightened slightly.
“There’s more,” Tieran said, watching him. “A strange incident three years ago. The Rise family suddenly retrieved their ‘missing daughter.’ Coincided with the last sighting of Irina Devin.”
“…Go on.”
“Locals say Irina looked remarkably similar to April Hill Rise.”
The implication was clear.
Perfoné folded the document slowly.
“Where is this Irina now?”
“No confirmed sightings. But the beastkin who lived with her disappeared recently, right after temple agents visited the village.”
“So they’re moving.”
“Yes. Quietly, but definitely searching.”
Perfoné’s eyes narrowed.
“…And the person at House Rise now?”
Tieran hesitated. “Most believe it’s April. But the timing doesn’t add up.”
Perfoné turned, already walking.
“Keep digging. I need confirmation.”
⸻
The rain had stopped by the time he reached House Valstein. But the wind carried a chill that made the guards straighten as they recognized him.
“Your Highness!”
“I’m here to see Damian.”
He was ushered in immediately.
⸻
Inside, Damian stood at the foot of the stairs. His crimson eyes widened slightly.
“Perfoné?”
“I need to speak with you. Privately.”
The butler bowed and vanished.
They walked into a study, silence between them.
Then Perfoné broke it.
“You’ve been looking for someone for years, haven’t you?”
Damian didn’t respond.
Perfoné placed the document Tieran had given him on the desk.
“I think I’ve found her.”
Damian’s eyes sharpened.
Perfoné waited a beat.
“Irina Devin.”
Damian’s fingers twitched.
“She’s using April’s name. She’s the one you’ve been searching for.”
“…Where is she now?”
“Here. In the capital. At House Rise.”
The words hung heavy in the air.
Damian leaned forward.
“Are you certain?”
Perfoné nodded.
“She came to me not long ago, asked me to end the engagement. Said she had someone she cared for, someone she wanted to protect.”
Damian exhaled slowly.
“So she told you.”
“Only part of it. But it was enough.”
They stood in silence for a long moment.
Then Damian asked, “What do you plan to do?”
Perfoné looked up.
“I want to protect her.”