Invitation of the Crescent Moon - Chapter 1-10

1

A cool scent, like herbs or fresh dew, hung in the air. A chill filled Ashika’s lungs, seeping into her outstretched hands.

‘Cold.’

She pulled her hands closer, shivering, but something about their rough, dirt-stained condition made her hold them out again.

‘What’s wrong with my hands?’

Her fingertips were stained green, an unfamiliar sight. Tiny cuts marred her usually soft, white knuckles.

‘…Is this…grass stain? On my hands?’

Beyond her fingertips, she saw a profusion of green leaves on the ground.

The cold seeped into her legs and buttocks where she sat—in the middle of a patch of unidentified weeds.

‘Strange.’

A feeling both familiar and alien washed over her.

Her gaze, lifted from the weeds, traveled to the edge of the forest and beyond, to the sky. Heavy, ash-grey clouds hung ominously, threatening to descend.

Thud. Plip.

Cold droplets on her cheek jolted her back to reality.

“Oh, what am I doing?”

Judging by the sky, this wasn’t a passing shower. Ashika brushed the dirt from her hands and pushed herself up.

But before she could fully stand, she tumbled forward.

“Ugh!”

A searing pain ripped through her back, making her vision flash with sparks. Her body stiffened, trembling violently.

‘It hurts, it hurts so much…’

Lost in thought, she’d forgotten her condition. Her careless movement had stirred a forgotten wound, trapping her.

“Ugh… Ouch.”

Unable to stand or sit, Ashika lay prostrate in the weeds, waiting for the pain to subside.

Plip, thud. Whoosh…

Within moments, the heavy raindrops escalated into a downpour. The cold relentlessly battered her back. Her thin dress quickly became soaked.

“Hoo… Ha…”

Gasping for breath, Ashika managed to raise her upper body. Her legs were still weak from the pain.

Despite this, she knew she had to get up. She braced her hands on the ground, pushing herself up.

Then,

“Ashika, stay there.”

A voice cut through the storm, coming from behind. She had no time to identify the speaker. A large hand had already reached her, gently supporting her under the knees and lifting her.

“Drushia.”

Ashika gasped, looking up at her rescuer.

His bright blonde hair, as radiant as sunlight, clung to his forehead and face, wet from the rain, accentuating his sharp features.

“I told you to rest today, why did you come out?”

His reprimand was laced with concern. Drushia hurried forward, shielding her as much as possible from the rain by leaning over her.

“Even resting is hard.”

“Is that supposed to be an excuse?”

“Don’t treat me like an invalid.”

Drushia frowned at Ashika’s retort.

Though she spoke casually, her small frame trembled slightly in his arms. Seeing her endure the pain, Drushia stopped his scolding.

“Your wounds have healed, haven’t they? It’s just that moving is difficult.”

Ashika insisted she was fine, but Drushia’s stern expression remained unchanged.

They reached a small wooden building in a secluded spot, far from any houses, hidden deep within the forest, far from the village.

As soon as they entered, Drushia seated Ashika and quickly lit a fire in the fireplace. He then fetched a towel and gently wiped her rain-soaked hair and face.

“Give me the towel.”

“You can’t steal my job.”

Drushia pushed away her hand, which reached for the towel, and gently patted her wet black hair.

Her pale face, contrasted by her dark eyes and hair, made her seem even whiter.

Even with the best medicine and care, Ashika’s pale complexion didn’t improve.

“Drushia?”

Ashika pushed the towel away, meeting his worried, deep blue eyes.

Their eyes met, and Drushia instinctively smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. He swallowed his worry, his large hand gently stroking her hair before moving away.

“Oh dear, the living room will be flooded.”

Muttering to himself, Drushia lifted the hem of his shirt, which was dripping wet. The clinging fabric peeled away from his skin like a discarded shell, revealing well-defined broad shoulders, chest, and taut muscles. Despite living mostly outdoors, his skin remained remarkably pale.

The difference now was the numerous large and small scars across his body.

One particularly noticeable scar, a reddish mark, ran from his shoulder, across his chest, and down to below his hip bone.

Ashika stared at him, her eyes wide, towel in hand, as if seeing him for the first time.

Drushia’s lips curved into a smile as he noticed her expression.

“I haven’t even washed yet.”

Drushia threw off his shirt and strode towards Ashika. His actions were devoid of formality, yet his inherent elegance was undeniable. He was that kind of man.

“Why are your eyes so intense?”

“…This.”

“A military insignia? Why?”

Ashika remained dazed, ignoring his question.

Her hand reached towards him, then paused mid-air. A mark, running from his side to below his hip bone, was hidden beneath his trousers.

‘How far does that mark extend?’

Thump, thump. Her heart pounded. A strangely familiar yet unfamiliar feeling.

Drushia tilted his head, then reached out.

His large hand grasped hers, guiding it towards his taut abdomen. Ashika couldn’t pull away, following his lead.

His warm skin contrasted with her cold fingertips. She felt his sweat-dampened skin, the prominent hip bone, and firm muscles beneath his trousers.

Drushia held her hand with one hand and loosened his trousers with the other.

“Haa… a little lower…”

Guided by his hand, Ashika’s fingers moved lower, exploring the area beneath his trousers.

Her fingers encountered his damp skin and rough texture.

Ashika’s mouth fell open at the strange sensation. Just as the faintly visible p*bic hair, the same color as her hair, was about to come into full view, the loosened top of his shirt slipped down, revealing something unexpected.

“Gasp”

Startled, Ashika recoiled. Drushia, who had been holding his breath, burst out laughing.

“What’s wrong with you today? Are you trying to kill me with your stare?”

Fastening his shirt, Drushia released her startled hand.

Ashika turned her head, trying to hide her flushed face. Embarrassed, she couldn’t bring herself to look up. A wave of heat rose in her chest; she felt overwhelmingly shy.

Watching her, the corners of Drushia’s lips curled upward. A hint of regret lingered in his deepened blue eyes.

“Stay here until I prepare the bathwater.”

His priority was Ashika’s discomfort. Drushia forced himself to leave, though reluctantly. Even after he disappeared from view, Ashika’s heart continued to race.

‘What? Why am I suddenly like this?’

Ashika pressed a hand to her wildly beating chest, letting out a long breath.

Even after she managed to bathe and eat dinner, the rain showed no sign of letting up. In fact, it intensified, battering the small wooden building.

Sitting before the crackling fireplace, Ashika recalled a conversation from earlier that day. A herbalist from the village had visited their secluded dwelling.

“I heard the newly crowned Emperor is searching for survivors.”

Drushia, who had been adding wood to the fire, paused.

“I know.”

Of course, if the news had reached Ashika, Drushia would have known long ago. His reply was calm, but Ashika sensed the underlying distrust.

Clutching her warm cup, she hesitated before speaking again.

“…He’s publicly declared his intention to restore the annihilated families.”

Even as she spoke, Ashika cautiously observed Drushia’s face.

The firelight flickered across his hardened expression. His usually warm eyes were now cold, avoiding her gaze.

“What about going back?”

“No. Let’s wait a little longer.”

Drushia flatly rejected Ashika’s suggestion.

A change in regime didn’t guarantee the disappearance of threats. Ashika knew this, but a lingering sense of guilt weighed heavily on her heart.

Her legs, still stiff from her injuries, refused to obey her. Drushia, burdened with caring for her, couldn’t travel farther or regain his freedom.

‘If we returned to the capital, Drushia could at least try to rebuild his life.’

Drushia took the empty cup from her hand, speaking in a casual tone.

“Stop thinking such nonsense.”

His rigid expression softened as he looked at Ashika. When she didn’t look up, a warm hand caressed her cheek.

“Ashika.”

“Mmm…”

“I won’t risk any adventures while you’re here.”

His tone was unwavering, resolute. His bright blue eyes were intensely powerful, almost impossible to meet. Hidden within them were unshed anger and fear.

She knew what memory flickered within that fear: the night she was covered in blood, dying in his arms, as he desperately fled.

Even while abandoning everything, Drushia hadn’t given up on Ashika. He couldn’t.

Understanding the desperation he had felt, Ashika nodded gently.

“I’m happy now.”

Her delicate fingers gently covered his hand on her cheek. A smile bloomed on Ashika’s face, and Drushia finally smiled back.

But suddenly, his body stiffened.

“Drushia, what?”

Instead of answering, Drushia turned his head towards the window. He listened intently, but the torrential rain continued to roar through the house. Yet, his attention remained fixed on the outside. After a moment,

Creak.

“A bird? In this downpour?”

Ashika, too, looked puzzled. Drushia’s face hardened as he reached for the sword beside the fireplace.

“Ashika, come here…”

Before he could finish, disaster struck, just like that night.

Crash. Rumble.

“No!”

A blinding flash of lightning illuminated the room, followed by a deafening clap of thunder. The sound of the door splintering was lost in the chaos.

Drushia instantly grabbed Ashika’s waist, shielding her behind him as a sharp metallic clang echoed.

Clang!

In a dizzying instant, fierce wind and rain poured in through the shattered door and window, along with shadowy figures in black—assassins.

The storm extinguished the lamp, leaving only the flickering firelight from the hearth.

Slash, Crash.

The clash of steel, sparks flying, a broad back blocking her view, and the relentless onslaught of black-clad figures wielding swords.

It was all a nightmare. A nightmare clinging to her retinas, never to fade.

“Ashika, run!”

 

2

It was a desperate cry. Drushia shouted at Ashika to run away while fending off the incoming assassins.

Ashika barely managed to support herself against the wall. Words she couldn’t bring herself to utter due to fear trembled in her mouth.

How could I leave you behind? Without you, I am nothing.

“Ashika!”

Despite Drushia’s desperate cry, Ashika remained frozen, unable to move. At her feet lay the bodies of assassins fallen to Drushia’s sword.

In a flash, as her vision cleared, more dark figures poured in through the broken door. All to take the life of the man once called the Empire’s Sword.

However, even the Empire’s finest swordsman had his limits in single-handedly blocking the relentlessly advancing assassins. The moment he deflected one sword, another blade mercilessly cut into Drushia’s shoulder.

“Rushia!”

As his body lost balance, the assassins seized the opening. The assassin who followed rushed straight toward Ashika.

“No!”

“Aah!”

Just as the assassin’s sword flew toward Ashika, Drushia turned and embraced her.

Her slender body was enveloped by his warm, large frame. But even Drushia couldn’t serve as a perfect shield.

The moment she felt searing pain in her lower abdomen, agonizing pain struck her shoulder and heart as well.

Blood gushed forth. Her blood, Drushia’s blood.

The merciless swords pierced through their bodies pressed together as one and pinned them to the wall.

A despairing gaze fixed on Ashika’s black eyes. His lips, gurgling blood, trembled with spasms.

“…Sorry….”

For not being able to protect you until the end.

“…h…Rush….”

Even while gasping for breath, Ashika didn’t let go of his gaze. She no longer felt the terrible pain.

Because his blue eyes growing dim were heartbreaking. Because she wanted to hold onto the light of life fading from them, even if just a little.

But no matter how hard she tried to grasp it, she couldn’t catch the breath that was crumbling like smoke.

The strength leaves his arms holding Ashika. The blue eyes that remained fixed on her until the very end gradually fade from her sight.

The darkness closing in was death itself.

****

“…Rain….”

Through the pitch-black darkness, a faint voice caught her.

“…Rai… Igraine….”

She realized the voice was shaking because her body was trembling. And her body was trembling because someone was shaking her.

“Ashika Igraine!”

The politely urging voice finally became a shout. Her eyes opened reflexively at the thunderous voice striking her mind.

“Huk!”

But her vision blurred due to her violent breathing. When she tried to dig her nails into her throat and chest, a strong force grabbed her hands.

“Breathe. Slowly, slowly.”

The fierce voice had softened somewhat.

As her blurry vision cleared, the person before her became more distinct. Ashika discovered blue eyes looking down at her while she gasped for breath.

“…Rush…, Rushia….”

A frown creased the handsome face of the person before her at her trembling voice. However, Ashika didn’t notice her companion’s subtle change.

“Hic….Rushia.”

Ashika hurriedly reached out to touch his face. Though he flinched and tried to avoid it, she didn’t notice that either.

The short, neatly combed blonde hair and distinct features. His face, without a drop of blood, glowed with unprecedented vitality.

“…A dream….”

It had all been a dream. A nightmare. Of course it was, since he was alive and right before her eyes.

“…Rushia. I thought you really….hic.”

Tears flowed, filling her black eyes completely. Her slender arms desperately wrapped around his neck, afraid he might slip away. Though the firm muscles of his neck and shoulders kept twitching under her palms, Ashika paid no mind.

From the moment she raised herself, he had removed his hands from Ashika. But the sobbing woman clung to him as if he were her only lifeline.

While his large hands remained suspended in the air, unable to decide what to do, her tear-wet lips brushed against his neck.

“Ugh. This….”

A flustered voice escaped. But the arms around his neck pulled him closer. Drushia quickly grabbed the sofa’s backrest for support, but couldn’t resist the desperate woman’s strength.

“Lady Ig….”

The lips that had been pressed against his cheek overlapped with his lips. It happened in an instant, without time to avoid it.

While Drushia remained frozen, he felt her tear-wet, humid breath. Her hot, small tongue diving into his mouth happened just as suddenly.

“What… mmph.”

As his tongue flinched and tried to retreat, her small tongue followed and entwined with it. When the two pieces of flesh tangled together, a shiver ran down his spine.

His blue eyes, like the clear sky, widened as much as they could. Though thinking he should push her away, his hands holding Ashika’s shoulders lost their strength.

Thump, thump, his heart began to beat as frantically as hers. As their urgent breaths intertwined, he felt an electrifying sensation running through his entire body.

Drushia’s hands grasped the back of Ashika’s head. He returned the kiss that had been one-sided until now. He caught her weakening lips, seized her small tongue, and delved inside.

“Hm… mmph.”

Ashika’s breath grew heavy. Something had changed, though she didn’t know what, but something was different.

It was unfamiliar. The thick flesh probing every corner of her mouth was strange and rough. At that peculiar gap, her tears dried and an odd heat rose.

The soft sensation against her back and the heavy weight pressing down on her body. She patted his back as the unfamiliar pressure made it hard to breathe.

“Rush…, hmm… uh.”

However, Drushia only pressed his lips harder, devouring her with even greater force.

Her vision grew distant along with the dizzying sensation. When his large hand stroked her side and moved up toward her chest, Ashika snapped back to her senses.

“Ugh!”

Drushia stopped moving at the sharp pain of his tongue being bitten.

Right before him were black eyes as round as a deer’s. Still holding unshed tears.

Their entangled tongues separated, leaving a slick sensation in their mouths. As their lips, glistening with each other’s saliva, parted, the completely dazed man and woman faced each other.

What had just happened?

There wasn’t even time to compose their disheveled faces. Before the dazed woman, Drushia’s lips parted.

“…Lady Igraine.”

Lady Igraine. That clear title shot through Ashika’s mind.

“Rushia?”

The man’s eyebrow twitched before settling back in place.

“What’s wrong, Rushia?”

“Rushia? Is that what you’re calling me now?”

“Well, who else is here besides you?”

“Rushia, Drushia…”

Drushia repeated the name in disbelief before finally realizing it was his nickname with an “Ah.”

His attitude was strange, and his attire was even stranger. Ashika stared at Drushia again with a blank face.

“When did you cut your hair?”

“Was there ever a time when I had long hair?”

The conversation continued to go awry.

“And why are you wearing… a tailcoat?”

“Isn’t it natural since I attended the banquet?”

“Banquet? What banquet?”

At Ashika’s question, Drushia’s face changed peculiarly. His expression seemed to say, ‘What kind of crazy woman is this?’

Though there was still undiminished heat in his blue eyes, they remained cold. Those same deep blue eyes that always looked at her coldly.

“Gasp!”

It was like being hit in the head. With the sudden realization, Ashika jumped up from the sofa and distanced herself from him.

“You… you… pervert!”

“Are you talking to me?”

“What did you do to me!”

“What nonsense is this? I’m clearly the one who was taken advantage of.”

“How could that…”

She tried to argue. There’s no way she would have thrown herself at this man unless she had gone mad.

Yet, she had just been clinging to him moments ago.

“Oh my god.”

Ashika could only gape, unable to find words. Her thoughts became disconnected amid confusion, anger, and the inexplicable situation.

‘What have I done?’

No matter how out of her mind she might have been, the other party was ‘that’ Duke Talion.

Even if every man in the world had died and only one remained, if it was Talion, she would never have gone near him – this Drushia Talion.

Instead of interrogating the woman who had suddenly stolen his lips, he narrowed his eyes and examined her.

‘Could this woman have some chronic illness?’

With such searching eyes. If he found a weakness, he would never leave Ashika alone. He would try to use it somehow.

Realizing the obvious reality, she quickly collected herself.

“I… made a mistake.”

“A mistake? You’re saying you mistook who I was?”

It was an impossible excuse. But Ashika stood straight, putting strength into her legs.

Suppressing her wildly beating heart, she arranged her disheveled dress and took out a handkerchief from her pocket to press against her lips. She dabbed at her moist, cool lips and around them with the handkerchief.

Drushia’s face became incredulous.

“There are other things to mistake. How could Lady Igraine’s fiancé and I look anything alike?”

“That’s not it, I was dreaming…”

A sharp pain passed through Ashika’s heart.

Yes, she had dreamed. A terribly vivid and horrible dream.

A dream where a kind man’s smile turned to despair in an instant, and the strong arms that had held her crumbled, covered in blood.

The noble woman’s face contorted again as if about to cry. Drushia, who had been about to criticize her, quietly closed his mouth.

Ashika’s confused gaze wandered aimlessly before suddenly noticing something strange. She pressed her lips together and carefully examined the room again.

“What are you looking for?”

“You know, that frame. The one that was on the decorative shelf.”

“Lady Igraine, this is an empty room. Can’t you see?”

Drushia was right. Though there were tables and sofas like a reception room, they were all covered with white cloth, and fine dust had settled on top.

The decorative shelf she mentioned was nowhere to be seen.

“But it was definitely here. The frame with embedded jewels…”

She remembered touching it because the jewels’ light was strange. Beautiful gems, but they seemed ready to crumble with their spider web-like cracks.

“Lady Igraine, stop talking nonsense. You pounce on me and try to gloss over it with ridiculous claims?”

The black eyes flinched and blinked. The rolling eyes found their place again and became tense.

“Did I do it alone? Who was it that didn’t push me away and rushed in?”

“Ha! Now you’re trying to blame me? That’s a poor excuse for throwing yourself at another man when you have a fiancé!”

“A man of your strength should have pushed me away. Or is Duke Talion so weak he can’t even fend off a woman’s strength?”

“Lady Igraine!”

Drushia raised his voice, unable to contain himself.

Even as Ashika spoke these words, her face was flushing with embarrassment at her own statements.

But she couldn’t show her weakness now. Just imagining how much that man would pressure her if she gave him leverage made her dizzy.

Just be brazen about it. Just like he had always been.

Even with her lips still glistening with moisture, Ashika shouted boldly.

“I didn’t know you were such an easy man. If I had known, I would have been more careful!”

“That’s impossible! Even if every woman in the world were to disappear, it would never be Igraine. Never!”

“Look who’s talking!”

The fierce gazes of the man and woman tangled in mid-air.

Whatever had happened, the situation of these two being entangled was wrong on so many levels.

“Ha.”

The handsome face contorted as Drushia exhaled roughly. It was an extremely unfair situation where he didn’t even know how to argue.

“Damn it, ha.”

An uncharacteristically crude curse escaped his lips. He loosened his tight collar and glared at Ashika with angry eyes.

But that was all. Drushia turned around sharply with a frustrated and incredulous expression.

Watching him stride away, the tension gradually left Ashika’s body, which had been rigid. Though she had put up a sharp front, her pounding heart still hadn’t calmed down.

 

3

Even as she stepped outside, Ashika kept looking back.

The empty, desolate corridor. Though luxurious frames filled the walls, no lights were on. Only the brilliant illumination from outside lit the interior.

‘Why is there such a space in the Imperial Palace?’

She couldn’t even remember how she got here. Realizing this belatedly made her feel dizzy.

Past the arched corridor emerged a spacious banquet hall. Among the people busily cleaning up, a knight in formal uniform rushed over.

“My Lady!”

“Jeanne?”

“Where have you been? The banquet ended long ago, and we’ve been waiting for quite a while since you weren’t anywhere to be seen.”

“Ah…”

Now she remembered. The imperial banquet that ended earlier than scheduled. Being inside the palace, even her family’s knights and servants couldn’t freely search for her.

“Is everything alright?”

Jeanne wiped the sweat from her forehead and looked down worriedly. Though both women, Jeanne the knight stood much taller than Ashika.

“I’m fine. I just got lost after taking a wrong turn.”

The area around Rose Hall, where banquets were frequently held, was famously complex.

Jeanne nodded with relief and led the way through the busy servants.

Ashika climbed into the carriage with Jeanne’s help, her face tired. Then her body suddenly froze.

“…Lord Oclein.”

“You’re late, Lady Igraine.”

Ashika avoided the hand extended before her and sat on the opposite side.

Coral awkwardly withdrew his hand and knocked on the carriage to signal departure.

At the slight jolt, Ashika’s body swayed.

In that moment, Coral’s hand grabbed her arm. Her previously limp body tensed up immediately. Even after she straightened her posture stiffly, Coral didn’t let go of her arm.

“Are you unwell?”

“Please let go, Lord Oclein.”

“Your complexion is pale.”

Coral’s hand moved toward her face, where cold sweat had formed. Ashika carefully moved back to avoid it. At this clear sign of rejection, his gray eyes grew even colder.

What was wrong with her today, when usually not a single strand of her hair would be out of place? Coral’s eyes narrowed further.

“The wedding is only two months away. How long will you maintain this distance?”

There was slight irritation in his voice.

“Two months is still quite some time.”

Ashika gently pulled at her captured arm. But the warmth wrapped around her arm wouldn’t let go. That sensation felt burdensome and uncomfortable.

“Lady Igraine, I am to be your husband.”

“Yes, in two months.”

The hand gripping her arm tightened sharply. It was such a strong grip that it was even painful, as if squeezing her flesh.

“Lord Oclein.”

Ashika didn’t show the pain. She merely reminded him with an icy voice.

A sneer briefly crossed Coral’s lips. It was now a blatant attitude he didn’t even try to hide.

Coral wouldn’t know. That it was because of such attitudes that she couldn’t give her heart to him even though he was her fiancé. It was because the threatening demeanor that occasionally showed through his polite behavior stirred Ashika’s instincts.

With a jolt, the carriage came to a stop.

“My lady, may I open the door for a moment?”

It was Jeanne’s voice.

“What is it?”

Ashika finally pushed away the hand gripping her arm with a sigh of relief. Coral’s face creased slightly.

“There’s been an issue. The knights who went out for event support today…”

As soon as Jeanne opened the carriage door, she sensed the subtle tension between the two. But she continued speaking as if she hadn’t noticed.

“What about the knights?”

“Well, regrettably…”

Jeanne, usually forthright, trailed off. Ashika, massaging her sore arm, urged her to continue.

“They got into a fight with the Talion knights who were dispatched for support.”

“What?”

The nerve-wracking exchange with Coral flew from Ashika’s mind. Even Coral turned to look at Jeanne with wide eyes.

“They’re currently detained at the Capital Security Force headquarters. And…”

Even as she spoke, Jeanne couldn’t hide her embarrassed expression.

“I hear Duke Talion himself is coming to the Security Force office.”

At these words, Ashika’s face turned pale.

“What should we do? Should we call Lord Geness?”

Julmanan Geness was Ashika’s advisor. Normally he would handle such matters, but the other side had already mobilized their Duke. From this side, Ashika, a Young Duchess, needed to step in to match the rank.

“You said Duke Talion is coming. If we send Julma…”

“Yes. He’d be eaten alive, down to the bones. By ‘that’ Duke Talion.”

Jeanne muttered lowly while grimacing.

Ashika’s head started to burn. It hadn’t been long since they’d parted after that absurd incident.

‘I have to see that man’s face again now?’

“Should we return to the mansion first?”

“There’s no need to personally intervene in a knights’ quarrel, is there?”

It was Coral who answered Jeanne’s question. Ashika sighed while pressing her throbbing temples.

“Duke Talion has come from their side. Who knows how fair the Capital Security Force will be in front of him? I cannot abandon my family’s knights like this.”

“Then why not call Sir Coltern instead?”

“Sir Coltern is absent.”

Even the Knights Commander who could handle Duke Talion was away at this crucial time.

Ashika rose from her seat after looking at Coral’s displeased face.

“My Lady?”

“Lady Igraine?”

Jeanne naturally took Ashika’s hand as she extended it out of the carriage.

“I apologize, Lord Oclein, but please return first. I will handle the knights’ matter and return separately.”

Dealing with Drushia was difficult, but enduring Coral’s clingy contact was even more unbearable. Watching Coral’s face crumple, Ashika felt utterly relieved.

“Jeanne, call for a carriage. Let’s go to the Security Force.”

At Jeanne’s signal, two guard knights who had been waiting behind the carriage approached Ashika’s side.

Ashika hurried her steps to board a new carriage after sending away Coral’s.

****

The carriage carrying Ashika stopped in front of a sturdy ochre building. This place, with several large buildings clustered together, was the Capital Security Force headquarters.

The street was quiet in the late night, with only the lights around the building illuminating the surroundings. The desolate atmosphere made Ashika shiver briefly.

“This way, please.”

Since they had notified in advance, a security officer who had been waiting led the way. He headed toward a building opposite the main security headquarters.

Inside the building were consecutive detention cells blocked by iron bars, and there were close to ten security officers standing guard.

“Is this it?”

The guide bowed his head at Ashika’s question. Simultaneously, those inside drew sharp breaths.

Whispers of ‘She really came! It’s the Young Duchess Igraine!’ burst out here and there.

However, what caught Ashika’s attention wasn’t the surprised security officers or the knights beyond the cells. A tall man, standing a head above the security officers, walked out from behind them.

“So you came.”

That brief statement was complex and nuanced. The man with light blonde hair wearing a silver-gray frock coat looked much more formidable than when they had parted earlier.

Ashika’s heart pounded again. His gaze examining her face was so sharp that she lowered her voice even further.

“Of course. They are my family’s knights. They’re not of a status to mingle with common thugs.”

At Ashika’s cold response, Drushia’s eyebrows shot up sharply.

“Indeed. I hear there was a mad dog running wild in the middle of the street during the festival. If it weren’t for my knights, there could have been serious trouble.”

Ashika glared at Drushia with her eyes narrowed to slits.

“You frontier butcher!”

“Better than a stray dog that bites anyone.”

Anger clouded Drushia’s face, which had looked so composed.

Only Igraine dared to demean Talion, known as the Empire’s Sword, by calling him a ‘butcher.’

And each time, Drushia would mercilessly mock the Igraine knights as a pack of strays gathered from rabble.

The nearby security officers quietly backed away. They shuddered at seeing the supposedly well-mannered Duke Talion and Young Duchess Igraine transform instantly.

The House of Talion and House of Igraine were not only representative powerful families in the empire but also the worst of enemies. Their relationship was so poor that there were jokes about having to split the country in half because of these two.

“Um…”

The Security Force Chief barely opened his mouth with a pale face.

“Are you the one in charge?”

Ashika’s gaze moved from Drushia to the Security Chief.

“You sent my knights to patrol the same area as the Talion knights today?”

It was a day when the capital was bustling due to the festival. Families with knights voluntarily sent them to assist the security officers. It was a kind of volunteer work.

Anyone who worked in the capital knew about the relationship between Igraine and Talion. Putting knights from both families in the same place was like throwing a torch into an oil warehouse.

As the cold gaze flew at him, the Security Chief’s face turned even more ashen.

“Ah, there was an administrative error. The administrative officer is new to the capital…”

If the Security Chief had been present, he would have tried to chase them away somehow rather than arrest the knights.

However, the Talion knights had demanded the immediate imprisonment of the Igraine knights upon seeing their injured colleague, and the Igraine knights had protested about being treated like common street thugs.

As a result, both sides had to be brought to the detention cells.

“I see.”

Drushia clicked his tongue while looking at the knights beyond the cell bars.

The knights who had been fighting so fiercely now couldn’t even raise their heads and bowed deeply.

“Who started it? And why?”

 

4

At Drushia’s insistence, Ashika approached the holding cells.

Three knights of Igraine, and three of Talion. Separated by a single partition, the knights on both sides stubbornly refused to speak.

‘I’ve never seen these faces before.’ 

Ashika thought, tilting her head. Due to the inevitably clashing nature of their relationship, Ashika knew most of the capital knights.

‘Are they newly arrived from the territories?’

One of the knights, a man with dark brown hair, was particularly large. Even with his gaze lowered, an unresolved fury was evident on his face, which appeared as solid and imposing as a rock.

In truth, there was no real reason for their brawl. From the moment they encountered each other in the same space, they displayed hostility, and in the blink of an eye, all six were tangled in a fight. There was no room for excuses.

Ashika’s eyes widened as she examined the Talion knights.

Barely past the age of majority, a young man surreptitiously hid his bleeding shoulder, his face flushed. Even in this situation, he seemed ashamed of his injury.

“There’s an injured person! We need to treat him first…”

Ashika started to call for the Security Force Chief, but stopped. Seeing Drushia’s hardened expression, she realized he already knew.

‘That’s why he’s even more furious.’

Prolonging the situation wouldn’t benefit anyone. At least none of the Igraine knights appeared injured. Ashika calmed herself and spoke.

“Let’s quickly reach an agreement and get the injured treated.”

“A little scratch isn’t something to make a fuss about.”

“A little scratch? He’s bleeding like that!”

“And I presume it was an Igraine knight who inflicted that wound? You’re hardly in a position to complain.”

‘He’s angry. Very angry.’

Ashika clicked her tongue inwardly.

No matter how young, he was a Talion knight. A knighthood that carried both prestige and responsibility. Not only had they engaged in a street brawl, but one of them was injured. It was a blatant smear on Talion’s name.

“So you intend to leave the patient sitting on the cold stone floor like this?”

“Patient? A scratch like that makes him a patient? Oh, I suppose those sick stray dogs could collapse at any moment.”

“Duke Talion!”

“Oh? Your way of addressing me has changed already? Different from earlier.”

Ashika’s jaw dropped. She couldn’t believe he brought that up here.

“What did you call me earlier, Rush…?”

“Security Force Chief! Who’s the administrative officer in charge here?”

“Y-yes?”

Ashika hastily redirected the conversation to the Security Force Chief. The Chief, who had been observing the situation from a distance, was startled by the sudden summons. Ashika continued without waiting for a response.

“Whoever the officer in charge was, send an official letter to the Igraine ducal residence by tomorrow.”

The Security Force Chief didn’t dare to reply. He held the minor title of knight, and even the highest-ranking administrative officer present held no more than the rank of baron.

“Um…What about you, Duke Talion? If you agree, we can release all the knights and…”

“Who said anything about agreeing?”

Drushia’s sharp retort made Ashika’s eyes widen.

‘Does he really intend to refuse any agreement?’

Despite her sharp gaze, Drushia looked at the knights and said coldly, “I’ve called a physician, so the injured can get treated and rest there. Understood?”

“Yes, Your Grace. We apologize.”

The large, dark-haired knight bowed his head deeply.

“Duke Talio— Look, we can exchange written accounts of the incident later.”

Drushia’s blue eyes fixed on Ashika.

His sharp gaze and angry expression remained, yet there was a strange nuance to them. It was unclear whether his anger stemmed from the disgrace brought upon his knights, or something else entirely.

Drushia’s gaze drifted downwards, stopping at Ashika’s slightly swollen lip. A flush crept up her face.

“This isn’t the only thing we need to discuss. Can’t we just let this minor incident go?”

“Minor? Is it a minor incident to Lady Igraine?”

Even as he spoke, Drushia’s gaze remained fixed on her lips.

His suggestive reply made Ashika’s eyes tremble. His intention to provoke her was clear, yet she found it difficult to retort as she usually would. Her heart raced, and her mind felt hazy.

‘I’ll get swept away by this.’

“My Lady.”

The perceptive Jeanne stepped in, breaking the tense silence. Ashika discreetly sighed and took a step back.

“If there’s no intention of reaching an agreement, there’s no point in wasting each other’s time.”

Instead of moving further away from Drushia, Ashika approached the holding cell bars.

“As you can see, this is the situation.”

“Yes, My Lady.”

The Igraine knights bowed their heads in response.

“I’ll send Julma tomorrow, so wait until then.”

“Yes.”

“We apologize.”

The knights apologized, unable to even lift their heads.

Unlike Drushia, Ashika wasn’t angry at the knights. This wasn’t an uncommon occurrence, and a few punches wouldn’t erase the deep-seated animosity.

She was only disappointed that she couldn’t resolve the matter herself. While the knights’ issues weren’t her direct responsibility, she wanted to handle it before it reached her grandfather’s ears.

For reasons unknown, Drushia didn’t stop her. His usual sarcastic remarks were absent. Ashika didn’t realize that he was just as bewildered by the situation as she was.

Trying not to look back, Ashika walked towards the door.

She felt a burning gaze on her back. A persistent gaze that was difficult to shake off.

****

“Your Grace, did you hear what I said?”

“Hmm?”

At the same moment he answered, the documents slipped from Drushia’s hands, fluttering to the floor. His gaze followed their descent.

His aide, Kalf, with a stiff expression, bent down to retrieve them.

“Baron Delfino has come to the capital, and Lord Fontanea has been sent to the Grand Duchy in his stead.”

“Ah, right. Did Grandfather say anything else?”

Drushia quickly collected his scattered thoughts.

He couldn’t count how many times he’d slipped up today. He was at least grateful it was only in front of his aide. Kalf was the only one who wouldn’t pry for an explanation.

“Should I call a physician?”

“Huh.”

Instead of asking why, Kalf suggested a medical examination.

“Do I look ill?”

“Since entering your office today, you’ve spilled an inkwell, torn three documents while signing them, and dropped a stack of organized papers. Furthermore, you left more than half of both your breakfast and lunch. I believe a medical examination would be prudent.”

His aide, meticulously listing his mistakes and actions, was more intimidating than a nagging butler. Drushia’s brow furrowed deeply.

“Don’t treat a healthy person like a patient.”

“You don’t appear healthy, Your Grace.”

“Honestly…”

With a slightly irritated expression, Drushia accepted the retrieved documents and placed them on his desk. He repeatedly ran a hand through his already loosened collar, but the tightness in his chest remained.

‘It’s because of that woman.’

Ashika Igraine, the woman who seemed as if she’d rather break than bend.

‘That woman cried.’

She clung to him and cried. Completely unguarded. No, more than unguarded; she’d cast aside all pretense and confronted him with her vulnerability.

No matter how hard he tried to erase it, the vivid memory wouldn’t fade. Her tear-filled, jet-black eyes, beautiful and sorrowful, were etched into his mind.

When he felt her trembling lips, he’d even forgotten she was an Igraine. Contrary to his thoughts of pushing her away, all his senses felt drawn in, as if pulled into a vortex.

A desperate kiss, as if he’d encountered something familiar and longed-for. He couldn’t bring himself to push away the woman who clung to him as if he were her only lifeline.

“Ha…”

A heavy weight settled in his chest again. Drushia rubbed his neck and let out a frustrated sigh.

“Say…”

“Yes, Your Grace. Please speak.”

“Is there some… unknown, hereditary trait in the Igraine line?”

Like a mental illness, for example. Drushia swallowed the last part, unable to voice it.

At the unexpected question, Kalf paused in thought before answering.

“The distinguishing characteristic of the Igraine ducal family is their lack of distinguishing characteristics.”

“Haha. Right.”

Drushia laughed hollowly, despite having posed the question himself.

The imperial family and the families of the nation’s founders passed down distinct traits to their direct descendants – unique eye or hair colors, for instance, that didn’t appear in other families.

While some families, including the Talion ducal family, were linked to the nation’s founding myths, the Igraines had no such history. They simply possessed an overflowing abundance of wealth.

‘What was it? Why was she so terrified?’

It had been an ordinary imperial banquet celebrating the spring planting festival. The banquet, meant to continue throughout the night, had been unexpectedly adjourned before midnight. As the murmuring nobles filed out of the ballroom, he’d seen Ashika heading in a different direction.

Suspecting that the Igraines were plotting something with the imperial family, he’d followed her.

‘But the location was… odd.’

Rose Hall was already known for its labyrinthine complexity, but this place was even stranger.

Dust lay thick on the long-unused hallways and decorations. When he heard a small cry from the room Ashika entered, he’d rushed inside without thinking.

He’d been shocked to find Ashika collapsed on the floor. He quickly checked her over, but she wasn’t injured. Her breathing and pulse were normal.

‘I couldn’t carry her out, and calling for help was out of the question.’

It was a predicament. The man and woman of two bitterly opposed families found together in a secluded space, and only the woman emerges unconscious? It would be a horrific scandal.

Yet, he couldn’t leave an unconscious woman alone, even if she was the loathsome Igraine.

Drushia decided to wait. Thinking she would wake soon, he removed the white cloth and laid her on a sofa in the reception room.

‘She seemed to be having a nightmare.’

That was the reason he hadn’t left. Her whimpering reminded him of himself as a child.

“Your Grace. Please remove your hand.”

A firm voice abruptly pulled Drushia back to reality. When he didn’t respond, Kalf carefully lifted his hand from the desk.

Black ink dripped from Drushia’s fingertips, staining the marble surface.

The spreading ink on the desk resembled the disheveled strands of the woman’s hair, sparking a strange thought in his mind.

‘I’ve gone mad. Mad. That damned Igraine.’

Drushia’s expression became even more incredulous.

“That’s the second inkwell, Your Grace. I will call the physician to your bedroom after dinner this evening.”

Kalf offered Drushia a handkerchief. The white fabric quickly turned black in his hand.

“Fine, call him. I’m starting to think I should see him myself.”

 

5

“Go ahead and call him. I think I need to see him myself.”

An elderly butler entered the half-open office door, his eyes widening in surprise.

“Do you require a physician, Your Grace?”

Drushia clicked his tongue discreetly, wondering how long his office door had been ajar. He truly questioned his own state of mind.

“I just haven’t been sleeping well.”

“Has your insomnia returned?”

“It’s not like it’s a recent development. Why do you ask?”

Drushia brushed aside the butler’s concern. Despite his worried expression, the butler didn’t pry further.

“Someone from the Capital Security Force came. They’ve taken the knights from Duke Igraine’s estate.”

“Ha, on whose authority? Are they really trying to start something?”

“Shall I have our knights brought back?”

“What about the official notice from the Igraine estate?”

“…There wasn’t one. They didn’t leave a message, they just took them.”

The butler replied cautiously.

Drushia, who had habitually raised his hand to his neck, paused. Seeing the black ink stain on his hand, his face crumpled in disgust.

“Did the Security Force Chief release them on his own accord?”

“If Duke Igraine applies pressure, the Security Force Chief has little choice. It’s just a minor quarrel after all.”

Even a minor quarrel between Igraine and Talion was never trivial. The butler observed Drushia’s weary face.

“What shall we do?”

“Yes, what should we do? The newly appointed Knight Commander gets himself locked up in the Capital Security Force headquarters right after arriving in the capital?”

Even Kalf, his aide, who usually responded without hesitation, closed his mouth at Drushia’s sharp glare.

Aegonite Delfino, Baron Delfino. The First Knight Commander of Duke Talion, he had served under his grandfather, Neoren, before being transferred to the capital. It hadn’t even been a week since his arrival, and he’d already caused a major incident.

The butler tried to soothe Drushia’s anger with a wry smile.

“Perhaps he needed time to adjust.”

“That’s why I haven’t sent him to the Grand Duchy garrison. To avoid any clashes with the Igraine knights. Knowing that, he shouldn’t be causing trouble in the capital.”

Among Talion’s vassals, the most hostile towards Igraine was undoubtedly Baron Aegonite Delfino. He had lost his parents and siblings in ‘that incident’ fourteen years ago. But they weren’t the only ones who died in that incident.

“He’s not a child who doesn’t know right from wrong. He shouldn’t be acting like this, especially not in front of me.”

“I’ll go and bring him back.”

The elderly butler stepped forward. With his experience, he likely hoped to appease the situation.

“No, I’ll bring him back. I want to see how much he’s reflected overnight.”

Drushia tossed the crumpled handkerchief onto his desk and left the office. His aide, Kalf, followed, while the butler stopped a passing servant to request a wet towel.

“Your Grace, perhaps we should stop by the dressing room.”

Drushia had remained at the mansion all day. his overly casual attire had caught the butler’s eye.

“No. Just bring me a coat.”

Despite his age, the butler kept pace with Drushia without difficulty. He persistently attended to every detail, even for tasks that could have been handled more casually.

“Shall I have the family carriage prepared?”

“I need to handle this discreetly. I don’t want rumors spreading about the Duke visiting the Capital Security Force.”

Though everyone who mattered would likely know anyway.

As Drushia reached the bottom of the stairs, a servant, slightly out of breath, hurried over and handed him a wet towel. After wiping the ink from his hand and hastily donning a coat, Drushia left the mansion.

****

The carriage he boarded was a plain mahogany color, without the ducal crest.

The Capital Security Force headquarters was located on Palmred Street, a primarily commoner district. After leaving the mansion and traveling for about an hour, the carriage slowed as they neared the city center.

“What’s going on?”

Drushia opened the carriage window and looked outside.

“There seems to be a performance at the Opera House today. The streets are narrow here, making it difficult for carriages to pass on such days.”

As the coachman said, the streets were congested with people and carriages. People poured out of the Opera House, mixing with waiting carriages and couples arm in arm, dodging their way through the crowd.

The large open space in front of the Opera House was teeming with people.

“The Opera House is quite large.”

“It’s primarily frequented by the wealthy middle class, so it’s quite substantial.”

Kalf added a simple explanation.

As the sun began to set, lamplighters moved through the streets, lighting the gas lamps. The air was filled with the warmth of the crowd and a gentle breeze.

Drushia’s gaze, scanning the street, stopped at a particular point.

Even in the dimming light, the woman with jet-black hair stood out. She accepted a cape from someone and hurried off.

‘Could it be?’

The woman headed towards the line of carriages. Moments later, Drushia caught a glimpse of the woman’s face as she looked around and chuckled softly.

‘Of course. That woman wouldn’t be in a place like this.’

No matter how good the facilities, nobles rarely visited this area. his heart, which had inexplicably quickened, settled back into its usual rhythm.

Yet, Drushia couldn’t tear his gaze away. The woman quickened her pace and stopped in front of an ordinary carriage. As the door opened, a hand reached out to help her inside, and Drushia’s eyes widened.

“Lord Coral Oclein?”

The woman didn’t immediately enter the carriage. A brief exchange, almost a struggle, took place. The platinum-haired man in formal attire and the raven-haired woman. The combination made it easy to recognize him.

“Ha. Lord Oclein has a mistress?”

Kalf’s gaze followed Drushia’s and landed on the couple.

“There have been rumors, but nothing confirmed.”

Drushia’s face hardened. A belated realization dawned on him.

“Doesn’t that woman resemble someone?”

“Indeed, she does.”

Even Kalf had been momentarily fooled. Of course, the woman was much more voluptuous than the woman he remembered.

The combination of black hair and black eyes was uncommon in the Empire. Ashika Igraine’s appearance had sparked considerable rumors when she was born, along with suspicions about her true parentage.

“This is rather unsettling.”

A man keeping a mistress who strikingly resembled his fiancée, right before their wedding. Kalf’s words darkened Drushia’s expression further.

The woman, after resisting at the carriage door, finally allowed Coral to lead her inside.

Seized by a sudden thought, Drushia rapped on the roof of his carriage to stop it.

“Do you have any blank documents with you?”

Kalf blinked, confused, and Drushia held out his hand.

“You go to the Security Force headquarters.”

“Me? Ah, yes.”

Kalf pulled a blank document from his bag and handed it to him.

Official documents for high-ranking nobles used special paper with a hidden watermark to prevent forgery.

Drushia stamped the document with his ring, quickly completing the authorization.

“Where are you going, Your Grace?”

“I have somewhere to be. There are plenty of waiting carriages, take any one of them.”

Kalf was practically pushed out of the carriage. Left alone, Drushia pointed to the departing carriage.

“Follow that carriage. Let’s see where it goes.”

The coachman nodded and set the carriage in motion again.

The carriage left the bustling streets and entered a residential area. Large and small mansions lined the streets, a high-class neighborhood inhabited by the upper middle class and above.

“Slow down.”

Seeing the carriage ahead stop, Drushia instructed his coachman. He opened the window slightly, shielding himself with the curtain as he observed.

The black-haired woman emerged from the carriage, practically clinging to Coral. Whatever had transpired inside, her clothes were disheveled.

“Hmph. Unbelievable.”

Drushia scoffed as he watched them enter the mansion.

It was clearly not a one-time occurrence, judging by the casual manner of the servant who greeted them and the couple’s intimate behavior.

As the carriage slowly passed the mansion, the two figures disappeared from view.

Drushia sat up straight in the swaying carriage, lost in thought. A furrow creased his smooth forehead, and his bright blue eyes narrowed.

“Their wedding is in two months.”

Is that woman going to go through with the marriage even though she knows this fact?

“Impossible. There’s no way.”

The Ashika Igraine he knew was a woman of unwavering character. She wouldn’t tolerate a fiancé with a mistress, not right before their wedding.

“What to do…”

Drushia’s mind raced as the carriage moved.

He wasn’t keen on simply tarnishing Ashika’s reputation with this scandal. It would be better to use it to his advantage.

There were countless issues entangling Igraine and Talion. Managing the unclaimed Grand Duchy together for forty years had led to constant friction between their respective garrisons.

“They were planning to construct new buildings at the garrison, weren’t they? There will be another dispute over the costs.”

A meeting with Igraine to discuss the budget was imminent. If used correctly, this information could help him gain leverage in the negotiations.

After some deliberation, a smile crept onto Drushia’s lips. A sense of amusement filled him, bringing a chuckle to his throat.

“This marriage… I might just be able to break it.”

He didn’t know how beneficial it would be for Talion, but it didn’t seem to matter.

 

TN:

Changed Ashika’s title from “minor duchess” to “Young Duchess” 

It was my mistake. 

I’ve also corrected the previous chapters.

6

Ashika’s gaze was half-dazed.

The sunlight flooding through the glass windows and the rose garden full of buds beyond didn’t catch her eye. The whispering conversations of the noble ladies sounded distant.

“I must have scheduled the salon too early, Lady Igraine.”

“Ah.”

Ashika quickly focused her eyes and came to her senses. Having been unable to sleep all night, she had made such a mistake.

“Not at all, Baroness. It’s only once a month after all. I’d be disappointed if it were delayed further.”

This was the only salon that Ashika, who rarely appeared in social circles, attended regularly. The cheerful and eccentric Baroness Isna was like a welcome rain in her mundane daily life.

“I see your escort knight isn’t with you today.”

“You mean Jeanne?”

The Baroness nodded lightly at Ashika’s response.

“She’s quite noticeable, after all. Female knights are rare. I heard she has children?”

“Yes. Two little ones, three and six years old.”

Ashika’s lips naturally curved up at the mention of Jeanne’s children. Though she couldn’t see them often, the children who looked just like her escort were quite lovable.

The small talk was interrupted when the salon doors opened. The servant’s voice announcing a guest’s arrival was drowned out by a woman’s voice.

“Oh my, I seem to be quite late. I’m sorry, Baroness Isna.”

It was a rich, resonant voice. Though not loud, the clear voice that commanded attention drew everyone’s gaze.

“Ah, Lady Schwern?”

The Baroness quickly composed her furrowed expression.

The unexpected visitor was a Lady who had sent word just today that she would attend the salon. Despite being late for her first attendance, the woman confidently walked to her designated seat.

“Yes. I’m Glenoa Schwern. The carriage that was perfectly fine until yesterday chose today of all days to act up.”

“Oh dear, was anyone hurt?”

“It just took some time for repairs. I humbly ask for your understanding.”

Glenoa’s arrival made the salon’s atmosphere peculiar. It wasn’t just because she was late to the meeting.

The attendees’ gazes shifted between Ashika and Glenoa. An elderly noblewoman carefully broke the silence first.

“Come to think of it, both of you have quite unusual appearances.”

Glenoa’s eyes widened as if she had just noticed Ashika.

Jet-black hair and dark eyes. The two women with appearances rarely seen in the Empire faced each other.

“You must be Young Duchess Igraine. Pleased to meet you.”

Glenoa smiled brightly and gave a slight bow in greeting.

Feeling something strange, Ashika couldn’t take her eyes off the other woman either.

‘She seems familiar somehow. Schwern…’

She remembered most noble family names in the capital. Since this was an unfamiliar name, she must be from the provinces.

Her wavy black hair was decorated with yellow satin, and her dress mixed yellow and deep blue in a striking contrast of complementary colors. Glenoa was a gorgeously beautiful woman, like a flower in full bloom.

In contrast, Ashika was understated to a degree unbefitting her status. Her light beige dress with minimal decorations had almost no volume.

Her attire was light, as if she had just stepped out for a walk. Perhaps that’s why the contrast between the two women felt even more stark.

The Baroness stepped in to dispel the strange atmosphere.

“I heard you’re an opera singer. Is that right, Lady Schwern?”

“Oh my, the person who introduced me must have already mentioned it.”

Glenoa confirmed with a bright smile. A noblewoman sitting directly opposite opened her mouth with a tilted head.

“I frequently attend the opera, but I don’t recall seeing…”

“She often performs at the Opera House on Palmred Street.”

“Ah.”

At the Baroness’s answer, the attendees finally nodded in understanding.

Palmred was a commoners’ district. It was natural they didn’t recognize her face, as most nobles didn’t visit such places.

Ashika listened to the conversation while bringing her teacup to her lips.

‘A noble lady earning money by showing her face in public? And in a place mostly frequented by commoners at that.’

It wasn’t common. Unless the family had completely fallen from grace.

But the dress and jewels Glenoa wore were all of the highest quality.

‘So she has a patron.’

It wasn’t hard to guess. The reason this person who would normally be of no interest particularly bothered her might be because of their similar appearances.

‘Who could be her patron? Since it’s Palmred, perhaps a wealthy merchant?’

But if she still had pride as a noble, it was more likely to be another noble rather than a wealthy commoner.

“By the way, I heard there’s going to be a party at the Empress Dowager’s Palace?”

“Ah, yes. It’s been so long since they held a banquet there. I heard they’ve already sent out invitations.”

“Was that why the palace banquet ended early last time?”

At the young lady’s words, the attendees subtly glanced at Ashika.

However, as always, Ashika didn’t interrupt the participants’ conversation. The noble ladies who had been watching her carefully lowered their voices as they spoke.

“That’s right. The Empress Dowager didn’t attend, did she?”

“I heard His Majesty the Emperor restricted access to the Empress Dowager’s Palace.”

“That must have made her angry. She didn’t attend the palace banquet out of anger, then caused a scene and made the banquet end early.”

“Tsk. She should have just done one or the other.”

“I guess she wasn’t satisfied even with the new palace they built for her.”

“Well, even if it’s newly built, it’s not the Imperial Palace.”

“Sigh, to think there’s such fighting between mother and son.”

The attendees had forgotten Ashika’s presence and were now discussing palace secrets.

Most of those attending were from minor houses far removed from central power. Perhaps that’s why they spoke freely about the rumors.

The place called the Empress Dowager’s Palace was a half day’s carriage ride from the Imperial Palace. The Empire’s Emperor had taken the drastic measure of building a new palace to send his mother away.

A fight between a mother who wouldn’t let go of power and a son trying to establish his imperial authority – the central nobility were caught between both sides.

‘If Grandfather had told me to get involved in politics too, what would I have done? Dealing with Talion is better than that.’

In that regard, Talion’s movements were somewhat suspicious.

The previous Duke, Neoren, had passed his title to Drushia early and sent him to the capital. Meanwhile, Neoren himself was traveling between his domain and the grand duchy, leading the knights.

“Well, now that everyone’s here, shall we go to the exhibition room?”

“What have you prepared for us today?”

The topic naturally shifted to the salon’s theme.

“My husband imported some rare gemstones this time. You won’t believe how many different colors there are. Some even shine like stars in their raw form.”

“Pfft.”

A young lady couldn’t help but laugh. As if expecting this reaction, the Baroness and other attendees joined in the laughter.

The atmosphere became bustling as more than ten people stood up at once.

Amid the casual chatter, someone bumped Ashika’s shoulder.

“Oh my, I’m so sorry.”

Glenoa jumped back startled the moment she touched Ashika. Along with her somewhat exaggerated movement came a small tinkling sound.

Ashika’s gaze moved to the floor. Something shiny had fallen at Glenoa’s feet. One of the party naturally picked it up.

“Did Lady Schwern drop this?”

It was a decoration the size of a fingernail with a jewel set in the center and intricate patterns engraved around it. Oddly, it had a chain attached like a necklace despite not being a pendant.

“Isn’t this a cuff link?”

A cuff link, primarily used by men. And just one, not a pair. Even the attendees who had gone ahead stopped and turned to look at Glenoa.

The woman who picked it up dangled the chain, making the cuff link swing in the air. Though Glenoa looked flustered, she didn’t readily reach out to take it.

“It does look like one.”

“Whose is it? Perhaps a lover’s?”

While the owner didn’t stop them, the small jewel was clearly imprinted in everyone’s eyes.

“Well, that…”

Glenoa’s face turned red as she failed to answer.

Her embarrassed attitude was an even stronger answer than confirmation. A cuff link that wouldn’t be removed unless taking off clothes. An opera singer preciously keeping such an item.

At Glenoa’s bashful attitude, the noble ladies fluttered their fans saying “Oh my.”

“The center stone is a diamond, and this engraving looks like some kind of crest. It seems familiar.”

The women whispered, wondering ‘Could it be a family crest? Which family?’

Ashika silently watched Glenoa. How a meaningless small commotion had turned into a scene from a play.

‘Now I remember.’

Where she had seen this woman.

It was at the gallery she visited with Coral a few months ago. When Coral briefly left her side, she felt a piercing gaze and turned to find an unfamiliar woman.

‘Back then her hair wasn’t black but dark brown.’

Since black hair was rare, Glenoa had likely dyed it. Though why she would go so far as to dye her hair remained a question.

People didn’t notice Ashika’s cold expression and showed obvious curiosity.

“Well, such a beautiful opera singer couldn’t possibly be without a lover.”

Though everyone was curious, they couldn’t quite bring themselves to ask who it was. Glenoa received the cuff link with flushed cheeks.

“He’s someone who doesn’t like to draw attention to himself.”

An answer confirming their suspicions. As she spoke, she subtly checked Ashika’s expression. Though she tried to be careful, her furtive glances were clearly noticeable.

However, when Ashika continued to show no reaction, Glenoa’s face visibly frowned. Even her hand clenched tightly as if suppressing anger.

The black eyes briefly rested on Glenoa before moving away. Noticing the strange atmosphere, the Baroness clapped her hands to draw attention.

“Come now, I have so much to show you all before sunset. Don’t you want to hear my husband’s adventures?”

As the Baroness led the way, the attendees followed.

Ashika declined the Baroness’s guidance and quietly moved at the back. Her voice showing no trace of emotion as she instructed a maid to bring her cape.

 

7

Despite it being a dark night, curtains were drawn throughout the entire house. The lavishly decorated bedroom was no exception. Curtains covered the entire wall to prevent any light from leaking outside.

Glenoa affectionately wrapped her arms around the waist of the man sitting with his back to her. When her sweaty, sticky skin clung to him, Coral brushed her arm away. It was a gesture telling her to let go.

The man who had been entangled with her and moaning just moments ago was now so cold. Glenoa pushed out her lips in a pout.

“Coral, are you really going to be like this?”

“Don’t whine. Do you know what I went through to come here?”

“I know. I do know, but…”

Glenoa swallowed her complaint of ‘won’t you look at me?’ He had mentioned canceling his scheduled meeting with his fiancée to come here.

Recalling those cold black eyes from the salon, an unpleasant feeling welled up inside her again.

Barely twenty-two, younger than Glenoa. Despite being the Young Duchess of Igraine, she was a woman raised preciously like a greenhouse flower. Glenoa had thought it wouldn’t be difficult to shake her.

However, Ashika’s cold face presented a wall more solid than any mask. As if those pure black hair and eyes had swallowed all emotion.

‘Is she stupid or just dull?’

Or perhaps her status was so high that she looked down on an opera singer?

After attending the salon with great tension, she had turned away feeling miserable at Ashika’s unwavering expression.

As a fallen noble who had come to the capital alone just over a year ago, meeting Coral at the gentlemen’s club managed by her relative was the luck of a lifetime.

For someone in the position of a ruined provincial noble, he was a high nobleman she wouldn’t have dared to even think of meeting. Though he had a fiancée, Glenoa had no honor to protect anyway.

Rather than her nominal noble status, she wanted money and power that she could wield freely, even if only as a mistress.

When she first met Coral, that was all she had wanted. The status of his fiancée, the Young Duchess Igraine, was so extraordinary that she hadn’t dared to think of competing.

But as their meetings continued, her thoughts changed. The relationship between Coral and Young Duchess Igraine was worse than expected, and Coral’s antipathy toward his fiancée was beyond imagination.

‘Well, with that ice-cold face of hers, it’s understandable. Looking like a crow and all.’

Glenoa snorted thinking of Ashika. She had already forgotten that she had dyed her own hair crow-black. And that it was Coral who had wanted it.

Coral pushed away Glenoa’s hands and rose without hesitation.

“By the way, one of my cufflinks is missing. Did the maids say anything about it?”

Glenoa turned her gaze away while covering her naked body with the disheveled blanket.

“If they had found it, they would have told you. They’re all your household staff anyway.”

“So they haven’t seen it?”

“How would I know when I don’t even do the cleaning myself?”

Glenoa’s voice naturally became sharp.

‘Why are you looking for that now?’

Hadn’t he tossed it aside in disgust? Or had Young Duchess Igraine asked about its whereabouts?

‘Acting like you don’t care, but that’s not true, is it?’

Perhaps he was trying to control his fiancée belatedly. Thinking that made her blood boil.

‘You said you’ve been nothing more than strangers for two years.’

Not wanting to have it himself but not wanting to give it to others either. Is that his mentality? Spiteful thoughts arose.

“Weren’t you going to stay the night?”

Seeing Coral reach for his coat, Glenoa sat up.

“My brother has arrived. I should at least greet him in the morning.”

“The Marquis has come? I thought he was staying at the estate?”

Glenoa’s voice rose. Seeing Coral’s face crumple, she realized her mistake.

“Father called for him. Said a Marquis shouldn’t distance himself so much from social circles.”

What little gentleness remained in his attitude disappeared. Coral roughly threw on his coat.

Coral was the second son of the Marquis Oclein family and a talented individual who had graduated top of his class from the Academy. However, despite his outstanding abilities, it was not Coral but his brother who was chosen as the family’s heir.

Thus, the alternative opportunity given to him was marriage to Young Duchess Igraine. Through this marriage, Coral was to receive a portion of the Igraine duchy’s territory.

Of course, he would receive the territory as a vassal who had sworn loyalty to the House of Igraine.

‘Swearing loyalty to one’s wife.’

It couldn’t help but wound the pride of the high-minded Coral. Before Glenoa could collect her thoughts, Coral pulled the bell cord.

The maid who entered the bedroom after knocking showed no surprise at seeing the naked Glenoa. As usual, she simply placed the steaming teacup on the table.

As she rose from her seat, Glenoa’s eyes met the maid’s. The maid slightly avoided her gaze and quietly withdrew from the room.

The pungent scent of lovemaking clashed terribly with the fragrant tea aroma. Coral handed Glenoa the medicinal tea that the maid had brought.

“What, interested in my brother?”

“Coral, how can you say such things!”

Glenoa’s spine chilled at his sarcastic tone.

“I’m just frustrated. With all these curtains drawn in the house and everything. I just want to spend more time together.”

“Once the wedding is over, we won’t have to hide anymore. Just be patient a little longer, okay?”

Once the wedding ceremony is over, it can’t be undone. Coral would only need to fulfill the marriage contract. By then, he planned to pay back Ashika who had made him a laughingstock for two years.

Coral thought this as he stroked Glenoa’s black hair.

A dull black as if faded. Even Glenoa’s black eyes, upon closer inspection, were closer to dark brown. No matter how similar they might seem, they were different from the black of the woman in Coral’s memory.

A woman with pure black hair that shone because it contained no impurities, and black eyes. A woman as intense to him as those deep colors.

‘Ashika Igraine.’

Though his eyes were on Glenoa, it was another woman’s face that occupied Coral’s mind.

Glenoa pouted her lips and brought the teacup to her mouth under his gentle caressing. While soothing his sulking lover, Coral didn’t take his eyes off her. Finding his gaze burdensome, Glenoa hurriedly emptied her teacup.

‘How awful.’

The mansion Coral had bought her, the servants sent from the House of Oclein. The cup of tea she must drink after every intimate encounter. Glenoa wasn’t naive enough not to understand its meaning.

‘He thinks he’s so clever.’

But he’s just a young master who knows nothing of the world. Glenoa smiled, lifting the corners of her mouth. She wasn’t going to just offer her body and let it end there.

The man and woman smiled artificial smiles at each other while harboring different thoughts.

****

The documents crumpled with a rustle in her white, delicate hands.

Clatter.

The chair fell backward as she stood up hastily. Her white hands gripped the small table set up in a corner of the garden.

Her actions betrayed her flustered state despite her calm expression. Unlike her composed face, Ashika was shocked. She quickly made her way toward the mansion, leaving the table behind.

“My lady.”

Equally hurried footsteps followed behind her. It was Julma, her aide who had just delivered the report documents.

But Ashika couldn’t hear the voice calling her. She was trying her hardest not to show her disturbed state to the passing servants. Trying desperately to process the shocking news she had just received.

Her fiancé had taken a lover just two months before their wedding.

Though she had considered it a possibility, when the fact was confirmed, her vision went dim.

It wasn’t because she loved Coral or had any feelings for him. It was just a political marriage arranged by her grandfather Weive.

She had thought it didn’t matter who her partner was, as long as they couldn’t overpower her with authority. Someone loyal to the family who could provide healthy heirs would suffice.

‘But to not only keep a mistress before marriage but to give her a house?’

This was not just a betrayal of her, but practically throwing the House of Igraine’s honor to the ground. She couldn’t give territory to such a person as a vassal.

‘To share my bed with such a man to have children?’

The mere thought made her shudder to her very core.

A man who had always whispered sweet words and acted like a tongue in her mouth. She had kept him at a distance because she disliked it. She had also disliked the inexplicably clingy feeling.

Yet she had always felt guilty. Having never been close to men, she couldn’t judge whether it was natural to feel fearful and uncomfortable.

But now she understood. Her instincts had detected her fiancé’s deception before her reason could.

“My lady, just a moment.”

At her aide’s urgent call, Ashika stopped and turned around.

“What? Is there more to report?”

It was only natural. Julma had only handed over the documents without giving any explanation. Julma quickly composed his surprised expression at Ashika’s unusual demeanor.

“I didn’t include this in the report because it wasn’t confirmed, but they say Glenoa Schwern will be attending the Empress Dowager’s palace banquet.”

“What? How could she? Where did you hear this?”

She was the daughter of a fallen noble family without even a single mansion in the capital, let alone a title. How did she manage to get invited to the palace banquet hosted by the Empress Dowager?

“I heard it at the gentlemen’s club. Lady Schwern regularly visits there because her relative is a manager. She apparently only told a few close acquaintances.”

Ashika blinked her wide eyes slowly. She felt dizzy from the shock.

‘Surely Coral isn’t taking her…’

Coral was supposed to attend as Ashika’s partner. Hadn’t he just had a set of evening clothes tailored for that purpose?

‘This woman, what is she plotting?’

Not content with flirting in front of her, she now plans to appear at the same banquet as Coral. It took extraordinary nerve.

“Shall I find out who she’s attending with?”

“No, never mind. We’ll find out when we meet at the banquet anyway.”

Being an opera singer, she probably knows quite a few people. Among them must be one or two nobles with titles. It would be better to focus on Coral’s issue rather than investigating his mistress’s private life.

“Then, will you meet with the Duke right now?”

“Ah.”

Only then did Ashika realize where she had been heading. She was on her way to her grandfather Weive’s office.

“If you wish to report to the Duke, I can do it.”

It would be better for a third party to step forward rather than the person directly involved. No matter how composed one remains, it’s humiliating to report about a wayward fiancé with one’s own mouth.

Suddenly, Ashika came to her senses.

“No.”

“My lady?”

“This probably wasn’t the first time.”

There had been rumors in the past as well. But Coral had strongly denied them, and they were just rumors without evidence or witnesses.

Ashika, who could never get close to Coral, had used that opportunity to bring up the topic of breaking off the engagement with Weive.

‘When I told him about it, grandfather didn’t seem very surprised.’

He had admonished her not to lose sight of the original purpose over emotions, saying it was just a temporary indiscretion.

After being reprimanded by Weive for lacking gravity, she never mentioned Coral again. No matter how much she disliked Coral, she had silently endured this relationship.

But now, the revulsion she had suppressed for two years had risen to her throat.

‘I don’t want… to marry. How can I marry such a man?’

Yet she couldn’t defy Weive’s will either. Unable to do either, she felt like she had hit an insurmountable wall.

Their only family. The direct line of the House of Igraine consisted of only her grandfather Weive and Ashika.

When Weive steps down from his position as Duke, the responsibility for the family will fall entirely to Ashika. She had lived under strict control and education solely for this purpose.

The heir’s position she had endured so fiercely with patience. How could she escape this marriage without shaking her position?

“The rumors haven’t spread yet, right?”

“No. It seems they only moved around Palmred Street. It would be difficult for commoners to recognize a high noble’s face.”

But it was only a matter of time before rumors spread. Judging from what happened at the salon, Glenoa didn’t seem intent on hiding her affair with Coral.

‘Rather, she seemed to want the rumors to spread.’

That woman has her own agenda. Both times she encountered Ashika, it was clearly intentional.

Ashika straightened her back while exhaling a long breath. Her trembling body calmed down and her dizzy mind cooled.

“This isn’t enough.”

She needed a reason that Weive absolutely couldn’t refuse.

‘I need to find a way. If there isn’t one, I’ll have to create one.’

At the landing of the stairs leading to the second floor, Ashika turned back again.

A warm breeze blew in through the open window. The fragrance of flowers blooming in the garden subtly permeated her nose.

Despite Ashika’s unsettled mind, it was a bright and beautiful season.

 

8

It was the largest banquet ever held since the construction of the Empress Dowager’s palace.

The building, modeled after the Empress Dowager’s palace, was lit up as bright as day with lights all around. Noble carriages kept arriving, and knights dispatched from the imperial palace frequently patrolled both inside and outside the palace.

At the main entrance of the banquet hall, Ashika hesitated at the hand extended before her. The owner of the hand looked at her with his usual gentle smile.

“My hand is starting to feel awkward.”

His voice was slightly higher pitched for a man. Feeling something crawl up her spine, Ashika imperceptibly tightened her lips.

‘How can he be so brazen?’

His attitude, showing not even a hint of hesitation or guilt, was almost impressive. If she hadn’t deliberately investigated, she wouldn’t have even suspected.

Unable to wait any longer, the gloved hand grabbed Ashika’s hand. Unable to refuse even that, she was practically pulled into the banquet hall by Coral.

“Entering Lady Ashika Igraine, Young Duchess of the House of Igraine, and Lord Coralrod Oclein of the House of Oclein!”

At the attendant’s resonant voice, all eyes in the banquet hall turned toward them at once.

Ashika passed through the crowd with her usual cold expression, focusing all her attention on the feeling of cool silk brushing against her legs.

The nobles glanced at her while conversing, their expressions eager to strike up a conversation with the rarely-seen Young Duchess Igraine.

However, they couldn’t approach directly largely because of another person’s presence.

After confirming Ashika’s entrance, people’s gazes shifted to Drushia, who had arrived earlier.

‘Will those two stay quiet today?’

‘I heard they had a confrontation at the Security Force headquarters last time?’

‘My, it’s like walking on thin ice everywhere.’

The nobles in the banquet hall remained tense.

The Empress Dowager’s much-discussed banquet. Add to that the encounter between two houses known to be archenemies. Their faces showed both anxiety and anticipation about what might unfold.

Drushia’s gaze briefly touched upon Ashika. Among people with light brown hair, blonde hair, and various other colors, Ashika stood out distinctly.

‘Still so cold.’

Black eyes like obsidian, gleaming but frigid. Her glossy black hair was tied up without a single strand out of place.

Her hair, decorated with platinum accessories, looked elegant while making her cold expression appear even colder. Even her silver-gray and white dress that exposed her shoulders didn’t convey a hint of warmth.

‘This is the real Lady Igraine.’

The image from the last banquet seemed like a lie now. Lady Igraine crying and clinging – it seemed unreal.

The memory he’d tried to bury resurfaced, making his throat feel parched. Drushia swept his indifferent gaze across the banquet hall.

“The people’s expressions are quite entertaining.”

“Well, it’s the Empress Dowager’s banquet. I suppose it’s a bit of a burden.”

The owner of the clear voice was Shafri. The legitimate daughter of Marquis Maiheller and his longtime friend, they were known to be quite close.

Drushia nodded slightly in agreement.

“They must find it tiresome to be cautious around a toothless tiger.”

“Only the newly debuted ladies and young lords seem excited.”

Those who had just come of age gathered in small groups, creating the only lively atmosphere in the banquet. However, Drushia showed no interest in any of it.

“Come on, Dru, try to enjoy yourself. It’s not like you attend banquets often.”

“You don’t need to stick by my side. Go have fun if you want.”

“How could I leave such a handsome fiancé alone? What if someone tries to steal you away?”

“Isn’t that what you were hoping for?”

Drushia looked down at Shafri with a slight smirk.

Deep golden hair and spring-like blue-green eyes. Her tall, slender figure was both delicate and graceful. Shafri pressed closer with friendly familiarity, her beautiful eyes sparkling.

“I can’t let just anyone steal you away. Whoever becomes your bride, I must approve of them first.”

“You seem ready to find one for me yourself.”

“I’ve been telling you all along. If there’s a lady you’re interested in, just tell me. I’ll arrange something.”

While saying this, Shafri scrutinized each woman in the hall. Drushia fell into quiet thought.

“It’s been over a year since our engagement, hasn’t it?”

“Has it been that long already?”

“Yes. It’s dragged on longer than expected, so perhaps now…”

“Ah, what about that lady over there? I heard she’s been attending banquets since last month looking for a match. See all those jewels she’s wearing? They say her family’s gem mines are so large even the imperial family has their eye on them.”

Shafri cut off Drushia’s words and pointed to the edge of the hall. Drushia’s gaze naturally followed.

“That’s a family from the Antalos region. They’re wealthy, but most of their assets are fixed, so they rely on external merchant groups for management. Their weak distribution network wouldn’t be helpful to me.”

The House of Talion was a house of knights. Their powerful knightly order guarding the borders was the backbone of the family. However, they faced many management challenges after becoming responsible for half of the grand duchy.

The biggest problem was the emperor’s order controlling entry to the grand duchy and the resulting difficulties in distributing goods.

“A family with control over major distribution networks or large merchant groups would be better.”

They also had to consider the possibility of territory expansion. The content coming from his pleasant voice was utterly dry.

Suddenly, the woman who had caught their attention turned to look at Drushia. When their eyes met, she was startled and her face turned bright red.

However, Drushia’s gaze upon her remained cold.

“I’ll pass on marriage connections that aren’t helpful. Romance might be different, but I can’t accept a lady who prioritizes marriage.”

In Drushia’s mind, the calculations regarding the potential match were already complete.

“Well, you seem to know everything without me telling you.”

It meant that even after considering everything, no woman met his standards. Shafri clicked her tongue.

“Fine, then at least try romance. See that lady over there? They say quite a few men have proposed to her after falling in love at first sight.”

Shafri pointed to a woman surrounded by other men in the middle of the hall.

The woman, with her well-textured brown hair braided up and decorated with flowers and accessories, was attractive with her delicate features and slender figure.

“I prefer silver hair. I like a bright, cheerful atmosphere, and someone moderately tall. Rather than thin and skinny, I prefer someone voluptuous and sensual.”

His voice was dry, without a hint of passion. Shafri’s expression turned subtle as she opened her mouth but swallowed her words.

Despite his specific description, none of the women Drushia had actually met matched such appearances.

Shafri’s gaze turned toward the balcony behind Drushia. There stood a woman who was exactly opposite to Drushia’s described ideal type.

Ashika Igraine, with jet-black hair like ink, obsidian-like black eyes, a slender build, and a solid presence.

Why was it? Even though Drushia was describing the opposite preference, Ashika kept drawing attention.

Shafri pushed away her unease and smiled brightly.

“These days, ladies prefer to be thin, but men are so strange.”

“Surely among all these women, there must be one who matches my taste. Don’t worry, I won’t drag this out too long.”

At Drushia’s reassurance, Shafri bit the inside of her lip.

The engagement between Drushia and Shafri was a desperate measure to ward off pressure from their families.

Like the Igraines, the only remaining direct line members of the House of Talion were his grandfather Neoren, the former duke, and Drushia himself.

That’s why the vassals strongly opposed Drushia joining the expeditionary force. Though it was a noble’s duty, they couldn’t send their only heir to such dangerous territory.

Most noble houses sent their second or third sons. In cases where only the heir remained, they would hire knights as proxies.

But the House of Talion had never sent a proxy. It would have been a dishonor unworthy of their reputation as the Empire’s Sword.

Five years ago, after returning from his service in the expeditionary force and receiving his duke title, the vassals began seriously pressing him about marriage. He had managed to hold them off somehow, but the situation was quite tiring.

Then Shafri, his longtime friend, faced a forced marriage situation. She proposed a temporary engagement as mutual protection, and Drushia gladly accepted.

So this engagement was a time-limited relationship that could break off whenever either of them found a marriage partner.

‘What a waste of that handsome face. How can he be so cold and indifferent?’

A man who trusted no one and gave his heart to no one. Shafri swallowed the sigh that threatened to escape.

Even this much closeness from Drushia was only possible because it was Shafri. This was probably because they first met at that funeral.

On the day she approached the boy who stood dazed after losing his family. The completely broken boy allowed the girl who silently offered him a handkerchief into his barriers. That connection had lasted 14 years.

“By the way, why isn’t Kalf here? Didn’t he say he would follow?”

Shafri maintained a distance close enough to almost touch shoulders while looking around. It was strange not to see the aide who usually followed like a shadow.

“I gave him a task. He’ll come later, even if he’s delayed.”

A subtle liveliness appeared on Drushia’s previously dry expression.

He had told Kalf to come a bit later. He couldn’t predict what might happen if they encountered each other at the beginning of the banquet.

‘That woman will surely be an interesting variable.’

A brief doubt about whether he was meddling too much crossed his mind, but he quickly dismissed it.

Glenoa Schwern, Coral’s mistress. It was easy to investigate her background since she frequented the gentlemen’s club like her own home.

He knew she had been secretly inquiring about nobles who received invitations to this banquet. He inserted Kalf, who held a baron’s title, into that situation.

‘To accept the proposal even knowing who Kalf is. Well, I suppose she wouldn’t have known the intention.’

He hadn’t done anything himself. He merely provided a stage to someone who wanted to put on a play. Lady Schwern was the one taking action, and she was the one with intentions.

Their conversation was interrupted by a loud voice.

“Entering Her Imperial Majesty Empress Dowager Ilerna Akfella Contilia, Mother of All People, and Her Imperial Highness Crown Princess Asaroa Shivertiel Contilia!”

The soft flowing music stopped, and the arched doors inside the hall opened. The attendants opening the doors from both sides didn’t dare raise their heads, and neither did any of the nobles in the banquet hall.

Silence fell so completely that the rustle of dress hems could be heard with each step.

“Raise your heads.”

At the Empress Dowager’s voice, the frozen banquet hall began to move again.

 

9

The Empress Dowager, with her dark brown eyes and brown hair, looked to be middle-aged despite being over sixty, thanks to her lavish accessories drawing attention and makeup covering her wrinkled face.

After the Empress Dowager took her seat at the head, the attendees gradually gathered. Only a select few whose names were on a pre-prepared list could greet the Empress Dowager, while the rest quietly lingered around.

“Your Majesty, on such a fine day, why do you look so pale?”

Marquis Schwertiel was the first to approach and speak. The Empress Dowager leaned back in her ornate chair and frowned.

“Being cooped up in a cramped space like some old lady in the back room makes me feel stifled.”

“It seems the Crown Princess’s inexperience has led to insufficient attendance.”

He didn’t hide his concern as he looked at his daughter, who was standing quietly beside the Empress Dowager.

“I-I’m sorry. I should have at least kept you company last night…”

A sharp tap cut off her words.

“Hup.”

The Crown Princess quickly covered her mouth and averted her gaze. The Empress Dowager was gripping the armrest, sending a warning with her stern eyes. Marquis Schwertiel immediately understood what had happened.

‘She had another fit last night.’

This was a rumor that had spread quietly. The rumor that the Empress Dowager sees visions and has fits at night. It was said to be a condition that developed after the late Emperor passed away.

Though he had sent his daughter to comfort the depressed Empress Dowager, the timid and shy Crown Princess was completely terrified. Marquis Schwertiel approached more affectionately in place of his tactless daughter.

It was the Empress Dowager who had pushed the lady from the politically powerless Marquis family to become Crown Princess. Even though she was a toothless tiger now, she was still his most powerful patron.

“Please cheer up, Your Majesty. I have prepared a gift for you to enjoy the banquet after so long.”

At his signal, a servant following behind brought forward a box with classic carved reliefs.

“Oh, what is that?”

Color returned to the Empress Dowager’s face. The Crown Princess quickly stepped forward to take out the item from the box her father had opened. It was a brilliantly shining golden goblet.

“The interior is made of rare metal said to detect poison, and the body is decorated by the capital’s finest craftsman.”

“How beautiful. It should be in a display room rather than on the dining table.”

Satisfied, a smile appeared on the Empress Dowager’s face.

Gold was the color of the imperial family. Not because gold was precious, but because of the golden eyes inherited by direct descendants of the imperial family.

Eyes with a deep yellow gleam. There was a legend that in the founding myth, the first king’s eyes turned golden after receiving power from the gods. Historically, most kings who wielded strong power had golden eyes, so it held great significance.

However, at some point, golden-eyed children stopped being born. This led to rumors for a while that the imperial family had lost its authority and symbolism.

Although it was an uncomfortable topic for the imperial family to discuss, the Empress Dowager didn’t mind. It was an issue she had never cared about in her entire life.

“What else is in there?”

The golden goblet wasn’t the only thing in the box. The Crown Princess carefully reached in and took out a small ornament. It was a boutonnière made of intricately crafted metal in the shape of a flower.

Marquis Schwertiel confidently added his explanation again.

“Recently, a specialist gardener in the capital has developed a flower with a special color. This decoration was modeled after that flower.”

“Gasp!”

It was in an instant. The light from the chandelier reflected off the cold metal, piercing the Empress Dowager’s eyes sharply.

“Ahhh!”

The Empress Dowager violently struck away the boutonnière held out before her.

“Are you mocking me!”

At her piercing scream, the music in the banquet hall stopped. Not satisfied with just that, the Empress Dowager savagely crushed the fallen flower decoration with her foot.

The nobles were silently shocked. There was no imperial authority or dignity in the sight of the Emperor’s mother furiously stomping on something.

“I-I’m sorry, so sorry.”

The Crown Princess trembled without understanding why, and Marquis Schwertiel, who had brought the gift, turned pale. Two ladies-in-waiting who had been standing nearby rushed forward.

“Your Majesty, please calm down.”

“How dare you present such a thing to me!”

Despite the ladies-in-waiting’s attempts to restrain her, the Empress Dowager continued to fume with unconcealed agitation.

“Your Majesty, it’s still daylight.”

“The sun hasn’t even set. Look here.”

One of the ladies-in-waiting guided the Empress Dowager’s upper body to turn toward the bright lighting. The Empress Dowager jerked her head up and grimaced.

“You, you insolent ones!”

“Your Majesty, look. There’s nothing there.”

Though it was a whispered voice, the nobles nearby clearly heard it.

‘Huh. So the rumors were true.’

‘We should have noticed when she was first sent out of the palace.’

Though they had sent the Crown Princess for the banquet, the Crown Prince hadn’t attended. The Emperor’s intentions were clearly visible in this detail.

The two ladies-in-waiting carefully took hold of the Empress Dowager’s arms and headed toward the arched door they had entered through. Their gentle coaxing manner as they led her away seemed quite practiced.

After the Empress Dowager and Crown Princess disappeared from view, people let out long breaths. At someone’s signal, music began to flow through the hall again.

“It was nerve-wracking, and sure enough, something happened.”

“I thought things were going to get worse.”

“But why did she suddenly act like that?”

“How would I know? If anyone knows, it would be Marquis Schwertiel or those ladies-in-waiting.”

The boutonnière that the Empress Dowager had crushed had already been cleaned up, and the Marquis had disappeared outside with his servant’s guidance.

A bright and lively dance tune played to salvage the ruined atmosphere. However, unless the high nobles moved first, the rest could only watch and wait.

“People need to loosen up. You have the position of Duke after all.”

“Huh.”

Though Drushia made a sour face, he reluctantly moved toward the center of the hall, led by Shafri’s hand.

Despite their considerable difference in height and build, the two looked perfectly matched. Drushia with his neatly combed blonde hair and blue eyes, and his beautiful fiancée Shafri with blonde hair and blue-green eyes.

Drushia’s body was firm like a knight who had trained for many years.

With above-average height, broad shoulders, and well-balanced limbs, he gracefully led his partner. The thin shirt under his perfectly fitted tailcoat revealed subtle muscle movements with each step.

Ashika only managed to withdraw her gaze from Drushia when she felt a touch on her own hand. Without permission, Coral had taken hold of her hand.

“Last time, we couldn’t even dance once. You won’t refuse this time, will you?”

No matter how much she disliked it, he was currently her fiancé. Watching the harmonious Drushia couple, Ashika couldn’t find an excuse to refuse.

“Just one song.”

She relaxed her captured hand while suppressing her displeasure. She had to forcefully steady her breath to keep from sighing.

‘Just the basics. Just the basics.’

She planned to slip away when the situation allowed. After all, Coral wouldn’t be lonely without his fiancée. That’s what she was thinking as she was pulled along by Coral’s hand.

“Ah!”

She saw Coral’s body stumble ahead of her. Ridiculously, Coral had tripped on the flat floor without any stairs.

“Lord Oclein?”

Coral stopped his embarrassed steps and blocked Ashika’s view. However, Ashika quietly moved aside to step forward.

“Oh my, Lady Igraine. Hello.”

A woman’s voice with rich volume struck her ears.

“Lady Schwern?”

Surprisingly, the person approaching from the front was Glenoa.

Ashika was so surprised that she didn’t even notice that Glenoa’s partner was Drushia’s aide. The moment he met Ashika’s eyes, Kalf released Glenoa’s hand and quietly stepped back.

“I didn’t expect to see you here. I was feeling awkward without knowing anyone, but I’m so glad to meet you like this.”

“I also didn’t expect to meet Lady Schwern here.”

Though Glenoa greeted Ashika, her gaze was directed at Coral.

Coral’s face had turned completely pale. It was quite a sight to see the usually smooth man so flustered.

Glenoa naturally extended her greeting to Coral as well.

“Hello. I’m Glenoa Schwern. I met Lady Igraine a few days ago at Baroness Isna’s salon. She was so kind to me even though it was our first meeting.”

Ashika blinked quietly.

‘Me? When?’

Despite receiving an incredulous look, Glenoa remained brazenly composed.

A man who had an affair while having a fiancée and his mistress. Three people gathered in one place, yet she smiled without showing any sign of tension.

“It seems the lord doesn’t talk much. Not even returning a greeting…”

Her voice, mixed with aegyo, criticized with a tone of disappointment.

It was enough to make one laugh in disbelief. While Coral stood frozen, Ashika quietly slipped her hand free.

“Lord Oclein, too many people have gathered. It would be better for us to come out and dance a little later.”

“Wh… what?”

While Coral stood dumbfounded, Ashika quickly turned away.

‘Let them sort it out themselves, whether they fight or not.’

Ashika had no intention of getting involved between them. A love triangle drama in the middle of a banquet hall full of capital nobles.

‘By now, Coral must realize that woman isn’t to be taken lightly.’

She hoped they would handle whatever trouble arose themselves. Better yet, if that trouble exploded into something bigger.

Watching Ashika move away toward the balcony, Coral finally came to his senses. His pale face had returned to normal as if nothing had happened.

“It was nice meeting you, Lady Schwern. Have a pleasant evening.”

Contrary to Ashika’s hopes, Coral left his mistress behind and followed Ashika. He even stopped at a table along the way to down several glasses of wine in succession.

Hoping that someone would stop Coral, Ashika hurriedly went out to the balcony and closed the door. Sweat beaded on her forehead despite the cool night air.

‘A love triangle drama.’

Too afraid to reveal such scandal, she couldn’t ask anyone about it. But one thing seemed certain. The fact that it wouldn’t be easy for Coral to escape this situation.

‘Just a little push might do it.’

She was bold enough to show her face at the Empress Dowager’s banquet. If things didn’t go her way, wouldn’t she cause an even bigger disturbance?

While Ashika was lost in thought, the balcony door opened. Sure enough, Coral had followed her.

“Lord Oclein.”

“Why did you disappear so hastily?”

As Coral entered the balcony, he roughly pulled the curtains.

As the light flowing from the banquet hall was blocked, the balcony grew dark. The enclosed space feeling more intimate caused an uncomfortable feeling in Ashika’s chest.

“How long will you keep avoiding me?”

Coral took a big step forward. Ashika instinctively stepped back but soon hit the railing.

“Avoiding? I’m just being careful.”

“Ha. How long will you keep being careful? We’ve been engaged for 2 years already. Do you realize that?”

His tone was somewhat resentful. Ashika clenched her lowered hands. Just a few days ago she might have been swayed, but not now.

“My being shy isn’t something new.”

“I am your fiancé!”

Ashika’s shoulders flinched at his sudden outburst.

“Have you been drinking?”

“Ha, drinking. It’s a banquet, of course there would be drinking.”

Warning signals went off in Ashika’s head. Coral’s attitude was different from usual. He seemed both angry and anxious.

“It would be better to return early today. You look tired too. I…”

Ashika carefully tried to step sideways to avoid him. However, Coral closed the distance in an instant and caught her waist.

“Lord Oclein!”

Coral wrapped one arm around Ashika’s waist and pushed her against the railing.

 

10

This kind of sudden physical contact was a first. No matter how angry he got, Coral had always maintained strict politeness until now.

Ashika struggled to break free with all her might, but couldn’t move an inch. Coral pressed his body even closer and glared down at her with furious eyes.

“How meticulously you’ve drawn the line between us.”

Ashika had never worn her hair down or dressed casually at any of their meetings.

Her perfect hairstyle and attire, almost untouchable—these clearly revealed Ashika’s psychological aversion.

“I’ve been patient long enough. What kind of man would leave his fiancée alone for two whole years?”

“Let me go. If you have something to say, let’s talk when you’re sober.”

“I am perfectly sober, Lady Igraine.”

“What kind of rude behavior is this?”

“Please understand that my passion is overwhelming. I’ve held you in my heart for a full two years. If our wedding date hadn’t been set, I couldn’t have waited this long.”

“Ha, what…?”

“Does it sound like a lie? Do you think I’m not sincere?”

The moment Ashika’s eyes met Coral’s, her heart sank.

His eyes, filled with anger and heat, were fiercer than ever before. For the first time, seeing the dark, viscous emotions hidden within them sent chills down her spine.

‘W-what is this?’

This was a public place. Just beyond the curtain, through a single door, was the reception hall where nobles from the capital had gathered. She thought that surely Coral wouldn’t do anything to her in such a place.

But that was a misconception. Ashika froze as she felt a strong grip on the nape of her neck. It had been a long time since she’d rejected even kisses from him.

“Let go. There are people outside.”

“That’s right. There are people outside. If you scream, something quite amusing will happen. They’ll say Lady Igraine and her fiancé were caught entangled and fighting indecorously at the Empress Dowager’s reception.”

His humid breath, mixed with the smell of alcohol, approached. The weight pressing down on her body and the man’s hands firmly gripping her.

No matter how hard she struggled, Coral wouldn’t budge. Fear flooded her as she realized she couldn’t overcome a man’s strength. Trapped, Ashika blurted out urgently:

“What about Glenoa Schwern!”

The lips approaching her cheek stopped. Ashika felt both afraid and flabbergasted.

“Don’t you think it’s shameless to claim sincerity under these circumstances?”

“Ah.”

Contrary to her expectation that he would be surprised, Coral’s reaction was minimal. Ashika was even more bewildered.

“So you knew. Is that why that woman came all the way here?”

“No, that’s not…”

“How did it feel? Finding out that the fiancé you’ve been ignoring all this time has been seeing a woman who looks exactly like Lady Igraine?”

Ashika’s eyes widened in shock.

Even in the dimness, her black pupils shone distinctly. Those obsidian-like eyes without a single impurity. Coral’s gaze was fixed on those beautiful eyes that left such a strong impression.

“A substitute is just a substitute. No matter what, it can never be the real thing.”

A chilling light flashed in his gleaming gray eyes. Ashika involuntarily flinched and trembled.

‘This man is for real.’

Coral was unapologetic, even while admitting he’d been playing with a doll that replaced her. He seemed almost pleased about being caught. It didn’t seem normal at all.

“I don’t keep count of every woman who crosses my path. But if it makes you jealous, I’d be delighted.”

“Did you think you could stain my honor and my family’s name and get away with it so easily?”

“And? You’re going to dismiss me over just this much?”

A scoffing sound escaped him. His expression said, “Ah, so that’s it.”

“If I were going to give up that easily, I wouldn’t have waited two years.”

The arm around her waist moved up her back. Coral didn’t care that Ashika’s face had turned pale.

The breath almost touching her earlobe gave her goosebumps. She couldn’t scream for fear of staining her family’s honor, nor could she break free on her own.

Knowing this, Coral trapped Ashika in his arms and freely pressed his lips against her exposed white neck.

“Stop… stop it…”

Her delicate voice trembled. A voice barely forced out while gasping for breath in fear. Just as she desperately tried to push him away…

With a clatter, the door opened roughly. For a moment, bright light spilled in from the reception hall, then was instantly blocked by the curtain again.

“Pardon the intrusion.”

The familiar voice immediately broke the tense atmosphere. Coral, who had been holding Ashika captive, looked up.

Ashika was frozen in shock, gasping for breath. She couldn’t even process that the man who appeared before them was Talion, or feel the shame of the situation.

She simply stared back at those deep blue eyes watching her, stiff and rigid. Eyes with an unusual fierceness swirling within them.

A voice feigning calmness resonated deeply.

“Lord Oclein. Your lover is desperately looking for you outside.”

“Duke Talion?”

Coral frowned as he confirmed who had appeared behind him. He wondered why, of all people, Talion was here.

“I don’t know if you’re aware, but your lover has been making my aide quite exhausted insisting on coming here. Shouldn’t the person who caused the problem step up to resolve it?”

“What are you talking about? You’re falsely accusing me with a non-existent lover.”

“Ah, you’re going to deny it? That’s not what Kalf heard.”

“And why would the Duke…”

While Coral was distracted by Drushia, Ashika pushed him away with all her might.

“Lady Igraine!”

Coral tried to grab Ashika, but a solid arm suddenly appeared to block him. It was Drushia.

“Duke Talion! What do you think you’re doing?!”

Coral let out an angry shout. But Drushia’s gaze was following Ashika.

While Drushia blocked Coral, Ashika tried to flee from the balcony.

However, Drushia grabbed the doorknob before she could. He had blocked Coral but also prevented Ashika from going outside.

Ashika backed away with a startled face. To the corner opposite Coral, away from Drushia.

Her black pupils shook uncontrollably like a trapped deer. Ashika’s shoulders were rising and falling rapidly. Drushia’s face slightly creased.

“Catch your breath.”

He showed both his hands, indicating he had no intention of approaching.

“And fix your clothes and hair.”

His tone was gruff, not at all friendly. Those few terse words brought Ashika back to her senses.

“Ah.”

Ashika belatedly realized how unstable her condition was.

She had almost rushed out and exposed her disheveled appearance in the middle of the reception hall. But she couldn’t bring herself to thank him.

Ashika straightened her clothes and carefully arranged her hair to make sure no strands were out of place.

Drushia’s gaze watched her hands as they trembled yet persistently fixed her appearance. His expression was inscrutable—what he was thinking or why he had intervened was impossible to tell.

After composing herself, Ashika was finally able to leave the balcony.

The atmosphere in the reception hall was heated. Barring any unusual events, it would continue past midnight into dawn.

Ashika moved toward the exit. Neither the people filling the hall, the glittering lights, nor the lively music could hold her back.

As she was just leaving through the door, Ashika’s steps quickened. The only thought in her mind was to leave this place immediately.

“Miss?”

Jeanne, who had been waiting outside, was surprised by Ashika’s unusual appearance.

“Bring the carriage. Let’s go home.”

Ashika was breathless even saying those few words. Jeanne noticed something was wrong but suppressed her curiosity.

“What about your coat?”

Only then did Ashika realize she had rushed out without retrieving her coat. Seeing her frozen expression, Jeanne quietly nodded.

“I’ll send someone to get it. The carriage will take some time to arrive, so you should rest a bit.”

Jeanne guided Ashika to a bench in one corner of the garden.

“…Thank you.”

For not asking anything. Though she pretended to be calm, the moment she sat on the bench, all strength left her body.

Today, for the first time, Ashika had felt fear toward Coral. She also realized for the first time how threatening a man’s bare face could be when he cast aside propriety.

‘How can I face him again? What if he acts like this again?’

Her mind cleared in the cool night air. As her thoughts became more lucid, the answer to her situation became increasingly ambiguous.

“Lady Igraine.”

What broke Ashika’s contemplation was a woman’s voice. The kind of voice that’s hard to forget once heard.

“Lady Schwern, what brings you here?”

Though considerably surprised, no emotion showed on Ashika’s face. She had thought Glenoa might follow her, and indeed, Glenoa had moved quickly.

“I have something to tell you.”

Glenoa’s gaze turned to Jeanne who was nearby.

“Jeanne is my knight. Whatever we discuss must be in the presence of my knight.”

Jeanne was maintaining a distance of a few steps so as not to disturb Ashika’s rest.

At the mention that the escort couldn’t be separated, the corners of Glenoa’s mouth turned up.

‘The more people who hear, the better.’

With such a confident face, she took another step closer to Ashika. Jeanne also narrowed the distance to Ashika as the stranger approached.

Glenoa paid no attention to Jeanne. Though called a knight, she was just a woman in light formal uniform. Glenoa didn’t find her intimidating.

“Do you really intend to marry Coral?”

“What impertinence—”

As Jeanne was about to step forward, Ashika raised her hand to stop her. Ashika looked at Glenoa without blinking.

Though both were called ladies, the status difference between Ashika, the heir to a ducal family, and Glenoa, a fallen noble, was like heaven and earth. Normally, Glenoa wouldn’t even be able to request a meeting with Ashika.

“Why should I answer that question?”

Ashika’s voice remained cool. There was not the slightest hint of agitation in her expression as she looked at Glenoa.

“Are you really asking because you don’t know? Of course, Coral wouldn’t have told you about me.”

Glenoa took a deep breath and finally revealed the truth, struggling to suppress a triumphant smile.

“One year. That’s how long I’ve been with Coral. I heard you’ve been engaged for almost two years, but Coral spent half that time with me.”

“And?”

A chill ran down Glenoa’s spine. Suddenly facing a wall. She needed some reaction to continue the conversation, but Ashika merely asked back calmly, like an emotionless statue.