《The End Of An Unrequited Love》 Chapter 0 A well-done dinner, an elegant string quartet played by professional musicians on the side, and an empty upper-class restaurant except for us. It was a really stereotypical counteroffensive. There¡¯s a man laughing in front of me. He looks so simple and ordinary. But my mother said, ¡°An ordinary man is perfect for marriage.¡± ¨C Lady Waldenbiston, you said this was your first time doing this? ¨C Yes. ¨C In fact, for me too. ¨C ¡­.. I laughed out of politeness and averted my eyes from that man. It wasn¡¯t funny at all. But I can¡¯t help it. I know that very well. Isn¡¯t that how it should be? A meeting between houses, with no room for curiosity between individuals. Anyway, I think he¡¯s here because he¡¯s not insensitive to his family. We know very well that we are not attracted to each other. The important thing here is the benefits we would gain from combining our families. ¨C If we get married, we will have to discuss the division of property and the capital we will own. Men always talk about the same thing and the first thing they mention is property stories. However, I didn¡¯t expect to discuss this kind of topic at our first meeting, but it really is unavoidable. ¨C I¡¯m¡­ My lips are dry, I think I can hear my heart beating wildly, so much so that I want a glass of water to calm my nerves and cool down a bit. It was then, when I regained my composure and opened my mouth willing to engage in conversation, that the doors of the restaurant burst open. What? We both turned simultaneously, directing all our attention to the entrance. The door had been opened, but no one was there. ¨C What the¡­? ¨C I asked, looking at my companion with a very confused face. ¨C I am just as perplexed. This cannot be true, this place was reserved in advance, only for us, in order to reach an agreement. What kind of person would dare enter a place where the famous Duke of Walden is? And I¡¯m sure this place was very well guarded by reliable people¡­ Suddenly, a red carpet rolled up to the front of our table from the door. At the same time, a line of knights entered at a steady pace, so much so that it looked like a parade of knights on a national holiday. Wait, the emperor¡¯s knights? I was surprised for a moment. The fact that the Emperor¡¯s Order is here means that¡­ so is he. Your Majesty! -Your Majesty? The Knights carefully moved left and right on the carpet, and all lifted their left foot to hit the ground. As if the sound was a sign, someone slowly entered the door. The first thing I saw was a clean, shiny black boot nose. I followed it with my fingertips until I reached its shoulders, where I stopped, afraid to look up. ¨C Ira Waldenbiston When I heard my name, I froze completely, and when he leaned over me vertically, I could see those black eyes screaming my name. I opened my mouth without realizing it. An incomprehensible scene was happening before my eyes. Your Majesty¡­ Why¡­ why are you here? ¨C Am I dreaming? Yes, it may be a dream. I have had many like this. I, Ira Waldenbiston, really loved the present King Rubellus. It was an unrequited love. Of course, it was¡­ very deep and unrequited. I had been following the emperor for 12 years until I was sixteen. It was a one-sided love that gave me life. I loved it, I followed it relentlessly, so much so that it was useless to give me any idea of the mistakes I was making. I felt that I would die if I did not see His Majesty every day. I followed him wherever he went. In my diary I wrote that I would be the future Crown Princess and Empress, I dreamt of him every day. But that was three years ago¡­ I looked at the Emperor, who was in front of me with his wavering eyes. Without wanting to, I pinched my cheek with my right hand. Oh! ¡°It¡¯s not a dream¡± Rubellus gave me a smile. What does the Emperor want? I jumped from my seat. Unable to take his gaze from his intense black eyes, that handsome man is the Emperor of the current Jahud Empire and he is looking at me with an intensity that terrified me beyond measure. What was happening? The emperor¡¯s gaze scrupulously scanned the face of the man sitting in front of me. ¨C I don¡¯t know what to say, but¡­ you are quite normal. ¨C Your Majesty? As if I had only just understood the situation, my companion jumped from his seat and tried to kneel down. But Rubellus squeezed his shoulder with one hand and stood him up. I could see the man shouting ¡°Huck¡±. I almost gasped in surprise, he had only put his hand on his shoulder. But the force he applied was so great that it hurt him. ¨C I¡¯m okay. Standing there, unable to scream. I felt a little sorry for him. -Your Majesty! I was afraid, but I slowly stepped forward until I tried to subtly cover my companion with my body, preventing him from being hurt any further. Then our eyes met. ¨C Ira. The Emperor smiled at me. At that moment, I felt as if everything around me had disappeared. He looked so handsome with that smile I had never seen before. No, I have never seen you smile at me, you never did in front of me. And the last time I found you in the Great Yellow Forest¡­ ¨C Ira¡­ ¨C Your Majesty. I don¡¯t know if I know this feeling, but the Emperor smiled even more. His eyes are wide open and the corners of his mouth are raised even higher. His light pink lips are flashing¡­ In a situation like this, calling my name with such a wonderful smile, it was uncomfortable and I could not bear it. ¨C What are you doing here, my fianc¨¦e? At that moment, when I managed to process the words that came out of her lips, I forgot how to breathe. His Majesty said, ¡°My fianc¨¦e.¡± No¡­ this has to be a dream, no matter how much I think about it. Then, my legs began to shake, I felt everything was spinning and despite my attempts to stay calm¡­ I vanished completely. What had just happened? Even in my state, I thought about the coronation a month ago. No matter how much I think about it, the beginning of all this seems to be a month ago. That day, His Majesty¡¯s coronation. Chapter 1 Coronation Ceremony The full moon is shining on my back and for a second, I¡¯m glad I turned my back on the window, because I know that this way you won¡¯t see my ugly, distorted face. After a long silence, I said out loud: ©¤ I¡¯m not sure what I¡¯m doing here. ©¤ You really don¡¯t know? ©¤ the mockery in his voice left me paralyzed, this was not funny. ©¤ I won¡¯t show up again, I won¡¯t be at the palace, and I won¡¯t be in your office. For some reason I couldn¡¯t stop talking and justifying my presence here, I felt I had to explain so many things and at the same time I was questioning why. I closed my eyes tightly, then I opened them and rubbed them with the back of my hand. Are these tears? ©¤ Goodbye, Your Majesty, you are so strong¡­ I know you will find a good woman and be happy. With a determined expression, I gave him my last words and left his office. I can¡¯t remember, in fact, if everything turned out as I remember, I can¡¯t even remember the expressions on the prince¡¯s face. Anyway, I never saw him again. That was the end of my unrequited love. I managed to hold on long enough and now I¡¯m free. But something is wrong, something doesn¡¯t feel right. Oh, this is another dream. Again¡­ ©¤ Aaaaaaah! I woke up there, screaming as much as I could. My back was covered in cold sweat, my head was spinning, but that¡¯s not the point. I had that dream again! Three years ago I went into the palace to give myself up to the prince, until I checked that we were alone! But it all turned out to be an unpleasant disaster. ©¤ Oh! Shame! Shame! I screamed again, kicking the blankets. That¡¯s when someone took the blankets off me. It was Martha, my nanny and maid. ©¤ No no! You can¡¯t kick the blanket, it¡¯s new! ©¤ Give it back! Oh, I¡¯m so embarrassed! Why did I do it? Why?! I kicked two or three times in the air, and now I started screaming, burying my face in the pillow. I didn¡¯t have that dream for a while Why did it come back? ©¤ Well, if we¡¯re talking about¡­ that person, I get it. If I were you, I would have died of embarrassment a long time ago¡­ Ah! I threw a pillow over her face, and Martha, despite my attempts to hit her, had a smile on her lips. ©¤ It seems like it was really a bad dream. ©¤ Stop teasing me! I screamed and fought, my face buried in the pillow, but Martha was right, it was a dream that reminded me of all the things I had done, it was so embarrassing¡­ It was the worst thing I¡¯d ever done. Three years ago, when I was sixteen, I snuck into the palace and declared that I would give myself to the prince, after asking him why he hadn¡¯t attended my debutante ball. I closed my eyes. ©¤ I¡¯m crazy, if I ever think about it again¡­ Even now, a cold sweat runs down my back. It was only later that I realized that sneaking into the palace in the first place was a very big crime that could be considered treason. For some reason, the prince, who had always been so cold to me, saved me from such a fate. It was the only generous act he could offer me in years¡­ I stood up and closed my eyes. ©¤ Oh, I wish I could erase my memory and forget everything. But I know it¡¯s impossible and I have to live with the shame. ©¤ Miss, you must bathe and eat. Martha¡¯s voice brought me out of my reverie. ©¤ I will bathe and eat ©¤ I whispered. Maybe a bath will clear my mind. ©¤ Don¡¯t be depressed, miss. Today is your 19th birthday. You¡¯ll see that everything will be wonderful and besides, you have to go somewhere this afternoon. This afternoon? Where? ©¤ Anyway, what a horrible dream! ©¤ I wept. ©¤ Happy birthday, miss ©¤ Martha laughed briefly. My name is Ira Waldenbiston, I am the youngest daughter of the Duke of Waldenbiston. I¡¯m nineteen this year. My father, under the command of Emperor John Jaherd, who used to run the state without blood, sweat and tears, was one of the people who led the Empire into the Holy Kingdom. So we had great power, and our house was the first house on the boulevard in front of the palace. On the door of our dining room we had a unique pattern, inspired by the cross knots of the ancient nobles; the giant snake, the symbol of our family. I looked at the door with a smile, then slowly opened it and entered. I saw my father sitting at the top of the table. And my family sitting around him. I walked to my seat. A servant pulled up a chair very gently and I sat down, completing the family circle. ©¤ Happy birthday, daughter. ©¤ Thank you, father. My father, Duke Waldenbiston, greeted me as soon as I sat down and looked at the piles of presents in front of me. There were too many, my eyes widened with surprise and although I did not expect it, this year I have received many gifts. ©¤ Isn¡¯t that enough, dear? ©¤ It is enough, it is too many gifts ©¤ I murmured as a smile formed on my lips. ©¤ We have many celebrations planned for today, so you just have to enjoy and have fun. My smile got even bigger, this would be a good day. ©¤ Wow, can I open this one? ©¤ Whatever you want ©¤ my father replied. Excited, I started opening the gift boxes. My father¡¯s gift was a gold fountain pen decorated with the most precious jade in all of the continent. My mother¡¯s gift was a pearl necklace that she wore as a teenager, and I was very excited to wear it around my neck. When I was about to open the next gift I noticed Bianca¡¯s intense look at me. ©¤ I sent my gift to your room in advance, it¡¯s a blanket ©¤ she said, after a while, I could feel the fun in her eyes. If her gift was a blanket, she was probably talking about the one I used as a shelter this morning in an attempt to escape my shame, then¡­ Did she witness my wailing scene? Shame on me! ©¤ The expression on your face is so funny. Bianca¡¯s laughter came into my hatred. ©¤ Thank you sister, I will appreciate your gift ©¤ I managed to say with much reluctance, ignoring her mocking. ©¤ Yes, I know, Martha told me how much you appreciated it ©¤ she smiled ©¤ Oh, my husband¡¯s gift is earrings I just moved them into your room. Bianca took a sip of water, checking out my shaky expression. She looked very pleased. Three years ago, Bianca married a prestigious man from the West of Cant, the Marquis of Dame, they met at the debutante ball and some time later¡­ wedding. I hate her¡­ What¡¯s the point of getting married if you¡¯re going to spend most of your time at your parents¡¯ house? I was shaking with rage. On the other hand, Elpine smiled tenderly. ©¤ I brought you two gifts, a pair of cold weather boots and¡­ Elpine is my brother, the oldest of us. He had been swinging his sword since he was a boy, and now he belonged to the Knight¡¯s Royal Guard. Of course, he was not interested in the Imperial Palace and avoided making friends with the prince at all costs, so I do not know exactly what position my brother will be in now. I used to ask him to take charge of the prince¡¯s escort and to tell me his every move. In spite of my insistence, Elpine had never been angry with me, knowing that it was something difficult to do, he was always a sweet brother, unlike the naughty Bianca. ©¤ What¡¯s the other gift? ©¤ Oh? Uh¡­ that you have to find out ©¤ his sweet smile gladdened my heart, I adored my brother. ©¤ All right,I¡¯ll open it. I laughed and opened the wrapping. The first one, like he said, were beautiful boots for the cold, big and heavy. ©¤ Wow ©¤ the surprise was huge when I took the wrapping off the second gift. It was a beautiful shiny bracelet¡­ I put it on my wrist immediately, it had a warm immaculate pearl of violet color, with a ruby in the middle? ©¤ Is it a ruby? I was so excited, Elpine was the best. When I looked up from my gift, I could see my brother¡¯s confused expression. ©¤Uh¡­ I don¡¯t remember. I laughed, I loved my brother, but I had to admit, his memory wasn¡¯t one of the best. ©¤ Don¡¯t try too hard, we don¡¯t want you to forget things later ©¤ I joked. Elpine scratched his neck awkwardly and said: ©¤ I¡¯ll figure it out, I promise. I nodded and looked at my wrist again, not knowing why, but I really liked it. ©¤ Try to remember brother, I really loved it. Elpine smiled shyly. ©¤ Oh, I¡¯m glad you liked it. ©¤ And you don¡¯t have to give me two gifts, your presence is gift enough for me. Elpine¡¯s face turned pale. Did I say something wrong? I looked again at the second gift, its wrapping was very different from the first, while one was elegant and aesthetic, this one had a strange and unfunny wrapping, as if two different people had taken care of it. ©¤ What is the mystery behind these two wrappers? ©¤ I asked. Elpine shrugged his shoulders, and pretended to pay attention to his breakfast. Although the situation had become strange, maybe I was overthinking a silly thing, or maybe there was something else behind that wrapper and the beautiful bracelet I couldn¡¯t take my eyes off? Chapter 2 ¡°I¡¯m not sure¡± Bianca, listening to me and my brother, stood between us, her chin bent and her eyes closed. ¡°But Elpine.¡± ¡°Yes, sister?¡± ¡°A jeweler sold to you this bracelet?¡± ¡°Uh¡­ maybe.¡± ¡°How much does it cost?¡± ¡°What?¡± Elpine¡¯s pupils began to shake left and right. ¡°What is the price of this precious jewel you bought for that great jeweler? If you bought it, you must know the price.¡± ¡°Oh? Uh¡­¡± Suddenly everything became strange, Elpine began to panic. And looking at him¡­ it could be that¡­ I understood the truth right away. This bracelet must be a little cheaper than I thought. Oh, God, I wish I had something like that. I liked the gift. ¡°Stop it, sister. It¡¯s very rude to ask the price in front of the person who bought the gift. It¡¯s not polite,¡± I said to Bianca. Ugh, I¡¯m a big girl, don¡¯t get involved. I almost replied when the dining room door opened and someone rushed in. Someone did, and it was the butler. He was standing there with a tray in his hands and quite worried features, and he came over to my father. That silver tray contained a list of letters that had to be checked immediately. When my father saw the letters, he wiped his mouth with a napkin and frowned. ¡°It looks like it¡¯s going to start sooner than expected.¡± That¡¯s when I blinked. ¡°Are you sure?¡± my mother said, very surprised. ¡°Wasn¡¯t the attendance at one o¡¯clock?¡± ¡°I thought so, but there seems to be a lot to see, you should go with me, I think the Marquis of Daim has already arrived at the Imperial Palace.¡± ¡°I understand,¡± my mother mumbled. At the words of my parents, we were all speechless. What was happening? ¡°Father, where are you going?¡± Suddenly, everyone in the room looked at me. Did I say something wrong? The disbelief in everyone¡¯s eyes felt like a stab wound. What¡¯s going on? Elpine frowned. ¡°To the Imperial Palace,¡± my father replied. ¡°What?!¡± My mouth opened, to the palace? I jumped out of my seat. ¡°Why?¡± Bianca laughed, got up from her seat and put on her coat with the help of the maid behind her. Then I noticed a lot of things, everyone was dressed fancy this morning. I thought they just wanted to dress up! ¡°Ira, you must, too. Go with us.¡± ¡°What? Why? Why should I go?¡± ¡°Oh, you really don¡¯t know what today is?¡± The disbelief in my father¡¯s eyes threw me. ¡°I don¡¯t know! What is it?¡± ¡°It¡¯s an emergency,¡± mumbled Elpine. ¡°What?¡± I turned around and screamed: ¡°What do you mean?!¡± ¡°I must go now¡± Elpine scratched her cheek. ¡°It¡¯s the coronation, the day when Prince Rubellus will be the 14th Emperor of Jahud.¡± ¡°What?!¡± I jumped out of my seat. The emperor?! The emperor! No, of course he was a prince, and it would be natural procedure to be an Emperor. Of course, he had difficulty being Emperor and today is his coronation¡­ Ah! ¡°No! I¡¯m not going!¡± ¡°What do you mean? The coronation is today, the whole aristocracy of the country has been waiting in the capital for a week!¡± Oh! There were so many people in the capital then! ¡°No! No! I¡¯m not going! I¡¯m not going!¡± I¡¯m not going! I¡¯m not going! Why should I go? ¡°Oh, Dad, didn¡¯t you tell him?¡± Bianca asked with a smile towards my father. Shut your mouth! ¡°Ira, darling, I told you three months ago.¡± Three months?! ¡°Three months ago, when?¡± ¡°On the morning of the fox hunt.¡± ¡°No way¡­¡± I was about to deny it, and suddenly in a blurry way I remembered, it was one morning, early in the morning, my father mentioned something about the coronation. I think I asked him where he was going and he said I would go with him. I was stunned and Elpine placed her hands on my shoulders. ¡°Ira, wake up, you can¡¯t help but insist, you have to go.¡± ¡°But, brother¡­¡± ¡°You have to go.¡± ¡°Listen to Elpine, Ira, you have to go. Before we are men and women, we are the people. Don¡¯t forget your duty of loyalty.¡± My father¡¯s eyes glowed. Every time he spoke of this country, I saw the pride in his eyes. I knew it very well and he loved it. And I know I can¡¯t beat my father. ¡°It¡¯s okay¡± I whispered weakly and shook my skirt. Elpine stroked my cheek as if trying to thank me in silence. As I felt, I had just dug my own grave. I am Ira Waldenbiston, daughter of one of the most prestigious families in the Empire. Before, I was a small woman who knew no shame and now¡­ A woman struggling to stay out of the carriage. ¡°I really don¡¯t want to go!¡± ¡°Oh, you¡¯re a disgrace. We¡¯ve been in the same situation for half an hour, I¡¯m getting tired, if you keep this up you¡¯ll be in the carriage with Bianca.¡± Lennie, in front of me, frowned and complained. Lenninebonne Delion, nicknamed Lennie, the only daughter of the Count of Delion, future Count of Delion and my friend. She was the best person I had ever known, since she was a child she did business as if she were an adult, so her very proud father gave her everything, from the family inheritance to the title of Count. Lennie was so smart that she made sure that if she ever got married, her husband would inherit nothing. So she managed to keep away the ill-intentioned suitors, who only wanted her for her wealth, she wanted someone who would love her for who she was, not for her assumption and money. In addition, she was fortunate to have an understanding father and the law of inheritance, which gave women the right to vote and inherit titles at the same time. ¡°Why do I have to go? This will be embarrassing,¡± I complained. ¡°You¡¯ve spent most of your life in the palace and now you refuse to go?¡± I started banging the cushion next to me. ¡°You¡¯re not a baby! Stop doing that!¡± Lennie¡¯s opened the carriage window, upset. Through the open window, the street was visible. The whole city was very colorful. The faces of the people who filled the streets were full of joy. There were people playing flutes, people playing trumpets, and people with balloons scattered all over the place. It has been a long time since I visited this lively city. Everything seemed very quiet, until a man who had passed by our carriage raised his hands and shouted: ¡°Hurray, to the Empire!¡± Hooray! ¡°Hurray to the Emperor!¡± Hooray! ¡°Emperor Rubellus.¡± Oh, shit! As soon as I heard his name, I closed the window. In the carriage it became dark, Lennie and I looked at each other silently. ¡°¡­..¡± ¡°Why¡­ bah! I¡¯m not going to ask.¡± She looked at me for a moment, then shrugged slightly. As I sat in my seat, collapsing with nerves, no matter how hard I tried to keep calm, the carriage moved forward and soon reached the palace. The porters and guards were standing in front of the door, checking the identity and position of the people in the entrance. ¡°You may enter.¡± After examining us, the guard let us in. The carriage began to move again, past the palace gate, until it slowly positioned itself in line with the other carriages. Smile, Ira, that¡¯s all you have left, your smile. Chapter 3 ¡°Get some fresh air, it¡¯ll make you feel better.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not sure your idea will work¡± I muttered at Lennie¡¯s proposal. But still she opened the window and the fresh forest air filled the carriage. I blinked, and breathed heavily at the sight I had. ¡°The great forest¡­ it¡¯s been a while.¡± The Great Yellow Forest was a dense forest built around the Imperial Palace over 100 years ago. And the place where she had met Rubellus. I still remember the first time I saw him 12 years ago. It was an autumn season. My father, he wanted my survival in a world full of labels, so he took me to the imperial palace hoping I¡¯d be nice enough to get the adoration of the royal family. And I did, I got it right away, especially from the Empress, who really liked me very much. The Empress, who had only one son, declared that she would take some time with me to see if her son liked me. But somehow, on my way to meet the heir to the royal family, I got lost in the forest, and¡­ I found him. ¡°Are you lost, too?¡± ¡°No,¡± said Rubellus. I was four years old, and he was kind enough to take pity on me, hold my hand and take care of me all the way back. ¡°We are not lost here, it is a forest of will, and it does not open its way to strangers,¡± he muttered. And¡­ by chance, that day I discovered the Prince¡¯s secret. Was it because I was too young? Did I feel that the Prince was my savior? Was that the beginning of my obsession? ¡°You must not tell anyone what you saw today. You must promise to keep it a secret.¡± I stood still. I didn¡¯t know what it was about, but Rubellus was looking at me so intently that he could only nod. ¡°I won¡¯t say anything, I promise,¡± I smiled sweetly. Rubellus looked at me for a moment, even though we were both children, he seemed to be trying to find out if I would betray him or if he should trust me, but finally he muttered: ¡°It will be our secret.¡± That day, I became Rubellus¡¯ fianc¨¦e. ¡°Are you all right?¡± Lennie asked. Somewhat surprised I managed to get out of my past memories, shook my head and collapsed in my seat. Why was I remembering my past promises? I had been following him for twelve years, and that was too scary. It was at sixteen that I began to look objectively at my past decisions. Until I realized, I had been ruining my present. I hated what I had become. I still remember the fourteen-year-old Ira writing in her diary how sad she was when the Prince wouldn¡¯t look at her or accept her gifts. So pathetic. I remembered that embarrassing day¡­ the days and nights I spent embroidering a hunting hat for him, hoping he would wear it on his first fox hunt. But the Prince decided to go out without a hunting hat that day. ¡°Why didn¡¯t he wear my hat?¡± I wrote between the pages of my diary, while trying to encourage myself by writing the following ¡°I think he was wearing a green vest, the hat I gave him was purple, it makes sense. If Majesty went out hunting with my hat, one would say that he has bad taste in combining colors¡­that must be it¡­yes¡± But the encouragement didn¡¯t last long, because in the following days, not once did he wear my hat. Yes¡­ I had tried so hard. I wanted to be a good and competent woman for him. I wanted him to be proud of the woman who would become his wife. But that was so long ago¡­ Because I managed to open my eyes before ruining my life even more, and I managed to save some of the dignity I had left in the process. ¡°By the way¡­¡± Lennie looked at me. ¡°When the Prince becomes Emperor, what will happen to your father?¡± I let out a little sigh. My father¡­ ¡°He¡¯s not on good terms with Rubellus, he¡¯ll probably retire,¡± I said, and leaned against the back of my chair. My father and Prince Rubellus, or now Emperor, were in conflict with politics. No, they were practically enemies. Because my father was thinking of supporting someone else, not Prince Rubellus, and now it was a very bad idea. Because Prince Rubellus began to get involved in politics, he showed a reform movement to put pressure on his father¡¯s servants, he joined the young nobles who wanted change and the newly appointed financial nobles on their own money. Finally, my father, Duke Waldenbiston and other nobles, who felt a sense of crisis, made some very bad decisions. As I said before, instead of taking Rubellus as the heir, he chose another candidate. The half-brother of the emperor and uncle of Rubellus, who was supported by my father and other nobles. From my point of view, all was lost from the beginning. Rubellus was careful, strategist, patient¡­ he had so many qualities that made him the perfect candidate, his uncle had no chance against him. And so it was, Rubellus achieved victory. My father managed to survive. But after the last three years of my unrequited love, Prince Rubellus¡¯ power had grown, and the policies my father had begun to pursue had begun to stagnate one by one. Politics was a double-edged sword¡­ ¡°So you¡¯re moving out?¡± Lennie¡¯s eyes looked at me with worry and sadness. ¡°I don¡¯t know¡± I managed to mutter ¡°my family¡¯s honour is at stake and there are so many people who would be so happy to see us fall and take our places¡­¡± ¡°A power struggle¡± ¡°It will be very difficult¡­¡± I couldn¡¯t help thinking about the old days¡­ when things were easy and problems so insignificant. Release (2/5) Chapter 4 Everybody hates me. That was my last memory in this palace. But at the time, I thought everyone wanted to interfere with my love for Rubellus, but I was just a fool too ¡°in love¡± to see the truth. The daughter of an aristocratic leader, united in commitment to the Prince who would one day lead the new aristocracy. I really thought I had it all, what more could I ask for? I would be the Empress who would rule a kingdom at her beloved¡¯s side. So I prepared myself to accept my position; I studied, I researched, I tried my best until I could no longer, I wanted to be perfect. I wanted my future husband to come to me when he needed help, I wanted the whole kingdom to be proud of its empress. But I was only teased. I was laughed at for knowing about it, for having an opinion. But the most painful thing was the indifference of the prince. ¡°Oh, should I call you Empress from now on?¡± ¡°I¡¯m a little upset. Who asked this stupid girl¡¯s opinion?¡± But I kept telling myself over and over again that when I married Rubellus, everything would get better. ¡°Boy, was I a fool.¡± ¡°Old memories?¡± Lennie, her chin was resting against the open window frame and she was looking at me with a soft smile on her lips. ¡°She knows, she always knows.¡± There was no need to say it, Lennie knew, and I couldn¡¯t be more grateful. Because if it wasn¡¯t for her friendship, she would have lost her mind. So I smiled back at her and took a long breath. I regret so many things, but I can¡¯t go back and change them, I have to live with it. Even if I was an obsessive child in my past¡­ so shameful. ¡°Ira¡± whispered my name softly ¡°This place¡­left you in pieces last time, but you are not the same naive sixteen year old girl anymore. So don¡¯t let them hurt you, okay?¡± ¡°Okay.¡± The naive sixteen-year-old girl¡­ how to forget. That year was my debutante ball. As usual, I imagined so many things¡­ but none of them came close to reality. I firmly believed that that day Rubellus would see me in a different light, a debutante who would appear before society in the greatest splendor of all. All those who ignored me would recognize my abilities, I would be loved and at the end of the night, Rubellus would kiss me and whisper how much he loved me. But what a disaster. When I got to the palace I forgot absolutely everything. I forgot the greetings, the introductions, how to move¡­ it was a total disaster. Nothing was ¡°glowing¡±. ¡°Looks like it¡¯s our turn.¡± Lennie raised her fingers and pointed at the carriage window. I could not hide my devastated expression as I looked out the window at the beautiful golden roof and the creamy palace. On the high steps to the main palace, there was a dark scarlet carpet of yellow thread. The imperial servants ran to our carriage and opened our door very carefully as they laid out a step down which we could descend. The nobles who had already come down from their chariots were climbing the steps, and it was our turn. The driver showed our invitation and a servant bowed to us. ¡°I have confirmed the invitations of the Countess Delion and Lady Waldenbiston, welcome.¡± But I was still in the carriage, Lennie was already outside and I¡­ I didn¡¯t want to go out. ¡°What are you doing? Get down! There¡¯s more carriage behind you, Ira!¡± I sighed, and then I slowly got out of the carriage, my whole body shaking, and when I managed to get out the door closed behind me and the carriage disappeared. There was no turning back. I looked up at the stairs in front of me, at the stairs leading up to the Imperial Palace. Actually, these stairs were one of my favorite places in the palace, it was said that right here the greatest love story between the first Empress Sheila Devant and the first Emperor had happened. Sheila Devant was a scribe from a noble family in Korea and America who one day was invited to the ball at the Imperial Palace, and she was here, as she tried to run away from the people at the ball, she was looking for silence, some peace. That was when she ran into the first Emperor, who was in the same circumstances as her, running away in search of some peace. So they couldn¡¯t help but fall in love after discovering how compatible they were. It was the perfect love story. I imagined that one day the same thing would happen, only this time, I would climb those stairs with the person I loved. But now I hated him, I didn¡¯t want to go up those stairs. I just wanted to run away, I looked around. Thousands of nobles who had come out of their carriages were climbing the stairs. I¡¯d lost sight of Lennie and couldn¡¯t find her anywhere. What if¡­there was a way out? I smiled, pleased, and had a very good idea. The Great Forest is five minutes away and although it looks like a place where you could get lost and never get out alive, it¡¯s actually the best escape option. Not many people knew this. In fact, it was something very valuable that only limited people knew. For example, the royal family, because in case of emergency, the escape routes from the palace are always through the Great Imperial Forest. And the reason I knew this, it was very simple, Rubellus had told me. Who would have thought that my obsession would serve any purpose¡­ As I said before, when I was four years old, I wandered around the Imperial Palace and got lost, but at that moment, Rubellus, who saved me from wandering in the middle of the Great Forest, took me by the hand and pointed me in the right direction. Yes, and he was kind to me, until he wasn¡¯t anymore ¨C then there was only coldness. ¡°Ah, very kind then, what memories.¡± I looked around, no one seemed to have the slightest interest in me, so it wasn¡¯t hard to sneak away. No one cared. I smiled involuntarily at the sight of the Great Forest. So much time had passed and I could still remember the way. I was very pleased with myself, so I walked on, clutching my skirt tightly. My plan was to stay there until the coronation was over, and then return home as if nothing had happened. But for some reason¡­ I went to the exact place where it all began¡­ where I met Rubellus. Release (3/5) Chapter 5 ¡°Wow, you¡¯re still here!¡± My joy was due to a big pine tree, where I used to take a nap when I wanted to escape from the world. I passed my hand over the surface, as if greeting an old friend and apologizing for not having come to visit him for a long time. In this pine tree, a thirteen year old Ira in love decided that it would be perfect to carve the initials of what for her was the love of her life. ¡°R + I¡± Locked in a heart¡­ ¡°What a shame¡­¡± I murmured bitterly. How did I think this was a good idea? ¡°Well, anyway, it¡¯s good to see you again, old friend. Did you miss me?¡± I gently caressed the tree once more. I sighed and sat on the grass, my back to the trunk. It¡¯s good to be back, in my little sanctuary. I smiled and looked about me, when I was sad or happy I came here, because I had been living in the imperial room for nearly twelve years and I was tired of having to be perfect all the time. I closed my eyes and breathed a sigh. I wanted to enjoy this moment. Then I opened my eyes and looked at the bracelet on my wrist. It was one of Elpine¡¯s gifts this morning. I raised my arm and looked at the jewelry hanging from the end of the bracelet in the sunlight. ¡°It looks so much more beautiful when the light reflects off the jewelry¡­¡± I stood up from the ground and stretched my arm out to the sky, watching the bracelet glow beautifully. The pearls were smooth and shiny. ¡°I don¡¯t think this bracelet was cheap, how could Elpine afford it?¡± Isn¡¯t this too expensive? I love my brother, but I know him, his salary would never be enough to pay for something like this. I pursed my lips slightly and looked at the beautiful red jewel hanging in the middle. It was my favorite part of the bracelet. ¡°I don¡¯t think it¡¯s a ruby.¡± I frowned and began to look at the jewel three times, as if it were a real appraiser. ¡°What kind of gemstone are you?¡± ¡°Rubellite.¡± *N/T: The gem is Tourmaline, however its red variety is known as Rubellite I completely froze. That voice¡­ no¡­ please don¡¯t. ¡°It¡¯s Rubellite, I guess Elpine didn¡¯t tell you.¡± I looked back and was as surprised as I was terrified that I wanted to scream, but contrary to all my thoughts¡­I ended up on the floor. I could feel my cheeks turning a deep red color. But what a fool¡­ I was so surprised that I couldn¡¯t scream, I just jumped and fell straight to the ground. ¡°Are you all right?¡± I had my eyes closed and refused to open them, what a shame¡­ But when I got up the courage, repeating in my head that it was just a nightmare, I opened my eyes. You were as beautiful as I remembered you, with your golden hair, as bright as the sun, your incomparable black eyes, your thick lips, your sharp jaw¡­ The face that drove me completely crazy. ¡°I¡­ah¡­¡± I stood there, on the floor, with his arms around my body. My unrequited love¡­ The man whose initial I carved into the pine tree next to mine and the owner of this country in the next few hours. Rubellus Jahad. Should I call you king? But I couldn¡¯t say anything. I was too ashamed. I wanted to ask you what you were doing here, when your coronation was in a few minutes¡­ But then I started thinking, it was me who was trespassing on the royal family¡¯s property¡­ I swear I was about to pass out right there. What a fool you are, Ira! Did you have to trespass? You fool! I felt my lips dry from my nervousness and unconsciously ran my tongue through them. That¡¯s when something strange happened. His eyes fell on my lips. I thought it was a mistake, but you didn¡¯t look away and a slight hope came into my being, until I felt you squeeze my arms tightly. Are you angry? Are you? During my twelve years with him, I¡¯ve never seen him angry, but I could be this time¡­ I¡¯m scared. What if he¡¯s really angry? I felt a chill run through me and I started to shake. That¡¯s when, suddenly, as if you¡¯d woken up, you looked at me. ¡°Are you cold?¡± Huh? ¡°Ira, you¡¯re shaking.¡± Rubellus headed towards me. Am I dreaming? This has to be a dream. My height is up to his chest, and he has to bend his knees to look me in the face. I¡¯d forgotten we were still on the ground¡­ ¡°I¡¯m fine, I¡¯m fine.¡± I held my breath, knowing that the familiar smell he was emanating was driving me crazy, for a moment I thought I¡¯d enjoy it just a little. But then I realized that¡¯s something the old Ira would do, so I held back. But I couldn¡¯t help but remember when I heard that the most famous head of government in the empire had created a unique fragrance to commemorate the prince¡¯s sixteenth birthday, so I secretly got the Rubellus perfume. When I slept I used to spray my pillowcase without anyone knowing, and I imagined what, if one day you embraced me, I would feel that particular smell. ¡°You¡¯re wearing a very light dress and it¡¯s starting to get cold, let me help you¡­¡± He murmured softly as he held me in his arms and helped me up from the ground. I could feel when he put his arm around my back, it was as if all my dreams came true¡­ No! Come on, Ira! Snap out of it! ¡°I¡¯m fine!¡± My body reacted and I got as far away from it as I could. Oh, Ira, come on, breathe, it¡¯s all right¡­ ¡°I¡¯m glad you¡¯re okay.¡± He smiled sweetly at me, and did not seem to mind my strange behavior and disrespect for the future Emperor of this nation. I smiled back, but it seemed more like a quivering smile than a smile itself. I wish I could smile naturally, but now my facial muscles were out of control. ¡°I¡¯m sorry if I surprised you.¡± He spoke again and his voice was so soft¡­ I nodded, looking at him, clumsily hiding my bracelet. ¡°I¡¯m sorry to be here, it was very disrespectful, I¡¯ll go back to the palace¡± I muttered, as I prepared to run away from him. ¡°Oh, you don¡¯t have to worry, it makes me happy you¡¯re here.¡± ¡°Really?!¡± Mom, Dad, all the education you invested in me went to shit. I was crying on the inside. So many years of etiquette training and proper ladylike behavior, I just threw them out the window. But Rubellus smiled. You just disrespected him, screaming, yelling, and he¡­ smiled. ¡°I just wanted to tell you that the jewel on your bracelet was Rubellite.¡± I opened my mouth to speak, but suddenly my vocal cords were dry. I laughed awkwardly and nodded my head up and down. Rubelus continued, smiling, as if amused. ¡°My mother told me that she took my name from the jewel, so it¡¯s quite meaningful to me.¡± Oh I see. I don¡¯t know why you¡¯re telling me all this, but I¡¯m nodding my head. I wanted to laugh like a smart, well-behaved lady, but my facial muscles wouldn¡¯t move. I just hope I get out alive¡­ Release (4/5) Chapter 6 Rubellus¡¯ purple eyes kept staring at me. Why do you smile like that? I do not understand! ¡°You know what I mean, Ira?¡± No, I don¡¯t. I blinked again. He tilted his head to the left, looked into my eyes, and then muttered: ¡°I¡¯m not sure what you mean¡­¡± I whispered. ¡°My secret.¡± Oh. My eyes opened. Rubellus¡¯ secret¡­ There was a time when I felt special knowing that. I looked at my bracelet, the secret I hadn¡¯t told anyone since I met him when I was four. Why do you make me remember it? His secret might seem ridiculous to the hates of many, but to the royal family, it was dangerous. And they were willing to kill for it. Rubellus¡¯ beautiful purple eyes¡­ were not the true color of his eyes. When he was a child, special lenses were created that were capable of obscuring reality. Because anyone who saw the color red in his iris couldn¡¯t stand it. Red as blood. I choked, I wanted to say something, but I couldn¡¯t really do it. I haven¡¯t seen him in a long time and this might be the last time I see him. Well maybe¡­ I¡¯ll see him again when he decides to get married¡­ And the woman with whom I walk down the aisle will also know his secret, will be close to him and will achieve at his side all that I could only dream of. ¡°So, do you understand?¡± Rubellus extended his hand to me with a smile on his lips. I looked at him perplexed as my brain tried to process all the information. Why are you holding out your hand? Do you want me to hold your hand? What do you want? I looked at his hand a second time and blinked awkwardly. Rubellus looks at me and smiles. Is this a joke? Are you making fun of me? Help! ¡°Now you know what that bracelet means, Ira.¡± I don¡¯t know anything! Could it be that I¡¯m a fool? ¡°I¡­ don¡¯t understand you¡± my tone of voice became lower and lower as I spoke. Do you want my bracelet? But this bracelet was given to me by my brother! Why would you want a bracelet? With your fortune you can buy ten of these! Then, as if Rubellus understood my confusion, he stopped smiling. I have a feeling I¡¯ve offended him somehow. ¡°Ira?¡± he muttered my name softly. I don¡¯t want to disturb him. I¡¯m really giving it my all, but I don¡¯t understand anything. ¡°I-I don¡¯t know¡­¡± And then Rubellus¡¯ expression was a somber face. He blinked for a moment, as if he could not understand, and then he said: ¡°Don¡¯t you understand?¡± I hesitated to answer for a moment, but in the end I was honest. ¡°The jewel in this bracelet is rubellite.¡± ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right.¡± ¡°I know the color of the rubellite is the same as the color of your eyes.¡± ¡°Yes, it is.¡± ¡°But this bracelet was given to me by my brother¡­ ¡° ¡°Yes, I was¡­ Your¡­ brother?¡± It was then that Rubellus frowned. His expression was so frightening that I could not look at him directly. I do not know where to look¡­ How frightening! ¡°This bracelet is my birthday present and my brother gave it to me, I-I¡­ how is this bracelet connected to His Highness?¡± ¡°¡­.¡± ¡°Do you know Elpine? My brother¡­ you met him at the ceremony, right?¡± The look on Rubellus¡¯ face became even more frightening when I finished speaking. Oh my god! I want to live! ¡°Your brother¡­¡± I kept my head down and started blinking quickly. I was so embarrassed. If I had known all this would happen, I wouldn¡¯t have come to this place. ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­¡± I muttered. I felt I should apologize, I didn¡¯t know why, but I did. Maybe I didn¡¯t want him to be angry¡­ But suddenly my eyes were blurry. No! Stop it! I don¡¯t want to cry, but I¡¯m so scared. No, don¡¯t cry, please¡­ ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I didn¡¯t mean to upset Your Highness.¡± At the end of the prayer, my voice trembled and tears began to flow down my cheeks. ¡°Ira, you don¡¯t have to apologize, why should I be angry?¡± I shrugged and snorted. I wanted to get out of there as soon as possible, I didn¡¯t want him to see me cry. But before I could even run, I heard him call me. ¡°Ira¡­¡± I could feel his fingers caressing my chin and lifting it until we crossed eyes. My eyes were still blurry, so at first I thought it was a mistake. How could the Emperor of this country, look at me like that? Wait a minute, His Majesty is on his knee, right? At what point did I end up on the floor?! I opened my eyes wide in surprise and the big tears that had been in my eyes fell to the floor. I was on one knee, looking at myself. Oh, my God¡­ an Emperor should never do something like that, the etiquette doesn¡¯t allow it, because¡­ you? It can¡¯t be real¡­ Rubellus held my hands in his. ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± he said in a voice full of regret. ¡°Don¡¯t cry, please, I¡¯m not angry with you.¡± I think I¡¯m going crazy. He¡¯s even begging. If anyone saw us, they¡¯d never believe it! I blinked, not understanding what was happening in front of me. It was so unreal¡­ ¡°Prince Rubellus.¡± I was about to say something, but someone beat me to it. I turned my head to the voice I had heard. But Rubellus took me in his arms, lifted me off the ground and stood in front of me, as if trying to protect me. ¡°Who¡¯s there?¡± Release (5/5) Chapter 7 ¡°I¡¯ve been looking for ¡­¡± Huh? ¡°That voice sounds familiar¡­¡± I tilted my head to the side, as Rubellus¡¯ body covered my entire vision, but he took a few steps backwards so I couldn¡¯t see the person in front of us. ¡°Your Highness, everyone in the palace is worried about you. After breakfast, Your Highness disappeared without a trace, everyone is looking for you.¡± That¡¯s my brother¡¯s voice! I felt something in my chest compress, it was my brother¡­ but what a shameful situation, his little sister alone with the future Emperor of this country. Nothing about this is right! But what a shame! I peeked out slowly until I could see my brother completely. ¡°Ira¡­¡± Elpine was looking good for the occasion, he had his hair very well combed back, showing his front and not his regular bangs. He wore a military suit that highlighted all his medals, and a sword glowed on his left side. But there was something that caught my attention before I felt his eyes coldly dipping into me¡­ There was one insignia that stood out among all, it was a badge that was only given to the Emperor¡¯s knights, when did he become a knight of the Emperor? We¡¯ve spent most of our time together, we live in the same house, I never heard you mention it, Does our father know about this? Why didn¡¯t you tell me? What¡¯s going on? ¡°I wanted to take a little walk before the coronation, it was a fluke to find Lady Waldenbiston, I¡¯m just explaining the way back.¡± That was definitely a lie¡­ and I partly appreciate it. But I couldn¡¯t help but be surprised by Elpine¡¯s reaction, which seemed to lose all color in her skin. ¡°Are you¡­ scared?¡± He even¡­ just took a few steps back. ¡°I hope my sister¡¯s presence did not inconvenience Your Highness, I apologize for her behavior, I will show her the way back myself¡­¡± ¡°Brother¡­¡± Elpine extended his hand to me. But my gaze turned to Rubellus, who smiled. ¡°The presence of Lady Waldenbiston does not bother me at all, but I think it is time you went to your mother, she must be looking for you.¡± ¡°Uh¡­ yeah¡± I managed to mumble. I wanted so badly to escape from him and run into my brother¡¯s protective arms, but before I could do that, I had to retrace my steps. ¡°Your Highness¡­¡± Rubellus stopped looking at Elpine and looked at me. ¡°Ira,¡± he whispered sweetly. I don¡¯t understand many things yet, but I feel I have to say it, I don¡¯t want to cause misunderstanding, not after invading private property¡­ I hesitated for a moment, but then I clenched my fists. ¡°Your Highness needs not worry anymore.¡± ¡°Eh¡­?¡± For a moment I saw Rubellus¡¯ eyes look confused. Perhaps I am not choosing the right words? Should I be more direct? I wiped lips with tongue and began to speak words quickly. ¡°Do not worry, Your Highness, I am no longer in love with you. I¡¯ve kept my distance all these years and I¡¯m willing to continue that way. So I can swear to you that I will keep your secret, I won¡¯t tell anyone, ever.¡± Silence. I didn¡¯t really expect a big reaction, but what came after left me cold. ¡°I think Lady Waldenbiston should leave right now, I hope she returns safely to the palace¡­¡± His tone was cold and that¡¯s how he remembered it. Until I noticed how the corners of his mouth were shaking. I blinked a couple of times and turned my back on him. Every step I took felt like the path to freedom and somehow expressing my feelings and just letting them out was rewarding. As if a weight had been lifted from my shoulders¡­ ¡°Brother¡­¡± ¡°Follow that path Ira, it will take you to the Imperial Palace, I will see you there.¡± Huh? Why wouldn¡¯t he come with me? I almost replied, but the look he gave me was terrifying, so I decided that, for the sake of my long life in this world, it was better to leave quietly. I followed the path indicated by my brother without looking back, but when I was about to leave completely what was once my refuge as a child, I heard a rumble behind my back. ¡°Was that a scream?¡± As soon as Ira disappeared from their sight, Rubellus¡¯ friendly image became that of a demon. At least that¡¯s what Elpine saw¡­ ¡°There was no need to pretend you didn¡¯t know me, Your Highness.¡± ¡°Quiet, Elpine,¡± he grunted. ¡°I want an explanation.¡± Elpine breathed deeply, in his years of service, he was never so afraid as he was in the presence of that future Emperor. How could his sister fall in love with him? ¡°Ira does not know that the gift is from you.¡± ¡°Why?!¡± ¡°Because¡­ I didn¡¯t tell her, your highness.¡± Elpine held his breath. What came next was even more frightening than the image of a Rubellus kind and loving to his sister, for the enormous cry that came from the future Emperor left him frozen. Elpine Waldenbiston. He knew only about training and the sword. Unlike his father, he was not attached to any political party, he did not get involved in situations that brought him trouble, always on the sidelines. He was loyal, the kind of man who would give his life for his country, but at the same time, loyal to his family. His heart was breaking every time he saw his little sister¡¯s suffering towards a man who did nothing but ignore her. So when he discovered that Rubellus did indeed love her, all his anger was unleashed. He decided to teach him a little lesson and Ira¡¯s birthday seemed like the perfect opportunity. But he forgot one small detail¡­ Rubellus wasn¡¯t just any person¡­ ¡°I¡¯m going to kill you¡­¡± Chapter 8 ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Your Highness.¡± Elpine muttered in a tense voice. ¡°I dared to deceive you, but your highness, my loyalty to my sister is strong. Ira is still very young, barely discovering the world.¡± ¡°You¡¯re so funny, Elpine.¡± ¡°Your Highness, she is a good woman, always caring for those she loves, and giving more love than many deserve, please reconsider.¡± ¡°You really don¡¯t have a good image of me, do you?¡± Rubellus pressed his lower lip. ¡°You¡¯re a soldier and my friend, Elpine¡­ you know how I feel about your sister.¡± ¡°I know, Your Highness, and I am sorry.¡± Elpine began to tremble due to the enormous energy Rubellus was emanating, he felt it was crushing him, taking his breath away. ¡°I¡¯m very angry, but what can I do? What she said¡­¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Elpine whispered again. ¡°I can¡¯t get her words out of my head, this is so annoying. I really wish things were different¡­¡± Silence Rubellus¡¯ words faded into the air and Elpine was still kneeling on the ground, but somehow it all felt very peaceful. So he decided to look up, but when he was about to do so, his eyes were opened in surprise. Before him, Rubellus was on his knees with his left hand on his shoulder. ¡°I want to make things right. I¡¯ve waited too long in the shadows and you¡¯re her brother, I want to pay my respects.¡± Elpine swore he could see him soul coming out of his body. ¡°H-His Highness! You cannot kneel! If anyone sees you!¡± Elpine got up quickly. Kneeling before him? How crazy was that Emperor? ¡°You can¡¯t do this, you¡¯re the future emperor!¡± Elpine let out a surprised cry, and Rubellus stared at him, his red eyes increasingly visible, even with the lenses on. ¡°?¡­..!¡± Elpine, at that moment, was silent. He was one of the few people who knew the secrets of Rubellus, apart from his sister. ¡°I know it¡¯s asking a lot, but I expected a very different reaction.¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Elpine said slowly. Rubellus¡¯ red eyes looked terrifying. ¡°But Your Highness, you can¡¯t do it again.¡± ¡°If I could finish talking, that would be lovely, Elpine.¡± ¡°Yes, Your Highness, go ahead.¡± ¡°I just want her to know that I love her, that¡¯s all. You know better than anyone why I didn¡¯t correspond to her confession, you know very well why I had to stay away from her¡­¡± Elpine¡¯s face was distorted, it was true, he knew it. Rubellus looked at him directly. ¡°I love her too much, damn it. Help me tell her, please.¡± Elpine couldn¡¯t look at him directly, he just managed to say in a very sad voice: ¡°You can¡¯t have it both ways, if you give up the crown and choose it, the kingdom will be ruined. But if you choose to rule, my father will never let you marry her, he¡¯ll find a way to compromise her before you can get to her.¡± Rubellus could feel a tightness in his chest. He really hated that he was right, but he couldn¡¯t help feeling selfish. ¡°If only your father hadn¡¯t opposed my coronation, things would be simpler.¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry my father didn¡¯t support you, Your Highness.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not your fault, your father is a worthy opponent and also a strong ally, I understand his position to a certain extent¡± he sighed briefly ¡°I just wish I didn¡¯t have to push her away like that, all the times I wanted to tell her how I felt¡­ but there was always someone behind her trying to hurt her to get to me!¡± With his eyes closed, and a voice that is soft and gentle, Rubellus expressed his discomfort. But then, he began to laugh. ¡°Shall I tell you a little secret, Elpine?¡± With a smile on his lips he began to visualize Ira in his head, her eyes, her blushing cheeks, and that beautiful dress she had used to attend the coronation. Everything about her fascinated him¡­ ¡°Being a Prince wasn¡¯t enough, I needed power, it was the only way to protect what I want¡­ and with my opponents trying to put someone else on the throne, I couldn¡¯t risk showing my feelings.¡± ¡°Your Highness, do you¡­?¡± ¡°Power in exchange for security. As Emperor, I can establish a new cabinet, start from scratch. I have the support of the people and I intend to implement fair and equal laws. Do you really think I don¡¯t have a plan? ¡°You seem very excited, Your Highness.¡± Rubellus looked down for a moment, sighing, and made a smile that could hardly be called as that. ¡°How can I get her back?¡± I went into the main hall. It took me less than ten minutes to reach the banquet hall from the Great Yellow Forest, and an imperial knight, who seemed to have come at my brother¡¯s request, accompanied me to the designated place. I was somewhat embarrassed. What would happen if someone saw me return to the main palace like this? There were too many misunderstandings ¡°Ira!¡± I was sitting in a chair when someone called me in a hurry and came up to me. It was Lenny, who was running towards me with an elegance that would be questioned by many of those present. ¡°Where have you been?! Did you really think you¡¯d miss the coronation? Do you know how worried I was? Your mother and Bianca are looking all over for you!¡± Lenny¡¯s eyes opened and she spread her hands in the air showing me how angry she was at me, not to mention the look she gave me, after she had calmed down. ¡°Can you tell me where you were? Why did you leave my side? We were supposed to go in together! When did you get lost?!¡± Maybe she¡¯s still not completely over it¡­ I hesitated for a moment to tell her the truth, but in the end I mumbled: ¡°I went to the Great Yellow Forest to clear my mind.¡± ¡°What the¡­¡± That place is owned by the king! You can¡¯t enter that place, unless someone from the Royal Family allows you to, are you crazy?¡± ¡°Well, I¡­¡± ¡°Tell me no one saw you, Ira.¡± I looked at the floor for a moment, it was obvious that someone had seen me, it was just that it was so easy for me to go there without any permission because I was ¡°the fianc¨¦e of her Royal Highness¡±. But I wasn¡¯t anymore and I made a serious mistake from which I still don¡¯t know how I managed to get out alive. ¡°I met Rubellus¡­ ¡° I expected a few more nags from Lenny, but instead, I felt her arms around me, comforting me. ¡°Was it very bad?¡± ¡°It was¡­ different.¡± ¡°Oh honey, I know what that forest means to you and I¡¯m sorry that things aren¡¯t the way you want them to be, it¡¯s your birthday and you¡¯re spending it at that man¡¯s coronation. But you must be more careful, do you know how dangerous the roots of those trees are?¡± ¡°The roots?¡± What are you talking about? ¡°You remember my cousin? The silly girl went into the Great Forest without permission and escorted, tripped over one of those roots and broke her leg. What if something like that happened to you?¡± ¡°I¡­ I didn¡¯t think of that.¡± ¡°Ira, that forest is special for one reason, it gives vitality to the Royal Family, it¡¯s like a kind of energy provider. I know you feel connected to that place, but you have to be very careful, okay?¡± ¡°Yes, and I¡¯m really sorry.¡± ¡°Oh honey, I¡¯m just your best friend, I¡¯m not the one you should be apologizing to¡­¡± I almost answered, but before I did, I got the voice of the only woman in the world who could lock me in my room and throw the key out a window. ¡°Ira Waldenbiston!¡± Chapter 9 I heard her cold, stern voice behind my back. Oh, I¡¯m dead. I closed and opened my eyes, turned around and with a smile on my face I faced them. ¡°Mother¡­ sister.¡± Two pairs of bright eyes were staring at me. The two were already similar, but seeing them with the same expression was terrifying. ¡°What a day it is to be away from everyone for no reason. And was there something wrong with you?¡± My mother had given me a kind smile this morning, but I didn¡¯t see her anywhere anymore. Instead, she looked at me with straight shoulders and fierce eyes, with an elegant air around her. She deserved the title of Lady of Stone. ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­¡± I put my hands in front of me, trying to look as obedient as possible. If I speak so carelessly to my mother, I¡¯ll be in trouble. I blinked slowly and looked at my mother and sister. It was my ace in the hole. Doing a reflective pose as a child. My mother¡¯s expression softened when she saw my face. She looked at me as if she were saying ¡°she¡¯s cute.¡± At that moment, my mother slowly opened the fan she was holding. I heard the sound of the trees swaying gently. Mother with the open fan shook it a couple of times. ¡°Ira¡­ be chord, there are many people watching us. Don¡¯t go anywhere, don¡¯t say anything, stay away from people with unfavourable rumours.¡± In the middle of the breeze, a low voice fell on my ears. Not saying anything¡­ I shook my head. ¡°Yeah.¡± I answered and my mother, satisfied with my answer, bent her eyes and folded her fan. That¡¯s when¡­ ¡°Oh my God! Oh my God! Duchess Oh my God! What are you doing here?¡± It was a high-pitched voice, which could be heard from a hundred meters away. A voice that seems to come from a dream, incredibly wild. It was the Viscountess Salende Jacques, who was the source of gossip of high society. ¡°Wow, how did she appear as soon as you finished telling Ira to be more careful?¡± Bianca spoke with a tired look, but was able to quickly change her expression. Because the Viscountess Salende was like the supreme king of the field. To a certain extent, it was said that all rumors first passed through the mouth of Mrs. Salende. Of course, one could think that she was just another social figure, but the real passion of the Viscountess Salende was to spread rumors that she had heard and that perhaps, were not true. She always tries to be the star in the rumors, by always staying close to people or questioning them. Then, of course, the rumors of the Viscountess Salende were too accurate, which made people believe her, even though they thought she was very annoying. But as more and more people got into trouble for the things she said, they started to turn away from the Viscountess Salende, but she never gave up and continued to spread rumors. She also knew the calendar of all the events, so much so that the capital¡¯s newspaper, the Pacific Times, had her as a special advisor to the upper class. I mean, in short, she was the person we should be very careful of. The only person who could deal with her, without giving her any information, was my mother. Who smiled and waved at the Viscountess Salende. ¡°Let¡¯s finish this at the mansion.¡± Of course, she didn¡¯t forget to quickly whisper a few words to me before entering the battlefield¡­ ¡°Yeah, we¡¯re not done yet.¡± Bianca looked at me seriously. I rolled my eyes and meanwhile, the Viscountess Salende was very close. Her chubby face was always so bright and when she was three steps away, my mother smiled softly at her. ¡°Viscountess Salende Jacques.¡± ¡°Oh, my God, lady! I greet Duchess Waldenbiston. It¡¯s been a long time, hasn¡¯t it¡­ then, since the Marquise Dame was married¡­ it¡¯s been three years, hasn¡¯t it?¡± The Marquise Dame is my sister Bianca. Viscountess Salende Jacques looked at me as she said ¡°three years¡±. In other words: ¡°Have you been busy because your youngest daughter hasn¡¯t married yet?¡± Bianca raised her eyebrows and her gaze became fierce. My mother stepped in front of my sister. Then, without any change of expression, she responded with a bright smile, as if she had received a great compliment. ¡°Is that so? I thought I constantly showed my face at official events at the Imperial Court. Today it is the same. By the way, I thought Viscountess Salende would be sleeping late today.¡± It was time for my mother to say funny things, with her fan swinging. Bianca quickly relaxed her expression and took a step back. My sister was laughing, but she looked half dead. ¡°What does all this mean?¡± Lennie leaned over to me and whispered. I shook my head silently and formed those words with my mouth: Originally, I would have been as baffled as Lennie, but now I can see what my mother was doing. My mother discovered that Viscountess Salende was in some delicate trouble¡­ and so she wasn¡¯t going to be early. For a moment, there was a gloomy atmosphere between my mother and the Viscountess Salende. Lennie and I watched them in silence. Said Lennie, moving his mouth. I answered. ¡°Ho-ho, how can I be late for such a glorious occasion?¡± Viscountess Salende, who seemed to hesitate, responded with indifference. It was a pseudonym in itself. No, I thought it was much more powerful than I had seen it. But then there was no comment from my mother. It was a time when winners and losers were hidden. ¡°It¡¯s a glorious place.¡± My mother smiled softly again. But to my eyes, she looked like a tiger looking at her, biting the neck of a bear. I respect her¡­ How long would it take me to be like my mother? ¡°By the way!¡± It was then. The Viscountess Salende shuddered again. ¡°Did you hear, madam? Baron Neymar¡¯s youngest daughter is to marry the English writer Tohopen!¡± That¡¯s when I felt my mother¡¯s smile wander for a moment. ¡°Marriage¡­?¡± ¡°Yes. I¡¯m sure Madame already knows, but won¡¯t the coronation change much today? I thought I¡¯d be wasting my time because of the new Emperor¡¯s wedding, but he said he would now.¡± ¡°¡­¡± I rolled my eyes without even realizing it. I understood why Viscountess Salende had taken up this subject. In fact, I know a little about Baron Neymar¡¯s youngest daughter. She¡¯s my age and we debuted at the same dance. As soon as I remembered the debutante ball, I squeezed my hands unconsciously. ¡°If you meet at the debutante ball and then get married, isn¡¯t this a classic example of a noble family marriage, seen for a long time?¡± ¡°¡­¡± Without a change of expression, my mother gently fanned herself. ¡°The combination of the two houses, the count and the baron, I can¡¯t wait to see them, so we have to move quickly, so there won¡¯t be any problems in the future, right? How old is the bride when she¡¯s nineteen? That¡¯s what you said. Oh!¡± The meaning now seems to be translated by itself. It was obvious that it meant something like this: ¡°Your youngest daughter, who so far is not married and doesn¡¯t even have a boyfriend¡± Mom took a deep breath for a moment. The little eyes of Viscountess Salende, who didn¡¯t know if her attack had worked, shone with joy. At the same time, she opened her fan with a shrill sound and swung it against her chin. ¡°If it¡¯s not the children who are going to inherit the house, nineteen is not the right time. Right, dear?¡± Now I was looking at Bianca and my mother without knowing it. This may look like not knowing how to speak in society without your parents. That¡¯s when my mother extended her fan again. ¡°You still don¡¯t know. I think you should see the invitation first. ¡° As soon as he heard my mother¡¯s answer, Viscountess Salende¡¯s face was terribly ugly. It was so obvious what my mother meant. ¡°You just got the invitation and you¡¯re already talking about her, how tasteless.¡± In front of Viscountess Salende, who could no longer keep a satisfied face, my mother smiled, looking straight into her eyes. But my mother¡¯s eyes were not smiling, and it was not only us, but all the nobles around us who were looking at us, who were breathless. Viscountess Salende was obviously a dismissive and talkative person, but when I saw my mother¡¯s face in front of her, she made me sympathize with her. It was a very lethal outcome for the Viscountess Salende. The choice would be for married families, but the outcome was obvious. Even though my father is retiring now, we can still be a prestigious family that has existed for years and still enjoys power, or we are a family that allows itself to be scorned by some unpleasant words and deeds. Obviously, no one would choose the second option. My mother was too good. Although she had rarely witnessed a war that ended in such turmoil. She was well aware of that. But now, I was almost afraid. Chapter 10 ¡°Well, ma¡¯am¡­¡± When the Viscountess Salende realized that the Duchess of Waldenbiston was much more irritated than she imagined, she opened her mouth and tried to say something. But at that moment, the martial band that was waiting in front of the banquet hall sounded the trumpets. Dozens of trumpets, as if in one voice, played a fanfare. And as soon as the fanfare was over, the servant who had his hair firmly tied came out and shouted aloud. ¡°Your Majesty, the Emperor is here! Please all greet him!¡± The assembled nobles rose simultaneously. I reached into my skirt pockets and pulled out the small pendant of the silver watch I had brought with me. It was exactly one o¡¯clock in the afternoon. The fact that the present Emperor arrived on time meant that Rubellus, whom I met in the Great Forest, returned on time. Thank God. Unwittingly, I sighed with relief. Then I lowered my head and knelt down like the other people. The banquet hall was silent as if cold water had been poured in. There was no one breathing loudly. The Emperor entered the banquet hall slowly. In spite of the carpet, the sound of footsteps seemed to sound in this great banquet hall. ¡°All may rise.¡± A loud voice echoed vividly down the hall. Emperor John Jaherd, responsible for leading the golden age of the Jaherd Empire. He was nearly sixty-six years old and looked just as radiant as he had in his younger days. Though his gray hair was in full bloom, the Emperor¡¯s footsteps were large and powerful. Emperor John Jaherd looked from place to place with his warm eyes, then opened his mouth. ¡°Today, I welcome you all.¡± The Emperor opened his arms and spoke. It was a very strong voice. ¡°You, gathered here today, will be the first to see the new Emperor and are the most important witnesses to this imperial family.¡± I remembered what I knew about the coronation ceremony. The beginning of the ceremony is from the banquet hall where only the principal nobles gather. Here, Rubellus makes a promise to the nation and the people and then marches through the city in a golden carriage exclusively for the Imperial Court. He would then go to a shrine, where he would have to wear a robe and a crown and soon be crowned Emperor. From then on, there would be a week¡¯s official holiday scheduled. John Jaherd, who had been watching the nobles for a while, smiled and nodded. ¡°So, let¡¯s get started.¡± At the same time as Jaherd said this, the instrumental music band raised their trumpets and played them in unison. A different fanfare resounded, and the door to the main entrance to the banquet hall opened again. Everyone knew who was coming in. Rubellus Jaherd. I put my hands together without even realizing it. I could already picture him before my eyes. With his shiny blond hair, he would look more beautiful than anyone else, and slowly brighten up this place. And it will stay in our heads. And when that time comes, you will swear your allegiance with true sincerity. At first, even coming here was difficult, but my father was right. Before man and woman, I was part of his people, and he was full of qualities to become a respected Emperor. I decided at that moment, with my lips pressed. To bless you from the bottom of my heart and applaud you louder than anyone else here, regardless of whether people would mock me, like the Viscountess Salende. That¡¯s when I nodded to myself. Then, Rubellus came slowly down the aisle. The shiny golden hair was carefully arranged according to formality. A brilliant red and gold medal hung around her neck, highlighted by her white robe, a medal that could only be worn by the highest ruler. On his shoulders and sleeves were red dragon-shaped emblems, and on his right shoulder to his chest were three rows of gold wire. He entered, eyes fixed on the front, as if he could see nothing. There was not even a hint of nervousness. Wait, the imperial robes, which he had seen before in the Great Forest, were clearly a robe and a white robe. But the clothes I¡¯m seeing now are not the same as before. The neck of the robe has also changed. It looked similar in general, but a closer look showed that it was very different from before. I think you¡¯ve changed. What happened? It was perfect before. ¡°Hmm.¡± I closed my eyes and continued my thoughts. Wasn¡¯t that the coronation outfit? ¡°Did I remember wrong?¡± I don¡¯t think so. That¡¯s when I started shaking my head. ¡°Elpine, what¡¯s wrong with your eyes?¡± My head turned as I heard Bianca¡¯s whispers by my side, and I sensed that Elpine was near us. Following Bianca¡¯s gaze, I looked at Elpine, and I was surprised and asked him. ¡°Oh, really, what¡¯s wrong with your eyes?¡± The white of Elpine¡¯s eye was reddish. ¡°I cried because something sad came to mind.¡± Elpine responded with a calm presence. Bianca frowned. ¡°What? No, if you cry and turn red like that, it¡¯s not normal how that happens¡­¡± ¡°Wait a minute.¡± It was then. Elpine stopped Bianca from talking and looked intently into the banquet hall, shaking her head and blinking. Do you think you¡¯re controlling the entire flow of guests in this big banquet hall? The process seemed very agitated and complicated, so my mother and Bianca missed the opportunity to question him about his face. ¡°Mother, sister, Ira, I¡¯ll be right back.¡± Elpine even gave us a nod and left immediately. Bianca, my mother and I were exchanging puzzled looks. Rubellus, who arrived in the center of the room, looked around slowly. Children in beautiful clothes appeared at different entrances, scattering flowers. Meanwhile, the one who carried the oath was slowly moving towards Rubellus. Rubellus smiled gently at the approaching children, took the oath and slowly bowed to Emperor John Jaherd. Emperor John had made the decision to abdicate the throne. It was because of his half-brother, Tale Jaherd. Emperor John killed all his brothers and ascended the throne, but his younger brother, Tale Jaherd, was kept alive and he was loved very much from then on. But after Tale Jaherd, now Duke Quillton, became increasingly greedy for never being arrested, the Emperor felt guilty about Crown Prince Rubellus. He had put his son in danger because of the choices he had made. After today¡¯s coronation, Emperor John will retire with the Empress and live in the Palace of the Stars. He opened the oath and turned to the nobles. ¡°I take an oath.¡± A low, soft, clear voice spread through the hall. At that moment, the problem with the clothes disappeared from my mind. What¡¯s the big deal about changing clothes? This is the moment when Rubellus will become the Emperor. I put my hands together again without realizing it. Earlier, I had begged Bianca not to come, but I would have regretted it if I had not come. I am witnessing a historical scene right now. ¡°I love my nation and my people.¡± ¡°I will carry this love, and I will sacrifice more than any other for this country.¡± You¡¯re¡­ you¡¯re so great¡­ Yeah, he was great. I had to admit it. Even though I gave up now, and I didn¡¯t even dream about it anymore, Rubellus was the nation¡¯s first bachelor, a talent that would never exist again. He deserves to be the Emperor. Unable to hide my bitter expression, I continued to listen to his read. Yes, Ira. Now that you are here, let us see Rubellus, who will become Emperor, to the end. He was the only one I liked. I straightened my back and looked at Rubellus, lowering my guard in his presence. But¡­ It seems my eyes keep meeting Rubellus¡¯ as he reads the oath. I think he¡¯s looking at me. Ah¡­ Isn¡¯t he ? But our eyes met so easily. ¡°I will try and win her love.¡± The Emperor John Jaherd, who stood beside Rubellus, looked at him for a moment. A very brief glance. But Rubellus unconsciously kept his eyes fixed on this side and read the oath to the end. ¡°I will do what I promised now.¡± Rubellus threw the oath into a bowl of fire, which was in the hands of one of the children, straightened his back and continued. ¡°God help me.¡± At that moment, Rubellus¡¯ eyes met mine in a straight line. When our eyes met, I swallowed my breath in surprise. Me? Is it me? Are you looking at me? Of all these people? No, I don¡¯t think you¡¯re looking at me. I couldn¡¯t believe it. Your eyes were too warm. The feelings in her eyes were so obvious that even I could tell. Passion or affection that he couldn¡¯t hide. But¡­ Why are you looking at me like that? It can¡¯t be. Chapter 11 Then ¡®that day¡¯ came suddenly. In less than a week after the coronation of the new Emperor. It was a very good morning. My father was preparing to enter the palace after breakfast, and because I fell asleep, I had to have breakfast not in the dining room, but in the living room where my mother was sitting. The menu consisted of a tasteless porridge, some seasonal fruits and yogurt made from fermented cow¡¯s milk. I heard that the original breakfast had fresh sausage, well-done scrambled eggs, and salad. He must have changed the menu mercilessly because he had slept late. Originally, my parents hated it the most when the nobility showed signs of indolence. My mother was elegantly using a paper knife to open the envelopes. It was a check of her mail, one of my mother¡¯s morning routines. I kept putting honey on the porridge, while I watched my mother. Originally, it was honey to put in yogurt, but I couldn¡¯t help it. I didn¡¯t like porridge. How are you supposed to eat something that tastes like paperweed? But, I couldn¡¯t give it up. My parents don¡¯t like to give up food. Now that I¡¯ve spilled so much honey, then it¡¯ll be okay, right? I took a spoonful of honey-covered gruel. It was at that moment that I took a bite with a satisfied expression. She opened her mouth in a quiet manner, her eyes fixed on the bulletin she was reading. ¡°Daughter, why don¡¯t you go on an arranged date?¡± ¡°Fuh-hmm!¡± The mush I was eating got stuck in my throat. Not to be rude, I quickly covered my mouth with a napkin, but I still coughed so hard several times that the tears started to flow. ¡°Ah, a¡­! What?¡± ¡°Why don¡¯t you go out on an arranged date?¡± ¡°What the hell are you talking about? Out of nowhere!¡± That¡¯s when I screamed. My mother left the Pacific Times on the living room table, very loudly. My eyes went to the newspaper in the capital. On the first page was Rubellus¡¯ face, and underneath it was written in big letters. (The Immediate Scandal) Did the new Emperor misread the oath before the nobility? Get the original texts of this article! Did you misread the oath? Your Highness? It was time to stretch my head to watch the news. ¡°It is not at all surprising.¡± At my mother¡¯s stern tone, my head turned to her. My mother spread out the mail that had been carefully sorted. It was a bunch of colorful, charming letters. ¡°What is all this?¡± ¡°This is the wedding invitation that will be issued in two months.¡± ¡°A wedding invitation?¡± Why so much? I picked up the invitation and swallowed my breath. The young heir to the Count of Morelli¡­ It¡¯s a familiar name. As I looked at the wedding invitation, my mother sighed and explained. ¡°The nobles of the capital are marrying in a hurry. If the Emperor declares he will marry, naturally, it will be a year after the wedding, and in that period no nobleman can marry and so the marriage will take a long time to happen.¡± Whether it was a political marriage or a love marriage, they apparently intended to marry quickly before the marriage was completely blocked. But what does this have to do with me? I hesitated, looking at my mother. ¡°But I haven¡¯t thought about it for a while¡­¡± ¡°Ira, I¡¯m not forcing you to get married.¡± Mother took a sip from the tea cup in front of her and then sighed. ¡°And let me tell you beforehand, there are many other ways beyond what you are seeing. You are a member of the Waldenbiston family. I would like you to have a loving marriage. But I can¡¯t help but see that you¡¯re not doing anything like this.¡± I raised my head and looked her straight in the eyes as she listened. Her eyes were covered with love and concern. ¡°I¡¯m not asking you to have a wedding for the honor of the family. When you enter the market, everyone will rush to try to benefit from our family. Our family is still strong. But, therefore, use it and you will gain something. Someone who has eyes to see people, who can be objective, reasoning to achieve full profits and good luck. Someone who can support you like that.¡± My mother raised her lips and smiled. ¡°I know it¡¯s been difficult so far. But know that your mother is worried about your future and your life.¡± ¡°Yes¡­¡± I nodded, according to my mother¡¯s words. I couldn¡¯t help it. I got up from my seat with my shoulders down. The porridge, which I had only eaten one spoonful, was completely hardened. ¡°I¡¯ll think about it, so please forgive me for skipping breakfast.¡± ¡°It¡¯s okay. But keep in mind that you¡¯re still grounded. You must spend the day in your room. Be sure to tell me when you use your studio.¡± ¡°Yes¡­¡± As Ira slowly climbed the stairs, Duchess Waldenbiston noticed a shadow over her shoulder, looked back and smiled weakly. It was her husband. With his moustache extended, Duke Waldenbiston handed Duchess Waldenbiston a handkerchief as if she were waiting. ¡°You didn¡¯t choose it, so I chose it, I understand if it doesn¡¯t match.¡± ¡°That¡¯s a great choice.¡± She smiled and took off his handkerchief, skillfully folded it and placed it on his chest. Though it looked like a small hand gesture, the scarf hung from his chest like a flower. ¡°Thank you.¡± The Duke gently kissed his wife¡¯s forehead. She kissed him with her eyes closed, then whispered softly to him. ¡°I told Ira to go out on a date.¡± ¡°Well done. What did she say?¡± ¡°She¡¯ll think about it. But even if she doesn¡¯t want to, I¡¯ll send her. I think she needs a new change. I have a feeling I can¡¯t leave her like this any longer¡­ Are you going to the Imperial Palace?¡± At her words, Duke Waldenbiston nodded and stroked his moustache. The Duchess laughed again at his words. ¡°I know you will retire soon, and many people in the palace are trying to stop you.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not that.¡± ¡°Yes?¡± In the Duchess¡¯s replica, the Duke had a strange expression on his face. ¡°Well¡­ Madam, I will tell you soon, but we may have to postpone the change. Let the workers know the schedule again.¡± ¡°What? What do you mean?¡± ¡°Last night, Count Walden¡¯s temporary successor was arrested in case of emergency. On charges of bribery, and it appears he made a deal with the northern nobles. The Emperor is very angry. He too is a central figure in the new aristocracy and a person the Emperor has trusted since he was Crown Prince. Today is an emergency meeting. Because we have to take countermeasures.¡± The Duchess covered her mouth with a surprised look and then nodded. ¡°So you¡¯ll be staying in office for a while?¡± ¡°I¡¯m not sure, because nothing has been said yet. The appointments of the nobles working in the cabinet were completely postponed. The House of Lords had already established a new cabinet according to his personal preferences, but since Count Walden became like that, it may take much longer to vet the rest of the staff¡­ No.¡± The Duke frowned and thought for a moment. ¡°And that¡­ I really don¡¯t know, ma¡¯am.¡± In fact, the Duke was very confused. Because things are becoming completely different from what they expected and planned. The Duke of Waldenbiston remembered a contract he¡¯d previously made with the Emperor. A secret promise that he couldn¡¯t tell his wife and companion, the Duchess. When he was the Crown Prince, he desperately needed power, so he made a pact of trust with the Duke. And according to the covenant, now was not the time for Count Walden to be punished. Obviously, this time it was his turn. Things are going badly. As he thought about it, the Duke continued to slowly go back on his feet. ¡°The Emperor has long been upon me, and the Emperor¡¯s intentions are not something I dare understand. The present emperor, having to adapt a fierce temperament to prevent his enemies from rising up against him, has had to be more cunning and calculating than before¡­ sometimes having to sacrifice what he loves most to keep him safe.¡± Still. However, we must not give up on finding out what¡¯s going on. I must find him and ask what¡¯s going on. What the hell is going on and what is he planning? The point is that¡­ The Duke¡¯s eyes, which had been thoughtful for a moment, shone with a momentary light. A few weeks ago, the coronation ceremony had a single point that woke the Duke¡¯s nerves. Anger. Don¡¯t tell me¡­ ¡°Is it because of your daughter?¡± The Duke¡¯s eyes narrowed. Chapter 12 I could not deny it, Ira¡¯s unrequited love was impossible to ignore. It had begun when he took his daughter to the palace. But of course¡­he never believed that this love would last 12 years. Maybe his mistake was not stopping her, but he didn¡¯t take it seriously, it was a little crush. He accepted it, believing that in time she would get over it. But she ended up exceeding his expectations. The Duke believed that there should be a passionate experience in a person¡¯s life, at least once, so he supported his loving daughter. Although part of him knew, the only reason he encouraged his daughter, was because he was sure that the Crown Prince would never reciprocate her feelings. They could not end up together. Their union would only put the Duke in the sights of the Imperial Court, and it was very likely that his family would be hurt by a seemingly innocent love. This was because there would be a coronation and with it a war of power. A war that would end with people choosing the wrong side. Regardless of whether you have a good relationship with the Crown Prince or not, you should attend the palace for the honor of your family and the welfare of the kingdom. Fortunately, the Crown Prince, or the present Emperor, was not interested in Ira. In fact, he had drawn a clear line. The Duke had witnessed the way Rubelus treated his daughter, in a dignified and very polite way in times when he was only the Crown Prince. Which, for his luck, had turned out to be beneficial. After so much rejection, his daughter was finally able to open her eyes and accept her reality, just as she expected. She was finally able to choose herself and not live behind others. Everything had been quiet until now, that was what the Duke tried to repeat over and over again in his head, it was impossible that the Emperor had felt something for his daughter in the past and refused to accept that he felt something in the present¡­ Although his immature daughter suffered a violent reaction after experiencing her first unrequited love, her parents, the Duke and his wife, were able to help her move on. But there was something¡­ That unrequited love¡­ The Duke¡¯s eyes shook slightly with bewilderment. What if¡­it had all been a plan of the Emperor? If he had only pretended not to reciprocate his daughter¡¯s feelings? Did he hide his true intentions so well and was now willing to reveal his plans? If that were the case¡­ _____¡°Darling, you look terrible.¡± The Duke, who had been so focused on his thoughts, looked at his wife as if he had woken up from a dream. He held her in his arms lightly, trying to reassure her, although that innocent action seemed to need him more than she did. Either way he could be wrong, drawing hasty conclusions about the Emperor¡¯s intentions¡­it was better not to think about it. Yes, perhaps they were just distorted ideas in her head. He sighed and smiled at his wife. _____¡°As I grow older, I am worried. Don¡¯t worry too much. I¡¯ll tell you all about it as soon as I understand what¡¯s going on. _____¡°It¡¯s all right, dear.¡± The Duchess nodded and looked at her husband, who turned his back on you and plunged back into his thoughts. Not going out was one of my mother¡¯s main punishments, after my little escape¡­I went back to when I was a child, where if she said ¡®You will not go out¡¯ I had to obey without complaint. Of course, I never obeyed that rule. The first punishment I remember was probably when I was seven years old. When I destroyed all the elegant flower varieties that the gardener had planted with great pride. And I was also punished for not finishing my algebra homework and sneaking into the kitchen to get a glass of milk and cookies. Yes, I wasn¡¯t really a very exemplary child. Anyway, these punishments were always my nightmare, my mother knew the perfect way to affect me, I loved my freedom so much. I like to go out, walk around, enjoy life! But when I am forbidden to go out, my creativity is great¡­ _____¡°You can¡¯t lock me up!¡± Hahaha! I smiled coldly and placed my hands on my waist. Standing in front of a full-length mirror in the dressing room, I wore a loose shirt and jodhpurs for men with a very short haircut. __________*T/N: Jodhpurs are a kind of baggy pants that gets thight below the knees. Of course, this is just a wig. I smiled and looked around. My breasts were bandaged and somehow I achieved just the look I wanted. I had bought a short black wig when I went out for the last time. My blue eyes were glowing and my face without makeup highlighted my fine features. Am I not beautiful? I smiled as I looked in the mirror. _____¡°Miss, I¡¯m not sure about this, do you think it will work? Samara laid out some boots for me, very concerned, she was a very special person to me. I received the boots and said in a good mood _____¡°Oh, don¡¯t worry, Samara. If I get caught, it¡¯s my fault.¡± _____¡°If you are caught, you will be condemned, many things can go wrong!¡± _____¡°I have escaped several times before. You can¡¯t stop me, I¡¯ve decided, don¡¯t worry too much, okay?¡± I put on my boots and smiled, they were the present Elpine had given me for my birthday and today was the day they were to be launched. Besides, these boots have more heel than I thought. I also liked them a lot. I put on a cape and, with my little triangular cap, I covered my head. _____¡°What do you think? Do I look like a man? She looked at me up and down for a moment, then answered calmly. _____¡°No way.¡± _____¡°What? I can¡¯t believe it! I turned my head and looked in the mirror. I look like a man! However, Samara shakes her head enthusiastically as she looks at me in the mirror. _____¡°You don¡¯t look like a man. You are too old to try to imitate a child as you used to. In these three years, your height is different, your features are more delicate, your chest is prominent¡­I think you are announcing that you are a woman who has dressed as a man on purpose. They might think you¡¯re a pervert, and you¡¯ll be, you¡¯ll never be seen as a man!¡± _____¡°Come on, a pervert¡­¡± Samara¡¯s point seemed to sink into my body. I stumbled as if I had been hit by an arrow, and made a crying face. _____¡°What should I do then?¡± _____¡°You shouldn¡¯t leave¡­.¡± _____¡°I refuse!¡± Samara recoiled at my little tantrum, and then her eyebrows rose. _____¡°The only way out is for you to take Dale with you.¡± _____¡°Dale?¡± I had a pretty scared look on my face. Dale Granny was a gardener. The stubborn gardener who could swear hated me. He is not a very friendly person and even though I am the daughter of such an important person, he treats me like an annoying child. I think he has hated me ever since I plucked his flowers and has been yelling at me several times since then. He didn¡¯t like it at all¡­he¡¯s a very scary man. _____¡°Otherwise, you won¡¯t get out.¡± She really couldn¡¯t be serious¡­ _____¡°I can¡¯t just let you go alone, it could be very dangerous, besides, Dale said he would go buy some seeds. He is reliable, so this is my last offer. You won¡¯t leave this house without Dale.¡± I frowned and rolled my eyes, this couldn¡¯t be true, come on don¡¯t be like that¡­ I looked at the wedding invitation on the dressing room shelf. You can see the crumpled lavender color and a familiar pattern appearing before my eyes. I tightened my lips and then my fists. No. I have to go today. _____¡°It¡¯s okay. I nodded heavily. I heard her scream of joy and almost grunted in response. She never thought I would accept. I guess she planned everything in advance¡­ _____¡°Really? You¡¯re going with Dale? _____¡°I can¡¯t help it. I really have to go out today.¡± I shrugged my shoulders, and then frowned again at Samara. _____¡°Then¡­ Help me! I want to look like a boy.¡± _____¡°Oh my God.¡± She sighed, then stared at me. Her eyes scanned me from top to bottom, much sharper than before. _____¡°Okay, let¡¯s cover your breasts, let¡¯s get you a tight black tie and a shirt, maybe a hat would do you good¡­that way we could cover your feminine features more accurately.¡± _____¡°That¡¯s it?¡± I smiled, it was simple. I ran excitedly to get the clothes she had told me about. I¡¯m going to be a man! _____¡°Oh, no, miss. Don¡¯t make such a mess!¡± _____¡°Help me! I¡¯m in a hurry!¡± I shouted to Samara, who was running after me, and I started to crush the piles of clothes. It¡¯s time for me to become a man! Chapter 13 In front of the green-roofed mansion at the end of the capital street a sturdy carriage stopped in front of that house. As soon as it arrived I opened the door and almost ran out. I thought I was going to die! I swallowed a sigh of relief, looked back and laughed again. ¡°Dale, thank you so much for bringing me here. ¡°I¡¯ll be here at four o¡¯clock in the afternoon¡­¡± ¡°It¡¯s okay. Dale closed the carriage door, I smiled innocently at him. I kept that expression until the carriage started to move away until I lost sight of him. ¡°Oh, it was so uncomfortable that I almost died.¡± It was simply an impressive moment. Strangely enough, it is difficult to engage Dale in conversation. I tremble just looking at him. On any other occasion, I would have refused Samara¡¯s demands, but today was a special day and I had no choice. ¡°Ah, what a problem.¡± I turned and stood in front of the mansion, shaking my head. Despite this discomfort, I had to come. With the invitation in my hand, I stood at the door with a somber look on my face. Shortly after taking a deep breath, I pressed the doorbell firmly. ¡°This is a lavender-flavored tea with orange zest.¡± ¡°Thank you very much.¡± ¡°It¡¯s my pleasure.¡± Having an invitation was almost a waste of time. It was a mere decoration which they only saw in my hand and they let me in. Although it was all due to Cristobal, who is rumored to be the most competent butler in the entire capital. He only had to see my face for a few moments and a smile adorned his face as he opened the door for me and whispered my name? ¡°Lady Waldenbiston, welcome¡± ¡°I guess my costume wasn¡¯t so effective after all¡­¡± Either way¡­. What a capable butler! He immediately took me to the salon, prepared tea and snacks. ¡°This is delicious, maybe I should order some more¡­¡± ¡°Would you like some more tea, miss?¡± But what an astonishment you are! You have read my mind! I was about to mention how much I would love some more tea, when a soft voice was heard behind her back. I quickly put down the cup and jumped out of my seat. ¡°Mar¨ªa!¡± ¡°Oh, my God. What is all that?!¡± With a wide smile, Maria walked quickly over to me. Every time I took a step, her curly hair swayed. She looked so beautiful in a green dress with subtle gold details. ¡°It¡¯s been three years, and you¡¯re still the same. You¡¯re still dressed like that!¡± She gave me a big hug and then let go. Her bright green eyes scanned my face. It has been a long time¡­ Three years ago, so many things happened and among them, I decided to disappear for a while to repair my broken heart after the disaster of my unrequited love. I cut all my ties. I really didn¡¯t want to see anyone. Mar¨ªa and I have been friends since childhood, we made our debut together and supported each other in our adolescent follies. But now, we manage to get back in touch and here I am. I smiled as I pointed to my clothes. ¡°What about my costume? I think it¡¯s perfect.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t you know? Maria looked at me with a disastrous expression. Huh? Come on, tell me you¡¯re kidding! It¡¯s my best costume! ¡°But so far I haven¡¯t had any accidents.¡± Maria pursed her lips. ¡°I assure you it wasn¡¯t because your costume was brilliant, you were too lucky. How dangerous the world is these days and you walking around in a man¡¯s costume¡­¡± ¡°Really? I¡­thought the security in our country wasn¡¯t so bad.¡± I thought about all the times I had escaped. Dozens of times where I had fled in the dark and returned at dawn. Nothing bad ever happened to me. I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve ever seen a drunk passerby or a group of thugs at the entrance to some dark alley. So I always thought, ¡®Ah, the police department works so hard, what good people.¡¯ But Maria thought differently. ¡°Unless someone has followed you and kept it a secret, I guess you¡¯re unimaginably lucky.¡± Who could spy on me and keep me safe? It sounds so ridiculous! When I slightly furrowed my eyebrows, Maria gently patted my cheek. ¡°You are a lovely girl.¡± I felt uncomfortable at the soft smile on her lips. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter if someone is spying on me or if my luck is invincible. It was important to see you.¡± Still uncomfortable, I spoke softly. Maria¡¯s smile was still powerful. It was always like that. She gave me another sneaky smile at my response. ¡°If you wear that ¡®costume¡® it means you¡¯re grounded, right? Otherwise you wouldn¡¯t present yourself looking so poorly to me. Maybe we should add this to the ¡®Records of Ira¡¯.¡± ¡°You don¡¯t say! Do you still remember?¡± ¡°How could I forget?¡± ¡®The Records of Ira¡¯ was how Bianca had named all my disasters before she was married, she had collected a long record of my failures, disasters and embarrassing situations in which I had been involved, just to rub it in my face. In short, a record of my ¡®accidents¡¯. All my records so far are negative. And many more¡­ I rolled my eyes for a moment and smiled back at Maria. ¡°It would be great if you didn¡¯t mention it.¡± ¡°Of course, it¡¯s nice to see you again, it¡¯s been a long time since we last saw each other.¡± ¡°And that¡¯s why I decided to come.¡± Although¡­that wasn¡¯t the only reason for my visit. I shook the invitation in my hands. ¡°So, Maria Morelli, you¡¯re getting married.¡± ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right.¡± ¡°And to Timothy!¡± I almost burst into tears. ¡°Isn¡¯t that Timothy I know?¡± ¡°Ahaha, yes! That¡¯s Timothy, the one we met at the Imperial House around the age of fifteen. You gave him a hard time!¡± Mary laughed but I couldn¡¯t laugh. Timothy Horton! Only son and ¡­. an idiot! The first time I was sentenced to a fine in the Royal Guard was because of him! ¡°I¡¯m against it!¡± I burst into a roar on the spot. I wouldn¡¯t give our beautiful, loving Maria to a man like him! First of all, I need to explain my anger to this idiot, Timothy Horton, for his bad relationship with me. Timothy Horton¡­ Born an only child of the Horton family, this child was the worst result of a very poor upbringing. The Hortons were originally a humble landless family, and lived on the property of another count, making a meager living off the titles they received for helping him. But everything has changed since they suddenly became rich from the business they were working in at the White House. After earning the money, the Hortons proudly moved to the capital, following in the footsteps of all the aristocrats in the rich countries. So far, there is no problem. But the Hortons had the biggest problems of the aristocracy. They had a very old-fashioned view of women¡¯s problems. They preferred only their male children and encouraged the thought that women were only good for ¡°raising children¡± and ¡°shutting up¡±. That whole family is the worst! Of course, if they get involved with anyone else, it¡¯s not my problem, but¡­when it¡¯s someone so close to me, it becomes a different story. It was around the age of fifteen¡­the palace had a tradition of having a nobleman¡¯s party every year as the new year approached. I was very happy at that time, because in my seat I was next to Rubellus. After many disasters of trying to win his love, I was much more energetic and willing that this time, everything would go very well. I had to look good and I had to put on several new dresses to look as elegant as possible. Of course, all the arrangements were overshadowed when I saw Timothy Horton treating his mother in a very rude way. Although we did not share a table, he was sitting right at the front table where my eyes could not stop chasing him as he continued his rude and despicable act. It had to be a sign that he was right in front of me, I had to stop that scoundrel.