Chapter 2.3

Jeras was insane, as I thought. I can’t believe he actually proposed to me.

‘Wow… I’m still in a daze. What did I even say?’

The moment I heard Jeras’s words, my mind went blank, and the world went dark. When I finally came to my senses, I wasn’t under the Jewel Tree but in my room. Karin and the Grand Duchess were massaging my arms.

Karin looked like she was about to burst into tears, and the Grand Duchess was deep in thought, her lips pressed tightly together.

“Um, Mother…?”

“It seems Sion was late. I told him to take you straight to the magic circle… It’s alright, Eloe. You won’t have to marry the Second Prince. It wasn’t an official proposal from the Imperial family, so your father will handle it. Don’t worry too much.”

“Yes, yes.”

‘I’m not worried. You seem more worried than me…’

It seemed the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess were planning to send me to a different region with Sion as soon as Jeras brought the Jewel Tree. Little did they know, I was in the middle of a proposal from Jeras and had even coolly rejected him.

No, but I couldn’t have accepted it. The female lead is someone else, and most importantly, I hate Jeras. I hate that psycho! It was much better to refuse him from the start than to get engaged and then break it off.

Yes, that’s it. It has to be. I don’t want to cause any more trouble for my family.

“My Lady, the butler is here.”

The butler whispered something into the Grand Duchess’s ear. She glanced at me, then squeezed my hand and stood up.

I asked the Grand Duchess, who was walking gracefully toward the door, “Where are you going?”

“It’s not something you need to worry about, Eloe. Just rest. I’ll leave you to Karin.”

The quick-witted Grand Duchess gave me a vague answer and left. I got into a struggle with Karin, who was determined to get me into bed.

Karin ended up clinging to me, pleading, “Princess! Please!”

“Fine. I won’t go out. But you have to go find out what’s going on. If you lie, I’m going out anyway.”

Karin, stomping her feet in frustration, finally gave up and left with slumped shoulders. I sat on the bed and racked my brain while I waited for her.

Now, using Jeras to get to Rivai was impossible, even if the world were to end. If I could, I wanted to live the rest of my life without ever seeing him again.

What should I do? Is the only option to hire a mage in secret, without my family knowing?

“Princess, Princess!”

Karin rushed in, out of breath, and closed the door.

“What is it? What’s wrong?”

“The Prince is returning to Rivai tomorrow morning. And the Young Duke is going with him!”

“Tomorrow morning?!”

“Yes. Everyone is busy packing the Young Duke’s bags and preparing gifts for the Prince.”

Ugh, that damn man. He’s so unhelpful! I grabbed my hair with both hands.

Why would they prepare a gift for that guy? I should just give him a bag of dirt!

‘Wait a minute… A gift for His Highness?’

“I feel bad for His Highness, so I should prepare a gift, too, Karin.”

***

All that remained where the Jewel Tree had been planted was a large hole. The uprooted Jewel Tree had been carelessly planted somewhere on the outskirts of Moniasha. Jeras had considered throwing it into the sea but couldn’t bring himself to do it after all the effort it had taken to get it.

Jeras coldly stared at the deeply gouged hole, then turned around.

‘I went through all the trouble of getting a tree that matched her hair color… and she dares to play games with me?’

‘Just you wait. I won’t forget this humiliation, and I will repay it.’

Jeras shook his head wildly as he remembered the nightmarish moment from yesterday. The pain of being rejected for the first time in his life was deep and significant.

He walked quickly toward the top floor where the magic circle was located. The knights guarding the entrance recognized him and saluted. Jeras entered through the open door.

“You’ve arrived, Your Highness. The magic circle is ready.”

“It seems I’m late. I apologize.”

The Grand Duke and Grand Duchess, Sion, two mages who would activate the magic circle, and the butler were all there. Only one person was missing: Eloe.

She didn’t even come out to say goodbye? There’s a limit to how much someone can ignore me.

Jeras narrowed his eyes, and the Grand Duke, who seemed to have read his mind, quickly added, “Eloe is reflecting in her room, saying she’s too ashamed to face you, Your Highness. Instead, she has prepared a gift for you.”

“I see. I’m curious to see what kind of gift it is. May I take a look?”

“Of course. Please do.”

Servants brought over a long, large box. The box was so big it made me wonder what was inside.

When they opened the lid, a large broadsword lay inside. Jeras’s eyes skimmed over the sword, and he gestured for them to close the lid. Then he gave the Grand Duke, Grand Duchess, and Sion a pleasant smile.

“Please tell the Princess that I received it well. Sion, come over as soon as you finish your work. I’ll be waiting.”

“Thank you for your understanding, Your Highness. I’ll see you soon.”

Last night, Sion had suddenly sought out Jeras. He had come to ask for a favor: to finish up the illegal currency issue in the Duchy and then leave for Rivai.

It would only take a few days to finish, and since there was no reason to refuse, Jeras readily agreed. He disliked Eloe, but he didn’t hold a grudge against the Grand Duke, the Grand Duchess, or Sion.

“I will activate the magic circle.”

“Your Highness, please travel safely.”

“I wish you both well.”

The brief goodbyes were over. As the servants stuffed the mountain of gifts into the magic circle, the mages chanted their spells. Mana was infused into the magic circle, and a brilliant light gathered.

Just before the magic circle activated with a flash, Jeras had the illusion that the box containing the sword had shifted slightly.

 

***

  

Anyone who has ever squeezed themselves into a wardrobe as a child will understand. The comfort that a small space provides. Even though it’s dark and the body is squeezed in, there is an unparalleled sense of security.

If a thick blanket is added, it’s nothing short of paradise. I’ve fallen asleep in a wardrobe many times without even realizing it.

I was feeling that familiar comfort now. Though the location was very different.

Where was I, you ask? I was inside the very box where I had put the sword as a “gift” for Jeras.

The moment I heard that Sion was going to Rivai with Jeras, I prepared the box and the sword. I chose the sword carelessly, picking the one that looked the most expensive, and spent most of my time on preparing the box.

Of course, I also went to Sion, squeezed out some tears, and tried to persuade him to leave in a few days instead. Jeras doesn’t need to know that, though.

The box worked on the same principle as the magician’s tool that had a hidden compartment invisible to the audience. I created a double-layered structure at the bottom so I could fit inside, with the sword on top of me.

Karin burst into tears when she saw me cram myself into the box. Well, it may not have been a pleasant sight, but I had no other choice. I couldn’t send Sion to Rivai.

In any case, I strained my ears, and the faint sounds indicated that we had arrived safely in Rivai. It was probably the Imperial Palace where Jeras lived, right?

The problem starts from here. I don’t know the layout of the Imperial Palace well. No matter how much a place is mentioned in a novel, a reader won’t remember the details if they’re not interested. And since I had zero interest in Jeras, I had skimmed over the information about the Imperial Palace.

I would have read it carefully if I had known this would happen. But who would have thought I’d get transmigrated?

Just then, the box shook violently.

I held my breath. I was worried I would be found, even though it was unlikely. I could hear the servants grumbling.

“What’s in this box? It’s so heavy.”

“I don’t know. Isn’t it a weapon for His Highness?”

“It’s way too heavy.”

“Anyway, let’s move it quickly. His Highness told us to have everything sorted out before he returns.”

It seemed the servants were moving the gifts we had sent. So we did arrive safely at the Imperial Palace.

And for the record, I’m not heavy at all. It’s the combined weight of the sword and the box!

I covered my mouth with both hands, screaming silently. If I’m discovered, I might be treated as an assassin, even though I have the pendant to prove my identity as a princess.

‘I’ll get out once it gets quiet.’

After a while, the box lurched again. The voices of the servants moved away and then got closer a few times before it finally became quiet all around. I waited for a long time after that, but I couldn’t sense anyone’s presence anymore.

I fumbled inside the box for the switch that opened the lid. Click, the lock disengaged.

But there was an obstacle I hadn’t thought of.

‘So… heavy…!’

It was the sword on top of me. Jeras mainly used a massive greatsword. I had chosen the one that was the biggest, and now it was way too heavy. And since I was lying on my back, it was difficult to put any force behind my movements.

After a long struggle, I finally managed to push the sword away and crawl out of the box.

“Whew!”

Thanks to all my struggling, I was pouring sweat. My arms trembled from the effort. I didn’t have the heart to put the sword back in the box. I just couldn’t do it. I glanced away from the sword and looked around.

All sorts of odds and ends were neatly organized. From every angle, this was clearly a storage room.

I checked that the pendant was securely around my neck, smoothed out my wrinkled dress, and turned the doorknob. Thankfully, the door was unlocked.

When I opened the door, a long corridor with a high ceiling stretched out before me. The floor was paved with white marble, and ornate chandeliers hung at regular intervals from the ceiling.

It was much wider than the corridors in the ducal castle, but the decorations weren’t as lavish. It felt… more grand and cold than it did extravagant.

I racked my brain, gathering all the limited information I had.

‘Hmm… I think they said the princes have their own palace. Is this it?’

I don’t know. The first thing I need to do is get out of the Imperial Palace safely. My plan was to go to the ducal residence in Rivai, change into a new dress, and then have an audience with the Emperor.

I needed to meet with the Emperor to officially announce that I would be staying in Rivai instead of Sion. That way, Sion wouldn’t have to come here.

I looked out a window and saw that we were quite high up. I’d have to go down to the first floor to get out. Since I couldn’t see any stairs, I just walked straight along the corridor.

But strangely, no matter how much I walked, the scenery around me didn’t change.

‘I think I’m lost…’

The first rule when you’re lost: coolly admit that you’ve foolishly gotten lost. I quickly accepted my fate and stopped walking. This was my first time here, anyway. Wandering around would only waste more time and energy.

I changed my plan from finding the way to finding a person. A servant who could guide me to the exit.

But there wasn’t a soul in the glittering corridor. Ugh. I bet Jeras’s personality is so terrible that all the servants quit. What a psycho.

I cursed Jeras and walked in the direction of any sound I heard, clutching the hair clip Sion had given me.

After a while, a door opened in the distance, and a person came out. Mayday, Mayday! There’s a castaway here! I was about to wave my dress instead of a handkerchief and run over when I stopped in my tracks.

I had just seen a head of shiny, light blonde hair.

‘Was there a blond character besides Kieryk?’

Kieryk. The First Prince of the Empire, Jeras’s half-brother, and… the villain of this novel. No, more like…

‘The final boss would be a more fitting term.’

The reason “final boss” is more fitting is that a great evil takes over Kieryk’s body to use him as a vessel later. The novel ends with Jeras and the female lead, Siliya, defeating Kieryk, who has been reborn as a powerful demon.

Despite his terrifying role, Kieryk had the delicate and gentle look of a handsome young man. In direct contrast to Jeras, whose eyes slant up and give him a fierce look, Kieryk’s slightly downturned eyes made him look kind. As befitting the setting that he was the most frail person in the Empire, his skin was fair and clear.

The only thing he had in common with Jeras was his red eyes.

‘Of all people, why did I have to meet Kieryk? Well, at least it’s better than Jeras.’

I don’t know if I should call this good luck or bad.

Although Kieryk becomes a vessel for a demon, he doesn’t start out as one. He slowly transforms into a demon due to his birth mother’s use of black magic. And since the full demon transformation only happens after the female lead possesses Siliya’s body, Kieryk is a perfectly normal person right now.

Even so, I felt uncomfortable talking to him.

‘I’ll just pretend I didn’t see him. I’ll pretend…’

“I don’t think I’ve seen you before… Who are you?”

Damn it. His eyesight is as good as a Mongolian’s. When our eyes met, Kieryk tilted his head and approached me.

The bright sunlight illuminated Kieryk’s head. Whether it was because of his white clothes or his gentle smile, he looked more like a priest than a prince. I found it hard to believe that someone with such a pure aura would become a demon.

In any case, things were getting twisted like a pretzel, regardless of my will. Ugh, I had no choice but to face Kieryk and bow.

“Ah, hello. It’s a pleasure to meet you. I am Eloered Shu Le kilmaria.”

The full name still felt awkward in my mouth. To prevent him from being suspicious, I showed him my pendant. Kieryk looked at the pendant and then asked me, “Are you a princess of the Kilmaria Duchy?”

“Yes, that’s right. If you don’t mind, may I ask your name?”

It’s so hard to pretend not to know when you do.

“It is an honor to meet you, Princess. My name is Kieryk Al Uff Borrestian. Please feel free to call me Kieryk.”

“Aren’t you the First Prince? I’m so sorry I didn’t recognize you! I’ve only ever lived in the Duchy, so this is my first time in Rivai… I’m truly sorry.”

“No, there’s no need to apologize. It’s perfectly alright. Truly.”

His voice was gentle and sincere, a perfect reflection of his kind and pure personality. Despite being half-brothers, he had nothing in common with Jeras.

Honestly, I thought Kieryk could have been quite popular if he hadn’t become a demon.

“By the way, Princess, did you come to the Imperial Palace alone? I don’t recall seeing an official schedule for a visit…”

“My parents and brother were busy, so I came alone first, but since it’s my first time here, I got lost. I didn’t want to trouble the Imperial family, so I didn’t contact them. I was planning to officially greet you all with them later when they arrive.”

“I see. If you don’t mind, I would like to show you the way. How would that be?”

What a stroke of luck, when I should have been begging for help!

Happy and grateful, I grabbed Kieryk’s hand and nodded. Kieryk looked a little flustered at my action but managed an awkward smile.

“Where would you like to go?”

“I’d like to go outside the palace. I need to get to the ducal residence.”

“Understood. Shall we go then? I’ll escort you.”

Kieryk gently pulled his hand away and skillfully offered his arm. His escort was so refined and handsome it was breathtaking. I felt a little excited to have received a proper escort for the first time since I’ve been here, other than from my family.

It’s such a shame. If it weren’t for his birth mother’s greed, Kieryk would never have become like that.

“Is your health alright? I heard you were a little frail.”

“My parents and brother have taken such good care of me that I’m almost fully recovered. Going out isn’t a problem anymore.”

“That’s a relief. If you came from the Duchy, you must have used the magic circle.”

“Yes, that’s right.”

‘Even though I was in a box.’

“Magic makes life so convenient, doesn’t it? As a mage myself, I’m always researching how to make it more accessible for more people. Are you interested in magic, Princess?”

While Jeras had an excellent talent for swordsmanship, Kieryk was an incredibly capable mage. He was a master of combat magic, and many of Jeras’s artifacts were things Kieryk had researched or discovered. The novel also mentioned that because of his mana-sensitive body, his demon transformation progressed a little faster.

In any case, he was a complete opposite of Jeras in many ways.

‘Magic, huh.’

“It was difficult because of my health, but I was thinking of studying it. Since I’m in Rivai now, I might as well.”

“Then you should consider the Haiola Academy. As a princess, you would more than qualify for admission. Or perhaps I could…”

“Brother, where have you been? I looked for you as soon as I arrived, but I couldn’t find… huh?”

“Jeras, you’ve returned to the palace.”

They say enemies meet on a narrow bridge. It’s true that old sayings never fail. I had to face the very person I wanted to avoid, right in the middle of the hallway. Ha.

I slightly raised a hand toward Jeras, who had frozen at the sight of me.

“Hahaha… It’s been a while, Your Highness? So nice to see you.”

“You, you…!”

Just as I expected. Jeras’s face contorted, and he lunged toward me like lightning.

“What in the world is wrong with you, Princess?”

Jeras, who had been far away, was now glaring at me right in front of my face. His words were a summary of many questions: Why are you here? How did you get here? What are you doing here?

Jeras’s expression and voice were incredibly cold. He looked like he was barely holding back the urge to grab my collar and shake me.

You don’t scare me. What are you going to do if you glare at me like that? I lifted my chin in a challenge, and his thick eyebrows twitched.

“There’s a limit to how much you can torment people…”

“Jeras, show some manners. The Princess is a guest of the Empire.”

“A guest? She is not a guest, Brother. The Princess knows that better than anyone. I don’t know how she got here, but still.”

Jeras gritted his teeth as he replied. The murderous aura that had been radiating from him softened just a tiny bit.

Jeras usually acted however he wanted, regardless of who was in front of him, but he was as gentle as a lamb in front of Kieryk.

Jeras, who lost his mother at a young age, sincerely liked and followed the gentle and kind Kieryk like a true brother, or even more. Just as Sion is my favorite, Kieryk is Jeras’s. It’s surprising that this guy has a human side to him.

For that reason, even though Jeras was glaring at me intensely, he couldn’t hurl insults. I felt I could get away with a little more as long as Kieryk was beside us.

I stared at Jeras, then tilted my head.

“Your Highness, I’m sorry to ask, but were you perhaps proposing to me a few…?”

“Don’t say it. If you say one more word, I won’t let you get away with it, Princess.”

I scoffed at Jeras’s low whisper and replied just as softly, “If you treat me with respect, I will treat you with respect. It takes two to tango. You shouldn’t forget that you’re in my debt.”

Jeras’s lips twitched. Kieryk, seeing this, sternly scolded him.

“Why have you been so rude to the Princess? What happened between you two?”

“Nothing. Nothing happened with the Princess. The Princess must be very tired since she’s talking nonsense.”

“Jeras!”

Kieryk’s voice, which had been gentle all this time, rose. Jeras finally fell silent and pouted like a child.

Kieryk gave Jeras a sharp look, then turned to me and bowed respectfully.

“I don’t know the full story, but I apologize for my brother’s rudeness on his behalf. I’m sorry, Princess.”

“Oh, no, it’s alright. I know that Jeras has a rough side to him. There’s no need for you to apologize, Kieryk.”

“Thank you for your understanding. Jeras, you go to the study first. I will escort the Princess to the gate and join you.”

“No. If you go, I will go. I can’t leave you alone with that brazen… squirrel-like Princess.”

“I’m happy that you would compare me to a cute squirrel.”

“I didn’t say you were cute.”

“Jeras.”

“Let’s go, Brother. I’ll escort her.”

Jeras ignored Kieryk’s sigh and followed us stubbornly. With Kieryk in the middle, Jeras and I walked side-by-side. We avoided Kieryk’s gaze and engaged in a silent war with our facial expressions and eye contact. It was a fierce battle where no one backed down.

Soon, we arrived at the palace gates. The soldiers guarding the gate in their glittering armor recognized the two princes beside me and bowed.

Their eyes under their helmets were filled with curiosity and suspicion. They seemed to be wondering, ‘Who is this woman that she has both Princes with her?’

Just as I thought a strange rumor might start to spread, Kieryk took a step forward.

“This is the Princess of the Kilmaria Duchy. I’ve personally confirmed her identity. Open the gate.”

“Ah, yes! Understood!”

Unlike Kieryk, who handled everything so well, Jeras was only busy glaring at me. Seriously, take a lesson from your brother and grow up.

I looked at Jeras with pity. How could he be so childish and immature?

The iron gate opened, and the drawbridge lowered. People and carriages were coming and going non-stop outside the castle. The scene with all the tall buildings was distinctly different from Moniasha.

It was still exotic, but it felt particularly foreign.

I’m really in Rivai. Now I have to live alone, away from the family that always protected and cared for me.

My heart pounded with vague feelings of anxiety, tension, and excitement.

“Are you alright, Princess?” Kieryk asked, concerned that I had stopped walking.

There was no reason for me not to be. It was a little sad, but it was something I had to do for Sion and for my family, and most of all, I was used to being alone.

Loneliness usually gets pushed to the back burner when you live a busy life. Even if it doesn’t completely disappear.

“I’m fine. Thank you for escorting me, Your Highness.”

“A carriage…”

“Oh, no. I’d like to walk slowly and get to know the area.”

“Hmm. The ducal residence is close, but it’s dangerous for you to go alone, Princess. Jeras, why don’t you accompany her? I have another engagement.”

“Brother! Ugh… Fine.”

Jeras gritted his teeth but replied obediently. He couldn’t say a word to Kieryk, but he came over and nudged my foot, showing his displeasure.

As if I wanted to be with him.

I stepped firmly on Jeras’s foot. Jeras flinched dramatically.

“I appreciate your consideration, but I’ll manage just fine on my own. I’ll be taking my leave now, Your Highness Kieryk.”

I subtly ignored Jeras, bowed to Kieryk, and crossed the bridge. I could feel a stinging glare on the back of my head.

I looked back and saw Kieryk and Jeras still standing there, watching me. I considered waving to show I was okay, but I figured it wouldn’t be in line with their etiquette, so I just gave a polite bow instead.

That’s probably enough.

Kieryk seemed to be about to move and follow me. He looked uncomfortable about sending me off alone… That’s too much pressure! Don’t come!

Thankfully, Jeras pushed Kieryk’s back and they entered the castle. Phew.

I walked quickly. I had to meet with the Emperor before my family found out I was gone.

  

***

 

A few hours later, I was waiting for the Emperor in the audience hall.

Since I was requesting an audience as a princess of the Duchy, I was dressed to the nines in a flashy dress with a variety of dangling accessories. Behind me, a line of gifts that had been hastily collected from the ducal residence were waiting.

Even as I requested the audience, I had my doubts about whether the Emperor would meet with me. Surprisingly, he had readily agreed. He probably thought I had arrived in Rivai through official and proper means.

‘Or maybe the Emperor is just bored.’

The Borrestian Empire had long since unified the continent and had a deep history. Aside from the demonkin who would occasionally appear and cause trouble, the Empire was in a peaceful state with few threats. Power struggles were a given in any country, but the Emperor’s power was immense, and the relationship between Kieryk and Jeras was strong, so the conflict over the succession was not intense.

Yet.

“His Imperial Majesty and His Highness, the Second Prince, are entering.”

My goal was a single one. To respectfully greet the Emperor before my family found out I was gone, express my desire to live in Rivai for about two years, and get his permission. That’s all I needed. It should take about five minutes at most, ten at the very latest, but an unwelcome person suddenly interrupted. I was flustered.

I stared blankly at the two people entering through the wide-open doors. Jeras was following closely behind the Emperor, who was wearing a gold crown and a cape.

I couldn’t just stare at the Emperor, so I lowered my eyes and bowed. A sense of foreboding enveloped me.

The Emperor, seated on his throne, was the first to speak.

“I am pleased to meet the Princess whom the Grand Duke of Kilmaria cherishes more than any treasure. I heard you wished to meet me.”

Jeras isn’t what’s important right now. I have to stay focused. I replied to the Emperor’s gentle greeting with the utmost respect.

“It is a great honor, Your Majesty. I am Eloered Shu Le kilmaria of the Kilmaria Duchy. It is a profound privilege to meet Your Imperial Majesty, the pillar and sun of the Empire. I also thank you for so readily granting my request.”

“The First Prince informed me that the Grand Duke was busy, so the Princess came first. Now, tell me the reason you requested this audience.”

So Kieryk had blabbed, too. It’s true that there are no secrets in the Imperial Palace, no matter the era or location. It was convenient to get straight to the point, but I had to choose my words carefully to avoid raising any suspicions.

‘I’ll stay here for two years in place of Sion.’ It was so hard to phrase that politely and elegantly. So, I decided to just… be direct.

“I wish to request your permission to stay in Rivai for two years.”

“For two years?”

“Yes. My health was poor until recently, so I only lived in the Duchy. But now I have recovered enough to live a normal life. I want to live in Rivai to experience the Empire’s culture and gain various experiences to be worthy of the title of Princess. Please, grant me your permission.”

“I see… I fully understand the Princess’s intentions. Is this also what the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess wish?”

It was a question for confirmation, but it felt like a sharp jab at my weakness. And it was even more stressful with Jeras, who knew everything, right there.

Still, I suppressed my anxiety and gave Jeras, who was standing behind the throne, the most meaningful smile I could muster.

I had already warned him when I was with Kieryk, but in the end, Jeras and I held each other’s weaknesses. Jeras wouldn’t want to lose face by having his failed proposal exposed, and I wouldn’t want to get caught for running away from home.

It would be over for both of us if either one of us opened our mouth. We formed an unspoken alliance with our eyes. I didn’t want to be on the same side as him, but…

I sent Jeras another look and opened my mouth. “My parents have also given their permission. They said it would be a good experience for me.”

“In that case, there is no reason not to grant it. You may stay in Rivai.”

“Thank you for granting my request, Your Majesty.”

“The Grand Duke’s son must be busy with his heir duties, so it is good that the Princess is here. Come to think of it, the Second Prince has visited the Duchy, so you two must already know each other.”

“Yes, the Princess is a very interesting person. I am quite impressed.”

Jeras looked straight at me as he replied. I did not avoid his gaze and smiled faintly. The Emperor, seemingly satisfied with the friendly atmosphere, smiled approvingly, looking back and forth between us.

“You two are of a similar age, aren’t you? Get to know each other during the Princess’s stay in Rivai. Help each other when things get difficult.”

“I will keep that in mind, Your Majesty. That is, if the Princess, who is as adorable as a squirrel, doesn’t hate me.”

“Your Highness is a close friend of my brother’s. How could I possibly hate you, ho ho.”

I added a fake laugh, pretending to be embarrassed. It sounded sickening to my own ears, so it must have been even worse for Jeras.

As I expected, Jeras’s face contorted into an ugly grimace. But I didn’t care. I had achieved my goal, and I felt great.

 

***

 

“Eloe!”

I was met with Sion’s desperate cry as I returned to the ducal residence with a refreshed heart. I looked out the carriage window and saw the Grand Duke, Grand Duchess, and Sion all standing outside the main gate.

Their faces were filled with worry. My elated mood, which had been at an all-time high after my successful audience, came down a little. Even though everything I did was for them, they must have been so worried.

I quickly got out of the carriage, feeling guilty.

“Father, Mother, Brother. I’m sorry I disappeared so suddenly. Were you worried…?”

“You’re safe! Are you hurt anywhere? Are you in any pain? Did you get dizzy or faint?”

The Grand Duchess ran up and examined every inch of me. She let out a huge sigh of relief when she saw that not a single wrinkle on my dress was out of place, as I had only just gotten ready. The relieved Grand Duchess hugged me tightly.

The Grand Duchess’s voice trembled as she mumbled, patting my back. “It’s alright. Mother… Everything is alright as long as you’re okay, Eloe. It’s enough that you’re safe. This is enough.”

“…I’m sorry, Mother.”

Her voice sounded like she was about to burst into tears. She was even shaking, as if my disappearance had truly frightened her. I didn’t know what to say. I was speechless.

Were the Grand Duchess’s emotions being transmitted from her skin to mine? My throat tightened, and my chest felt constricted. I barely managed to squeeze out a voice no louder than a mosquito’s to apologize. The Grand Duchess just shook her head. “It’s alright,” she kept saying. “It’s alright.”

I don’t know how long I was held in the Grand Duchess’s arms. A stern voice from above my head spoke.

“Calm down, and let’s go inside first. We can talk about the details later. Sion, help Eloe.”

“Yes, Father.”

Sion stood next to me and held my hand firmly. He used the soft word “help,” but his intention was to make sure I couldn’t run away. The Grand Duke was supporting the Grand Duchess, whose face was still pale.

I, a sinner, obediently followed the three of them. The Grand Duchess, who was leaning on the Grand Duke, kept looking back at me. Whenever our eyes met, she smiled gently, as if telling me not to worry about anything. Her kind eyes made me feel even more guilty. I would have preferred to be scolded a hundred, a thousand times over.

We entered a cozy study. The Grand Duke sat the Grand Duchess down on a comfortable armchair. I stood awkwardly in the center of the room, looking at everyone’s expression.

The suffocating atmosphere was not only uncomfortable but also intimidating. The Grand Duke, in particular, with his hands clasped behind his back, gave off a heavy sense of gravitas. The father who had been so doting and over-the-top was nowhere to be found.

“Eloered, answer me honestly.”

“Yes, Father…”

The Grand Duke turned and strode toward me. His hands wrapped around my shoulders. He naturally lifted my bowed head. A flash of light crossed the Grand Duke’s eyes.

“What did the Second Prince threaten you with that you would hide in a box to follow him?”

“…What?”

“Never mind. I shouldn’t have asked. It’s obvious without me hearing it. He must have told you to do as he says for the sake of the Duchy’s future and your family’s safety. How despicable! To think I treated him like a son, and he dared to kidnap Eloe?”

“Father, wait.”

“I should have been on guard when Sion first mentioned it. I should have moved you somewhere else before the Second Prince arrived… Because of my carelessness, you had to go through something you shouldn’t have. My poor daughter. How scared you must have been.”

“Father, wait. What are you saying…? I don’t understand. Please speak slowly.”

“Eloe, there’s no need to protect Jeras. It’s all his fault, from suddenly proposing to you, to getting a grudge after being rejected, to kidnapping you. Moreover, kidnapping is a grave crime. Since your mother has gone to protest to His Majesty, we can’t let this slide.”

Harsh words like “threat,” “kidnapping,” and “crime” came in one ear and went out the other. The three of them looked so serious that it was impossible to think they were joking.

Wait, just a moment. Let me organize my thoughts. So… the three of them think I was kidnapped by Jeras? It seems they heard something from Karin, given the Grand Duke’s mention of the box… But how could they still think I was kidnapped?

“Father, Mother, Eloe’s hands have become very rough. Her face is also gaunt. She must have been very scared. Maybe it’s best to let her rest?”

‘You’re exaggerating, Sion! It hasn’t even been half a day!’

“You’re right. This is not the time for this. Let Eloe rest, and we should go have an audience with His Majesty.”

I had forgotten. The faith and trust the three of them had in Eloe was so unconditional and endless it could be called madness.

In their minds, the option of Eloe running away simply didn’t exist. That’s why they could hear Karin’s words about me putting myself in a box and still conclude that I was kidnapped. Of course, if it were the real Eloe, they might have been right.

But I wasn’t Eloe.

‘Stop thinking useless thoughts.’

I quickly erased the dark thoughts that had crept into my mind. The Grand Duchess, who had been sitting, was now standing, looking like she was ready to storm the Imperial Palace right then and there.

I spread my arms and blocked the door.

“Father, Mother, Brother. I wasn’t kidnapped by the Second Prince.”

“It wasn’t a kidnapping?”

“So Jeras threatened…”

Oh, my goodness, you people! I said it wasn’t! First of all, I’m not the kind of person who would be swayed by Jeras’s threats! It would be a different story if it were Sion.

“It wasn’t a threat either. I came to Rivai of my own accord. I didn’t come here against my will because of someone else.”

The eyes of the three of them, who were looking at me, shook violently. My confession was so embarrassing, and their reaction made it even more so.

But since I’ve started, I might as well finish. I scratched my cheek once and continued to speak.

“For a long time, I spent more time lying down than I did being awake… But after my body got better, I started to look at myself. And I thought, I’m no different from a clueless child.”

The three of them, who had been looking at each other in confusion, now had serious expressions. They were all calmly waiting for me to speak. It was as if they would listen to whatever I had to say. Their reaction gave me courage.

“I’ve always lived under the protection of my parents and brother in the Duchy. It was so happy and wonderful, but I can’t live like that forever. Rights don’t come without duties. Now that my body is better, I want to grow, little by little. I will grow. That’s why I told you I wanted to go to Rivai.”

A brief silence hung in the air. The Grand Duke carefully took my hand and stroked the back of it.

“You’re so thoughtful and brave. I wonder when my little girl grew up so much… I’m sorry for just blindly opposing you. I had no idea you were thinking such things. But, Father has one question. Was there a reason it had to be Rivai?”

“Yes, Eloe. I think so too. If you want to have a variety of experiences, you can do that in Moniasha. Wouldn’t it be better than in an unfamiliar place like Rivai? I’m worried about your health, too…”

Sion also nodded silently. They were right. There was no way I would want to leave the warm embrace of my new family, which I had just started to get used to.

The family’s embrace, which I was feeling for the first time, was so warm and comforting. And with Sion as my brother, I wanted to live with them forever. Happily, and peacefully.

But if I don’t stay in Rivai in Sion’s place, Sion will die.

For Sion, for me, and for my family, I had to stay in Rivai, at least until the day Jeras gets drunk.

And because of the magic circle, I had to endure all sorts of insults from Jeras, and I had also found a new personal goal. That goal could only be achieved in Rivai.

“The truth is… I want to learn magic. At the Haiola Academy.”

Haiola Academy. It was a comprehensive educational institution in Rivai. It was founded by the great mage Haiola, who was one of the most famous mages in the Empire’s long history. At first, it only taught magic, but over time, it became the most famous academy on the continent.

It was a required course for high-ranking noble children and royalty, and Sion was a graduate of the Haiola Academy. The original Eloe would have also attended the academy if it weren’t for her health issues.

Perhaps because of that, the three of them weren’t that surprised. Their reaction was more like, ‘Ah, so this is what it was all about.’ They exchanged glances and nodded a few times.

“Father will always respect your intentions and decisions. I’ll make an inquiry to the academy tomorrow. It might be difficult for you to enroll right away since the enrollment period is over.”

“Please do, dear. It seems I’ll be busy gathering everything we need from the castle. It’s not a full move, but still.”

“A move? Why a move?”

“What? We have to make preparations if we’re all going to live in Rivai together.”

“Would you help, Mother?”

“Yes, please? Thank you, Sion.”

No, no! How did the conversation get twisted like this?! If Sion lives here with me, my plan will be useless. And what about the Duchy if all of you leave?!

My family loves me too much. I screamed silently and tearfully on the inside.