Chapter 1

On a dark night, Edelis was doing a final check. Tomorrow night, she would leave the house she had grown attached to.

‘I almost forgot the most important thing.’

She suddenly remembered she hadn’t packed the gold coins. Since she might not be able to exchange her jewels for coins right away, the coins were essential. She bent down to retrieve the pouch she had secured under her bed—when the window suddenly burst open and a strong gust of wind blew in. The heavy curtains flailed wildly in the stormy breeze. Her long, wavy golden hair, which fell to her waist, whipped about and covered her eyes. As she brushed her hair aside with one hand, a man’s figure shimmered through the curtains.

Edelis gasped, but the shock was so great that no sound came out. She hurriedly tried to pull the bell rope to call her maid. But before she could, a large hand grabbed her wrist. It was the man from behind the curtain.

Trembling, Edelis looked up at the owner of the hand. The twilight made it hard to see, and he stood with his back to the moonlight. But as her eyes adjusted to the darkness, she saw his crimson hair and golden eyes sparkling faintly.

Upon recognizing the color of his hair and eyes, Edelis’s eyes widened.

“Are you… Lehan? Is it really you?”

“You… remember me?”

“Of course I do!”

He used to be about her size, but now he was a full head taller, with broad shoulders—he had the unmistakable figure of a knight. Edelis found the change jarring. Had it not been for his crimson hair and golden eyes, she might not have recognized him. But even such scant clues were enough—she hadn’t forgotten him.

“How have you been all this time?”

When Edelis called his name with such joy, Lehan smiled softly and sat down beside her on the bed. She had so many things to ask—what he’d been doing, whether he was well, why he hadn’t even sent her one letter… and if he could help her now.

But she couldn’t wait for him to answer. Since she planned to leave the next night, time was short. She had to speak first.

“Lehan, do you remember? The promise you made to me before you left…?”

When we were young, we promised, didn’t we? That you’d save me—from anyone, at any cost, you said you’d protect me.

“Not once. Not even for a moment have I forgotten.”

Her tense face relaxed upon hearing his resolute answer.

“But…may I still keep that promise?”

“Of course you can!

Unlike Lehan’s hesitant demeanor, Edelis jumped up and hugged him, overflowing with relief. Lehan stiffened in surprise at the sudden warmth of her body. But then he slowly embraced her, burying his face into the curve of her neck. Her scent, mixed with a sweet perfume, filled his lungs.

“Ah!”

She laughed in relief—then suddenly remembered her situation and pushed him away.

“What’s wrong?”

She placed her hands urgently on his shoulders and blurted out: “Take me with you. Help me run away!”

“What?”

“A man came recently. The Emperor wants to make me his Empress. But I don’t want to be the Empress!”

His arms had been holding her as if he possessed the whole world. Now his golden eyes trembled in confusion. Lehan opened and closed his mouth several times before finally forcing the words out.

“Is… marrying the Emperor truly that unbearable?”

Yes. Of course it is. Ever since she realized this world was a novel and that she was Edelis Brill, a character within it, her goal had always been to escape the Emperor. For some, it might be an honor, but if she became Empress, she would die—stabbed by the Emperor’s own hand. She had sworn she would not become Empress and would live long as a mere count’s daughter.

“I want to be with you, Lehan—not the Emperor.”

Until now, Lehan had tormented himself with the thought that maybe Edelis had forgotten him. While he had never forgotten her for a second, she might not feel the same. Expecting her to remember a mere commoner was perhaps too much. But now she was saying she wanted to be with him instead of the Emperor…

“You want… to be with me?”

His voice came out as if he were chewing the words, tightly restrained. Edelis shrank back slightly at the tension in his tone.

“Y-yes! It’s not all bad. I studied medicine, farming, trade—I think I can live as a commoner without too much trouble… maybe?”

That’s what she believed, but Lehan might think differently.

‘He doesn’t need to risk being chased by the Emperor just to save my life.’

That thought drained her confidence. The Lehan she once knew would have followed her without hesitation, but it has been seven years. His appearance had changed—and maybe his thoughts have as well.

“I even packed jewels and gold coins the Emperor gave me as engagement gifts. If we’re not greedy, we can live just fine, right?”

Lehan reached out and gently stroked her cheek. It was something he used to do often before he left, but now it made her flush with embarrassment. His hand was larger now, calloused. Foreign. He leaned his forehead against hers—just like he did on the day he left.

“Be greedy. Very greedy. I want to give you everything.”

“If I get greedy, not even my father will be able to handle me. I don’t plan to be delusional while we’re on the run.”

“Delusional…”

Lehan smiled faintly and kept brushing her cheek. Though his gestures were similar to before, his presence was different—so different that Edelis turned her head to escape it.

“A-anyway! Do you think it’s easy to give up everything I’ve enjoyed until now?”

Lehan stared at his hand, now missing her warmth, then pulled her closer again, arms wrapping around her waist.

“You don’t have to give anything up. No matter what happens tomorrow, I’ll come for you, so please wait for me.”

“I was planning to leave alone tomorrow night.”

Lehan let out a sigh of relief. He had almost lost her while he was hesitating, unsure if she’d remember him. He instinctively tightened his embrace.

“If you don’t come by tomorrow afternoon… I’ll leave alone. And I won’t wait for you again. Got it? So you have to come for me.”

Edelis gripped his arm tightly. It sounded almost like a threat, but in truth, she needed him—and her voice trembled with urgency. But Lehan was even more desperate than she was. He nodded, vowing to come early.

“Don’t worry, my Lady. No matter what happens, I’ll be here tomorrow. It will be a long journey—please get some rest.”

He laid her down on the bed and pulled the blanket up to her chin. Though he told her to sleep, Edelis kept glancing at him, unable to rest. Now that she’d decided to go with Lehan, her anxiety returned—something she had managed to suppress while preparing to leave alone. If he didn’t come, it would hurt far more than if she had never expected him at all.

“You have to come tomorrow. Promise me.”

“I’ll be here early.”

Lehan’s large hand gently covered her green eyes. The warmth of his palm, closing off her sight, brought her comfort. Only after hearing his promise several more times did Edelis finally fall asleep, her heart at ease.

 

* * *

 

Edelis was doing a final check on the luggage she would take with her when she ran away with Lehan. She was still debating whether to wear something comfortable or something more decorative that could be exchanged for money.

“Miss!”

At the sound of her maid’s urgent voice from outside, she hurriedly shoved her packed bag back under the bed. Pretending to be embroidering, she called for the maid to enter. The girl, flustered and pacing with worry, flung the door open.

“This is no time for embroidery! A message just came—His Majesty the Emperor is personally on his way to fetch you!”

“What?!”

Edelis’ face turned pale. It had only been a week since she’d heard the news that she would become Empress. There were still three days left until she was supposed to enter the palace.

‘Why today of all days—the day I was supposed to leave with Lehan?!’

Edelis quickly collected her thoughts. Blaming the Emperor or the timing, wouldn’t stop him from coming closer. She knew that much.

‘But what about Lehan? I finally met him again!’

Though Lehan, who was supposed to come by noon, lingered in her mind, she couldn’t risk entering the palace. She tried to comfort herself by believing that since Lehan hadn’t forgotten her, they would meet again. Off in the distance, she saw horses kicking up dust as they galloped toward her home. Edelis, ignoring her startled maid, grabbed her hidden bag filled with plain clothes from under the bed and made for the door.

But her father opened the door before she could open it.

“F-Father.”

“Edel, His Majesty will be here any moment. You must go out to greet him at once.”

As he grabbed her wrist to pull her along, his eyes landed on the bag in her hand.

“Will the future Empress carry her own luggage? Have it loaded onto the carriage immediately.”

Though the maid looked resentful, she silently obeyed the command. Edelis was robbed of her prepared luggage just like that. She knew what would happen if she left the estate with nothing but herself—nothing good. In the end, she gave up everything and descended the stairs with her father to stand at the entrance and greet the Emperor. Inwardly, she whispered Lehan’s name desperately.

‘Lehan, Lehan… please! You said you’d come before it was too late!’

But contrary to her hopes, dozens of horses and carriages were barreling toward her. One, far more elaborately adorned than the others, led the front. The moment the rider dismounted, Edelis couldn’t believe her eyes. The man who approached her with long strides was—without a doubt—the very person she had been yearning for.

“Lehan!”

She cried out his name desperately, nearly having given up hope. But he had come, just as promised. Overcome with joy, she threw her arms around his neck and buried her face in his chest. Lehan’s strong arms pulled her tightly into his embrace.

“Your Majesty.”

Only when she heard her father’s formal voice did she realize—the Emperor had arrived. Fear crept in. The man who was supposed to be her fiancé had just seen her in another man’s arms. Based on everything she knew of the Emperor’s pride, he would not take it lightly.

Panicking, Edelis pushed Lehan away and glanced around, looking for the Emperor so she could explain. She might be fated to die by his sword, but Lehan wasn’t. She had to protect him.

But all she saw was her father bowing deeply. The knights who had arrived after Lehan were also kneeling with their heads lowered, as if paying respects to their sovereign.

“My wife, Edelis. I’ve come to fulfill my promise. From now on, I will protect you.”

Lehan spoke with a bright smile, paying no mind to those around him. But Edelis was overwhelmed with confusion. The man before her was definitely Lehan—the same red hair, the same golden eyes, the same boyish face she had known since childhood.

‘No. No, this can’t be. Even if it’s Lehan in front of me… there’s no way he could be the Emperor.’

What was she supposed to make of this? She still couldn’t accept it.

“…Just to be sure.”

“Yes?”

Lehan smiled warmly as he embraced her again.

“…Are you—are you the Emperor?”

“Yes, my Edelis. May I call you Edel?”

“That’s not the point! You—you’re the Emperor?!”

Lehan bashfully nodded. She looked at his sweet smile and felt like all the blood drained from her body.

‘No way… this is impossible…’

Lehan had returned after seven years. As the tyrant fated to kill her.

 

***

 

That day had started like any other. Edelis was receiving her usual lessons on noble etiquette from her tutor, and during her break, she was browsing the books in her study. She’d asked a maid to bring her some light refreshments and was pondering which book to read. She thought she’d read every romance novel in the study, but one unfamiliar book caught her eye. Its spine sparkled, as if it were calling out to her.

Curious, Edelis called for her maid. But there was no reply—she was likely still in the kitchen. Drawn in by the unfamiliar title, she reached for the book.

“<The Fate of the Flower>…?”

When she opened it, the pages were blank.

“What? Just a fancy cover?”

As she flipped quickly through the book, a sudden glint of light caught her eye. She stopped at the first page that had text. Intrigued by what might be written, she leaned in to read—and suddenly, a bright light burst forth, projecting a vivid image into the air. Shocked, she dropped the book, but the projection remained stable.

“Your Majesty the Empress!”

“How could Your Majesty… the Empress…!”

A group of older men shouted in outrage. A young woman, stabbed in the chest, clutched her wound. A young man with a blurred face coldly yanked the sword from her chest. A spray of blood followed, too vivid to believe. The man smirked, as if he no longer cared.

“Hah. Empress? Do you not know what Edelis Chronod—no, Edelis Brill—did with that title?”

Edelis’s eyes widened. The dying woman was called “Edelis Brill”—her name. And the woman, lying in a pool of blood, looked just like her. The sight of a woman with her name and face bleeding out made her heart pound with unexplainable dread.

Despite being just a vision, the Empress’s blood seemed so real, as if it could soak the carpet of her study.

“My Empress shall be _____. If anyone has objections, speak now.”

As the Emperor raised his sword toward the others, the once-outraged nobles fell silent.

Just as when the projection started, the book released a final burst of light before everything returned to normal. Edelis looked around—the study was quiet again. She picked up the book. It no longer shimmered.

“What… is going on?”

A glowing book, a prophetic vision—and her name. Still stunned, Edelis showed the book to her maid when she returned. But the moment had passed. Nothing happened.

“Huh? That can’t be. It was right here just a second ago!”

She tried flipping through the pages, pointing at where the writing had been. But the maid insisted she saw nothing—just blank paper. Edelis showed the book to every maid she passed, but none could read any text.

She ordered them all to keep silent about the incident and returned to her room to think. Sitting at her desk, she tapped the cover of the now-dull book.

“Only I can see the text. Same name, same face… A lookalike is one thing, but the same name? The same family?”

She went to the first page again. Now, where there had once been nothing, the heading Characters had appeared. She leaned in close, as if trying to enter the book itself. There were four main characters listed—of which only one name was shown: Edelis Brill.

“Only daughter of the Brill Count family. After ____ is crowned Emperor, she becomes Empress. Driven by jealousy of _____, she commits all manners of evil, and is eventually killed by ____’s sword.”

Seeing her full name and family matched to a woman killed by the Emperor filled Edelis with unease.

‘This isn’t real. It can’t be. It’s just fiction… it has to be.’

But the pounding of her heart said otherwise.

‘What if it’s real?’

Taking a deep breath, she turned to the next character. No name—only a brief description. Her finger traced the words as she read aloud:

“A boy with crimson hair and golden eyes, kidnapped as a child. With no memory of his past, he lives under the name ‘Lehan,’ rising to fame as a gladiator.”

It was just one sentence. Disappointed, she knew there was nothing more to find—for now.

“What do I do with this…? I guess there’s only one way to be sure.”

Rather than living in constant fear, worrying whether she really would die by the Emperor’s hand, Edelis decided to act. She snapped the book shut and tucked it under her pillow. She pulled on the bell cord and ordered her maid to help her prepare to go out.

Once dressed, she boarded the waiting carriage and gave her destination to the coachman.

“Take me to the arena.”

If this book showed the future—or even a hint of truth—she had to confirm it for herself.

 

* * *

 

Edelis arrived at the coliseum with a trembling heart and took her seat under the attendant’s guidance. Watching gladiatorial combat had become a favored pastime for bored nobles, and even the special section—reserved for counts and above—was packed. In the arena, an official was dragging what looked to be a lifeless gladiator by the ankle. The ground was already stained with old blood, and new splatters were added with every dragged body. 

Edelis silently cursed this barbaric spectacle, wondering why anyone would come to watch such a thing. Still, she forced herself to endure it and remained seated.

“The next match: Red—Lehan! White—Jacques!”

The moment the announcer called out “Lehan,” Edelis instinctively shot to her feet. The noble sitting beside her gave her a puzzled look.

“Miss, the final match is always the most exciting. Are you really leaving now?”

“…No.”

A cold sweat ran down her back. There really was a gladiator named Lehan in the arena. From where she was seated, the view was good, but the fighters wore helmets, making it impossible to confirm if he matched the description of the main character from the book.

‘Please… let it not be him…’

The two gladiators, one clad in red and the other in white cloaks, exchanged blow after blow, their blades carving increasingly deep wounds into each other. Blood gushed with each strike, and the audience roared with excitement. Soon, a pool of blood formed at their feet.

‘Gold eyes? Is it? What color is it?’

Edelis desperately tried to see the color of Lehan’s eyes. But just as she squinted, light reflected sharply off his helmet, forcing her to flinch. In that instant, Jacques, who had been waiting for an opening, slashed Lehan from chest to abdomen. Blood sprayed as Lehan collapsed to the ground.

“No!”

The cry escaped Edelis’s lips before she could stop it. Drowned out by the crowd’s cheers, there was no way Lehan could’ve heard it—but somehow, he suddenly pushed himself up and drove his sword deep into Jacques’ abdomen just as the man was laughing in victory. Then Lehan lost consciousness and collapsed completely.

Jacques, stunned, looked back and forth between the blade in his stomach and the fallen Lehan. He reached to pull the sword out but failed, and dropped lifelessly to the floor.

“Wooooooaaaaahhhh!!”

“Lehan! Lehan!”

“Jacques! Jacques!”

The crowd erupted with deafening cheers, each side chanting the name of the gladiator they had bet on. The announcer stepped onto the arena floor and checked both men. Lehan was still faintly breathing. Jacques, however, had no pulse.

“The… winner…”

The spectators held their breath.

“…is Lehan! Lehan is still alive!”

As soon as the words were out, the officials rushed in. They yanked the sword from Jacques’ body and dragged him out by the ankles. Lehan was hauled off similarly, arms and legs each gripped by attendants, making it hard to tell who had won or lost. The trail behind them was marked with fresh blood.

The spectators screamed in wild delight at the gruesome sight. Edelis resisted the urge to cover her ears, steadied her nerves, and clutched the pouch she’d brought just in case. She turned to the attendant waiting by the special seats.

“Take me to the manager.”

The attendant’s face lit up at the sight of her bulging pouch and eagerly escorted her. Even as she walked, Lehan’s name echoed in her mind.

‘There really is a gladiator named Lehan. Then does that mean I’ll be stabbed to death just like in the book? No… it could still just be someone with the same name, right?’

She kept repeating that to herself, hoping to believe it, until they reached the manager’s office. Inside was a man wearing a black mask that covered most of his face. He greeted her with a smile.

“Welcome, Lady of House Brill. To what do I owe the honor of your visit?”

The manager tried to suppress his racing heartbeat. Greed shimmered in his smile, and it made Edelis’s skin crawl.

“I heard there’s a gladiator named Lehan.”

The manager nearly cheered. If Lehan was sold today, they wouldn’t even have to spend money disposing of the body.

“May I see him?”

“Ah, I’m afraid not. He’s a very valuable product, you see.”

“You wouldn’t sell a product without letting the buyer inspect it first, would you?”

At the word “buyer,” the manager’s grin deepened.

“Of course not.”

They left the office and descended into the reeking, damp underground quarters. The manager knocked twice, then opened the door without waiting for a response. The stench of blood and iron hit them immediately. Upon opening the door, a guard followed instructions and stepped out, guiding another gladiator out as well.

Two men remained inside, lying on cots. Both were completely motionless, too exhausted or injured to move. The manager led Edelis toward the far cot—where a red-haired gladiator lay.

It was Lehan.

The main character from the book. The man who, according to its pages, was directly related to her death.

With that, Edelis could no longer deny it.

What she had seen in the book was her future. She would be stabbed to death by the emperor’s sword.