Nife seemed confident. She was certain she would never forget Ruin, even if she were to enter into a political marriage with someone else. I had a hard time understanding Nife's conviction.
“Weren’t you too young when you met Ruin?”
At my question, Nife shook his head.
“We met often after that.”
This was truly the first time I'd heard of it. I felt a slight sense of betrayal from my younger brother, Ruin. Of course, being selective about who you dated because of your parents' political views was more wrong than right. But to think they were meeting like this, without the whole family knowing.
“Does meeting mean meeting as lovers?”
At my question, Nife immediately became sullen.
"No. Ruin only sees me as a younger sister. He still gives me sweets whenever we meet."
Those words eased the feeling of betrayal, and I felt a small sense of relief. I understood why Nife had been chasing me. It wasn't the right thing to do, but it was the only option left for Nife.
Nife put down his dishes completely and looked at me.
"My father is in talks with Marquis Aiden about a marriage. Of course, he's referring to me."
Marquis Aiden was a member of the Second Prince's faction, and Count Sasha's intention to send his daughter to Marquis Aiden was obvious. He intended to use the marriage as a contract to establish a stronger bond.
I said this calmly as I continued eating.
"The Marquis of Aiden's son is known for his handsome appearance and his many abilities. He will one day become the Marquis of Aiden, and his wife will become the Marchioness of Aiden."
“But Your Highness, the Grand Duchess!”
Nife called me in a voice that was almost like crying.
"I don't want to be a Marchioness. I don't want to be among those who conspire to make someone as stupid as the Second Prince the Emperor!"
I looked up in surprise. But I quickly regained my composure and dismissed all the maids except Anna.
I looked straight at Nife and spoke in a stern voice.
"I understand one thing. It's hard to connect Ruin with a careless child like you."
Nife did not make any excuses, because there was nothing wrong with what I said.
“I’m sorry. I was reckless.”
What should I do about this? I, too, felt no desire to continue eating. I put down my plate and placed my hand on my forehead. Anna approached me with a worried expression.
“It’s okay, Anna. I’m just upset.”
I ran my hand through my hair and sighed. Meanwhile, Nife was shedding tears as thick as chicken droppings. It didn't sit well with me to see a little girl crying. I pulled out a handkerchief and approached Nife. Just as I was about to wipe her tears, Nife grabbed my outstretched hand.
“I can abandon my father at any time.”
I narrowed my eyes as I met Nife's diagonal gaze. Nife spoke as if she were clinging to her last hope.
“And at the same time, I can use my father to protect Ruin.”
Nife must have seen my eyes shaking.
I handed the handkerchief to Nife and turned away from her, trying not to show any more emotion.
“If you don’t plan on eating, go back and rest. I’ll go back now, too.”
Nife stood up, sobbing quietly. I heard the rustling of silk behind me, as if Nife was greeting me. But I left without looking back.
A servant came over quickly and handed me a letter. The servant whispered softly.
“This is a letter from the Marquis of Amber. Someone personally delivered it.”
“Did you see the face?”
“I couldn't check because the hood was pulled down too deeply. However, he said Madam had to check it yourself.”
“Good job.”
I took the letter and went up the stairs.
While I was pondering on the third floor, I went up to the fourth. I happened to run into a servant carrying a teacup and heading to the bedroom.
“Is His Highness in the bedroom?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Tell him I’m here.”
"Yes."
The servant who had entered the bedroom came out quickly.
“He told you to hurry and come.”
"Thank you."
I entered the bedroom. Julian was sitting on the large sofa, reading some paperwork. He must have heard me coming, but he wasn't wearing a mask. I sat down next to him, feeling satisfied.
“Have you eaten?”
Julian nodded.
“They said Madam only ate a little.”
“I had no appetite.”
“I heard you sent all the maids away. What were they talking about that made you refuse to eat?”
The tone was clearly interrogative, but I felt like I understood. Julian was worried in his own way. I smiled and tapped my foot. Julian poured me some tea himself.
“I have a letter from the Marquis of Amber. Would you like to read it together?”
“I listen when Madam reads it to me.”
"I great."
I unfolded the letter and read each word.
"Prince Cain will be in danger during the upcoming Imperial Hunting Tournament. He has been identified as the culprit. This is all part of Princess Abigail's scheme..."
How could the imprisoned Prince Cain attend a hunting competition? I quickly read the letter, but it didn't say anything about that.
“...When this letter reaches the Grand Duke’s residence, I will have already gone into hiding, so don’t expect any more help.”
“That’s right. He’s very quick-witted.”
The sight of him quickly turning his back and running away was incredibly ugly. The corners of my mouth curled upward as I finished reading the letter. Then, realizing Julian's gaze was on me, I covered my mouth with the letter.
"Oh."
When our eyes met, I feigned surprise. Julian shook his head, seemingly unable to stop me.
“Just protect yourself and that’s it.”
I shrugged and smiled faintly. Whether Kaiser ran away or not, I felt better. I gestured to Anna and said,
“I need to hire someone to find and watch over Kaiser.”
“Yes, I’ll look into it.”
Anna was becoming more and more adept at her job, as if it were her natural calling. I smiled with satisfaction and folded the letter back up.
As I set the letter aside, Julian turned his attention to his papers. But he was still focused on me.
“Did you stop eating because of the letter from the Marquis of Amber?”
I took a sip of the warm tea and sighed. Julian's words brought back my worries.
“Nife wants to marry Ruin.”
“That doesn’t seem like a good choice.”
“I think so too. But...”
'I can also use my father to protect Ruin.'
What Nife said kept bothering me.
To protect my family, I turned my back on Prince Cain. It was only natural that I became an open enemy of the Second Prince's faction.
Now that things had come to this, I had to get it done. I had to eliminate Prince Cain from this world and restore Prince Aslan to the throne.
But what if it fails?
I had absolutely no intention of failing. But Nife told me, "I'll use my father to protect Ruin." That was tantamount to discussing the possibility of my own failure.
Just as I survived as the Marquis of Amber in my past life, Nife said she could protect Ruin under Count Sasha's protection. Count Sasha wasn't a trustworthy family, but they were still a noble family. And they were the ones who held the Second Prince's financial backing.
“What if things go wrong?”
When I asked, Julian looked up from his papers and looked at me.
“Nothing will happen to me, because I have you. But what about the rest of my family?”
I ran my thumb along the rim of the teacup. My hands were restless, unable to move. Julian placed his hand on mine. I looked at him.
“You are brave, but sometimes you become timid.”
Because I have to save my family from death. That's the only reason I live.
I lowered my gaze, hiding my feelings.
“If I were Madam, I would ask my brother directly.”
At that, I scoffed and shook my head. Knowing Ruin's personality better than anyone else, it was obvious, even without asking.
“That kid is so kind that he’ll do whatever I say.”
“Aren’t Madam looking at Madam’s younger brother as too young?”
But Ruin was so much younger than I was. Seeing my hesitation, Julian added a word.
“Even Young Lady Sasha came all the way here to find her own husband, so do you think your younger brother is younger than her?”
“No way.”
I raised my head in protest. Ruin was a much more intelligent child than Nife. Isn't one of the reasons I'm so troubled right now that I feel it's a shame to lose Ruin?
When I strongly denied it, Julian smiled. It seemed as if the answer was already out there. I gently stroked the side of Julian's hair and smiled.
"What if I give you this advice? I can't send Nife back."
“If Madam wishes.”
Julian's stiff tone sounded infinitely sweet.
"Thank you."
"You're welcome."
I touched Julian's face and caressed it, then kissed his cheek, which was made of a magic stone.
“I’m going to go to my room now. I think I should write a letter to Ruin.”
"Yes."
I was about to rush out in a hurry, but I paused for a moment. Then I turned to Julian and asked.
“But why don’t you kiss me?”
At my question, Julian's teacup rattled. His expression remained unchanged, but his embarrassment was evident. I burst out laughing at the sight and left.
“Weren’t you too young when you met Ruin?”
At my question, Nife shook his head.
“We met often after that.”
This was truly the first time I'd heard of it. I felt a slight sense of betrayal from my younger brother, Ruin. Of course, being selective about who you dated because of your parents' political views was more wrong than right. But to think they were meeting like this, without the whole family knowing.
“Does meeting mean meeting as lovers?”
At my question, Nife immediately became sullen.
"No. Ruin only sees me as a younger sister. He still gives me sweets whenever we meet."
Those words eased the feeling of betrayal, and I felt a small sense of relief. I understood why Nife had been chasing me. It wasn't the right thing to do, but it was the only option left for Nife.
Nife put down his dishes completely and looked at me.
"My father is in talks with Marquis Aiden about a marriage. Of course, he's referring to me."
Marquis Aiden was a member of the Second Prince's faction, and Count Sasha's intention to send his daughter to Marquis Aiden was obvious. He intended to use the marriage as a contract to establish a stronger bond.
I said this calmly as I continued eating.
"The Marquis of Aiden's son is known for his handsome appearance and his many abilities. He will one day become the Marquis of Aiden, and his wife will become the Marchioness of Aiden."
“But Your Highness, the Grand Duchess!”
Nife called me in a voice that was almost like crying.
"I don't want to be a Marchioness. I don't want to be among those who conspire to make someone as stupid as the Second Prince the Emperor!"
I looked up in surprise. But I quickly regained my composure and dismissed all the maids except Anna.
I looked straight at Nife and spoke in a stern voice.
"I understand one thing. It's hard to connect Ruin with a careless child like you."
Nife did not make any excuses, because there was nothing wrong with what I said.
“I’m sorry. I was reckless.”
What should I do about this? I, too, felt no desire to continue eating. I put down my plate and placed my hand on my forehead. Anna approached me with a worried expression.
“It’s okay, Anna. I’m just upset.”
I ran my hand through my hair and sighed. Meanwhile, Nife was shedding tears as thick as chicken droppings. It didn't sit well with me to see a little girl crying. I pulled out a handkerchief and approached Nife. Just as I was about to wipe her tears, Nife grabbed my outstretched hand.
“I can abandon my father at any time.”
I narrowed my eyes as I met Nife's diagonal gaze. Nife spoke as if she were clinging to her last hope.
“And at the same time, I can use my father to protect Ruin.”
Nife must have seen my eyes shaking.
I handed the handkerchief to Nife and turned away from her, trying not to show any more emotion.
“If you don’t plan on eating, go back and rest. I’ll go back now, too.”
Nife stood up, sobbing quietly. I heard the rustling of silk behind me, as if Nife was greeting me. But I left without looking back.
A servant came over quickly and handed me a letter. The servant whispered softly.
“This is a letter from the Marquis of Amber. Someone personally delivered it.”
“Did you see the face?”
“I couldn't check because the hood was pulled down too deeply. However, he said Madam had to check it yourself.”
“Good job.”
I took the letter and went up the stairs.
While I was pondering on the third floor, I went up to the fourth. I happened to run into a servant carrying a teacup and heading to the bedroom.
“Is His Highness in the bedroom?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Tell him I’m here.”
"Yes."
The servant who had entered the bedroom came out quickly.
“He told you to hurry and come.”
"Thank you."
I entered the bedroom. Julian was sitting on the large sofa, reading some paperwork. He must have heard me coming, but he wasn't wearing a mask. I sat down next to him, feeling satisfied.
“Have you eaten?”
Julian nodded.
“They said Madam only ate a little.”
“I had no appetite.”
“I heard you sent all the maids away. What were they talking about that made you refuse to eat?”
The tone was clearly interrogative, but I felt like I understood. Julian was worried in his own way. I smiled and tapped my foot. Julian poured me some tea himself.
“I have a letter from the Marquis of Amber. Would you like to read it together?”
“I listen when Madam reads it to me.”
"I great."
I unfolded the letter and read each word.
"Prince Cain will be in danger during the upcoming Imperial Hunting Tournament. He has been identified as the culprit. This is all part of Princess Abigail's scheme..."
How could the imprisoned Prince Cain attend a hunting competition? I quickly read the letter, but it didn't say anything about that.
“...When this letter reaches the Grand Duke’s residence, I will have already gone into hiding, so don’t expect any more help.”
“That’s right. He’s very quick-witted.”
The sight of him quickly turning his back and running away was incredibly ugly. The corners of my mouth curled upward as I finished reading the letter. Then, realizing Julian's gaze was on me, I covered my mouth with the letter.
"Oh."
When our eyes met, I feigned surprise. Julian shook his head, seemingly unable to stop me.
“Just protect yourself and that’s it.”
I shrugged and smiled faintly. Whether Kaiser ran away or not, I felt better. I gestured to Anna and said,
“I need to hire someone to find and watch over Kaiser.”
“Yes, I’ll look into it.”
Anna was becoming more and more adept at her job, as if it were her natural calling. I smiled with satisfaction and folded the letter back up.
As I set the letter aside, Julian turned his attention to his papers. But he was still focused on me.
“Did you stop eating because of the letter from the Marquis of Amber?”
I took a sip of the warm tea and sighed. Julian's words brought back my worries.
“Nife wants to marry Ruin.”
“That doesn’t seem like a good choice.”
“I think so too. But...”
'I can also use my father to protect Ruin.'
What Nife said kept bothering me.
To protect my family, I turned my back on Prince Cain. It was only natural that I became an open enemy of the Second Prince's faction.
Now that things had come to this, I had to get it done. I had to eliminate Prince Cain from this world and restore Prince Aslan to the throne.
But what if it fails?
I had absolutely no intention of failing. But Nife told me, "I'll use my father to protect Ruin." That was tantamount to discussing the possibility of my own failure.
Just as I survived as the Marquis of Amber in my past life, Nife said she could protect Ruin under Count Sasha's protection. Count Sasha wasn't a trustworthy family, but they were still a noble family. And they were the ones who held the Second Prince's financial backing.
“What if things go wrong?”
When I asked, Julian looked up from his papers and looked at me.
“Nothing will happen to me, because I have you. But what about the rest of my family?”
I ran my thumb along the rim of the teacup. My hands were restless, unable to move. Julian placed his hand on mine. I looked at him.
“You are brave, but sometimes you become timid.”
Because I have to save my family from death. That's the only reason I live.
I lowered my gaze, hiding my feelings.
“If I were Madam, I would ask my brother directly.”
At that, I scoffed and shook my head. Knowing Ruin's personality better than anyone else, it was obvious, even without asking.
“That kid is so kind that he’ll do whatever I say.”
“Aren’t Madam looking at Madam’s younger brother as too young?”
But Ruin was so much younger than I was. Seeing my hesitation, Julian added a word.
“Even Young Lady Sasha came all the way here to find her own husband, so do you think your younger brother is younger than her?”
“No way.”
I raised my head in protest. Ruin was a much more intelligent child than Nife. Isn't one of the reasons I'm so troubled right now that I feel it's a shame to lose Ruin?
When I strongly denied it, Julian smiled. It seemed as if the answer was already out there. I gently stroked the side of Julian's hair and smiled.
"What if I give you this advice? I can't send Nife back."
“If Madam wishes.”
Julian's stiff tone sounded infinitely sweet.
"Thank you."
"You're welcome."
I touched Julian's face and caressed it, then kissed his cheek, which was made of a magic stone.
“I’m going to go to my room now. I think I should write a letter to Ruin.”
"Yes."
I was about to rush out in a hurry, but I paused for a moment. Then I turned to Julian and asked.
“But why don’t you kiss me?”
At my question, Julian's teacup rattled. His expression remained unchanged, but his embarrassment was evident. I burst out laughing at the sight and left.
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