The Sapphire Palace, though its name alone suggested a certain nobility, was anything but. It was not the residence of the Empress, but rather the government. Now, having been driven out, it lay empty. As the residence of the Emperor's wife, it was certainly splendid, but the lack of meticulous maintenance left traces of wear and tear here and there.
The palace attendants murmured as they saw the Grand Duchess enter the Sapphire Palace with the imperial knights. They wondered what sin had been so grievous that the noble Grand Duchess had to stay in the palace where the government resided. Furthermore, public opinion was turning in favor of the Grand Duchess.
People said that the Grand Duchess, despite being pregnant, participated in the battle to subdue the demons and that she took great care of even the most remote villages that no one cared about.
There were even those who truly loved the feared Grand Duke of Duchzan and magically lifted his curse.
However, the faces of the imperial knights who constantly watched over the Sapphire Palace were hardened, and if the Grand Duchess tried to go out into the garden, they would immediately block her with their spears, preventing her from moving.
“They even tell me not to see the doctor often.”
One of the maids said, as if it were truly terrible.
"If you were pregnant and had to ride a horse, you must have been seriously injured. How dare you not let me see a doctor! Even if you are the Emperor... isn't that too cold-hearted? And it's his nephew's child, after all."
"Shh! Can't you all be quiet? His Majesty is not acting like that without reason. They say the Grand Duchess is under a curse."
“Really?”
The maids began to whisper again.
“But they say the Grand Duchess is like a Saintess...”
“What about a Saintess? Where is a Saintess who is cursed?”
“So, did she save the people or heal Duchzan with love?”
“It’s all just rumors, isn’t it?”
While listening to the chattering, Sophia, the maid, appeared, carrying a tray. The tray contained tea and snacks prepared for the Grand Duchess.
“What are you guys talking about so interestingly?”
"The Grand Duchess. Is she really cursed?"
Sophia was startled when she heard the story and then said, "Oh my," as if she found it really interesting.
"Isn't that even more impressive? Having a baby and a curse, yet still having the luxury of helping others?"
Then the maids looked at each other, covered their mouths, and were shocked.
“That’s true!”
Sophia looked at the maids whispering again, then dragged her tray toward the Sapphire Palace. The imperial knights conducted a light body search and then let Sophia inside.
The weather was beautiful, oblivious to the human condition. I gazed out the window of the Sapphire Palace, where it was just me and the child. Back at the Grand Duchess's residence, Julian, Anna, or Marian were always with me, so I hadn't felt lonely. But being alone here sometimes made my heart ache.
The Emperor didn't treat me badly. He probably needed to keep me and the baby alive for now, to deal with whatever situation arose.
Although he was preventing me from seeing anyone, he provided me with healthy meals and desserts every day, and to keep me entertained, he provided me with books and embroidery materials. I was doing some embroidery, which seemed out of place, but I put it away in a corner and started reading a book instead.
I spoke to the child, placing my hand on his slightly protruding stomach.
“I wonder if my mother is naming you?”
I hoped so. News of my imprisonment in the palace would have reached the Winsley estate, and it would be far better to be busy naming the baby than to lose sleep worrying about myself every night.
I tilted my head and let out a sigh, then swallowed it for fear the baby might hear. But soon enough, I couldn't help but sigh again.
“Baby, I miss your daddy.”
I longed to hear the low voice that clumsily read me a storybook, I longed for the warm embrace that could hold me, and I desperately longed for the expression of affection that came from kissing my nose as if looking at me as a child.
Knock knock.
Just as I was lost in this endless longing, there was a knock on the door. I draped the shawl I'd thrown carelessly on the bed over my shoulders and spoke outside.
“Come in.”
Soon enough, the door opened and a tray arrived. It seemed like it was time for a snack. I wasn't feeling hungry, but I decided not to bite for the sake of the child.
As I sat down at the table, the maid began setting up the kettle and cookies. I looked up. She had light blue hair. She wasn't pretty, but she gave off the impression of intelligence. Unlike the other maids who were afraid or wary of me, she was diligent and focused on her own work, which impressed me.
“Did you say Sophia?”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“You always look after me so thoroughly. Thank you.”
“It is an honor. I simply did my duty.”
Sophia answered politely and bowed. She pulled a few books from the bottom of the tray. It seemed His Majesty the merciful Emperor had given me another pastime.
I curled my lips and gestured toward the bed, suggesting she put it on the nightstand. But Sophia held the book still for a moment.
“Sophia?”
“Your Highness, when the lady I served before was pregnant, she loved this book and gave birth to a very intelligent young man.”
"What?"
When I asked her again, Sophia simply pointed to the book with her fingertips and said nothing else. It was a completely unexpected question, yet she didn't seem embarrassed. It was a trait I hadn't seen in her, who always seemed to be focused on her own work. In that moment, I realized something.
"Yes. Leave that book here. I'll read it while I drink tea."
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Sophia quietly placed the book on the table and placed the rest of the books on the side table. Then she left with the empty tray. Left alone in this spacious room, I opened a book.
Without much searching, I found a few thin newspapers tucked between the books. I glanced around the empty space and quickly read them.
It was not a newspaper with royal influence, but rather was published by a place that only included sensational stories to increase its readership.
"Will the Crown Prince and Duchzan join hands with a rare magic stone?
The Crown Prince and Grand Duchess Duchzan's actions are intriguing. The two met not in the Imperial Palace or the Grand Duke's residence in the capital, but in a salon open to the public. There, Grand Duchess Duchzan promised to place the Crown Prince first in the trade of rare magic stones and to cooperate to the fullest extent possible, even if it meant incurring some losses, for the good of the Empire. This was not a contract with the Imperial Family, but solely with the Crown Prince, and it is clear that this agreement greatly strengthened the Crown Prince's position. (Omitted) The most likely theory is that this was retaliation for the Imperial Family's imprisonment of Grand Duchess Duchzan."
The palace attendants murmured as they saw the Grand Duchess enter the Sapphire Palace with the imperial knights. They wondered what sin had been so grievous that the noble Grand Duchess had to stay in the palace where the government resided. Furthermore, public opinion was turning in favor of the Grand Duchess.
People said that the Grand Duchess, despite being pregnant, participated in the battle to subdue the demons and that she took great care of even the most remote villages that no one cared about.
There were even those who truly loved the feared Grand Duke of Duchzan and magically lifted his curse.
However, the faces of the imperial knights who constantly watched over the Sapphire Palace were hardened, and if the Grand Duchess tried to go out into the garden, they would immediately block her with their spears, preventing her from moving.
“They even tell me not to see the doctor often.”
One of the maids said, as if it were truly terrible.
"If you were pregnant and had to ride a horse, you must have been seriously injured. How dare you not let me see a doctor! Even if you are the Emperor... isn't that too cold-hearted? And it's his nephew's child, after all."
"Shh! Can't you all be quiet? His Majesty is not acting like that without reason. They say the Grand Duchess is under a curse."
“Really?”
The maids began to whisper again.
“But they say the Grand Duchess is like a Saintess...”
“What about a Saintess? Where is a Saintess who is cursed?”
“So, did she save the people or heal Duchzan with love?”
“It’s all just rumors, isn’t it?”
While listening to the chattering, Sophia, the maid, appeared, carrying a tray. The tray contained tea and snacks prepared for the Grand Duchess.
“What are you guys talking about so interestingly?”
"The Grand Duchess. Is she really cursed?"
Sophia was startled when she heard the story and then said, "Oh my," as if she found it really interesting.
"Isn't that even more impressive? Having a baby and a curse, yet still having the luxury of helping others?"
Then the maids looked at each other, covered their mouths, and were shocked.
“That’s true!”
Sophia looked at the maids whispering again, then dragged her tray toward the Sapphire Palace. The imperial knights conducted a light body search and then let Sophia inside.
***
The weather was beautiful, oblivious to the human condition. I gazed out the window of the Sapphire Palace, where it was just me and the child. Back at the Grand Duchess's residence, Julian, Anna, or Marian were always with me, so I hadn't felt lonely. But being alone here sometimes made my heart ache.
The Emperor didn't treat me badly. He probably needed to keep me and the baby alive for now, to deal with whatever situation arose.
Although he was preventing me from seeing anyone, he provided me with healthy meals and desserts every day, and to keep me entertained, he provided me with books and embroidery materials. I was doing some embroidery, which seemed out of place, but I put it away in a corner and started reading a book instead.
I spoke to the child, placing my hand on his slightly protruding stomach.
“I wonder if my mother is naming you?”
I hoped so. News of my imprisonment in the palace would have reached the Winsley estate, and it would be far better to be busy naming the baby than to lose sleep worrying about myself every night.
I tilted my head and let out a sigh, then swallowed it for fear the baby might hear. But soon enough, I couldn't help but sigh again.
“Baby, I miss your daddy.”
I longed to hear the low voice that clumsily read me a storybook, I longed for the warm embrace that could hold me, and I desperately longed for the expression of affection that came from kissing my nose as if looking at me as a child.
Knock knock.
Just as I was lost in this endless longing, there was a knock on the door. I draped the shawl I'd thrown carelessly on the bed over my shoulders and spoke outside.
“Come in.”
Soon enough, the door opened and a tray arrived. It seemed like it was time for a snack. I wasn't feeling hungry, but I decided not to bite for the sake of the child.
As I sat down at the table, the maid began setting up the kettle and cookies. I looked up. She had light blue hair. She wasn't pretty, but she gave off the impression of intelligence. Unlike the other maids who were afraid or wary of me, she was diligent and focused on her own work, which impressed me.
“Did you say Sophia?”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“You always look after me so thoroughly. Thank you.”
“It is an honor. I simply did my duty.”
Sophia answered politely and bowed. She pulled a few books from the bottom of the tray. It seemed His Majesty the merciful Emperor had given me another pastime.
I curled my lips and gestured toward the bed, suggesting she put it on the nightstand. But Sophia held the book still for a moment.
“Sophia?”
“Your Highness, when the lady I served before was pregnant, she loved this book and gave birth to a very intelligent young man.”
"What?"
When I asked her again, Sophia simply pointed to the book with her fingertips and said nothing else. It was a completely unexpected question, yet she didn't seem embarrassed. It was a trait I hadn't seen in her, who always seemed to be focused on her own work. In that moment, I realized something.
"Yes. Leave that book here. I'll read it while I drink tea."
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Sophia quietly placed the book on the table and placed the rest of the books on the side table. Then she left with the empty tray. Left alone in this spacious room, I opened a book.
Without much searching, I found a few thin newspapers tucked between the books. I glanced around the empty space and quickly read them.
It was not a newspaper with royal influence, but rather was published by a place that only included sensational stories to increase its readership.
"Will the Crown Prince and Duchzan join hands with a rare magic stone?
The Crown Prince and Grand Duchess Duchzan's actions are intriguing. The two met not in the Imperial Palace or the Grand Duke's residence in the capital, but in a salon open to the public. There, Grand Duchess Duchzan promised to place the Crown Prince first in the trade of rare magic stones and to cooperate to the fullest extent possible, even if it meant incurring some losses, for the good of the Empire. This was not a contract with the Imperial Family, but solely with the Crown Prince, and it is clear that this agreement greatly strengthened the Crown Prince's position. (Omitted) The most likely theory is that this was retaliation for the Imperial Family's imprisonment of Grand Duchess Duchzan."
《The Grand Duchess of Duchzan, Cursed While Subduing the Demon Beast》
"As the Grand Duchess Duchzan has been imprisoned in the palace for nearly two weeks, public interest is growing. The Imperial Family has not clearly revealed the Grand Duchess's crimes. This has led to public suspicions that she is not guilty, but rather that her presence is exerting pressure on the Imperial Family. Furthermore, it has been revealed that the Grand Duchess Duchzan was attacked by a demon while assisting a woman who, like her, was pregnant.
Her Highness the Grand Duchess suffered greatly from the demonic attack, but she prioritized the escape of the villagers.
Immediately after being attacked by the demon, Grand Duchess Duchzan was unable to move as if she were under a curse. She was carried on Grand Duchzan's back and rushed to receive urgent treatment, but it was revealed that the curse had not yet been broken."
I couldn't help but laugh out loud. This was a completely ridiculous article. I indeed helped the pregnant woman, but I wasn't even hurt by the demon, and my curse had been with me since before my return.
But if you just look at this article, doesn't it seem like I'm some righteous warrior who sacrificed myself for the villagers and ended up getting cursed?
I thought I knew who this work belonged to. Julian possessed a high title and great power, but he hadn't used it before, so he couldn't possibly have the power to manipulate the newspaper in this way. This was undoubtedly the work of Prince Aslan.
At the upcoming meeting, Princess Abigail was sure to highlight the curse I had through witnesses.
But if you scatter public opinion in this way, my curse will not be a curse, but a symbol of sacrifice.
Sophia, too, would likely be easily swayed by the internal affairs of the state. This newspaper, while informing me of the external situation, served as proof that I had paid the full price for the transaction.
I smiled and put the newspaper back between my pages. There was no need to read any more. Instead, I wanted to mentally prepare for the upcoming meeting several times. So I wouldn't be nervous at all, so I wouldn't regret not saying what I wanted to say.
So that Julian can return to the arms of his family.
Knock knock.
It was a sound of a distinct intensity, distinct from the maids' knocking. The imperial knights had been standing outside the Sapphire Palace, desperately calling out to me, hoping to take me away.
“Your Highness, you really must go now!”
Was this much of a hassle? If I delayed any longer, they might drag me out. Without a word, I opened the door with both hands.
The hem of my gold-trimmed dress fluttered with my movements. It was a dress sent from the Grand Duke's residence. The Imperial Family thoroughly inspected the items sent to me from the Grand Duke's residence, but found no problems.
But I could feel Julian's affection, concern, and respect as I looked at the dress, which was gorgeous yet elegant, yet comfortable and not too tight.
I pictured Julian's arrogant face and wiggled my eyebrows in imitation. The knights flinched in embarrassment at my arrogant attitude. I stepped out in my silver shoes and grinned.
“Let’s go now.”
"As the Grand Duchess Duchzan has been imprisoned in the palace for nearly two weeks, public interest is growing. The Imperial Family has not clearly revealed the Grand Duchess's crimes. This has led to public suspicions that she is not guilty, but rather that her presence is exerting pressure on the Imperial Family. Furthermore, it has been revealed that the Grand Duchess Duchzan was attacked by a demon while assisting a woman who, like her, was pregnant.
Her Highness the Grand Duchess suffered greatly from the demonic attack, but she prioritized the escape of the villagers.
Immediately after being attacked by the demon, Grand Duchess Duchzan was unable to move as if she were under a curse. She was carried on Grand Duchzan's back and rushed to receive urgent treatment, but it was revealed that the curse had not yet been broken."
I couldn't help but laugh out loud. This was a completely ridiculous article. I indeed helped the pregnant woman, but I wasn't even hurt by the demon, and my curse had been with me since before my return.
But if you just look at this article, doesn't it seem like I'm some righteous warrior who sacrificed myself for the villagers and ended up getting cursed?
I thought I knew who this work belonged to. Julian possessed a high title and great power, but he hadn't used it before, so he couldn't possibly have the power to manipulate the newspaper in this way. This was undoubtedly the work of Prince Aslan.
At the upcoming meeting, Princess Abigail was sure to highlight the curse I had through witnesses.
But if you scatter public opinion in this way, my curse will not be a curse, but a symbol of sacrifice.
Sophia, too, would likely be easily swayed by the internal affairs of the state. This newspaper, while informing me of the external situation, served as proof that I had paid the full price for the transaction.
I smiled and put the newspaper back between my pages. There was no need to read any more. Instead, I wanted to mentally prepare for the upcoming meeting several times. So I wouldn't be nervous at all, so I wouldn't regret not saying what I wanted to say.
So that Julian can return to the arms of his family.
***
Knock knock.
It was a sound of a distinct intensity, distinct from the maids' knocking. The imperial knights had been standing outside the Sapphire Palace, desperately calling out to me, hoping to take me away.
“Your Highness, you really must go now!”
Was this much of a hassle? If I delayed any longer, they might drag me out. Without a word, I opened the door with both hands.
The hem of my gold-trimmed dress fluttered with my movements. It was a dress sent from the Grand Duke's residence. The Imperial Family thoroughly inspected the items sent to me from the Grand Duke's residence, but found no problems.
But I could feel Julian's affection, concern, and respect as I looked at the dress, which was gorgeous yet elegant, yet comfortable and not too tight.
I pictured Julian's arrogant face and wiggled my eyebrows in imitation. The knights flinched in embarrassment at my arrogant attitude. I stepped out in my silver shoes and grinned.
“Let’s go now.”
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