CWEGDH - Chapter 2

2. The Monster Abandoned by the Imperial Family

A hazy fog hung low over the street, where the morning air had not yet fully dissipated. Dew that had fallen overnight glistened in the sunlight between the streets, and merchants were each lifting their tents, preparing for the day's business. 

"Move aside, move aside!" 

Shouted from behind, and a carriage squeezed its way through the narrow path. The iron wheels scraped against the stone pavement, rattling along. 

"I hear it's noisy at the border again these days?" 

Asked a merchant arranging bread, looking up. 

"Noisy? It's always like this." 

Replied a man unloading fruit boxes with a smirk. 

"What is there to worry about when His Highness is here anyway?" 

The surrounding air fell silent for a moment. 

"You mean His Highness the Grand Duke?" 

"Then who else would it be?"

The merchant shrugged at someone's low questioning. 

"I heard he's heading to the battlefield again." 

"Seriously, he must be exhausted by now..." 

"Does he look like someone who has a concept of exhaustion?" 

A small laugh escaped, but someone soon lowered their voice, conscious of their surroundings. 

"Still, I heard the beginning was a bit... questionable." 

"What?" 

"His Majesty the Emperor's" 

The person who was about to speak fell silent. The silence hung in the air for a while, then the bakery owner clicked his tongue. 

"Watch your mouth. You're just shortening your life for no reason." 

Just then, armed soldiers passed by in the distance accompanied by the clang of metal. Black cloaks fluttered in the wind, and the crest engraved upon them glowed faintly. People naturally stepped back to the edge of the road.

"That crest. Isn't it the Grand Duke's?" 

"Probably." 

"Have they already returned?" 

"Or they must be leaving again." 

Kaion Bersian. Who is he? 

Born as the Emperor's illegitimate son, he is the one who now rules the northern territories. Though his name was attached to the imperial family, he was a figure thoroughly shunned by everyone. He began to act on his own at an age everyone acknowledged as early. 

He left the Imperial Palace. Holding nothing, carrying only his own body, he headed to the battlefield. He learned a great deal on his own. From how to wield a sword, to how to wash blood with blood, and even how to hold out to the very end in a position where no one acknowledged him. He survived. Not once, without retreating. 

After breaking through countless wars, people finally began to look at him. Gradually, his name began to be spoken, and even those who had denied his existence could no longer pretend not to know. Eventually, he seized the title of 'Grand Duke.' 

Although he was born of imperial blood, that position was forged not by the recognition of others, but by his own blood. Even after that, he fought ceaselessly, as if to prove he was alive. As if everything would end the moment he stopped.  The evaluation of him was simple: a war hero. Or, a monster abandoned by the imperial family. 

As he stood at the center of power, the gazes that had long turned away from him began to change direction one by one. Late interest, late favor, and interference that arrived even later 

"Shouldn't you marry now?" 

For the sole reason that he had reached a certain age, new shackles began to be placed on his life. Yet, he remained unmoved. Far from marriage, he had no interest in forming relationships with people in the first place. He neither needed nor wanted it. Nevertheless, the pressure that was impossible to control continued ceaselessly. 

As words intertwined with family, power, politics, and lineage lingered around him, Kaion eventually made a choice. A marriage that was nothing but a shell. His partner was the sickly young lady of the Adel family. She was a woman to whom it was said that it would not be surprising if she died at any moment. A marriage that required no concern. A relationship free from political burdens and emotional entanglements. And above all, someone who would face no consequences even if she quietly disappeared. She was perfectly suited for him, and he thought it was better that way. 

Three years ago, that was the prelude to this marriage, and it was a premise that should never be changed. However, now, in the middle of the vast hall, a scene unfolded that was completely different from where it should have been. Her white dress had been cut open enough to expose her legs, and pieces of the severed fabric dangled from her slender fingertips. Her expression was rigid, yet she did not avert her gaze. A gaze brimming with vitality. It was completely different from the image that remained in his memory. 

"...What, what have you done?" 

It was less a simple question and more a confirmation. Sensing the ominous atmosphere, the maid hurriedly stepped forward. With her head bowed deeply, she spoke, struggling to keep her voice low. 

"I, I am sorry... Your Highness. It seems the Grand Duchess has lost her memory." 

Kaion looked at his wife, who had changed so distinctly, then glanced back at the maid. Then, he spoke briefly. 

"Take care of this."

Having finished speaking, he did not linger here any longer. Turning around, his footsteps as he left the hall continued without hesitation... It was a presence that was impossible to ignore at a glance. 

Tall stature, black hair falling without a single tangle. Cold eyes, seemingly devoid of light, instantly weighed down the entire space. His features, refined like a sculpture, were so excessively perfect that they exuded an intimidating aura that made him seem almost inhuman. Sienna recognized him instantly.

Ah, so that is him. The Grand Duke, my husband. 

And the moment he opened his mouth, she was struck speechless. His voice was devoid of any emotion whatsoever; cold was beyond description. And then, "Take care of this." What? Is that the end of it? Shouldn't he have at least asked one more time or done something? Hmph. 

He had already turned his back. The door slammed shut violently with a dull thud. Siena's gentle face immediately contorted.

"That brat. He's all smooth-talking, but I'll just shut his mouth. "

"G-Grand Duchess...!" 

One of the maids cried out in horror, almost whispering. 

"You shouldn't say such things...!" 

"Why? Did I say something wrong?" 

The maids' faces turned pale. 

Ha, seriously, what is this? Is being a Grand Duke everything?

She grumbled to herself once more, then needlessly kicked away the scrap of cloth lying on the floor with her toes. 

Sienna gasped and sprang to her feet irritably. No matter how ill-mannered that arrogant Grand Duke was, this was the place she had to live now anyway. 

"Anyway, what on earth is this house like?" 

A mansion that was excessively large and complex even at a glance. She didn't even know where anything was. She moved her feet without further hesitation. Walking slowly down the hallway, she scanned everything that caught her eye one by one. Under the soaring ceiling, lights stretched endlessly. Is this really a house where people live? 

She passed a few doors like that. One distinctive door caught her eye. A huge door, distinctly larger than the others. The handle was gleaming and ornate. The kind of door she wanted to fling open and peek inside at any moment. Sienna reached out her hand. Interest was already sparkling in her eyes like a small flame. 

"Madam!" 

Poor Nia, who had been desperately searching for Sienna, shouted from the end of the hallway.

"What is it?" 

"You left just like that. I apologize, but Your Highness, you shouldn't be coming here like this."

A place the Grand Duchess cannot go? 

"This is His Highness the Grand Duke's private quarters." 

Sienna let out a small sigh. Of course.

"Alright, I'm fine too. Nia, will you show me around the other places?" 

"Yes! I will escort you over there first." 

Tap. Tap. 

In the mansion, where darkness had deepened, a muffled sound echoed continuously. Sienna struggled to open her eyes. 

'What is that sound ?'

The faint sound faded as if it were about to cut off, then tickled her ears again. It wasn't loud enough to disturb her sleep, but once she started paying attention to it, it was subtly irritating. 

Sienna brushed back her disheveled red hair and stood up. She was usually a light sleeper. Unlike the room that had been shrouded in darkness, as she stepped out into the hallway, faint moonlight was streaming in through the large window. 

Sienna followed the sound. Curiosity and a strange irritation swirled in her mind. 

Tap. Tap. Thump. 

Sienna's footsteps came to a halt. At the end of the hallway, she instinctively stopped in front of a magnificent, massive door.

"This is His Highness the Grand Duke's private quarters." 

The maid's words echoed in her mind. Yet, Sienna's hand slowly reached for the doorknob. 

Click. 

The handle turned heavily. Sienna stepped into the room with unhesitating steps. There was no need for hesitation from the start. The room was huge. It felt even more so because there was hardly any noticeable furniture. A room untouched by human hands. It exuded an atmosphere so chilling that one would hesitate even to enter.

Beneath the lamp cutting through the darkness, a man sat at the table in the center. His broad shoulders and cold face suited the room perfectly. He raised his head. His gaze fixed on Sienna in an instant. It was as if her breath had stopped for a moment. His distant eyes fixed on Sienna. 

"What is it?" 

His mouth opened slowly. 

"..." 

"If you have no business here, I would appreciate it if you left. Weren't you told not to come and go here without permission?" 

"I did hear it." 

She walked slowly toward him. 

"You've been really curt for a while now. Is that how you usually are?" 

Having come close, she leaned her head toward the documents. 

"Anyway, are you working? Until this hour?" 

It was just as Sienna picked up a thin sheet of paper. 

"What is this, ow!" 

His hand grabbed Sienna's arm. 

"What are you doing?" 

Sienna shook her arm, trying to swat it away. As he stood up, a large shadow completely engulfed her. His grip dug deeper into Sienna's arm.

"Don't get on my nerves. Your only role is to keep your mouth shut. Just as you have always done." 

Staring at Sienna with black eyes gleaming like a beast, he finished his sentence.

"...Hmph." 

She let out a short sigh involuntarily. A sudden surge of cold fear and burning shame washed over her. She turned her back immediately, as if she felt it was not worth saying anything more. Her footsteps quickened as she crossed the hallway. 

'Wow, that man really knows how to get on people's nerves.' 

As she walked with angry strides, *thud* Something caught on her toes. 

"Ah, damn it."

Frowning, she looked down to see decorations draped across the floor. Uselessly ornate ornaments that seemed to lack even a speck of practicality. She abruptly snapped her head toward the empty air.

"Is anyone there?" 

A maid standing at the end of the hallway flinched and approached. 

"Did you call for me, Your Highness?" 

'Don't get on my nerves.' 

His voice seemed to echo vividly in her mind. Sorry, but... 

"Gather all the servants by tomorrow."

"... Do you mean all of them?" 

The voice asking back trembled slightly. You picked the wrong person. 

"Yeah, all of them."

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