Chapter 6: I’ll Never Let You Go
Six years later. The Imperial Palace.
The most luxurious hall in the empire was none other than Camelot Hall.
It was said that the first emperor had built it in memory of his dead lover, decorating it everywhere with rubies said to resemble her red eyes.
Every year, the gems were replaced and polished, so its brilliance only grew.
Because only the most select nobles were ever invited, its fame was unmatched.
But once a year, the hall opened its doors to all — on the Day of Coming of Age.
That day, every young noble dressed in their finest.
- The men wore roses on their chest.
- The women wore rose ornaments in their hair and bright red shoes.
The entire banquet shone in shades of red, so people called it the “Rose Banquet.”
“Who do you think will win the Crown of Roses this year?”
“Hard to say. None have stood out since the Princess two years ago. Before that, it was Count Abecherene’s daughter — so beautiful, wasn’t she?”
Fans snapped open their fans and whispered gossip while waiting for the real stars to arrive.
Then someone said quietly,
“They say the master of Phoebe Trading Company is coming tonight.”
“What? Impossible. She’s known for never showing her face — I even heard she was disfigured.”
“No, no. That was just a false rumor. I heard otherwise from someone reliable.”
At that, Huerion Iberk, young Duke and heir, perked up slightly. Normally, gossip bored him, but Phoebe caught his ear.
Phoebe was a powerful trading company that started in Russell Duchy, famous for its sudden rise to power after a legendary auction. It mainly dealt in gems.
And it was whispered that the head of Phoebe was distantly related to Eugene Russell, the reclusive Duke of Russell himself.
Even Huerion, who normally cared little for society, was curious to see such a woman.
Just then, a soft hand touched his shoulder.
“Leon.”
He turned and smiled gently.
“Iris.”
Gasps and sighs filled the air.
“Look at him — so gentle with his lover.”
“Of course, she’s his fiancée. How enviable.”
Indeed, the most famous couple in the empire’s society was Huerion Iberk and Iris de Abecherene.
With her dazzling silver hair and beauty, Iris shone like a jewel among the rubies of the hall. Tonight, she looked like the rightful queen of the banquet.
And in her heart, she thought:
You’ll only ever look at me. Forever.
She smiled sweetly, her lips painted red like blood.
Suddenly, the west doors of the hall swung open.
Gasps erupted.
The west doors of Camelot Hall were sacred — only the Emperor or Princess could use them.
But the one who entered was neither of them.
“Who is that woman?”
“She’s not the Princess — her hair is dark. How did she use that door?”
The hall went silent as the woman removed her mask.
Long, flowing black hair spilled down her back — dark as midnight, shining like polished obsidian. Her eyes glowed a vivid red, like burning rubies.
Huerion froze.
No… impossible… but that face…
He knew it. Even if her hair and eyes were different, he knew it.
Her child… it was my child!
Step. Step.
The sound of her red shoes echoed across the silent hall.
Her dress swayed gracefully, perfectly designed to show off her shoes — shoes made for the Rose Banquet.
Without thinking, Huerion rushed forward.
“Excuse me, my lady!”
She didn’t even glance at him.
“Please, wait just a moment!”
At last, she stopped.
She turned, her black hair swaying, her red eyes gleaming.
Huerion’s heart pounded. Up close, her face was slightly different — and yet…
“Could it be…?”
He reached out, but his hand was caught midair.
A tall man stepped between them, blocking him. His hair was also black, though tinged faintly with blue, and his golden eyes burned like a beast’s.
Everyone gasped.
“Th-the Duke of Russell?!”
It was Eugene Darius Russell, ruler of Russell Duchy and nephew of the Emperor.
“What business do you have with my partner?” Eugene’s cold voice rang out.
“Partner?” Huerion repeated in shock.
“Yes. This is my partner — and the master of Phoebe.”
The hall buzzed in astonishment.
But Huerion’s mind was spinning.
Could she be alive? Could Elise still be alive?
In desperation, he blurted,
“Please… have we met before?”
Eugene turned lazily, smirking, then looked at the woman.
“What do you say, Kiara? Do you know this man?”
The woman smiled.
“No. This is the first time I’ve ever seen him.”
Huerion felt as if something inside him shattered into pieces.
She walked past him gracefully, her red shoes tapping against the floor.
But in his ears rang the memory of a voice, broken and full of rage:
“Huerion Iberk… I’ll never let you go.”
