~Chapter 4~
Edward, the Crown Prince, always made High Priest Jeffrey uncomfortable with those deep, piercing eyes of his. It was as if they could see right through all his ugliness and lies.
Even though the prince was in a disadvantageous position, Jeffrey felt like he was the one being cornered — all because of those eyes and the heavy aura behind them.
Trying not to look away, Jeffrey glared back and said,
“If the results aren’t made public, it’s basically the same as admitting that the colors were different.”
Edward answered calmly,
“That’s just your assumption. There’s no rule that says the results must be made public. You know that, don’t you?”
Jeffrey’s jaw tightened, and he fell silent under Edward’s cold retort.
Then Edward tilted his head slightly and said with a faint, sharp smile,
“Are you sure that for 300 years, not once has a different color ever appeared?”
“W–what do you mean by that!”
The priest shot up angrily from his chair.
Edward leaned back in his seat, looking completely at ease.
“Just a question. Why are you getting so worked up?”
“You— you insolent—!”
Jeffrey realized too late that he had walked straight into Edward’s trap.
Edward’s tone turned icy.
“Watch your mouth.”
“Now, please confirm the consummation of the marriage and approve it.”
Jeffrey frowned.
“You don’t intend to consummate the marriage, do you?”
Edward didn’t reply.
“So it’s true then… Even you, Your Highness, must feel it’s an ill omen.”
“…”
“If His Majesty or the Empress were to find out—”
Edward’s expression cracked slightly, his voice low and dangerous.
“High Priest.”
The priest instantly stopped talking, sensing the tension.
“I want this marriage to start without any unnecessary scandal — for the sake of the Empire and the royal family.”
“But—”
“If today’s events leak out,” Edward interrupted coldly, “then I’ll have no choice but to investigate every record of past ring ceremonies. Starting with the most recent — the Emperor and Empress themselves.”
“What—!”
“So, I suggest you make sure no one gets embarrassed unnecessarily.”
Edward rose from his chair and turned toward the door. His posture made it clear he expected obedience.
Jeffrey found that infuriating.
“Why? Why are you so desperate to go through with this marriage?”
Edward paused mid-step and slowly turned back. His golden eyes — the same as those of the Empire’s first Emperor — glinted sharply. Jeffrey clenched his fists, refusing to show he was intimidated.
“Tell me, High Priest,” Edward said softly, “the number of people visiting the temple has been decreasing lately, hasn’t it? Why do you think that is?”
Jeffrey said nothing.
The truth was obvious — the people no longer trusted the temple. They saw how greedy and corrupt it had become.
“If word gets out and this royal marriage with the Kingdom of Trance is canceled, can you handle the backlash?”
“Our Empire is strong and prosperous. We don’t need an alliance with a small kingdom like that.”
“You’re right,” Edward said calmly. “The Empire is strong and wealthy. But do you think every citizen feels the same?”
“…”
“The Trance Kingdom just discovered new mines. Do you know how valuable their minerals are? If even a fraction of that is used for the people, their lives would greatly improve. And when people’s lives get better… they’ll return to the temple.”
Jeffrey’s lips pressed together, unable to argue.
Edward gave a cold, crooked smile.
“Ah, but of course, the temple isn’t interested in helping the people, is it? You’re too busy with… other matters behind the scenes.”
“!”
“So think carefully, High Priest. When people must choose between a Crown Princess who can improve their lives and a temple that’s already lost their trust — whose side do you think they’ll take?”
“…”
“And remember — revolts don’t start from big events. It’s always the smallest spark that sets everything off.”
Edward gave a polite nod and left the office.
He’ll keep quiet for a while, Edward thought.
But he also knew that an opportunist like Jeffrey would never stay silent forever.
***
Edward stopped by the temple’s open-air bath and submerged himself in the freezing water. He looked up at the night sky — filled with stars that seemed ready to spill over.
I need to set up a solid way to protect the Crown Princess…
After clearing his mind, he returned to the bridal chamber.
Leah, the Crown Princess, was already asleep.
She looked completely defenseless, as if it never occurred to her someone might walk in. Her thin nightgown clung lightly to her body, the hem resting above her pale ankles, and her silky silver hair spilled over the bed like a river of light.
Edward gently lifted her by the shoulders and knees to move her properly onto the bed, then pulled the blanket over her.
Her soft, steady breathing filled the quiet room.
Watching her peaceful face, Edward’s thoughts drifted back to their first meeting — how she’d walked toward him in a white dress embroidered with silver thread, her silver hair pinned neatly, her eyes full of curiosity.
She had looked at him directly, as if trying to gauge who he was, then smiled — a bright, radiant smile like sunlight on snow.
He had hoped that smile would never fade because of him or the royal family.
Her eyes… they were violet.
In the Closter Empire, silver hair with violet eyes was as rare as black hair with golden eyes.
He smiled faintly at the memory of the young bride who had faced him so openly during their wedding ceremony.
***
Leah stirred in her sleep, as if from a bad dream, then suddenly opened her eyes.
“Ah—! Haa…”
“Crown Princess? Are you alright?”
A worried voice came from beside her.
Leah blinked a few times, then turned her head.
Edward stood by the window, the morning light behind him.
“Ah…”
Seeing him reminded Leah that she wasn’t in her old world as Yerin anymore — she was somewhere entirely different.
“Did you have a nightmare?” he asked.
“A nightmare… I’m not sure. I think I dreamed something, but I don’t remember.”
She sat up slowly and shook her head.
Edward sat on the edge of the bed, facing her with concern in his eyes.
He actually seems kind when he’s like this…
Leah, feeling the quiet tension in the room between just the two of them, became a bit flustered.
“I usually sleep fine,” she said with a small smile. “But sometimes I just wake up startled for no reason.”
Her lighthearted tone eased the atmosphere, and Edward’s expression relaxed.
“Where did you go earlier? You weren’t here when I woke up.”
“I was washing up elsewhere,” he replied.
“Ah…”
The conversation started to feel awkward, and Leah looked down, fiddling with her fingers.
Edward found her reaction a little amusing and smiled.
“I’ll sleep on the sofa. You can use the bed comfortably.”
She looked up, startled.
Wait… is that okay? Am I being rejected on the first night? But still… it’s not like I want to sleep with someone I just met…
Her eyes darted nervously, which made Edward almost laugh.
“We’re both tired,” he said kindly. “Let’s rest tonight. Tomorrow’s schedule will be busy.”
“Ah, right… yes, you must be tired…”
“Are you… disappointed?”
“What? No! Not at all!”
Her quick, flustered answer made him chuckle quietly.
