Episode 11, Part 2: Change (5)
Yuriel tried to calm Roina, who was clinging to her in tears, but it wasn’t easy.
Finally, Akron gently pulled Yuriel into his arms and separated her from Roina.
“Roina… what in the world… Why are you like this? Let’s take care of your injuries first…”
She was in no state to answer questions.
Yuriel begged Akron to help, and they brought Roina back to the house where Yuriel was staying.
“Thank you, My Lady…”
After being treated by a doctor, Roina looked a little more at ease.
When she tried to get out of bed saying she was fine, Yuriel gently stopped her.
“Roina… what happened after I left?”
Yuriel asked seriously.
Roina’s condition was terrible—her whole body was covered in bruises, and her left ankle was broken.
If she hadn’t been treated quickly, she might have lost the ability to walk.
Dark thoughts started creeping into Yuriel’s mind.
No way… She tried to ask what she feared.
“…Did someone take it out on you because of me?”
It was possible.
Roina had been Yuriel’s closet maid at the Count’s house.
“No, absolutely not, My Lady. Please don’t think that.”
Roina denied it right away like it was never Yuriel’s fault.
But Yuriel couldn’t believe her completely.
The wounds were far too serious for something like a simple outburst.
“Then… who could’ve done something so cruel?”
Just as Yuriel was about to ask, Roina spoke coldly.
“It was Lady Fiona. She’s gone mad.”
＊ ＊ ＊
The night Yuriel left, the Count and Countess had shouted at Fiona.
They had never once raised their voices at their beloved youngest daughter—until that day.
But things are different now.
Their daughter had returned with the child of a lowborn. Any noble family would be furious.
“From that day on, Lady Fiona began to change.”
She became irritated with everyone and gradually got worse.
One time, she trashed her room and slapped a maid who came to clean. The girl fainted.
After that, Fiona didn’t hesitate to throw vases and other objects at the servants.
“It only kept getting worse…”
Roina said.
Once, Fiona pushed a maid down the stairs while she was cleaning.
The maid was badly hurt and had to leave the Count’s household.
And that was just the beginning.
Another maid was pushed into a fireplace. A servant fell from a second-story window.
Those harmed by Fiona were either injured badly or barely escaped worse.
Compared to them, Roina was lucky to be alive.
“What about… the Countess? What was she doing?”
Yuriel asked, her voice trembling.
Fiona had always been cunning and selfish, but she was never violent like this.
What had the Countess—Lady Rosalyn—been doing through all of this?
“She tried to stop her a few times… but then gave up.”
After all, they were just servants—nothing the Countess thought was worth worrying about.
She only made a show of concern because she didn’t want her pregnant daughter to get hurt.
“…This is horrible.”
Hearing the truth, Yuriel couldn’t believe it.
Even if Fiona was upset, how could she be so cruel?
And her mother… rather than correcting her daughter, she smothered her with protection.
“I was… pushed from the second-floor window. I hit a precious statue on the way down.
That’s when they beat me and kicked me out.”
Roina said it plainly.
But then she smiled softly, happy to see Yuriel again.
“Oh… I shouldn’t call you ‘My Lady’ anymore. I’m sorry…”
“No, it’s fine. You can call me that. You were my only maid, Roina.”
Yuriel quickly stopped her from bowing.
She had wanted to take Roina with her the day she left the Count’s house.
But there was no time back then.
If only she had known things would turn out this way…
She deeply regretted not taking Roina with her.
“I don’t deserve that… Princess Consort.
But thank you for remembering me.”
Roina smiled so brightly, it was hard to believe she was lying sick in bed.
Yuriel bit her lip.
Even after being treated so cruelly by her sister, Roina still smiled.
It filled her with guilt.
“…Roina.”
“I think… you made the right choice.
You’re too kind to stay in that house.”
Her words struck Yuriel’s heart.
She couldn’t speak.
After telling Roina to get some rest, she quickly left the room.
Her head was spinning with thoughts.
Yuriel wandered the halls for a long time with a troubled look, then returned to her room.
Inside, Akron was sitting on the sofa.
When he heard her enter, he looked up and met her eyes.
Yuriel walked slowly toward him.
“Did you hear everything?”
Akron uncrossed his legs and pulled her into his lap.
Normally, she would’ve been too embarrassed.
But today, all she wanted was the warmth of his arms.
She leaned into him without hesitation.
“…Yes. Thanks to you.”
“You look tired.”
Akron held her gently as she leaned on him.
He had entered the room first to give them privacy but had still listened to the conversation just in case.
He had to be sure Roina didn’t harbor any ill intent.
Thankfully, nothing bad happened.
But it was clear the talk had reopened old wounds in Yuriel’s heart.
Akron kissed her closed eyelids.
Even that small touch brought her comfort.
With her eyes still closed, Yuriel quietly asked,
“Do I… seem like a selfish person to you?”
She had cut ties with her family and chosen to be with Akron.
Some people would say that was unforgivable.
Even though Roina said it wasn’t her fault, maybe none of it would’ve happened if Yuriel had made a different choice.
She waited nervously for his answer—like waiting for a verdict.
“You need to be more selfish.”
His voice was soft and low.
When she opened her eyes, she saw his ruby-red eyes staring into hers.
“Making a choice isn’t a crime.
And now, I’m your family—your husband.”
Yuriel’s eyes trembled.
Yes. He was right.
Blaming herself for choosing a different life only hurt her more.
And most of all—
“…I don’t regret it.”
From the moment she became his wife until now, she had never once regretted it.
The guilt that had clouded her eyes slowly faded.
Yuriel answered clearly,
“Yes. You’re right.”
Akron’s expression softened, and his eyes sparkled with satisfaction.
He asked playfully,
“Then what is it you want most right now?”
Yuriel thought about his question.
But she couldn’t stop looking at his lips, curved in that tempting smile.
The answer was already in her heart.
After a moment of hesitation, she finally said it.
“…I want to kiss you.”
Her voice was soft and shy, but to him, it must have been the sweetest sound.
He leaned in slowly.
Right before their lips touched, he whispered,
“With pleasure.”
＊ ＊ ＊
Before the royal celebration, Yuriel toured the capital with Akron.
She didn’t do too much—just enough to stay safe with the baby.
Still, she enjoyed it more than anything she’d ever experienced while living at the Count’s house.
That day, they’d just come back from watching a famous orchestra perform.
“I didn’t know you liked music.”
“I like music… but I’m also interested in instruments.”
She couldn’t stop thinking about the violinist.
As a noble child, she’d learned a little about music as part of her education.
She had wanted to keep learning but had to give it up to study estate finances.
“If there’s an instrument you want to learn, just say the word.
We can find a teacher in our territory—or bring one in if needed.”
He spoke like it was nothing.
“Hmm… the violin.
But not now—maybe after I give birth.”
“I’ll remember that.”
Just hearing that made her happy. Yuriel smiled brightly in reply.
The capital was large, and even though she’d only seen a few places, she already wanted to see more.
Learning new things and discovering her likes—it was more fun than she’d imagined.
“Let’s sleep early tonight.
Even if it’s just a visit, it’ll still be tiring for you.”
“Oh right… The celebration is tomorrow.”
After taking care of Roina and visiting the library, they went to the concert.
And now the royal banquet was just around the corner.
“…Then, goodnight.”
Yuriel whispered.
It was such a simple phrase, but saying it made her feel strangely shy.
Akron noticed and smiled slightly.
In bed, his strong arm wrapped around her waist.
It felt safe.
She closed her eyes as his lips brushed her ear.
＊ ＊ ＊
The day passed quickly.
As the sun touched the horizon, Yuriel and Akron finished getting ready for the palace.
“My goodness, Princess Consort… you’re so beautiful!”
Roina, who had come to see her off, looked amazed.
Being praised like that by someone close made Yuriel feel shy.
She smiled, trying not to show it.
“All the young ladies at the banquet will envy you!”
Her long silver-violet hair was tied down her back and held with an elegant pearl pin.
Her ivory evening dress exposed her collarbone and sparkled with diamond dust.
The gown flared out below the chest, gently hiding the small curve of her belly.
To others, she would simply look like a beautiful lady in a shimmering dress.
