Chapter 5
She thought it might be okay. At least for a while, she wouldn’t have to see him—she believed she could forget.
That was what she thought even when Bessie told her that the man who had hit her with the carriage was Duke Rian Gothri. Until the marriage, they had no real connection—aside from childhood—so perhaps that was why she felt that way.
Could he have come to apologize?
She had survived, and she wasn’t injured. Even if it had been in her past life, it was Illyana who had caused his death.
“My lady, what should we do?”
She must have been standing there too long. At Bessie’s quiet voice, Illyana snapped back to her senses. Her hand was still gripping the doorknob.
Unable to take even a single step forward, she stood frozen in place. No matter how she thought about it, she didn’t have the courage to face him. She couldn’t look at his face—alive and well—as if nothing had happened.
We’ll meet someday… but not now.
“Tell him I’m unwell today.”
Just then, Bessie’s face turned pale, and she quickly bowed her head. Because Illyana had her back turned, she didn’t notice someone approaching from behind. Sensing something strange, she slowly turned her head.
Soft golden hair like ripened wheat, light brown eyes, firmly pressed lips filled with determination, and a strong, steady stride. With a faint, unreadable smile hidden beneath his confident expression, he walked toward her.
“So, you don’t want to see me.”
“…!”
How had she not noticed the duke approaching? Why had she forgotten that the distance between the two drawing rooms was barely ten steps?
Illyana quickly straightened her appearance and bowed in greeting. No matter that this was her home and he had come unannounced—he was still a duke. And not just any duke, but Rian Gothri, first in line to the imperial throne. Aside from the Emperor and Empress, no one could stand against him.
But she couldn’t meet him right now.
Even so, her heart pounded violently. She couldn’t tell if it was guilt or something like relief.
Even with her head lowered, the brief glimpse of his gentle eyes lingered in her mind. The more she tried not to think about it, the more deeply it etched itself into her memory.
“I apologize. I’m unwell, so I’ve committed a discourtesy.”
“I don’t think that’s the case.”
“…Pardon?”
Was he angry? Without realizing it, she raised her head. He hadn’t changed at all—no, he seemed even more composed and gentle than she remembered. Meeting her gaze, Rian shook his head as if troubled.
“I’m the one who was rude. I came without an appointment.”
“N-no, it’s alright.”
“If you’re unwell, it seems I came at the wrong time.”
“I’m almost fully recovered.”
“Is that so?”
At that moment, Illyana recalled what kind of person she was dealing with.
Rian’s father—the former duke and the Emperor’s brother—had been a master of persuasion. Aside from his kind and gentle nature, Rian was said to resemble him completely.
“That’s good. Then let’s have some tea.”
Without even waiting for her reply, he headed toward the drawing room. Reaching the door, he opened it and paused, standing still until Illyana followed.
Left with no way out, Illyana eventually stepped forward. Only after she entered did Rian follow and close the door.
As he slowly shut it, Bella appeared in the drawing room. Their eyes met, and a strange tension passed between them.
“The carriage is ready.”
Bella, her expression twisted with irritation, descended the stairs at Bessie’s urging. Letting out a faint chuckle, Rian quietly closed the door and took a seat at the center as if it were only natural.
“I truly regret the carriage incident. I’m sorry.”
She had expected it—but she hadn’t thought he would apologize so readily. His words were simple and sincere, without excess.
“It’s alright. There was no serious harm, so please don’t worry.”
“No. You should see a good physician. Or perhaps a healer. I’ll cover the cost—ah…”
As he spoke, his eyes curved into a crescent. Smiling softly, he looked at Illyana.
“I almost ended up boasting about money to the daughter of the Kritia family.”
Ah, so that’s what he meant.
He wouldn’t know how dire her situation was in this household. The expensive clothes she wore were merely for appearances.
He wouldn’t know that she repeatedly altered the few dresses she owned. Nothing in this house belonged to her—not the clothes she wore, nor even the luxurious teacup in Rian’s hand.
A bitter smile surfaced. She quietly lifted her teacup, swallowing both the tea and her bitterness.
“Thank you for your concern. I’m truly fine.”
“If you need anything, tell me.”
“…Then will you grant it?”
“If it’s within my power, anything.”
“I’ll remember that.”
Silence fell again. Outside the window, the orange sunset painted the sky. The fading light seemed to offer its final farewell.
If he had apologized, wasn’t that the end of his business? Yet Rian showed no sign of leaving. After finishing her tea, Illyana set her cup down first.
“Are you really alright?”
“Yes.”
“You’re sure you can move around now?”
“I can’t go far, but… yes.”
Why did he keep asking the same thing? Confusion filled her eyes. Watching her quietly, Rian finally brought up his real purpose.
“There’s an imperial party in a week. It’s to celebrate the truce with Targa, but it’s essentially a social event hosted by the Empress.”
No way…
“I would like you to be my partner.”
“……”
“I heard your engagement is being broken off. Are you still connected to Viscount Piaget’s son?”
Just what had Cedric been saying for even Rian to know?
“The process isn’t complete yet.”
“Of course—you need a legitimate reason. Ah, I’m speaking according to imperial law, so there’s no need to look so surprised.”
Her shock must have shown plainly. She quickly composed herself and fell into thought.
Cedric and Rian were like fire and water—complete opposites. Recently, the Empress had openly supported Cedric, which made things even more complicated for Rian.
Still, she couldn’t blindly refuse without understanding his intentions.
Normally, engaged individuals didn’t attend such social parties, but since this was also a celebration of the truce, many nobles would attend. Having a fiancé wouldn’t be an issue.
However, she had just declared the annulment of her engagement. And Rian was a member of the imperial family.
Cedric will probably come with Bella.
No—perhaps he would come alone, deliberately. While a nobleman could attend without a partner, it was different for a lady.
If she attended with Rian, the outcome would be obvious. Rian himself would be dragged into rumors.
What Illyana couldn’t understand was why he chose her despite knowing all this.
She glanced sideways at him. Noticing, Rian spoke.
“I need you. And I believe you need me as well.”
“May I ask why?”
“Probably for the reason you’re already thinking of.”
Tilting her head in confusion, she looked at him. Watching her, Rian blinked.
“You were unwell, so you might not know. Then you probably don’t know that no one attended the tea party at my residence recently.”
“No.”
Rian leaned forward, clasping his hands over his knees. The distance between them closed to just a couple of hand spans. Startled, Illyana leaned back—but he moved even closer.
“I must attend the party with you. Just once. Do that, and I’ll consider your debt repaid.”
“…?”
There was no way he could know about her regression. No one in the household had noticed her change. Yet he spoke as if he knew everything.
Her eyes wavered in confusion. How could he forgive her—when she had destroyed not only his vassals but his entire household?
Suddenly, Rian let out a soft laugh and leaned back, creating distance again.
“That’s exactly the kind of face you’re making. The face of someone deeply sorry—like you owe a great debt.”
“Ah…”
“It’s fine. I won’t ask. So, will you come with me?”
“No.”
“You’re quite firm for someone who didn’t even think about it. Think it over—”
“Even if you ask again, I won’t go with you.”
“How cold.”
After lingering on her for a moment, Rian stood up.
He’s giving up this easily?
It wasn’t a bad outcome for her, but it left her confused as to why he had said all that in the first place.
Still, it was better that the conversation ended quickly.
Illyana followed him out to see him off. Even as they descended the stairs, he said nothing.
At the front gate stood a carriage engraved with a silver lion. As Rian approached, a servant hurried to open the door. Illyana bowed politely—but when she raised her head, she nearly gasped.
When had he gotten so close?
Now only a hand span away, he leaned down and whispered softly in her ear.
“Don’t you want revenge? I can help you. Anytime you wish.”
“……”
“We’ll see each other again soon. I was quite rude today. Goodbye for now.”
Grasping the carriage handle, he disappeared from her sight in an instant. The door shut, and the carriage sped out of the estate.
Watching Illyana grow distant, Rian leaned back into the cushioned seat.
“It looks like it’ll be a busy week.”
Murmuring something incomprehensible, he slowly closed his eyes.
