Episode 24
“The Eternal of Inverno, His Imperial Majesty the Emperor of Inverno, enters!”
Inverno’s Emperor was called “Eternal.”
Only his close aides and high-ranking nobles knew his real name.
Easton walked slowly into the grand hall.
In the center, like jewels waiting to be judged, sat the candidates to become the emperor’s consort.
Among them, only one woman wore a veil.
Trying so hard to get attention, he thought, feeling disgust rise inside him.
His body felt heavy, as if gravity had doubled.
But he endured it—for the sake of those he had lost.
He finally reached the throne.
As soon as he sat, his eyes met Duke La Rose’s.
The duke smiled at him brightly, as if already victorious.
That strange smile made Easton’s skin crawl.
“Your Majesty, I will now present the candidates.”
“…Proceed.”
He was already tired before it even began.
Nobles stepped forward, proudly describing their daughters’ virtues.
Easton wondered—how many of these women had come willingly?
If he rejected them, they’d surely face trouble from their families.
Still, he had no intention of choosing a consort.
The next introductions continued.
If he took in a woman with unclear motives, both sides would live in suspicion and misery.
Better to spare them from that fate.
“Your Majesty,” Jaden, his aide, whispered.
“Are you really going to reject them all? This will cause trouble.”
“Treating them all equally with no interest is better. No one can compare themselves to another that way.”
“…Sigh.”
Easton wouldn’t change his mind, so Jaden gave up and returned to his place.
After ten introductions, Jaden finally called, “Lady La Rose.”
“…Yes.”
A veiled woman in a black dress stepped forward and knelt in the center.
Easton raised an eyebrow.
A black dress? Like a funeral outfit?
He glanced at Duke La Rose, who showed no reaction.
Perhaps it was meant to stir curiosity.
Easton decided to take the bait.
“I didn’t know you had a daughter, Duke La Rose.”
“I treasure her greatly. She never even had a debut ball. Such a precious jewel should be offered only to the Eternal Emperor of Inverno.”
“Why the black dress? Is your family in mourning?”
The duke signaled her to answer.
“…No,” she said calmly.
“The man I first loved… died in an accident three years ago.”
Her clear, beautiful voice sent a shiver down Easton’s spine.
He recognized it instantly—he could never forget it.
“You’ve worn black for three years… for him?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Silver hair. Familiar voice. “Three years ago.”
His eyes went to the silver strands under her veil.
A vision of Layla flashed in his mind.
It was impossible. He hadn’t died, and he had even sent her a letter—though she never replied.
This could be another trick of Duke La Rose.
But still… she felt exactly like Layla.
“…Would the one who left really want this?” he asked quietly.
“…What?”
“They’d probably just want the one left behind to live well.”
He gave a bitter smile.
Even as he reminded himself she was the enemy, words of comfort slipped out.
I want you to forget me and live well… but I also hope you never forget me.
Humans were full of contradictions.
Then Lady La Rose staggered to her feet.
She stumbled toward him.
“Stop there, Lady La Rose!” the guards ordered, lowering their spears.
She stopped, but now she was close enough to look him straight in the eyes.
Tears fell from under her veil.
Why is she crying?
She suddenly tore off her veil.
“How… how are you here?!”
Easton’s eyes widened.
“Easton!”
It was her. Layla.
How could she be here—posing as Duke La Rose’s daughter?
Shock shook his blue eyes as he looked at the duke, who was smiling unnaturally wide.
Had their meeting three years ago been planned all along?
Had she known he was the crown prince?
Betrayal rose, burning even hotter than longing.
“…Layla!” he burst out.
Layla collapsed.
“Call the royal physician!”
Easton ran to her and lifted her in his arms.
In the chaos, the only one smiling was Duke La Rose.
