CHAPTER 10
Preparations to depart for the Duke’s territory were in full swing. Isolette also stood up. There was something she needed to bring from home before leaving.
“So you usually wear clothes like that.”
Thanks to Anne, she was able to wear the outfit she had worn when she first arrived at the mansion. Although Julian had ordered everyday clothes from Leucimon, it was obvious that walking around the city in such clothing would only spark unnecessary rumors.
This was the capital of the Empire. However, each district had its own atmosphere, and the people living in Isolette’s area were mostly middle-class. It was a nice place to live, but seen differently, it meant there was much worth stealing.
“The dress Helen made is prettier.”
“I think so too.”
Still, there was no need to appear wealthy when she wasn’t nobility. Isolette smiled and put on a wide-brimmed hat.
Layla wouldn’t understand. The life beyond the mansion’s walls had no meaning to a lady who lived behind sturdy walls and went out only with a knight escort.
“See you later, Isolette.”
“Yes. Please rest well.”
Layla walked in the opposite direction. She said she was going to take a bath before the long journey to the Duke’s territory. If they ended up sharing a carriage, Isolette might have to open a window because of the strong fragrance.
The mansion was bustling. Everyone was busy preparing for the journey to the territory. The butler was at the entrance, directing people.
“You mentioned there was something you needed to bring.”
“I should have packed it when I came, but I was too flustered. I’ll be quick.”
“There’s still time before departure, so it should be fine. Lord Linton also said he’d be stopping by the Mage Tower.”
Before long, Linton appeared in the entrance hall, dressed casually. He, too, would be accompanying them to the territory, partly to confirm the engagement to his family.
“I apologize for the trouble. Even though I mentioned it beforehand, there was something I really hoped you’d review. Miss Harper, what brings you here…?”
“I thought it would be better to bring the script. If I don’t review it, I might forget everything.”
“‘Princess Adel,’ right?”
“You’re well-informed. We haven’t even started promotions yet.”
“I told you—I genuinely enjoy your acting.”
A carriage was parked in front of the mansion gates. Linton, without hesitation, helped Isolette board.
The coachman briefly mentioned that he would drop off Isolette first, then head to the Mage Tower, and closed the door.
“Actually, I wanted to ask you something, if we were alone.”
Linton cautiously spoke. Isolette gave a slight nod, signaling that it was fine to ask. She expected a question about her acting career, but it was unexpected.
“Did you ever feel like this too? Like every move you make is being watched… Maybe it’s not the right analogy, and I’ve never experienced it myself, but it feels like being on stage.”
“Excuse me?”
“Sorry, maybe that was too sudden. But… if there was anyone who could understand what I’m feeling, I thought it would be you.”
He smiled sheepishly as he apologized. Isolette began to understand what he meant. It was an inappropriate question, but she carefully replied.
“Was it… an unwanted engagement, perhaps…?”
“No, that’s not it. Really. I love Layla. I do. But sometimes, it gets scary. I don’t know where it all started—before the engagement, gifts were already pouring into the family. Senior researchers who used to ignore me suddenly became overly kind.”
He ran a hand through his hair and shook his head, as if trying to steady himself. Linton began talking about his family to explain the pressure he was feeling.
“Our title isn’t very impressive, but our circumstances aren’t bad compared to others in a similar position. We have a small estate, but as soon as the engagement rumors started, the attention we received became overwhelming.”
You might’ve heard yesterday, but my parents couldn’t even drink a glass of water at the engagement party. They were extremely nervous. My brother too.
His confession was about the burden of suddenly having to carry something he’d never considered. Rumors that inevitably followed.
That was why the Duchess had told Isolette about life outside the mansion. To protect her family—and maybe even Isolette.
“It’s natural when people gather. They live off others’ stories. It’s a little dreadful, but true.”
It was all just a matter of flow.
At times, the topic would be the exiled princess, or the actress who clung to the Duke’s family, or the second son of a baron who married the Duke’s daughter.
“May I ask you a question, too?”
“Of course.”
“Have you ever regretted it, even once?”
As she’d said, someone from a lesser noble family couldn’t have avoided Layla’s choice. But Isolette still wanted to ask. Did Linton, who had spent most of his life studying, regret being tied to the whirlwind that was Layla?
Linton’s face grew serious. He was clearly thinking.
“Never. Not even once.”
It was a firm, confident answer. Isolette suddenly felt envious of Layla—not of Linton himself, but of the feelings he held for Layla.
The kind of heart that could stand in the middle of a storm just because of affection for someone.
Isolette had never asked for much, but if she could have one thing, she would want that kind of heart.
“That’s admirable.”
Isolette genuinely admired him.
Just then, the carriage came to a stop. It was Isolette’s stop. The Mage Tower was on the outskirts of the capital, so Linton still had a long way to go.
As Linton told her to be careful, Isolette responded by placing her right hand over her left shoulder in a farewell gesture.
“Next time I see you, you’ll be a Duke.”
“It seems so.”
Julian lifted his teacup. The tea, brewed to the Crown Prince’s taste, had no warmth at all. It was so cold, he wondered if it had steeped properly.
“Still no thoughts of marriage?”
“Your Highness.”
“Just saying. You and I are different, after all.”
The Crown Prince had dated many women but never given his heart to any of them. There were many royal members in history who had a reputation for romantic affairs, but Julian knew the Crown Prince’s true intent.
“I’m just waiting to see which racehorse crosses the finish line first.”
This man was a master strategist. He was weighing which noble house would provide the most valuable offering to the Imperial family.
“Please accept my condolences for the late Duchess.”
“Thank you.”
“She was remarkable. I shouldn’t say this, but I didn’t think she’d last that long.”
Enrique remembered the woman who had thanked him with a pale face for allowing her exile. He remembered how she had kept her back straight throughout the banquet, even though she looked ready to collapse.
The Emperor had accepted the exiled princess for only one reason: to give the young Crown Prince a taste of real-world education.
How to handle affairs with neighboring kingdoms. How to balance power and compassion for a long reign. How to mediate between internal and external opinions.
“Was I too rude?”
“It’s fine.”
“Still, I truly admire her. To survive with nothing—that’s impressive.”
Neither the Emperor nor the Crown Prince had expected it. The Duke, who had only briefly crossed paths with them, turned the Empire upside down by suddenly announcing he’d marry the exiled princess.
Seeing Enrique dismiss his attendants, Julian straightened his posture. It seemed the Crown Prince had summoned him not just for condolences, but for another conversation.
Enrique, with his strong, striking features, slightly lowered his head. His long golden hair flowed down his shoulders like a mane.
At this closer distance, he asked in a deep voice:
“You hold no hostility toward the Imperial family, correct?”
Enrique was a lion.
His golden hair looked like a mane, and his blood-red eyes had never once avoided another’s gaze.
Julian nodded. Only a fool would stand against the Imperial family.
“Of course.”
Enrique, satisfied with the answer, smirked slightly.
“Good. Do whatever you want with whomever you want—just don’t ruin my race.”
He seemed determined to keep the competition going until the most exceptional candidate emerged. He didn’t want any of the competitors in his race to drop out.
He wanted the illusion of ascending to the most noble position to remain unbroken. He wanted to be the brightest flame.
“She must’ve grown a lot, right?”
“…Yes. The engagement was two years ago, after all.”
Was he referring to Layla? Julian responded, but Enrique shook his head, indicating he meant someone else. But who else from the Duke’s household would Enrique know?
“I meant someone else. She’s quite popular in the capital these days.”
He meant Isolette. Enrique smiled slightly and lifted his teacup. The tea was clear enough to see the bottom.
That was the feeling—she had a delicate texture that would shatter if stirred.
“Do you have something to say, Your Highness?”
“Not really. Just came to mind. The young ladies have been talking about it lately.”
“One marchioness’ daughter says she doesn’t dance as well as her but sings beautifully. Another countess’ daughter claims she sings worse but dances better. So I’ve been wondering whose word to believe. It’s not like she performs on a stage watched by royals, so I can’t confirm for myself.”
And now, there’s someone here who can give me an answer.
Was this question meant to test him? Julian smiled gracefully. Talking with the Crown Prince always demanded his full attention.
“I’m not sure, Your Highness. …Please understand. I’m only afraid I might say something unhelpful.”
His face was annoying—smiling brightly while carefully avoiding a trap.
Enrique actually liked Julian quite a bit. He knew his place and wasn’t a fool.
“If you were my brother, it would’ve been quite the problem.”
The implication was crystal clear. Enrique had claimed the Crown Prince’s position by outmaneuvering many brothers. If Julian had been born as one of them, his fate would’ve been sealed long ago.
Either barely surviving on the borders, or already dead.
“I’ve informed the chief attendant. On your way back, take the condolence gift from my father.”
“I will receive it with gratitude.”
With that soft dismissal, Julian stood.
“Tell me, later, if you ever feel like it.”
Enrique elegantly brushed his hair back. Julian thought of someone whose silver hair resembled the Milky Way.
He had known the answer to Enrique’s question for a very long time.
