Chapter 1
Aella Bluans.
The only healer in the Alvazar Empire, she possessed such extraordinary healing abilities that even the imperial family showed her reverence. With just a touch of her hand, someone on the brink of death could regain vitality. Even lifelong scars would vanish instantly under her touch. Because of this, she was already revered as a saint across the empire.
“My lady! You look the most beautiful today!”
“That’s enough, Kina.”
“Oh, you’re embarrassed~”
Aella slowly examined herself in the mirror. Today required more care than any other day.
It was her coming-of-age ceremony—a once-in-a-lifetime event. Now twenty years old, this was the day she officially became an adult.
Invited by the Emperor, Aella was heading to the imperial palace for the first time in a long while, her heart pounding.
“Of course, the one escorting you will be Young Duke Hormons, right?”
“Mm… yes, I suppose.”
“You two are practically an engaged couple!”
“Oh, please. Kael and I are just childhood friends.”
“Oh my~ My lady, at least hide things properly! It’s just the two of us here anyway.”
Aella looked at the brightly smiling Kina, then lowered her gaze with a faint, bittersweet smile.
‘What does it matter if I’m the only one who feels this way… To Kael, I’m just…’
Their mothers had been close friends since before they were born, and they had grown up together for twenty years.
Close enough to be considered family… yet at some point, Aella had come to harbor feelings for Kael.
Even though her chest ached whenever she thought about it, she still wanted to remain by his side—even if only as a childhood friend.
Grabbing Kina’s hand as she adjusted her hair one last time, Aella spoke softly.
“Please be careful in front of Kael. I’m asking you, Kina.”
“My lady! That hurts my feelings!”
“Haha, alright.”
Aella turned her gaze to a framed photograph on the vanity.
Inside it was her mother, Maria, smiling brightly while holding a newborn baby.
‘Mother…’
Her mother had passed away four days after giving birth to her.
Every time she looked at the photo, Aella felt both longing and guilt—for simply being alive. Yet she lived on, carrying the healer’s duty passed down through her family.
Women born into the Bluans family were born with mana.
With divine-like powers that could heal wounds and illnesses, Aella was revered almost like a god among the people of the empire.
Knock knock.
“Come in.”
Laura entered and bowed, informing her that Kael had arrived. Aella stood up, applied her favorite perfume, and left the room.
‘Kael.’
Just saying his name made her heart race.
Even Kina’s voice telling her to walk slowly didn’t reach her ears now.
“Kael!”
“E-Ella.”
Kael, who had been standing there, turned and waved at her with his usual warm smile. Aella’s cheeks flushed pink.
“You look even prettier today.”
“Of course she does! Young Duke! My lady is the most beautiful in the empire—no, in the entire continent!”
“That’s enough, Kina.”
“Look how embarrassed you are!”
“Hahaha! You two are always so close—like real sisters.”
At Kael’s cheerful remark, Kina jumped in surprise.
“How could a commoner like me be compared to a count’s daughter?!”
“Kina, you’re like a friend—and an older sister—to me.”
“M-my lady…!”
“Just don’t get snot on my dress.”
“You’re so mean~”
As Aella gently wiped Kina’s tearful cheeks and smiled, Kael—who had been watching with a soft smile—turned to greet Count Bluans.
“Greetings, Count.”
“Young Duke Hormons, welcome.”
“Please, call me comfortably.”
“Hahaha! Shall I? My future son-in-law.”
“F-Father?! What are you saying!”
“What do you mean? Once you two marry, that’s what you’ll be!”
Aella slowly turned her head toward Kael, who said nothing.
‘Ah… Kael…’
Seeing only his gentle smile, Aella lowered her head.
“See? My lady, the Young Duke also…”
“Kina, please.”
“Ahaha, it’s nothing, Father.”
“Ha! My daughter is truly beautiful today. The most beautiful of all—don’t you agree, son-in-law?”
“Of course. Aella will be the star today. There won’t be anyone more beautiful than her.”
Kael stepped closer, gently brushing her light brown hair before placing a kiss on it.
Aella felt like her heart would burst.
“Aella, go ahead to the palace first. I’ll follow shortly.”
“Yes, Father.”
“Son-in-law, take good care of my daughter.”
“Father, please stop.”
“Don’t be upset, Ella. Here.”
Standing beside Kael as he offered his arm, Aella carefully held onto it.
“My lady! Have a safe trip!”
“Mm…”
With every step, her heart pounded harder.
‘Calm down, Aella. Stay calm.’
She sat across from Kael in the carriage.
“I’ll depart now.”
“Alright.”
As the carriage began to move, Aella cautiously spoke.
“Um… Kael.”
“Hmm?”
“I’m sorry.”
“Suddenly?”
She lowered her head, unable to meet his eyes.
“My father said unnecessary things… I was worried it might make you uncomfortable.”
“Not at all. I’m fine, Ella.”
“….”
When she slowly looked up, his warm gaze met hers.
His slightly dark brown hair, sharp eyes, and gentle black irises made her heart race uncontrollably.
“You don’t need to apologize.”
“Mm…”
“The weather’s nice, isn’t it?”
“It is.”
They continued their conversation naturally.
Kael quietly watched her, a faint smile forming on his lips.
“Now entering Young Duke Kael Hormons and Lady Aella Bluans!”
All eyes turned toward them.
Kael Hormons—the youngest commander of the Imperial Guard, a summoner, and the only one in the empire capable of wielding a magic sword.
Beside him stood Aella Bluans—the empire’s only healer.
“They’re such a perfect match.”
“Of course~”
“A knight and a saint—how wonderful!”
“They’ll probably marry soon after today!”
Aella grew self-conscious at the whispers.
‘Get a hold of yourself. Stay calm!’
“Welcome.”
“Greetings to His Majesty, the eternal sun of the empire, and Her Majesty, the beautiful moon.”
Following Kael’s lead, Aella bowed.
The Emperor approached and placed a hand on her shoulder.
“Lady Bluans, I am well aware of your contributions.”
“I am honored, Your Majesty.”
“If you continue serving the people as you have, I shall grant you anything you desire.”
“I do this of my own will. I seek nothing in return.”
“Haha, still—if you ever desire something, you may ask me anytime.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
The Emperor then turned to Kael.
“Young Duke Hormons.”
“As you wish, Your Majesty.”
“You’ve both come of age now… Perhaps it’s time you two were joined. I would even host your wedding here in the palace.”
Aella’s eyes widened.
“Y-Your Majesty, that is…”
“Do you dislike the idea?”
“N-no, that’s not it!”
“Your Majesty, that’s enough teasing.”
At the Empress’s words, the Emperor laughed.
“My apologies. She’s just too lovely.”
Aella bowed deeply.
‘What if Kael misunderstands…?’
Just then, she felt a warm hand on her back.
Looking up, she met Kael’s gentle smile.
‘Kael…’
Even that alone made her the happiest in the world.
“Congratulations on becoming proud adults of the Alvazar Empire.”
The Crown Prince Julius Alvazar appeared, shining with platinum hair and golden eyes, alongside his fiancée, Princess Elena.
“Let us raise a toast.”
Holding up a glass of red wine, everyone followed.
“To the future of all gathered here—and to the great Alvazar Empire!”
“To the Alvazar Empire!”
Aella, who had never drunk alcohol before, only took a small sip—but her face flushed immediately.
“Ella, you don’t have to force yourself.”
“I’m okay. Just one glass.”
“Your face is already red. Here, give it to me.”
“Ah…”
Kael took her glass and drank it in one go.
‘H-he drank from where I…!’
Her face turned even redder as dizziness set in.
“Ah!”
“Are you alright?”
The Crown Prince caught her gently.
“I apologize, Your Highness!”
“Haha, it’s nothing. Your hair is caught here.”
As he removed a strand caught on his brooch, Kael’s expression hardened slightly.
Bang!
“Was that a gunshot?!”
“Stay calm! Guards, check outside!”
“Yes!”
Startled, Aella hiccupped as Kael rubbed her back.
“It’s okay, Ella. Lean on me.”
“Mm… thank you.”
Feeling drowsy, she leaned into his chest.
‘Warm… Kael’s scent… I wish I could just fall asleep like this…’
Just as her eyes began to close—
“Y-Your Majesty! Duke Hormons has been shot… It appears he has died instantly!”
Aella’s peaceful life began to unravel from that blood-stained coming-of-age ceremony.
