Chapter 5
An Unexpected Confession
When the man who had driven Duke Horomons to his death left these final words just before his last breath, the Empire fell into chaos.
“The one who ordered me to kill Duke Horomons is Count Blueans. He said if I took the duke’s life and surrendered quietly, he would make sure my family, struggling in the slums, would live full lives without hunger. That’s why I kept silent… but that damned count killed my family before I could even carry out the deed. Even in death, I will curse him. I will curse the House of Blueans!”
With those final words, he coughed up blood and died in prison.
Naturally, Count Blueans insisted on his innocence. On the day of the incident, he presented a perfect alibi along with witnesses, successfully suppressing the suspicion directed at him. But behind the scenes, whispers spread:
“Apparently, Count Blueans envied Duke Horomons while pretending to be his childhood friend.”
“Duke Horomons was known for trusting people easily, and the count was practically like a sworn brother to him.”
“Isn’t that exactly why they say the axe you trust can strike your foot?”
“They say that man died with hatred burning in his eyes as he coughed up blood. Even the workers burying his body were trembling.”
“My goodness… how deep his resentment must have been. How pitiful.”
The capital buzzed with talk of Duke Horomons and Count Blueans.
The rumors spread even within the imperial palace and eventually reached the Emperor, who summoned Count Blueans.
“Do you know why I have called you?”
“I do, Your Majesty. I am truly wronged. As you well know, the Duke and I… and furthermore! My beloved daughter, Aella, has been betrothed since childhood to the duke’s son! How could I possibly commit such a shameless act?!”
The count collapsed to his knees, drew his sword, and placed it before him.
“What do you think you’re doing?”
“If it would prove my innocence, I will offer my head to Your Majesty.”
“Count.”
“I only beg that my only daughter, Aella, not be dragged into this matter.”
“Put the sword away and stand.”
“Your Majesty…”
“Do you dare defy my command?!”
At the Emperor’s sharp rebuke, the count trembled and quickly stood up.
“I understand your sincerity. I will resolve the rumors surrounding you as soon as possible.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
“Is your daughter well?”
“She is a devoted child who cherishes her unworthy father deeply. Even when troubled, she does not easily reveal her worries.”
“I see. Go back and take good care of her.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
After the count left, the prime minister, who had remained silent, spoke.
“Your Majesty, no matter how I see it, that young man’s words do not seem false.”
“Hmm…”
“I’ve investigated, and I heard that an entire family in the slums was massacred by unknown assailants. If we find them…”
“Sir Land.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“The young Duke of Horomons came to see me yesterday.”
“!”
The Emperor continued, meeting the stunned gaze of the minister.
“He said he would handle everything himself. His father’s death.”
“I see.”
“So for now, I will simply observe.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
The Emperor stared lazily at the door through which the count had exited.
Count Blueans… I’ll need to keep a close eye on him.
“Don’t you feel sorry for Princess Roden?”
“I know, right? She came as the Crown Prince’s consort, yet he doesn’t even look at her.”
“Well, it’s no wonder. Everyone in the Empire knows that since his time as a prince, his heart belonged to Lady Blueans.”
“And that lady will soon become the wife of the Duke of Horomons… no, the future duke.”
As the noblewomen continued their gossip, the maids, angered, were about to speak up, but Elena stopped them and moved away.
“Princess! Are you really going to stay silent like this?!”
“Exactly! Because you remain quiet, they talk even more!”
“And the Crown Prince is being far too cruel! No matter what, to treat you like this—”
“Could you all be quiet? My head is pounding.”
“S-Sorry, Your Highness.”
Elena gently patted the shoulders of her three maids as she walked down the corridor toward her room.
“Y-Your Highness! Didn’t His Majesty order you to stop concerning yourself with Lady Blueans?!”
“If you continue to block my path, I won’t let you off, no matter who you are.”
“If you leave like this, I’ll report it to His Majesty!”
“I’ll handle it myself. Move aside.”
“Your Highness!”
…
In the middle of the corridor stood Julius Albazar, the Crown Prince—the sole heir of the empire. Elena recalled the first words he had spoken to her when she arrived.
“Princess, let me say this in advance—you will be my consort in name only. Do not expect anything from me.”
After that, he never spoke to her again.
Just like now—he merely passed by her.
“Elena, you will soon go to the Albazar Empire as the Crown Prince’s fiancée.”
“Mother… is that him?”
“Yes.”
Though surprised by the sudden engagement, Elena had fallen in love at first sight with the cold, icy man in the portrait.
Even if it was a loveless engagement, she had hoped he would welcome her.
But he was colder than she ever imagined.
“Princess…”
“I’m fine.”
“Sob…”
“I really am fine. Don’t cry. If you cry, it breaks my heart too.”
Seeing her force a smile, the maids could only cover their mouths and weep quietly.
Cough, cough—
Perhaps because she had been caught in the rain, Aella had fallen seriously ill and remained bedridden for three days. Though her fever had subsided, she still coughed and her throat remained dry.
Meow~
“Charlotte, I’m sorry, but I can’t hold you right now.”
Meow~
Too weak to push the cat away, Aella called out:
“Kina, could you take care of Charlotte?”
“Yes, Miss. Please wait a moment. Doctor Wilson will be here soon.”
Lying back, Aella stared at the ceiling.
How shameless of me… hoping Kael would come. Perhaps it’s because I carry that man’s blood too.
The more she thought about it, the more she despised the blood of the man she didn’t even want to call father. She wanted to drain it all from her body.
Knock knock.
“Miss.”
“Come in.”
Laura entered, and Aella smiled faintly as she accepted the soup.
“Shall I feed you?”
“No, I have enough strength for that.”
“…Miss.”
“Yes?”
Laura placed a hand on her shoulder.
“It’s not too late. You could go to your uncle, Lord Frederick—at least you.”
“Laura, I won’t run.”
“Miss…”
“Running won’t change anything. If anything… I’ll accept it. If this is my fate, then I will face it willingly.”
Unable to bear it, Laura set the bowl aside and embraced her.
“If things become too difficult, please tell me. I’ll save you somehow.”
“Thank you. But I have a request.”
“Anything.”
“Continue helping that man.”
“….”
“And secretly gather evidence against him.”
“Miss…”
“One day, I’ll expose his true face to the world. And the truth behind grandfather’s death.”
Though conflicted, Laura couldn’t refuse her earnest gaze.
“…Of course.”
“If I go to the duke’s household, report father’s every move. Letters won’t work.”
“Then—”
“We have Kina.”
“M-Me?!”
Aella called Kina over.
“Kina, I’ll give you one last choice. Stay with us… or live a safe life. I want you to choose the latter. Laura and I will be risking our lives. Please take care of Charlotte instead.”
“Miss! I told you—I’ll follow you anywhere! Even to hell or a desert! Do you not trust me?”
With tears in her eyes, Kina rushed into Aella’s arms.
“Thank you… truly.”
Knock knock.
“Miss, the Crown Prince has arrived.”
“The Crown Prince?!”
Despite her weakness, Aella stood.
In the drawing room, she bowed.
“I greet the little sun of the Empire, Your Highness the Crown Prince.”
“Sit.”
After a moment—
“I will help you.”
“With what?”
“The young Duke of Horomons—he claims he’ll take you as his wife once he inherits the title.”
“….”
“Is it true? That your father…?”
“There is no evidence. But it was his doing.”
“And I intend to go.”
“Do you even understand what you’re saying?!”
She nodded calmly.
“Aella… if it’s for you, I would even elope—”
“Please return to the palace, Your Highness.”
“Aella!”
Silence.
“Aella… I love you.”
“That is inappropriate, Your Highness.”
“I can make you happy!”
“No… you cannot.”
“If you change your mind, come find me.”
She gave no answer.
After he left, she stood by the window, watching him go.
Your Highness… please forget someone like me… and take care of Princess Roden instead.
