Chapter 14
Thud!
Snapping out of her memories, Liet slammed a glass of water down in front of Evan. Despite her aggressive gesture, Evan smiled pleasantly.
“You’ll break the glass.”
“I wish it would.”
“What’s gotten into our dear lady Liet today?”
When Evan asked so casually, Liet bit her lip hard.
“You’re seriously asking that?”
“Ah, because of Count Kael? Now that you mention it, how did that dinner go?”
Count Kael was the man Liet had agreed to meet for a potential match.
“Everyone knows he’s a notorious womanizer—except you, apparently.”
“And I heard he even has a child he keeps hidden?”
“Oh, and did you know? Everyone hates having meals with him. He apparently chews so loudly.”
Liet had stood him up based on Evan’s words, only to later find out that none of what Evan had said was true.
“Everything you said was wrong!”
“I overheard people saying that… must’ve been about someone else.”
Shake shake. Her hands trembled with anger at his shameless attitude, but she didn’t want to let someone like him ruin her mood today.
Just then, the door opened—and the person they had been waiting for finally entered.
“Uncle!”
“Oh, Liet!”
Haile Croyt approached with a bright smile upon seeing Liet.
“You’ve been well?”
“Of course. And you, Uncle?”
“I’ve been well too.”
Haile gently embraced Liet.
“I’m here too, Father.”
At Evan’s voice, Haile turned belatedly to greet him.
“Ah, Evan.”
“Is everything well in the territory?”
“Nothing ever changes in that boring old land.”
Haile had handed over his title to Evan and moved to the countryside to manage the estate, a role previously handled by his younger brother, Heart.
Evan had said it wasn’t necessary, but it was what Haile wanted. Years of political life had left him weary, both mentally and physically.
Because of that, the three—Haile, Liet, and Evan—hadn’t sat at the same table in quite some time. Haile only visited the capital once every season.
“Uncle, you should visit more often.”
Liet had always missed Haile dearly. Now that she had become a duchess and a noble council member, she admired his achievements all the more.
“I wish I could, but managing the estate keeps me busy.”
“Just don’t overwork yourself.”
“Ah, no one cares for me like you, Liet.”
The white hairs now streaking Haile’s head suited the gentle smile of a man who had lived through much.
“And how about you, Liet? No one’s bothering you, I hope?”
“Only Evan.”
She said while pointing a knife at Evan, who just shrugged as if he had no idea what she was talking about.
Haile, seemingly used to this dynamic, continued smoothly.
“I’ve been worried. You’re the only woman among the noble council members.”
“That’s true, but you don’t need to worry. You know how I am.”
Liet blew gently on her freshly served soup to cool it down. Still, despite her confident words, Haile’s expression remained concerned.
“That’s exactly why I worry. Someone as upright as you is an easy target, Liet.”
Haile knew the nature of nobles well. They never wanted to let go of what they held and treated anyone who tried to take it as an enemy.
In other words: protecting their power.
It was a simple yet sensitive and critical matter, directly tied to their livelihoods.
“Father’s right.”
Evan, who had been quietly listening until now, spoke up. Liet’s brow twitched at his sudden intrusion.
“What?”
“Liet, you have too many enemies.”
Liet knew Evan wasn’t attacking her.
His calm gaze looked more serious than usual.
“Don’t provoke the entrenched powers too much. I keep hearing rumors about you behind your back.”
At Evan’s words, Liet set down her spoon and gave a short laugh.
“You think I act that way because I don’t know what I’m doing?”
“I mean… just be careful.”
“Evan, if we just keep worrying about what the nobles think, nothing will ever change.”
At her firm response, Evan raked a hand through his hair in frustration.
“That’s what’s so frustrating about you. You charge headfirst down the path you think is right—without even looking where it leads. Even if it’s straight into fire.”
For the first time, Evan abandoned his usual laid-back demeanor and let his emotions show.
As the tension rose, Haile intervened.
“Now, now. Let’s not argue on such a lovely day.”
Haile gently placed his hand over Liet’s on the table.
“Liet. I know how smart and strong you are. But I still worry.”
“……”
“Right now, you have the Emperor backing you, so no one dares touch you. But if you show even a slight opening, your enemies won’t hesitate to strike.”
Liet clicked her tongue at Haile’s sharp insight. Even though he was far away in the countryside, he still had a clear read on the political landscape.
To Haile, she and Evan probably still looked like naive children. So of course, he’d worry.
Liet knew this was the time to take a step back.
“I understand. I’ll be careful.”
Only then did Haile finally smile with satisfaction.
Soon, the main dish arrived, and thankfully, the topic shifted to Evan.
“Evan.”
“Yes?”
“I heard the Second Princess expressed her desire for marriage.”
Evan frowned slightly at the unwelcome topic.
“It’s nothing to worry about.”
“She seems quite determined, though.”
“I’ve already made my disinterest clear.”
Liet, cutting into her veal, only half-listened to their conversation. The princess’s romantic interest in Evan was already common gossip among nobles.
The Second Princess was a beautiful woman with golden hair, known for her quiet demeanor. Her active pursuit of someone was rare and shocking—hence the gossip.
Naturally, everyone assumed Evan would accept.
But Evan had politely turned her down, which caused another wave of rumors.
From all she’d seen and heard, Liet had to admit something:
Evan had grown into a man worthy of even the shyest princess’s affections. His once-soft features had sharpened into a defined nose and keen eyes.
The grown-up Evan was the kind of man you’d turn to look at if you passed him on the street.
Though he could seem cold at first glance, his smooth speech and smiling face softened that impression.
On top of that, he had grown a full hand and a half taller than Liet and had built a strong physique from years of sword training.
‘Still, he’s just Evan.’
To Liet, he was an annoying rival—nothing more, nothing less.
“Don’t you think you were a little hasty, Evan?”
Haile asked with concern.
This time, Liet answered instead.
“Let him be, Uncle. Evan can handle it himself.”
She said casually, eyes on her plate as she pushed vegetables aside.
“……”
“……”
The dining room went quiet.
Sensing something odd, Liet looked up—and saw both Haile and Evan staring at her.
Especially Evan, who looked a little surprised.
“Did I say something wrong?”
She asked, confused. Haile cleared his throat and spoke.
“It’s just… surprising to hear you say something like that.”
That’s when Liet realized—she’d just defended Evan.
“I-I didn’t mean it like that. I just figured Evan’s an adult. He’ll make his own choices…”
Her clumsy explanation made Haile widen his eyes as if something had just clicked.
“Liet, could it be…”
“Yes?”
“Are you against Evan marrying someone else…?”
Liet went blank for a moment, blindsided by the question.
She hadn’t meant to defend Evan. After all, he was already fated to be with the story’s female lead. There was no need to waste energy on this.
Then why was her uncle getting so excited?
Since she couldn’t mention the original female lead, Liet brushed it off like usual.
“No! I just meant the princess is too good for Evan!”
“Oh… I see.”
Haile looked noticeably deflated. Evan merely sighed.
Sensing the sinking mood, Liet raised her voice to change the subject.
“Speaking of marriage—do you remember what happened back then?”
Haile looked at her curiously.
“When Evan confessed to me!”
She could never forget that moment. Back then, she had been horrified, but now, it was a great memory to tease him with. So she could laugh about it.
“What would you have done if I’d accepted?”
Even with her teasing tone, Evan remained expressionless.
‘Geez, what a buzzkill.’
He never reacted when she teased him. Yet he always found ways to nitpick her.
“I would’ve married you.”
The calm and steady reply took Liet off guard.
She hadn’t planned this conversation out—and yet the air felt increasingly awkward.
Even Haile suddenly stood from his seat.
“I’ll let you two talk. I think I spilled something on my clothes—I’ll be back after I clean up.”
“Huh? But there’s nothing on your…—”
Before Liet could say anything, he vanished.
Now alone, Evan stared directly at her.
“Liet, what do you think it would’ve been like if we’d gotten married?”
“Why would you even ask that?!”
Liet shouted as if he’d said something horrifying. Her intense reaction brought a smile to Evan’s face.
“Hm… I think it wouldn’t have been so bad.”
Liet’s brow furrowed deeply.
“Did you drink too much?”
She had seen him drink wine earlier, but he usually wasn’t one to get drunk.
And yet, he was saying these kinds of things.
“If we’d married, I’d get to see your angry face every day. You don’t know this, but your eyes turn red when you’re mad.”
Of course. He was just teasing her again.
Narrowing her eyes, Liet glared at him.
“You little pervert.”
“Thanks for the compliment.”
At Evan’s foxlike smirk, Liet clicked her tongue.
‘He used to be such a sweet kid… What happened to him?’
There had to be a reason for this change. She’d seen his entire upbringing—so how could she not know?
As she thought hard, something clicked in her mind.
‘Ah, it was around then.’
She wasn’t sure why his personality changed—but she remembered when it started.
It was right before he entered the noble academy.
