Episode 12. Part 2. Change (6)
If anyone noticed her, it would probably be because of the ruby necklace she was wearing.
Around Yuriel’s neck was the Heart of the Sun, made from deep red rubies.
It had been given to her by Akron before visiting the Count’s estate.
It was so precious that she hadn’t expected to ever wear it again.
“…Your Grace.”
The voice that called out to her was much calmer than before, unlike the fuss earlier.
Yuriel turned to Roina, a little confused by the sudden change in mood.
“Are you alright?”
Roina looked very worried.
Yuriel immediately understood what Roina was worried about.
But it was something she had already prepared herself for before coming to the capital.
Still, the way Roina cared for her touched her heart.
“I’m okay.”
“But… Your Grace always says you’re okay…”
Yet Roina didn’t seem comforted by those words alone.
She had been the first to worry for Yuriel when she found out she was pregnant, even without knowing the reason.
‘But this time, I am okay.’
Because he’s by my side.
“You don’t need to worry. I’m not going alone.”
Yuriel gave a bright smile. It wasn’t the forced one she often wore at the Count’s estate—it was a real, warm smile.
Roina looked slightly relieved to see it.
“The carriage is ready. Let’s go.”
“Yes. Roina, I’ll be back soon.”
After a short exchange, Akron arrived to let them know it was time to leave.
When she held his hand, even the little bit of fear left in her heart seemed to melt away in his warmth.
Yuriel took Akron’s hand and climbed into the carriage.
Their mansion and the palace were located near each other, so the ride didn’t take long.
“Careful.”
Just as she was stepping out of the carriage with his help—
Another carriage stopped nearby, and someone stepped out of it.
The person looked oddly familiar.
They looked up as well, and their eyes met Yuriel’s.
“…!”
It was her former family—Count Rayten and his wife.
Yuriel had expected to see them eventually, but not this soon.
They looked just as surprised. But that didn’t last long—
Their startled eyes quickly turned cold and hostile.
‘Of course.’
Seeing the Count trying hard to hold back his anger only made Yuriel’s heart calm down.
His wife was the same.
Even though their servants were practically dying every day, there wasn’t a hint of sorrow on her face.
Yuriel quickly softened her expression and smiled with quiet dignity.
“Count Rayten. And Lady Rosalyn.”
“…We greet the Grand Duke and the Grand Duchess.”
The two frowned, but they lowered their heads in respect.
Whatever the past, the difference in status between a Count and a Grand Duke was clear.
“Lady Fiona didn’t come with you?”
“…She’s resting at the estate.”
Yuriel felt a strange sense of déjà vu.
Rumors about Fiona had already spread throughout the capital.
A mercenary friend of the one who had been captured had sold their story to a gossip newspaper favored by nobles, and it spread like wildfire.
The Count’s family had tried to stop the news, but it was far too late.
The person who leaked it had already taken the money and disappeared.
‘So that’s the kind of people they are.’
People are too busy trying to protect their pride and hide their shame.
Her past, when she tried so desperately to earn their love, felt like a distant memory.
If even once… they had looked at her with warmth… would she have been able to think of them as parents?
She didn’t know.
She slowly blinked, and her resolve grew stronger.
“Let’s go inside.”
Yuriel didn’t hesitate and placed her hand on Akron’s arm.
As if he had been waiting, he walked with her, matching her pace.
Even though she was walking slowly, they quickly moved away from her former family.
“…I didn’t expect to run into them like that.”
Hearing Akron’s voice above her, Yuriel looked up.
He looked slightly troubled. He must’ve been concerned about her seeing the Count’s family.
“I know. I’d be lying if I said it didn’t bother me… but…”
She had spent much more time with them than she had been away.
It would take time to heal the wounds in her heart.
But now, she didn’t have to walk that road alone.
Without realizing it, she gripped his arm tighter and gently stroked her round belly.
“…Because I have a new family now.”
Her voice was quiet but filled with new strength.
Instead of replying, Akron wrapped his arm around her shoulder and walked her inside.
“It’s more crowded than usual.”
“Yes. Since it’s a party to celebrate the Crown Prince’s birth, it’s quite a grand event.”
Royal palace parties were always fancy, but this one was even more extravagant.
Nobles from all over the capital were gathered—it was almost overwhelming.
“Well, that’s part of the reason.”
Akron replied casually but didn’t finish his sentence.
People’s eyes were already fixed on Yuriel.
They all seemed to be carefully planning what to say to her.
If Akron hadn’t been there, she would’ve been surrounded by them already.
“This way.”
“…This is…”
Akron led her to a place with a chair carved with a golden dragon—it looked as if it could fly away at any moment.
At official events, only the Emperor and Empress, and the Grand Duke and Duchess of Veiharz, had designated seats.
“The Emperor and Empress will be here soon.”
While Yuriel was admiring the seat, a herald made the announcement.
Everyone turned their attention toward the throne.
It was the Emperor of the Spera Empire, Verchiden, and the Empress Rubien, who had recently given birth to the Crown Prince.
“Please be seated.”
Once the Emperor and Empress sat down, Yuriel also took her seat beside Akron as the Grand Duchess.
‘So this is the seat of the Veiharz family…’
Indeed, the rumors were true—the Grand Duke truly stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the Emperor.
Looking around at the nobles filling the hall, Yuriel felt out of place.
She also worried if she belonged in that seat.
“I’m truly grateful you could attend.”
“Not at all, Your Majesty. Congratulations on the birth of the Crown Prince.”
After a brief congratulatory exchange, the Emperor turned his attention to Akron.
Up close, the Emperor’s eyes glowed with deep interest.
The Imperial Family and the Veiharz family had always had a close relationship.
This Emperor, in particular, was known to favor Akron.
Anyone could see the admiration in his gaze.
“And now, the Grand Duchess. I finally got to see your face.”
“I apologize, Your Majesty.”
Yuriel lowered her eyes respectfully.
It was proper to visit the Imperial Family after marriage, but she hadn’t been able to. She had to accept that.
“No need to apologize. I’m thankful you came in person to offer congratulations. It’s a pity your estate is so far from the capital.
It would be lovely if you could spend more time with the Empress. Wouldn’t you agree?”
“I do,” the Empress responded softly.
Empress Rubien was known to be quiet and composed—just like the rumors.
“Unfortunately, I’m still recovering, but next time you come to the capital, I’d love to meet you properly, Grand Duchess.”
“I’m honored. May the Divine bless the Imperial Family and the Crown Prince’s future.”
Yuriel spoke with sincerity, offering her blessings to the new mother and child.
The Empress smiled kindly back at her.
She didn’t seem like someone who sat at the peak of power.
Though it was just a short conversation, she and Yuriel felt like old friends already.
Not long after—
“I’m still quite tired… I think I’ll return now.”
Having recently given birth, the Empress’s eyes looked tired and shadowed.
Even attending this event must have been difficult for her.
“Very well… Let us go.”
The Emperor wanted to keep talking to Akron, but he couldn’t leave the Empress alone.
“If nothing else comes up, I hope you visit while you’re in the capital.”
With a hint of regret in his voice, the Emperor left with the Empress.
Yuriel let out a soft sigh as she watched them go.
It had been easier to speak with them than she expected, but she was still nervous.
“We talked more than I expected.”
“But I’m glad I didn’t make any mistakes.”
Yuriel was truly relieved.
Akron took her hand and gently sent a bit of his energy into her body.
Her tense body slowly relaxed.
“Shall we get up now?”
“Don’t we need to meet more people?”
Down below, a ball had begun.
The party had just started, and she wasn’t sure if it was okay to leave already.
“No. We just needed to show our faces.”
And if they delayed any longer—
“Your Grace! What an honor to finally meet you. May I introduce myself?”
Before he could finish, a middle-aged noblewoman rushed over.
She had been circling Yuriel since before the party began.
There were always plenty of people trying to connect with the Imperial Family.
To them, it was easier to approach the Grand Duchess than the Grand Duke, whose hands were always stained with blood.
“Ah, Countess Lechet Armand.”
“Oh my, I’m surprised you know me!”
Yuriel responded kindly, and the woman’s face lit up.
Seeing this, others who had been hesitating quickly started to gather around her.
“Your Grace, I would also like to greet you. I’m Beor Cheild, eldest son of the Cheild family.”
Despite the continuous greetings, Yuriel remained calm and graceful.
Akron’s eyebrows twitched—starting from this moment.
All these nobles had different goals. Some wanted power.
And in truth, trying to gain power was better than some of the other motives.
Yuriel was more dazzling than any other woman at the event.
She was like a magnolia touched by mist—delicate and dignified, with a gentle, sweet smile.
Even noble young men and titled lords were captivated by her charm.
“If you wish to greet someone, shouldn’t you greet me first?”
“…M-my apologies…”
The bold young noble who stepped forward quickly shrank back.
Seeing Akron’s expression, the others slowly stepped away as well.
Akron glanced coldly at the nobles.
And he didn’t forget to lock eyes with a few who were looking at Yuriel with dazed, greedy stares.
