Chapter 18
A partner is inevitably destined to die, and dwelling on that farewell could cause the affairs of the grand ducal family to be neglected.
For this reason, the heirs of the Bellius line have historically been educated, from an age when accidents are possible, to learn to let go of what they hold dear.
But Cesare never received that education, as the curse’s effect on him was unusually strong. Therefore, it was certain that when Lesia eventually died, he would experience the shock in full.
“It would be best to separate them.”
Having reached that conclusion, Teresa glanced toward the door. The servants accompanying her grabbed Lesia by the arms and led her out of the room.
“What—Mother!”
Cesare, startled, tried to stop the servants, but Teresa blocked his path, preventing him from moving further.
As she was dragged away, Lesia turned to look at Cesare.
Cesare, held back by Teresa, was staring at her with a look as though he might die from the pain of separation.
Lesia etched that expression into her memory.
The moment Cesare awakened, she felt a profound sense of loss—realizing that there would now be no place in this castle where she could entrust herself and find comfort.
Yet, even as he awakened, she secretly felt relief at seeing him alive, and despised herself for it.
Bang—the door shut, and even as Lesia completely disappeared from view, Cesare could not take his eyes off the door.
Teresa stepped in front of him once again and spoke to Cesare.
“How is your condition?”
“And… what do you intend to do with Lesia?”
Cesare raised his head, meeting the grand duke with a challenging gaze.
The grand duke took a moment to reflect on him.
He’s grown quite a lot.
Well, he was already thirteen. In five years, he would legally inherit the family and start taking on responsibilities in earnest. By then, Cesare would be healthy, carrying the Bellius name, and fully active.
“But before that…”
Teresa, having finished her thought, looked at Cesare and spoke casually.
“Just in time. Cesare, we’ll need to prepare for a guest.”
Cesare frowned at Teresa’s sudden words.
“A guest? Who… suddenly—”
Teresa replied with a cold expression.
“The Crown Prince is coming to see you.”
Cesare’s face showed surprise at her unexpected words.
Teresa approached, grasping his shoulder firmly, her gaze cold and intent.
“You must never, under any circumstances, reveal a weakness. Understand?”
Seeing her unusually serious expression, Cesare met her gaze directly.
“I understand. But… please don’t treat Lesia harshly. I ask this of you.”
“…Very well, I understand.”
Not long after that, news arrived that the Crown Prince had passed through the castle gates.
“Come to the reception room once preparations are complete.”
“…Yes.”
After Teresa left, Cesare was left alone, thinking of Lesia, then of the suddenly arriving Crown Prince.
Perhaps this unexpected visit would become a variable in the situation.
⚜ ⚜ ⚜
“This is the Bellius Grand Ducal Castle…”
Luxes stepped down from the carriage, marveling briefly at the grandeur of the Bellius Castle.
Then, an unpleasant gleam flashed in his green eyes.
The scale of the castle rivaled even the Imperial Palace.
From time immemorial, a family’s mansion or castle reflected its power. By tradition, all buildings in the empire were supposed to be built smaller and less ostentatiously than the palace.
Yet here was a castle that openly challenged the palace.
It was clear that this was the will of Bellius.
For Luxes, proud as a member of the royal family and envisioning a future ruling the empire, the Bellius Castle was intensely displeasing to the eye.
“Welcome to Bellius, Crown Prince Luxes.”
Yet the unpleasant feeling melted the moment he heard the voice behind him.
In its place remained only the boy’s pure admiration.
“Even though this was a sudden visit, I am grateful for your warm reception, Grand Duke.”
Turning to greet, Luxes looked at the grand duke.
‘So this is Teresa Bellius…’
For a moment, Luxes almost stiffened, but he managed a controlled smile.
‘An enemy of the crown.’
Historically, the Bellius house and the royal family had always been at odds, though they maintained a certain distance—a tacit peace, so to speak.
But this current grand duke had arbitrarily narrowed that distance.
Teresa Bellius.
As much as Luxes felt discomfort, Teresa found the Luxes family equally inconvenient.
Yet both maintained smiling facades, trying to gauge each other’s intentions without yielding an inch.
Teresa spoke first.
“Traveling through snow at this time must have been inconvenient. And yet, you came specifically to visit my son. Your effort is most impressive.”
Luxes answered without retreating, even at the pointed remark.
“Not at all. I enjoy the snow, so it made the journey quite pleasant.”
This was true.
The capital where Luxes lived had a mild climate, rarely seeing heavy snowfall even in winter. This had always disappointed him, but now, as he crossed into the ducal territory, the world was completely white.
It was the first time he had seen a snow-covered world in his life, and even the initially unpleasant impression of the ducal land changed.
That didn’t mean he liked its ruler, though.
“Good. Ah, please come inside. I’ve prepared warm cocoa—I hope it suits Your Highness’s taste.”
The grand duke’s overtly childish treatment made Luxes laugh.
“Thank you. I’ve outgrown cocoa, though—next time, tea would be appreciated.”
“Ah… perhaps I underestimated Your Highness’s maturity.”
“You haven’t had a coming-of-age ceremony yet, so I’m still a child in that regard. Someday, I will serve you at court as well.”
Outwardly, it seemed a friendly conversation, but the words carried no real warmth.
The conversation was a delicate, unyielding dance. Teresa’s gaze sharpened, while Luxes, feigning innocence, carefully observed the castle as they walked.
Suddenly, he spoke as if recalling something.
“I worry that I came without knowing how the grand duke is faring. I hope to at least see his face…”
At his probing words, Teresa gave her most confident smile yet.
Seeing it, Luxes understood the grand duke’s condition without needing to see him.
Their steps brought them to the reception room.
“You needn’t worry about that.”
Teresa signaled a servant at the door, who bowed and opened it.
As the doors opened, the magnificent interior came into view.
And then:
“Your Highness, Crown Prince, I am Cesare Bellius.”
“…Ah, so my concerns were unnecessary.”
Cesare and Luxes’ eyes met.
⚜ ⚜ ⚜
Lesia, who had been dragged away, arrived in a room no different from a prison.
The door was firmly shut, and she sat on the bed, head bowed.
Soon, she heard the door click open and a familiar voice speak.
“Well, I came to check on you since you were dragged away.”
It was Rueli.
He gazed at Lesia as if observing an animal trapped in a cage, smiling.
“Now… are you planning to kill me?”
Lesia, staring into emptiness with detached eyes, let out a hollow laugh and muttered.
Rueli watched her for a moment before responding.
“Why would you think that?”
“Because Cesare has awakened.”
Lesia continued, expressionless.
“Since Cesare has awakened, I’m no longer needed.”
“Ho…h.”
Rueli murmured, clearly intrigued.
“I’ve always thought you’re remarkably clever for your age. Quick to assess situations and understand your place. It’s a shame—you’d have been a valuable asset if you weren’t a commoner or a partner.”
Of course, this was a meaningless hypothetical.
But praise, even within a meaningless scenario, lifts a person’s spirits.
Rueli feigned indifference while watching her reaction, his eyes remaining cold and cynical.
Truly, a waste.
‘Too valuable to die.’
Rueli observed Lesia for a long moment before inclining his head toward her.
“If you stay like this, Miss Lesia, you will surely die.”
“….”
“Not immediately, though. If a partner dies before the curse is fully transferred, Bellius’ curse doesn’t disappear—it lingers and gnaws at life.”
“…Then I’ll be trapped here until the curse is fully transferred, and only then will I die.”
“Yes. Quick to understand—I like that.”
Despite his praise, Lesia felt no joy at all.
