Chapter 134
The imperial physician hurried to examine me.
The result: my body was perfectly fine and healthy.
“Thank goodness, really.”
Etias pulled me tightly back into his arms.
The physician flinched and quickly looked away.
Only then did I begin explaining to Etias what had just happened.
I dismissed the physician so it was only the two of us.
I told him I had met the one who put me into Katrin’s body, and that I had received a power that could remove his shadow.
“But… I don’t know how to use it.”
Etias’s shadow was an incredible power, but it was also a terrible curse eating away at his body.
Now that peace had finally come, such a dangerous force no longer had any reason to remain.
“Katrin.”
His blue eyes trembled as he looked at me.
He reached out and cupped my cheek.
“They said when we become husband and wife, you’ll naturally understand. The power is already inside you.”
I nodded.
Then his low voice whispered softly, almost differently than usual.
“…I think I know what it is.”
The tone startled me.
His gaze was deep, dangerous somehow.
‘No way…’
Etias’s lips curled faintly.
“Don’t worry. It’ll work out.”
He didn’t tell me what he suspected.
Instead, he leaned forward and pressed a light kiss to my lips.
Heat spread through my lips, cheeks, and chest.
“Actually, I’m in a hurry.”
He pulled back just slightly, his voice low and dangerous.
“Even in this moment.”
What are you in such a rush for, my little deer, Etias?
Maybe… he meant removing the shadow was urgent.
His gaze was so intense, I forced myself to believe that.
A few days later.
After attending meetings and touring nearby western nations to gather information, Heros returned to the capital a little later than us.
I welcomed him warmly at the Elemore estate and threw a party in his honor.
The chef was ordered to prepare all his favorite dishes.
The servants and maids set off fireworks to greet him.
Though tired, he smiled pleasantly as he stood before me.
“You worked hard, Heros.”
I hugged him lightly and smiled.
“It was necessary for Scavengers’ future activities.”
“You’re the best leader anyone could ask for.”
Heros was my butler, my friend, and my companion.
“Congratulations.”
When he spoke of my engagement to Etias, there was sadness in his eyes, but he offered his blessing.
“I was hoping… you’d kick him away instead.”
I chuckled at his half-serious, half-joking words.
“…I guess I never had a chance.”
His voice still carried that gentle way he once called me “my lady.”
“You’re my family, Heros. The most precious one.”
He smiled faintly and nodded.
“I know. That’s why I truly wish for your happiness. Etias von Clyde… he’ll make you happy.”
“Thank you.”
I was deeply grateful for his blessing, even though I knew it must have hurt.
It made me feel guilty too.
“And… I have one request.”
This was going to be a difficult topic.
I looked at Heros carefully before speaking.
“Will you… become governor of the western lands?”
Etias had given me vast western territories as part of Elemore’s domain.
As Empress, I couldn’t govern them directly.
It had to be entrusted to someone from House Elemore.
But my relatives were all trash, and none of my vassals were trustworthy enough for such a heavy responsibility.
The most suitable choice was obvious.
“As Jeffrey Whistler.”
Heros—capable, sharp, experienced.
Etias had legalized the Scavengers guild, and Heros’s achievements had given him influence equal to many nobles.
His judgment was strong, his business sense excellent.
He had proven his leadership by creating and running Scavengers on his own.
His coldness toward others was a concern, but aside from being overly rational, his morality wasn’t bad.
“The governor of the west, huh.”
He let out a long sigh.
Well, if he refused, I couldn’t force him.
“If you don’t want to…”
“I’ll do it.”
I froze and looked at him.
His plain brown eyes held only my reflection.
“I’ll do it.”
“Heros…”
Accepting meant he’d receive a noble title and great power, but also lose his free, wandering life.
“Better than sighing every day while staring at the palace where you live. Being busy with no time to think—that’s easier.”
“You…”
I couldn’t tell if he was joking or serious. He just smiled faintly.
“And when I toured the west, I saw it’s good land. Full of adventure. My heart actually raced. It’s been a long time since I felt that.”
Relief spread through me at his words.
“It felt like when I first came to House Elemore. Becoming someone new, immersing myself in a new role.”
Thank you, Heros.
Hearing that warmed my heart.
“I’ll hand Scavengers back to Cain and, as you wish, take up the position there.”
He sounded sure.
“Then I’m counting on you.”
He nodded, though his eyes still looked lonely.
It stung my heart.
Months passed quickly.
After Etias’s proposal, the war’s end, and preparations for marriage—time flew.
“My lady, how about these shoes?”
Anes placed sparkling silver shoes by my feet, her eyes shining as brightly as the shoes.
“They’re beautiful. But Anes, you are soon to be—”
“Please, try them on first.”
“You’re about to be a future marchioness. Shouldn’t you act with dignity?”
But she ignored me and slipped the shoes onto my feet.
Then, pressing her cheeks with her hands, she exclaimed in delight:
“My lady, you look perfect!”
We were at a shop in the capital, choosing wedding shoes.
Anes had postponed her own wedding plans just so she could devote herself to making me the most beautiful bride in the world.
“You…”
I laughed softly.
Then a voice came from inside.
“Duchess, your dress is ready.”
Anes looked flustered and glanced around.
“When will His Majesty arrive? He said he would come…”
“Well, he’s so busy with state affairs. He might not make it.”
I didn’t think much of it and went inside to try on the wedding dress.
The sight stole my breath.
The silk was smooth like cake cream, while the silver threads and embroidery looked holy, like scripture.
The empire’s best artisans had come together to create this masterpiece.
“It’s not finished yet, Your Grace,” the chief designer said politely.
“This isn’t finished?”
“Yes. The final version will be even more dazzling.”
Just how extravagant did they intend to make it?
Still dazed, I changed and tried on the dress.
The staff helped me.
Soon, the stunning gown hugged my body perfectly, so beautiful it was almost intimidating to touch.
“This part should be taken in a little… and here adjusted…”
Of course, the experienced designer still saw things to improve.
“Would you like to walk outside with it?”
I nodded.
The white curtain was drawn aside, and I stepped forward.
The new wedding shoes were stiff, but I’d get used to them soon enough.
Then, as I walked out, I froze.
“…Katrin.”
Standing there was none other than Etias.
His hair was slightly disheveled, as if he had rushed here.
But his imperial uniform was neat and perfect.
He stood before me, staring blankly as if entranced.
