Going to the Prince’s Palace had become a part of her routine.
As the sky gradually turned scarlet, the etiquette instructor, who had visited to teach her manners, greeted her before leaving.
Leah sat on the sofa, contemplating. Despite being in the Empire for six years, it was her first time delving into the intricacies of proper etiquette.
While attending parties were routine, standing before foreign guests was a new challenge for her.
On the coronation day, Leah would have to enter the Grand Audience Hall with Caius as her escort. The title of the Crown Prince’s partner held significant weight.
Caius may have to face the consequences of any minor flaw.
Therefore, she had to put in extra effort for him.
Leah rose from her seat and approached the window, gazing at the beautiful sky tinged with a dusky hue.
Leah waited for Caius even though he never specifically told her to do so. Waiting for him had become something natural for her.
He used to wander around the Western Palace without Leah seeking him out.
Leah slowly lowered her gaze, waiting for the sky to darken. A cool breeze blew through the glass window as the autumn evening came.
How long had she stood there? Suddenly, Leah’s eyes widened in shock.
Caius, who she assumed was busy with state affairs, was seen walking with another woman.
“…”
Leah’s trembling eyes caught the two walking side by side vividly.
The distance was considerable, and their expressions weren’t entirely visible, but it was evident that they were engaged in conversation.
Leah unconsciously clenched the window frame. Who could that woman be?
Despite how anxious she felt, Leah tried to remain calm about the situation.
It was just a stroll. Perhaps they were discussing official matters.
Yet, while thinking so, Leah turned away, not wanting to see any more. Strangely, her heart pounded as if it would burst.
Having watched Caius for a long time, she knew him well. He used to roam the Western Palace as if it were his residence.
But now…
Leah waited for the sky to darken before slowly lowering her gaze. As the evening progressed, her gloomy eyes stared at the twilight.
Caius suddenly left his office in the darkened corridor, accompanied by an unknown woman.
“…”
In Leah’s trembling eyes, the two were visible.
Was Leah’s discomfort an exaggerated reaction to the situation?
Leah unintentionally squeezed the hem of her dress. She wasn’t sure why, but seeing Caius with another woman worried her.
She had known Caius for a long time. He used to allocate time for her, even during work hours.
Caius was no longer the man who willingly spent time with her. Leah wished he would leave her alone in this reception room. She hoped for the night to come quickly.
Yet, why…
Leah turned again, grabbing the hem of her dress. The two were now facing each other.
Was Leah’s unease a hypersensitive reaction to the situation?
Leah lowered her head, trying to block out her thoughts. It was an exaggeration to feel this way because Caius was with a strange woman.
Leah’s tightly closed eyes darted toward the corridor.
Capturing the image of the two standing side by side once again, Leah’s carefully groomed composure was shattered.
* * *
“Will Your Highness be attending this banquet with your fiancée?”
Isabella’s voice flowed through Caius’s ears as he faced her directly.
Lady Brisha had been visiting the palace regularly since their last meeting, often accompanied by court ladies.
Caius, who hadn’t declined Isabella’s request for a formal meeting, was currently spending time with her.
“I am considering that.”
Isabella responded without hesitating, nodding as if she found it regrettable.
“Looking back in history, it was a tradition for the partner accompanying the Crown Prince during his ascension to become the Empress. Would Your Highness consider making her the Crown Princess and then the Empress?”
Continuing her graceful steps, Isabella looked up at him.
“Would Your Highness consider making her the Crown Princess and then the Empress?”
Caius lowered his cold eyes to meet hers. He knew the kind of answer she was looking for.
However, he did not instantly give Isabella the answer she desired.
Unintentionally, the image of Leah Ainel, whom he hadn’t seen in a while, flashed before him, triggering an unexpected moment of reflection.
As he became aware of this, a smirk formed on his face.
He stared at Isabella coldly.
“Given the circumstances, there’s no need to dwell on this matter further, is there?”
The man who had shed the mask of courtesy and wore a mocking smile directly confronted her.
“Leah Ainel and I will break up our engagement after the coronation.”
As the chilling words settled, Isabella’s lips curved into a deep, almost satisfied smile.
“That’s the answer I wanted. I simply wanted to confirm it, regardless of the outcome.”
Despite the prolonged conversation, the footsteps of the two never ceased as they continued along the well-paved stone path.
Isabella made her intentions clear right away.
“As you already know, the Brisha family alone wouldn’t benefit Your Highness. However, once you choose the Brisha family, many other influential families will follow suit, becoming a powerful force for Your Highness.”
The Brisha family has been a distinguished family since the early days of the Empire.
While it lacked any extraordinary power aside from its honour, given the numerous branches stemming from the Brisha family, it was evident that they would provide a formidable force.
“I hope Your Highness will choose us.”
Isabella finally came to a halt and said with an unwavering smile.
“Until Your Highness ascends the throne, my family and I will wholeheartedly support you.”
Her ambitious eyes scanned the Imperial Palace. Eventually, her eyes fell on Caius, who would soon be its ruler.
To anyone else, he seemed like a man devoid of any affection.
Fortunately, what Isabella desired from him wasn’t such trivial and endearing affections.
Isabella turned and laid down her conditions with a smile on her face.
“If you wish, you can give your love and passion to someone else.”
Caius’s eyebrows furrowed. Leaning against the chair, Isabella expressed her aspirations with determination.
“I want to be in the highest position. If I can get that, I don’t care about anything else.”
* * *
Twilight faded into a profound, near-perfect darkness.
Caius emerged from his office and walked down the corridor. Just like the shadows got darker at each window, his eyes now had a deep shade of blue.
.
The steward, who noticed him, hurriedly approached with respect.
“Your Highness, Princess Leah is still waiting.”
Caius nodded. It was the report he expected. He had brought that woman to the Prince’s Palace for the sake of completing the preparations for the banquet.
He didn’t mind having a woman waiting for him in his domain, away from everyone else.
Caius’ eyes had a sense of longing. The seemingly calm longing had taken on an intense turn that no one could fathom.
“If you desire it, you can give things like love or passion to someone else.”
Love and passion. Isabella’s words naturally evoked thoughts of that woman.
Leah Ainel. He didn’t consider this desire for her to be love.
But it could be considered a form of passion. A vulgar craving that if given into, is nothing more than lust.
And it wasn’t necessarily a negative thing.
Caius stopped before the reception room and opened the door without knocking.
The woman sat quietly in the same spot as yesterday, raising her head as he entered.
He observed the moonlight spilling over her and seemed to like the sight. However, despite waiting so long, her delicate voice, calling his name, didn’t reach him.
When he thought about this, the woman who had risen from her seat slowly approached and stood before him.
Without maintaining eye contact, she whispered, “I… came, so I’ll be going now.”
Caius narrowed his eyes. The unexpected words shattered his composure in an instant.
“You’re leaving?”
“Yes, I just came to see you, but it’s quite late now.”
Leah responded quietly with her head lowered. While her voice was as gentle as usual, there was a subtle difference in her subdued posture.
As she passed by him, reaching for the doorknob, Caius grabbed her wrist and shut the door.
“…Caius?”
The call he had been waiting for finally came, but it didn’t sound as satisfying as usual.
Caius looked down at her, holding her wrist firmly. The woman, who had seemingly intended to meet his gaze, quickly lowered her head.
When their eyes met as he lifted his chin, the long-awaited call finally came.
“Caius?”
Going to the Prince’s Palace had become a part of her routine.
As the sky gradually turned scarlet, the etiquette instructor, who had visited to teach her manners, greeted her before leaving.
Leah sat on the sofa, contemplating. Despite being in the Empire for six years, it was her first time delving into the intricacies of proper etiquette.
While attending parties were routine, standing before foreign guests was a new challenge for her.
On the coronation day, Leah would have to enter the Grand Audience Hall with Caius as her escort. The title of the Crown Prince’s partner held significant weight.
Caius may have to face the consequences of any minor flaw.
Therefore, she had to put in extra effort for him.
Leah rose from her seat and approached the window, gazing at the beautiful sky tinged with a dusky hue.
Leah waited for Caius even though he never specifically told her to do so. Waiting for him had become something natural for her.
He used to wander around the Western Palace without Leah seeking him out.
Leah slowly lowered her gaze, waiting for the sky to darken. A cool breeze blew through the glass window as the autumn evening came.
How long had she stood there? Suddenly, Leah’s eyes widened in shock.
Caius, who she assumed was busy with state affairs, was seen walking with another woman.
“…”
Leah’s trembling eyes caught the two walking side by side vividly.
The distance was considerable, and their expressions weren’t entirely visible, but it was evident that they were engaged in conversation.
Leah unconsciously clenched the window frame. Who could that woman be?
Despite how anxious she felt, Leah tried to remain calm about the situation.
It was just a stroll. Perhaps they were discussing official matters.
Yet, while thinking so, Leah turned away, not wanting to see any more. Strangely, her heart pounded as if it would burst.
Having watched Caius for a long time, she knew him well. He used to roam the Western Palace as if it were his residence.
But now…
Leah waited for the sky to darken before slowly lowering her gaze. As the evening progressed, her gloomy eyes stared at the twilight.
Caius suddenly left his office in the darkened corridor, accompanied by an unknown woman.
“…”
In Leah’s trembling eyes, the two were visible.
Was Leah’s discomfort an exaggerated reaction to the situation?
Leah unintentionally squeezed the hem of her dress. She wasn’t sure why, but seeing Caius with another woman worried her.
She had known Caius for a long time. He used to allocate time for her, even during work hours.
Caius was no longer the man who willingly spent time with her. Leah wished he would leave her alone in this reception room. She hoped for the night to come quickly.
Yet, why…
Leah turned again, grabbing the hem of her dress. The two were now facing each other.
Was Leah’s unease a hypersensitive reaction to the situation?
Leah lowered her head, trying to block out her thoughts. It was an exaggeration to feel this way because Caius was with a strange woman.
Leah’s tightly closed eyes darted toward the corridor.
Capturing the image of the two standing side by side once again, Leah’s carefully groomed composure was shattered.
* * *
“Will Your Highness be attending this banquet with your fiancée?”
Isabella’s voice flowed through Caius’s ears as he faced her directly.
Lady Brisha had been visiting the palace regularly since their last meeting, often accompanied by court ladies.
Caius, who hadn’t declined Isabella’s request for a formal meeting, was currently spending time with her.
“I am considering that.”
Isabella responded without hesitating, nodding as if she found it regrettable.
“Looking back in history, it was a tradition for the partner accompanying the Crown Prince during his ascension to become the Empress. Would Your Highness consider making her the Crown Princess and then the Empress?”
Continuing her graceful steps, Isabella looked up at him.
“Would Your Highness consider making her the Crown Princess and then the Empress?”
Caius lowered his cold eyes to meet hers. He knew the kind of answer she was looking for.
However, he did not instantly give Isabella the answer she desired.
Unintentionally, the image of Leah Ainel, whom he hadn’t seen in a while, flashed before him, triggering an unexpected moment of reflection.
As he became aware of this, a smirk formed on his face.
He stared at Isabella coldly.
“Given the circumstances, there’s no need to dwell on this matter further, is there?”
The man who had shed the mask of courtesy and wore a mocking smile directly confronted her.
“Leah Ainel and I will break up our engagement after the coronation.”
As the chilling words settled, Isabella’s lips curved into a deep, almost satisfied smile.
“That’s the answer I wanted. I simply wanted to confirm it, regardless of the outcome.”
Despite the prolonged conversation, the footsteps of the two never ceased as they continued along the well-paved stone path.
Isabella made her intentions clear right away.
“As you already know, the Brisha family alone wouldn’t benefit Your Highness. However, once you choose the Brisha family, many other influential families will follow suit, becoming a powerful force for Your Highness.”
The Brisha family has been a distinguished family since the early days of the Empire.
While it lacked any extraordinary power aside from its honour, given the numerous branches stemming from the Brisha family, it was evident that they would provide a formidable force.
“I hope Your Highness will choose us.”
Isabella finally came to a halt and said with an unwavering smile.
“Until Your Highness ascends the throne, my family and I will wholeheartedly support you.”
Her ambitious eyes scanned the Imperial Palace. Eventually, her eyes fell on Caius, who would soon be its ruler.
To anyone else, he seemed like a man devoid of any affection.
Fortunately, what Isabella desired from him wasn’t such trivial and endearing affections.
Isabella turned and laid down her conditions with a smile on her face.
“If you wish, you can give your love and passion to someone else.”
Caius’s eyebrows furrowed. Leaning against the chair, Isabella expressed her aspirations with determination.
“I want to be in the highest position. If I can get that, I don’t care about anything else.”
* * *
Twilight faded into a profound, near-perfect darkness.
Caius emerged from his office and walked down the corridor. Just like the shadows got darker at each window, his eyes now had a deep shade of blue.
.
The steward, who noticed him, hurriedly approached with respect.
“Your Highness, Princess Leah is still waiting.”
Caius nodded. It was the report he expected. He had brought that woman to the Prince’s Palace for the sake of completing the preparations for the banquet.
He didn’t mind having a woman waiting for him in his domain, away from everyone else.
Caius’ eyes had a sense of longing. The seemingly calm longing had taken on an intense turn that no one could fathom.
“If you desire it, you can give things like love or passion to someone else.”
Love and passion. Isabella’s words naturally evoked thoughts of that woman.
Leah Ainel. He didn’t consider this desire for her to be love.
But it could be considered a form of passion. A vulgar craving that if given into, is nothing more than lust.
And it wasn’t necessarily a negative thing.
Caius stopped before the reception room and opened the door without knocking.
The woman sat quietly in the same spot as yesterday, raising her head as he entered.
He observed the moonlight spilling over her and seemed to like the sight. However, despite waiting so long, her delicate voice, calling his name, didn’t reach him.
When he thought about this, the woman who had risen from her seat slowly approached and stood before him.
Without maintaining eye contact, she whispered, “I… came, so I’ll be going now.”
Caius narrowed his eyes. The unexpected words shattered his composure in an instant.
“You’re leaving?”
“Yes, I just came to see you, but it’s quite late now.”
Leah responded quietly with her head lowered. While her voice was as gentle as usual, there was a subtle difference in her subdued posture.
As she passed by him, reaching for the doorknob, Caius grabbed her wrist and shut the door.
“…Caius?”
The call he had been waiting for finally came, but it didn’t sound as satisfying as usual.
Caius looked down at her, holding her wrist firmly. The woman, who had seemingly intended to meet his gaze, quickly lowered her head.
When their eyes met as he lifted his chin, the long-awaited call finally came.
“Caius?”
