"...Is this true?"
The rumors that had started in the capital only yesterday had spread with terrifying speed. By this morning, they had reached the Imperial Palace itself.
*Princess Altsbeit and Duke Lemut are getting married!*
It was a headline that naturally dominated every conversation. Charlize Altsbeit’s influence, for better or worse, was absolute. And for Loxdian, her older brother, the news was anything but welcome.
An oppressive, murderous energy filled the Emperor’s office. It was the kind of tension that made the air feel heavy, as if the slightest mistake would result in someone’s head rolling.
Noah, the Emperor’s long-suffering assistant, watched his master and thought in silence. 'Should I go get the Princess? If he gets any more out of control, she’s the only one who can stop him.'
But then he hesitated. Was it really a good idea to bring the person at the center of the rumor in front of Loxdian while he was in this state?
'Why am I even worrying about her?' Noah wondered. In the past, whenever Charlize caused a disaster, he was the one who had to clean up the mess. He’d never had a high opinion of her.
*“You only brought it because you were thinking of your brother, right? You’re such a loyal subject, Noah.”*
*“If you really feel bad, just help me out next time.”*
Charlize’s recent, softer words echoed in his head, complicating his thoughts.
"I asked if it was true, Noah," Loxdian’s voice, cold and sharp as a blade, snapped him back to reality.
"The rumors are circulating, Your Majesty. But nothing has been officially confirmed."
Loxdian’s expression relaxed—only by a fraction, but it was enough for Noah to let out a small sigh of relief. The immediate danger of a royal rampage had passed.
"Does he really think he deserves to marry her?" Loxdian growled. "It’s ridiculous. A man with no money, no prospects... he should just stay at home with that little sister he loves so much!"
Noah remained silent.
"Did he think marrying my 'stupid' sister would bring him a fortune?" Loxdian continued, his voice dripping with venom. "He’s just a piece of straw. Tell me, Noah, isn't he a complete scoundrel?"
"...If you want my objective opinion," Noah said, choosing his words carefully. "Based on everything we know of the past... Charlize wasn't exactly the 'good' side of that relationship."
Loxdian glared at him.
"I don't think he’s a bad man," Noah continued. "In fact, as far as men go, Duke Lemut is... well, he’s considered an ideal groom. He has the looks women admire, a reputation for honesty and integrity, and his knights are loyal to a fault. His character is—"
"Enough!" Loxdian’s eyes were practically shooting sparks. "I don't need a list of his virtues!"
Noah quickly shut his mouth. He had no desire to be hit by the metaphorical lightning bolt.
"Fine. Maybe he’s better than most, but he’s still not good enough for an Altsbeit," Loxdian muttered, his voice turning cold again. He tapped his desk rhythmically. "If this marriage happens, she becomes a permanent member of that family. My grandfather, that greedy raccoon, will have won. He’ll have the Altsbeit wealth and the Lemut name all under his thumb."
It made sense. If Charlize married Askin, she would be further away from the Imperial family than ever.
"Why is Your Majesty so determined to bring the Princess back to the palace?" Noah asked.
Loxdian looked at him as if he were stupid. "Because she’s family. Why else? If your sibling’s future was about to be ruined by a bad marriage, would you just sit back and watch?"
Noah didn't answer. To Loxdian, Askin was "way below" the Imperial standard, regardless of his character. Noah didn't fully understand his master’s sudden obsession with Charlize, but he knew better than to question it.
Lately, whenever Noah thought of Charlize, he found himself thinking, 'She doesn't deserve to be with someone who hates her.'
That thought was interrupted when Loxdian suddenly stood up.
"Where are you going, Your Majesty?"
"Fact-checking." Loxdian raised his hand, signaling Noah to prepare his magic. Noah felt a wave of dread. There was a mountain of paperwork on the desk that needed to be handled today.
"I’m going to see her," Loxdian said. "Open the gate."
"But Your Majesty, the work—"
"Is that really the priority right now? I need to know if my sister has finally lost her mind. Open it!"
Noah sighed. "As you wish. But don't blame me if—"
"Are you going to keep talking, or are you going to do your job? Or would you prefer to go back to being my personal slave?"
Noah wisely chose to do his job, though the urge to write a resignation letter had never been stronger.
* * *
"Welcome, Princess."
When I arrived at the Lemut estate, I knew something was wrong the moment I stepped off the carriage. The massive castle gates, which were usually bolted shut to keep me out, were standing wide open.
Not only that, but the knight on duty gave me a polite, respectful bow. He wasn't the same knight who had thanked me before, but he didn't have a trace of the usual hostility I’d come to expect.
'Should I be happy about this, or should I be terrified?' I wondered, a cold sweat breaking out on my neck.
The rumors had clearly reached this far. They were treating me like the future Duchess.
"The Duke is currently away from the castle," the knight said.
'Of course he is,' I thought. 'That’s his standard response whenever he doesn't want to see me.'
"Would you like to wait inside?" the knight added.
'I am definitely going to die today,' I realized. My heart wasn't hurting yet, but I was sure a massive explosion was coming.
I followed an older servant into the main building. My legs felt like jelly, and I had to stop in the hallway just to catch my breath. The servant watched me with a mix of anxiety and caution.
"If it’s alright with you, Princess, I can show you to the parlor," he said.
I nodded, trying to maintain my dignity while leaning against the wall. I pretended to adjust my dress while I regained my composure. 'Last time I sat here, I didn't leave until I’d caused a scene. Maybe they’re just trying to prevent that.'
I entered the parlor and took a seat. I looked around, momentarily forgetting my panic. While the Altsbeit mansion was a testament to gold and excess, the Lemut parlor was clean, efficient, and understated. It lacked the raw wealth of my grandfather’s home, but it felt much more... dignified.
'It’s exactly like him,' I thought. 'Clean and tidy.'
A maid brought me tea, and as I sat there alone, my gaze landed on a large portrait on the far wall. I hadn't noticed it before—I’d been too distracted by my own internal screaming.
It was a family portrait. Four people. Askin, Aria, and their parents.
'Wow...'
They were a stunningly beautiful family. Except for the father, who had a more rugged, masculine handsomeness, they were all breathtaking. Askin, as a young boy, had been so pretty he could have been mistaken for a girl with short hair.
Both siblings had clearly inherited their mother’s delicate features.
'Aria looked so much healthier then,' I thought, feeling a pang of regret for the girl. 'I wonder if I’ll ever see her look like that again.'
I reached for my teacup, my hand brushing against the gold necklace.
Just then, I heard a faint tapping sound from the door.