Chapter 9 Part 3: Will You Marry Me?

A vast, white hall. A cold silence filled the space. This was none other than the residence of the Emperor. Endlessly tall pillars showcased his authority.

From one end of the ceiling to the other, a mural crafted by hundreds of artists stretched across the expanse. Dragons, angels, and demons intertwined, forming a magnificent panorama.

Tap-tap-

Only one sound echoed. The Emperor drumming his fingers on the throne.

A moment later.

A slow, heavy bass voice resonated.

“So, you said you had something to say?”

Boredom laced his voice. He had already ignited the colossal flame that was the empire.

The Emperor, Kahden Winslet.

His vibrant white hair spread out like a mane. Yet, the hand gripping the throne was skeletal, and the gaze cast downwards was dull.

He was once a raging inferno, now a dwindling ember. He found little interest in anything other than sensual pleasures.

“I hope you have been well, Your Majesty.”

“This is a first. You seeking me out.”

The Second Prince, Cayron Winslet, contained a sneer.

‘It’s not like you ever sought me out either.’

He swallowed those words, knowing the man before him still held power.

But he no longer feared him as he did in his youth.

Feigned pleasantries flowed from Cayron’s, or rather, Caron’s lips.

“Both Father and I are too busy to meet privately, are we not?”

“Is that so?”

“The Emperor is one who oversees all. I, Cayron, always strive to emulate Your Majesty.”

Knowing it was empty flattery, the Emperor offered a satisfied smile.

“Yes. You are striving. Your achievements in Elchen are commendable.”

“I merely did what was required of me.”

“However, do not let your guard down.”

The Emperor advised.

“The people of Elchen have never truly submitted to us. If you show even a sliver of weakness, they will rise again.”

Elchen, located in the north of the empire, was once the birthplace of a flourishing magical civilization. Although now merely a territory of the empire, it had been a source of unrest for decades.

This was the first time Elchen had been completely subdued.

The Emperor smiled, pleased with his son’s competent actions. Though merely the son of a concubine, he was still of his bloodline.

Indeed, it was the Emperor’s generosity that had acknowledged the son of a mere concubine as the official Second Prince.

Yet, Caron had been practically neglected, left to fend for himself. From a young age, he was exposed to attacks from the Empress and the First Prince’s faction.

The Emperor’s affection for Caron was akin to the interest one might show a decorative pet. Fortunately, the First Prince received similar treatment, sparing Caron from the Emperor’s direct interference.

That indecisiveness was now a blessing.

“So, Your Majesty. I have a request.”

“You…?”

The Emperor rested his chin on his hand, intrigued.

“If it’s a reward for your recent achievements, I will gladly grant it at your triumphal banquet.”

Caron had achieved a significant victory. He had conquered territory beyond the Tunneril Forest, a feat never before accomplished. This was the last stronghold of the Elchen liberation army.

As this victory was yet to be publicly announced, the Emperor planned to reveal it at the banquet.

“If it’s not that, tell me what you desire.”

Caron, as if waiting for this moment, got to the point.

“I am nearing twenty. It is time I take a consort.”

“…A consort?”

The Emperor chuckled. His son had recently gained considerable renown. He was of age. Naturally, the Emperor had been planning a suitable marriage.

An imperial marriage was no simple affair. It was an opportunity to display the empire’s continued vitality, a showcase of living power. But for his son to make such a request first…

“Have you found a woman you fancy?”

Caron didn’t deny it.

“If so, will you grant my request?”

“You are impatient.”

The Emperor laughed heartily.

“Savina… that woman has been saying you should settle down. I’ve actually already shortlisted the final candidates.”

So, it was true. The Empress had interfered with Caron’s life in similar ways before.

With a single word from his favored Empress, the Emperor, without much thought, would tighten the noose around Caron, disguised as benevolence.

This was no different. If Caron hadn’t spoken first, things would have gone the Empress’s way.

‘Final candidates?’

The preparations had already been underway without his knowledge.

“Well, let’s hear your thoughts. Who is she?”

Fortunately, the Emperor was currently feeling generous due to Caron’s recent accomplishments.

Caron spoke, feigning nervousness.

“Rosa Anencia. Daughter of Count Anencia.”

“Oh…”

An unexpected gasp escaped the Emperor.

“What a coincidence.”

The Emperor’s following words widened Caron’s eyes.

A week had passed. Rosa had returned to the Count’s estate.

Her room was filled with a subtle fruity fragrance. The white, charming desk and bed, the tapestry adorned with floral patterns on the wall, the red vase on the drawer, and the fluttering ivory curtains.

It hadn’t always been this way. She had simply grown accustomed to it. This room, unmistakably a noble lady’s chamber, had become a part of Rosa’s daily life.

However, she might soon have to leave this room. Caron’s reply had arrived just two days ago.

[I accept. Your proposal. I’ll visit soon.]

A short message on a piece of stationery. Rosa repeatedly traced the elegant, almost feminine handwriting with her fingers.

‘He’s really going through with it.’

That was her first thought. Relief that it was Caron came second.

The marriage was nothing more than a brief performance. She had no idea what kind of life awaited her after that.

“My lady, what are you thinking about so deeply?”

She felt the gentle strokes of a brush combing her hair.

“Well, I think I know. My lady is finally becoming the mistress of a household… I, Mary, am truly moved.”

The maid chattering beside her was Mary, a charming girl with brown pigtails and freckles. She had been Rosa’s personal maid since childhood.

“Mary, it’s not completely finalized yet.”

It was only a verbal agreement. Mary let out a cheerful laugh.

“But you’re happy, right? The rumors have already spread. That my lady is finally tying the knot with the boy of your promise!”

Rosa gaped, dumbfounded.

“Promise? What promise…”

“Oh my, such language. Even if you’re embarrassed…”

Her giggling sounded mischievous.

“You know, if you keep this up, I won’t take you with me.”

Mary’s face fell.

“That’s mean, my lady.”

“Mean? It’s my prerogative to choose my personal maid.”

“Honestly, where else would you find a maid as comfortable to be around as me?”

That was true. Mary was exceptionally sociable. It was quite enjoyable to be around her.

“You know? My lady has become much more feminine recently.”

“Me?”

“It’s true.”

Between girl and woman, she had definitely leaned towards the latter. A beauty that had reached its peak, like a flower in full bloom.

“Your speech, your demeanor… Compared to a few years ago, it’s a complete transformation.”

“So, you’re saying the change is for the better?”

“Not necessarily.”

Mary winked knowingly.

“It’s just that… It’s understandable that he couldn’t stand by and watch any longer.”

“What do you mean by that?”

Rosa chuckled dryly.

‘Oh dear…’

Mary had completely missed the mark. Her marriage, or whatever it was, to Caron wasn’t born out of romantic notions.

She admitted that her speech and demeanor had changed considerably. But that was simply her adapting to her role as a noble lady.

Even before her transmigration, she had a gentle and delicate side. Of course, that didn’t mean she felt any romantic attraction to men. It was simply her disposition.

‘Well, it doesn’t matter now…’

Even if she had changed, it wasn’t because of Caron. Rosa smiled, wondering if everyone else thought like Mary.

Just then, there was a commotion outside.

Tada-dak-

The sound of running footsteps in the hallway.

“I’ll check it out.”

Mary hurried towards the door.

Drawn by the noise, Rosa went to the terrace overlooking the garden. She spotted two carriages, cloaked in black cloth.

‘Could it be…?’

Had Caron already arrived?

“My lady, he’s here!”

It was exactly as she suspected. Rosa’s face brightened.

In the reception room of the Count’s mansion, Rosa paced anxiously.

[My lady, you must look your best!]

More than Mary’s insistence, it was her own will.

‘Really…? It’s just Caron.’

With that thought, she had chosen a simple dress.

“Ha…”

Yes, that’s right. Caron was here in the mansion. And he had been in a meeting with her father, Count Anencia, for over two hours.

This was completely unexpected.

‘Could it be… that Father doesn’t approve…?’

Rosa worried about the Count’s scrutiny.

From what she had seen, he wasn’t one to care about social status.

But this was about his daughter’s marriage. It wouldn’t be strange for him to set various conditions. The longer the reception room door remained closed, the more anxious she became.

Then, she heard footsteps from the hallway. The heavy, dull thud of a man’s boots.

‘Finally…’

Rosa stood up, tense.

As expected, it was Caron who entered the reception room.

“…What?”

But something was off. Rosa’s thoughts ground to a halt. Caron felt unfamiliar.

Caron was dressed in a magnificent black suit. He exuded an unapproachable aura. A large, red jewel adorned the golden epaulet on his right shoulder.

Instinctively, Rosa realized.

The young man before her, though familiar, was not the one she knew. The one who had been abused as a child, craving affection. The one who seemed to need looking after, having grown up in a modest family.

“Who… who are you?”

Rosa asked.

Caron approached and said,

“The Second Prince you dislike. Cayron Winslet.”