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Chapter : 45
The moment I stepped out onto the terrace, Rebecca grabbed my hand tightly.
“Your Highness, you’re holding my hand in a manner unbecoming of a princess.”
“About earlier…”
It seemed she felt apologetic about having danced with Luciano.
“No need. I don’t mind at all, so don’t worry. It was a situation you couldn’t refuse, so there’s no need for Your Highness to apologize to me.”
“But the Grand Duke is still the husband of the Grand Duchess.”
He’s going to be your husband eventually, anyway…
Knowing the ending of the original story, I truly didn’t care.
And then it hit me.
Right. I can help connect them.
He’s been delaying the divorce under the pretext of business, and if I died before it happened, continuing this marriage would only be reckless.
If Luciano and Rebecca fell in love, Luciano would naturally want to divorce me. Once he asked, I could wish them happiness and walk away with a clean conscience. Simple.
A brilliant idea suddenly came to mind, and I couldn’t hide the smile spreading across my face.
So why does my heart ache?
It was strange.
It was all bound to happen even if I did nothing. Luciano was destined to fall in love with Rebecca, so why did it hurt—when I wasn’t even the heroine?
“Grand Duchess? Are you feeling unwell?”
“No, Princess. If you’re finished speaking, I’ll take my leave.”
“All right, Grand Duchess.”
No sooner had I walked past her than the Empress Consort of Peritian approached.
“So the Grand Duchess is here.”
“I greet Your Majesty.”
“You saw the dance between the Grand Duke and the princess earlier, yes?”
So my guess had been correct. How could she read my thoughts so precisely?
Was it because she was a character in a novel? Or was the Peritian Empress simply foolish?
“Yes. It was a beautiful dance.”
“They looked perfect together, did they not? Golden hair and honey-colored hair—such a matching pair.”
“Yes. Your Majesty speaks true.”
When I answered flatly, the Empress Consort looked displeased.
“You seem entirely unaffected.”
“Of course. He is my husband, so I simply trust him. That is why I am unaffected.”
“I hope that trust remains between you and the Grand Duke.”
“If Your Majesty has nothing further to say, then I shall take my leave.”
“Very well.”
I offered polite farewell to Peritian, whose verbal blow had no weight, and withdrew.
The banquet lasted deep into the night. Luciano summoned his aide.
“Arrange a meeting with Princess Etoile after the Festival of Spring.”
“Pardon? For what purpose would Your Grace request an audience with the princess?”
“There is something I must confirm. Just set the appointment.”
“…Understood, Your Grace.”
By the time the clock passed midnight toward one in the morning, the banquet was winding down.
Less than half the nobles remained.
Time to go back.
As I was searching for Luciano, he came to me.
“We should return to the Grand Duke’s estate, my lady.”
“Yes. Let’s go.”
He escorted me naturally to the carriage.
We arrived home after one thirty in the morning. Few servants were awake at that hour.
“You’ve returned, Your Grace. My lady.”
“Prepare bathwater.”
“At once.”
I washed and went straight to bed.
Meanwhile, Luciano was still working.
“Your Grace,” his aide said carefully.
“What is it?”
“I arranged a meeting with Her Highness as requested. She wished to meet sooner, so I scheduled it for tomorrow. Is that acceptable?”
“Yes. I shall see the princess tomorrow. You may go.”
The light in Luciano’s office burned until dawn.
The next day, after breakfast, Luciano headed straight to the palace.
“Your Highness, the Grand Duke of Winposte has arrived.”
“So soon? Tell him I am not yet ready and he will need to wait a little longer.”
“Yes, Princess.”
The maid relayed the message.
“Her Highness requests that you wait a bit longer.”
“…Very well.”
Not long after, Rebecca appeared outside.
“Grand Duke Winposte! Did you wait long?”
“No, Your Highness.”
“I’m glad. I heard you wished to speak to me—please, come in.”
She led him to her office.
“Have a seat, Your Grace.”
“My thanks, Your Highness.”
“So, what was it you wished to say?”
In truth, Luciano had nothing to say.
He was simply certain now. She was someone capable of manifesting the power of the sun. The sooner he could help her awaken it, the better.
“His Majesty and Her Majesty asked me to check how well Your Highness is adjusting to life in the palace.”
“I see. I thought perhaps you had something personal to tell me.”
“What could I possibly have to say to Your Highness?”
Stronger.
Luciano could feel it—her heat was stronger than when they first met.
If Cardinal Chris was right, manifestation was close.
“You came all the way here; it would be rude to send you back at once. Please, have some tea.”
“You’re very kind, Princess.”
But as he sipped, sweat poured down his body—too hot.
“Are you unwell, Your Grace?”
“I’m fine.”
“But the tea isn’t even hot. You’re sweating buckets.”
She rose, retrieved a handkerchief, and dabbed his forehead.
Her touch burned.
Hot enough to drive me mad.
“Should I summon the palace physician? You seem feverish.”
Unable to stand the heat, Luciano slapped her hand away.
“I’m fine… Forgive me, Princess. I must take my leave. Pardon my rudeness.”
“No, don’t worry. Please be careful, Your Grace.”
He fled the palace and headed straight home.
“Your Grace! You’re drenched!”
“Silence, Ed. From this moment, no one enters my chambers but you.”
“Are you ill?”
He had escaped Rebecca, yet grew hotter by the second.
“No… Don’t worry. Even if my wife comes, do not tell her anything or let her in. If you disobey, I’ll kill you myself.”
“…Understood, Your Grace.”
Ed helped him to his room.
Even after changing, sweat soaked his clean clothes.
“Your Grace, your body is burning! We must get a physician.”
“I said no. I’m fine. Leave.”
Ed laid a cold cloth on his forehead.
“If you need anything, call at once.”
Ed stepped out—only to find Estellin approaching.
“Ed?”
“Yes, my lady.”
“Do you know where Luciano is? His carriage arrived, but I can’t find him anywhere.”
Ed couldn’t speak. The Grand Duke cherished his retainers deeply—but would show no mercy to one who disobeyed. Especially with a command like this—disobedience meant death.
“His Grace has much work. No one is allowed in. Not even you, my lady.”
“Luciano works in his office—not his bedroom. Strange.”
“…He has found the office uncomfortable lately and moved his work to his chambers.”
“And I am barred as well?”
“Yes. I’m sorry, my lady. But it is his order.”
She nodded.
“Very well. You may go.”
Estellin glanced toward the chamber door, then went to her own room.
Once she left, Ed hurried back.
“Your Grace…”
“Ed… ngh…”
A broken groan answered. Ed rushed close.
“Are you all right?!”
“…Yes.”
Luciano knew—instinctively. Manifestation was near.
The earlier burning heat had now turned into icy agony.
“Ugh…!”
“Your Grace! This isn’t normal—we must bring a doctor!”
“Obey my order… Ed…”
Luciano gestured weakly for him to leave.
End of provided chapter.
