PB 08

Chapter 08

Less than three hours after Wayne Rubarb unpacked his luggage in a guest room of the imperial palace, the news had already spread everywhere.

Old Duke Damian sat in his office, lost in thought, then suddenly asked his son,
“Do you think what His Majesty said about an imperial marriage is true?”

“Well… it’s impossible to read His Majesty’s true intentions, but at the very least, it is no different from publicly declaring that he intends to marry,” said Anthony, Count Damian—his youngest son and most trusted aide—calmly.

The emperor had decided to make the matter known. Otherwise, how could the contents of a private discussion—held with only Chancellor Parel and the Duchess of Sons present—have leaked out?

At the same time, the emperor had clearly indicated that the conversation itself should remain confidential. Anyone capable of discovering what had been discussed would also understand that message.

Even so, no one could openly admit to having eavesdropped on the emperor’s private conversation.

Old Duke Damian sighed.

“Have you learned anything about that woman?”

“It’s true that during the chaos at the train station two weeks ago, His Majesty returned with a woman. They say he personally carried her in his arms. Rudrick is keeping his mouth firmly shut, but the entire Imperial Guard hasn’t been quite as disciplined.”

Anthony continued,

“The man named Graves, who was said to be her fiancé, also died at the scene. He was a 6th-rank Guardian in the Protection Order, but after his death he was posthumously promoted three ranks to 3rd-rank.”

A 3rd-rank Guardian meant that his family would be considered nobility for the next five generations. In other words, his death had secured his family’s future. It wasn’t a status that would normally concern Old Duke Damian, but he still asked,

“A three-rank promotion? That’s rare. That’s practically treatment worthy of a hero.”

“Yet there were no additional honors. He was simply placed on the promotion list, and his family was granted the benefits due to the family of a 3rd-rank Guardian. That was all.”

It certainly wasn’t common. Old Duke Damian stroked his beard.

“And the emperor intends to take the fiancée as his wife while keeping the dead man a secret?”

“Yes. And I believe it’s also a warning directed at us.”

Anthony spoke calmly.

It was obvious that many factions would investigate Seren Rubarb’s background. But no one must accidentally leak what the emperor wished to conceal.

“Well, that’s not the important issue… The real question is why that woman. His Majesty has avoided women all his life—frankly, to an excessive degree.”

Emperor Isbrant was twenty-eight this year. There had long been advice urging him to produce an heir, yet he seemed not to care at all. Many believed it was for political reasons—that he was carefully selecting a political marriage partner.

However, in Old Duke Damian’s opinion, Emperor Isbrant had no need to involve politics in his marriage. He possessed overwhelming power—so much so that he was called the incarnation of the Winter Dragon—and imperial authority had never been stronger.

“And yet suddenly he chooses a woman with such circumstances to become empress. Could it be an impulsive decision?”

“Do you really think His Majesty is the type to act impulsively?”

At Anthony’s question, Old Duke Damian sighed again. The emperor had never even had a one-night partner. That alone proved there had never been anyone who stirred his emotions. It was impossible that he would decide marriage on impulse.

Old Duke Damian shook his head.

“Honestly, it would be more believable if she were the lost life-orb of the Winter Dragon.”

“Indeed. Perhaps she really is. After all, His Majesty is called the incarnation of the Winter Dragon.”

Anthony smiled, taking his father’s remark as a joke.

The Duchess of Sons paused in front of the empress’s chamber where Seren was staying and adjusted her appearance.

“Announce that I have arrived.”

Just as the attendant opened the door to deliver the message, Seren’s clear, ringing voice came from inside.

“Why can’t you tell me? I only asked why I came to the capital!”

“Ahem! Must you argue with everything your father says?”

“You’re the one who told Mrs. Maybek and Emily not to say anything too, aren’t you?”

Seren asked sharply. Too many things she couldn’t understand had piled up until they finally burst.

Losing her memory alone was already suffocatingly frustrating. She had assumed it was something that could naturally be explained, yet Mrs. Maybek and Emily kept their mouths shut. Still, Seren endured it. If it were an important family matter, servants could hardly speak about it carelessly.

But there was no reason her father couldn’t tell her—unless he was deceiving her.

“Y-you…!”

Wayne Rubarb failed to answer properly, repeating the same sounds. He couldn’t even remember how things had ended up like this. He had only told her about the honor of being chosen by His Majesty, yet Seren had immediately become angry.

As he stood there helplessly, an attendant entered. Through the open door, the Duchess of Sons became visible.

“Ah…”

Though awkward, the father and daughter showed no sign of finishing their argument, so the duchess cautiously stepped into the room.

“My apologies for interrupting.”

“I’m sorry, Duchess of Sons. I’m having an important conversation with my father right now, so I’d like you to step out.”

Seren said this while staring directly at Wayne. The duchess was startled—it was the first time she had seen such a firm expression on Seren’s face. Her rosy lips were pressed tightly together with determination.

“Good grief!”

Wayne thumped his chest. Seren looked at him as if he were a whining child and spoke again in a steady voice.

“I don’t mind repeating everything in front of the duchess.”

“Madam…”

The Duchess of Sons felt troubled. She had come to discuss practical matters regarding the wedding, assuming the father and daughter had already finished talking—but now she faced an unexpected situation.

Seeing her expression, Seren quickly guessed most of the truth. It seemed the duchess’s kindness had not been freely given; she must also be involved in this matter.

“You really think I’ll accept this?”

“Seren.”

“You won’t even tell me why I came to the capital, yet you suddenly expect me to follow a marriage arrangement you decided? Is that why you sent me here?”

Seren asked clearly.

“A blind date? No… since you didn’t come with me, that can’t be it. Did you present me somewhere? Did the man like me?”

“Watch your words, Seren! You don’t even realize what an honor you’ve been given!”

“I don’t think it’s an honor. Even if you say His Majesty chose me—I still don’t think so.”

“Seren!”

Fearing her words might verge on insulting the imperial family, Wayne raised his voice. But Seren continued without hesitation,

“I will marry someone I love. I cannot consider it an honor to be chosen by a man whose face I don’t even know.”

“Miss Rubarb.”

The Duchess of Sons called her name gently, trying to calm her. Wayne’s explanation had clearly been handled poorly. If explained properly, she would understand.

At that moment, a soft male voice cut in.

“I don’t think I’m a man whose face you don’t know.”

Seren turned toward the voice—and froze in shock.

“Lord Is…?”

It was her first time seeing him in daylight.

He had been beautiful in the night, but the bright daylight made him shine even more. His jet-black hair, usually falling loosely across his pale forehead, was neatly combed back, making his elegant features appear sharper than usual.

“We already know each other’s faces quite well, don’t we?”

Before Seren could even finish catching her breath, the Duchess of Sons and the attendants dropped to their knees at once.

“Your Majesty!”

Hearing this, Wayne and Mrs. Maybek hurriedly fell to both knees and lowered their heads.

Seren simply stared at him with her mouth slightly open.

She couldn’t understand what was happening at all.