🔊 TTS Settings
CHAPTER 05
Your Highness, Please Be My Husband
The Crown Prince was dead.
The news that the Empire’s only heir had died shook the entire nation.
“May he return safely to the embrace of the gods.”
“May he return.”
At the High Priest’s prayer, all the nobles attending the funeral repeated after him.
After the prayer ended, they laid white chrysanthemums as offerings. With that, the ceremony concluded. It was an unusually modest funeral for a Crown Prince. Because the cause of death was an unexplained unnatural death, the Emperor had judged that a grand state funeral might provoke public unrest.
“……”
Serena silently stared at the coffin before stepping outside with Duke Klaus.
She felt no guilt. He was supposed to die anyway. Still, there was a faint sense of regret—he had been a rare talent.
But more importantly, this was good news for her. The moment had finally come to overturn this wretched novel. Her preparations were like a well-built fortress—unshakable. If only the final remaining piece fell into her hands, everything would be perfect.
“Lady.”
At the voice calling her, she turned slightly.
Three young noblewomen approached.
“This is our first time speaking properly. I am Besti Kvannbil of House Kvannbil.”
Besti lifted her skirt in a slight bow, and the others followed.
“Jupiter Surtan of House Surtan.”
“Kelosipe Fores of House Fores.”
“Serena Asik of House Asik.”
As a duchy’s daughter, Serena did not need to bow to the daughters of marquises or counts due to hierarchy. She slowly looked over the three before her gaze lingered on Kelosipe.
“Since we’ve never spoken properly before, shall we have tea together?”
Serena smiled gently at Kelosipe—without ever taking her eyes off her.
It was the face of a predator eyeing its prey.
Later
It was dull.
Talk about which jewels were pretty, which dresses suited which lady—frivolous, meaningless chatter that felt like a waste of time.
“Lady, are you alright?”
Serena, watching her tea ripple gently in the cup, slowly lifted her head.
“Yes, I’m fine.”
As she raised her gaze, she noticed the subtle expressions around her. Right—her engagement had been tied to the Crown Prince. It made sense they would look at her like that.
“What were you talking about earlier?”
“We were discussing the war,” Besti Kvannbil replied.
“And what do you think, Lady?”
Besti came from a border-protecting house that stood on the frontlines of war. Her father was currently on the battlefield alongside the Duke of Hilstein.
“Everything is in the will of God. How could I, a mere human, dare to judge it?”
No one could confidently say they would win. Nor could anyone openly suggest defeat—it would damage imperial dignity.
Everyone present came from proud, ancient noble families devoted to the Empire.
“Indeed. All is according to divine will.”
The previously silent Kelosipe agreed. The others nodded, and for a brief moment, her gaze and Serena’s met in midair.
At last, the tiresome gathering ended.
Serena returned to her room and stood by the window.
“Lady.”
As she watched the carriages depart, she turned.
“I was told you called for me.”
It was Kelosipe.
“Sit. We’ve just had tea, so I didn’t prepare any more.”
“That’s fine.”
Kelosipe sat on the sofa. Serena took a seat opposite her.
“I’ll get straight to the point.”
“Pardon?”
“Lady, you run a trading company, don’t you?”
Kelosipe’s expression froze. How did she know? It was a secret enterprise even from her parents.
House Fores had no direct heirs except her. Making her the next head was more stable than adoption—and she wanted the position herself. That was why she had built the trading company.
“To become the head of your house… you want that, don’t you?”
Serena smiled brightly.
Kelosipe felt as if her thoughts were being stripped bare.
“…Yes.”
The answer slipped out before she could stop it.
“I’ll give you yourself. In return, help me.”
“Pardon?!”
“I need your trading company. But I cannot be the one directly running it.”
“You mean…”
“You need a husband who won’t take your title.”
“That… is true.”
It was a dilemma common to noblewomen.
“But I can find someone like that myself. And this company is something I built from the ground up…”
“I know. I’m not asking you to hand everything over.”
“Then…”
“There is something you need to know.”
Kelosipe swallowed.
“Your father… has been having an affair outside the house.”
“What?! That’s absurd!”
Kelosipe’s face flushed with anger.
“He is a man who respects his wife and maintains his honor!”
“Trust… breaks. It cracks. Sometimes it is only performative. Not all trust is real. There is no such thing as perfect trust.”
Kelosipe’s lips trembled in rage.
Her reaction was stronger than expected—she must have deeply respected her father.
Serena had never loved or respected her own father. To her, he was simply a stepping stone to surpass.
“If you don’t believe me, verify it yourself. Evidence is always the most reliable. Take your time, then contact me.”
Kelosipe stood abruptly, shaking with suppressed anger.
“I will contact you later.”
“Take care.”
She left in a storm of cold air.
Serena leaned back on the sofa.
Kelosipe’s trading company was essential for her future plans. And Serena was certain—the girl would return.
“Just don’t take too long.”
A knock sounded, and Mei entered.
Since regaining her memories of the novel, Serena had gathered capable people around her. Mei was one of them.
“Milady.”
“Report.”
“Duke Hilstein has achieved victory!”
The fatigue vanished instantly.
This was the moment she had been waiting for.
“It’s finally beginning.”
Time passed
“Lady, you need to get ready—the triumphal procession will begin soon.”
“Yes.”
Winter had come after two seasons.
Serena closed her book and sat at her dressing table.
“It’s going to be a grand ceremony this time,” Mei said excitedly.
“I see.”
The Emperor was skilled at both reward and punishment—though that didn’t make him a wise ruler.
He did not want to honor Duke Hilstein’s achievements. After all, he had been sent to die in war and kept returning alive.
The grand ceremony was for show—for imperial authority.
“How would you like your hair?”
“Put it up.”
Mei froze.
“But Lady, loose curled hair is in fashion!”
“I know. But today, keep it neat and simple.”
“W-What?!”
The first day of the triumphal ceremony was important. It was also a marriage market for young nobles.
And Serena had no intention of standing out.
“…Lady!”
Despite Mei’s protests, she obeyed. After some resistance, she pinned a pale yellow flower-shaped hairpin.
“And the dress…”
“Ivory. Something modest.”
Mei sighed and brought it out.
When she was finished, Serena looked like someone heading to pray at a temple—modest, restrained, almost austere.
Claus came downstairs first.
“Seriously, what is that outfit?! Are you insane?!”
“Don’t you think it’s pretty?”
“Not at all! It’s embarrassing to be seen with you!”
Their father followed, frowning.
“What is all this commotion?”
Claus gestured wildly.
“Father! Look at her! She’s gone mad!”
The Duke’s face darkened.
“You’re trying to disgrace my name.”
He raised his hand.
Claus grabbed his arm.
“Not today. It’s an official event. If she gets hurt, the vultures will tear us apart. Deal with it later.”
The Duke clicked his tongue and lowered his hand.
Then he left.
Serena watched their backs as they walked out.
A soft smile curved her lips.
“Not much time left now.”
