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chapter 19
Elion’s mother, the former Empress, passed away when he was fifteen.
In the fifteen years since his birth, he could count on one hand the number of times he had seen her face.
It wasn’t as if they exchanged letters often, either.
During those fewer than ten meetings, his mother always emphasized the same thing.
“You must always keep your distance from the nobility. Especially the nobles of the capital—if you let them near, the Imperial Family’s suspicions of you will become unbearable. Always lower yourself and be cautious. That is the only way you can live without harm.”
The words he longed to hear from his mother every day instead carved themselves into his mind, his bones, and even his blood like a curse.
That was why—
He never attended noble gatherings or parties.
Of course, after he came of age, he spent most of his time rolling around battlefields anyway, so there wasn’t much time for such things.
But even hearing about such events made his skin crawl.
Invitation letters that arrived at his mansion were never opened—he tossed them straight into the fireplace as kindling.
“But if I have dinner at Count Payson’s estate… people will definitely talk about it one way or another.”
At the dreadful thought, Elion’s brow furrowed darkly.
“Sorry, but I must respectfully decline the dinner invitation.”
—…
There was no reply.
Elion decided to wait patiently a bit longer.
—But we have to meet tomorrow anyway.
“That’s true.”
—If you refuse dinner while still meeting me alone, my parents will grow suspicious, Your Highness.
“Ah… I suppose they would.”
Elion pressed his forehead with his hand. The point was valid.
After all, he would be seeing her tomorrow, the day after, and the day after that as well.
Luviana’s earnest voice came through again.
—My parents don’t know about my condition. Nor that I’m receiving mana from you.
“Of course, it should remain that way.”
That secret was hers, but also his.
The only people who knew were the two of them, Omar, Hailey, and Fred.
And it had to stay that way forever.
—So I don’t want to make them suspicious for no reason. Could you please visit our estate just once, Your Highness?
“…”
Elion clenched his teeth and glared at the glowing violet communication stone.
From the very first time he saw this bracelet, it had felt like shackles—he had been right.
He was being forced into things he would normally never do.
Suppressing a sigh, he opened his mouth.
“…Fine. I’ll do it.”
—Truly?
“…Yes.”
Luviana’s voice immediately brightened.
—When would be good?
“The sooner, the better. How about tomorrow?”
—Yes, tomorrow is perfect. I’ll tell them that. Thank you, Your Highness.
“…Mm.”
—Good night—
Click.
Thinking the conversation was over, he ended the connection, cutting her off mid-sentence.
“…Tch.”
For a moment he considered calling again, but quickly shook his head.
He despised hassle above all.
And everything related to her was already troublesome enough.
“A dinner invitation, huh…”
His head began to ache.
The headaches that had faded after meeting Luviana returned.
He would probably need another glass of whiskey.
Even late at night, Emperor Christopher’s office was brightly lit.
He was conferring with the chief chamberlain, carefully selecting a marriage candidate for his only younger brother, Elion.
Until now, he hadn’t done much for his sibling.
They had been separated since childhood, and Elion had grown up managing everything by himself—brilliant in both swordsmanship and wit.
That was why Christopher wanted to handle his brother’s marriage properly.
He considered it his duty to the late Empress.
And also repayment to the stepmother who had sent her own son to a faraway provincial estate just to raise the children born of her husband’s first wife.
“Doesn’t the Spacy ducal house have an unmarried daughter?”
At Christopher’s question, the chamberlain bowed politely.
“Yes, Your Majesty. Lady Sera Spacy is twenty-two this year, skilled in piano performance and composition.”
“Oh-ho. A musical lady… Elion has a surprisingly sensitive side. They might get along well.”
The chamberlain thought there was no way Elion was sensitive, but it was easier just to nod silently before the Emperor.
“What about the Marquess of Ohara’s daughter? If she resembles her father, she must be quite beautiful.”
“Your Majesty is correct. Lady Sophia Ohara has been famous for her beauty since childhood. She’s grown into one of the capital’s greatest beauties.”
“As expected. Good. Since Elion is the most handsome man in the Empire, his partner’s appearance must be outstanding as well, to balance things.”
“…Yes.”
The chamberlain quietly nodded again, though he thought Elion wasn’t quite the most handsome in the Empire.
“Hm… have you heard about the Count of Mellard’s daughters? I recall one of them being clever.”
“Ah… the Mellard family has three daughters. The eldest is already married, but the second and third remain. The clever one is the youngest, Lady Michella Mellard.”
“Is that so? Elion is a knight, but his hobby is reading. He was always praised as gifted from childhood. If he had attended the noble academy in the capital, he would surely have been at the top of his class. That’s always been a regret of mine.”
The chamberlain had heard rumors of Elion’s brilliance but had never witnessed it personally.
Still, considering he had led every battle he joined to victory, his tactical skills were likely as sharp as his swordsmanship.
“Good. Prepare portraits of those three ladies. And also gather information about foreign princesses.”
“As you command, Your Majesty.”
As soon as the chamberlain left, Empress Miranda entered the office.
A maid followed behind her, carrying a teapot and cups.
“Empress, welcome. You’re still awake.”
“I couldn’t possibly go to bed before Your Majesty.”
Miranda sat opposite, poured tea into a cup, and handed it to Christopher.
“It’s quite late. I worry for your health if you push yourself so.”
“This concerns Elion’s marriage. I cannot neglect it.”
Blowing gently on the steaming tea, Christopher smiled.
At that smile, Miranda bit back a sigh.
Always the same. He looks after his brother more than his own son, the Crown Prince…!
Suppressing her bitterness, Miranda spoke gently.
“With the Archduke’s fine looks and exceptional abilities, I’m sure good news will come soon even without Your Majesty’s effort. Perhaps Your Majesty should focus instead on the Crown Prince’s marriage—”
“The Crown Prince is still young. He may be eighteen, but he knows far too little of the world.”
“…”
The Crown Prince was her beloved son.
Hearing him dismissed as a naïve child made Miranda’s eyebrow twitch.
But Christopher, oblivious, continued speaking.
“The Crown Prince still has much to learn and experience. His marriage can wait. But Elion is different. He’s twenty-four already. If we delay further, I won’t be at ease.”
“…Yes, I see.”
Miranda nodded reluctantly.
“He’s capable in all else, but strangely not in matters of marriage. I’ve waited patiently for news, but none has come, so I must intervene.”
“…”
“Well, it’s no surprise. He’s spent the past five years on the battlefield. This is the last chance—before he flees back to the northern territories, I must secure his marriage here in the capital. That, at least, I must do with my own hands.”
Christopher’s blue eyes gleamed with fierce determination.
Hiding her displeasure, Miranda replied softly.
“Then perhaps it would be best to summon the Archduke and ask his opinion first. Forcing someone who has no desire to marry will only backfire.”
At her suggestion, Christopher’s expression darkened.
“Elion… would absolutely refuse.”
