🔊 TTS Settings
Chapter : 47
Reivan spoke in a low voice.
“Bella. Do not interpret this. His Majesty the Emperor… wishes to make Kaisa a member of Siern. From what I’ve learned, after fully restoring the Poseidon device, he intends to grant Kaisa the title of Duke. The head steward personally told me this, so it’s certain.”
“What does that mean?”
Bella asked cautiously. She felt there was something more hidden behind his words, though she already had a suspicion.
“Marriage.”
At Reivan’s blunt words, Bella’s cheeks flushed crimson.
“The union of the Kaester family and Kaisa. This is the will of Emperor Serenor. His Majesty also seems to think highly of you.”
Bella bit her lip slightly. Her expression now differed from the first time she had heard about the marriage to Kaisa. Her feelings had changed. She glanced at Kaisa, who seemed utterly uninterested in the conversation.
Even though he was about to become a Count.
‘Well, he was a Grand Duke before, after all.’
Bella blinked. She thought Kaisa was perfect—flawless in every way.
“Now resume interpreting, Bella.”
“Yes, brother.”
“His Majesty wishes to promote the marriage between you and Kaisa. This too is one of the Emperor’s graces.”
For the first time, Kaisa’s expression shifted. His eyebrows twitched slightly.
“Bella is the daughter of Siern’s most distinguished family, and academically outstanding. Not a bad match for you.”
Reivan looked Kaisa squarely in the eyes.
“To settle here, you’ll need a reliable supporter. Could there be a better choice than the Kaester family?”
Bella lowered her head shyly, but her eyes held a glimmer of hope.
“Moreover, this is not merely a suggestion. It is His Majesty’s will, is it not?”
Reivan’s tone carried subtle pressure.
“To live in Siern, opposing the will of the royal family would be unwise.”
A heavy silence fell. Slowly, Kaisa spoke.
“I refuse.”
A firm, unequivocal statement. Reivan’s gaze turned icy.
“Think again. This is not just about you.”
At that moment, someone’s face flashed through Kaisa’s mind.
‘Milena.’
Why was she the first to come to mind?
The moment he heard “marriage,” her face appeared first. Kaisa let out a faint chuckle. How absurd of them to talk about marriage with someone they couldn’t even communicate with.
Had they even sought Kaisa’s consent? They were sitting at the negotiation table right now.
He also remembered the story about the imperial decree forbidding him from leaving Siern. Truly, the empire had no shame. Kaisa responded coldly again.
“I refuse.”
Bella’s face turned pale. She hadn’t expected such a direct refusal. Her hands trembled. The humiliation came from having to interpret this herself.
“I want to know the reason.”
Interpreting Reivan’s sharp words, pale Bella felt both disappointment and embarrassment.
“Kaisa…”
Her voice trembled as she spoke.
“Are you deciding this without even talking to me?”
Kaisa glanced at her. Was this really something that needed discussion? He said coldly:
“I don’t think we discussed it together. Did we?”
Bella pressed her lips together. Kaisa was right. She fiddled with her dress. Reivan roughly swept his hair back.
I knew it would be difficult. Kaisa isn’t an easy person.
“I tell you, Kaisa. I don’t want to disappoint His Majesty any further. Enough has happened already. Did you even consider Milena in your decision? Don’t you care what happens to her?”
As expected, Siern was shameless. Kaisa’s eyes glinted coldly. Even without words, their gazes conveyed threat and anger.
“Think carefully, Kaisa. I give you three days.”
Kaisa left the room after hearing the final words from Bella. She hurried after him.
“Wait.”
Bella called out desperately.
“Is there someone else? Is that why you don’t want this marriage?”
Kaisa stopped for a moment. Someone else.
Once again, Milena’s face appeared in his mind.
Her waiting for him while cooking, chattering at the table. Her eyes, scolding him when he was late. Her tears that somehow turned into laughter. And yet she comforted him.
He was certain he would have died without Milena.
“……”
Kaisa walked on without answering. There was no value in responding.
Left alone, Bella stared blankly at his retreating figure. Reivan came out after her and placed a hand on his sister’s shoulder.
“Do not give up. There is still time.”
“But I don’t think he’s truly interested in me.”
“People’s hearts can change. Nothing can withstand the power of authority.”
Reivan’s eyes gleamed coldly.
“He has one weakness.”
“Weakness?”
“Milena.”
Bella’s expression twisted.
“I don’t want to go that far either, but for Siern, there’s nothing we can’t do.”
That was Reivan’s definition of duty.
Meanwhile, Alec lay on his bed staring at the ceiling, unable to sleep. Milena’s image lingered in his mind.
‘How can I save her from that monster? He crushes even monsters with his strength. I have no chance head-on.’
Fear filled him, but he recalled the days when Milena had come to the police station.
‘She clearly likes me. Always kind, always smiling! Even others said she seems to like me.’
Yet she had recently changed. She no longer came as often, and whenever she did, Kaisa was with her. At first, Alec couldn’t believe it, but now he knew: that silver-haired stranger had captured Milena. That monstrous man had bound her.
Living in the same house and watching her constantly, leaving her nowhere to go. The thought of such a beautiful woman living in daily torment made his whole body tremble with rage at Kaisa’s cruelty.
Milena liked him. That was why he had to save her.
‘I need to tell Milena how I feel. So she can choose me. I need to show her that I can save her.’
Alec jumped up and went to his desk. He pulled out paper from the drawer.
To Miss Milena,
I hope you have been well. I am worried as I have not seen you for a long time. If you are facing any difficulties, please let me know—I will help you. I am always watching over you. Even if the one oppressing you is frightening, be courageous. I will run to you. From your devoted supporter.
After finishing the letter, Alec smiled in satisfaction. His feelings would surely be conveyed. He believed all of this was for Milena’s sake.
‘A woman like Milena deserves to be with someone who genuinely cherishes her. That’s me!’
Alec was confident he could truly make Milena happy.
