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Chapter 09
A satisfied smile appeared on Delzaya’s lips at Ilain’s words.
“There’s no need to give strength to Ricado. We must ensure nothing that might interfere with your future comes to life. We’ll cut it off at the root.”
Her voice was gentle, but it was laced with poison. There was clear hostility toward the son she did not give birth to—and beneath it, a faint sense of fear.
“Then when will that pitiful bride arrive in the capital? Ricado is currently on the battlefield.”
At Duan’s question, Delzaya lifted her glass to her lips.
“She’ll arrive soon. The wedding must take place immediately after Ricado returns.”
Delzaya and Ilain clinked their glasses in satisfaction. Duan tried to suppress a coughing fit, covering his mouth.
Delzaya glanced at her son’s pained expression with a complicated look.
As Duan’s condition worsened, Ricado’s continued victories from the battlefield only irritated her more.
Even if something were to happen to Duan, she could not allow Ricado—the legitimate heir—to threaten Ilain’s claim to the crown prince position.
Her expression hardened.
“Soon, we will arrive at the Imperial Palace.”
A cold, formal voice came from outside the carriage.
Molly, who had been exhausted from the long journey, suddenly opened her eyes.
“At last!”
With excitement sparkling in her eyes, she pulled back the curtain and peeked outside.
The scenery had changed. Unlike the countryside roads, the capital was lively and bustling. Wide streets were filled with people, carriages, and horses.
What stood out most were the enormous noble estates lining both sides of the road. Many nobles who held land in the provinces also built luxurious homes in the capital.
‘So this is the capital.’
Now that she had arrived in Verdin, the main setting of the original story, Stella felt an odd sensation. Thinking that the Zeniksy Duke’s mansion might be somewhere here made her even more tense.
“Wow, the capital really is different. Look at those women’s clothes. With outfits like that, they must be nobles, right?”
As if imagining her dream future, Molly smiled brightly.
“We’ve arrived at the palace.”
The carriage passed through the heavily guarded gates. After going deeper inside, a massive gate opened.
“We have arrived.”
When the carriage stopped, attendants placed a stepping stool.
The golden, dazzling Imperial Palace made even the usually loud Molly go quiet as she stepped down.
The man who had brought Stella here escorted her more respectfully.
“Please be mindful of your manners when you meet Her Majesty the Empress.”
He seemed worried she might act recklessly, but Stella knew better. Now was the time to observe and understand her situation.
“Don’t worry. I understand.”
At the thought of meeting the Empress—who stood on the opposing side of Duke Ricado—Stella felt nervous.
‘If she’s like in the original, she must be ruthless.’
She walked through the candle-lit corridor, imagining the most severe face possible.
After several doors, they finally arrived at the audience chamber.
“We have brought Lady of the Enrio family, Your Majesty.”
At those words, the Empress turned.
“Ah!”
A small gasp escaped Stella.
The woman walking toward her was different from what she had imagined. Though described as beautiful in the original, she was breathtakingly elegant. Her green dress highlighted flawless skin, and her golden hair shone as it was tied up neatly.
“Welcome. You must have had a long journey.”
The Empress smiled warmly and approached her.
“Greetings, Your Majesty. I am Stella Enrio.”
As Stella curtsied, the Empress gently lifted her.
“Though you are a distant relative, this is the first time meeting you. Your parents are well?”
“Yes.”
“I’ve heard many good things about their character.”
Stella inwardly scoffed. The Empress probably didn’t even know who the Enrio parents were.
“Just as I heard, you are very refined and beautiful, Keila.”
The Empress addressed her as Keila, ignoring her introduction completely.
“Thank you. However, I am—”
Stella tried to correct her, but the man who brought her cleared his throat and spoke quietly to the Empress.
After a brief explanation, the Empress’s expression changed slightly—then she smiled even more brightly.
“I see… I didn’t know there were such circumstances. Even if you are a child born out of wedlock, you are still of Enrio blood.”
Her tone turned gentle.
“Since your situation is similar to the Duke’s, I’m sure you’ll understand each other well. This works out perfectly.”
Stella immediately understood the meaning.
The Empress never intended to give Ricado a proper bride. Whether it was Keila or Stella, it didn’t matter—as long as the bride was unsuitable.
Stella suppressed her rising irritation.
‘So we’re just equally unwanted bastards, huh.’
A faint anger bloomed in her chest.
She thought of Ricado for a moment. If he too had grown up like this… perhaps it explained his twisted personality.
‘No. He’s still just a bastard.’
She shook off the brief sympathy.
“Understood, Your Majesty.”
The capital of the Arpote Empire, Verdin.
In the imperial garden, beneath the golden pavilion, Empress Delzaya spoke.
“The Duke is on the battlefield, yes? Then the bride should arrive soon.”
Her smile was sweet—but her voice was cold.
“After Ricado returns, the wedding will proceed immediately.”
The nobles around her exchanged uneasy glances, but no one dared object.
“Prepare yourself. We will enter the palace soon.”
The carriage stopped before the Imperial gates.
Molly’s eyes sparkled as she looked outside.
“So this is the palace…”
Stella watched quietly, tension building inside her chest.
‘So this is where everything begins.’
The carriage entered the palace grounds.
And Stella’s fate moved one step closer to the Duke’s estate.
A new attendant approached.
“Lady Stella, please follow me.”
The hallway felt endless. The golden chandeliers reflected cold light.
Finally, they arrived at the audience chamber.
“The bride candidate has arrived.”
The Empress turned.
And smiled.
“Welcome, child.”
Stella bowed.
“Stella Enrio greets Your Majesty.”
But the Empress’s eyes had already decided something.
“You are Keila, aren’t you?”
“…Pardon?”
Before Stella could correct her, the Empress already continued speaking warmly, as if no answer mattered.
“From now on, think of me as your mother.”
Stella forced a smile.
“Yes… Your Majesty.”
But inside, she thought:
‘This woman is dangerous.’
The man beside the Empress spoke.
“Lady Stella has been delivered safely.”
At that moment, Stella recognized him.
‘Nox…?’
Nox Valkyrie.
The Empress’s hound.
A man who would later become infamous for things too vile to even name.
Stella subtly glanced between the Empress and him.
‘So that’s how it is.’
She quickly decided.
Better to pretend she didn’t know anything.
For now.
Just as the meeting was about to end—
Something unexpected happened.
