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CHAPTER 7……………………………………………
“I can’t buy a noble identity. Even if it’s from a humble family, it will only fuel the Emperor’s suspicion.”
The Emperor trusted no one except himself.
So no matter how insignificant the family, if an unverified noble suddenly became the Grand Duchess, he would naturally become wary and suspicious.
“If I remain a commoner, there will be less scrutiny, but there will still be suspicion. It’s too sudden a marriage. And other nobles will also resent it—since a commoner became the Grand Duchess.”
That was why a story was needed. Something that would make people excited and captivated.
“I understand what you mean.”
The Grand Duke let out a sigh.
“We’ll prepare the love story on our side. So please focus on practicing your acting, Your Highness.”
How well he would be able to act was uncertain, but since he was a cold and taciturn man, even a small change would draw attention.
“No matter how much we cover it with a love story, the Emperor will thoroughly investigate you.”
“Don’t worry. Creating a commoner identity is nothing for Temno. We’ll fabricate everything perfectly—from birth to every trace of existence.”
“Very well. I’ll leave that to you.”
“Then let’s meet again once everything is ready.”
Melina rose from her seat and walked toward the window.
“Cheroyan.”
The Grand Duke, who had followed her, opened the window and spoke.
At his meaningless words, Melina turned her head—and met his gaze.
“You told me to act like I’m in love. Call me by name. Or rather, ‘Yan’ would be better. That’s my nickname.”
Leaning against the window, his rough, masculine features were revealed under the moonlight.
His refined face, softened by a faint smile, looked like a painting.
Especially his usually cold, sharp eyes now deepened like an unfathomable lake.
And in that lake, only Melina was reflected.
Thump.
Her heart, moving beyond her will, startled her. She quickly turned away to hide her reaction.
“You’ll need more practice.”
And she immediately jumped off the terrace.
After landing, she placed a hand on her chest.
Her heart was still pounding. Ignoring it, she called out to Shan.
“From now on, eliminate all assassins who come here. And bring me one alive, without the Grand Duke noticing.”
Shan nodded.
There was a likely culprit, but confirmation was still necessary. From now on, the Grand Duke’s affairs were also her affairs.
Returning to the inn with Shan, Melina called for Ran.
“The Grand Duke accepted the deal.”
“You succeeded.”
“Now the real work begins. The fake identity we prepared—bring it to the surface.”
“Will you really use the name as it is?”
Ran rarely looked troubled.
The identity she planned to use was also “Melina.”
“Don’t worry. No matter how you look at it, it’s a different person. No one will imagine the soul has changed.”
“Using that name might provoke the Emperor. It could heighten his suspicion.”
“That’s exactly the point. He’s someone who doesn’t know guilt. I want him to feel uncomfortable every time he sees me. Otherwise I’d be the one feeling wronged.”
Ran’s expression stiffened slightly, but Melina continued casually.
“Bertha is older than I am. So even if he suspects I copied the Empress’s name, he can’t openly accuse me.”
Melina was 22, and Bertha was 25. The fake identity would also match Bertha’s age.
“Understood. Should we spread the arranged love story as well?”
“Spread it from the Grand Duchy. Make sure no citizen in the Empire doesn’t know it.”
Melina’s eyes sparkled with anticipation.
Two days later, at a time when everyone was asleep, Cheroyan stood by the window, waiting for Melina.
He had been informed by Black Wolf that she would come tonight.
Waiting for someone other than assassins at that window felt strange.
The faint anticipation he felt made him uncomfortable.
Soon, sensing a presence, he instinctively tensed and reached for his sword.
“Your Highness, you received the message, right?”
At the familiar voice, he relaxed.
“Can’t you come in through normal means?”
Even though this was routine, the tension was exhausting.
“Not yet. I can’t reveal myself.”
Even knowing that, he found himself complaining.
Cheroyan looked at her.
Her red hair was exposed, and she wore the same black outfit as the assassins.
The tight-fitting clothing revealed her slender yet firm figure.
Even though it was the usual assassin attire, he found himself unable to look directly and turned his gaze away, walking toward the sofa.
“Sit down.”
“Were there any night visitors after I left? That shouldn’t be possible.”
His eyes narrowed.
“Was it you? No wonder it was quiet for two days. That was unnecessary.”
He could handle assassins on his own. He was not weak enough to need her help.
“It’s not that I don’t trust Your Highness’s abilities. You’re going to become my husband. I can’t stand anyone touching what’s mine.”
For a moment, he was speechless.
He had never been protected by anyone except when he was very young. He had always survived on his own—that was his only pride.
So why did her words not feel unpleasant?
Instead, something in his chest felt strangely ticklish.
“Such a strange woman.”
He turned his face away slightly, his cheeks feeling oddly warm.
More importantly, the reason for their meeting—
“What is the reason you asked to meet today?”
He quickly changed the subject.
“I came to explain the love story I mentioned before. And we need to discuss future plans.”
Melina handed him a document outlining their meeting and marriage story.
“I drafted the outline, and our advisors filled in the details.”
The story was this:
A commoner named Melina is sold to slave traders after being deceived by her employer. While dealing with the slave auction, she meets the Grand Duke, and they fall in love at first sight.
“Do people really believe something like this?”
He had never been in love, so he couldn’t judge.
“It sounds like something from a romance novel. A knight in shining armor and a love that transcends status. People of all ages will fall for it—especially women.”
If she was that confident, then perhaps there was no need to worry. Still, being compared to a knight in shining armor felt awkward.
“The slave auction really happened, and it’s true that Your Highness was there. Even if the Emperor investigates, he won’t find anything suspicious.”
“So you mixed truth with lies.”
“That’s how you deceive people. Pure lies are easier to expose.”
“Well done. We’ll proceed with this. I also have something for you.”
Cheroyan stood and took something from a drawer.
“Read it and tell me if you have any objections.”
“It’s a contract.”
“I thought you’d want it properly formalized.”
Since she was the leader of Temno, a verbal agreement would not be enough. And neither did he prefer uncertainty.
“Thank you.”
Fortunately, she seemed satisfied.
The contract read as follows:
<A refers to Cheroyan Caster, B refers to Bertha Monmors.
- A and B agree to marry.
- B must introduce the previously agreed maid to A within one week after the wedding.
- B will assist A in clearing his mother’s false accusation, and A will assist B in her revenge.
- B will support A’s claim to the throne, and A guarantees B the position of Empress.
- Neither A nor B may request divorce unless the contract is violated.
- A must keep B’s identity secret unless B violates the contract.>
Melina finished reading and looked up. Her expression was not satisfied.
“Is there anything you want to add or revise?”
“There is.”
