IGBD 20

Chapter 20

Crown Prince Henderson’s words were far from a welcome suggestion. Serret struggled not to let her smile falter.

Receiving a personal letter and medal from the Emperor would be the honor of a lifetime—but only if she married Yuan.

For someone who had already decided on breaking the engagement, the Emperor’s letter and medal would only serve as shackles. If a couple who had received such honors broke off their engagement, it would be a disgrace to the Emperor’s name.

The Prekthuster family might not care, but the Inohater family was different. The Imperial Family could easily seize on it as an excuse to strip the Inohaters of their noble title.

Besides, although Yuan’s family was a ducal house to which hers was sworn, he would hardly protect her once the engagement was broken.

“Your Highness, Crown Prince, we are grateful. It is the eternal glory of the Inohater family,” Serret said, smiling as she addressed Henderson.

She could feel Yuan’s probing gaze on her, but she ignored it and went on.

“But since it is His Majesty’s thirtieth jubilee, wouldn’t it be more meaningful to use this honor differently? If it were granted to the poor, His Majesty’s anniversary would shine all the brighter.”

“The young lady of Inohater is truly warm-hearted and wise. Unlike someone else,” Crown Princess Christine said with a gentle smile.

Serret immediately realized who that “someone” was—Lydia.

But she couldn’t exactly nod along knowingly in such a setting. So she protected herself by putting on a look of pure innocence, as though she understood nothing.

“My fiancée’s words also have merit, Your Highness,” Yuan unexpectedly added.

Serret turned to him with a startled expression, only to hear Henderson’s puzzled voice.

“Hmm? Weren’t you the one who asked for it in the first place…? Do you really think so?”

“But since this is His Majesty’s thirtieth jubilee, the Prekthuster family must also show their loyalty to the Crown for all to see.”

“Indeed. That is very true.”

Henderson’s face showed clear delight—he was tempted by the display of loyalty from the ducal house.

“Therefore, wouldn’t it be good, just for this anniversary, to grant it to two couples? As my fiancée suggested, if the poor also received this honor, His Majesty would gain the best of both worlds.”

“That is an excellent idea. Since it is the thirtieth year, bestowing it upon two couples would be fitting.”

Henderson’s face lit up with satisfaction at Yuan’s suggestion.

This wasn’t how it was supposed to go. Serret, seeing the situation moving toward them receiving the Emperor’s letter and medal, grew desperate.

She decided it would be better to stop this before things went further and spoke up.

“In fact, we are considering breaking off our engagement.”

At her words, the mood in the garden fell silent, as though doused in cold water.

Henderson and Christine looked back and forth between Serret and Yuan in shock. But Yuan remained composed, unruffled even under their gaze.

“Therefore, we are not qualified to receive His Majesty’s honors,” Serret continued.

“Why? Breaking off the engagement so suddenly? What happened…?” Christine blinked, trailing off in surprise.

“There was a little quarrel this morning. It seems Lady Inohater is still upset,” Yuan said casually, as though it were nothing.

Once again, he had brushed aside her words. Serret burned with anger but forced herself to remain calm.

“No. My decision is firm—”

She was about to say her mind was made up, but Yuan suddenly took her hand, looked her in the eye, and said:

“I’m sorry. Please forgive me.”

Then he leaned in and kissed her cheek.

Serret flinched at the unexpected gesture, but the Crown Prince and Princess chuckled at the sight.

“I didn’t know watching lovers quarrel could be so amusing, Henderson,” Christine said.

“Even I feel tickled by it. Lady Inohater, try to forgive him, won’t you?” Henderson added.

“Ah… haha,” Serret forced a laugh, her expression stiff.

“Even the Duke of Prekthuster seems helpless before his fiancée,” Christine teased.

“Indeed. I’ve never seen this side of him,” Henderson agreed, clearly enjoying themselves.

With the royal couple so entertained, Serret could no longer insist on breaking off the engagement. She had no choice but to keep her mouth shut.

⚜ ⚜ ⚜

“I absolutely refuse.”

The moment the carriage door closed, Serret spoke firmly.

They were on their way back to the mansion after tea. Serret had held her tongue the entire time before the Crown Prince and Princess, and the frustration had nearly suffocated her.

“We cannot accept the Emperor’s letter and medal.”

“It would be the honor of a lifetime,” Yuan replied in a leisurely tone.

The very man who had no interest whatsoever in such honors dared to call it a glory—Serret was dumbfounded.

“Regardless, I’ve made it clear to His Grace the Duke that I intend to break the engagement.”

“And I’ve made it clear I will not accept it.”

“Don’t dismiss my wishes.”

“I always respect them.”

He shrugged. His words said one thing, but his expression was the complete opposite. Serret bit her lip, struggling to contain her anger.

“You have a strange way of showing respect.”

“Since even His Majesty has blessed us, we should hasten the wedding.”

Serret scoffed, her words dripping with sarcasm. “Well, if you don’t mind a wedding without a bride, go ahead, Your Grace.”

“With such a beautiful bride, that will not be an issue.”

Yuan reached toward her with a smooth gesture, as though inviting her to dance. Serret glared at his hand.

“What, are you planning to put a leash around my neck and drag me to the altar?”

“Never would I do such a thing to my beloved fiancée,” Yuan said with a captivating smile, leaning back against his seat. His eyes swept over her, dangerously intent.

“And yet, you dare mock your so-called beloved fiancée,” Serret snapped through clenched teeth.

Beloved? Did he think she was a fool? Rage bubbled inside her—she wanted to smash his head open.

Yuan, however, continued smiling as if amused by her fury. Watching his expression, a sudden thought struck her.

Perhaps it had been his scheme all along that the Emperor’s letter and medal be brought up.

Once they received it, marriage would be unavoidable. Like placing a collar on livestock so it couldn’t escape.

“Are you madly in love with me or something?” she demanded.

At that, Yuan burst out laughing.

Every time he acted like this, it felt as though she were dealing with an entirely different person.

“Perhaps I am,” he finally said, his laughter fading into a serious expression.

Serret was left speechless.

By then, the carriage had arrived at the Prekthuster estate. Yuan stepped down first and offered his hand to her.

She took it only to disembark, then quickly let go and strode toward the lobby without looking back.

“It would be best not to think of running away,” his voice called from behind her.

She clenched her fist and turned sharply to face him.

Why wouldn’t she run? She would run to survive. Even animals fled with all their strength when faced with danger.

Serret stepped close to him and spoke.

“Do you think I don’t know? Do you really think I don’t know what you’re planning, Yuan Prekthuster?”

Her face was twisted with fury.

She had kept her suspicions buried until now, too afraid to voice them. Who knew what he might do if she revealed she’d uncovered his plan? But if he kept pressing her like this, she had no choice but to speak.

“I wonder what it is you think you know.”

“Your plan,” she said, staring straight into his eyes.

“Is that so?” Yuan replied calmly, as though it were nothing. His expression said: And what if you do know? His composure rattled her. He had a talent for infuriating her with nothing but a look.

“All you want from me is a child, isn’t it? An heir to continue the Prekthuster line. Am I wrong?”

“That hardly qualifies as some elaborate ‘plan.’ When one marries, it is natural for the wife to bear children. My children.”

“That may be true for an ordinary marriage. But to you, I’m not a wife—I’m livestock.”

Serret stepped even closer, her voice low and burning with anger. Her eyes blazed as they fixed on his face.

“Livestock?”

Yuan’s expression darkened, his brows furrowing.

“Is that guilt showing on your face, Your Grace?”

“Your words make less and less sense.”

“Then let me make it clear. You plan to kill me once I’ve borne your child. So you can live with the woman you truly love.”

At last, Serret spoke aloud the words she had been too afraid to say.

Fear gnawed at her—she had no idea how he would respond—but she couldn’t allow herself to be dragged along by his will any longer.

“That makes even less sense.”

Yuan looked at her steadily, as though wondering what on earth she was talking about.

Serret frowned at his unreadable expression.

He showed no surprise, no guilt, no flinch of recognition. Only calm denial.

“After I give birth, you’ll kill me, won’t you? Because you already have someone else you love. You chose me only because she cannot bear children—I know everything.”

“…”

“You’ll kill me, then raise my child with her, happily ever after. All so that the great Prekthuster name won’t be stained. Isn’t that your plan?”

The words tumbled out of her in a rush, unbroken.

In her past life, she had been oblivious, taken in by his pretense, blinded by love. She hadn’t seen him for what he was until it was too late.

Now she knew. Now she saw him clearly. And he would not fool her again.

Her fierce gaze bore into him. Yuan held her eyes for a long moment, then said in a languid voice:

“You’ve caught me.”