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chapter 86
On a summer day when the scorching sun poured out intense heat, the sun of the Eirun Empire set.
The emperor, who had seemed as if he would shine forever, today returned to the earth as a handful of dust.
After the solemn funeral ceremony, the funeral carriage carrying the emperor’s coffin departed from the Grand Cathedral. A marching band led the way, playing music to guide him to heaven, and the captain of the guards on horseback led the funeral carriage.
Members of the royal family and nobles walked alongside, seeing the emperor off on his final journey.
The funeral carriage headed toward the royal cemetery, not far from the Grand Cathedral.
Holding a bouquet of bluebell flowers, Serallet glanced sideways at Yuan, who was walking beside her. Yuan watched the funeral carriage with an expressionless face.
“Is it difficult?”
Sensing Serallet’s gaze, Yuan asked softly. He was worried about Serallet walking under the scorching sun in dress shoes instead of staying in the shade.
“I’m fine.”
“If it’s too much, we can go back first.”
“That’s not possible.”
Serallet shook her head at Yuan’s suggestion. As the Duchess of Fractuster, she had to stay at her place for now.
Yuan did not respond further to her answer. The two remained silent until they arrived at the royal cemetery.
The emperor’s coffin descended into the deeply dug grave. Over it, the bluebell flowers that people held fell like snow.
After throwing her flowers, Serallet looked across at Lydia.
Lydia’s pale face looked as if she could collapse at any moment. Her tragic aura drew the attention of many people around her.
Curious if Yuan was watching Lydia, Serallet glanced up at him and immediately met his eyes, realizing he had been looking at her.
Startled by the eye contact, Serallet quickly looked away. She heard Yuan’s quiet sigh.
Pondering the meaning of his sigh, Serallet looked back at Lydia.
“Your Majesty.”
Having thrown the final bluebell flowers, Lydia could no longer hold back her grief and sank to the ground. Hot tears streamed down her cheeks.
Since the emperor’s death, Lydia had cried every day. She could not believe that her father had left. This could not be happening. How could her father leave her like this?
“Father.”
She sobbed uncontrollably, feeling a chill in her body as if she were alone in the middle of winter, despite the sweltering summer heat.
The thought of living in a world without her father left her utterly lost.
“Lydia.”
Regan, who was also deeply saddened, helped the collapsed Lydia to her feet.
Regan’s grief mirrored Lydia’s. The emperor had been no less than a father figure to him.
Having lost both of his parents in a childhood boating accident, Regan’s survival had been thanks to his uncle, the emperor.
Lydia leaned her head against Regan’s shoulder, sobbing.
“Brother Regan… I’m alone now. There’s no one by my side.”
“Why are you alone?”
Regan comforted Lydia, intending to take good care of her as much as the emperor had.
“I’m scared… so scared.”
Lydia clung to Regan’s clothes, tears continuing to fall.
With her father gone, the crown prince and his wife, who despised her, would not leave her be. They might send her to another country or marry her into a lowly family.
“Don’t worry. You have me, your brother.”
Regan gently stroked Lydia’s shoulder.
Despite his words, Lydia remained uneasy. Regan, though kind, did not hold significant power.
She knew well that his kindness alone would not protect her from Henderson, soon to be emperor.
The only person in the country with power comparable to the royal family was Yuan. He was also the only one who could protect her from Henderson.
Lydia’s gaze fell upon Yuan, standing across from her. Yuan was looking at Serallet beside him.
If I were the Duchess of Fractuster, the crown prince and his wife could not have treated me carelessly. Lydia deeply resented that she could not have Yuan.
If only I could have borne a child… then Yuan would have chosen me, and I would have been by his side.
At the thought, she grew even more envious of Serallet, standing next to Yuan. Lydia wanted to push Serallet onto her father’s coffin and stand by Yuan’s side.
Compared to before, Lydia’s desire for Yuan had grown immeasurably. She wished for Yuan’s attention to be hers alone.
I must be by Yuan’s side. I must become the Duchess of Fractuster. Only then can I survive. Her eyes sparkled with determination as she stared at Yuan.
After all funeral procedures were over, Serallet and Yuan rode back home in a carriage.
Looking out the window, Serallet felt Yuan’s gaze and turned to meet it. His sharp expression caught her eye.
“You look tired.”
“Yes, a little.”
Yuan replied, brushing his hand across his face.
Serallet diverted her gaze, staring out the window. She didn’t know how to look at him.
Then, Yuan spoke:
“Is your arm okay?”
“My arm?”
Serallet tilted her head at the unexpected question.
“The arm you hurt because of me…”
At his sigh-like words, Serallet touched the arm that had been bruised when she hit the stair railing.
The bruise had long healed. Amused by his casual concern, Serallet let out a soft laugh.
“You ask so quickly.”
“Sorry.”
Yuan’s eyes fell on Serallet’s arm, hidden under long sleeves. This is why love is frightening—uncontrolled emotions could hurt someone.
“It’s completely healed. I don’t even remember when it healed; it’s fine.”
“Yes.”
Yuan nodded lightly at her answer.
Once more, the carriage fell silent. Neither spoke. A cool, tense air hung between them.
Though conversation ceased, Yuan’s persistent gaze remained on Serallet. Unable to bear it, she finally spoke:
“Will you go back to the hotel?”
“Do you wish me to?”
Yuan leaned back, his voice dry.
“I don’t mind. Wherever you stay is fine with me.”
“Is that so?”
Yuan gave a slight smile at her reply. Once again, he felt his emotions stir.
“You’d be more comfortable at the hotel, wouldn’t you, Your Grace?”
Serallet looked at Yuan in silence, noting his crooked tone.
Though his face revealed nothing, she sensed Yuan’s worry for Lydia. That thought unexpectedly wounded her, and she felt tears well up. It felt like reliving her past life’s pain all over again.
Quickly divorcing seemed best, she thought bitterly, forcing a smile.
“Why do you think so?”
“So it’s easier…”
To meet Lydia. Serallet couldn’t bring herself to say it, knowing it would hurt her own heart.
“Easier?”
Seeing her hesitate, Yuan repeated her words softly.
“It’s nothing.”
Ultimately, Serallet swallowed her words.
“Why do you stop mid-sentence?”
Yuan rubbed his eyes, tired. She wondered what he was thinking in that small head of his.
“I just wanted to say, do as you wish, Your Grace.”
“The wife seems unfazed even if her husband isn’t home.”
“I am considering Your Grace’s convenience.”
“Convenience? A wife’s consideration for not coming home brings tears.”
Yuan chuckled incredulously.
“I don’t know why you’re sarcastic. Isn’t it more comfortable to stay at the hotel than at home? That way, you can see Lydia freely.”
Serallet stared directly into Yuan’s eyes. Though she didn’t want to speak, his attitude forced the words out:
“Why would I meet Miss Elliott?”
Yuan frowned. Serallet’s mention of Lydia made him tense.
During the hotel stay, Lydia came every day. Her insistence, claiming concern, had been irritating.
She even complained when Serallet didn’t eat properly, insisting on sharing meals. Serallet had no choice but to comply a few times.
“You lived with Lydia at the hotel.”
“Speak reasonably.”
“I know everything.”
“What are you trying to say?”
Yuan’s face stiffened.
“That your heart belongs to another woman… and that woman is Lydia.”
Serallet, unwavering, met Yuan’s cold, gray eyes and spoke with certainty.
In her past life, she had never confronted him about Lydia. She hadn’t asked properly or expressed anger. She had feared raising the topic might lead him to demand a divorce.
But now, she wanted to pour out her heart, even the words she could never say before.
“I know you love Lydia, Your Grace. So let’s get a divorce. I will step aside for you in your life.”
Serallet spoke firmly.
She removed the veiled hat hiding her face. Yuan’s fierce gaze immediately fell upon her.
Leaning back, Yuan tilted his body toward Serallet. His crooked lips and sharp presence sent shivers down her spine.
“You say I love Lydia? You wish that, don’t you? That I’d commit adultery with another woman so you could get a divorce and property settlement.”
Yuan’s voice spread darkly through the carriage.
