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Chapter 25
“No, that’s not the same kind of situation…!”
In the Republic of Korea, anyone could talk freely about their superiors as long as the person wasn’t right in front of them—but not here, not in the Atralux Empire.
It wasn’t just an insult law; there was, quite literally, a crime called “offending the emperor’s mood.”
And being the emperor’s son didn’t exempt one from punishment.
Even Evgenia, who had merely been listening beside him, could easily get dragged into trouble.
He tried to keep his voice low, but there were moments when it rose without him noticing, and there was no stopping it.
“Please, let’s talk about something else. Our next meeting… right, what about your birthday? It’ll have been about a month by then.”
“Is that necessary? Considering your physical condition, I think it’s better to delay at least another day. Best of all would be not having a third time at all, though.”
It was a strange thing for him to say.
To Yulan, Evgenia wasn’t just anyone—she was a valuable research subject.
She assumed he would need to erase her Name a few more times to finish proving his theory.
‘I thought it was lucky that Raymond’s name had so many letters…’
Yulan kept insisting that this job benefitted him far more, but she disagreed.
Having the accursed Name “Raymond” branded on her body was horrible enough—and him erasing it for free?
And the result was that she could completely cut that damn Raymond out of her life?
For her, it was the perfect deal: kill two birds with one stone.
Well, that’s only because I already know—thanks to the original novel—what the worst-case scenario of erasing a Name is.
If she had known nothing about its side effects, she would never have been this bold.
Had the side effects involved rot starting at the Name, or paralysis, she would have agonized for a year before doing even a single erasure.
No—she probably wouldn’t have been able to decide at all.
But if, like in the novel, it merely shortened lifespan, then at least she could prepare in advance.
As soon as her engagement had been canceled, she had bought a villa in a beautiful resort town, hired a full staff of maids who would care for her when her health declined, and even made a small bucket list she planned to complete step by step.
So no matter how Yulan tried to scare her, it simply didn’t work.
Still, it’s a relief that our empire’s prince has at least some degree of humanity.
Evgenia shrugged and replied lightly.
“Well, that depends on my father’s reaction. If he tries to force the engagement again, there’s nothing I can do.”
“…Why is Duke Martur trying so hard to push this marriage? His only flaw is that he dotes on his one daughter—you. Shouldn’t this be something that ends if you simply say you don’t want it?”
“The problem is that he dotes on me too much, and that really is his only flaw.”
She twirled the ends of her bright red hair—identical in color to her father’s—and lifted her head.
“I wrote it in the letter. Father’s trying to investigate the matter of my Name being erased.”
“He did… wait, don’t tell me—?”
“He must have read about your ability in an old royal record. He asked me recently whether I’d met any strangers—an older woman or a younger man.”
“…This is the first time I’ve been annoyed that the chancellor is so competent.”
Her ability was so secret that she had never imagined anyone outside the royal lineage would know anything about it.
That secrecy was why she had been able to hide her identity and secretly erase Names.
Yulan felt a chill run down his spine and shrugged.
Evgenia nodded as if she understood and continued.
“Right? The older woman probably refers to Her Majesty the Empress. But the Empress doesn’t have any royal blood, so why—”
“The current empress is from a very distant offshoot of the founding emperor’s line. Barely related, but still technically a relative.”
“Oh dear. So Father is definitely suspicious of the imperial family.”
He paused, frowning as he thought.
“Could he be assuming they’re planning to make you the crown princess?”
“Probably. Otherwise he wouldn’t insist on keeping Raymond glued to my side, especially when I said I hated it!”
The biggest shock wasn’t anything else—it was that her father was forcibly pushing a decision she had clearly rejected.
She nearly burst out screaming, “How could Father do this to me?!” and storm out of the room, but managed to hold herself back with sheer willpower from her previous life.
Her mind understood that Father’s intentions were deep and warm.
Raymond might be the second son, but he was still the duke’s bloodline.
Even if the imperial family wanted her as crown princess, the duke’s heir would not be easily dismissed.
All the other sons of the ducal family were already married—meaning Raymond was the only remaining candidate.
“Even if you tell my father you have no interest in me, he won’t believe you. He’d only get more suspicious.”
“Yes, that’s Duke Martur.”
“If one letter disappears each month, he might really take it as the will of heaven and finally believe my side. So I’d appreciate your cooperation.”
Her tone was haughty, but Yulan had no reason to refuse.
He gave a short nod and stood up.
“Then see how the duke reacts tomorrow and contact me. I’ve already told Madame to deliver any letter from you directly.”
“Good. I don’t know how many more times we’ll meet, but I’m counting on you.”
She extended her hand; after a brief hesitation, he took it and gave it a light shake.
“I sincerely pray your father becomes wise.”
After Yulan descended the stairs, she sipped her tea alone. Soon, from the staircase, she heard cheerful chatter growing louder.
Just how skilled was Madame at conversation to keep someone occupied for this long?
Anna might seem a bit scatterbrained, but her loyalty to the ducal house was absolute.
So for her to stay away for this long for reasons other than Evgenia’s orders was surprising.
Fortunately, the mystery was solved as soon as Anna reached the landing.
“Young Lady! Madame is a genius!”
“Did you find many dresses you liked?”
“More than many! Dresses, gloves, hats—she even makes shoes herself! And everything matched perfectly in color and design! And she even recommended accessories to go with them! My Lady’s eye for talent is flawless!”
“Yes, yes, I am impressive, aren’t I?”
Evgenia casually brushed off Anna’s excited babbling and signaled toward Madame.
The Madame, looking a bit worn out, gave a fluffy smile and bowed.
“Madame, we’ll be purchasing everything Anna touched or saw downstairs.”
In an instant, Madame’s drained soul visibly inflated again.
Her eyes shone—no, blazed—with excitement. Evgenia glanced at Anna.
Following Evgenia’s gaze, Anna looked at the calendar, then at the dresses, and moved exactly as Evgenia wanted.
“The things my lady gave me can be worked on little by little whenever there’s time. But my lady’s dress must be completed perfectly and as quickly as possible. It’ll debut at next month’s celebration for His Highness the Crown Prince’s birthday—Madame, you understand how important that is, right?”
“No, send over the dress I tried on earlier as soon as it’s finished. For our next outing, I want Anna to wear it.”
“Oh my, My Lady…”
At the mention of the crown prince’s birthday banquet, Madame nearly fainted.
The very first noble dress she ever crafted would appear at a royal banquet.
For the madame of a tiny boutique, this was an overwhelming burden.
But Evgenia trusted her—and more accurately, she trusted Yulan, who had chosen her.
“Madame, I’m counting on you.”
“…Thank you, My Lady! I will do my utmost—my absolute utmost, even if it kills me!”
The wild fire in Madame’s eyes was almost frightening.
But that meant the dress would be perfect—there was nothing to do but believe.
