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CHAPTER 09
Your Majesty, Please Be My Husband —
“Miss, the Seiren Princess is at Duke Valter’s residence.”
While fixing Serena’s hair, May spoke.
“Is that so?”
The princess was technically a hostage, but publicly she was the representative of the kingdom’s diplomatic delegation. Serena knew she was supposed to be staying in the imperial palace under the excuse of “learning imperial culture.”
So why was she at Duke Valter’s estate?
“All done—You’re especially beautiful today!”
May’s cheerful voice snapped Serena out of her thoughts.
She raised her eyes and looked into the mirror.
May had styled her hair with a butterfly-shaped ornament, giving it a soft accent to the neatly tied-up style.
A lavender butterfly hairpin matched the deep purple dress.
For a moment, Serena stared at herself, then lowered her gaze again.
It felt unfamiliar, as if it wasn’t her reflection.
That sensation had been happening often since recovering her memories, so she simply stood up.
“Make sure your purse is ready. We have things to buy.”
“Yes!”
Serena left the room and went downstairs.
Without the Duke and Klaus, the mansion felt not just quiet, but eerily still.
But Serena liked that silence.
“Silence is better than noise.”
“Pardon?”
May tilted her head at Serena’s mutter, but Serena dismissed it.
As they descended the stairs, the head butler, Hynde, greeted her.
“Where are you going, young lady?”
“You may not leave without the Duke’s permission.”
A loyal dog indeed.
Serena regarded him silently.
A man so obedient he looked like he would lick her boots if ordered.
She considered what to do with him.
“Miss Serena has been invited by Countess Delphium,” May stepped in. “This is a formal invitation. Are you really going to block an official engagement? Think carefully, sir. This concerns the honor of the ducal house.”
The situation was different from when they had snuck out before.
This time, there was a clear justification.
Hynde hesitated. He hadn’t been told the limits of his orders.
“Move aside, Hynde.”
His expression darkened.
Blocking her might offend the countess and damage the ducal house’s reputation. Even if the Duke and Klaus were indifferent, they were still family.
“…I apologize. I will prepare the carriage immediately.”
In the end, he stepped aside.
“Good job, May.”
Though Hynde ranked above May, Serena appreciated that May spoke up for her.
“Thank you.”
Serena nodded lightly.
In her mind, she recalled Countess Delphium.
The Countess was the third wife of the current Count Delphium.
“Hm… I may have to give a little help.”
The Count was nearing the end of his life—not by illness, but by accident: after indulging in an affair with a new mistress, he would die returning from a secret meeting.
In the original storyline, Serena was supposed to gain something from this meeting.
“Miss, the carriage is ready.”
At Hynde’s voice, Serena stopped thinking.
She boarded the carriage and departed.
* * *
“Luke, the item I asked for?”
They had stopped at a flower shop on the way.
“Here.”
The shop looked ordinary, but it was actually owned by Lucas.
It was currently closed for renovation, meaning they could speak freely inside.
In his hand was a crystal bottle filled with a deep purple liquid.
“What are you planning to do with that?”
“Salvation.”
“Whom?”
“A lamb lost in hell.”
“Someone like me?”
“Yes.”
Lucas sighed at her vague answers but didn’t question further.
It was easier to trust her than to understand her.
“Jealous,” he said quietly. “I wish you wouldn’t care about anyone else.”
“Don’t worry. You’re the only one I’ve put a leash on.”
Lucas stared at her briefly, then smiled softly.
“Yes. My leash will always be in my master’s hands.”
He lifted her hand and pressed a kiss to its back, his gaze burning while hers remained emotionless.
“Take this.”
Before she left, he handed her a bouquet.
“What is this?”
“A gift.”
She almost refused—but his gaze was too intense.
Serena sighed silently and smiled.
“Thank you, Luke.”
* * *
“Thank you for inviting me, Countess Delphium.”
Holding a bouquet of red roses, Serena greeted gracefully.
She looked noble, composed, and refined.
Serena Ashik had recently become the subject of high society’s attention.
Countess Salome Delphium observed her carefully.
She seems more polished than most young ladies…
“Thank you for accepting my invitation,” Salome said. “But… that bouquet…?”
“It is a gift.”
Serena handed it over.
Roses were typically given between lovers, but Serena had no intention of bringing them home.
Better to give them to someone who would take better care of them.
“Roses are usually for lovers, are they not?”
“Yes. But when I saw you, I thought of roses.”
Salome’s hair was a rich reddish-pink, like blooming roses—striking and elegant.
“Goodness…”
Flustered, Salome led her inside.
Once seated in the reception room, tea was served and the servants left.
“Countess,” Serena asked calmly, “is the Count treating you well?”
The question made Salome’s fingers twitch slightly.
“…He treats me well.”
Her dress covered her neck completely—too conservative, out of fashion.
That alone suggested something hidden beneath.
Serena’s eyes lowered slightly.
“Bruises…”
Salome flinched violently and covered her arm.
Her face turned pale.
“You must be careful. Others may notice.”
“P-please… don’t tell anyone…”
If exposed, her husband would never let her live.
Serena placed her teacup down.
She then took out the crystal bottle Lucas had prepared.
“Shall I offer you salvation, Countess?”
The purple liquid shimmered ominously.
“This is not something your family or anyone else can give you,” Serena said softly. “It must be you who saves yourself.”
She stepped behind Salome and placed a hand gently on her stiff shoulder.
“Reclaim the Delphium estate. You and your young son will be the ones to own it. I am merely giving you the opportunity.”
Her voice was calm.
Almost like a devil whispering salvation.
