Chapter 4
Amelia sighed as she gazed out into the darkness beyond the window. Before the banquet began, she had hoped to meet her grandfather and make an urgent request—but in the end, he had not returned to the ducal estate.
“His Majesty’s health is said to be worsening… Grandfather must be overwhelmed with responsibilities.”
That meant time was even shorter. If things continued like this, Edzov would ascend the throne unopposed.
The first move was simple—meet that monster duke. She had to see him in person to propose the plan she’d carefully devised.
“What if he ignores the proposal? No… I have to find a way to marry him, no matter what…”
At that moment, she sensed movement behind her. Amelia froze, holding her breath. Behind her was only a window. Whoever had come in hadn’t used the door—they’d entered through the window.
Those bandits were suspicious too… Is someone after my life again?
She had her suspicions. This wasn’t the first time she’d felt her life was in danger. Until now, she had ignored the threats, believing that if she endured, everything would be fine. But now…
I won’t endure anymore.
After all, she only had one year left.
I can’t die before I take my revenge.
Calmly, Amelia exhaled and grasped her mother’s silver rifle. The moment she raised it, a hand—stronger and faster—gripped the barrel before she could take aim. She gasped, trying to pull it back, but the hand didn’t budge. It was too powerful.
Who…?
Following the large hand blocking her rifle, she looked up—but couldn’t see the man’s face clearly. Her lips trembled.
“…Who are you?”
“You ask that, even after proposing marriage at first sight? Don’t recognize the man you called your husband?”
“Husband…?”
“You decided I’d be your husband, didn’t you?”
At the cold voice, Amelia’s eyes widened as realization dawned.
“Grand Duke Clio…?”
Lowering the gun, Amelia stared, dumbfounded.
“You’re really Grand Duke Clio? But how did you…?”
Could it be? Had her plan actually worked?
What if he’s so stunned, he kills you on the spot?
Mami’s voice echoed unhelpfully in her mind.
He had traveled all this way, in the dead of night… and entered through the window!
Is he really here to kill me?
Tension crackled in the air. Then, as the moonlight shifted, it cast his eyes into view—and Amelia gasped. His gaze, a deep ocean blue, locked onto hers.
Those eyes… So beautiful, so mysterious…
Eclite stiffened at her reaction.
I knew it. I must look terrifying.
Clothing like his might be common in the North, but down here in the South, he likely seemed monstrous. He’d tried to hide it under a robe, but…
Should’ve worn something else…
“You, it’s you, right? It is you!”
Amelia, far from scared, suddenly stepped closer, excitement dancing in her eyes. Eclite flinched in surprise.
“W-Wait a minute—”
“It’s really you! You saved me that day, didn’t you?”
Thrown by her reaction, Eclite instinctively stepped back—and tripped over the bedpost behind him.
“Oh no!”
Amelia reached out to catch him, but they both tumbled onto the bed. He lay still, holding his breath, as she landed sprawled over him.
“It really is you! I knew it! I recognized those beautiful eyes—you saved me that day!”
Her voice rang out, but Eclite didn’t hear a word.
Her soft body against his, the dizzying scent of her, her hair tickling his skin, and the warmth of her breath on his neck… His blood surged, his mind spun. He was overwhelmed.
And yet this naïve young lady—utterly oblivious—was just thrilled to see him again. Just like that day, she knew nothing of the chaos inside him. The tension was unbearable. Eclite barely parted his lips, voice strained.
“If you could… please, Lady Amelia. Just… hold on a moment…”
“Huh? Ah!”
Only then did Amelia realize she was on top of him—her eyes widened, and she let out a short scream.
“Oh no, I’m so sorry! I must be out of my mind!”
Her face flushed deep red as she quickly scrambled to her feet. But in her flustered state, she slipped—Eclite swiftly caught her by the waist. Their eyes locked. She had meant to pull away, but now they were even closer.
Feeling her awareness of him shift, Eclite’s fingers on her waist felt like they were burning. He swallowed a stiff breath, struggling to maintain composure, and finally spoke in a cool tone.
“You’re quite… impossible to look away from. Are you always like this?”
His low, cold voice snapped Amelia out of her heated daze. She quickly stepped back, trying to cool her flushed cheeks.
“I-I’m really sorry. I was just so happy to see you again, I lost myself… I didn’t mean to be so rude…”
“…Happy?”
“Of course!”
“And why’s that?”
“Because I hoped—truly hoped—we’d meet again.”
“I see.”
Eclite’s lips curved into a faint, unexpected smile. Amelia found herself staring at it, dazed. There was something about him—her gaze kept being drawn to him. Shaking her head to clear it, she asked,
“But really… you are Grand Duke Clio?”
Eclite steadied his breath.
“Yes, I am.”
Unbelievable. The man who had saved her was Grand Duke Clio. He seemed so kind… How could such dreadful rumors surround him? Was it just his appearance?
But his eyes… they’re so beautiful. And his skin is so fair. If only he’d do something about that wild hair… he’d be quite handsome.
“You proposed to someone you didn’t even recognize? Fell in love at first sight and sent a marriage proposal without knowing his face?”
“Ah! You received the proposal already?”
“Even used an expensive communicator to send it.”
“Well, yes, but… You were in the southern territories—how did you receive it so quickly? I clearly sent it to the North.”
At her sharp question, Eclite hesitated, then smoothly deflected.
“That doesn’t seem like the point.”
“Right… that’s not what matters.”
They had finally met. Amelia’s nerves coiled. She had to persuade him now. But… he didn’t seem as terrifying as the rumors said. And by coincidence or fate, they already shared a connection.
Even the smallest bond—I have to hold onto it.
Composing herself, Amelia bowed respectfully.
“Thank you again for saving me that day, Your Grace. I never imagined a chance encounter would lead to something… this special.”
“Special?”
“You were probably shocked to receive such a proposal. But I believe you knew—it wasn’t just a normal proposal. It had a purpose. That’s why you’ve come here, in the dead of night, to my chambers.”
Eclite’s expression shifted—faintly intrigued—as he asked,
“So what’s your purpose, Lady Amelia? Why send a false proposal to marry me?”
His voice dropped low, chilling. Amelia’s mind cleared instantly.
“I want revenge on Grand Duke Bastien.”
“…”
“You hate him too, don’t you? As fellow princes, doesn’t it anger you that you’ve been exiled to the frozen North while he thrives in the warmth?”
“And?”
“I can help you reclaim your rightful place.”
This was her offer—the bargain she’d prepared. He was royalty, too. Surely he hated being discarded because of vile rumors, abandoned in that land. His resentment toward Edzov must be as deep as hers. And surely, he, too, desired the throne.
Amelia extended her hand to him.
“So let’s marry—for what we both want. Let’s use each other. I’ll help you become Emperor. Stand by me, and shine like the brightest sun. Let no one ever mock your name again.”
Even after such a bold proposal, silence followed. She searched his expression for any reaction—but he remained unreadable, disturbingly calm.
Shouldn’t he at least be shocked? Outraged? Is he… ignoring me? If I can’t persuade him now…
“…Alright.”
His answer—so short, so sudden.
“Yes, I understand it’s not an easy deci— Wait, what?”
Amelia froze, stunned. Eclite remained steady, his voice even as he continued,
“I’ll marry you, Lady Amelia.”
And now—she was the one who lost her composure.
“Really? That easily?”
“You said we’d use each other. It’s a marriage of purpose, isn’t it? A discarded prince needs to become Emperor to survive—and to get revenge on the brother he despises. Besides…”
His calm tone abruptly shifted, replaced by a chilling voice and a sharp gaze that sent shivers down her spine.
“…I’ve developed a desire.”
“A… desire?”
He stared at her—unwavering, piercing.
“There’s something I want. Something I can only have if I become Emperor. So I can’t let this opportunity slip away. If anything, I desire this marriage more than you do—I need your hand.”
In his eyes, Amelia saw it—a fierce, unrelenting hunger for the throne. He clasped her outstretched hand tightly.
“To make me Emperor… you’ll have to take responsibility. For everything. Teach me, guide me—start to finish.”
His grip tightened, and a strange chill ran through her.
“Whatever it takes, once I begin something… I won’t stop until it’s finished.”
“…”
“Can you handle someone like that?”
His intense voice and those dark, ocean-blue eyes crashed into her like a storm. She had intended to use him for her revenge. But now—it felt like he was the one devouring her. Like she had touched something that should never be provoked.
He didn’t even ask why I want revenge against Grand Duke Bastien…
To him, that doesn’t matter. All that matters is desire. Our shared goal—the throne.
He would use her. She would use him. Amelia swallowed her nerves and tightened her grip on his hand.
“Of course I can. That’s exactly what I want too. I’ll make sure you become Emperor, Your Grace.”
Yes. A contractual alliance was enough.
At her declaration, Eclite drew a breath—shaky but resolute—and spoke.
“Then what do we do next?”
“You’re aware there’s a banquet tomorrow night at Fiore, yes?”
“A gathering to present the new candidate for Duke Fiore’s successor, isn’t it?”
“Yes. Most nobles will be there. We’ll announce our engagement then.”
“And you’ll be introduced as a candidate.”
Even without her saying so, Eclite understood everything instantly.
“That’s how it needs to be.”
“Good.”
“…What?”
“You won’t have to face that terrifying stage alone.”
Amelia stared at him, speechless at the unexpected kindness in his words. Before she could respond, Mami’s voice cut through the silence.
“Milady, it’s me. May I come in?”
“Yes, come in.”
Finally, Amelia broke eye contact with him.
“Milady, about tomorrow morni— Oh my! Who are you?!”
Mami recoiled in shock at the sight of Eclite standing beside Amelia.
“Mami, mind your manners. Show proper respect—this is Grand Duke Clio.”
“W-What? Grand Duke Clio? Wait—how, no— Grand Duke Clio!”
Mami hurriedly bowed her head.
“Treat him with the utmost respect. He’s an honored guest for tomorrow’s banquet.”
“Of course, Milady! I’ll make all necessary preparations!”
Following Mami out, Eclite spoke briefly.
“Then, I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Yes. Tomorrow.”
As Eclite left, Amelia collapsed onto the bed, completely drained.
“Haah… This is a good thing, right?”
So much had happened all at once.
“One step down… now the most important one remains.”
She had to be recognized as a candidate, pass the trials, and become Duchess of Fiore.
“That terrifying stage…”
Suddenly, his words came back to her.
You won’t have to face that terrifying stage alone.
He was right. Just standing there, claiming she could be duchess without ever firing a gun—she knew the scorn and sharp tongues that awaited her.
You’re not alone.
“…It’s true. I’m not alone anymore.”
It was just a contract, a relationship of mutual gain. Yet, it felt like she finally had someone on her side. And that brought her a strange comfort.
Having left Amelia’s room, Eclite finally let the tension drain from his body.
“Haah…”
A sigh—so quiet, so unlike him—that Cahillro would never have believed it had he seen.
“Y-Your Grace?!”
Mami watched him cautiously, fear flickering in her eyes, but Eclite simply accepted the look as if it were natural. He wrapped himself again in the forgotten robe, meticulously concealing his form.
Come to think of it… she wasn’t afraid of me.
She had only said she was happy to see him. That much had been genuine—no doubt about it.
As he prepared to walk away, a warm breeze blew in through the half-open window, halting his steps once more. On the windowsill, he noticed a withered flower. It must have ridden the breeze in, taken root for a time, and wilted.
This kind of wildflower could bloom easily in the warm southern lands. He had vowed never to return here after being cast out, discarded into the frozen North. He had planned to remain there until his death, isolated, because his presence in the world only ever stirred up unwanted noise.
“…In the end, you’ve moved me, Lady Amelia.”
No surprise, really. He had known from the moment he saw her, from the moment he heard her voice—
Refusal was never an option.
He resumed walking, leaving the room.
Behind him, the once withered flower bloomed again—vivid and alive.
Amelia waited for Mami. She was certain Mami, filled with shocked curiosity, would come running. But the person who arrived was not Mami.
“Milady, are you there?”
A maid of the ducal estate bowed politely.
“I bring greetings to Lady Amelia Chezaret.”
“Who are you?”
“I was sent by His Grace, the Duke.”
Amelia’s eyes widened.
“My grandfather—the Duke—he’s returned?”
“Yes. He wishes to speak with you.”
“Really? That’s perfect. I need to see him too—”
“Unnie.”
That familiar voice pierced through Amelia. She swallowed hard and slowly raised her head. It was Meysarina.
“…Please leave us,” Amelia said, her voice suddenly cold.
The maid bowed and quickly withdrew. Turning her back, Amelia addressed Meysarina.
“Come in. Say what you need to say.”
“You said you wanted me to be happy!”
Amelia froze. Meysarina stepped closer, her voice carrying no trace of guilt—only a tone of blame.
“You always said you wanted me to be happy, Unnie!”
Amelia gathered what little emotion she had left.
“Are you… not even a little sorry?”
She had hoped—just once—that Meysarina would ask for forgiveness. But instead—
“I’m sorry I lied, but I don’t think I stole Grand Duke Bastien. I was first. He loved me from the beginning! It’s not something to apologize for—being in love!”
“….”
Meysarina, her voice now softer, as if seeking understanding, continued,
“So if I can make him happy, isn’t that enough? You wanted him to be happy, right? I can fill the space you leave behind!”
Amelia let out a bitter laugh.
“Meysarina, don’t wrap your sins in the guise of doing them for me. It’s disgusting.”
“U-Unnie…?”
Meysarina flinched—the ice in Amelia’s voice was unlike anything she had ever known.
“And don’t call me that. I understand now—we were never family.”
No pain, no disappointment. Only disgust with herself—for expecting anything from her. Meysarina was just like him. They belonged together.
“If we were truly family, you wouldn’t pray for my death. You’d want me to live. But you wait for it—because once I’m gone, your love won’t be a scandal anymore.”
At the word scandal, Meysarina clenched her teeth.
“It’s not a scandal!”
“You can’t even stand beside him at the banquet tomorrow, can you? He won’t let you. That is a scandal.”
Amelia stood tall, her voice unwavering for the first time.
“I once truly wished for your happiness. So let me give you advice: don’t trust him too much. He’s using you.”
“That’s not true. He loves me.”
“You’ve felt it too. That’s why you ran away that night. If I was a tool—then you’re just a toy.”
“He loves me! Not you!”
A violent madness flickered in Meysarina’s eyes.
“He never loved you! Not for a moment! How could he? You’re as good as dead already!”
Her twisted lips bared the truth she had hidden. Finally, her true feelings had surfaced.
No one wants me to live.
In that case, Amelia no longer wished for their happiness either.
“Meysarina, don’t dress up too much for the banquet tomorrow. It’s going to get ugly.”
You’ll never smile again.
“I’m going to make you cry. Miserably, utterly humiliated—I’ll make you break.”
