Chapter 8

“I shall submit to you.”

His voice pierced her like the teeth of a wild beast, sinking deep into her core, sending a dizzying shiver through her. Amelia barely managed to swallow her trembling breath. Her heart stirred so violently it burned. She had never felt anything like this before.
Not even when she loved Edzov had her heart burned this hot. No—she had never heard words this fiery in her life. Looking at him, quietly enveloping her in that presence, she finally managed a single thought.

‘Does he want the throne this badly?’

That shaky idea was all she could muster, and the wind howled, making her ears ring.
Though he was the one who had spoken, Eclite’s throat also burned with tension, heat rising inside him. Yet he tightened his grip on her hand, subtly, with a strange look of satisfaction.

“Now that the oath is complete… shall we return?”

Amelia, finally regaining her senses, tried to return his coat.

“S-sure. I bet Mami’s dying of curiosity by now. Oh—your coat! Please take it back, I’m fine.”

But Eclite pulled the coat snugly over her again, this time wrapping it securely around her shoulders. The result? He was practically embracing her. With lingering emotions still stirring, Amelia trembled.

“Y-Your Grace…?”

“Keep it on. The wind is cold.”

Strangely, it didn’t seem that cold. If anything, the wind appeared to be blowing the other way.

“I don’t think it’s really that windy…”

Before she could finish, Eclite casually flicked his fingers—and the wind suddenly shifted toward her. A sharp gust hit, and she instinctively clutched his coat tightly.

“O-oh, never mind. It is windy. Haha!”

She was flustered.

‘Wait, what just happened? Why did the wind suddenly change?’

Just like that time on the balcony… Had he done it again? But Eclite feigned ignorance and even scolded her lightly.

“Even if southern winds aren’t as harsh as the north, you shouldn’t underestimate them. You’ll catch a cold. Don’t forget—you have your trial soon. Self-care is also part of skill.”

Amelia forced herself to dismiss the thought.

‘Right. Just coincidence. There’s no way he could do that with magic. That kind of power doesn’t exist anymore. It’s just wind. Unpredictable, wild wind.’

She figured her thoughts were simply wandering because of how close they were—and how embarrassed she felt to be held like this.

“You don’t have to do all this… just lending me the coat is enough. I’m really not that cold.”

“I’m doing it on purpose.”

“…What?”

Eclite’s voice was resolute, certain.

“From now on, all eyes will be on us.”

“Of course. After such a dramatic engagement announcement.”

“As you know better than anyone, we need to look like a loving couple—madly in love, married out of passion. That’s why you wrote in the proposal that it was love at first sight, right? We can’t afford to look suspicious.”

Amelia finally nodded.

“Right… you’re absolutely right.”

They had to look like a couple in love—deeply in love. No one could find out it was a strategic alliance, a contract marriage. Marriages of convenience were common among nobles, but their circumstances were different.
Eclite needed the throne, and Amelia had to make him Emperor. If rumors spread that he was using House Fiore to gain the throne, it would ruin him—especially in the eyes of the social elite. And after he ascended, those rumors could still haunt him.
Worse, he could be accused of insulting the five great houses.

‘I need to create the story—one where I loved him, believed in him, supported him from the beginning.’

Thankfully, few knew of her past with Edzov. Being confined to Count Chezaret’s estate helped. Edzov’s visits were always secret.

‘In case I died early… he must’ve wanted to keep things tidy.’

That’s how much he cared about reputation. Even if he doubted this marriage, without proof, there was nothing he could do. She couldn’t show even a sliver of weakness.

Eclite, sensing Amelia’s train of thought, offered a faint smile.

“Until the very end, we must be a couple—who love and love again—more than anyone.”

His voice was calm, but it tickled her heart.

His logic was sound, yet why… why did it feel dangerous?

“Y-yes. Of course.”

“Shall I continue to escort you in my arms, then?”

“Yes… I’ll leave it to you.”

And so, Amelia awkwardly leaned into his arms, calling it a request. Just as she did, Eclite hesitated slightly, then added with mock consideration,

“Should I carry you instead, like last time? That would make us look even more in love.”

“No! This is fine! This is perfect! We’re not even married yet, remember?”

Carry her? In front of all those people? Absolutely not! She wasn’t ready for that level of public spectacle. Eclite, amused by her flustered panic, extended his hand as if offering a compromise.

“Then shall we at least walk hand in hand?”

“H-Holding hands is fine! That’s totally fine!”

Grabbing his hand hastily—just thankful she wasn’t being lifted—Amelia immediately regretted it. His hand was so warm, far too warm, and that strange feeling bloomed again in her chest. Embarrassed, she reflexively buried her face against his chest.
Eclite, clearly satisfied, murmured softly.

“Just this much… for now.”

‘For now?’

Those words hinted at something far more dangerous, but she couldn’t dwell on them for long.

“There was something I didn’t get to say earlier.”

“What is it?”

“That you were beautiful. And dazzling.”

And just like that, Eclite completely scrambled her thoughts. Once again, the wind had changed direction—flowing far away from them.

Early the next morning, the aftermath of the previous night’s banquet echoed loudly across the estate.

As Amelia stepped outside, preparing to move to new quarters, all eyes—from maids to servants—were on her.
They didn’t dare whisper openly, but their gazes said enough. And none of it was kind.

“Milady, I’ve already moved your belongings over,” Mami reported.

“Thank you, Mami.”

No longer merely a guest, Amelia was now an official candidate for head of House Fiore. Like the others, she was to stay at Honesse Palace, closer to the training grounds, until the trial.

Upon arrival, they found Chief Steward Kate waiting at the entrance.
Mami instinctively bowed. Amelia, too, met Kate’s sharp gaze with subtle tension.

“Lady Amelia Chezaret,” he greeted curtly.

“I didn’t get to greet you properly at the banquet, Kate.”

“You needn’t bother with a mere servant.”

“A mere servant? There’s no one in Fiore who doesn’t know your name.”

Kate, steward of House Fiore for decades, was its living history. No servant had served longer. His rigid posture, immaculately groomed silver hair, precisely trimmed mustache, and spotless monocle all reflected his uncompromising discipline.

Without excess words, Kate offered a respectful bow.

“Please, make yourself comfortable during your stay. Mami will continue to attend you.”

Then, his voice cooled just slightly.

‘Make yourself comfortable during your stay… so don’t think of staying.’

He had said what others only dared to imply with glances. Kate clearly disapproved of the scandal Amelia’s candidacy had stirred among the nobility.

‘He doesn’t believe I have any chance of becoming the next head of house.’

Amelia met his gaze with an easy smile.

“Indeed. You’re certainly no mere servant.”

“…….”

“Don’t worry. I’ll stay here as if it’s my own home—comfortable and unbothered.”

At Amelia’s calm response, Kate’s brow twitched, but without another word, he turned and left. Mami hurried toward her, visibly nervous.

“I’m sorry, Milady. Steward Kate is just… he’s strict—meticulous about rules and tradition…”

“I’m fine. I didn’t expect to be welcomed anyway. This is just how it is, for now.”

“Everyone’s talking about you. I think it’s Lady Meysarina… she must have spread some terrible rumors—that you can’t even use a musket…”

“So I’ve become the star attraction in every lady’s salon gossip?”

“Milady!”

Amelia only laughed, while Mami fretted. Gossip about marrying the “monster Grand Duke” was one thing—but the trial was another matter entirely.

“What are you really going to do?”

Mami didn’t want Amelia to become a laughingstock. But Amelia’s answer remained firm, calm.

“I told you. I’ll take the trial fairly, honestly.”

“Milady…”

“First, I need to see His Grace. He said he’d introduce me to someone—and I have a request for him as well. By the way, Mami, you were amazing. I was stunned at how different the Grand Duke looked at the banquet.”

At her praise, Mami looked pleased, her face lighting up with pride.

“I was surprised too! Not just his physique—his face! You were right, he really does have that wild charm.”

Mami’s words instantly brought back the peculiar moment from the night before, and Amelia’s cheeks flushed.

‘Surely I won’t have to see him half-dressed again… right?’

He did say it was a habit—but surely he’d correct that. He would. He had to.

Despite her fears, Eclite appeared properly dressed, unlike the day before. Beside him stood a man equally striking—if not more so—with a somewhat dazed expression.

“This is Cahillro Rowe Vale, my personal knight and commander of House Clio’s knights.”

Amelia nodded and extended her hand to Cahillro, offering the courteous greeting of a noble lady.

“I’m Amelia Chezaret. I look forward to working with you.”

Still somewhat stunned, Cahillro awkwardly reached for her hand, intending to kiss it. But just as he was about to touch her skin, Eclite swiftly intercepted, pulling her hand away. Cahillro froze in shock, while Amelia stared at Eclite, puzzled.

“Your Grace?”

“We’re done with greetings. Is this a kind of violet?”

“Violet?”

Without waiting, Eclite gently guided her toward the window. A small purple flower bloomed on the sill.

“Oh! There’s a flower here. It’s not a violet, but it’s lovely.”

“As I thought—not a violet.”

“You really must like flowers, noticing even wild ones like this.”

Eclite gazed at her, his voice low and warm.

“Yes. I like them. Very much.”

Amelia’s heart thudded. His gentle voice caught her completely off guard.

‘W-Why is my heart racing again?!’

Watching from a distance, Cahillro nearly stumbled over in disbelief.

‘Wait. Did His Grace… just get jealous? Over me?!’

He had been fully briefed before arriving, and yet he still couldn’t believe it. The Grand Duke wanted the throne? He was marrying Lady Chezaret? They were using each other?

‘That’s using each other? Doesn’t look like it. They’re glued together—he won’t even leave her side.’

That hand-snatch earlier? That weak excuse to pull her away?

‘He won’t even let me greet her properly!’

At first, he hadn’t recognized her, but now he did. She was that woman—the one Eclite had risked everything to save on the mountain, even using his power.

‘What kind of connection do they have?! What ties him to Lady Chezaret?!’

Just then, a knock sounded and Mami entered.

“Milady, a letter has arrived.”

At her words, Amelia paused, then turned her back with practiced grace, presenting it naturally.

“Excuse me for a moment.”

As Amelia stepped out, Eclite immediately shrugged off his outer coat.

“Southern clothes are stifling—tight and restrictive. I really need to get used to them…”

“You don’t need to get used to anything. Your Grace must return to the North immediately.”

“I will, eventually. You go first and handle things. After the wedding, depending on the situation, I’ll make one trip back.”

“That’s not what I meant!”

Unable to hold back anymore, Cahillro dropped to one knee before Eclite, his tone earnest and grave.

“If His Majesty finds out, he won’t let it slide. You know better than anyone what it means for you to set foot in the South!”

Unlike the agitated Cahillro, Eclite’s face remained calm, unmoved.

“I know. It’ll cause an uproar—a mess. That’s why I planned to stay in the North forever.”

“Then why now?!”

“Because I want to stay—so much so that I no longer care about any of that.”

Cahillro’s heart stung at those unexpected words, and his voice rose again.

“Please, Your Grace, reconsider. The throne? You’ve always loathed the Imperial Palace. Do you not remember how the Imperial family treated you—what they called you, what they did to you? And now, for that woman—!”

“Watch your tongue, Cahillro.”

Eclite’s expression turned cold, sharp as a blade, silencing him.

“She will soon be my wife—and the head of House Fiore.”

Cahillro’s breath hitched. It wasn’t the old, forbidden name that shook him—it was that she mattered more.

“I’ve already chosen—to stay by her side. I never want to be apart from her again.”

“Your Grace…”

Eclite’s chilling gaze and stiff lips softened without him realizing, curving gently.

“She’s the first person to make me want anything. Once I touched her, I didn’t want to let go.”

The word ‘want’ made Cahillro’s eyes tremble with dread. His master, who had lived without desire, simply existing for existence’s sake, now spoke of want. And if that desire was Amelia…

‘No one can stop him. What frightens me now is the future—what will happen, when His Grace acts on his first desire… No one knows.’

All he could hope for was that that power—his power—wouldn’t spiral out of control. That the Imperial family wouldn’t discover it.

Amelia stepped outside and held out her hand.

“Did it arrive?”

Mami pulled a letter from her bosom.

“Yes, from House Chezaret.”

“No one noticed, right?”

“No, Milady. You made sure everything was perfectly prepared.”

“Thank you, Mami.”

Amelia stared at the letter from her father, eyes tight with tension.

‘So it’s come.’

Word of the banquet would’ve reached her father by now. As she opened it, her fingers trembled—and when she read it, her expression froze, then crumbled into a hollow smile.

“He’s completely discarded me.”

“Milady?”

The letter had no rage—no emotion. Just a single line:
—Do not return until you’ve cleaned up this mess.—

Such utter indifference to such an explosive scandal. And even that was proof of how little he cared. He despised her enough that not even anger was worth the effort.

Amelia clenched the letter tight, then let out a dry, almost relieved smile.

“He wants me to fix it? Fine. I’ll start by taking the seat of House Fiore.”

Cahillro, filled with unease, reluctantly returned North. Eclite understood. He knew exactly what Cahillro feared.

Eclite himself loathed the Imperial Palace. The memories still gnawed at his mind, scarring his soul. And yet—

‘I have to become Emperor. If I want a peaceful, quiet life… I have to survive. Truly live.’

If things were going to get chaotic anyway, he didn’t mind if she was the reason for the storm.

‘In fact… I’m looking forward to it.’

He could bear anything. Anything but one thing—her heart. That fragile heart that could stop any day.

‘If I could give her my heart… If I could die in her place…’

“If there’s a way to do that, no matter what it takes… I will.”

For a brief moment, Eclite’s eyes darkened, terrifying in their intensity.

“Your Grace, I need to ask you something—ah!”

Amelia, returning just then, caught sight of him shirtless, and screamed.

Eclite’s cold expression shattered, and he hastily threw on his coat.

“I apologize. I thought you hadn’t returned yet…”

Amelia, her face burning crimson, met his eyes and snapped.

“Your Grace, even if it’s a habit, you need to keep your clothes on!”

“Yes, of course. During the day.”

“During the day?” Even at night, he needed to be dressed!

‘Where do I even begin teaching him proper decorum?!’

“What was it you wanted to ask?”

Amelia, finally recovering her composure, spoke seriously.

“It’s… a favor. Actually, it might be a difficult one…”

“I’ll do it.”

“W-What? Wait, don’t you even want to know what it is?”

“I don’t need to. Whatever it is—you have only to ask.”

In Eclite’s world, there was no such thing as refusing Amelia’s request.

Ever.