Chapter 09
In a forest not far from the Duke’s estate…
As you walk along the dry dirt path, you can find patches of mint growing here and there.
Because of this, in the summer, the forest is filled with a fresh and cool scent from the mint leaves.
Since I was young, this forest with its tall trees has been my secret place. I could hear the tree’s voice, so whenever I felt lonely or sad, I would come and find comfort from it.
I don’t know who first planted the mint. When I asked my sister, she just told me to spend that time memorizing proper manners instead. That says it all.
Before I remembered my past life, I was trapped in a dark hell. The trees were the only things that helped me hold on.
‘I remember my past life now.’
“The pain must’ve been great, child,” the tree said.
‘…Why did you think it was painful?’
I sniffled, curled up, then looked up.
The day after I hit my head and regained my past life memories, I came to see the tree.
In a fear so deep that I felt like I might lose myself, I just wanted someone—anyone—to stay by my side.
But sadly, I had no one like that in this life. No one I could lean on. So I came to the tree.
“Trees and people… both die alone, child. And you already carry the memory of death. How painful that must be.”
After hearing that, I couldn’t hold back my tears. The tree was right. I had died alone.
With fading consciousness, I had crawled slowly through the filthy alley, but no one came to help me.
Eventually, I died… and was reborn as Fiana Lucianos, someone who had lost her sight and was ignored like she was invisible.
So in this life…
“I will stay here.”
I won’t live a miserable, foolish life where I only run away.
I will stand tall, claim my freedom, and find that person.
“That’s a pretty firm answer,” said Russell in a calm voice.
From the beginning, I had no other choice. Becoming the Grand Duchess was the right choice if I wanted to leave the Duke’s house and be free.
‘What matters most is why such a role is even necessary.’
Russell Glacies chose a blind woman he didn’t even know as his fiancée. He must have his reasons. But I doubt he’ll tell me easily.
Unlike me, Russell seemed unsure. I could understand that. It wasn’t normal to leave your childhood home and say you’d live in the North so easily.
But I had my own reasons I couldn’t back down from.
‘Even without power, as long as I have the courage to take one step forward, I won’t be afraid of anything.’
I wanted to find him.
In my past life, he was the one who taught me how to read, told me about the imperial family, and explained the nobles. That’s why I wanted to find him again.
After regaining my memories, it was thanks to him and the tree that I could dream of freedom beyond the Duke’s home.
So I wanted to find him. I wanted to meet him again.
‘If I can leave the Duke’s house and find him, then nothing else matters.’
But Russell didn’t reply for a while.
What was he thinking? I couldn’t feel any emotion from him, and that made it hard to guess.
Finally, after being silent for some time, Russell spoke in a voice like he was biting something back.
“…I see. In that case, I can relax.”
Why did he hesitate just now?
I couldn’t read his expression, so I was about to ask when he spoke again.
“I have a gift for you. Frater.”
“Yes.”
I heard movement nearby. Frater came close and opened a large box with a clunking sound.
“What’s inside?”
“A sword stick. Try touching it.”
I carefully reached inside the box. A cold, smooth feeling met my fingertips. Russell crossed his legs and spoke calmly.
“The Empire has many mages. A long time ago, the royal family made that stick for a blind chancellor.”
“I didn’t know something like this existed.”
It’s lighter than my old cane, and the material feels strong. But something about it felt strange. I could hear something inside it.
When I grabbed the handle with my other hand, I heard the clear sound of a blade being drawn.
I froze in surprise, but Russell explained like it was nothing.
“It’s a sword. It’s hidden inside so you can protect yourself, even if I’m not around.”
So it really was a weapon.
With Frater’s help, I carefully slid the blade back inside.
Even that sound was sharp—it made me realize this was a real weapon. Then Russell stood up and walked toward the door.
“Get used to the stick before you come out.”
“Huh? Where are you going…?”
“What do you mean?”
Russell answered like it was obvious.
“I have to see His Majesty off as he returns to the capital.”
“You didn’t have to come, Lady. I hope we didn’t push you.”
“No, I just felt bad for not showing myself sooner.”
I could hear many footsteps and breaths—clearly the Emperor and a large group of mages preparing to return to the capital.
Maybe the sky knew it too.
The air was cold, but the wind was gentle. It was perfect weather to return to the capital. Standing beside me, Russell still smelled like cool mint.
Asha, standing nearby, seemed nervous in front of the Emperor. Her hand, helping to support me, was damp with sweat.
“No need to force a patient to move. I’m not that heartless.”
‘If the future Grand Duchess doesn’t show up to see off the Emperor, it’ll definitely cause bad rumors in the capital.’
Even though I was blind, the fact that I was engaged to the Duke made me a juicy topic for gossip.
If I didn’t show up today, they’d say I was acting high and mighty, thinking I was already the Duchess when the wedding hadn’t even happened.
I tightened my grip on the stick.
“I’m fine. May the Mother Wolf of the North watch over Your Majesty and your journey.”
Because of the stick, I couldn’t hold up my dress with both hands to bow, but I could at least lower my head. I smiled softly and greeted the Emperor.
But there was no reply.
Worried, I slowly raised my head, and then he finally spoke.
“You’re too kind and graceful for Russell, Lady.”
“Your Majesty…”
Russell spoke in a cold voice, as if he was protesting. While I was feeling awkward, His Majesty spoke again.
“Yes, yes. I understand. But more importantly, could you give me a moment alone with the lady?”
Russell didn’t respond, clearly unhappy. Even Asha looked a bit troubled but seemed to realize she couldn’t get between the emperor and me, so she finally let go of my hand.
I heard the tapping sound of my cane. Carefully, I walked toward His Majesty.
Then, I sensed him reaching out his hand to me. I held that big, warm hand tightly.
“Take care of yourself, Lady Fiana. Health is the greatest treasure.”
Whether he meant it or not, his words felt warm. Maybe because Russell had kept me so tense, my chest suddenly ached a little.
“Yes. I’m sorry for causing you worry.”
But surely, he didn’t call me over just to exchange polite goodbyes. If that were the case, he could’ve said it while Russell was still here.
‘If he called me aside, there must be something more.’
Just as I thought that, the emperor leaned in and spoke softly.
So quietly that only I could hear.
“Be careful of Russell.”
That was the last thing His Majesty said to me before leaving.
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• ❁ • ❁ • ❁ •By Freya• ❁ • ❁ • ❁ •
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Advance chapters of this novel are available of my kofi channel
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