Despite the lingering negative rumors, Retina couldn’t cut off communication with Norden. Norden’s stay in Rudenheim was limited, and the matters that needed resolution during that time were not things they could discuss in writing.
“Has there been any communication from the north?”
“It’s a distance that takes at least a month to travel. If the messenger has arrived quickly, they should be crossing the mountain range by now.”
Every time she met Norden, Retina couldn’t hide her anxious feelings as she inquired about the arrival of his letters. For some reason, there was pressure even from the imperial family for her and Norden to marry.
Even if the Empress intervened in the marriage with the North, there was no urgent need for it. It seemed as if they were planning to send Retina to Raglaras as soon as the social season ended.
Before the formal marriage arrangement between Raglas and the ducal family took place, she should be coming. At this rate, they might end up holding Norden’s wedding in her presence.
“Do you really have no intention of avoiding the spoken marriage proposal?”
“I’m just doing my best in my position. I think it’s safer for Retina to go and live with Raglaras than to reveal secrets here. Even if she gains recognition from the Ignace Ducal family, it’s better if Raglaras exercises that influence.”
“Even if you go to the North, will your feelings not change?”
“I didn’t decide based solely on liking. Now that I know about Retina’s secret, I have to bring her to Raglaras.”
Norden, who seemed to be on Retina’s side, strengthened his resolve in line with Duke Devenue’s intentions. As a prince of one kingdom and an envoy invited by the empire, Norden faced continuous scrutiny due to his silver hair. Despite being a legend of old, the people of Rudenheim did not hide their aversion to silver hair. While outwardly dismissing it as tales of the past, behind the scenes, there were whispers everywhere about how ominous silver hair was.
It showed just how many hidden opinions there were in the imperial capital. It wasn’t until he left the mansion that Norden regained tranquility.
“The Empire is still far away.”
Norden spoke firmly, cutting off any further discussion. Even nobles seeking to engage in trade by coveting the natural resources in the North couldn’t expect much when facing him. He complied with their demands simply because Raglaras needed Rudenheim’s abundant grain and culture.
The same goes for political marriages. If she were to become a wife, meeting someone who scrutinizes her from top to bottom with a frowning face, even if it’s called a strategic marriage, could they have a harmonious married life by going to the North? If she had to do it anyway, it was only natural to choose a woman who was in a similar situation, someone she had a favorable impression of since their first meeting.
“I think I know what you’re hoping for, Retina. If it’s revealed that you’re a descendant of the Ignace Ducal family, we might be able to push for a marriage between you and the Crown Prince. However, living with Raglaras and Rudenheim under the name of Ignace. Which one do you think will have more influence?”
Retina couldn’t answer Norden’s question. She knew too. What choice she should make to live comfortably.
Even if the truth about the curse is different, the deep-seated aversion in the hearts of the imperial citizens over the past 100 years will not be easily erased. They will continue to reject those with silver hair as they do now. Having witnessed people’s hatred up close, Retina knew better than anyone the emotions that had taken root in their hearts.
If she were to reveal the truth and also disclose her relationship with the Crown Prince, it would undoubtedly bring harm to Herald, who was now in the position of the next Emperor, needing to consolidate his standing.
As a natural strategist, Sart, Retina’s older brother, couldn’t find a solution to resolve the current situation, even after putting their heads together.
“As I mentioned before, if you continue to stay in Rudenheim, someday your secret might be exposed by others. Moreover, if you ascend to the vacant position of Crown Princess, that blade will be even sharper against you.”
“I know. Continuing this relationship… it’s just my selfishness.”
“The backlash that will come then will be incomparable to the rumors circulating between you and him now. The current events might backfire. Another discussion about a political marriage might come up again. Wouldn’t it be better to live comfortably in the North before that happens?”
Norden pointed out to Retina, who refused the political marriage proposal, the future she was most worried about. Even without hearing it from others, Retina knew the reality better than anyone else.
“I hope you understand that this decision is for your sake. Please don’t hate me too much. Even now, I’m secretly in love with you, and if you show too much rejection, I’ll be hurt too.”
“I understand. Prince, you had no choice.”
“But why do you have such an angry expression? I want to see you smile.”
“It’s not directed at the prince; it’s because I’m angry with myself.”
She felt pathetic for being unable to do anything about the unfolding situation. She couldn’t firmly cut ties with Norden, who was entwined with her mother and the foundation of her existence. Yet, she didn’t want to give up on her feelings for the Crown Prince either. In the midst of this confusion, the most frustrating thing for Retina was herself.
She contemplated removing her wig, but hesitated. Revealing that she had been hiding her identity could bring negative attention, not only from her own people but also from those who might have had ill intentions towards her and the Deneuve family. It was a delicate situation where, if mishandled, the entire Ducal House could be jeopardized.
Even though Retina typically paid little attention to the opinions of others, the prospect of facing a torrent of disdainful looks was daunting.
“Still, my determination remains unchanged. I’ll find a way to resolve this on my own.”
Even though Norden’s words were meant for her benefit, Retina didn’t want to abandon her lover in the face of the given reality. More than anything, she had a clear reason not to leave the Crown Prince.
“Do you really think so highly of the Imperial Prince of the Empire?”
In the face of Retina’s resolute refusal, Norden let out a somewhat bitter laugh, yet an underlying sense of relief seemed to permeate through.
“The discussions between Raglaras and Rudenheim seem to have reached a conclusion. I can’t intervene any further in this matter. If a royal marriage must take place, my desire to be with you remains. However, I’ll provide you with some information, in return. Along with Duke Deneuve, Rudenheim’s Emperor will formally announce the marriage alliance after the equestrian event. Raglas will express his stance at that time.”
“Does this mean there’s no turning back after the equestrian event?”
“If you truly want to break this engagement, you’ll have to find a solution within that timeframe.”
With only four days remaining until the equestrian event, there seemed to be little that could be resolved within that time frame. Coming to terms with reality would likely provide more comfort.
Retina took a deep breath to steady herself. The problem was, as a key party involved, she was unaware of this schedule until Norden mentioned it. If he hadn’t spoken up, she might have only found out on the very day of the event.
Observing Retina deep in thought, Norden offered a faint smile. While he was tempted to say something that might sway her, he had no desire to forcibly drag Retina away to Raglas.
“Whatever your decision, I’ll respect it. I’ll always be here, so feel free to come find me whenever you need. That’s enough for me.”
“Waiting without reward might be futile. Are you okay with that?”
“If you expect a reward, I won’t wait. I simply don’t want to give up without trying my best, even if the end result isn’t what I desire.”
Norden already knew the conclusion of this relationship. However, he chose to put in his best effort because he didn’t want to give up without even trying. If Retina found herself in an untenable situation in Rudenheim, he would unhesitatingly take her to Raglaras. To achieve that, he couldn’t let go of her hand first.
* * *
Norden, too, said that he couldn’t turn back once the documents had been sent to his homeland. What should be done to cancel the marriage alliance? Who holds the decision-making power in this matter?
Retina contemplated deeply. With her and Norden’s abilities, they couldn’t escape the situation she was in. Therefore, she needed to persuade someone with the power to resolve the problem.
Retina stood before the closed door with a determined expression. Even standing still, the door, similar in appearance to the others in the mansion, felt unusually heavy and difficult to open.
“If it’s too difficult for you to enter, should I talk to the Duke first?”
“No. I’ll do it.”
Extending her fingers before clenching her fist tightly, Retina let out a breath. Ultimately, there was only one solution.
To inform her father of the truth and request to annul the marriage alliance with Norden. She wasn’t sure if her decision would be accepted, but it was the only solution she could attempt.
Knock, knock. Retina, with her fist clenched until her fingers turned white, tapped on the door. After two knocks, she quickly lowered her hand, waiting for permission from inside.
“Come in.”
Within a few seconds, her father’s voice emanated from inside. Retina relaxed her tense shoulders and tightly gripped the doorknob.
Creak. The loud creaking of the latch today created an even more tense atmosphere. Carefully entering, Retina stood before her father.
“It’s me, Father.”
