“Ian.”
I elbowed Ian, who couldn’t resist revving up the engine of terror with his words. He looked at me, mildly startled, while the crown princess seemed entirely unfazed, as if used to it by now.
“So, the grand duchess thinks I look dignified? I appreciate your affectionate compliment.”
“…Your Highness, the Crown Princess?”
“Yes, I love you too, Brother.”
Her cheeky response to Ian’s incredulous question was strikingly reminiscent of the emperor.
‘So the siblings are alike in this way.’
Apparently, I wasn’t the only one who noticed this. Ian’s expression was equally bewildered.
Stifling my chuckles, I softened my gaze into a gentle smile.
“Anyway, congratulations. You worked hard.”
“Yes, I kept my promise! If that lady becomes famous, it’s all thanks to me. By the way, I saw her earlier, and she was surrounded by a crowd!”
“Oh, is that so?”
Now that she mentioned it, I did recall seeing Diana looking slightly overwhelmed amidst a group of nobles.
Luckily, the Duchess of Brilluze had been nearby, thanks to my request. Otherwise, the banquet might have been a rather exhausting experience for Diana.
Thinking back on the scene, I turned my head slightly to scan the room and quickly spotted Diana.
Sure enough, she was still surrounded by young ladies, seemingly fielding endless questions.
‘This turned out better than expected.’
Considering the reactions when Diana first returned, the change was remarkable.
‘Well, it’s no surprise.’
Not only were her shoes exquisite, but she also exuded an aura befitting someone close to the new crown princess. How could she not leave a favorable impression?
While watching Diana with a pleased smile, our eyes met as she happened to glance my way.
Immediately, she sent me a desperate look, silently pleading for rescue.
‘Oh no.’
I cleared my throat and turned my head away.
‘Sorry, Diana. Let’s keep our distance for today. I really don’t have the energy to deal with it right now.’
Although I felt guilty, I had decided to stay out of the spotlight for a while. There were still lingering eyes on me from the Hayden Roger incident, even if everyone pretended otherwise.
Avoiding any further attention was my top priority.
‘I’ve already endured enough attention to last a lifetime.’
Besides, attracting the social circle’s gaze was the protagonist’s job, not mine.
‘This is all for Diana’s sake. I’m not ignoring her, not at all.’
As I awkwardly avoided Diana’s gaze, the crown princess lightly poked Ian and me, grinning playfully.
“Anyway, let’s chat another time. I’m busy, so I’ll take my leave.”
“You’re the star of the day, Your Highness. You should hurry along.”
“Alright, see you!”
She habitually waved her hand but quickly stopped, cleared her throat, and turned with a more dignified stride.
I watched her fondly, still linked arms with Ian, before meeting his eyes.
“You seem in a good mood.”
“She’s adorable.”
“…I respect your opinion, my lady.”
So, he doesn’t agree.
Narrowing my eyes at him, I shrugged.
“Well, we’ve paid our respects. Shall we leave?”
I hadn’t planned to stay long anyway, as our purpose was simply to congratulate Louisa. Ian, seeming pleased, glanced down at me and nodded.
“I intended to suggest the same.”
“Great minds think alike.”
“I’d rather not have our time alone interrupted by a gathering like this.”
“…Ah.”
His casual remark caught me off guard, and I turned my head, feeling a bit shy.
Since my return to this world, Ian had cleared his schedule to stay at the duchy, spending most of his time between the bedroom and the garden.
Before anyone could detain us, we swiftly left the banquet hall. Outside, the sunlit imperial palace, adorned with brilliant decorations, gleamed radiantly.
“I was too focused on the ceremony earlier to notice, but it really is splendid.”
“If you like, I can arrange to decorate the duchy’s garden in a similar fashion.”
“…No, thank you.”
He really looked like he’d go through with it if I didn’t stop him.
Instead, we didn’t head straight back to the carriage but took a leisurely walk, admiring the scenery.
“Wasn’t the investiture ceremony amazing today?”
“Well, I suppose.”
His response was indifferent. Unlike male leads in other stories who endlessly doted on their younger sisters, Ian always appeared nothing more than a realistic older brother.
“It’s fascinating how they decorated the entire imperial palace so splendidly just to celebrate one person.”
“If you wish for something similar—”
“No, seriously, I’m fine. It’s not like I’ll be having an investiture ceremony.”
I shook my head, laughing.
“Oh, but there was one thing I envied. To be blessed by so many people like that.”
The sight of everyone in the Levant Empire, from nobles to commoners, celebrating the crown prince’s investiture felt unfamiliar yet moving.
“Well, it’s not something that would ever happen to me, but I did wonder what it’d feel like to be celebrated like that.”
Though my tone was light, Ian stared at me persistently for a long time.
Finally, he stopped walking at the entrance to a garden full of blooming roses and spoke.
“If you wish for it, there is a way.”
“A way?”
What was he saying now?
I blinked at him in confusion, meeting his steady gaze. Ian, who had been looking at me with a deep intensity, suddenly smiled mischievously.
“A wedding for the Grand Duke and Duchess, perhaps.”
“…Excuse me?”
The absurdity of his suggestion left me momentarily speechless.
Even as I reacted in disbelief, Ian simply shrugged nonchalantly.
Eventually, I let out a chuckle and asked,
“Aren’t we already married? Why bring up a wedding now? Don’t tell me you’re talking about something like a vow renewal.”
Come to think of it, we had discussed something similar before.
Though my tone bordered on teasing, Ian’s expression remained serious.
He gently tucked my windblown hair behind my ear and said,
“No, I mean a wedding with you.”
“……”
“Not Eloise Alpheus, the Marchioness, but you.”
It was only then that I fully understood what he meant.
He wasn’t talking about ‘Eloise’ but about me.
Realizing this brought a strange, indescribable feeling.
I stared at him for a long time before tilting my head with a light laugh.
“Then… would this count as a proposal?”
“If that’s how you take it.”
Ian didn’t deny it. Instead, the hand that had been brushing back my hair moved to gently hold mine.
He brought my hand to his lips, kissed it softly, and looked me straight in the eye.
“I still want you. In the most proper way.”
Hearing him repeat words he’d once said was both strange and endearing.
Back then, a layer of secrets had existed between us. Now, we faced each other with complete understanding.
That thought made a smile naturally form on my lips.
“Well… with such a charming man proposing, how could I possibly refuse?”
I responded playfully, and Ian’s gaze softened as he mirrored my smile.
“But are you really going to propose with just words? Usually, proposals come with something romantic, like a kiss.”
I felt his blue eyes lock onto me entirely.
The next moment, I felt his cool hand lightly touch my cheek.
“If you won’t refuse, I’d be happy to oblige.”
A breeze blew at that exact moment, causing my hair to flutter.
Amidst the swaying strands, Ian’s face was the only thing in clear focus.
I instinctively wrapped my arms around his neck.
“Then kiss me.”
My bold request made him chuckle softly.
The next moment, as if it were the most natural thing, our lips met in a tender kiss.
It was as gentle and ticklish as a spring breeze.
At that moment, I felt ready to embrace my new world, no longer an outsider but as someone truly belonging—ready to share eternal happiness with him.
A quiet whisper scattered in the breeze.
“I love you.”
My love, my Ian.
—The End.
• • •
I finally finished this novel!! I can’t believe it! I did it!
I hope you all loved this novel as much as I did ❤
Thank you all who supported me and read this novel.
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