My Will Did Not Mean This

Iris recalled the dizzying moment when her belongings were stolen. It was the middle of a city crowded with people, but no one helped. She cried out desperately, but everyone just watched, and to make matters worse, her legs started to lose strength. The moment she thought that it would never be possible to meet her father like this,

 

‘Are you okay? Are you hurt anywhere?’

 

The just benefactor stood in front of the thief. Despite her small and delicate frame, she stood up to a thief several times larger than her. The man who was standing behind the benefactor, who was presumed to be a guard, left the thief half dead. However, if her benefactor had not come forward, she would have pretended not to know until the end. Because her benefactor came forward, she only reluctantly helped to protect her.

 

‘I received a lifetime of favor from my benefactor. I need her mother’s mementos so that when I meet her father, I can prove that she is his biological daughter.’

 

‘Wow, you’re having a hard time in many ways.’

 

If her benefactor asked, she thought it would be okay to tell him the whole situation from beginning to end. However, he simply comforted her without asking her if she understood his situation through his words.

 

‘He was a dazzlingly beautiful and kind person. The hands that picked up the bundle were as white as jade. Maybe he’s a high-ranking noble who came to the south for a vacation.’

 

There were famous resorts in the South, so she visited Iris. When she lived in the South, she saw many noble people. Iris believed that once she settled in the duchy, she would definitely meet her benefactor again someday. She said back then she really wanted to be his best friend.

 

‘So you have to cheer up. I can do well.’

 

Iris nodded her head with a firm resolve.

 

＊ ＊ ＊

 

The morning sun was already rising. Vivian, who had fallen asleep earlier than usual due to a mild attack of lung disease, watched with mysterious eyes the two people having a friendly conversation in front of her bed.

 

“I’m sorry, Your Majesty. I made a mistake last night.”

 

“Don’t take it to heart. I would rather be close to my brother. I heard that Vivian is the only family member who follows.”

 

“My father was always cold to my siblings and I. Her mother passed away early and the only people we could trust were each other.”

 

Alex, who had tried to slit his head last night, was now sitting across from him on the sofa and having a normal conversation with Aslan. But what was even more surprising was Aslan’s attitude. The Emperor’s second son and the leader of the North, he was affectionately calling Alex, who was just a minor, ‘brother’.

 

‘Is there something wrong with my hearing?’

 

Vivian picked her ear. Of course, she didn’t change anything.

 

“That’s why I chose to study abroad. I thought that if I studied diligently and gained strength, my father would no longer be able to ignore my siblings.”

 

Last night, she thought he was crazy because he was crying so hard. But now that she look at him, he seemed to be a crazy person with a secret story. Vivian nodded her head softly, and Aslan looked away. When their eyes met, he immediately got up and approached her.

 

“Your complexion is pale. How are you feeling, Vivian?”

 

“Not bad.”

 

“Now that you’re awake, just grab your outerwear and go back right away. The doctors here cannot be trusted at all.”

 

“Are we going back? But I haven’t met my sister yet.”

 

“There is always an opportunity.”

 

“I want to at least see her face.”

 

To be exact, she wanted to see if he and the original heroine recognize each other as if they were destined to be! Only then would she have a way to live! As if Vivian’s earnest wish had come true, Alex helped her.

 

“How about staying one more night like Vivian said? It’s been a long time coming back home, and it looks like your father and a person named Iris have finished preparing the dinner.”

 

“That’s right. Just for one day, okay?”

 

In fact, Vivian didn’t think she would need it for a day. She was confident that as long as the two made eye contact, things would take care of themselves from then on. But it didn’t take long for all of her confidence to explode in the air.

 

“Benefactor?”

 

The long-awaited first meeting. Iris recognized Vivian as if she were her destiny.

 

“How could your benefactor be here…?”

 

“Who are you?”

 

“Don’t you remember me? We met in the South!”

 

“Stay safe, Iris. Have you forgotten what I told you?”

 

The Duke who had arranged the meeting called attention as if embarrassed. But he was of no use. Even as she started eating, her eyes were only focused on Vivian. Only then did Vivian realize that the woman she had encountered in the southern city was the original heroine. At that time, she didn’t recognize her because she had her hood down.

 

‘But how did this happen? Aslan is sitting next to me with his eyes open and blue. Why is he only looking at me?’

 

Oh, tantalizingly, the two people must not have recognized each other yet. In that case, you should spoon-feed it from here.

 

“Sister Iris, this is Grand Duke Blackford. He bravely defeated the thief. Do you remember?”

 

“You call me so friendly…”

 

But it seemed like something else touched Iris.

 

“Do you mind if I call you by name too? I’ve wanted a pretty and lovely younger sister like Vivian for a long time.”

 

“Of course it’s good…”

 

“Don’t even think about refusing. Iris is your older sister, so treat her with respect as your older sister.”

 

The Duke, who had been showing signs of discomfort the whole time, intervened.

 

“How can you not even say a word of apology when you have caused great trouble to His Majesty and tarnished the reputation of our family with a fake will? Your shamelessness is beyond words!”

 

Oh, now that she thought about it, she didn’t expect to be scolded by the Duke. Vivian quickly lowered her gaze. She didn’t forget to make a pitiful expression to show that she was truly reflecting. But the Duke’s anger did not subside one bit.

 

“In order to resolve this situation, I personally rushed to the imperial palace and had an audience with your two majesties. I can’t even imagine how embarrassed the Empress was, especially with your poor intelligence!”

 

“…”

 

“You don’t even deserve to be the Grand Duchess. I personally requested that their Majesties break off the engagement. The two gave permission, so you know that!”

 

Really? So then she didn’t have to get married anymore? Her father was the best!

 

Vivian, excited, raised her head. The Duke twitched his lips as if he was satisfied with Vivian’s reaction.

 

“Why are you surprised? Here is not the end. I have found a marriage partner that truly suits you, who is so reckless.”

 

“A marriage partner?”

 

“Marry Margrave Nicholas within this month and go to the border. His Majesty was very worried because a public servant of national merit was only 50 years old when his wife was wounded and left alone. It’s an honor for you too…”

 

“Anyone wants.”

 

Just as Vivian was starting to feel strange, Aslan’s voice rang out eerily.

 

“Send Vivian to whoever you want.”

 

“Your Majesty has given permission. I heard that a notice has already been delivered to Your Majesty, saying that holy marriage is not permitted.”

 

“Ah, that’s how it happened.”

 

Tap, tap- Aslan’s fingers tapped the table rhythmically. That was all, but the pressure of a ticking time bomb took over the atmosphere.

 

“I’m a person who doesn’t have much patience.”

 

“Keu, keuhm.”

 

“The one who died this time was the Margrave’s fourth wife. They say it was an unfortunate accident… What was it like in reality? I don’t think you would know if you were a nobleman.”

 

What was it, how did she die? Vivian was curious, but couldn’t bear to ask. Aslan’s eyes were turning red. It was a danger signal. In times like this, it would be best to lie low, but the Duke, who did not realize this, went one step further.

 

“I will introduce you to a better woman instead. My daughter here, Iris, unlike Vivian, is modest and well-behaved.”

 

“Ho…”

 

Aslan tilted his head and looked at Iris as if giving her a review. His expression was colder than his ice, but no one realized it. Finally, Iris couldn’t stand it anymore and got up.

 

“Well, I don’t like it. Are you planning to make me an unscrupulous person who steals my sister’s fiancé?”

 

“Shut up. How dare you intervene in a situation where important family matters are being discussed!”

 

“This is strange. My father said Vivian was a cunning and scary woman, but when I met her in the south, she was definitely sweet…!”

 

Wow, Iris’s head turned sharply. The Duke hit her on the cheek. Iris could not bear her shock and fell helplessly on the floor. Vivian, horrified, rushed to her.

 

“Sister, are you okay?”

 

“Why is this…”

 

“Rejecting the imperial command is treason! Vivian’s marriage partner has already been decided, so it’s not up to her to argue!”

 

The Duke stamped Iris with his authority. Perhaps because she was afraid of seeing the Duke for the first time, she hid in Vivian’s arms. She was no exception to Alex’s resistance. He even made a fuss and was dragged out of the banquet hall. After silencing the two, the Duke’s eyes turned to Vivian this time.

 

“Swear here that you will marry the Margrave Nicholas.”

 

“…”

 

“Why aren’t you saying anything? Will you come to your senses if you get hit too?”

 

“Yes, it would be better to hit me. If you have the ability to do so.”

 

“How dare you talk back?!”

 

It seemed like there was nothing to see in the excitement. The Duke seemed to have completely forgotten the presence of his guest and threw his wine glass at Vivian. 

But as she dodged it with her body vision, the Duke’s face turned even redder.

 

“Insolent…! Will you come to your senses if we beat you and throw you in prison?”

 

It was the moment when the Duke, unable to overcome his anger, raised his hand to Vivian. Aslan suddenly stood up and grabbed the Duke’s wrist.

 

—————————————————————

Translator Note: