Episode 12

“…It’s, nerve-wracking.”

Yes. Very, very much so.”

I smiled nonchalantly. And before Chris could say anything, I continued.

“I know everything. Everyone else thinks I’m just a foolish and troublesome woman.”

“Young Lady.”

“A selfish woman who ruins social gatherings, a woman who doesn’t appreciate the Duke’s kindness.”

Chris’s face slightly hardened, but I didn’t stop.

“And to top it off, a vulgar woman who rolled around in the streets.”

“Young Lady.”

“I’m well aware that all those descriptions are used to refer to me. I just pretend not to know.”

“……”

“To be honest, before talking to me, didn’t Your Grace think the same? That I was that kind of woman. After all, you must have received reports about the people of Reinhardt.”

Chris’s eyes deepened at my question. The fact that he didn’t particularly deny my words showed how honest he was.

Seeing Chris’ reaction, I continued speaking.

“That’s not entirely wrong. To those who ignored and mistreated me, those who tried to use me, I kept smiling endlessly.”

These words were also meant to gain Chris’s sympathy.

No matter how much the Imperial Family or the Reinhardt Ducal House disregarded the Grand Ducal House, Chris couldn’t show any signs of displeasure to them. Sometimes, he had to pretend it didn’t bother him and smile.

Having to smile despite being used and disregarded was something Chris, and I had in common.

I spoke sincerely.

“But I’m tired. I don’t want to stay silent while being insulted like this anymore.”

“……”

I looked at Chris quietly, meeting his gaze, and continued speaking, as if to say that I knew he felt the same.

“You asked if the Duke ordered me to seduce you. Naturally, considering what you know about me, I must have seemed like a woman who would catch the eyes of high-ranking noblemen.”

“…And those men were always enemies of the Duke.”

“You’re right.”

In the days when I was desperate to be acknowledged and loved by the Duke, I tried to attract the attention of high-ranking noblemen. I thought that if I met a man from a good family, the Duke might notice me.

The Duke deliberately turned a blind eye to that. No, he even encouraged it.

‘Lately, Count Yuta has shown an interest in you.’

‘Do you like him?’

‘Ask him how the mine he recently purchased is doing.’

‘A mine…?’

‘And while you’re at it, find out where he bought it from.’

If I managed to get information from the man, it would be beneficial. If not, there was no loss. My reputation might suffer, but the Duke wouldn’t care. I was just a disposable piece to him. Use me until I could be married off to some noble and be done with it.

When I frequently conversed with those men, my room was filled with all sorts of clothes bestowed by the Duke. Bright, flashy dresses.

‘Thinking back, he was using me for a classic honey trap.’

At the time, I thought it was a sign of affection. I believed the Duke loved me and was giving me things. I never considered I was being used…

‘Even if I had realized it, I wouldn’t have stopped.’

Back then, it was my reason for living. But now, things are different.

“I’m sick of being used. Enduring this kind of treatment is exhausting. If I can change it, I want to.”

I said this while adjusting the neat dress Aria had lent me. As I lifted my hair, a scar peeked out from my white nape. I noticed Chris calmly observing the mark.

I sighed and continued, trying to add weight to my words.

“The way I aimed for high-ranking men… At first, I was being used according to the Duke’s plan, but later, it was to escape from here.”

“Escape?”

“If I married and abandoned the Reinhardt name, I could leave this place.”

I had actually attempted this. It ended in utter failure. Utterly miserable failure.

Thinking of my ex-husband’s beatings, I unconsciously rubbed my arm harder. Chris started to say something but then closed his mouth.

“But now, I’ve had enough. If you want, I’ll give you any information. I’ll tell the Duke I approached you to find out Archduke’s weaknesses.”

“In the end, it’s for your escape, isn’t it?”

Chris paused before speaking.

“Aren’t I just another one of those men to you?”

“No. It’s enough for me if Your Grace remains my ally.”

“……”

Chris held his breath for a moment. Seeing his reaction, I flinched. What I had just said could be misunderstood. I quickly added,

“Of course, I don’t mean we’ll become actual lovers. I told you, I’ll leave.”

“……”

“It just needs to look that way to others. So it won’t seem strange when we share confidential information alone.”

Chris’s eyes revealed no emotion. It felt as though the cold mask had settled back onto his face.

“I know my words must sound ridiculous to you, Chris. I also know you have no reason to remain loyal to me or to believe me.”

As I impulsively called his name, a slight crack appeared between his brows.

“Still, I think I’ve proven myself enough.”

“Young Lady.”

“Now, the choice is yours, Chris.”

Calling his name again brought silence from him.

I wanted to call his name over and over. Like savoring a sweet, I wanted to let it linger in my mouth, feeling the gentleness seep out.

I regretted not offering sincere comfort, as I was too busy considering my own emotions during your final moments.

Chris took a deep breath and lowered his voice, almost in a whisper. His gaze felt both intensely hot and cold, his piercing eyes fixed on my face.

“Why me, of all people?”

“……”

“The Duke has many enemies besides me. There must be plenty among them who could help you immediately. You must have targeted other men as well.”

Chris took another deep breath before continuing.

“So why me, of all people?”

I responded firmly, without hesitation.

“Because I trust you.”

“And the others…?”

“They don’t matter to me. I just thought Your Grace would be kind and gentle.”

“No matter what rumors you might have heard, it seems you’ve misunderstood, Young Lady.”

“No, I saw clearly. You protected me from Sethril Reinhardt earlier.”

“I was just…”

“Please don’t say it was just out of courtesy. Your Grace is kind.”

I looked Chris straight in the eye.

“Excuse me.”

It was then. A priest entered, bringing along an assistant priest to help. It seemed to be the same priest who had healed me earlier.

I quickly recognized the assistant priest. It was the young priest with bandaged eyes who had held my hand as I entered the sanctuary earlier.

Despite the bandage over his eyes, the assistant priest located me precisely and smiled, bowing his head as if greeting me.

‘What’s this?’

I was puzzled as the priest gently took my hand. He wore gloves, likely considering it rude to touch a noble lady with bare hands.

“Fortunately, there won’t be any lasting aftereffects. The treatment was timely, and the healing powers were effective.”

The priest said this while applying healing power once more.

Priests who could use divine power were rare and often high-ranking, yet his robes were older and more worn than those of a common priest.

I allowed the priest to hold my hand and channel divine power into me.

Chris stood some distance away, looking out the window. He must have had much to think about. I let him ponder while the warmth from the healing power spread through my fingertips.

As the divine power slowly permeated my body, I heard a quiet whisper.

“I’m glad you didn’t leave like this.”

“It’s all thanks to you, Priest.”

“No, it’s different when someone like you receives the touch.”

I pondered where I had heard this phrase before. The young priest standing behind me had said it to me earlier.

‘May blessings be upon those who are touched by your hand.’

 

What could that mean?

But before I could ask, the priest quickly withdrew his hand and offered a bow.

“I will take my leave now. If you need anything, please visit the temple at any time.”

“……”

As the priests left, Chris and I were alone once more. Just as I was about to ask Chris if he would keep me by his side, I heard commotion outside.

“Your Highness, please, this way…”

“Don’t interfere. I have my own curiosity to satisfy. Who is this woman who took the poison meant for the Grand Duke?”

“You shouldn’t speak so carelessly!”

“I’m already irritated by being dragged to these tiresome events, and now I have to listen to you?”

The voice had a slight mocking tone at the end. Chris’s brow furrowed slightly.

“Your Highness!”

Thud.

Finally, someone entered the room.

As I slowly raised my head, I saw a familiar man with blonde hair and blue eyes. He had a body that seemed meticulously crafted and a face like a religious painting created with utmost care by a devout artist. He was a stunningly handsome man.

“…Crown Prince?”

I met the Crown Prince’s snake-like eyes.