Chapter 46
“No, it was Paulian who saved you. Without Paulian bringing you out of the underground office…”
The mere thought was terrifying, and my expression contorted in discomfort.
“I only played a small part.”
“Thank you, Adeline. I will make sure to repay this debt. Without both of you, things could have ended much worse. I’ll personally thank Paulian as well.”
“You don’t have to repay me. I’ve received a lot of help from His Highness too.”
“Nevertheless, I will repay it with the honor of the royal family.”
In a kingdom where noble customs held sway, it was unlikely the royal family owed nothing. I couldn’t help but smile.
“Your Highness, the truth is, what matters right now isn’t about gratitude or honor.”
Ilias gave me a puzzled look.
“Your Highness, you spent the night at my house yesterday. Paparazzi waited for your absence all night.”
Startled, Ilias suddenly sat up, his anxiety palpable.
“I’ve caused a great inconvenience. You must be in a difficult position, Adeline.”
He paced the room anxiously, a sight I had rarely seen from him, causing me to stifle a chuckle.
I would’ve teased him more, but there were urgent matters to address, so I decided to hold back my amusement.
“So, Your Highness,” I said, my voice steady but with a hint of nervousness. Though it was just a contract, initiating this conversation felt more significant than expected.
“I was thinking… what if we expedite our marriage? As if this incident never happened.”
His eyes widened, understanding my meaning, and he smiled softly.
“Since we’re already in a difficult situation, let’s make use of it. We can’t let our relationship be tarnished by gossip and scandals. The Church faction will definitely want to downplay our scandal, so we must not let them manipulate it.”
“That’s a brilliant idea to divert their attention.”
“Do you agree with my plan?”
“Of course.”
“Then, Your Highness, there is something you need to do.”
“What is it?”
“A proposal.”
“What?”
As I had mentioned earlier, arranged marriages were common in the empire, and public proposals were exceedingly rare.
“Your Highness, you need to propose to me publicly. Let’s create a grand event that will spark another revolution in the empire.”
Ilias furrowed his brow, and I hastily added,
“Of course, I’m not one for grand proposals like this. I didn’t come up with this plan because I wanted it. What I want is a private moment where we confess our love and share a proposal, not something for public spectacle. This isn’t for personal gain—absolutely not.”
I insisted vehemently to avoid any misunderstanding of ulterior motives.
“I understand. Absolutely not.”
His response made me smile, even though the situation was serious and unsettling.
“Then, how should the proposal proceed?”
“I don’t have any concrete ideas yet. This is something I’ll need to carefully consider. From the marriage announcement to the proposal, preparation, and ceremony—every single detail matters. I’ll handle this part, while you focus on your role.”
Ilias looked at me with an expression of guilt.
“Adeline, are you truly okay with marrying me? You still have the option to back out of this ridiculous plan. As you can see…”
Being next to him, even after what had transpired, could put me in danger.
“I’ve already clashed with the Myaria Church. You don’t think they’ll simply let me go, do you? I know, and you know, they won’t give up on me. Whether it’s marriage or divorce, I can handle it.”
Ilias nodded solemnly.
“I understand your decision. For now, I’ll return to the palace. I’ll visit again tomorrow.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
* * *
With Ilias gone, I felt the day come to a close.
I quickly prepared to open my shop. Arriving at the store, I found Sarrah cleaning. Yesterday, I had sent her to Nancy’s inn because of Ilias.
“Thank you, Sarrah, for all your hard work yesterday. I’m sorry.”
“It’s nothing.”
She replied, unable to meet my gaze, her face flushed red.
‘Why can’t you look at me? Why are you blushing? What are you imagining?’
However, since I had deliberately induced this reaction, I couldn’t say anything. I had to be satisfied with the fact that things were unfolding according to plan.
But why did it feel so bittersweet?
“Please do your best again today.”
“Yes, Lady Adeline.”
I began the day’s business, concealing my bitter feelings.
* * *
A surprise visit from Empress Sierra caused a small disturbance in the Royal Palace.
The royal steward hurried out to greet her. Since he was also loyal to her, he reported Ilias’ every move to her.
Sierra had heard about the events of the previous night from Count Crothos, who visited her early in the morning. Upon hearing that Ilias was missing, she immediately headed to the palace.
If Ilias had been poisoned by Count Crothos, his current state couldn’t be normal. Even though the poison had been barely neutralized, the presence of black magic made perfect healing without divine power difficult.
She had to see Ilias to confirm his condition.
Truth be told, she wasn’t exactly sure if Ilias himself was the one ruining things for them. She had suspicions but no concrete evidence.
Moreover, the empire was in chaos over Ilias dating a commoner, making things even more precarious.
It was difficult to handle him as too many people recognized Ilias, making surveillance nearly impossible.
The situation had become increasingly complicated, and Sierra had to step in.
“Your Majesty, Empress Sierra,”
“I’ve come to see Ilias.”
The steward, looking uncomfortable, replied,
“Your Highness has not returned to the palace since yesterday.”
Sierra’s expression darkened with worry as she calmly responded,
“He hasn’t returned? Then where is the Prince?”
“Well… that is…”
“Speak up quickly!”
“Lady Adeline’s house. After entering, he didn’t come out again.”
“Tsk, tsk… Not only creating a scandal, but now even reckless actions. How can such behavior represent the empire’s prince? I can’t raise my head as a mother. I’ll wait here for him.”
Sierra didn’t miss a chance to humiliate Ilias in front of her subordinates, feigning concern for appearances.
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
At that moment, the palace doors opened, and Ilias entered.
He greeted Sierra with a nervous expression.
“Your Majesty.”
“Prince, what on earth are you wandering around? I’ve been waiting, concerned for you.”
Ilias barely managed to suppress a laugh at Sierra’s overly composed facade.
‘Even in absurd situations, her ability to feign concern is impressive.’
“I believe we need to have a private discussion.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Ilias and Sierra moved to the largest reception room in the palace.
Though their faces were calm, the atmosphere between them was cold.
Sierra broke the silence first.
“Where have you been all this time? A prince spending the night out is concerning for the empire’s authority.”
Ilias hesitated, unable to give a quick answer, and her gaze sharpened.
‘She may act nonchalant, but her concern suggests her state isn’t good.’
Sierra scrutinized Ilias sharply.
Taking a sip of tea, Ilias leisurely observed Sierra’s reaction.
“Hmm…”
As Ilias exhaled a heavy sigh, her expression shifted, and he noticed it instantly.
‘She’s here to check my condition.’
Feigning concern, shesaid,
“Speak quickly. Even though I didn’t give birth to you, I’m still your mother. The Emperor may not say it, but he worries deeply about you.”
The disgusted look on her face, as if playing the role of a mother, made Ilias clench his fists tightly, but he managed to hold back. He met her gaze briefly before turning his head away.
‘She must have done something wrong.’
Rubbing his nape awkwardly, Ilias slowly parted his lips.
“Actually, I attended Count Crothos’ party yesterday.”
“Really? You hate parties.”
“I wanted to establish a relationship with Adeline in front of the nobles. There are still many people gossiping about her.”
Sierra didn’t reveal her discontent and calmly waited for his next words.
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Go on.”
“I want to marry Adeline.”
For a moment, Sierra struggled to maintain her usual composure, unable to suppress her shock. Her face, betraying her disdain, showed no subtlety.
‘Marrying a commoner, after making a public spectacle of their relationship, isn’t enough? Now, marriage? How dare he bring a commoner into our noble court?’
Ilias met Sierra’s gaze unwaveringly.
“Last night, I spent it at Adeline’s house.”
A mix of shock and contempt was etched deeply into her expression.
‘He’s not only blocking the future of our Aiden but driving the entire royal family to ruin. I should have disposed of him long ago. Inviting such a vulgar common girl into our noble empire. Before even marrying, spending the night? He clearly intends to ruin the imperial family. I will put a stop to this.’
Sierra gritted her teeth, her resolve firm.
The shock was evident on her face today, making it impossible for Sierra to hide her feelings. Ilias could see her emotions clearly.
For Ilias, seeing Sierra showing such raw emotions for the first time since entering the palace made him feel relatively better.
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