Chapter 49
The burning moth leaping towards power, and behind Crothos Duke, devising sinister schemes, his unusually polite greeting was out of character.
Seeing Crothos’ dirty dog with a broad smile made Emperor Aust wary.
“What business brings you to me?”
Despite his cold response, Gunner maintained a loyal expression.
“I’ve wanted to visit for a long time, Your Majesty, but circumstances prevented me. Please do not misunderstand. I’m not one to act on impulse.”
Even passing dogs could scoff at such a ridiculous excuse.
“And though it may sound like an excuse, my daughter, Myaria’s Saintess Leona, has been quite busy. If there has been any offense, I humbly apologize to you, Your Majesty.”
Gunner had never been this respectful to Emperor Aust before.
Aust’s puzzlement deepened due to Gunner’s uncharacteristic behavior.
‘He’s not the type to act without an ulterior motive. What game is he playing?’
Emperor Aust maintained his composure, watching him without a word. Gunner, meanwhile, maintained a smile, carefully gauging the Emperor’s mood.
Of course, Gunner himself wasn’t entirely comfortable in this situation. To him, a power-seeker, the influential church was far more important than the powerless royal family. He had never treated Emperor Aust with respect.
He viewed him merely as a fortunate individual born into royalty, an incapable figure who merely occupied a throne.
As a noble supremacist, Gunner detested Ilias, who played around with commoners.
In the past, Gunner would have eagerly condemned Ilias and the royal family, but now, he was patiently biding his time, waiting for his opportunity.
Emperor Aust didn’t remove his suspicion, continuing to watch Gunner closely.
“What is it, Earl Waynes?”
“I have a matter to discuss with you, Your Majesty.”
Gunner’s voice lowered to a more secretive tone, and Emperor Aust inclined his head slightly, signaling him to proceed.
“Your Majesty, I would like to discuss the marriage between my daughter, Saintess Leona, and His Highness, Emperor Ilias.”
Unsure of whether it was sincerity or a scheme, Emperor Aust furrowed his brow in contemplation.
Regardless of how convincing the proposal was, any words from the church faction were suspicious to him. Without showing any reaction, he focused solely on Gunner.
“I will be the shield for His Highness.”
Gunner was undoubtedly one of Crothos’ closest confidants. However, reports indicated that the relationship between Gunner and Crothos had soured since Leona became a Saintess.
Even though powerless, as an Emperor, he still maintained an extensive network of information.
If Gunner aspired to rise above Crothos…
Given Gunner’s ambition and greed, that possibility wasn’t far-fetched.
Most notably, Gunner’s expression seemed too genuine for a mere scheme by Crothos.
Far more genuine than ever before.
In truth, schemes were only used against those who could be toppled, not those who had already lost all will.
Emperor Aust revealed his inner confusion but masked it with a composed exterior.
“Your daughter for a marriage?”
“Yes, Your Majesty. Of course, I am aware that His Highness has a lover. Rumors abound that only those ignorant of the Empire wouldn’t know. However, isn’t it possible for a commoner to become a part of the royal family?”
Emperor Aust was well aware of his son’s lavish romances and had even scheduled a meeting with Adeline.
“Even if passion drives one to love anyone, marriage should be taken seriously. To give His Highness Ilias a chance, he should marry into a powerful family.”
* * *
After Gunner left, Emperor Aust poured himself a strong drink in his study. The proposal was tempting enough to accept immediately.
‘If it’s Gunner Waynes, and the Saintess, they could very well save our ailing Ilias. A true shield. But if Gunner is aiming to become the second Crothos Duke?’
With a troubled heart, Emperor Aust took a sip of the bitter drink.
What if, like himself, Gunner sought to turn Ilias into a mere puppet, dictating his every move?
Emperor Aust had reached the pinnacle of power, yet not a moment of happiness followed. His foremost concern was not to pass down sorrow to his son. Still, his desire to protect Ilias was immense.
Losing Ilias like Olivia was not an option.
Adeline Senner and Leona Waynes.
Both had their merits, but neither decision could be made easily. He was tormented by the lack of a perfect solution to protect his son.
In any case, to observe Gunner further, he had invited Leona to the Emperor’s Palace as he had requested.
* * *
The glass greenhouse in the Emperor’s garden buzzed with preparation from dawn. For the first official meeting between the Emperor and the Saintess, the palace buzzed with energy.
Leona arrived at the palace dressed in a vibrant yellow dress. She gracefully knelt and held the hem of her dress with both hands.
“Father of the Empire, His Majesty the Emperor.”
“I should have invited you earlier, but it’s a bit late now.”
“It’s an honor that you personally invited me, Your Majesty.”
Leona couldn’t hide her joy. Being summoned to the Emperor’s palace brought her closer to the dream she always aspired to.
Saintess turned Empress. A future most ordinary people could never imagine.
As fragrant tea and delightful treats were placed on the table, Ilias arrived at the glass greenhouse.
“I heard you called for me.”
“Indeed. Come, sit. Today is an official meeting with Saintess Leona, so I brought you here for an introduction.”
Ilias could guess the Emperor’s intention.
In formal events at the palace, Ilias usually attended with Aiden or alone. Today, however, the Emperor excluded Aiden and solely summoned Ilias—a clear deviation.
The recent visit from Gunner to the Emperor’s palace had been curious, but now it made sense.
‘This is the purpose.’
Despite the anger rising at Adeline’s presence, Ilias couldn’t express it once he realized why it had occurred.
Each time such events arose, Ilias’ hatred for the church deepened.
Even though the entire empire knew about his open romance, seeing Leona, coolly seated, reminded him of Queen Sierra—someone willing to go to any lengths for what she desired.
Ilias suppressed his scorn and calmly took his seat.
Leona beamed a bright smile at Ilias.
“It feels like I’m meeting you for the first time, even after our coronation. We didn’t get to speak much then, so I’m glad we met again today, Your Highness.”
Leona, without hiding her warmth, began a gentle conversation.
After sipping his tea, Ilias subtly raised his lips. His refined appearance sent a jolt through Leona’s heart.
“I’ve been wanting to meet you.”
Leona’s cheeks flushed with a shy tint at Ilias’ unexpected words.
Ilias continued to smile, his eyes warm.
“Adeline spoke highly of you. She always said you were an extraordinary person, born with the qualities of a Saintess. Knowing her words, I always believed you were remarkable, even if only vaguely.”
Leona felt a deeper, more impactful weight behind Ilias’ mention of Adeline compared to what she had seen in the media.
Ilias casually sipped his tea, radiating a serene smile.
Leona couldn’t hide her slightly trembling eyes and looked lost in thought.
She recalled what Gunner had told her recently.
‘When the Emperor gave me his permission to marry Ilias, my heart overflowed with joy. Meeting someone I had admired from afar, someone I had long chased after in secret, felt like I had conquered the world.’
So, with a heart full of excitement, I arrived today. Yet, the look Ilias gave me was cold and distant.
‘I’m sure his golden eyes are warm towards Adeline.’
Leona couldn’t comprehend it—how a prince of such noble blood could fall in love with a commoner.
Since Adeline’s transformation, the world had seemed to shift as well. Lost in thought, Leona was brought back to the present by Ilias’ voice.
“I will propose to Adeline. When I marry Adeline, I ask for your blessing, Saintess Leona.”
His soft tone carried a firm resolve.
Leona felt humiliated, as if she were being rejected after a confession of love.
Emperor Aust saw in Ilias the youth he once was—a fear that his son might lose the person he loves and become nothing more than a puppet.
* * *
Returning to the temple, Leona silently wept, unable to make a sound. She was too broken to even show her despair in anger.
After seeing Ilias today, her longing grew stronger. Unrequited love was a peculiar thing. Emotions blossomed without shared memories, only growing deeper over time.
Her thoughts and longing for Ilias transformed into an uncontrollable desire that refused to fade.
Leona’s mind briefly wandered to Sierra and Olivia.
‘If Ilias won’t give me his heart, I’ll make him.’
Her eyes burned with intense resolve.
* * *
The day of the arranged meeting with her future in-laws was fast approaching. The more anxious she was about it, the quicker the day seemed to come.
To make a perfect first impression—graceful, composed, and flawless—I hired professionals to handle my hair and makeup.
I wore a deep navy halter-neck dress with only diamond earrings as accessories. Of course, I hid the pendant necklace that controlled my divine power beneath the dress.
“Lady Adeline, Sir Zion has arrived.”
“Tell him I’ll be out shortly.”
“Yes.”
“It’s time. Let me see myself once.”
I stood up and looked at my reflection in the mirror. The makeup enhanced my features but was subtle, and my hair was softly braided into a half-up style.
“Lady Adeline, you are truly beautiful.”
Sara clasped her hands together and smiled at me. I returned her smile and greeted the salon staff.
“Thank you for your hard work. Sara, take care of everything.”
“Yes, Lady Adeline.”
Satisfied with my preparation, I walked out with a confident smile. Sir Zion awaited to escort me, and I stepped into the carriage.
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