The Duchess’ quickly picked herself up and removed the laughter on her face, donning a thoughtful look thereafter. And then she bowed. “I disrespected you, My Queen. Please forgive me. I never meant to laugh at you,” she sighed and continued, “Listening to the Queen, I thought“His Majesty’s anxious concern is useless, after all.”Regardless, it doesn’t excuse my disrespectful action.”Alicia tilted her head as Ivan’s name suddenly popped out. “What does that mean?”“His Majesty’s been on edge and anxious since planning the national marriage.” The Duchess looked at Alicia’s surprised face. “My Queen, I have lived in the royal palace with my husband until passing away. From then on, I lived a quiet life in the countryside without intents of coming back to noble society. Truth be told, I was satisfied with the quiet life I lived. But a year ago, His Highness called me back to the palace and informed me that he will marry and the kingdom will soon have a queen. His Majesty asked, no, ple
“If you’re wondering why, My Queen. It is not because I owe His Majesty, but on the contrary, His Majesty owes me.”“!”Alicia’s eyes trembled“My husband and I supported the young king when forced to pick a side. I persuaded my husband, who could not decide whether to back the queen or the young king at the time. I was once head of noble society. At one word I could sway the decision and thoughts of the aristocrats. I saw the king’s potential. My eyes are often precise, My Queen. The king knows this strength of mine well. After the death of my husband, His Majesty requested that I remain in the capital, but I refused. I left for the countryside hoping to spend the rest of my life in quiet solitude. And then, as if predestiTed… I came back to the capital…”The Duchess smiled brightly. Her smile was one of happiness growing, much as a spring flower does. Alicia could tell that her smile came from deep inside to light her eyes and spread into every fiber of her being.“My Queen, I was c
When Alicia was decreed to be Helen’s companion, she remained at the princess’ side for a period of time before returning home unless a special occasion arose. Alicia oftentimes returned to the mansion before dusk.Last night, the Duchess reminded Alicia that she would check up on her early in the morning as she had work cut out for her until the day of the wedding.But contrary to her words, the Duchess did not come till the sun’s first blush painted across the sky. Alicia had finished washing her face and changed into a new set of attire embedded with regalia.The Duchess’ smile reached the corner of her eyes. “My Queen, did you sleep well last night? I was late. That big oof would not let me go till the first cockcrow.”Alicia tilted her head. “You mean Basil?”“Yes,” the Duchess nodded, “I’ll tell you the details later. First off, let’s have a meal, My Queen.”The couplet drank tea together after a simple breakfast. The Duchess soon relayed to Alicia what occurred in the early mor
Alicia looked up, eyes meeting the Duchess at her calling. She noticed Alicia’s quivering eyes and thought she was the sort of woman who wore her pain like an invisible cloak none could see unless one peers through her icy-blue eyes.The Duchess’ keen eye saw right through her.“My Queen, do you remember what I spoke of yesterday? That you’ll navigate through many profane men and women, that you’ll have no one to trust?”Alicia nodded. “Yes. I remember.”“If ever you need a tool, use me, My Queen. Trust me. Trust what my eye can see.”Alicia stared at her.A playful glint ran around in circles within the orbs of the Duchess’ eyes.“…..Why?” Alicia said.“I like you, My Queen.”Alicia let out a cute laugh at the Duchess’ out of the blue remark. She found herself believing in her.“Okay. I will trust your eyes more than I trust myself right now.”She had no choice but to and the Duchess was a person she could see herself placing her trust onto. And she had to prepare for the wedding cer
There, written in the letter, was a simpleton message welcoming Alicia back home to Ehrlich and that she hoped to see her as soon as possible. At the very end was her unique signature:From Mother Anna Corty.Alicia fell into a new set of deep agony. Ivan said she need not care for her, but all things considered, their past connection was not a thing she could ignore.For the time being, the promised dinner was near. A maid sent by His Majesty informed her of their appointment and came to pick her up. Alicia nodded, putting away the letter.“Are we going to his office?”“No, Your Majesty. Somewhere else.”“…Oh?”Taken aback, she raised her brows. She had no great anticipation, mainly a simple dinner at his office or the main palace. But she seemed to have guessed wrong.‘Well, that’s fine also.’She breathed a shallow sigh, a little too far away from the maid’s hearing field. The office was the last place she wanted to be in… the place she saw Ivan and Patricia tangled in carnal plea
Basil’s mouth fell to the floor, eyes flooded with shock. “My Lord! My God, you remember all that?!”Alicia giggled lightly, one hand covering her mouth. “Yes. I remember. I hid it secretly and ate it away from my mother’s eyes. She never gave me treats. Thought my teeth would rot if I did.”“You were young. I thought you wouldn’t remember at all, Your Majesty.”“Basil, I was only ten-years-old at the time. Of course I’d remember a lot of things. Hehe…”“No, no. Few people have clear memories of their youth. You’re smart…”“How long will you stand there?”Ivan’s voice rang from behind. Alicia and Basil stiffeTed at his sudden appearance. They had come to the door of the drawing-room and did not enter, merely talking casually to themselves.Basil coughed and bowed politely. “I’ll be taking my leave, My Queen.”As Basil’s figure faded in the background, the laughter on Alicia’s face quickly drained away as she said nervously, “I was talking to Basil. I had disrespected you. I’m sorry.”
Ivan fidgeted around awkwardly and only then did Alicia notice that he was trying his clumsiest best to communicate in his own way. It did not look like he was forcing her to eat, though it did come off as one. He had a difficult time speaking his thoughts out.Alicia was amazed, her lips parted slightly.After a moment’s bout of hesitation, she placed a slice of meat on a plate and cut it into small pieces before putting it in her mouth. It was not too bad but it could be better.“…..” Ivan looked up and his aura brightened. A faint smile spread around his lips. “Um… how’s the Duchess? Tell me if she isn’t qualified. I’ll recommend someone else.”“No,” Alicia shook her head, “it hasn’t been long since we met but I’ve grown to like the duchess. You need not worry.”“I’m glad to hear that. Though she’d been away from the capital and from noble society for a long while, her status and connections remain. She’ll be a great help to you,” he said, twirling the fork around in circles.Alici
“My God… what is all this…?”The next day, after Ivan’s departure, numerous offerings laid before here. Silk made of rare materials and top-of-the-line accessories quietly rested on the table. It is as Ivan said. He had prepared in advance.Alicia had no choice but to admit that Ivan never had plans to drag the princess of Coulson by the foot and slit her throat. If not, why had he renovated the Queen’s Palace for the princess to this extent?“You won’t have to worry about the lack of jewels for a while after the wedding. Isn’t that right, My Queen?” The duchess’ eyes smiled a twinkling light.Alicia chuckled. “That’s true.”She picked up a beautifully tailored blue cloth. From the surface, it looked plain, but the texture of the cloth spoke much depth. She was sure the designer placed much thought during composition.“I don’t know why he told me this now… it’d have been great had he informed me earlier,” Alicia said.It might have been easier to decide on the items she needed for the
Epilogue (1) – DimitriTranslator – YueYears later.“…and Elheim truly loved his human woman. But he was a God, pure and divine, so he could not remain too much longer on earth. If he stayed in the human world for too long, he’d lose all his divine powers…”The man who was reading the book out loud paused for a while and looked at a particular direction in his audience. There, there was a little girl with the same hair color as him. He saw her yawning while little eyes narrowed with displeasure, as though wondering why he’d stopped. The man resumed reading the book.“In the end, Eiheim had no choice but to leave the woman he loved and to go back on earth. However, he wept for the love he had to leave behind on the human world and those tears turned into rain. At the same time, a baby was growing inside his woman’s womb, a baby created from their union. This baby was born strong and healthy, and she had an incredible power. She had the power to turn himself into a bird. In the human w
Translator – YueT/N: This is the end, so extra-long chapter for today?Ivan irrupted into the room, sword in hand and a murderous look in his eye… to see Alicia licking her fingers. In front of her there was a huge plate filled with food. There was an abundance of seafood. Next to her was a worker who looked at Ivan with widened eyes.“Ivan?”Alicia quickly took her finger out of her mouth and looked at him. She asked again, nervous.“What’s wrong? Did something happen?”The inn worker looked alternated glances between Ivan and the sword in his hand, his legs shaking.“Oh… it’s just… it looked like your wife was pregnant, so I was only asking if there was anything she disliked so I could bring something else…”Since Alicia had taken her robe and coat off, she was wearing a light dress that showed her bulging belly clearly. It seemed that the inn boy had noticed it and was only asking whether she liked the food.Ivan felt ridiculous for getting angry over something like this.No, more
Translator – Yue“Salerno Inn”Alicia read the old sign that was hanging atop a building. It was an inn, so it definitely offered food and shelter to travelers.“It would take us around two hours to reach your mother’s mansion. It might be faster if we rode my horse together, but you can’t while pregnant… if you don’t want to spend the night in a place like this, then I’ll find another way…”Ivan murmured while trying to assess Alicia’s reaction. He knew that the inn was old and gloomy. He’d spent some nights here before himself but he knew that it was different for Alicia, who’d only lived in mansions and palaces. She might even find this place repulsive.He did not want the news of them here to spread too much, which was why he’d chosen this place as he could keep their identities hidden. But… perhaps he should have thought of Alicia more. Maybe it would be best to go to someone else’s house and reveal their identity so they could spend the night somewhere more comfortable.As he ke
Translator – YueAfter listening to Mrs. Cessly’s words, Ivan immediately hopped on a horse and sprang to port. This time there was no Basil by his side, it was just him. While he galloped top speed, the events from these past six years came to his mind.When he arrived, the ship had already sailed. He was too late, again.He felt an empty space in his heart. He got down his exhausted horse and slowly walked to the edge of the beach. He had a desperate expression on his face.He stood there looking at the horizon when he felt something hot. There were hot tears trailing down his face. All the tears he’d held back all this time suddenly broke free.Despair and desolation surged from inside him. He sobbed and cried.Six years ago, when he’d missed her just like this, he’d managed to hold back his tears since there was still hope of seeing her again in the future. Instead of desolation, he turned his back to this very sea with the hopes of seeing her again soon.However, this time it was
Translator – YueThe Port of Salerno remained unchanged. Tall, imposing walls surrounded the beach. There were numerous houses with scarlet-colored rooftops everywhere. A seemingly endless turquois-colored. Everything was as calm and beautiful as before.There was only one ship resting on the shores. A white, modern, elegant ship.When the Queen’s carriage arrived to port, the usually hectic port city suddenly turned tranquil. The carriage’s door opened and the Queen descended from her vehicle surrounded by her guards. She was wearing a thick coat, hat and gloves all made of silver fox fur, as though she was planning on going somewhere far colder than Ehrlich. A little while later, the ship’s captain approached her.He took out his cap and bowed to the Queen of Ehrlich.“Greetings to the most honorable woman in Ehrlich, Your Majesty the Queen. May Elheim’s light always shine upon you.”A smile came up to Alicia’s lips.“Greetings, captain. I’ll be under your care.”The captain pointed
Translator – YueT/N: The chapter we’ve been waiting for?Mrs. Cessly wailed and started savagely criticizing Ivan.“This is all Your Majesty’s fault. It’s because you allowed the Queen leave for Coulson. Why did you do that?”“All I did was give her a choice.”“A choice?”“I told her to choose. To stay here, or to leave with the baby.”“Why on earth did you tell her that?!”“There’s a reason behind my marriage to Alicia. I lied to her and forced her to come here.”“Ah, I remember the Queen told me something like that. That Your Majesty did not wish to marry her, but Princess Helen. Is it related to that?”Ivan nodded.“Yes. I had no choice. If I had proposed to Alicia, she would have run away from as fast as she could.”Mrs. Cessly looked at Ivan intently with a complex look in her eyes. Seeing that Mrs. Cessly’s head was spinning top speed to find out what could possibly make Alicia want to run away from Ivan, he added in a slow voice.“She definitely didn’t owe me money nor anythin
“Alright. Go ahead, do it. Call me if you need any help as well.”“I will.”When their conversation came to an end, Ivan slowly rose from his seat. Alicia got up as well. Just when he was about to turn around, Alicia spoke.“I wish for you to stop feeling guilty of all that’s happened to me.”Ivan’s eyes focused intently on Alicia. For some reason, she found it hard to look him back in the eye, so she averted her gaze.“I don’t dislike you anymore, Ivan. I’m grateful to you for letting me live my life again and leave this place with my baby.”“Grateful…uh.”While he bitterly mumbled to himself, Alicia nodded her head.“After all, you did put in a lot of effort in saving my life. I’ll make sure I do everything in my power to live a happy life from now on. I’m not completely alone anymore, after all.”Alicia placed a hand on her belly.“Once this baby is born, I’ll only let him see and listen to the most wonderful things. I know I can’t stop the darkness of this world to reach him, but
Translator – YueAlicia’s jaw slowly opened.“When you say, ‘a chance to end this marriage’…”“You never wanted to marry me in the first place. You were forced into it because the Crown Prince threatened to kill your cousin if you didn’t.”“But why are you giving me this? This marriage will automatically end in a year, anyways.”Their contractual marriage had a time period clearly stipulated. Alicia couldn’t understand why he was giving her a choice right now.“If you want to end this marriage, then you don’t need to wait for the time to be up to do so. I’ll make sure you leave this country safely first thing tomorrow if you so wish it.”“Then… what will happen to the baby I’m carrying…?”Alicia’s voice faded. Her eyes darted to the contract clauses. There, she herself agreed on leaving all rights concerning the child to Ivan if she were to get pregnant. With the opportunity he was giving her, she’d be able to flee and hide somewhere far, far away, and he’d never be able to claim his
Translator – YuePatricia’s execution took place the following morning.In spite of being very early, many people gathered around the execution place. People gathered there to insult her for killing her own father, her benefactor and even trying to assassinate her own sister and Queen. She was seen as a true villain, an evil rarely seen before.Patricia listeTed to their insults and taunts until her very last moment.Even though Alicia had said that she’d no longer show any consideration towards Patricia, she did make sure that the most skilled executioner was selected to carry out her punishment. She’d heard of previous rare cases in which the neck was not cleanly cut off in one single strike, forcing the executioner to hack at the neck, which caused lots of pain and anguish before dying.After Patricia’s death, Alicia passed her days in a state of continuous astonishment. She rarely went outside and spent most of her time in her room. However, she did make sure of eating and resting