Epilogue.2

“Leti, my brother said he met you.”

The moment Karl returned, he asked her in a hurried tone. She tilted her head in confusion before nodding as a memory surfaced.

“Yes, Asar? That’s how he introduced himself.”

His face darkened. His lips moved slightly before he spoke in a subdued voice.

“Did he say anything strange to you?”

“No?”

Did something happen between the brothers? 

He didn’t say anything further and instead clamped his mouth shut. Though she wanted to ask, his expression was too grim, so she decided to remain silent.

The next day, she encountered Karl’s brother, Asar, again. The moment she opened the door, there he was.

“Leticia.”

Despite having met her for the first time only yesterday, he called her name as if it were nothing.

“Or should I call you Leti? That’s what Karl calls you.”

What is wrong with this man? Wasn’t he being overly familiar with his brother’s wife?

‘The Arhadan Imperial Family is an absolute mess, a complete mess! It’s a miracle His Highness Karl doesn’t keep a mistress! He’s the only exception!’

Hans’s exclamation came to mind. At the time, she had brushed it off, but after meeting Karl’s brother, she finally understood. Asar looked at her with the gaze of someone seducing a woman. She felt a chill run down her spine. He made her uncomfortable.

“Nicknames are reserved for Karl only.”

She spoke indirectly, but whether he didn’t understand or pretended not to, he simply smiled.

“Yes, Leti.”

What is wrong with him, seriously?

She frowned and stared at him before walking past. He followed her. Even the knights seemed unable to stop him, as if they couldn’t interfere with a member of the Imperial Family.

“Could you please leave me alone?”

She asked as politely as she could. He tilted his head.

“Leti, why are you being so defensive?”

“What do you mean? We only met yesterday, and your excessive familiarity makes me uncomfortable.”

“Did Karl tell you not to get close to me?”

So there really was something between them. 

She stiffened her expression and shook her head.

“No, he didn’t. But I’m uncomfortable, so please stop following me.”

She had learned how to say no. Without waiting for a response, she quickly headed toward the children’s room. Fortunately, he didn’t follow her further.

That day, she took the children to the beach to play in the water. The twins loved building sandcastles, while she enjoyed dipping her feet in the water and gazing at the sea. Suddenly, she thought of the things she used to enjoy, like baking cookies and knitting.

If she overdid it, her wrist pain might return. Still, she didn’t want to continue living idly without doing anything. She decided to bring it up when they returned to the palace.

As the sun began to set, she returned to the palace with the children. The first thing she did upon arrival was bathe the children. Afterward, she entrusted the twins to the nanny.

On her way back to the room she shared with Karl, she encountered a familiar face again.

“Leti.”

Doesn’t he ever get tired of this? What is his problem? 

She didn’t bother hiding her displeasure as she walked past Asar. He blocked her path with a bright smile.

“Leti, there’s no need to act like that. Just enjoy it. It’s not hard.”

“What exactly am I supposed to enjoy? I’m not interested, so go find someone else.”

“You must not know, but Karl and I have shared women before. Karl always went after the women I touched first.”

Her steps faltered. She turned to look at him. His eyes sparkled.

“So, there’s no need to feel burdened. It’ll be fun.”

His sparkling eyes were no different from those of a child. She saw both curiosity and malice in his face. Whether what he said was true or not, she decided there was no point in continuing the conversation.

She turned away and walked past him. Behind her, she heard a startled gasp. She didn’t care.

* * *

Asar watched the cold figure of the woman walking away, feeling a strange thrill. Women who initially rejected him would eventually give in if he persisted, but Karl Lavresion’s wife was entirely different. Her rejection wasn’t feigned; she truly seemed disgusted. Her eyes were filled with disdain and contempt when she looked at him. Just recalling those eyes sent heat rushing through his body.

“Hmm.”

It was clear that he and his brother shared similar tastes. Asar was overcome with the urge to pin the pale woman beneath him. He wanted to see her clear blue eyes blur with tears.

And if Karl Lavresion coveted something, Asar had to have it too. Rumors were rampant that Karl had become utterly infatuated with the wife he had brought back from Chevrem. He slept beside her every night and didn’t spare a glance at other women, earning him the nickname “the anomaly” among the Imperial Family. 

How would Karl feel if his beloved wife were taken from him? 

Just imagining it sent a thrill through Asar.

What should I do? Should I secretly drug her? Or bribe the knights to leave her alone so I could have my way?

Lost in his dark thoughts, he suddenly sensed someone’s presence. As he turned his head, a fist connected with his jaw, sending him sprawling to the ground.

“Ugh.”

As he fell, he bit his lip, drawing bl＊＊d. Stunned by the unexpected violence, Asar looked up.

“Brother. I let it slide yesterday, but not anymore.”

Karl Lavresion grabbed his fallen brother by the collar and lifted him. Before Asar could resist, Karl struck him again.

“Ugh.”

This time, the blow landed on his stomach. Asar gasped for air, feeling as though his insides were being ripped apart. The pain was overwhelming.

“P-please, stop.”

But Karl showed no mercy, continuing to rain punches on him. Each strike drew a groan of pain and more bl＊＊d. Even the knights watching the scene held their breath.

“Stop! Stop, please, I beg you!”

“Don’t ever lay a hand on Leti.”

“Karl! Stop, spare me, please!”

Unlike Asar, whose expression changed with every passing moment, Karl remained expressionless, continuing to throw punches. Asar, who had been repeatedly begging him to stop, eventually broke down in tears, pleading desperately.

“I won’t do it again, please spare me, sob!”

“She’s not the kind of woman trash like you should ever dare to covet.”

“Please, please! I won’t touch her! I won’t do anything!”

Asar’s once-handsome face was now unrecognizable, smeared with tears and snot. His trembling voice begged incessantly, revealing his broken teeth through quivering lips.

“Don’t ever show yourself in front of Leticia again.”

“I-I won’t. I won’t show up. So please stop, I beg you…”

Only then did Karl stop his ass＊ult and release his grip. Asar collapsed onto the floor, staring blankly at the ceiling. His eyes were half-rolled back.

Karl wiped his bloodied fists on his clothes carelessly and turned away. But instead of heading toward Leticia’s room, he walked toward another one. He couldn’t let her see him in this bloodied state.

* * *

Knock, knock. The door opened with the sound of a knock. Karl entered the room with a smile, carrying Selina and Killian in his arms. The twins waved their hands and shouted, “Mom!” the moment they saw her. He set the children down on the floor. Leticia smiled and opened her arms toward him.

“You’re back?”

“Yes.”

He rushed toward her in one stride and hugged her tightly. A faint scent of soap lingered on him.

“Did you take a bath?”

“Ah, yes. I spilled tea on my pants while I was working.”

Now that she thought about it, his clothes were different from the ones he had worn in the morning.

“Are you okay? You didn’t get hurt?”

“Yes. It was cold tea, so I didn’t get burned.”

Leticia patted his back gently, expressing her concern. He chuckled softly in response.

“Are you worried about me?”

“Of course.”

“I love it when you worry about me. Should I go and get hurt again?”

“Don’t say weird things.”

This time, she playfully slapped his back. He exaggerated his reaction, pretending to be hurt, which made her laugh.

The children clung to Karl’s legs, reaching out their little hands.

“Daddy, Daddy! Pick me up!”

“Alright, Selina.”

“Me too!”

“Yes.”

The children loved being held by Karl together. He picked them up, one in each arm, making the twins giggle with joy. He smiled and kissed both of their cheeks. The twins returned the gesture, kissing his cheeks in turn.

Watching them with a warm smile, Leticia suddenly thought of his brother. While she hadn’t mentioned what happened yesterday, she felt she should tell him about today’s events.

She motioned with her eyes for him to set the children back down. Karl, noticing her intent, placed them on the floor and followed her to a corner of the room, away from the children.

“Karl, actually, your brother came to see me again today.”

“…I see.”

His expression hardened subtly. She hesitated, wondering how to bring it up, but decided to be honest.

“I think your brother has feelings for me. I turned him down, but it made me uncomfortable.”

“You don’t have to worry about him anymore. I made it clear to him. He won’t show up in front of you again.”

“Really? What did you say?”

“I told him not to touch you because you’re someone I love with all my heart. I said that even if he tried, neither you nor I would bat an eye.”

He spoke in a playful tone, but his sincerity was evident. Feeling her heart swell, Leticia kissed his cheek.

“Yes. I love you too, Karl.”

“I love you more.”

The thought that she didn’t need to doubt or guard against his love filled her with joy. To feel such overflowing love and happiness—it brought tears to her eyes. But instead of crying, she smiled brightly.

“Mommy, Daddy! Hug me too!”

“Say you love me too!”

The twins had approached them at some point, waving their arms and demanding attention. Leticia laughed and scooped them up, showering them with whispered words of love.

Meeting Karl, falling in love with him—it was all a blessing. She didn’t know what the future held, but as long as she was with him, she felt she could face anything. Tears eventually rolled down her cheeks.

“Leti?”

Noticing her tears, Karl cupped her cheeks with a worried expression. She quickly shook her head.

“I’m crying because I’m so happy.”

It was through Karl that she learned one could cry out of happiness. She began to imagine the future ahead.

When the children were older, they could go on trips together. Arhadan had many beautiful resorts to explore.

It didn’t have to be in Arhadan; other countries would be fine too. Someday, they would visit Chevrem again. Her mother’s face flashed through her mind.

She knew her mother’s life had been tumultuous and full of hardship. Still, there were undoubtedly parts of her mother’s sorrowful life that she had neither seen nor understood. She sincerely hoped her mother could find happiness, free from the emotions that bound her.

She missed Amy and Mia too. Though they were already exchanging letters about their lives, especially Mia, with whom she corresponded weekly about the café, she still longed to see them.

The Emperor of Chevrem who had mocked her and the Baron who had treated her like a pawn also crossed her mind briefly but quickly faded away. They weren’t worth remembering.

She painted and colored the picture of her future as she pleased. Vibrant green leaves, blue skies, vast oceans, and sparkling stars. Beside all those scenes stood Karl Lavresion, Selina, and Killian.

Her heart brimmed with fulfillment. There was no need to savor this happiness as if it might slip away. She was confident it would remain in her life for a long time. Truly, she could smile and declare boldly that she was happy.