Chapter 19

“Have you finished investigating that man, Job?”

“Ah, about that,”

Heath replied hastily, almost as if he were tired of it.

“It seems Lady Rohana liquidated her assets that day,” Heath explained.

“Just as you suspected, she’s secretly plotting something without her father’s knowledge. It wasn’t hard to find out; the man was quite fearful.”

Kaiden knew that even if the man wasn’t particularly scared, it would be impossible to resist answering Heath’s questions. He nodded calmly.

When Heath decided to question someone, they always ended up spilling the truth.

“The problem is, Job has already colluded with Gregory. He claims he’s already told the Duke everything and wonders what we want from him.”

Kaiden’s hand paused mid-pour. The sound of whiskey flowing stopped.

“According to Job’s wife, Lady Rohana had helped them out numerous times in difficult situations. It seems she made this request based on personal trust.”

“Nevertheless, he would have naturally sided with Duke Gregory Hanover.”

Kaiden tilted the bottle again, filling his glass. The golden liquid elegantly swirled in the crystal.

“Naturally.”

Too smart yet excessively naive. Kaiden thought of her with lazy eyes. Nothing had changed from “that time.”

The thought of Bardi Rentworth eventually ascending the throne at the coronation made him uneasy. Of course, since it wasn’t “the most appropriate time,” he had to let the man dance his sword dance and applaud for now.

Kaiden grasped his glass with long fingers.

“I’m going to see Gregory for a moment.”

Heath’s mouth dropped open.

“What?”

“Since the situation has arisen, we should finish our discussion today.”

One of his talents was knowing instinctively the best timing.

That’s how he had unified the entire east and established Nopthal. Whether through threats, instigations, or schemes, he had used all means and methods.

“Aren’t you going to tell me what it’s about?”

Heath asked meaninglessly as he sat back down on the drawing room sofa.

“I’ll tell you when I get back.”

The heavy door opened with a clunk, and sounds of startled breaths from the attendants outside could be heard.

“Oh, one more thing.”

Heath turned his head at Kaiden’s voice.

“Delay our return date.”

With that, the door closed. Heath let out a small sigh.

***

“My Lady, are you sure about this dress?”

Jody asked weakly, her face looking as haggard as ever despite the slightly cheerful fortnight they had shared.

After crying all night, questioning the reason for her dismissal, Jody had begged Rohana to let her stay until the coronation.

Moved by Jody’s heartfelt plea, Rohana had relented. After all, she would be here until the coronation anyway.

A fortnight had passed since the Crown Prince had unofficially declared their breakup, and it was now the day of the coronation.

“Yes, it would be a shame not to.”

One of the dresses intended for the wedding reception, a blue off-shoulder dress, sparkled like the stars in the night sky.

Rohana once again checked the documents, cash, and gold bars she had stashed under the bed.

Today, when even the outsiders were celebrating noisily, was the best day to escape. She had already given money to the broker, and her temporary residence was fully prepared.

She would finally say goodbye to this wretched original story.

The grand hall where the coronation would take place was adorned with red tulips symbolizing Rentworth.

The carpet, intricately woven with gold threads, and the dozens of crystal chandeliers gleamed brilliantly even in the morning sunlight. It was opulent enough to amaze even the nobles from other kingdoms.

Once all the nobles had entered and stood in order, the trumpeter sounded the fanfare. Bardi, dressed in the Emperor’s attire, then entered.

A large cape made of white fox fur naturally rested on his broad, thick shoulders.

His red ceremonial robe, golden sash, and brooch adorned with a bright blue sapphire matched the color of his eyes.

The bishop’s blessing, the coronation, and the applause and exclamations from the crowd followed. Rohana hoped her father wouldn’t lose his composure during the upcoming bombshell announcement.

“Bless the new Emperor,” everyone exclaimed.

“Honored guests.”

Bardi began his speech. Everyone listened intently to the new Emperor’s first words.

“Under the command of the great founding Emperor of the Ardgold Empire, my grandfather Constance Levron Rentworth, I stand before you today. The Ardgold Empire has achieved an unprecedented revival in history, and I will continue that legacy.”

Everyone seemed slightly surprised at how effortlessly Bardi presented himself as the Emperor.

While waiting for the lengthy coronation ceremony conducted by the bishop to conclude and for the celebratory cannon to fire, Bardi unexpectedly began to speak again. Rohana slowly closed her eyes.

“And now, I have a personal announcement. Many of you know that Lady Rohana Hanover was my betrothed…”

Rohana lowered her violet eyes and fluttered her long lashes, smiling softly.

“We have broken off our engagement, and I wish to announce my new fiancée today.”

The hall buzzed like a massive wave sweeping through. Rohana slowly turned her head to look at her father beside her younger brother. Surprisingly, her father’s face was exceedingly composed.

To be able to maintain such a calm expression, he truly was a man who wouldn’t bleed even if stabbed.

In contrast, Brandt looked as if someone had come and slapped him hard, his face a mask of shock.

“Aurelia.”

When the young emperor spoke again, a deathly silence fell. Aurelia, dressed in a red gown, confidently walked to stand beside the emperor. The voluminous skirt of her dress swept the floor.

“My new fiancée.”

A heavy silence hung in the air.

Clap, clap.

The sound of slow clapping drew Rohana’s attention to Marquis Jordic of Shatonwell, the cousin of the current Queen of Shatonwell, who was clapping with one corner of his mouth raised in a smirk.

As a few more joined in, the applause grew louder. Bardi and Aurelia exchanged happy glances.

As the coronation concluded, the guests were guided to move to the banquet hall. Rohana slowly looked at Gregory.

But something was odd. Gregory, after speaking with Earl Huxley, disappeared without even glancing at her.

“Sister! What is this all about?”

“I’m sorry, Brandt. We’ll talk later.”

Her brother, almost furious, asked in a shocked voice. Rohana, maintaining her smile, started to move.

Everyone seemed to make way for her as if touching her would bring disaster. She could hear the murmurs.

She had anticipated and braced for it, but public humiliation was not as bearable as she had hoped. Cold sweat unknowingly formed on her forehead.

At that moment, a man stood before her.

“If I may.”

Kaiden Delcliff offered his arm. Rohana looked up at him, surprised at his sudden appearance.

His short silver hair, slicked back, glistened under the light. In a sharp black suit that accentuated his broad and sturdy frame, Kaiden seemed unusually calm and serene.

His deep-set eyes, aquiline nose, and graceful smile were as natural as if nothing had happened today.

When Rohana took Kaiden’s offered arm, he placed his other hand gently over hers.

“Shall we?”

Although the seating arrangements were predetermined, Kaiden ignored them and sat beside Rohana.

Rohana frowned slightly, puzzled. Hadn’t they agreed to have their private conversation at night? The grand banquet continued, with everyone waiting for Bardi to reappear.

“Are you all right?”

Rohana broke the silence first, speaking to Kaiden, who remained quiet. Unlike the Kaiden from the original story, who wouldn’t have been calmly sipping champagne on a day like this, he seemed at peace.

“Are you referring to me?”

Kaiden asked back, genuinely curious.

“With a young emperor ascending the throne of the Empire, how could I not be all right?”

His deep voice was clear.

“Don’t you agree?”

Rohana’s eyes wavered slightly. Looking up at Kaiden, who was speaking in such an oblivious manner despite knowing everything, she spoke candidly.

The curious stares due to her scandal and the curious glances towards Kaiden, the Empire’s most talked-about figure, made her very uncomfortable.

“Yes, it’s a good day, except for the uncomfortable stares.”

Kaiden had skillfully rearranged the seating so that the spot next to Rohana, originally meant for Vivian Huxley, was now his. He responded to everyone with a faint smile, unaffected by their gazes.

“That’s a relief,” he said, his voice a bit brighter.

Rohana looked at Kaiden again. He appeared more relaxed today, his face, strikingly handsome, a sight that would surprise anyone in the country.

Rohana took a longer look at him, thinking it might be the last time.

While his maneuver seemed diplomatic, it wasn’t a bad thing for him to act kindly now.

Turning her gaze away, she saw people waltzing happily.