Chapter 20

“Duke Delcliff, greetings.”

At that moment, an unfamiliar man took the seat previously occupied by Vivian and Heath. Kaiden’s expression turned serious again.

“Marquis Jordic.”

“Hoyt Jordic, Marquis of Shatonwell. Ah, the Lady might not be familiar with me. You might know it as the Eastern Kingdom, the country to the east.”

Jordic barely acknowledged Kaiden’s greeting and introduced himself to Rohana.

“Yes, hello.”

Rohana put down her champagne glass and extended her hand. Though she knew Shatonwell well, she didn’t see the point in correcting him and simply smiled.

However, Jordic’s kiss on her hand was overly enthusiastic. Kaiden’s brow furrowed deeply.

“You seem to be well acquainted with Duke Kaiden Delcliff.”

In the noble culture, it was customary to speak formally to a young lady, but Hoyt Jordic spoke informally right away.

“Yes, I am,” Rohana responded coolly.

“Ah, the ladies of the Empire certainly lack charm, don’t they, Duke Delcliff?”

Jordic burst into laughter, seeking agreement from Kaiden. If Rohana’s voice was cold, Kaiden’s face looked like it could split ice.

“Hmm…”

Jordic stroked his chin, intrigued.

“Our Queen has repeatedly expressed her gratitude for dealing with the unruly Kark people.”

The Queen of Shatonwell, mostly inhabited by the Kark people, was loyal to the Arin people. For now, at least.

However, Rohana knew that her rebellion would soon begin, leading to a conflict with the Ardgold Empire.

“Was it sufficient?”

“It was sufficient.”

Jordic waved his thick hand.

“But it seems it wasn’t enough to desire a marriage with our princess.”

Rohana widened her eyes and looked at Kaiden. His dark eyes were cold as they stared at Jordic.

“Though it’s unnecessary, I appreciate the sentiment.”

Kaiden looked down at Jordic, who hadn’t moved from his seat. Rohana, absorbing the unexpected information, needlessly fiddled with her napkin.

“By the way, Rohana.”

Jordic’s green eyes swept over her unpleasantly.

“You must be quite upset.”

“That’s Lady Rohana to you, Marquis.”

Kaiden growled lowly.

“It’s alright, Duke.”

Rohana responded calmly. It had been a while since she’d dealt with someone like this. She wasn’t one to be intimidated by such trivial provocations.

“No, it was a mutual decision, so not at all.”

“Must be hard on Duke Gregory Hanover as well?”

“He seemed to take it in stride.”

Rohana answered brightly. Just then, trumpets blared, and cheers erupted. The new emperor was making his entrance. Bardi waved to the cheering nobles, a bright smile on his face.

Aurelia, in a red dress, stood close by. The flowing silk was as delicate as the Empire’s symbol, the red tulip.

“Isn’t she beautiful?”

Jordic remarked, his tone suggestive. Rohana didn’t respond, just watched the pair. Knowing this was the last time she’d see them made her feel unexpectedly calm.

“Rohana.”

The newly crowned Emperor Bardi addressed her, and the guests’ eyes turned to her once again. Aurelia looked uncertain but carried an inexplicable air of confidence.

“Duke Delcliff.”

Kaiden nodded slightly.

“Your Majesty, I was just about to ask Duke Delcliff about his thoughts on marriage.”

Jordic’s previously arrogant demeanor shifted to one of courtesy as he addressed the emperor.

“Ah, have you already mentioned this to His Majesty?”

Kaiden asked in a low voice.

“Just in general terms. Our princess has taken quite a liking to the Duke, haha.”

Jordic chuckled, hiding his sharp gaze.

Rohana frowned. A princess? The Queen of Shatonwell did not marry in the original story, nor did she have any children.

“Kaiden, congratulations. I think it would be an excellent match.”

Bardi said with a bright smile. Rohana quietly set down her champagne glass, almost laughing at the absurdity.

If he truly cared about the Empire’s peace and his imperial authority, he should worry about Shatonwell getting too close to Nopthal, not celebrate it.

No emperor would be content with their border protector marrying into an enemy nation.

“Did you hear? Duke Delcliff is going to marry Princess Serin of Shatonwell?”

People began to murmur as the news spread.

Kaiden quietly swirled his champagne glass, the pale liquid shimmering. He sighed and slowly set the glass down.

“If even His Majesty knows, it’s better to clarify the situation now.”

“What do you mean?”

Jordic laughed heartily.

“Though it’s not ideal to discuss this at the coronation…”

Kaiden trailed off.

Bardi raised his eyebrows. At that moment, Kaiden’s large hand slowly grasped Rohana’s. His imposing presence seemed to raise the temperature around them as he leaned in close.

His sharp jaw tilted as his voice whispered into her ear.

It was a soft whisper. Rohana’s violet eyes widened in surprise.

‘What did he say?’

Kaiden’s steady dark eyes looked at her.

“I have already proposed to Lady Rohana.”

His low, firm voice resonated throughout the hall, as if driving a nail into the conversation.

***

Kaiden’s large hand gently grasped Rohana’s hand as he leaned in and whispered. Rohana, who had been staring incredulously at the emperor, naturally shifted her gaze to Kaiden.

“Trust me.”

He whispered softly.

Kaiden slowly turned his gaze from Rohana to Jordic. Then, Rohana heard something unbelievable in her ear.

“I have already proposed to Lady Rohana.”

A moment of silence followed. Everyone was stunned, including Rohana. Kaiden held her hand tightly.

All eyes quickly focused on Rohana with a mixture of surprise and curiosity.

Rohana looked at Kaiden in disbelief. Her heart pounded heavily. She held her breath for a moment, the murmurs of the crowd filling her ears again.

It suddenly made sense why Gregory had acted so indifferently today. He wasn’t the type to be taken aback by such things.

‘I see.’

Her blood drained from her face. It felt like someone had splashed cold water on her.

‘It’s too late.’

Kaiden Delcliff had already discussed this with Gregory. He had taken the Delcliff family hostage in exchange for keeping quiet about Aurelia’s kidnapping.

Kaiden Delcliff had been with her when she declared the breakup. She hadn’t anticipated him acting so swiftly.

‘How foolish of me.’

That’s why her father wasn’t surprised today.

Rohana felt ridiculous for choosing today to escape just because the palace security was looser. She hated herself for leisurely reflecting on her life all evening.

‘I was afraid of dying like that again.’

Rohana clenched her teeth.

‘Afraid of dying in such a way again.’

She remembered the white light and car crash she often saw in her nightmares. It was unfair. She wouldn’t live or die like this.

Rohana took a careful deep breath. It was best to play along for now.

“Yes… that’s right.”

As everyone focused on her red lips, Rohana smiled broadly and wrapped her arm around Kaiden’s.

“It’s embarrassing to reveal it like this. I was still seeking her permission…”

Kaiden said with a smile, looking at Bardi and Aurelia. Bardi’s expression was spectacular.

Rohana raised her eyebrows slightly. She smiled beautifully at Kaiden.

“What is this about?”

Bardi looked at Rohana in disbelief. She almost laughed genuinely at his incredulous expression.

“Just what it sounds like.”

Kaiden answered slowly.

“Rohana, answer me.”

“I think the Duke has answered sufficiently…”

Rohana gently held Kaiden’s arm with both hands. Bardi’s expression was quite a sight.

“Ah, our Duke is known for sudden surprises…”

At that moment, Heath, who had appeared out of nowhere, took a place next to Kaiden. Rohana saw the sharp glint behind his constant smile.

It seemed even Heath had not been informed of this announcement.

Heath smiled at Rohana and whispered something to Kaiden. It was hard to tell what he said as his lips barely moved. Kaiden’s face darkened rapidly.

He then leaned towards Rohana again. His lips whispered close.

“Lady Rohana, I apologize, but I must step out for a moment. Will you be alright on your own?”

His eyes showed sincere regret, and his voice was troubled.

“Yes, of course.”

Rohana smiled brightly and answered cheerfully. It was for the better.

She could handle the flood of questions from the guests, and watching Bardi chase after Kaiden and Heath would be unexpectedly amusing.

For some reason, Aurelia remained in front of Rohana.

“Lady Rohana! What is this all about?”

Vivian, who had sat close by, bombarded her with questions, but Rohana could still hear Aurelia’s faint voice. She looked odd, still standing by the table.

Aurelia seemed to have more to say, but then she quickly decided to leave the hall.

“Lady Rohana, how could you keep such a monumental secret? My heart is still racing!”

Vivian, still clutching her chest, asked.

“And he’s asking for permission? Isn’t that so romantic? What’s the story here? Did things really end with Crown Prince Bardi… no, His Majesty, when Lady Aurelia appeared? Or was it before that?”

Unable to find the right words, Rohana just forced a smile.