While Calix was away for a moment, the nobles of the Empire began showing interest in Selina. This was exactly as he’d planned for the first step. Since Selina had never attended a single social gathering before, it was only natural for everyone to be curious about her. On top of that, these imperial nobles knew almost nothing about her new husband, Calix, either. Whenever curiosity gets the better of people, most can’t help but approach.

But what if Calix had stayed by her side?

‘With so many wary of Thalia, no one would have dared come close.’

Leaving Selina alone had been the right move.

Still, he hadn’t expected the Empire’s commander himself to take an interest.

‘Could it be that Selina and Waldemar already knew each other?’

Calix found it impossible to harbour any warm feelings towards Waldemar. After years of war, there are always opponents with whom one seems destined to repeatedly clash. For Calix, that person was Waldemar.

They couldn’t have been more different.

While Calix surveyed the battlefield from above, planning grand strategies and pulling strings, Waldemar threw himself into the thick of the action, fighting as if every day might be his last.

“A madman consumed by bloodshed.”

That was the word most often used to describe Waldemar.

No doubt the Empire’s soldiers had even sharper words for Calix, but he had no need to concern himself with the enemy’s opinions.

Anywhere you go, the most dangerous person is the one who’s lost their mind. For Calix, the enemy he most kept an eye on was Waldemar.

And yet, of all people, it was Waldemar who had approached Selina.

“I… I already danced the first song.”

He’d asked for the first dance from a woman who’d only just been married.

Calix’s crimson eyes grew cold.

Why was it that Selina had accepted a dance from Waldemar, yet refused when Calix himself had asked?

He couldn’t quite understand why it bothered him so much.

‘Ah. So that’s what this is.’

Calix quickly arrived at a single conclusion. If he wanted Selina to become a dove and bring him information about the Empire, he first needed to ensure her loyalty by becoming the person she was closest to and truly relied on. At that moment, however, she seemed to be keeping her distance, acting warily and guardedly. Clearly, they didn’t trust each other yet.

That meant now wasn’t the time for social gatherings. What mattered most was building a genuine connection between them.

“So there’s no reason to bother with social events. If you’re already this tired, we might as well head straight to Thalia.”

Of course, he had to admit that his tone didn’t exactly sound like someone eager to strengthen their relationship.

“We’ll be leaving soon.”

He summoned Zenfri, instructing him to prepare for their immediate departure to Thalia.

Zenfri, who had been enjoying himself among the soldiers at the banquet, looked startled.

“Pardon? I thought you said we were leaving tomorrow, after attending at least one more party…”

“The plan has changed.”

Zenfri could only sigh—orders from above must be followed. With a resigned expression, he set down his glass and headed out to ready the carriage.

As Calix busied himself with the preparations for their hasty departure, Selina found herself swept along in his wake. It wasn’t until they were nearly out of the hall that she finally regained her senses and called out to him.

“W-wait a moment…!”

He paused and turned to her, tilting his head as if puzzled by the interruption.

Selina suddenly felt as if she were getting in the way of a train that had already left the station. But if she stayed silent now, she might wake up to find herself already in Thalia before she’d even realized it.

“I… Is it really all right to leave like this?”

She had never been taught what happened after a wedding. She had guessed that they would eventually leave for Thalia, of course, but…

She had never imagined they would leave so suddenly.

Selina looked up at Calix, her face trembling with anxiety. Surely leaving the Empire couldn’t be this simple? It didn’t seem possible that she could simply walk away from everything that had held her captive for so long.

‘Could I really be free of Father and Iden just like this…?’

Of course, as long as the antidote bound her to the Marquis, she knew she would never be truly free. However, the prospect of escaping, even temporarily, from the suffocating life she had led until now seemed almost too good to be true. Almost too good to be true.

“Last night, you begged me to take you to Thalia, and now you’ve changed your mind already?”

Calix’s tone suggested that he was either annoyed or confused. Worried that she had somehow displeased him, Selina scanned his face for any sign of his true feelings. But he only wore his usual polite smile, making it impossible to guess what he was thinking.

“I—I haven’t changed my mind. I just…”

She was about to share her true thoughts when—

“Leaving already?”

It was the last voice she wanted to hear at that moment.

Standing before her were the Marquis Bryson, his wife, and Iden. The Marquis and his wife wore faces full of parental affection, but Iden’s irritation was obvious, his expression sullen and resentful.

Selina shrank back instinctively, unable to meet their piercing gazes.

“As you know, Marquis, it’s customary for us to return to Thalia the same day the marriage is complete.”

Calix replied, gently placing an arm around Selina’s shoulders. Whether it was to comfort her or just a matter of habit, Selina couldn’t tell—but to her, that touch felt like a lifeline.

“I hardly spoke to my daughter during the ceremony. Just when I thought we might finally have a moment together, you whisked her away. Aren’t you a little impatient?”

The Marquis gave a hearty, exaggerated laugh, as if everything were perfectly normal.

“Well, she is leaving her father’s care, after all. But it wouldn’t hurt for us to say a few parting words, would it?”

To an onlooker, it would seem like a father giving his beloved daughter a warm send-off.

Although it was all an act, Selina had a moment when she wished these feelings were real and wondered what it would be like if she truly had all this affection.

But she knew better than to indulge such hopes. Stepping up to stand beside the Marquis and his wife, she forced a composed expression.

“Father, Mother. I’ll be leaving now. Please take care of your health…”

“Always be careful, my dear child.”

The Marchioness replied, holding Selina’s hands in a show of tender affection. The warmth in her grip made Selina’s hands tremble before she could stop herself.

But the charade didn’t end there.

“Selina. My daughter!”

The Marquis pulled her into a tight embrace, as if she were the most precious thing in his life, stroking her back.

“Thalia is a cold place. I’ll make sure to send you medicine so you don’t fall ill. Don’t worry.”

Beneath his words, he subtly reminded her of the antidote—making it clear he was talking about more than just concern for her health.

Then, in a whisper meant for her ears alone, he added.

“Don’t forget your duty, my beloved daughter.”

The reminder jolted Selina, bringing back the obligation she’d almost managed to forget, if only for a moment.

All this love—this carefully crafted show of concern—hid nothing but threats, a noose tightening around her neck.

And now, once she went to Thalia, that danger wouldn’t end with her.

‘Calix…’

If there had been anything she could have done for him, Selina would have done it in a heartbeat. But the reality was that she could offer nothing, and this sense of helplessness tore at her heart.

“There will be many exchanges between the Empire and Thalia from now on. Your role is important—always remember your responsibilities, and carry yourself with care.”

With that, he sent Selina back to Calix, as if he truly were a loving father sending off his cherished daughter.

“That’s enough farewells, I think.”

Calix said, stepping between them before the charade could drag on any further.

“Besides, if we want to cross the border before it gets too late, we’ll have to hurry.”

A carriage had arrived in the garden and Calix’s close companion was waiting beside it.

“It’s dangerous to travel at night. Perhaps you should stay and rest—”

The Marquis, ever the doting father in front of others, tried to protest, but this time Calix cut him off firmly.

“No. It’s best we leave tonight. There are many things my wife and I need to discuss.”

At last, Calix offered a brief farewell to the marquis and his wife before ushering Selina into the waiting carriage.

‘What is he going to say?’

Selina felt anxious. She was certain that something unpleasant had occurred earlier, most likely during Calix’s conversation with the Empire’s nobles. The sombre expression he wore could only mean that he had bad news to share. Now that they were finally alone, she was certain he would broach the subject.

Calix rolled his neck; every movement was etched with weariness. When he finally turned those deep, blood-red eyes towards her, the shadows beneath them made his exhaustion even more apparent. Unconsciously, Selina shrank back under his gaze.

That’s when Calix finally spoke.

“Hey.”

Selina, still wearing her ceremonial gloves, clasped her hands together tightly in her lap and waited for whatever he was about to say.