Chapter 8.4

‘Did the Marquis of Heathridge even have a daughter?’

As he searched his memory, a vague rumor surfaced. He vaguely recalled hearing that after the Marquis’s wife and sons died of illness, he brought in an illegitimate daughter raised by a maid to be his heir. The Emperor’s eyebrows twitched. With a sense of foreboding, he cautiously spoke.

“Could it be…”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

Michael nodded without hesitation. While the Emperor struggled to find words, Michael continued.

“Whatever you’ve heard, she’s far better than you imagine. You’ll know right away when you meet her. She’s a kind and wise person.”

“Wait.”

The Emperor raised his hand to stop Michael.

“I heard she grew up as a commoner in the slums. Is that rumor false?”

“It’s true.”

“What?!”

The Emperor let out an incredulous laugh.

“A Crown Princess who grew up in the slums? How is that even conceivable?”

“What’s so impressive about being coddled and raised like a delicate flower in a noble household? Is that an accomplishment? Does it prove anything about their abilities?”

“…”

“She’s a woman who fiercely protected her life even in harsh circumstances. She knows how to stand firm despite what others say about her. Isn’t that extraordinary? She’s someone who can understand both the lives of nobles and commoners. Is there anyone better suited to the position of Crown Princess?”

The Emperor responded in a subdued voice.

“I understand that Lady Heathridge is a more capable individual than the rumors suggest. If someone as discerning as you speaks so confidently, it’s likely true.”

“Yes, it is.”

“But she’s vastly different from you. You two have nothing in common. Michael, you have no right to criticize nobles raised like delicate flowers. Who among the Hecet lineage has been more pampered and noble than you?”

The Emperor had a point. Michael’s eyes darkened. Facing his son’s somber expression, the Emperor asked calmly.

“Have you ever considered that your feelings might not be love?”

“…”

“It could be the novelty of her differences. It could be sympathy or pity. Such emotions can sometimes captivate a person more powerfully than love.”

Michael’s lips curled slightly as he listened to the Emperor.

“Do you think I haven’t considered that? I’ve thought about it countless times. Curiosity, pity, concern… I’ve attached dozens of labels to my feelings.”

The Emperor, anticipating Michael’s next words, asked with a stern face.

“And yet, is it still love?”

“Yes, Father.”

The Emperor crossed his arms and tilted his head.

“What if I oppose this to the very end?”

Michael shrugged.

“You are the Emperor of Hecet, Father. I cannot force a marriage that you oppose. Such a union would also struggle to gain the approval of the Empire’s citizens.”

The Emperor’s face brightened at Michael’s words.

“Then…”

“However, I will not marry anyone else. Nor will I produce an heir with another woman. I will remain single for the rest of my life, enjoying a deep romance with Andrea.”

The Emperor’s eyes widened at Michael’s declaration of celibacy.

“What did you just say?”

“If you find it so outrageous, you can strip me of the Hecet name and banish me. But I will not marry. That is one thing you cannot control. You know my stubbornness better than anyone, so you must realize I’m not just making idle threats.”

Michael was the sole heir to the Imperial Family. For him to renounce marriage and refuse to produce an heir was tantamount to declaring the end of the Hecet dynasty. The Emperor’s face turned crimson as he slammed the table.

“Are you threatening me?”

“Oh, did it sound like a threat? That wasn’t my intention.”

Michael grinned smugly, fully aware that the tide of this battle was turning in his favor. Locking eyes with the Emperor, he spoke in a solemn voice.

“I understand why you’re opposed. You’re worried that Andrea might become my weakness. You’re concerned about what people will say and how they might attack her. I understand all of that.”

“Hmm…”

“But Father.”

Michael’s voice grew firm.

“I’m not so weak as to waver under such attacks. If I can’t handle mere words, how can I govern this vast Empire?”

“…”

“I’ve learned how to be a good Emperor and a good man from you, Father. Although I haven’t grown to be as great as you, I know right from wrong. And Father, I am certain about the choice I’ve made.”

“…”

“Please trust me, Father.”

His voice was low but resolute. His gaze was unwavering. His posture was upright and firm.

The Emperor, seeing a new side of his son—one who was usually brilliant but lacked gravity—felt his heart begin to soften. After all, no parent can win against their child. Half-convinced, he let out a deep sigh.

‘It seems he’s met his match. For a woman to stir this arrogant boy’s heart so deeply… she must be extraordinary.’

***

Michael believed that everything was proceeding perfectly according to his plan. In truth, it was. Though it had taken longer than expected, the Emperor had finally said the words, “Bring her before me so I can at least see her face,” which was effectively an acknowledgment of their relationship.

Now that the Emperor had given his approval, the rest were merely secondary matters—issues Michael could resolve on his own. All that remained was to meet Andrea and deliver the good news. Or so he thought…

“What did you just say?”

“Lady Heathridge… she’s disappeared. The servants of the Earl’s household have searched the entire estate, but they couldn’t even find a strand of her hair.”

When Michael triumphantly set foot in Byron Harbor, he was greeted by the shocking news of Andrea’s disappearance.

“Andrea… has disappeared?”

This was not part of the plan. Michael’s face turned pale as all color drained from it. His mind, like his complexion, went blank. He couldn’t think of anything. The rationality that always provided him with swift and accurate answers seemed paralyzed by the overwhelming shock.

Was this what it felt like to be struck on the back of the head with a hammer? No, that would have been far more tolerable.

Michael felt like slapping himself. For the first time in his life, he was overwhelmed by a sense of helplessness. After standing frozen for a moment, he clenched his teeth with a grinding sound.

“When?”

“Pardon?”

“When exactly did Andrea disappear?”

“Th-three nights ago.”

“Then why wasn’t I informed…!”

Michael, on the verge of shouting, closed his eyes tightly. The distance between the capital and the Byron Estate was such that even by the fastest sea route, it took three or four days. Even if the report had been sent the moment Andrea’s disappearance was discovered, he wouldn’t have learned of it any sooner.

‘There’s no time to waste on useless matters.’

Michael sighed deeply as he looked down at the trembling man before him.

“Let’s head to Earl Byron’s estate first. The clues must be there.”

However, even at the estate, Michael couldn’t find any news that would ease his frustration.

“We’re terribly sorry, but we don’t know anything.”

The butler and head maid, startled by the unexpected visit from the Crown Prince, bowed deeply with ashen faces. Michael, his sharp gaze unhidden, asked coldly.

“Where is Earl Byron?”

The elderly butler, whose hair was streaked with gray, bent even lower and replied.

“The master was away on a business trip at the time. We informed him as soon as we found out, and he should arrive within a few hours. If Your Highness could kindly wait…”

“When did the Earl leave the estate?”

“Five days ago.”

“Five days…”

If the butler’s words were true, it was unlikely that Frederick Byron had harmed Andrea. It seemed far more plausible that Andrea had taken advantage of his absence to escape the estate on her own.

‘She must have wanted to get away from Frederick Byron, but I didn’t expect her to do it this way… What a mess.’