Meanwhile, Eloise was hiding behind a pillar outside Wiltsbrook Castle.

She was stealing glances at Harriet and the knights in the distance, tears welling in her eyes.

“How did you get even more handsome while I wasn’t looking?”

The guests, including Marianne, were raving about how magnificent and grand Wiltsbrook Castle was.

But Eloise seemed indifferent.

Apart from the castle being large with sharp spires, she had no particular impressions.

“Harriet’s face is more impressive, though.”

Eloise’s eyebrows drooped in dejection.

On the journey from the capital to the North, Harriet hadn’t glanced her way even once.

They were supposed to marry, but did Harriet not want to see her?

Eloise still vividly remembered the not-so-warm, but still affectionate touches and the seemingly cold, yet warm gaze of her former fiancé.

She had been gazing at Harriet endlessly.

Suddenly, Harriet turned his gaze away from the knight and looked directly at Eloise.

Startled, Eloise instinctively hid fully behind the pillar.

‘What was that? Did he just look at me?’

Her heart pounded, as if it might leap out of her chest.

Clutching her chest, Eloise peeked out again cautiously.

“…!”

Once again, her eyes met Harriet’s.

In that short span, the other knights had disappeared, leaving Harriet standing alone.

He didn’t avoid her gaze, continuing to look directly at her.

‘Is he finally looking at me?’

Suddenly feeling brave, Eloise stepped out from behind the pillar.

Just then, Harriet lowered his gaze and slightly turned away.

Did he avoid me?

Eloise’s heart sank.

But then Harriet glanced back at her and began walking in the opposite direction.

His long legs moved leisurely.

‘Is he asking me to follow him?’

Though confused, Eloise gathered her courage and followed him.

Beyond the rear garden of Wiltsbrook Castle lay a seemingly endless forest.

They walked far enough through the dense trees that the castle was no longer visible.

Finally, Harriet turned and faced Eloise.

“Harriet!”

“Eloise.”

“…”

Eloise ran toward Harriet, her lips trembling slightly.

How long had it been since they had been alone together like this?

Being close to him again, she could smell that familiar fresh scent he always carried.

“I missed you, Harriet.”

Eloise clasped her hands tightly and spoke in a burst of emotion.

In contrast, Harriet responded with remarkable calmness.

“…I missed you too.”

Huh?

“Really?”

Harriet nodded once.

His expression was so dry that she couldn’t tell if he meant it, but Harriet wasn’t the type to say things he didn’t mean.

“Have you been well?”

Eloise fought back tears as she asked.

Once again, he nodded without any change in his expression.

Had he always been this lifeless?

Though puzzled by the strangely different Harriet, Eloise pushed those thoughts aside and took a step closer.

“Can’t we get engaged again?”

Her voice trembled with emotion.

Fortunately, Harriet replied without a hint of rejection.

“Then we’d have to seek His Majesty’s permission again.”

“Wouldn’t he grant it?”

“…Not sure. He’s not an easy person. If you want to hear what you want from him, you have to show loyalty.”

“How do I show loyalty?”

“…”

“I can do anything!”

“Anything?”

Harriet tilted his head slightly.

“Yes.”

Eloise clasped her hands desperately.

But a strange feeling of unease made her heart tremble.

She couldn’t quite pinpoint why.

“Hmm.”

Harriet stroked his smooth, sharp jawline, deep in thought.

After a moment, he raised his eyes to meet hers.

“Then there’s something I need your help with, Eloise.”

“What is it?”

“I need you to arrange a meeting with Viscountess Wiltsbrook. I’d prefer if no one else knew.”

“Huh?”

Louise? Why?

Only then did Eloise realize the source of the dread she had been feeling all along.

Harriet had clearly become completely loyal to the Emperor.

There was no doubt that his presence in the North was meant to threaten her family.

‘What is this guy up to?’

What is he planning to do with Louise?

Could it be that the Emperor ordered him to kidnap her?

Eloise had heard rumors that the Emperor was interested in Louise.

The very thought made her skin crawl in disgust.

‘No matter how handsome the Emperor might be, it’s beyond revolting.’

If there was anyone most despised in the entire Empire of Rilt, it was the Emperor himself.

Though Eloise adored Harriet more than her own life, there was no way she would sell out her sister-in-law.

Not long ago, Louise had nearly been killed by the Empress, and both she and her mother had been severely shaken by the ordeal.

“I nearly lost ten years of my life from that shock. What would the North do without Louise to govern, and who would endure the Emperor’s torment?”

Her mother’s words, spoken as she clutched her chest in relief, still rang vividly in Eloise’s mind.

Without Louise and her brother, she and her mother might have died long ago.

‘It’s not just because of that, but… in any case, Louise can’t be involved.’

Eloise took a deep breath and calmly asked again.

“Why do you need to see Louise?”

Harriet let out a faint sigh, his gaze lowering slightly, his expression unreadable.

“That’s a bit difficult to talk about right now.”

“Is it dangerous?”

Harriet shook his head once with an expressionless face.

“No. You just need to deliver the message.”

“I see.”

“…”

Eloise stared at Harriet.

Looking at his face, she felt like she should believe everything he said. However, Eloise was certain that Harriet was trying to use her.

Suddenly, Eloise spoke up.

“Harriet.”

“…Yes?”

Harriet’s head tilted slightly, almost lazily.

“Can’t we just run away?”

“….”

At that moment, Harriet’s expression subtly darkened.

Eloise didn’t mind and continued with a more desperate tone.

“How long are you going to live following His Majesty’s orders? Let’s just run away and get married. Staying by His Majesty’s side isn’t doing you any good.”

“No. His Majesty is a good person.”

“What’s so good about him?”

“He makes me stronger.”

“….”

Eloise felt momentarily at a loss for words.

Since when did Harriet want to become stronger?

Harriet had always been brilliant and exceptional, even from a young age. Despite losing his father early, hadn’t he become the youngest knight commander in the empire?

“He’s just using you.”

“That means he trusts me that much. Now, choose, Eloise. Are you going to bring Lady Wiltsbrook to me or not?”

“….”

‘Hmm, this guy. Should I be thankful to Her Majesty the Empress for warning us?’

If the Empress hadn’t told Louise about the Emperor’s interest, they would have fallen for Harriet’s trap without knowing anything.

Eloise furrowed her brows in pity and approached Harriet, wrapping her arms around his waist.

It was a light embrace, but Harriet didn’t even flinch.

That dry attitude made her heart ache a little.

“Alright, Harriet. If it means we can be engaged again, I would do it hundreds of times.”

“….”

“I just have to bring her to you so you can talk to her, right?”

“Yes.”

“Alright. Leave it to me.”

Eloise smiled brightly and snuggled closer into Harriet’s arms.

Though she couldn’t feel his warmth due to the silver armor he was wearing, just being together after a long time felt so precious and dear.

How nice would it be if time stopped like this?

“Harriet. I really missed you…”

Would Harriet ever understand these feelings, even a little?

However, Eloise soon had another thought.

‘Well, my sister is untouchable anyway.’

TL NOTE: More advanced chapter of this story is already up to the site. Visit dusk blossoms for more advanced chapters and stories