“So, is there really going to be a war?”

“A war? What war?”

“You never know, do you? Things have been changing fast lately.”

There has been an unusual amount of tension in the Duchy of Ilmos lately. It all started with a scandal of the century that shook the entire Duchy.

It was none other than Kallian Icerick – a loyal retainer and knight of the Duke of Ilmos since childhood – who had caused a scandal that shook the Duchy. 

Known for his unwavering loyalty and discipline, Kallian had never shown any interest in women. But against all expectations, he became involved with the Imperial Princess sent to marry the Duke. The shock was even greater when, on the day of the wedding, the princess publicly declared that Kallian had taken her virginity before the wedding. Even more astonishing, Kallian did not deny her claim – he accepted it and married her on the spot. 

This revelation alone was enough to send shockwaves through the Duchy. 

“Has Sir Kallian, the loyal knight, betrayed us?” 

Some of the locals began to suspect as much.

However, it was later revealed that the woman Kallian had married was not the legitimate Princess Leanne the Duke had intended to marry, but an impostor – an illegitimate child. The Imperial family had deceived the Duke. 

With this revelation, the feelings of betrayal and shock that had initially surrounded Kallian quickly faded. Instead, rumours began to spread that Kallian had married the fake princess as part of a calculated plan to give the Duke another chance to marry the real Princess Leanne. 

When the Duke later appointed Kallian as the new Viscount of Elsen, even more people began to believe this theory.
“Hmm, maybe they really did have a relationship.”

“But Sir Kallian was never interested in women.”

“Maybe he was just pretending to have an affair. I don’t know what the princess was thinking when she agreed.”

“Maybe she fell for his looks? After all, Sir Kallian is quite handsome.”

“No. From what I hear, Sir Kallian is surprisingly bold.”

“What? Really?”

“My cousin drives a hired carriage…”

The scandal in the Duchy of Ilmos, which could have been considered an act of treason or rebellion, quickly became nothing more than a source of lively gossip. What had once been a matter of grave concern became an amusing topic of conversation, and many, secretly relieved, treated it as entertainment rather than a political crisis. 

In the end, the so-called princess married a viscount, while the Duke of Ilmos remained unmarried. But the Imperial Family could not let the matter rest. If things continued as they were, they would have no choice but to send the real Princess Leanne to marry the Duke. To prevent this from happening, the Imperial Family demanded compensation – an enormous sum of money which was then used to arrange Kallian Elsen’s divorce from the Princess. 

It was at this point that Kallian made a bold move. 

Declaring his desire to atone for his disloyalty to the Duke, he vowed to reclaim the Nahir Plains from Seor.

With no official announcement, the truth behind Kallian’s declaration remained shrouded in mystery. However, the rumour that he had made such a vow spread like wildfire. 

The people of the land welcomed the news. Considering that Seor had repeatedly invaded the Duchy of Ilmos, many found it strange that there had been no strong response to these invasions. Those who remembered the once mighty cavalry of Ilmos were especially eager to believe the rumour, hoping for a resurgence of the Duchy’s former strength. 

However, neither the Imperial Family nor the Duke himself made any comment. Instead, those closest to the Duke, such as Baron Taleon, remained silent. Their passive stance, bordering on inaction, gave the impression that they were deliberately avoiding the matter altogether.

“The Nahir Plains, huh? Isn’t that a bit exaggerated?”

“Maybe it won’t be so bad if the relationship with Seor breaks down now.”

Seor, for his part, took the rumours badly.

A rumour spread throughout the Duchy of Ilmos that the Crown Prince of Seor had set up camp in the Nahir Plains. Meanwhile, the Seor general stationed in the Duchy remained silent, offering no response. 

During this period of rising tension, Kallian Elsen himself arrived near the Nahir Plains after three weeks without a word from the Imperial Family’s ambassador. 

The exact purpose of his visit was unclear. It could have been a routine inspection, or perhaps he had come as a commander to oversee the training of the troops stationed there.

Because of his quick temper, the Crown Prince of Seor took Kallian’s presence near the plains as a provocation and immediately attacked him. That alone was enough to make it a serious incident, but… a far greater problem arose soon after. 

“So, did the Crown Prince of Seor die?” 

“That would have been better.”

“But… I heard something was seriously damaged?”

“That is not what I heard. As far as I know, he was stabbed in the stomach and collapsed.”

Blinded with rage, Kallian Elsen confronted the Crown Prince of Seor, who had recklessly charged towards the Imperial camp, weapon in hand. Kallian not only blocked the attack, but managed to wound the prince. 

The exact details of what happened were known only to those who witnessed the clash. But even without confirmation, the rumours were enough to heighten tensions between Seor and the Duchy of Ilmos. 

As speculation spread, the people of the land began to gossip again. With Seor as a potential enemy, the scandal surrounding the princess and her illicit affair was long forgotten.
“I heard they’re considering using this incident in the negotiations.”

“But they were the ones who lost their temper and attacked first. Isn’t this the perfect opportunity for the Duke to strike back at Seor?” 

“Exactly. There’s already talk on our side of launching an attack on Nahir.” 

Most of the younger generation in the country did not bother to hide their hostility. 

“If it’s war, count me out. I never liked the idea of them occupying Nahir in the first place.” 

“But I have heard a rumour that the Imperial Family is not pleased with the situation.” 

“Hah, those cowards are clearly just hiding the Emperor’s true feelings.”

“Well… actually we’ve only had a war of nerves with Seor, never a full-blown war. There are also a lot of moderates.”

And among them were older people from the countryside who scolded them.

“Those damn kids. They’re young, so all they talk about is war.”

“Old man, are you starting again?”

“If you had lived through what happened 50 years ago, you wouldn’t talk like that. Back then, the Duke…”

“Ay, enough with the old stories!”

Even as rumours spread, the eyes of the people remained fixed on the Duke’s residence. It was only a matter of time – something was bound to happen soon. That sense of anticipation hung in the air, an unspoken certainty shared by all. 

***

“Why don’t you eat something, Viscountess?” 

Elliope shook her head at the food offered. The innkeeper of the lodgings within the Duke’s castle, seeing her refusal, decided not to insist a second time.

If Kallian had been here, he would have noticed quickly and insisted that she eat, but… he wasn’t. He had gone to Nahir alone, leaving her behind. 

Elliope’s heart pounded with fear as she stared blankly out of the window. 

Kallian had made his move when it became clear that the Imperial Family’s ambassador had no intention of responding, and instead seemed determined to keep her confined to the Duke’s castle. 

“Still… do I really have to go?”

After Kallian kissed Elliope in the corridor of the Duke’s residence, he became noticeably tense. Instead of spending time with her, he frequently visited the Duke’s residence to meet with the Imperial Family’s ambassador, often disappearing to places Elliope knew nothing about. 

As a result, the intimate moments they once shared so often became strangely rare. Each time Kallian returned from the Duke’s residence, his mood seemed heavier. He never showed anger or said anything to Elliope, but she quickly picked up on the change. 

Elliope didn’t like being near the Duke’s residence either, but she could tell that Kallian was as uncomfortable and frustrated as she was – if not more so.

‘…Kallian.’

In truth, Elliope was grateful that Kallian hadn’t accepted the divorce and hadn’t sent her to Theodor. 

‘His title of viscount wouldn’t be taken away if our marriage will end.’ 

Theodor still needed Kallian for military purposes – he wouldn’t just cast him aside. Elliope knew that if it ever came down to a choice between her and his own interests, Theodor would always choose his own gain and leave her behind. 

The fact that Kallian hadn’t done the same made him a good husband in her eyes. 

She tried to push her thoughts away, but as their time together grew shorter, an undeniable sadness crept in. 

Even the fact that he was going to Nahir alone made her feel that way.
“I’m not really going to fight.” 

“…”

“Because the Imperial Family hasn’t given its permission.” 

In his own way, this was Kallian’s form of protest. 

It was clear that the Imperial Family was deliberately stalling, delaying their response to buy time. But by simply visiting the area near the Nahir Plains, Kallian ensured that they could no longer ignore him. His presence alone would apply pressure, forcing them to react more quickly. 

“I would like to take you with me, but…” 

“…”

“I don’t want to put you in danger.” 

“But…” 

“Please stay safe here.” 

“…”

“If I go to Nahir, the Imperial Family will be forced to respond.” 

“Kallian…” 

“I hope you can receive that response in my place.”

Though she wanted to go with Kallian, she couldn’t. The Imperial Family’s ambassador, who had not yet responded, continued to prevent her from leaving the Duke’s residence. 

Kallian had assured her that he would return soon before leaving for Nahir. 

‘He left me behind.’ 

It was the first time Kallian had left her, and an unfamiliar pain settled in her chest. 

Since his departure, even eating had become difficult for Elliope. Today, she had barely managed a meal before she sighed again. 

‘At least Charlotte continues to visit the Duke’s residence regularly – that is some small comfort.’

For the moment, it was the only thing that was going as she had hoped. 

“Your Highness, the Princess.” 

Just as the thought had crossed her mind, the woman entered the lodge. As always, the fresh scent of roses followed her, filling the room. A knowing smile played on her lips, carrying an unspoken meaning.