[The Beginning of Tragedy]

“Rian Nospero Royte.”

Rian trembled so violently he nearly wet himself at the cold voice calling his name with such glaring eyes that he wondered if this person was truly his birth mother. The whip in her hand seemed ready to snatch his nape at any moment. The beatings he had received since childhood still hadn’t become something he could adapt to. He was simply terrified and afraid. He was twelve years old.

What did I do wrong…? Ah, perhaps being born was my mistake from the start. Otherwise, there’s no way Mother would hate me this much.

“Who told you to read such a book? Are you perhaps harboring other thoughts in your head?”

“N-no. I was just……”

“You truly are a child who doesn’t listen to words. Though I told you your brother will become the Emperor, you still haven’t abandoned that greed!”

Crack–!

“Aaagh!”

But that’s not it, it really isn’t. I wouldn’t take that Emperor position even if they gave it to me. I said I wouldn’t…… Why won’t you believe me……?

“Hmph, since it’s your brother’s birthday today, I’ll let it go just this once. Go upstairs and reflect!”

Today is my birthday too…… Mother.

As always, Rian was dragged up to the attic and curled up in a corner until he fell asleep. Sleep was his most comfortable and freest time. And he dreamed. A dream where he turned his brother’s birthday banquet into chaos and laughed like a madman. Even in dreams, it felt satisfying and happy. That’s why he loved sleeping the most.

It was when Rian was 18.

“Rian, are you alright?”

“What do you mean?”

“Ah, nothing.”

“You’re so dull. Font, let’s go somewhere today.”

“Where?”

“The Imperial Library.”

“Ah…. Sure.”

Rian, who couldn’t read books in the imperial palace, would sneak out whenever he had the chance and head to the library. Though it was quite far, he liked the distance. Because in those moments, he was free.

He was fortunate to have Font by his side. He was the only one who treated him without prejudice despite being a neglected prince. The only problem was that he chased after women with that innocent face of his.

“But it looks like it’s going to rain heavily by evening. We should come back early.”

“What does it matter? If it’s going to rain, I hope there’s some good thunder and lightning too. So I can’t hear anything else.”

“If something happens to Your Highness, my father’s head will roll, you know?”

“No way. My mother would probably throw a celebration banquet that day. And the Count might even get promoted.”

“……Sigh, I can’t even say anything to that. Let’s go.”

After reading books to their hearts’ content at the library, the two young men finally departed for the imperial palace in a carriage after the sun had completely set. The rain that had been falling since daytime poured down even more violently. The wind blew fiercely, and thunder and lightning crashed loudly.

“It’s too late.”

“Not at all. It’s just early evening. When I go back, I’ll be confined to the attic again anyway. I should have stayed out longer.”

“……Really, I don’t know what to say.”

“Do you pity me?”

“……Rian.”

“What?”

That’s when it happened.

Neeeigh!

Suddenly the carriage stopped, and the harsh sound of a horse’s cry pierced their ears.

“What’s happening!?”

“Y-young master. Th-there’s been an a-accident…”

“What!?”

At the word “accident,” they hurriedly got out of the carriage. Their mouths fell open at the scene before them. At that moment, Rian’s head throbbed.

“Ugh…!”

“Rian! Are you okay?”

“……”

“Young master, what should we do? I think someone died!”

“This is crazy. Go find someone to help!”

“Yes! P-please stay right here.”

Rian, who had been holding his head for a moment, finally looked ahead as the pain subsided, grimacing. There were two horribly mangled corpses and a little girl covered in blood, crying. With each flash of lightning, the child’s face, stained with terror, became visible.

“W-what should we do!?”

Unlike the panicked Font, Rian found the scene strangely peaceful.

“She’s been abandoned too.”

“What…?”

“Her parents abandoned just her.”

“Rian…?”

“Only the child was left behind while the parents went to a better place. If they had abandoned her before this, like they did to me, she wouldn’t have to cry.”

“……”

In that moment, a chilling laugh escaped through Rian’s teeth. He wanted to go to the crying child and tell her.

That life is meant to be lived alone anyway. That she should take whatever wealth her parents left behind and live comfortably. That from now on, she should live as she pleases, doing whatever she wants. That she should stop crying and smile because she had just seized freedom and fortune.

I envy you.

“What wonderful weather!”

* * *

After nursing him for quite a long time, the exhausted Belita fell asleep with her head on the bed. Then, the loud crash of thunder jolted her awake. Her hands began to tremble as fear enveloped her entire body after a long time. She had forgotten about it for quite a while, but the terror brought on by thunder was revived.

“W-what should I do….”

Rubbing her trembling hands, Belita gulped. She looked once at Rian, who still hadn’t opened his eyes, and then looked out the window again. The lightning flashing in the sky seemed like it would tear the heavens apart. She regretted not drawing the curtains before falling asleep. She wanted to close them quickly, but she was too scared to go near the window. The thought of having to watch that lightning all night made her heart shrink.

That’s when a languid voice called to her.

“Wife.”

“!?”

Who is it…?

“Come here. Into my arms. I’ll make sure you’re not scared of such things.”

Ah…….

Who would have thought there would come a day when Crazy Rian’s voice on a thunderous night would feel so welcome? Her rapidly beating heart was calming down remarkably. She felt a deep sense of relief at the sight of the man holding out his hand with a faint smile.

“Rian….”

“Hurry up and come into my arms, what are you doing?”

“……”

Suddenly, the tip of her nose stung at his cracked voice. Was it because of the concern and tenderness contained in his seemingly commanding tone? Something welled up in her chest.

What is this feeling?

Whether it was because he had safely awakened or because of his arrogant tone, her heart strangely fluttered and pounded. Feeling tears welling up, Belita quickly climbed onto the bed and nestled into his arms. His hand on her shoulder felt remarkably warm.

“Are you okay?”

“Are you alright?”

Their overlapping questions made Belita’s face flush crimson. Chuckling, he pulled her body even closer and kissed her forehead. It was an affectionate kiss. The exchanged gaze and the hand stroking her hair were incredibly tender. Even though Crazy Rian had awakened, it almost felt as if Grand Duke Rian had woken up instead.

Embarrassed by his close gaze, Belita quickly lowered her head. As her face buried into his neck, the man’s thick Adam’s apple bobbed. Trying to calm her foolishly racing heart, Belita held her breath. The man sighed deeply and answered in a sunken voice.

“I’m not okay.”

Startled by his words, she tried to pull back, but he pulled her shoulder even closer. As a result, her face was once again buried in Rian’s neck. The moment her lips touched his neck, her body trembled. And her inconsiderate heart pounded even more loudly. Trying to prevent him from noticing her state, she asked in a small voice.

“Are you in a lot of pain?”

“Yes.”

“Wait a moment. I’ll send the butler to call Font again.”

The man pulled Belita’s body, which was about to jump up, even tighter into his embrace, completely turning his body to trap her before exhaling a rough sigh.

“R-Rian.”

“Sigh…… Something feels strange in my heart.”

“……What?”

“I think something’s wrong somewhere.”

“Where?”

A moment of silence passed. Is something really wrong with him…? She suddenly felt afraid. What if she really became a widow? Of course, she had resolved to divorce him before, but having a husband as a protective barrier versus not having one made a big difference to her.

When she had planned to divorce and run away, she was prepared to give up her position as Grand Duchess, so it was a rash decision, but being a Grand Duchess without a Grand Duke was not a position she could handle as someone just starting to work. But more than that, just the thought that he might not be around made her heart cold. Without realizing it, she had come to depend on him quite a bit.

“Belita.”

“Yes.”

“What on earth did you feed me?”

“What…?”

At Rian’s sudden question, Belita lifted her head slightly to look at him. His blazing yellow eyes met hers. His dry lips were right in front of hers.

“Haah……”

The man, sighing deeply again, pulled her body even closer. Buried against his firm chest, Belita was about to ask him to let go but held her breath for a moment and listened to his heart.

Goodness. Is he really in a lot of pain? Why is his heart beating like this?

His heart was pounding so hard it seemed about to burst out. It was beating so violently that she could no longer hear her own heartbeat. Even in this situation, his incomprehensible words continued.

“I must have drunk too much sweet alcohol.”

“?”

“I think I’m addicted.”