Chapter 4 – Part 3

‘Dishonest? How dare he use that word?’

Eliana wondered if he even had the right to use such a term.

“For the prosperity of the Empire, I need a better woman. My condition seems to improve when I’m with Rachel Slonian, unlike with her.”

Cedric even went as far as to mention Rachel by name, eager to acknowledge her presence.

“I earnestly ask Your Majesty to make a better decision for the sake of the Empire.”

Cedric implored the Emperor.

The Emperor remained silent for a moment but did not chastise Cedric.

‘Predictable.’

The Kynes royal family was full of people who could never admit their mistakes. They were a combination of arrogance and selfishness. When their wrongdoings were exposed, they would shout louder, trying to erase the truth.

Cedric’s behavior was precisely that. When his flaws were revealed, he tried desperately to justify them.

‘This is so predictable, it’s almost boring.’

Eliana hadn’t brought up Rachel to prompt Cedric into remorse or to have him retract the annulment. She wanted to strike back at the man trying to frame her as the villain.

‘Everyone should know that you’re the real scum here.’

Even if the Emperor did not condemn Cedric, it wouldn’t change that his affair was real.

“I’ve heard enough.”

The Emperor finally broke his silence.

“You all know I enjoy and cherish the hunting competitions the most. But today, it feels like I’ve gained more trouble than relief.”

Emperor Daivon shook his head.

“I had expected the two of you to reach marriage peacefully, but it seems my expectations were wrong.”

The Emperor turned his gaze to Eliana.

“Eliana Leiberte.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“When I chose you as the Crown Princess, this behavior was unexpected. Even if Cedric did wrong, you failed to handle the situation wisely. I am disappointed.”

The Emperor criticized Eliana, just as Cedric had hoped. Cedric clenched his fists again, satisfaction evident as things seemed to go his way.

‘So, what will you do with someone you find lacking? Will you annul the engagement here and now? If so, get on with it.’

Eliana waited for the Emperor to announce the annulment. But after scolding her, the Emperor did not immediately make a decision. It was almost expected.

‘Breaking the promise of the predecessor and undoing the rites performed in the temple… it’s not a simple matter.’

“I will postpone the decision. I’ll reconsider it after the afternoon hunt.”

Emperor Davon stood up from his seat. As soon as he left, everyone else followed. Prince Elesio glanced at Eliana as he rose from his seat. Without a word, he gave her a lingering look before leaving the room.

Cedric approached Eliana and Count Austin. He gritted his teeth as he spoke.

“Did you really think exposing the affair would work in your favor? It seems you have no idea whose son I am or what I represent in this Empire.”

“…”

“I’m not some ordinary noble like you, Eliana. Keep that in mind. If you try to bring me down, you will be crushed!”

With those harsh words, Cedric stormed out of the room. Eliana was left alone with Count Austin, who seemed as if he had turned to stone. He wiped his forehead with his hand.

“What were you thinking, blowing this situation up like this? How are we supposed to resolve this…?”

Count Austin’s voice was strained with distress.

“The word ‘resolve‘ does not fit this situation. It’s already broken beyond repair.”

Eliana responded with an unwavering expression.

“Why would you say that? Couldn’t it just be a fleeting affair…?“

“No. Not at all.”

The call that the afternoon hunt was about to begin could be heard outside.

“I suppose I should go to His Highness.”

It seemed he was still trying to change Cedric’s mind.

Even after seeing all this.

* * *

The afternoon hunt began. Cedric shot his bow with unerring accuracy at his prey.

“Bullseye!”

A shout rang out. It felt like the target was within reach.

‘It would have been cleaner if I had driven out Eliana without my own fault and introduced Rachel to her new position…‘

Though there had been some success, the fact that his affair had been exposed left him in a foul mood.

“Another bullseye!”

Cedric shot again, hitting another animal.

“Impressive, Your Highness.”

Praise came from all around. With successive hunting victories, his hands were now full of game. Cedric dismounted his horse.

“Your Highness, may I have a moment of your time?”

Count Austin approached cautiously. Cedric had noticed the Count’s anxious glances for some time but had ignored them. The Count didn’t dare voice his discontent about why Cedric had an affair with Rachel.

‘It’s clear that the one who wants to maintain this engagement more strongly is Eliana’s father, not Eliana herself.‘

Cedric’s sharp thoughts were directed at Count Austin. Unable to let go, the Count kept asking for time.

“Can’t you see I’m hunting?“

“Your Highness, hunting is important, but isn’t there something more pressing?“

“More pressing? Are you discussing the issue with the Count’s daughter, Eliana?“

“To clear up the misunderstanding…“

“There is no misunderstanding to clear up. I just exposed your daughter’s true nature before His Majesty the Emperor.“

“But…”

Count Austin’s words caught in his throat. Prince Cedric was not without fault either. Anyone with sense could see that. He, too, had betrayed trust. But to calm the situation, Count Austin held back.

“Please, Your Highness, I beg you to show mercy to my daughter who only prays that you will cherish her…“

“There’s much to pity, indeed. If anything, I’d pity the animals I’ve just killed more.”

Cedric retorted coldly.

“Eliana is nothing.”

He spat out the words as if chewing them. Despite his own faults, his attitude was brutally indifferent. There was not the slightest opening to penetrate Cedric’s demeanor.

“Think from a third party’s perspective. Would you forgive such a wicked woman? Would you forgive her, Count?“

“…I beg you to show leniency.“

“Count.“

Cedric’s tone was as if he were throwing the words away.

“It is an unchanging fact that your daughter is lacking. In many ways, she is utterly inferior to me.”

The Count’s face stiffened.

“That’s not a new fact either. Your family might as well have insulted our imperial palace. That so-called great healing power, you exaggerated something hopeless from the start.“

“That wasn’t an exaggeration…“

“If it can’t be demonstrated, what else could it be but a lie?”

Cedric snapped irritably.

“If it’s healing power, ensure it manifests somehow… by the time of the marriage. A broken engagement is unacceptable, Your Highness.“

“Hahaha. How ridiculous.”

Cedric laughed heartily, genuinely mocking. His harsh laughter drew everyone’s attention to the two of them. Nearby, many nobles and attendants were present.

Among the crowd was Calix Vartica, who had been closely watching the two arguing. Calix had seen Count Austin looking pale after an audience with the royals.

It was a stark contrast to his appearance in the morning. Something had clearly happened.

The nobles whispered as they watched the Count. No one knew the details yet. Even after the hunt began, Count Austin’s expression did not improve. He kept his eyes on Cedric and eventually gave up on hunting to plead with him.

“A broken engagement is unacceptable, Your Highness.“

“A broken engagement?”

When that word reached his ears, Calix’s brow furrowed deeply. The words exchanged between the two were alarming, as was the atmosphere. Calix recalled the coldness between Eliana and Cedric at the party hosted by the Lequizet family, which had been unusually tense.

That day, the air between them had been different. He also remembered Eliana’s plan that she had mentioned in the city, saying it had nothing to do with the palace.

‘And Eliana said there was something happening today as well…’

Calix looked toward the screen where Eliana might be. As the three situations merged, the outline of what was happening seemed to come into focus. The engagement between Eliana and Crown Prince Cedric appeared to be heading toward a disastrous end.

“Count, what you just said is truly amusing. It’s the most I’ve laughed in a while.”

“Your Highness.”

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