Chapter 47

Nife seemed certain. She was confident that she would never forget Louis, even if she entered into an arranged marriage with someone else. I found it challenging to understand Nife’s certainty.

“Weren’t you too young when you met Louis”

Nife shook her head in response to my question.

“We met often after that.”

This was news to me. I felt a slight sense of betrayal toward my brother, Louis. Of course, avoiding certain people because of our parents’ political views wasn’t the right thing to do either. But the fact that they had been meeting secretly, unbeknownst to the whole family, was surprising.

“Do you mean meeting as in meeting romantically?”

Nife immediately looked downcast at my question.

“No. Louis only sees me as a little sister. Every time we meet, he still gives me sweets.”

That lessened my sense of betrayal and brought a slight sense of relief. I understood why Nife had followed me. It wasn’t the right thing to do, but it was the only option left for her.

Nife set her utensils down entirely and looked at me.

“My father is discussing a marriage proposal with the Marquis of Aiden. Naturally, the proposal involves me.”

The Marquis of Aiden was aligned with the second prince’s faction, and it was clear that Count Sasha was trying to strengthen their ties through this marriage.

I continued eating calmly as I spoke.

“The heir of the Marquis of Aiden is known to be a robust and capable man. He will eventually become the Marquis, and his wife will become the Marchioness.”

“But Your Grace!”

Nife called out to me, nearly in tears.

“I don’t want to become a marchioness. I don’t want to be involved with people plotting to make someone as foolish as the second prince the emperor!”

I looked up, startled, but quickly composed myself. I sent all the maids away except for Anna.

I looked Nife straight in the eyes and spoke sternly.

“One thing is clear. It will be difficult to connect you with Louis if you are as reckless as you are now.”

Nife didn’t argue because she knew I was right.

“I’m sorry. I was thoughtless.”

What should I do about this? I no longer felt like continuing the meal. I put down my utensils and rested my forehead in my hand. Anna approached with a concerned expression.

“It’s alright, Anna. I’m just feeling troubled.”

I brushed my hair back and sighed. Meanwhile, Nife started shedding tears again. It was hard to feel good seeing a young girl cry. I took out a handkerchief and approached her. As I wiped her tears, Nife grabbed my outstretched hand.

“I can abandon my father anytime.”

I narrowed my eyes, meeting Nife’s desperate gaze. She spoke as if clinging to her last hope.

“And at the same time, I can use my father to protect Louis.”

Nife must have seen the uncertainty in my eyes.

I handed her the handkerchief and turned away, trying to conceal my emotions.

“If you don’t want to eat, go and rest. I will also take my leave.”

Nife stood up quietly, sniffling. I heard the rustling of silk behind me as she bowed, but I didn’t turn around and left the room.

A servant hurriedly approached and handed me a letter, whispering.

“It’s a letter from the Marquis of Amber. Someone delivered it personally.“

“Did you see who it was?”

“They wore a deep hood, so I couldn’t see their face. They insisted you read it personally.“

“Thank you.”

I took the letter and climbed the stairs. I paused on the third floor, then continued to the fourth. I ran into a maid carrying a tea tray to the bedroom.

“Is His Grace in the bedroom?“

“Yes, my lady.“

“Please inform him that I’m here.”

“Yes.”

The maid entered the bedroom and quickly returned.

“He said to invite you in.“

“Thank you.”

I entered the bedroom. Julian was sitting on a large sofa, reviewing documents. Although he must have known I was coming, he wasn’t wearing his mask. I felt a sense of satisfaction as I sat next to him.

“Did you have dinner?”

Julian nodded.

“I heard you barely ate.“

“I had no appetite.“

“I heard you sent all the maids away. What did you discuss that made you lose your appetite?”

Though he sounded interrogative, I knew he was worried in his way. I smiled and swung my legs playfully. Julian poured me a cup of tea.

“There’s a letter from the Marquis of Amber. Would you like to read it with me?“

“I’ll listen if you read it.“

“Alright.”

I opened the letter and read it aloud, word by word.

「 In the upcoming royal hunting event, Prince Cain is expected to be in danger. The crown prince will be blamed for this incident. This is a scheme by Princess Abigail… 」

How could the imprisoned Prince Cain attend the hunting event? I quickly scanned the letter but found no explanation.

「 …By the time this letter reaches the Grand Duke’s residence, I will already be in hiding. Do not expect further assistance.」

“Well, that was fast.”

His quick escape was rather pitiful. My lips curled into a smirk as I finished reading the letter. Realizing Julian’s gaze was on me, I covered my mouth with the letter.

“Oh my.”

Feeling surprised, I met his eyes. Julian shook his head in exasperation.

“As long as you protect yourself, that’s all that matters.”

I shrugged and smiled slyly. Whether Kazak ran away or not, my mood had improved. I gestured to Anna.

“We need to hire someone to track down Kazak.“

“Yes, I’ll look into it.”

Anna became more adept at her tasks as if she had been born for this role. I smiled in satisfaction and folded the letter back up.

As I set the letter aside, Julian returned to his documents, still interested in my thoughts.

“Did the Marquis of Amber’s letter cause you to stop eating?”

After I sipped the warm tea, I sighed. Julian’s words reminded me of my dilemma.

“Nife wants to marry Louis.“

“That doesn’t sound like a good choice.“

“I think so too, but…“

“I can use my father to protect Ruin.”

Nife’s words kept troubling me.

I had turned against Prince Cain to protect my family, naturally making me an enemy of the second prince’s faction.

Given the situation, I had to see this through. I had to eliminate Prince Cain and ensure Prince Aslan ascended to the throne.

But what if I failed?

I didn’t even consider the possibility of failure. Yet Nife had said she would use her father to protect Louis, implying that failure was an option.

Just as I survived as the wife of the Marquis of Amber in my previous life, Nife believed she could protect Louis under the Count of Sasha’s influence. Although the Sasha family wasn’t the most trustworthy, they were still a noble family and the financiers of the second prince.

“What if things go wrong?”

Julian looked up from his documents and gazed at me.

“I’ll be fine because I have you. But what about the rest of my family?”

I traced the rim of my teacup with my thumb, unable to keep my hands still due to my anxiety. Julian placed his hand over mine, and I looked up at him.

“You’re brave, but sometimes you easily get scared.”

Because I have to save my family from death. My entire life revolves around that.

I hid my true feelings and lowered my gaze.

“If I were you, I’d ask my brother directly.”

I scoffed and shook my head. Knowing Louis’s nature, I didn’t need to ask what he would say.

“He’s so kind; he’ll agree to anything I ask.“

“Aren’t you underestimating your brother?”

To me, Louis was still a very young brother. Seeing my hesitation, Julian added another point.

“Even Lady Sasha came here to find her own marriage partner. Do you think your brother is any less capable?“

“Of course not.”

I lifted my head in protest. Louis was much more competent than Nife. One reason I was hesitant was that I thought he was too valuable for such an arrangement.

Seeing my strong denial, Julian smiled. His expression suggested that the solution was obvious. I gently brushed Julian’s hair aside and smiled.

“What kind of advice is this? Now I can’t send Nife back.“

“If that’s what you want.“

Julian’s usually stern tone sounded incredibly sweet.

“Thank you.“

“My pleasure.”

I stroked Julian’s face and kissed his cheek, which was made of gemstone.

“I should go now. I need to write a letter to Louis.“

“Alright.”

As I hurried to leave, I paused and looked back at Julian.

“Why don’t you ever kiss me?“

Julian’s teacup clattered slightly. Though his expression remained unchanged, he was clearly flustered. Laughing at his reaction, I exited the room.

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