13. I Am Not

Lady Violet.

The moment Evelyn heard that name from the Empress’s lips, her heart pounded wildly. The heroine of the original novel, 《Duke’s Secret Seduction》.

A woman perfect in personality, looks, and status.

A character beloved by all.

And Evelyn—who now carried the memories of her past life—was deeply shaken by Violet’s appearance, knowing just how much the original Evelyn had suffered because of her.

‘Come to think of it, didn’t she appear around this point in the original story?’

Soden was a principality located on an island in the southern region of the empire, and home to the most active trading port in the world.

Lady Violet, the only daughter of Grand Duke Parma, the ruler of Soden, was cherished and adored by all in her homeland.

After her coming-of-age ceremony, she traveled to the imperial capital to find a marriage partner. And it was at a party she attended that she met Duke Rashid Egenhart and fell in love with him.

…That was the plot of the original story.

‘So the main storyline is still following the original, huh.’

Evelyn had been anxious due to Rashid’s behavior differing from the novel, but it was a relief to see that at least the main storyline was proceeding properly. Now, all that was left was for the two to meet…!

“As you already know, Lady Evelyn, the Imperial Ball during the social season is traditionally attended by couples—those in romantic relationships or engaged to be married. Therefore, it would not be appropriate for you and Rashid to attend together.”

At last, the Empress revealed her true intentions.

“This Imperial Ball is an event I’ve meticulously prepared. I wish to find someone truly suitable for Lord Rashid at this ball.”

The Empress spoke her mind to Evelyn without hesitation.

“Not only Lady Violet. I’ve sent invitations to all the noble young ladies of society, and even to foreign princesses. Among such a distinguished gathering, there will surely be someone who can capture Lord Rashid’s heart.”

And then she asked,

“Just to be certain—there aren’t any improper feelings between you two, are there?”

Ah. This atmosphere is familiar.

Evelyn felt a strong sense of déjà vu at the Empress’s confrontational tone. It was the sort of line you’d hear from a mother-in-law in a melodramatic soap opera.

‘Is there a white envelope of money lying around somewhere?’ 

She was practically itching to glance around. Situations like these always came with a money envelope.

“Not at all, Your Majesty.”

Evelyn gave the most revered woman in the empire a polite smile.

“Lord Rashid and I were childhood playmates, but now we simply share a professional relationship.”

“Oh? Is that so?”

“Besides, there are many noble ladies around Lord Rashid who are both beautiful and talented. He has even dated a few in the past. I could never compare to them.”

The daughter of a fallen baron, past the age typically favored in noble matchmaking, and without the dowry expected of a proper noblewoman—

‘Not to mention the father and siblings I must support.’

Evelyn didn’t particularly lament her situation, but considering these various conditions, she was far from a suitable partner for the empire’s most eligible duke.

And above all, Rashid had Lady Violet. The original heroine, who possessed beauty, power, and even fate on her side. Rashid would surely fall in love with Violet, as if by destiny.

“Lady Evelyn, do you truly believe that?”

“The closeness between Lord Rashid and me is simply due to our long history together.”

Evelyn paused briefly, then smiled sweetly at the Empress.

“To him, I’m just a nagging old friend. He has never considered me a romantic interest.”

Judging by Rashid’s behavior until now, this much was certain.

***

“Get lost.”

A fierce warning burst from Duke Rashid Egenhart’s mouth. Startled, the guard standing watch over the central staircase recoiled in fear.

The main palace, located within the vast imperial grounds, was the residence of the Emperor and his direct family. Among the many buildings in the imperial palace, the main palace was the most ornate and beautiful—and a sanctuary where entry was forbidden to all but the chosen few.

In front of this building stood a massive staircase made of pristine white marble. This staircase, too, was strictly reserved for the Emperor and his direct kin. No one outside the imperial bloodline was permitted to set foot on it.

Yet—

“Duke Egenhart!”

Shrugging off the attendant who had followed him, Rashid stepped onto the staircase.

“Your Grace! You mustn’t ascend those steps!”

The attendant cried out in panic at the sight of Rashid daring to climb the stairs reserved solely for the imperial family.

This was a grave offense. Even as the head of the empire’s foremost ducal house, Rashid had no right to trespass upon the sanctum of the imperial palace.

“Are you planning to stop me?”

Rashid muttered darkly, glaring at the trembling attendant trying to restrain him. His sapphire-blue eyes flashed with a razor-sharp gleam.

“If not, then stand aside.”

Rashid, who had snapped fiercely at the terrified attendant, began to stride upward with long steps. Using his long legs, he climbed three or four marble steps at a time, his movements sleek and agile like a beast closing in on its prey.

With those wide strides, Rashid quickly reached the top of the stairs. Standing before the entrance to the main palace, adorned with goldwork, Rashid cast his signature crooked gaze at the door.

Then, without hesitation, he stepped forward and flung open the tightly shut door.

***

“It seems I’ve greatly misunderstood the relationship between you two.”

At Evelyn’s logical and composed response, the Empress smiled gracefully once again.

“I’m quite pleased to see that you’re wiser than I thought, Lady Evelyn.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

“Then please make sure to decline the ball invitation with Lord Rashid as your partner.”

“I’ve already declined several times, but Lord Rashid remains unmoved.”

It would’ve been easier if the Empress simply gave him a direct order.

“You think I didn’t know that?”

“……”

“And yet, do you really not understand why I’m asking you to decline once again?”

At the Empress’s rhetorical question, a chill ran down Evelyn’s spine.

Not understand…

That was the problem—she understood all too well. The Empress didn’t want to be the bad person in front of her own son. 

“I trust you, Lady Evelyn. You won’t disappoint me, will you?”

Evelyn understood the meaning hidden in those gentle words. If you don’t do as I say, I’ll be disappointed in you.

And that disappointment would come at a price far beyond Evelyn’s imagination.

Clang.

Evelyn felt as if she could hear the sound of a blade being drawn toward her neck. Just as the Empress’s sharp, piercing gaze settled on her, tightening her nerves—

Thud!

The heavy parlor door burst open. Knowing there was no one who could rescue her at this moment, Evelyn still instinctively turned her head toward the door. However,

“Your Majesty! You mustn’t do this!”

Unfortunately, the one who entered the parlor was a girl dressed in elaborate finery.

Princess Angelina.

The emperor’s only daughter rushed toward the Empress, her silk dress fluttering as she ran.

“Your Majesty, you can’t proceed with Lord Rashid’s marriage without my permission!”

Relieved yet disappointed at the same time by the stubborn princess, Evelyn sighed inwardly. Even though she knew that Rashid couldn’t save her right now, some small part of her must have still hoped.

‘What’s wrong with me? Pull yourself together.’

Evelyn took a deep breath and offered a polite bow to the princess who had entered the parlor.

“I greet Princess Angelina.”

Just as she had done for the Empress earlier, Evelyn respectfully held the hem of her skirt and bowed. But the princess barely acknowledged the gesture, brushing past her and going straight to the Empress.

With a pleading expression, she implored,

“Your Majesty, please don’t decide Lord Rashid’s marriage on your own!”

The princess’s tearful voice echoed through the Empress’s parlor. The Empress made a troubled expression at her stepdaughter’s pitiful plea.

It was well known that Princess Angelina had long been infatuated with Rashid Egenhart. Many young ladies were enamored with the handsome Duke, often referred to as the jewel of the Empire, but the most prominent among them was undeniably Princess Angelina. However, there were numerous obstacles preventing her from becoming Rashid’s bride.

“Angelina, I appreciate your feelings for Lord Rashid, but that’s not something a princess needs to worry about.” 

With a tone both kind and stern, the Empress advised the young princess. Angelina immediately pouted and frowned. Rashid Egenhart’s biological mother was the current Empress.

Therefore, though not by blood, Rashid and Angelina were nominally siblings. Imperial law did not permit marriage between men and women with even indirect familial ties.

And there was another problem.

“How long will Your Majesty continue to treat me like a child?”

At the sulking princess’s words, the maids standing behind her let out faint smiles. Seeing the princess, whose head barely reached her waist, Evelyn offered an awkward smile.

Princess Angelina, the daughter left behind by the late Empress Dolencia, was only ten years old. She was a full thirteen years younger than twenty-three-year-old Rashid. Status aside, it was an impossible match.

“Don’t treat me like a child! I will never allow Duke Egenhart to marry some country noblewoman no one’s ever heard of!”

The ten-year-old girl shouted at the Empress. Though it was a clear breach of palace etiquette, the Empress simply smiled affectionately and didn’t scold her. No one in the palace ever properly rebuked the princess, who lost her mother at birth. 

And so Princess Angelina had grown up to be a willful and prickly child.

‘They may not be blood-related, but they’re definitely siblings in spirit.’

Watching the young girl throw a tantrum before the Empress, Evelyn couldn’t help but think of Rashid.

“Now, Angelina. Go quietly have some snacks at that table over there. I still have more to discuss with Lady Evelyn.”

The Empress sent the pouting princess to another table. Her gaze returned once more to Evelyn.

“Then, Lady Evelyn, I trust you’ve understood our conversation today.” 

At the gentle yet barbed words, Evelyn bowed her head quietly in response.

“I assure you there is nothing to worry about. Moreover, I have no intention of marrying at the moment…”

“Oh?”

“Besides, I too have my own criteria for an ideal husband.”

“Oh? Is that so?”

“I prefer someone older than me, with a good sense of humor, and someone gentle who can embrace me. If I ever marry, I’d like it to be someone like that.”

The Empress narrowed her eyes suspiciously and asked,

“Lady Evelyn, do you truly not have feelings for Lord Rashid…?”

“Angelina, how many times have I told you not to run inside the palace?”

Suddenly, a low and gentle male voice rang out from the doorway.

Upon recognizing the owner of the voice, Evelyn quickly stood up and grasped her skirt, preparing to greet him.

“His Highness Crown Prince Cairen has arrived.”

At the attendant’s announcement, a handsome young man with long black hair entered the parlor.