Epilogue – Dazzlingly Beautiful (Part 1)

“The snow has already piled up.”

Elizabeth murmured wistfully as she gazed at the scene outside the window. The snow-covered landscape reflected the changing seasons, signaling the arrival of winter after autumn. The well-maintained garden sparkled as sunlight danced on the snowflakes that adorned the trees like blossoms.

Thanks to the servants’ early morning efforts, the garden paths were cleared of snow, leaving them pristine and inviting.

The garden of Agaphel Castle, always beautiful, was one of Elizabeth’s favorite places. Walking along the paths filled her senses with the rich scent of greenery and the cheerful chirping of birds.

Unable to resist, Elizabeth opened the window, letting the cold breeze brush against her skin. Though it was a bit chilly, she decided it wouldn’t hurt to step outside for a moment.

Resolving herself, she stepped onto the terrace. Leaning against the railing, she admired the garden. The servants clearing the last bits of snow noticed her and offered polite bows.

Their courteous and respectful demeanor made Elizabeth blush as she returned their gestures. The warmth and kindness in their expressions left her feeling a bit flustered.

Although it had been a month since she arrived in Lapton, she still wasn’t used to their formal treatment. Even though the wedding hadn’t taken place yet, everyone already regarded her as the Duchess.

After all, she was the woman who had borne the Duke’s child and the one he loved. It was also widely known among the servants that the Duke’s recent leave of absence had been to bring her back.

Even without the rumors, anyone who had seen the Duke and Elizabeth together in person couldn’t deny the truth.

Kiern Agaphel, the Duke of Agaphel, loved Elizabeth Lua.

The Duke, infamous across the continent as a heartless man, had abandoned his work like a madman to chase after her. Those who had encountered them in Brittany had long since spread tales of their relationship throughout society.

While many were curious about Elizabeth, Kiern’s imposing presence made it nearly impossible for anyone to approach her. Remembering how Eddie had grumbled about Kiern’s overprotectiveness, Elizabeth couldn’t help but laugh.

Though his protectiveness seemed excessive, she understood it was his way of showing care, and she didn’t dislike it. In fact, his devotion felt like love, and Elizabeth could clearly see how much Kiern had changed.

He had changed, and he still loved her. The man who once insisted on his own ways had softened, adjusting to her pace, and their relationship had become surprisingly comfortable.

Just as Elizabeth was about to return to her room, Kiern appeared, draping a blanket over her shoulders.

“How long have you been out here?”

“Just now.”

“Your hands are cold for ‘just now.’”

Kiern took her cold hands in his and warmed them gently. Though she hadn’t been outside long, her hands had already grown cold, but his warm touch melted them completely.

The warmth of his hands, so concerned for her comfort, filled Elizabeth’s heart with a deep sense of joy. She glanced between his furrowed brow and his hands, a smile spreading across her lips.

Noticing her expression, Kiern intertwined their fingers and whispered, 

“You look mischievous.”

With a lazy smile, he kissed the back of her hand, his playful gesture making Elizabeth laugh softly.

“I just feel so happy.”

It was Kiern who was rather flustered. He withdrew his smile, as if he had never tried to tempt her, and looked at Elizabeth.  

Whenever she spoke candidly and honestly, she would shake him without fail. In the past, that shaking had felt uncomfortable, but now, he knew better than anyone that it was excitement.  

Kiern let out a faint smile before suddenly pulling her hand. Because of that, Elizabeth was drawn into his arms, startled, and raised her head.  

Without warning, he covered her lips with his. Her lips, frozen from the cold air, were swallowed by his warm ones, heating up in an instant.  

The soft flesh that entered through her parted lips rushed in roughly, as if to steal all her breath away. All of this was Elizabeth’s fault, with her innocent face and the audacious words that exuded charm.  

The fact that she herself didn’t realize this was enough to drive Kiern mad.  

While Elizabeth panted for breath, he carefully moved her into the bedroom. Soon, with a sharp thud, he closed the terrace window and, as if he could no longer hold back, lifted her waist into his arms.  

If he matched his steps to hers, it would take forever to reach the bed.  

“Kiern.”  

Of course, her heat-laden gaze was also to blame. Nothing warmed him more than hearing his name spill from her red lips.  

“Yes, why?”  

Though he answered earnestly, his actions showed no intention of listening to what she might say next. Reaching the bed in one stride, he climbed atop her, leaving kisses all over the visible parts of her body.  

“Wait… ah…”  

Elizabeth let out a faint moan, squirming. His actions, which responded to her call but left her unable to say anything further, were nothing short of impatient.  

At the precise moment when the ribbon at her waist came undone under his diligent fingers, Elizabeth grabbed his hand and spoke.  

“If this keeps up, we’ll be late for the appointment.”  

“We don’t have to go.”  

“What do you mean, ‘we don’t have to go’? That doesn’t make sense.”  

“Eventually, we’ll end up going so often that we’ll get sick of it anyway. We don’t have to start now.”  

“Still, a promise is a promise.”  

At Elizabeth’s firm response, Kiern lifted his lips from her neck and stared at her. His blue eyes seemed filled with dissatisfaction.  

But Elizabeth’s golden eyes were just as resolute. And whenever the two stood in such a standoff, the one to yield was, surprisingly, Kiern.  

“Fine. A promise is a promise.”  

Reluctantly, Kiern pulled away from her. It was a change unimaginable in the past. Elizabeth, as if to soothe his disappointment, left a light kiss on his lips.  

“Didn’t I tell you? I want to do well, like a proper lady.”  

“I don’t think you need to be this diligent.”  

“I have to be. Not everyone sees me in a favorable light.”  

“You’re still so earnest. To a foolish extent.”  

Kiern muttered as he tidied up Elizabeth’s attire. Unlike his earlier boldness, his actions now were gentlemanly and polite.  

His dissatisfied lips had long since softened under her light kiss. Seeing his relaxed smile, Elizabeth felt a sense of relief.  

After finishing her attire, he spoke with a note of caution.  

“If anyone acts rudely, remember which family they belong to. I’ll make sure to settle the score later.”  

“Yes, of course.”  

“Don’t just say you understand—make sure. Show them properly who’s by your side.”  

“Yes. I will.”  

At Kiern’s repeated instructions, Elizabeth smiled softly. Yet, as if still unconvinced, he let out a low sigh.  

The gathering Elizabeth was invited to this time was hosted by the royal family. Ever since news spread that the future Duchess had arrived in Lapton, persistent invitations had poured in for an entire month, though Kiern had blocked them. He used the excuse that they were too busy preparing for the spring wedding.  

Since it wasn’t an entirely baseless excuse, the royal family couldn’t argue. However, the royal family was not one to back down easily.  

Of all times, they officially approached while Kiern was momentarily away.  

They likely calculated that targeting the future Duchess, who was considered less imposing than Kiern, would be easier. The Duke paid no heed to the royal family, after all.  

On the contrary, the royal family seemed to have high expectations for the newly introduced future Duchess. Perhaps they saw her as a potential mediator who could sway the Agaphel Duchy.  

For this reason, Kiern was not fond of this gathering. It was bound to be a place where unpleasant remarks would be made, even more so.  

To Elizabeth, who approached people with honesty, the deceitful social circles were like filthy water. He feared that the dirty water would splash onto her pure and clear self.  

Yet, contrary to Kiern’s concerns, Elizabeth truly didn’t mind. In the past, she would have cowered at the sight of the royal emblem, but she was no longer the frail Elizabeth Lua she once was.  

If she genuinely didn’t want to attend, she would have refused for the same reasons as Kiern. But it was Elizabeth herself who chose the royal family’s gathering as her first social event—not the other way around.  

Elizabeth wanted to show this to Kiern. Through today’s gathering. As she stood up, she said,  

“I’ll do well.”  

At her determined words, Kiern let out a laugh that sounded like a sigh and extended his arm to escort her.  

“Of course, you’ll do well.”  

Though his tone was somewhat resigned, it didn’t matter. Elizabeth was confident she would do well, and even if she didn’t, she had him by her side to support her. That alone was enough to make her strong and steadfast.  

“Then, I’m off!”  

Elizabeth cheerfully bid farewell as she climbed into the carriage and closed the door. Kiern watched the departing carriage before turning to Eddie.  

“Come to think of it, there’s something I need to discuss regarding the previous matter. Was it the Royal Treasury?”  

“Pardon?”  

Eddie, puzzled, responded before letting out a shallow gasp. He had belatedly realized what Kiern meant by the sudden mention of the Royal Treasury. Smirking slyly, Eddie muttered,  

“I thought this might happen, so I prepared a carriage in advance.”  

“Of course, you did.”  

As the capable secretary promptly summoned the carriage, Kiern wore a satisfied smile. After working together for so long, they were perfectly in sync in such matters.  

After all, the Duke he knew would never let Lady Elizabeth attend alone. Eddie grinned as the carriage he had prepared was put to use, just as he had expected.  

The Duke of Agaphel was still an arrogant and insufferable boss, but when it came to his future bride, he showed a surprisingly human side. Even to the point of carrying out such an adorable covert operation.  

Eddie much preferred this version of his Teacher to the lifeless man who had once abandoned all will to live.