Crown Prince Luxes, who inherited the distinctive golden hair of the imperial family, was what people commonly called a genius. He first showed his exceptional talent at age 5.

Without warning, he began reading books written in ancient script. It turned out he had taught himself by reading a book accidentally left behind by a scholar, without anyone’s guidance.

That was just the beginning. As Luxes grew, he demonstrated wisdom and genius rivaling adults, and by the time he turned 14, even scholars sought his advice.

For this reason, the Emperor often consulted Luxes when facing difficulties with state affairs. However, this was the first time Luxes had volunteered himself, so the Emperor couldn’t hide his anticipation as he asked for details.

“The point is, can’t I simply enter the Grand Duke’s residence without causing trouble and discover what has changed?” Luxes replied casually.

“That’s right!”

“Since the Grand Duke’s son and I are similar in age, I could visit to congratulate him on his recovery while building a friendship. No one would dare stop me.”

“Well, that’s true.”

Even the Velius Grand Duke family couldn’t refuse entry to a member of the imperial family, especially with such a legitimate reason. But one concern remained.

“What if something happens to you?”

Crown Prince Luxes was the imperial family’s treasure. If the Velius Grand Duke family secretly harmed him, irreversible consequences would follow.

“I’ll bring an emergency teleportation scroll,” Luxes answered confidently, trying to alleviate the Emperor’s concerns. “Besides, I’m curious to see the mysterious Grand Duke’s son with my own eyes.”

“Ahem.”

The Emperor cleared his throat uncomfortably. In the brief moment that followed, he tried to think of alternative plans, but none were better than what Luxes had proposed.

“Very well,” he reluctantly nodded. “But remember this clearly: you must not take unnecessary risks. If anything happens, use the scroll to evacuate immediately. You are the imperial family’s treasure and the empire’s future.”

Anxious about sending the Crown Prince to the Grand Duke’s residence, the Emperor cautioned him repeatedly.

“There’s no need to worry, Your Majesty.”

Luxes left the Emperor’s office with a smile, but his expression turned blank as he headed toward his room.

‘Your Majesty told me not to take risks, but…’

Luxes was certain that if they didn’t stop the Velius Grand Duke family now, they would eventually seize true power in the empire. And it would likely happen in the next generation, during the time of the Velius heir and Crown Prince Luxes.

‘I cannot allow that.’

Suddenly, Luxes stopped walking. His gaze turned toward the window.

Dark clouds had gathered since morning, and now snow was falling. Upon seeing the snow, his smile returned. He opened the window and extended his hand. Pure white snowflakes touched his fingertips and gently melted.

White and cold.

Two court attendants passing nearby spotted Luxes and commented with smiles.

“There’s our Crown Prince again.”

“He always does this when it snows.”

Knowing he wouldn’t listen even if they warned him about catching cold, the attendants giggled and left. True to their words, Luxes loved snow.

He liked things cold and white. The quiet, static nature of snow brought him peace.

Suddenly, Luxes’s green eyes took on a cold light.

‘The Velius Curse.’

The curse of the Velius Grand Duke family was a secret known only to a select few among the nobility. Luxes himself had learned about it by chance while interpreting ancient documents.

‘I never thought it was actually real.’

Though he hadn’t shown it in front of the Emperor, Luxes had been shocked to learn that the Velius Curse truly existed when he overheard their conversation.

Because…

‘It’s the only means to bring down the mighty Velius family in one stroke.’

Withdrawing his hand, Luxes turned back toward his room.

‘Therefore…’

“I cannot remain idle.”

His eyes shone with determination.

* * *

Though the terrible massacre had happened three years ago, it remained vivid in Lesia’s mind like yesterday’s events. Despite three years being a considerable amount of time, she hadn’t accepted or adapted to anything.

Her mother’s and the villagers’ deaths still felt fresh, and the hellish Velius Grand Duke’s castle remained unfamiliar every day. If there was one thing she had grown accustomed to, however…

“Hngh…”

Once a month, she spent the night watching over Cesar as he writhed in pain. Ironically, those painful nights were the only times Lesia felt at peace.

She wasn’t sure why. Perhaps because Cesar was the only one in this castle who needed her, or maybe because focusing on him kept sad thoughts at bay.

Tonight seemed no different from countless nights before.

“…Lesia?”

At least until Cesar called her name for the first time in three years.

Having dozed off briefly, she hadn’t even noticed that Cesar’s groaning had stopped. Startled by the voice suddenly calling her, Lesia jerked her head up to see ruby-red eyes staring at her, the face drenched in cold sweat, barely able to turn his head.

Cesar looked quite surprised, clearly not expecting to find Lesia by his side.

“…Why are you…”

Lesia hesitated at his words. This was their first conversation since three years ago, when Cesar had apologized to her with tears in his eyes.

Moreover, three years was ample time for two children to grow. After only seeing Cesar suffering every night, facing him now with his mind somewhat clear made her realize how much he had grown.

This made Cesar seem unfamiliar, making it difficult for her to speak.

But the same was true for Cesar. Since the day he apologized to Lesia three years ago, his curse had intensified dramatically.

Previously, the curse only manifested at night, but afterward, it began appearing during the day as well, leaving him with barely any time to maintain his sanity. During his rare moments of freedom, he wanted to check on Lesia, but the Grand Duke had locked the door firmly, preventing him.

“Empty her from your heart. She exists only as a tool for you to become Grand Duke.”

The Grand Duke was wary of Cesar’s attachment to Lesia and imprisoned him more thoroughly. So during his only moments of clarity, he apologized to Lesia over and over.

Due to his selfish desire to keep her close, she had lost everything and was being used merely as a consumable to preserve his life. Yet when the pain suddenly decreased and he regained consciousness, the Lesia he so desperately wanted to see was right before his eyes.

She had grown somewhat from how he remembered her three years ago. Though Cesar knew this wasn’t the time, he carefully examined Lesia’s changed appearance.

Her tall frame and snow-white hair, which used to reach her waist, had now grown to her hips. Had her cheeks thinned a bit?

Thump.

“…”

Cesar quickly turned his head away, disgusted with himself for feeling his heart flutter at the sight of Lesia even in this situation.

“I’m… I’m sorry.”

“…”

Lesia didn’t answer. She too was quite surprised by Cesar’s changed appearance.

Having only seen him suffering in darkness all this time, she hadn’t realized how much he had grown. Three years ago, he had a pretty appearance, but now he had developed more boyish features.

Suddenly, feeling Lesia’s gaze, Cesar turned toward her, and his eyes widened in shock.

“Le-Lesia?”

Lesia was dropping tears while looking at him. Had he done something wrong?

As Cesar flailed his hands helplessly in the air, Lesia murmured softly.

“Don’t get up…”

Upon hearing her faint murmur, Cesar’s movements froze. At that moment, the door opened, and the Grand Duke entered.

She immediately noticed Cesar was awake and stopped in her tracks.

“…Mother.”

Cesar staggered out of bed, wary, and stood in front of Lesia to shield her.

Despite her son’s cautious demeanor, Teresa maintained her composure. Instead, she remarked coldly.

“You can move this much even before sunrise. Your progress is rapid.”

Trailing off, Teresa glanced at Lesia, who was hidden behind Cesar.

This was the first time the curse had recovered so quickly. It meant Cesar’s feelings for Lesia were particularly intense.

‘Hmm.’

From the perspective of treating the curse, this was good news. The stronger the love, the faster the curse would weaken.

‘Though it will consume the Companion’s life force just as quickly.’

But there was no need to tell him that. What worried her more was that Cesar harbored feelings for Lesia beyond what was necessary.

‘This could become a hindrance when he inherits the title of Grand Duke.’

A Velius should love their Companion, but not fall too deeply into that emotion.

—

T/N: D*mn, this do be kinda f*cked up.