Chapter 18

Even in sorrow, life moves on.  

As the period of mourning ended, the Imperial Palace transitioned into a celebratory atmosphere for the new Emperor’s reign. Though it felt ironic, a grand announcement of the new era was necessary.  

Chase’s coronation as Emperor was conducted amidst universal blessings. True to his reputation as the idol of Belfort, he was beloved by all.  

Since the former Emperor had already been delegating major decisions to Chase, there were no significant disruptions in state affairs.  

Everything flowed perfectly, almost too naturally.  

“Your approval is required, Your Majesty.”  

Aside from now addressing Chase as “Your Majesty” instead of “Your Highness,” Sabrina’s daily routine didn’t change much.  

Although the week-long celebrations and hosting of envoys brought new tasks, the increased staff in the Secretariat meant the workload didn’t feel much heavier than before.

‘If anyone truly felt the changes, it would be Chase.’  

He had to deal with hundreds of people lining up every day just to leave an impression on him.  

“Congratulations on your ascension, Your Majesty.”  

“Thank you.”  

“May the goddess’s blessing be with Belfort.”  

Even while handling a schedule that anyone would have found overwhelming, Chase never once let his expression falter. Such showmanship seemed innate.  

‘He really is remarkable.’  

Unlike before, when he would occasionally show hints of loneliness, Chase recently seemed to have genuinely recovered. Surrounded by people at the center of the hall, exchanging bright jokes, he looked exactly like his former self.  

“Sabrina.”  

At that moment, Aaron approached her quietly and whispered.  

“It’s getting late. Perhaps it’s time to let His Majesty rest.”  

“Yes, understood.”  

***

At the same time.  

The banquet ran longer than usual, and Chase could feel the alcohol hitting him hard. It seemed the sips he had taken unconsciously had accumulated.  

“…So, as I was saying, if you just give me a chance, I’d love to show you.”  

The tedious conversation was pushing Chase’s fatigue to its limits. He felt like he was struggling alone amidst a pack of wolves, all trying to gain something from him. He finally began to understand what his father used to say: “The throne is a lonely and exhausting place.”  

It was then—  

“Your Majesty.”  

A clear voice called from behind him, and Chase’s eyes lit up. Forgetting the conversation he had been engaged in, he immediately turned around.  

“Sabrina.”  

“I have something to ask you. May I have a moment?”  

“Of course.”  

Just a brief exchange with her made Chase feel like he could breathe again. Ignoring the regretful gazes following him, Chase moved away from the center of the hall.  

Leaning slightly toward Sabrina, Chase whispered,  

“Thanks for saving me.”  

“I thought you might be tired since it’s past midnight. Shall we slip out naturally?”  

At Sabrina’s suggestion, Chase responded with genuine relief.  

“That’s the best thing I’ve heard all day.”  

The two left the banquet hall naturally. Chase took a deep breath of the cool night air to cool his flushed cheeks.  

As he walked with weary steps, Sabrina suddenly grabbed his arm.  

“Your Majesty!”  

“Hm?”  

“You’re heading the wrong way…”  

Only then did Chase realize he had been unconsciously heading toward the palace wing he used during his time as Crown Prince.  

“Oh.”  

For a moment, it felt like the alcohol left his system entirely. After a brief silence, the two turned and began walking in the opposite direction.  

The further they moved from the sound of music from the banquet hall, the slower Chase’s steps became. Passing a white fountain, Chase suddenly spoke.  

“Now that I think of it, this place brings back memories.”  

Sabrina smiled softly and nodded.  

“You gave me a pair of shoes here last time.”  

Chase recalled the conversation they had shared that day. Though time had passed, he remembered their words with unusual clarity.  

“When wounds bleed, scab, and bleed again, they eventually heal… Eventually, your heels adapt, and the shoes break in, too.”  

“…”  

“This is just a temporary pain to break them in. So it’s really nothing. Please don’t worry about it, Your Highness.”  

Chase asked,  

“Do you remember that conversation?”  

Sabrina nodded.  

“Yes, I remember.”  

Chase’s gaze fell to her feet. Strangely enough, she was wearing the same shoes as that day.  

‘This must be how you felt.’

Only now did Chase fully understand the meaning behind Sabrina’s words from that day.  

Today, it was Chase who was wearing painful new shoes.  

After staring at her shoes for a while, Chase lifted his head. Sabrina’s blue eyes reflected him like a mirror.  

“Does it not hurt anymore?” 

Chase asked.  

“Have they broken in now?”  

Sabrina didn’t avoid his gaze. Looking into his eyes as if peering into his thoughts, she slowly opened her lips.  

“It doesn’t hurt anymore.”  

In the garden, where only the sound of leaves brushing in the wind could be heard, her soft and clear voice resonated.  

“New shoes may hurt for a while, but that pain doesn’t last forever. Eventually, calluses form.”  

“…”  

“It’ll get better. Little by little.”  

Sabrina smiled warmly at Chase. It was the familiar smile he saw countless times each day.  

But—  

‘…Why does it feel unfamiliar?’  

Experiencing something familiar suddenly feeling strange. 

Chase was experiencing something he had never felt in his life.  

The path he had walked countless times since childhood. Words of reassurance he had heard so often they felt worn out. Sabrina’s smile, which he saw several times a day.  

Yet none of them felt familiar. It was as if he had been dropped onto an exotic island across the sea, leaving his mind in a haze.  

Thump, thump.  

Even his heartbeat felt alien, like it wasn’t his own.  

Since the Emperor’s funeral, Chase had heard the words “It’ll get better” hundreds of times. They were just passing breezes, offering no solace.  

But when those words came from Sabrina’s lips, his heart crumbled in an instant.  

‘Why does it feel like things really will get better?’  

Was the alcohol coming back? 

His chest felt tight.  

“Shall we head back now?”  

“…Yes.”  

It was a strange night.  

***

Three years had passed since Chase became Emperor.  

During that time, many changes had occurred.  

“Greetings, Senior!”  

“Hello, Johan. You can just call me Sabrina while we’re working.”  

“Please guide me well.”  

A few months ago, Aaron retired due to health reasons, and Sabrina took over the vacant position of Chief Aide, strongly recommended by Aaron himself.  

Henry, who had always advocated for “quiet and steady work,” was let go, and much more enthusiastic juniors joined the team.  

Gone were the days when Sabrina had to struggle to be recognized as one of her peers. No one questioned her career anymore. That alone meant she had achieved the goal she set when she left home.  

“You’re here? Please eat first!”  

Even the atmosphere at home had completely changed. She now had a maid to assist her and a coachman to help with her commute.  

The days when she struggled to find a single dress for a banquet now felt like a distant past life.  

‘Come to think of it, it’s been almost five years since I left home.’  

Occasionally, she would see her father and eldest brother at banquets, but they hadn’t spoken since that day in the Imperial Palace corridor.  

Whenever she and Chase discussed the late Emperor, a part of her felt heavy, likely because she hadn’t reconciled with her father. She felt unworthy of speaking about family bonds.  

One day—  

“Young Lady, a letter has arrived for you.”  

As she received the letter, Sabrina froze at the familiar handwriting and seal on the envelope.  

「To Sabrina Wintlet,  

From Drake Wintlet.」  

It was from Viscount Wintlet—her father.  

‘Should I open it or not?’  

After some hesitation, she opened the envelope to find a short letter.  

「To Sabrina,  

It has already been over five years since you left home.  

I said harsh words out of bitterness, but the bond between parent and child is not so easily severed.  

I’m sure you’ve had your own grievances, but isn’t it time to let them go?  

I hope you now understand that my words came from a father’s worry.  

Come home and have a meal with us sometime.」 

It was a letter that only asserted his position from beginning to end.  

However, as Sabrina read and re-read it several times, her heart gradually softened.  

‘Well, it’s true. I haven’t set foot at home for almost five years.’  

‘Perhaps he swallowed his pride and mustered up the courage to write first.’  

‘Ignoring it without any response might be a bit….’  

Should I go or not?  

After much deliberation, Sabrina finally made up her mind.  

‘Fine. I’ve nagged Chase about this before… Let’s give it a try.’