《The Male Lead Is Obsessed With Proposing to Me》 CH 1 1. I Do What I Need click. The door to the lounge opened. Senelia deliberately did not pay attention to the two existing people. Naturally, naturally. Without a single glance toward them, she turned and passed the man who was overlapped with a woman. Senelia went into the bathroom attached to the lounge and wet her handkerchief with water. creak. It was a smooth movement that made no noise until a while ago. At that moment, sharp eyes stare at Senelia¡¯s actions. ¡°¡­¡­what are you doing here now?!¡± Following the gaze of the man, the woman who was attached to him eventually noticed the existence of someone else and opened the closed bathroom door. The woman¡¯s face was red as she felt ashamed of the fact that someone else had found out about her secret affair with the man. ¡°You may not believe it, but I didn¡¯t come here on purpose¡­¡­¡± slap. ¡°This vulgar thing is spying on the privacy of others!¡± The woman slapped Senelia¡¯s cheek. Her white cheek turned red. Senelia let out a small sigh. ¡°What¡¯s the point of spying on you¡­¡­¡± ¡°What are you doing now?¡± Soon, the man¡¯s cold voice was heard. But Senelia knew through her experience. That means the man is angry. A man born and raised in an imperial family and used to hiding his emotions was easily shaken by Senelia. It was just proof that he loved her that much. But Senelia wanted him to do more than that. ¡°Come here, Ben. This woman was spying on us¡­¡­¡± ¡°How dare you slap her?¡± The man gave off an eerie atmosphere. The face of the woman quickly turned white. ¡°¡­¡­Ben, what are you doing now!¡± The bewildered woman shouted. Senelia really hated this situation so badly. To be honest, she hated the man who treated her like that more than the woman who hit her. The man growled and said, ¡°Don¡¯t touch Sally again.¡± The seductive-faced man made a quite cold impression even if he raised his eyes a little. No one had ever seen such a face before, so no one knew. Like a gentleman, he was a man famous for always treating a lady well. The woman¡¯s face was full of embarrassment at the man¡¯s actions. ¡°Your Highness Afron, if you speak like that, Lady Isia will be frightened,¡± Senelia said calmly. The man, who had been glaring at the woman with a very ferocious look, turned his head. Really, he is a man who has no basic consideration for people. The only thing that matters to this man is his first love and the female lead, Lucalina. Senelia barely endured the distortion of her expression. However, she couldn¡¯t stop the sigh from flowing out. The woman with her eyes wide open said to the man, ¡°I will always remember what the Grand Duke did to me today.¡± As if she had forgotten Senelia¡¯s existence, the woman was completely angered by the man¡¯s actions. The woman was clearly aware that she had no reason to be treated like this. She turned around as if she didn¡¯t want to be here anymore and immediately left the lounge. ¡°Why did you just stand still when you were slapped!¡± As soon as the woman left, the grand duke shouted at Senelia. I was the one who was slapped but he had a face as if he had been slapped. For the first time, a smirk appeared on Senelia¡¯s face, who had always maintained an expressionless face. ¡°Isn¡¯t it too contradictory for Your Highness, who created this situation, to say that?¡± Benelucia¡¯s body flinched. There was a slight of regret in his eyes that stared at Senelia¡¯s red cheek The reason she had to stop by this lounge was that the imperial servant made a rare mistake. The servant spilled wine on Senelia¡¯s dress. She had no choice but to come to the lounge. The lounges provided by the imperial family are determined according to rank. So it¡¯s a lounge where Senelia, who is only a low-ranking aristocrat, can come. But there were other people in the lounge. It was too funny to be a coincidence. Benelucia said as if frustrated, ¡°Even if you did as much as she did to you¡ª¡± His voice, which had not been able to erase his regret at Senelia¡¯s words just before, was much weaker than before. Senelia immediately asked back, ¡°Are you saying that I, who is only a viscount¡¯s daughter, have to confront a marquis¡¯ daughter?¡± It was unfair to be slapped on the cheek, but frankly, there was nothing wrong with what the woman, the marquis¡¯ daughter, had done. This is a strictly hierarchical society. There are no nobles of lower rank than Senelia here. Whatever happened, it was her fault for not being able to understand the feelings of high-ranking people. The marquis¡¯ daughter just acted like other high-ranking people always do. ¡°I¡¯m here, what are you worried about?¡± It means that whatever Senelia does to the marquis¡¯ daughter, he will take care of it. I know. He wanted her reaction, so he had attracted that woman, the marquis¡¯ daughter. ¡°What do you have to do with me, Grand Duke?¡± But Senelia immediately refused it. The man¡¯s words are sincere. However, his sincerity is nothing more than a mirage that will only be given while his attention is directed to her. I couldn¡¯t live my life believing that. ¡°Sally.¡± The handsome man¡¯s face was distorted at Senelia¡¯s words, who completely cut off her relationship with him. But his voice calling her name was gentle and friendly. ¡°I am grateful for the kindness you have given me, but since I do not dare to call on your name, I would really appreciate it if you did not call my name either.¡± The more the man did, the deeper Senelia bent her knees and waist. [T/N: that means she¡¯s getting more and more polite and keeps her distance from him] Finally, the impatient man wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her in. ¡°¡­¡­no matter if you are the grand duke, this is rude.¡± Despite the sudden contact with the man¡¯s hard body, Senelia¡¯s face remained calm without any change in expression. He chuckled and said,¡°My name is Benelucia. You must have forgotten it, Sally.¡± ¡°How can I forget the name of the great imperial family. Your Highness the Grand Duke Benelucia Afron.¡± Even though they were close to each other, Senelia¡¯s gaze did not turn to Benelucia. Downward eyes, bowed head, absolute obedience. Only that was the attitude she showed him now. As Senelia intended, the more that happened, the more annoyed Benelucia became. ¡°Will you please let go of me? I can¡¯t dare touch the body of the imperial family.¡± At Senelia¡¯s words, Benelucia¡¯s hand rudely covered her face. The touch was careful. It was as if he was worried about her cheek that had been slapped earlier. ¡°It¡¯s not even the first time we¡¯ve touched each other.¡± Benelucia¡¯s voice became seductive. He was struggling. To evoke Senelia¡¯s memories. ¡°It will never happen again in the future.¡± Senelia¡¯s body suddenly gained strength. Whether she fell or not, she pulled herself back to get away from Benelucia. The moment he nearly missed her for a moment, he called her her name in annoyance. ¡°Senelia Daphnen! A worried expression filled his confident face. Benelucia¡¯s eyes quickly checked Senelia¡¯s condition. It was as if he was so angry at the fact that she nearly fell. Finally, when she was called by her full name instead of a nickname, Senelia looked directly at Benelucia. She spoke calmly, ¡°Let go of me, Your Highness.¡± It was a warning. If he held her in any longer than this, she would do even worse things. Benelucia was in a conflict. He wanted to tie her up so she could not escape from him. However, Benelucia had to let Senelia go. With her personality that he had seen so far, he didn¡¯t know what else to do. He couldn¡¯t hurt Senelia. . Benelucia let out a sigh. He¡¯d rather she do something to him. However, Senelia said that she couldn¡¯t touch him because he was a member of the imperial family. So even if he hurts her, she will never do anything to him. Benelucia said in disappointment, ¡°¡­¡­why can¡¯t I control you?¡± After wiping his face with his hand, he looked at Senelia with ¡®I do not know what to do¡¯ face. ¡®That¡¯s because I¡¯m taming you right now.¡¯ Senelia swallowed her words. She is taming Benelucia, and it is not impossible to move on as she intended. She couldn¡¯t tell the truth. Because this is the only safe route to surviving this devastating novel. It was funny to hear Benelucia utter his words in a low voice as if he had been thirsty for a long time. The man who had never been swayed by what I wanted to do was questioning the obvious. Although it is quite natural that he cannot wield a living person at his will. I want to say it straight from my mouth and step on your arrogance. However, the answer that Senelia should have said had already been decided. Sadly. CH 2 2. She Didn¡¯t Want Him ¡°That¡¯s because I don¡¯t love Your Highness.¡± ¡°¡­¡­you don¡¯t love me?¡± Benelucia asked in disbelief. He always looked like this after breaking up with Senelia. ¡°That¡¯s what Your Highness wanted, that I shouldn¡¯t fall in love with you.¡± Benelucia¡¯s mouth was firmly closed. After being silent for a moment, he denied Senelia¡¯s words with a painful face as if he were stabbed with a dagger. ¡°I know you love me.¡± That¡¯s understandable. She wandered around him for a year without saying a word, followed him for another year, and dated him for six years. Senelia has never been unfaithful to Benelucia in eight years. Even though it was the first time she met Benelucia, and that was the only time she talked about love. Senelia answered calmly, ¡°Did you forget? I will never love you. That was my promise to you.¡± ¡°That damn promise¡­¡­!¡± There was a stark contrast between the momentarily excited Benelucia and her figure. But Benelucia has no right to question the promise. He soon forcibly calmed his excitement as if realizing something. ¡°¡­¡­now that we broke up, isn¡¯t that promise already broken?¡± ¡°Yes. But isn¡¯t it weirder to say love to an ex-lover?¡± Conversation flipped around. Benelucia dragged his cravat down as if it was stuffy. ¡°What¡¯s the problem, Sally?¡± He said that he loved her, and he proposed marriage. Still, Senelia does not believe Benelucia¡¯s words. ¡°There¡¯s no problem. What could be a problem between Your Highness and me?¡± You and I have nothing to do with each other. Therefore, there is nothing. That¡¯s what Senelia said. ¡°Ha¡­! Sally, don¡¯t you know what happens if you refuse the promise of a marriage proposal from the imperial family?¡± Benelucia also knew that his words were dirty. But when he had to say something to hold onto the resolute Senelia, he could only think of this. ¡°It was just a verbal promise. Or was it an order, not a proposal?¡± Senelia asked politely. The sound of Benelucia¡¯s teeth grinding could be heard clearly. He glared at Senelia with his sharp eyes. And that¡¯s what Senelia wanted. She must remain like a thorn in his mouth forever. Even if he met Lucalina, every time he spoke to her, Senelia would appear in his mind. Senelia devoted eight years of her time to Benelucia for that purpose. Without that much effort, she wouldn¡¯t be able to steal the male lead from the original female lead. ¡°Yes, it¡¯s an order.¡± Benelucia came up with something. He rationalized his attitude toward Senelia. He thought ¡®Even if Senelia didn¡¯t love me, I¡¯d have to prove it by putting her next to me.¡¯ ¡°His Majesty has given me this.¡± It was the emperor¡¯s decree, written with a magic pen on a thin sheet of golden paper. Benelucia smiled and said, ¡°So you must marry me, Sally.¡± After eight years, it was the moment when Senelia¡¯s patience and efforts paid off. *** Senelia and Benelucia¡¯s first meeting was planned. It was of course not what she wanted. On the contrary, Senelia hated a man like Benelucia Afron. She was a person who wanted to keep a very distance from such a man as much as possible. A man who is so good in face and status that he has a lot of people around him. So if she is next to him, she¡¯ll be shabby even if she doesn¡¯t want to. Senelia was well aware that she would not be able to handle such a man. If one day she hadn¡¯t suddenly realized that the world she lived in was fictional deceit¡­¡­ Senelia would never have intertwined with Benelucia. ¡°Lady Daphnen, His Majesty the Emperor is calling for you.¡± One day, the imperial carriage suddenly arrived in front of the Viscount Daphnen¡¯s gate. The knights barged in without knocking on the mansion door. The Viscount has lived his whole life managing his own territory without getting entangled in politics. Suddenly a call from the emperor came. That fact aroused fear in the viscount family. ¡°What the hell is going on? Knight commander¡­¡­!¡± A weak father hurriedly walked down from the second floor. He glanced at his daughter and the knight commander with a blank expression. He looked frightened by the intrusion of the imperial knights. ¡°Why is His Majesty suddenly calling our daughter?¡± The calm mother¡¯s face was not very good either. What was there to do when the viscount family like them faced the knight commander heads on? Senelia was no different. She was a simple person who only thought about her future to be a good lord by inheriting this small estate from her father. That¡¯s all. The knight commander said, ¡°The reason will be known when Lady Daphnen sees His Majesty. So be prepared.¡± In other words, it meant that no further questions would be allowed. Senelia¡¯s hands were shaking with tension. She looked back at her parents with an anxious expression on her face. Her father couldn¡¯t even make a decision, and he felt sorry that there was nothing he could do. Eventually, Senelia¡¯s mother nodded her head. She bit her lip hard. These are the ones sent by the emperor. Her neck could have flown away if she said something stupid. Senelia carefully opened her mouth, ¡°Can you wait a moment? It¡¯s an inappropriate outfit to wear to the imperial palace¡­¡­¡± I had no plans to go out today, so I was just wearing a light indoor dress. But I want to look a little less shabby when I meet the emperor. ¡°It would be good for His Majesty not to wait too long.¡± The knight commander gave a stern warning. Those words sounded like Senelia should not waste the emperor¡¯s time too long or dare to run away. I had no intention of doing that in the first place. Senelia nodded her head diligently. She said, ¡°I¡¯ll get ready and come out soon.¡± After that, Senelia left the mansion in just 10 minutes. No matter how many maids helped her, it was too short time for a noble girl to dress up. She was so impatient. It was fortunate that she did not sprain her foot as she left the mansion. From the beginning, the road to the imperial family was smooth and unobstructed, as if it was expected that Senelia would not be able to rebel. Her heart was beating fast. She wanted to hold onto anyone and ask why is the emperor looking for her. However, the knights did not give her a glance at all, as if she were not there. She felt that she had become extremely insignificant. ¡°After you have said your greetings, you must not open your mouth first until His Majesty permits you.¡± Senelia is the daughter of the rural viscount who is too modest to be associated with the imperial family. She wondered if she would ever go to the imperial palace for the rest of her life. So Senelia simply nodded her obedient head at the words of the handmaiden. *** The door to the audience room opened and then closed again. As Senelia calmed her trembling voice, she bent her knees and bowed towards the throne. ¡°Senelia Daphnen, Viscount Daphnen¡¯s daughter, greets the sun of the empire.¡± The emperor did not respond to her greeting. Even though he only had his gaze on Senelia, she felt suffocated by the heaviness of silence. Just before her posture trembled from her knees bent, the Emperor finally opened his mouth. ¡°My dear, why didn¡¯t you love Benelucia?¡± A random question came out of the emperor¡¯s mouth. Benelucia Afron. He is the emperor¡¯s younger brother. ¡°¡­¡­yes?¡± Without realizing it, Senelia, who asked back in confusion, hurriedly bit her lower lip. Cliff de Helios. The man in front of her was a man who ascended to the throne by slaughtering all his blood and leaving only one. She dared to open her mouth without permission in front of such an emperor. She couldn¡¯t help but be afraid. However, the emperor¡¯s words were so absurd. Senelia is a noblewoman of a small estate. What does she have to do with Benelucia Afron, the emperor¡¯s younger brother and the empire¡¯s only grand duke? ¡°You must have been destined to fall in love with Benelucia¡­¡­¡± The emperor¡¯s eyes narrowed. Cliff¡¯s face was very beautiful, but Senelia thought the way he looked through her was really like a snake. The horror ran down her spine at this moment. As a person who slaughtered numerous people and took the throne, his body was huge. The emperor rose from his seat and approached Senelia. The steps overflowed with pressure. Her breath was choked. The emperor, who had already come close to Senelia, bowed his head. He asked, looking at Senelia with snake-like eyes, ¡°Are you a thorn of Chloracean?¡± It is said that in the beginning there were three gods, Chloe, Race, and Ann, who made the fate of living things. With their respective spinning wheels, they wove the thread that determines human destiny. However, sometimes there were beings who twisted the fate set by the three sisters. Like a thorn unexpectedly popped out of the spinning wheel, it pierces and twists the direction in which the gods spin their threads. In the Empire, such people were called ¡®Thorns of Chloracean¡¯ because it is said they made their own destiny. And Senelia shouldn¡¯t be able to know the word ¡®a thorn of Chloracean¡¯. Because¡­¡­ This is because it is a word only the imperial family knows. ¡®The Thorn of Chloracean.¡¯ As soon as she heard those words, an unfamiliar landscape flashed through Senelia¡¯s mind. The tall gray buildings and four-wheeled vehicles move without magical power. And while crossing those square buildings, a brunette woman was hit by a fast-moving truck at night¡­¡­ It was her. The book that had fallen from her hand rolled over the blood-soaked street. On the cover of the book was written¡¶The Thorn of Chloracean¡·. ¡°God, you really are a thorn of Chloracean.¡± An eerie smile appeared on the emperor¡¯s lips. I have to live. CH 3 I have to live somehow. At the same time, Senelia, whose face turned white, knelt down in front of the emperor and slammed her forehead to the floor. Senelia had an intuition. If she hadn¡¯t acted like that, her neck would have flown away immediately. ¡®The Thorns of Chloracean.¡¯ It refers to those who change their destiny. And the truth about them has been passed down from generation to generation in the imperial family. ¡®The Thorns of Chloracean¡¯ meant those from another world. Possessed or reincarnated. Thus, those who deviate from the laws of this world, do not follow the set path of destiny, make exceptions, and possibly change their destiny. ¡°I¡­¡­¡± Senelia¡¯s body trembled. At this moment, she realized that she had been reincarnated. And that she is a minor character who loves the male lead, and that this world is in a novel called ¡¶The Thorn of Chloracean¡·. ¡®Shall I say I don¡¯t know?¡¯ Numerous ¡®Thorns of Chloracean¡¯ that have appeared so far have caused a stir in the world. Sometimes they become lords, wise men, warriors, and¡­¡­also became emperors. Senelia knew who the emperor Cliff de Helios was in ¡¶The Thorn of Chloracean¡·. But when she lifted her gaze, Senelia despaired. As soon as she says she doesn¡¯t know, she will die. ¡°I can be Your Majesty¡¯s dog,¡± said Senelia, banging her head again. Her forehead that hit the cold and hard marble hurt. However, the stabbing pain was not important. ¡®I want to live.¡¯ That was all Senelia wanted in this terrible time. She should have known that she had been reincarnated. If she was aware of it, the emperor might have left her alive. ¡®Will you let me live?¡¯ Senelia could see why the emperor called her. Cliff de Helios had already suspected that Senelia was the ¡®Thorn of Chloracean¡¯. Deep desperation filled Senelia¡¯s heart. Senelia quickly realized. The moment she was brought here, she knew that there was no choice for her. ¡°Can you be my dog?¡± The emperor grinned. Cliff de Helios raised his precious body and looked down at Senelia. The emperor¡¯s huge shadow covered Senelia¡¯s trembling body. ¡°I already have a lot of dogs, what should I do?¡± He is an emperor. There couldn¡¯t have been anything lacking. Senelia felt her head turn white. Silence enveloped the room. I have to say something. Anything. I might die. No, I¡¯m going to die. A terrible fear gripped Senelia. This is the emperor¡¯s audience room. And Senelia is the daughter of a viscount who is really insignificant compared to the emperor. What will matter if she dies here? Who dares to speak against him? Her mother? Her father? It was fortunate if only Senelia died and her parents were safe. She had to think. How does the female lead survive in the novel ¡¶The Thorn of Chloracean¡·? Senelia opened her mouth, stutter, ¡°The Grand Duke, His Highness the Grand Duke¡­¡­¡± She stuttered like an idiot. She was scared and couldn¡¯t speak properly. Still, Senelia couldn¡¯t keep her mouth shut. If she delayed her answer even for a moment, her neck seemed to roll on the floor. In the novel ¡¶The Thorn of Chloracean¡·, the female lead returns from the future. Nevertheless, she didn¡¯t die at the hands of the emperor. ¡°I will make him love me.¡± It was because she was the first love of Benelucia Afron, the only one among the imperial blood that the emperor did not kill. In a situation where the emperor¡¯s sword could touch her at any moment, Senelia did not stop thinking desperately. In the end, she finally managed to find a plausible answer. ¡°I can be the ¡®leash¡¯ for the Grand Duke,¡± she said. [T/N: the leash here means leash for dogs. In other words, Senelia wanted to tame Benelucia as an obedient dog towards her, his master] cut. Senelia¡¯s body shuddered in shock at the noise. Her long hair was cut off by the emperor¡¯s sword. The emperor said in anger, ¡°How dare you drive my beloved brother into a traitor?¡± Right next to Senelia¡¯s neck, the blade was flashing. Her frightened and withdrawn gesture caused a red scar on her slender neck. ¡°Besides, a leash? How dare you insult the imperial family.¡± Senelia could not move. If she moves even the slightest bit, her blood vessels will be severed in the emperor¡¯s sword. Her lips were dry. Now Senelia was trembling all over her body. ¡®¡­¡­did I get it wrong?¡¯ As Senelia knew, there was only one reason why the emperor had kept the female lead alive. For as long as he holds the female lead¡¯s life in his grasp, the Grand Duke Benelucia will never be able to rebel against him. ¡®The leash of Benelucia Afron.¡¯ ¡¶The Thorn of Chloracean¡· clearly describes the female lead that way. ¡®What¡­¡­what¡¯s wrong?¡¯ Senelia lost in thought and trembled, not even thinking of stopping the blood that started dripping from her neck to the floor. The white dress was gradually stained with red blood. Her neck began to tingle gradually. But if I close my eyes like this, I will never be able to open them again. I have to live. This was the only thought that came to Senelia during this hellish time, ¡°My family is not very low-ranked to be a member of the imperial family.¡± Senelia finally opened her mouth again. Was it because she really thought it was her last chance to survive? This time her voice did not tremble. The female lead, Lucalina, was the famous daughter of the Marquis Ellihan and a childhood friend of the emperor and the grand duke. ¡°I don¡¯t have any great abilities.¡± Also, Lucalina is the only swordmaster in this empire other than the emperor and the grand duke. ¡°Above all, I fear Your Majesty more than Benelucia Afron.¡± Besides, Lucalina was not afraid of the emperor. Then I remembered. Lucalina was the leash of Benelucia, and Benelucia was the leash of Lucalina. That fact always worries the emperor. A marquis¡¯ daughter who can be a reliable ally of Benelucia, a swordmaster who can be a strong ally, Lucalina¡¯s ability strong enough to oppose the emperor, and she is not afraid of the emperor. Senelia raised her head slightly to check the emperor¡¯s face. He had a satisfied smile on his face. Senelia noticed that she had finally said the right answer. It was then that she felt relief. ¡°That¡¯s an answer I really like.¡± If Senelia becomes Benelucia¡¯s weakness, the emperor will get an easy leash to swing. In that sense, Senelia is better than Lucalina. ¡°Then you have to work hard to make it happen.¡± The emperor finally pulled the sword away from her neck. At the same time, Senelia became conscious. A dark future awaits. *** After that, Senelia had no choice. If she doesn¡¯t put a leash on Benelucia Afron, she will die. So Senelia loved Venelucia, to live. From the time she met Benelucia to the time she broke up with him, not a single thing was unintentional. The reason she stayed by Benelucia¡¯s side for a year was to make him believe that she loved him. Senelia wasn¡¯t that much of a planner in the first place. However, there is a saying that anyone can become superhuman if their life is in danger. It was no different from her. In order for Benelucia to love her, she had to first make him believe in her love. In the end, Benelucia came to believe in Senelia¡¯s love. So next she said goodbye to him. *** The day was as usual. When Senelia woke up, the bed that had been hot turned cold. It¡¯s just her again in the cold bed. Senelia pulled the string. The maid who came in because of her call immediately spoke, ¡°His Highness¡­¡­¡± After spending the night together, being left alone was familiar to Senelia. However, the maid still looked sorry for it. ¡°He must have had work because he was so busy with construction.¡± So instead of the maid, Senelia first explained the reason for Benelucia¡¯s absence. But somehow, the more she made the excuses, the more the maid¡¯s face hardened. Senelia pretended not to know it and got up. Because she didn¡¯t want to make excuses for Benelucia again. ¡°Rather, prepare the bath. There is a tea party today.¡± ¡°Yes, Lady Daphnen.¡± The maid bowed her back politely. Less than five minutes after Senelia spoke, the bathwater was ready. Warm steam was rising from the bathwater. Even though the time was so short, the preparation for the bath was absolutely perfect. As if the maid had already waited for her to give this order. ¡®This is really strange.¡¯ Senelia thought to herself. This is the sixth year that Senelia and Benelucia have been dating. Seven years ago, she was just a woman who warmed Benelucia¡¯s bed, nothing more, nothing less. A year later, Senelia became the grand duke¡¯s lover. And six years have passed. To be honest, Senelia didn¡¯t think she was much different now than she was seven years ago. Benelucia did not propose to her for six years as his lover. Meanwhile, Senelia¡¯s marriageable age had passed. However, since Senelia was the only woman by the grand duke¡¯s side, everyone assumed that the two would get married. ¡®That illusion was broken two years ago.¡¯ Senelia smiled meaningfully. CH 4 She always prepared to say goodbye. Senelia thought even if the maids¡¯ behavior towards her was far ruder than it was seven years ago, she couldn¡¯t help it. But they were always polite to her. Senelia was very confused and curious about it. Without Benelucia, Senelia was nothing but the daughter of a poor viscount. There were even maids who were selected from among the nobles and actually higher in rank than her. Because this was the mansion of the grand duke, the only member of the royal family besides the emperor. She¡¯s only the grand duke¡¯s lover, that¡¯s all. She knew the subject well. In any case, there was no reason to be dissatisfied with the treatment of the courtiers. Senelia was served by the grand duke¡¯s courtiers, from bathing to the preparations for the tea party. ¡°Today I will escort you, Lady Daphnen.¡± It was Ardante, the deputy commander of the knight. He was one of Senelia¡¯s escorts. Six years ago, Benelucia appointed Ardante Samuel as Senelia¡¯s escort. ¡®At that time, Ben wouldn¡¯t have taken me seriously.¡¯ ¡°As always, please take good care of me, Sir Samuel.¡± Senelia took Ardante¡¯s hand and got into the carriage. Like the grand duke¡¯s carriage, it ran smoothly on the road without any rattling. It was quiet in the carriage. It was only natural for Senelia to ride the carriage alone. There was a time when this carriage was not quiet. Suddenly, what happened with Benelucia in the carriage came to mind. ¡®Sally.¡¯ If Senelia kept her mouth shut and said that she wouldn¡¯t bother Benelucia, he would call her by her nickname just like that. These days, Senelia has been spending a lot of her time alone. Since Daphnen¡¯s family is not a central noble, she generally stayed in the grand duke¡¯s mansion when she came up to the capital. Benelucia often took her in a carriage and went out to enjoy the various parts of the capital. That¡¯s a thing of the past. The grand duke has two special carriages given by the emperor, and he gave one of them to Senelia. Therefore, it was the carriage that she always rode in. Senelia thought that was the reason she kept thinking of Benelucia. It has been six years already. It would not be strange to think of a familiar man in a familiar carriage. ¡°Lady Daphnen, we have arrived at the Count Nominant¡¯s mansion.¡± The carriage stopped and the coachman¡¯s voice was heard. Senelia simply pushed the thoughts out of her head and got out of the carriage. ¡°Welcome, Lady Daphnen.¡± ¡°Thank you for your hospitality, Lady Nominant.¡± As Senelia entered the garden where the tea party was being held, Lady Nominant greeted her. Senelia could feel the Lady Nominnt¡¯s gaze glancing towards her back. It was obvious who she was looking for. This was the reason why the young lady of the Nominant Count, a central noble family, invited Senelia, who was only a rural viscount¡¯s daughter, in the first place. Because Senelia is the grand duke¡¯s lover. There was a hint of disappointment in Lady Nominant¡¯s eyes, but Senelia pretended not to know. There was nothing she could do about it anyway. *** ¡®Rumor has it that the grand duke has a new lover¡­¡­¡¯ Two years ago, rumors spread that Benelucia had met another woman. After that, Senelia knew that more and more people were looking for opportunities to be on the grand duke¡¯s side. ¡®Oh my, then how about Lady Daphnen?¡¯ Since then, the number of people who glanced at them as if measuring the relationship between the two has increased, and there have often been people whispering behind Senelia. After the rumors spread, Benelucia made no excuses. Senelia didn¡¯t ask about it either. It was the same when two new scandals broke out after that. It didn¡¯t matter. If in the end Benelucia returned to her. What is important to Senelia is not Benelucia¡¯s love, but to make him remain by her side. It wasn¡¯t his existence that she cherished very much, but he was an indispensable necessity for her. That was enough. ¡®To do that, I endured for 8 years.¡¯ There¡¯s not much time left. Senelia pushed other thoughts away and only had that thought in her mind. *** However, as if to laugh at Senelia, who was trying to be quiet, the tea party quickly became noisy. From the entrance to the garden, many people were chattering and whispering. ¡°¡­¡­Ah.¡± Senelia sighed quietly without realizing it. It was only after she let out a sigh that she thought she had reacted stupidly. She could guess why people reacted like that. Soon, the person in Senelia¡¯s mind appeared before her eyes. It was Benelucia. And next to him was another woman. ¡°Your Highness, it is an honor to have you come to my party.¡± Lady Nominant approached Benelucia and bend her knees to greet him. Lady Nominant¡¯s gaze passed through Benelucia and turned to the woman who was next to him. ¡°By the way, this lady is¡­¡­?¡± ¡°My partner, Lumina Erdella.¡± Benelucia introduced the woman as his partner. Then people flocked to her. Two people, three people, five people¡­¡­ Although the grand duke had scandals with other women besides Senelia, it was the first time in six years that he had brought someone to an official party. Many surrounded Lumina Erdella, who came as the grand duke¡¯s partner. Their curious words turned to Lumina. And only those who were unable to approach her due to their low-ranked family remained, and were looking at Senelia. Senelia was watching the scene silently. As if she wasn¡¯t there. ¡®¡­¡­ah, I made eye contact.¡¯ Senelia¡¯s gaze, who was quietly looking at the grand duke and his partner, met Benelucia. He did not avert his eyes as always. He also said nothing, as he always did. Just staring at Senelia. Senelia has sensitive skin so she sat under a tree, covered in dark shadows. She thought that the appearance of Benelucia standing under the sunshine was in contrast with herself here. In contrast to the two people standing under the bright sun, she remained in the dark shadow of the tree, unable to get any sunlight. The bright area was buzzing with laughter and the dark area was surrounded by gossip. Benelucia did not take his eyes off Senelia. Then she smirked. For a moment, Benelucia¡¯s forehead was distorted. He licked his lips as if he wanted to say something, but he quickly turned his head away. Throughout the tea party, Benelucia hasn¡¯t paid a single glance to Senelia. Senelia still sat under the tree and did nothing. As if she kept her word that she wouldn¡¯t bother Benelucia. It was getting colder as the sun went down. Until then, Senelia was still in her seat. As if it had been her place from the beginning. bang. Suddenly there was a loud noise. Senelia turned her head and see that Benelucia¡¯s chair was overturned. Benelucia slipped out of the party before it was even ended. His steps were very rough. It was before the sun went down completely. *** Senelia returned that day to a townhouse near the capital owned by her father, the viscount, not the grand duke¡¯s mansion. Benelucia brought another woman to an official party. Senelia thought when Benelucia bids his farewell, she mustn¡¯t act like other clingy girls. After eight years of Senelia¡¯s struggle, she couldn¡¯t be brought down with just this one light blow. The maid, who had entered the room asked, ¡°Miss, are you cold?¡± ¡°¡­¡­no.¡± ¡°But why is your body shaking?¡± Then she looked back at herself. She was obviously fine in the carriage, but as soon as she entered this place, her body was trembling. ¡°¡­¡­ah.¡± Eight years have allowed Senelia to be casual in front of others. So she often did not notice her own condition. bang bang bang. At that time, someone was banging on the front door of the townhouse. It was loud enough to be heard all the way to the second-floor room. ¡°¡­¡­if you rush¡­¡­the¡­¡­ness!¡± In an instant, there was a loud noise outside the room. It was too late for anyone to visit. The viscount was not here, so the owner of the townhouse was Senelia. The visitor came in without the owner¡¯s permission. There was only one person who could barge in like this. ¡°Your Highness!¡± The butler¡¯s voice restraining the visitor could be heard. It seems that Benelucia has arrived. As soon as she realized that Benelucia had come to the townhouse, Senelia¡¯s trembling quickly subsided. This was a habit. Senelia thought it was fortunate that she could pretend to be resolute in front of him. ¡°I will go out and check the situation¡­¡­¡± The maid¡¯s expression was full of worries. As if she thought she had to deal with Benelucia herself, she spoke with a determined face. Senelia was changing clothes, so it was not very appropriate to welcome guests. The maid was the one who had been in charge of the viscount household for a long time. Sending the maid to the townhouse was the consideration of the viscount couple who were worried about their unmarried daughter living apart from them. Such a maid may be able to deal with Benelucia for a while. ¡°No, I¡¯ll take care of it.¡± But Senelia shook her head. CH 5 3. She is different now Even if the maid is accustomed to serving superiors, the Grand Duke was on an entirely different level. The housemaid was also familiar with the quiet Viscount¡¯s estate. Even if the maid stayed in the townhouse for the past eight years, she did not have many encounters with the Grand Duke. Mainly due to Senelia generally staying in the Grand Duke¡¯s mansion. Senelia also felt sorry for the elderly maid who had to leave the peaceful Viscount mansion and reside there. I don¡¯t want to bother her anymore. knock knock knock. A knock sounded from the other side of Senelia¡¯s door. What was it when someone entered the townhouse without prior notice? Ah yes¡­¡­ Inconsiderate. I used to be with that kind of person. Benelucia was known as a rare prodigal son, but it was more because he was so popular. The Grand Duke always met his opponent one at a time. The expressions of farewell and meetings were made clear, and he was always polite to the opposing party. Well, until he met Senelia. ¡°Sally. Open the door.¡± When Senelia didn¡¯t answer, she heard Benelucia¡¯s growl from outside the door. His tone was somewhat unsettling. ¡°Ben, please wait in the parlor.¡± Senelia flatly rejected such a Benelucia. She stood in front of the door, all she had to do was open it. However, she refused. ¡°Miss¡­..¡± The maid called to Senelia, concern and surprise evident in her voice. ¡°Open it.¡± It was a command. ¡°I was in the middle of changing clothes.¡± She replied, ¡°In addition to barging into my mansion, are you really going to insist on visiting me?¡± The gates of a nobility¡¯s home was thrown open without permission. It was insulting. Senelia hinted that Benelucia will insult her again. In this kingdom, only the Emperor could stop the Grand Duke. Even if Benelucia insulted someone, it was only right for that that person to willing endure it. Because he was royalty. So, in general, Senelia would also act obedient. Unless he violated a line she had set. ¡°¡­¡­¡­Wait in the parlor.¡± Benelucia, who appeared to be ready to storm in at any moment, retreated. Senelia¡¯s bottom line remained firm. After 7 years together with 6 years as lovers, the Grand Duke seldomly entered the townhouse. This was mainly because Senelia went to the Grand Duke¡¯s mansion, but also because she had never invited Benelucia to her one safe place. For that reason, the furthest the Duke had seen was the drawing room of the townhouse¡¯s first floor. If on the off chance, he decided to pick her up, she would never allow him to stay here. ¡°I will the Duke to the reception room.¡± Senelia had to give up most of her beliefs and values in order to make this suborn man fall in love with her. I didn¡¯t want to do this here. Because this was the only place where Senelia herself could breathe. The only place where she did not have to constantly pretend. ¡°Fine.¡± After a moment of silence, Benelucia¡¯s voice was heard as the sound of his footsteps faded. ¡°Young Miss, is it okay to treat the Duke like this?¡± The elderly maid came over to her as if she had just regained her breath. ¡°¡­¡­At least that¡¯s what I wanted to do.¡± So don¡¯t ask anymore. The maid didn¡¯t say anything more, as if she had understood the unspoken words in her mistress¡¯s heart. ¡°I¡¯ll tidy up your clothes and hair. Please sit here Young Miss.¡± The maid led Senelia to the dressing table in front of the mirror. The image of the woman reflected in the mirror had changed a lot from 8 years ago. That woman looked good. As if nothing of the sort had happened. *** From the beginning, Senelia was not able to treat Benelucia emotionlessly. Long ago, she was still a person whose heart could still be moved. Benelucia, who had become her lover, was generally a friendly man. He was good-looking and had a good physique. He was full of wealth and power like an imperial family. So, it would be difficult for anyone to not feel touched. ¡°Sally, would you like to go out today?¡± It was not long after the two became lovers. Benelucia suggested. ¡°Aren¡¯t you busy today Your Highness?¡± It was a proposal from a newly made lover. Even so, Senelia could not get excited just yet. She was clearly aware of the fact that her relationship with the Grand Duke could never be the same as that of ordinary lovers. And yet, there was still a lurking ember of hope. At that time, Senelia walked around with her back just a bit more upright. It was because she couldn¡¯t let go of the tension. The idea that she had to do well and survive. Determination flowed through her veins, giving her confidence and strength. ¡°Even if I am busy, I have time to give to my lover.¡± Said Benelucia, kissing her lightly. That gentle smile played on the edge of his lips, giving off the illusion that they were real lovers. Quite different from a relationship where you didn¡¯t want anything more or decided to never talk about love. ¡°You said that you hardly went out during the last year you came to the capital.¡± Benelucia was right of course. It had been more than two years since she had arrived at the capital. And yet, Senelia had not been to many places in the capital. Because all this time had been devoted to hanging around Benelucia. ¡°The capital must have been unfamiliar to you, but I can¡¯t keep you locked up in my mansion like this.¡± Senelia stared blankly at him for a moment. When the Duke did not hear a response, he called out to her with a puzzled face. ¡°Sally?¡± She blinked. ¡°¡­¡­ I didn¡¯t know you would care about that.¡± That was her honest feeling. I thought he was just comfortable with me because he had not suggested anything. So, she didn¡¯t expect this. It¡¯s like¡­¡­. We are real lovers. ¡°Is it bad? Did you perhaps have any plans for today?¡± he sounded curious, ¡°I heard from your maid that you were free¡­..¡± It seemed that Benelucia had already figured out Senelia¡¯s schedule. He cares. Such a small consideration. The fact that he cares about her, such an unexpected thing that made her heart flutter. The love affair with Benelucia was a life-threatening matter for Senelia. So I can¡¯t be fussy. Can you imagine, how sweet someone¡¯s kindness can be in such a situation? ¡°No, I have no schedule. I want to go out with Ben too.¡± So, for a moment, Senelia forgot. She wasn¡¯t a hard person to begin with. As such, it was in that instant that the armor of tension she had enclosed herself in, was pierced and crumbled. The threat of the Emperor, forgotten for a moment. When Senelia answered, the two were quickly prepared for their outing. A colorful carriage caught her eye. Benelucia, who had gotten onto the carriage first, held out his hand. ¡°Take my hand, Sally.¡± Benelucia, who¡¯s long blond hair shined like the sun was brightened the night like the moon, was smiling ever so sweetly at Senelia. The figure of the Duke was like that of a prince from a fairytale. Senelia was not the princess who wanted the prince to save her. She was no one. Just an ordinary person dreaming of romance. ¡°¡­.. Thank you, Ben.¡± So yet again¡­ She took his hand. Her excitement still strong even as they arrived at a dress boutique in the capital. *** I went in with His Highness Afron, so Madame and the staff there treated me friendly the whole time. She tried not to misunderstand, but soon enough, the warm service made her feel special. Cold. Cold water washed over Senelia, who was just a moment ago was overflowing with warmth. Madame had just brought out the fifth dress. ¡­. Ah As she put slipped on the dress and watched her reflection in the mirror, Senelia suddenly remembered. A woman. That woman. The woman she once saw by his side when she chased Benelucia during that first year. The dresses she tried on were similar. Dresses in primary colors that would suit a woman with clear and slender silver hair. Senelia seemed to know instinctively who the owner of this dress was for. Lucalina Elihan. She had short silver hair and bright blue eyes. ¡­¡­ It wasn¡¯t meant for me. There was only one Grand Duke in this entire country, and he was a very important figure in the social world. So the taste of Benelucia was already widely known. It was only natural for Madame to make dresses according to the tastes of her most important client. Duke Benelucia. Senelia knew it too. That all of this wasn¡¯t their intention to make her a substitute for Lucalina. No, can this be a substitute? Senelia reflected. After becoming a knight, Lucalina thought it was cumbersome to wear a dress. In the original story, after reuniting with Benelucia, Lucalina told him that she doesn¡¯t like dresses, so she matches him with a lavishly embroidered suit for a banquet. Even though it was she who had requested for a dress recommendation, Senelia couldn¡¯t help but wonder if it would have been different if she had been Lucalina. How many young ladies thought the same as me? Excited by Benelucia¡¯s kindness, they wear his favourite dress and thinks that all of his affections are for them. Eventually, one day, they fall into an illusion that he will soon come to love them. Senelia wasn¡¯t like that. You cannot become one of those ordinary girls to Benelucia. Senelia looked in the mirror and forcibly hardened her rampaging heart. She decided not to ask for anything from him. Not only the dress, but Senelia had to be aware that everything he gave her was his alone. What was given, would one day be taken away. ¡°Do you like the dresses we bought today Sally?¡± As she left the dressing room, Benelucia asked. ¡°Yeah, they were all so beautiful. I am so grateful My Lord.¡± That day, Senelia smiled brightly and bowed politely to Benelucia. Like she was genuinely thankful. But that was the end of it. She did not show any signs of over-excitement, nor did she show any joy when embraced. It was clear that it was a polite greeting that was far from that of being between lovers. From then on, Senelia used the things he gave to her at the adequate time and place. But there was no way that she would take the gifts she had received from the Duke into her townhouse. CH 6 8 years. For eight years, Senelia remained at Benelucia¡¯s side. Endlessly discovering traces of Lucalina wherever she looked. So, she decided to give up on ever loving him. She would never be Lucalina. She could never be as special as Lucalina to Benelucia. What Senelia had to do was survive. Surviving was to not do or think about what should not be done. Plants placed in a quiet room tended to become accustomed to the landscape of life in which they existed. It will always be there, a part of the landscape. One with the landscape. Then you¡¯ll wonder, is it still alive? Like a plant, had become accustomed to being an ornamental plant around the Duke. Senelia was human. And yet, she was treated as a plant quietly tended to by the Duke. Stunning in its beauty, but easily replaced when something better comes along. This is what she had to do. A being who is considered to be solely his. ¡°I¡¯m sorry to keep you waiting, my Lord.¡± Senelia entered the drawing room and politely greeted Benelucia first. It was as she always did. Obedient and respectful. So that Benelucia would never feel offended by her. So she could get him use to her presence. Senelia Daphnen for Benelucia Afron. Of course. She had to make it as if she would always be there for him. If asked if that was her true feelings, she couldn¡¯t answer. ¡°¡­. Why did you come here?¡± As soon as Senelia sat, Benelucia launched his first question. As if she was stating a simple fact, she answered with a serenely. ¡°It¡¯s my mansion.¡± ¡°That¡¯s not what I¡¯m talking about, is it?¡± Senelia thought for a moment. Then how would you like me to answer? He displayed his new lover in front of the public, and yet he had the face to expect her to accept it and willing return to the Grand Duke¡¯s residency. The nerve! But she couldn¡¯t show her disdain outwardly. There wasn¡¯t much Senelia could say to Benelucia. Once carefully piecing together an appropriate, less harmful option of a sentence, she replied reluctantly. ¡°I don¡¯t know what your Lord is talking about.¡± A sentence formed of words that sounded neutral. No tone of disappointment. ¡°¡­.. Are you mad that I took someone else to the tea party?¡± Benelucia spoke with a rare trace of hesitation. His eyes watched her closely. ¡°Is it possible?¡± Senelia smirked, ¡°Why should I be angry when Your Majesty only brought the woman you desired.¡± The more she spoke, the more Senelia¡¯s back straightened, and the firmer her gaze became. Without hesitation, she immediately denied Benelucia¡¯s words. ¡°Then why are you here and not my mansion!¡± Benelucia exclaimed in frustration. As if to appease his anger, Senelia gracefully poured a cup of tea for him. Her reply was calm. ¡°I just thought that it was time.¡± ¡°¡­ What?¡± ¡°I have to go back to my home now.¡± Senelia smiled. ¡°Today, when I saw His Majesty with the Young Lady, I had a thought. The two of you seemed to get along very well.¡± Her voice didn¡¯t waver or hesitate. It was as though she had attained enlightenment. ¡°So, I came to my home, because this is where I belonged in the first place.¡± ¡°¡­¡­ Why is your place here?¡± Benelucia¡¯s expression hardened visibly as he came to a conclusion. There was no place for him in Senelia¡¯s home. The seat beside the Duke was originally thought of as Senelia¡¯s place. But she spoke as if she had never thought that the seat next to him was hers. That¡¯s Lucalina¡¯s seat. Even so, what Benelucia had needed all along was someone who played the role of Lucalina¡¯s shadow. She was just needed to become her shadow for the rest of her life. ¡°It has always been here.¡± So Senelia was able to speak calmly, as if this behavior was quite normal. And it was normal. For Senelia, at least. Because the Benelucia Afron was and has always been a tree she could never climb. ¡°Are you¡­¡± As if at a loss for words, the Duke¡¯s voice blurted out. Seriously, Senelia felt she had kept her word perfectly. For all those days spent wasting away around him, warming his bed, entering his mansion. She didn¡¯t want a single thing from him. To the end, she had maintained her position as that of an ordinary Viscount¡¯s Young Lady. There was no better proof than her reply. ¡°This would be a reasonable amount of consolation.¡± Senelia lifted her hand, showcasing the ring adorning her slender finger. It was an artifact that moved its user to a distant area in the event of a crisis. It was futile, but that was the only thing she wanted to possess at the end of her time with him. Even if one of her choices included Benelucia. ¡°What¡­¡± Benelucia just then realized that the only thing he had given her was that ring. Today, her frame was beautifully decorated, but everything that adorned her body came from the Viscount. Things given to her by them for her birthday. The magic carriage that the Duke had sent for her use had returned the Duke¡¯s residency immediately. If it had not, then the Grand Duke would not have followed her to the townhouse so late. Yes. This was a problem for Benelucia. The carriage returned alone. ¡°Thank you so much, my Lord.¡± ¡°¡­¡± However, it seemed that it was not a problem at all for Senelia. She was now saying goodbye to their relationship with the ring as her consolation money. ¡°Are you going to just take this and leave my mansion?¡± Benelucia asked her in surprise. He was never a stingy man when it came to his lovers. Of course, the gifts belonged to the women, and when they parted, they would be separately apologized to and compensated for the length of time they were together. However, Senelia only took a single artifact ring out of all the gifts Benelucia had given her during the past 7 years. ¡°It¡¯s a reasonable reward for these six years,¡± Senelia replied graciously. Her reply left the man before her speechless. It was eight years ago when she begun to hang around him. Seven years since the two of them spent together in bed. But six years. Six years after Benelucia agreed to be lovers. Teleportation is a high-level magic and of course, artifact rings with such enchantments were expensive. Moreover, the ring was not just a one-time use. It was made of the highest quality mana stones. So it could be considered as a long-term item. But Benelucia did not measure the ¡®value¡¯ of his gifts. So, if it was simply as repayment for the six years, then the ring could really be a ¡®reasonable amount of consolation.¡¯ If he had paid Senelia a reward according to his previous flame, then that ring would suffice. It would truly be a sword-accurate calculation. So Senelia really did choose a reasonable amount of consolation money. I didn¡¯t choose to take anything with me, that will only result in me looking as if I have regrets. And true to what she said, she didn¡¯t pretend to ask for more to satisfy any greed or remaining regrets. There had never been such a clean farewell. ¡°¡­ I have never looked back on a person I broke up with.¡± The Duke spoke without thought. Was that so? Like a skillful senator, Senelia cut all relations to with him smoothly and without any prior notice. Though she couldn¡¯t help wanting to have the last word. ¡°Yes, I know.¡± Senelia nodded her head and added calmly. ¡°You won¡¯t have to worry about me being a bother to Your Majesty. I will do as you have asked of me from the moment I first met His Majesty.¡± Benelucia laughed. I¡¯m worried that I¡¯ll bother you. For a moment, he felt a sinking feeling in his chest and wanted to desperately ask, did you ever bother with me? Senelia had never bothered her lover in these eight years. Even when she was around him, or when he agreed to allow her into his bed. She had never done more. That was all. She had no intention of mending the breakup. ¡°Is it for this moment today that you had never brought my gifts to the townhouse?¡± The young lady¡¯s face showed a rare, involuntary expression of surprise. She always tried to remain familiar with the Duke and show how much she ¡®loves¡¯ him. So her expressions where always controlled, never letting on to her inner most thoughts and feelings. So it was surprising that the Duke knew about it. A smiling face always so obedient. As her face showed her honest thoughts, Benelucia¡¯s lips twisted. You¡¯re surprised that I know what you were thinking. He felt dirty when he realized how little expectations Senelia had of him. ¡°I¡¯m sorry if I offended you.¡± As soon as Senelia spoke, Benelucia¡¯s face distorted. As always, there were no self-explanations, she just gave words tailored to his needs. The young lady¡¯s manner suddenly changed. Became a mess as if she was worried that she might have upset him. ¡°There are too many beautiful things in your mansion Your Grace, so I didn¡¯t bring them with me because I didn¡¯t think they would fit here.¡± Those words sounded like a story to Benelucia¡¯s ears. What she most likely means is that there was nothing that captured her heart enough to want to bring with her. He snorted. He really did believe that his interpretation had some truth to it. As Senelia had said, if it was so beautiful, why did she not get greedy? The Grand Duke suddenly stood. I thought that talking with Senelia wouldn¡¯t make me feel more like a beggar. Benelucia, who had strode out of the drawing room, quickly turned back to her. His mouth opened to speak. ¡°Goodbye, my Lord.¡± Senelia, who¡¯d followed him to the door, beat him to it and politely bowed her knees. ¡°¡­¡± That was the end of it. It was farewell. CH 7 Senelia and Benelucia first met during the masquerade ball. Like most of the youthful men and women in attendance, the two happened to spend the rest of the night together. ¡°I love you.¡± The following morning, Senelia uttered exclaimed to Benelucia. Once hearing her claim, his shoulders sunk in exhaustion. A man loved by the mass would never be moved by few mummers of a young lady¡¯s heartfelt love. ¡°- But today will be the last time I will utter this to you, My Lord.¡± It was at that moment, listening to Senelia¡¯s words, the duke felt his boredom fade. ¡°I will never say that to you again, so¡­ If the Grand Duke would ever request my presence, please call for me.¡± This meant that she would never speak those words to the duke again. At the same time, it had become the humblest confession of a young lady. Because her confession stated that it would be all right if she were thrown away at the end. As it was worth it. As she had gotten to confess her love. It intrigued the duke for a moment, but Benelucia felt as though it was not that big of a deal. As at the beginning, many a woman would pretend to enjoy themselves without greed for more than he¡¯d give. Yet in the end, they clung to him, overtaken with thoughts for more. I don¡¯t need you. So, Benelucia laughed lightly at her heartfelt words¡­ And left. During the first nightly meeting of the two, Senelia would wake alone on a bed that had long gone cold. It would be a month later that they would spend a night together again. But the end was no different than their previous night. It was the same the first time. Why would it change the second? It was obvious. After that, Senelia was graced with the presence of Benelucia repeatedly. The process of which never changed. At first, Senelia would never desired more than what was given, was amazed. After, I decided how long I could go without losing my patience. So, she brought him into her townhouse. And now today. We part. *** ¡°Haa¡­ What a perfect lover.¡± Remembering Senelia, Benelucia smiled bitterly. Come to think of it, she had never once broken her promises. ¡°¡­ I did.¡± There was no one to listen to his whispered words. It was Senelia, who would graciously accept his advances knowing that he would heartlessly leave once his goal was achieved. As Benelucia visited her again, there was no parting on his part. Rather, this time, it was Senelia who had announced her leave. So, this is farewell. ¡°It is going to annoy me for a bit.¡± Benelucia clicked his tongue in annoyance. When the news of his breakup reaches the aristocrats, flocks of nobles sniff him out. The heads of each family. Their hostesses. Young masters. Young ladies. Because they all want to have a connection with his house. They want the power that a concubine of his would possess. That was it. And yet, Senelia would not be there. Benelucia laid across his bed, eyes firmly shut. Nothing will change. *** ¡°Your Highness, you look pale.¡± ¡°¡­¡± The commander of the Grand Duke¡¯s Knights Templar stated as he fought with Benelucia. ¡°Hamilton, can you afford to comment about my complexion at a time like this?¡± Clang! A quick swing of his sword, Benelucia struck. The force of his attack caused the commander¡¯s sword to break and thrown away. The entire day- No, to be more precise, ever since Senelia left the mansion, everyone would inquire if I were ill. The last time I saw Senelia, it seemed like there was nothing wrong with me. Tch! How frustrating. ¡°If take your time chatting, next time my sword will take your neck. Is that how you fight on the battlefield? With your head in the clouds?¡± Benelucia snorted. He had to live as if a mercenary, at the command of the emperor, he and his knights would unhesitatingly go into battle. ¡°Repeat your regular training for today, twice.¡± ¡°Yes sir. I will do as you say.¡± Hamilton immediately bowed his head, his mistake humbly admitted. After the Duke gave his order, he obeyed. Suddenly, Benelucia felt the start of a stabbing headache. ¡­ I feel tired. Benelucia sighed secretly. He had spoken harshly to the Knight¡¯s Commander, but in fact, for the past week he has had trouble sleeping. I dreamt of the battlefield again. It¡¯s been a while. The sights pf the screams and rotting stench was vivid and frightening. So, after startling awake, the duke had trouble falling back asleep. Benelucia tiredly massaged his temples. Why at a time like this? It had been a long time since he has had that dream. He had almost forgotten. The duke thought back. ¡°Would you like have something to drink and lie down? We can talk. Just until you fall asleep.¡± Whenever he had a nightmare, Senelia would serve him a cup of hot coffee. As he drank, Senelia who was usually silent, spoke continuously. As he focused on her story, he would gradually fall asleep. Was that so? He thought. He always wanted to hear her voice. Ha! How annoying. Benelucia, who notice the path his thoughts had wandered to, frowned. It was because he could not think of any other solution besides Senelia. It was then that he felt he had taken his first steps to becoming an idiot. Was he not just a moment ago confident that nothing would change? It¡¯s not like I can¡¯t sleep. What¡¯s the big deal? So, Benelucia decided to move forward. After all, his body wasn¡¯t weak. Not sleeping for a month or two would not be a cause for worry. Sleep, he thought. If I get more tired, I will eventually fall asleep without worry. Benelucia thought that if he continued like this, he would not have a problem with Senelia¡¯s departure. Because she is just one person. And she no longer lives in his mansion. *** ¡°¡­ The taste has changed.¡± Benelucia took a sip of coffee to combat his exhaustion. He removed the cu and glared down at the cup. Today, the coffee scent was weak. Most importantly, the taste was bitter. Without a second thought, he summoned the attendant. ¡°How can you call this coffee? The taste is terrible.¡± As far as his Duke residence was concerned, the coffee beans purchased was of the best quality. So, if there was a problem with the taste of his drink, Benelucia thought it was the attendant¡¯s skills that was lacking. The attendant¡¯s expression crumpled visibly. ¡°That er¡­ It is the normal coffee beans Your Highness.¡± ¡°Then what is the problem?¡± ¡°¡­ The Daphnen¡¯s Young Lady usually made Your Highness¡¯s coffee. She would soak her beans in icy water before magically preserving it.¡± Benelucia could understand what he meant without listening to the entire backstory. So, now my coffee is also gone. He should have known. He was tired. One month. Two months. Huh. He hadn¡¯t even lasted a week. So, he tried to drink coffee as usual on an empty stomach. ¡°Then why don¡¯t you make it the same way?¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°The¡­ The Young Lady Senelia had always made it herself. No one knows how she did it. We have been trying to replicate it right now.¡± The result was this. The weak cries of the attendant got on his nerves. Bang! Benelucia¡¯s fist harshly fell against the surface of his desk. ¡°What the hell were you people doing when Senelia was making it? You don¡¯t even know how she did it!¡± Brewing coffee with cold water instead of hot water was not a common method if brewing. So, it wasn¡¯t necessarily the servants¡¯ fault for not knowing it. It was a method that Senelia should not have known either. Well, that is, if she had not remembered her past life. In any case, the employees didn¡¯t know how she made it. No matter how cold the water was, the brewed coffee didn¡¯t taste the same. ¡°The Young Lady said she had learnt it somewhere about three years ago. She said she could make it herself and would not need our assistance¡­ I didn¡¯t think. Forgive me Young Lord.¡± The attendant bowed at the waist and begged for forgiveness. Benelucia¡¯s fury paused. As Senelia had lived with him in his Afron Mansion, for over a year or two, everyone had gotten use to her existence. It was not only the duke. The mansion¡¯s employees as well. That is why three years ago, no one thought it was strange that a Young Lady knew about such things. After all, they had thought that Senelia would always remain in this mansion. ¡°Get out.¡± It was an order from a duke. Fury. Maybe it¡¯s normal. Because Senelia had stayed in his mansion for six years. Still. His discomfort was intense. Benelucia understood. His mansion¡­ And him. They had become accustomed to Senelia. ¡­ Though Senelia didn¡¯t seem to think the same. If not, then she would not have left the mansion without an ounce of remorse. Without coveting anything from him. The traces she left behind were not particularly great. It was so miniscule that he was not usually aware of it. ¡°¡­ It¡¯s annoying¡­ Why is it-Is it annoying?¡± However, the more those traces exposed themselves in his eyes, the more they pricked at him. Like a thorn of a rose, embedded deep into the tip of his finger. ¡­ Annoying. Benelucia licked his lips. For the first time, he allowed his thoughts to wonder. He thought about his ex-lover. The duke hoped Senelia was losing her confidence. He didn¡¯t want her to move on. Only then will you have no choice but to come back to me. *** Senelia had moved on. It had been a week after the breakup, and she was doing better that ¡®well¡¯. Because, unlike in the Grand Duke¡¯s residence, in her very own townhouse, there was no need to be on edge. Or pretend. On the contrary, dare she say, it was peaceful. Thinking of Benelucia, his brother the emperor and his first love, Lucalina came to mind. Especially the fact that I should never love him. With those types of thoughts, she naturally felt tired. She had been working hard for eight years now. So, it wasn¡¯t unreasonable for Senelia to occasionally fall ill from time to time. Even during the past week. She would take a rest. But unfortunately, her vacation ended here. ¡°Looks like my dog has become overly comfortable these last few days.¡± ¡°¡­!¡± The emperor has come to visit. In the middle of the night. CH 8 As soon as the voice reached her ears, her knees buckled as she knelt on the floor. Instinct made her react before her brain even realized her situation. ¡°Should I say I¡¯m glad? Glad that you seem to have not forgotten your master?¡± Cliff¡¯s soft voice spoke, as his eyes narrowed in contrast. As if I had forgotten what I was tasked with and went about playing. ¡°How dare I do that, Your Highness?¡± Senelia spoke with her head bowed down towards the ground. She was still terrified of the emperor. ¡°You must have not remembered that there is only one year left until Lucalina returns.¡± It was an emperor¡¯s warning. When Lucalina returned, Benelucia would fall hopelessly in love with her again¡­ Then Senelia¡¯s miniscule grace period would have ended. ¡°Trust me. I will never go back on my oath to His Majesty. Even this parting with the duke this right now, haven¡¯t I already confessed the reason to His Majesty?¡± Parting with Benelucia was a necessary step for Senelia to take the place of the shadow on his heart cast by Lucalina. ¡°Yes, you did inform me. But I doubt your methods-¡± Senelia¡¯s head lowered as she bit her lip in frustration. The emperor¡¯s words were blunt and to the point. I want to cry. I¡¯m so angry. Was there anyone who ever believed in Cliff de Helios, truly? Even in the original Thorn of Chloracean, another such opponent did not appear. But he was blaming Senelia for something like this, and she didn¡¯t like it. Unfortunately, her opponent was the emperor, whom has been holding onto her lifeline for the past eight years. ¡°I will do everything in my power to gain your trust.¡± As always, Senelia had only one line to say. ¡°Do anything¡­?¡± The emperor pretended to be troubled and lightly whispered. At that moment, Senelia had an inkling. This time, the emperor had come not for surveillance or to give simple warnings¡­ No. The emperor had come because he had something to do that required him to turn up in person. With the eight years in which she followed Cliff¡¯s orders; she could probably guess what it could be. The emperor, who had been playing for as long as he wanted, finally opened his mouth. ¡°Then, at the Imperial banquet, your partner should be the Earl Pendragon¡¯s son.¡± Senelia felt her body tremble at the commanding words of the emperor. Yenelov Pendragon. He was the longtime enemy of Benelucia during politics, in the social world of elites. No matter who you are, or where you are, everyone knew this. ¡°-If that happens Your Highness, we may be misunderstood¡­ And then, wouldn¡¯t all your plans thus far have been in vain?¡± Senelia forced her voice not to tremble. But, as usual, the confidence in her voice never stood a chance in front of the emperor. However, her words were quite valid. If asked, has there ever been women who used other men to gain the duke¡¯s attention, the answer would be no. So, Senelia had to be special. She could not be categorized as the same, she had to be someone no one would be able to replace. ¡°My dog sure is talkative.¡± At that moment, her spine chilled with goosebumps. Thud. She slammed her forehead unforgivingly against the hard ground. ¡°I dare not utter such nonsense. Please forgive me just this once.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not asking you so I can kill you.¡± The emperor muttered softly. Just a few words about life and death from his mouth would cause her body to enter a state of shock. Oh, why did I vomit out such words to Cliff? Senelia regretted her words as soon as they were spoken. ¡°Ha-ha.¡± Had she not heard the emperor¡¯s laughter at that moment, she would have lived in her regret a hundred times. ¡°It¡¯s a joke. Why would I kill such a submissive dog?¡± Cliff directly bent at the knees and made eye contact with Senelia. Nevertheless, his height was quite considerable, so he still managed to look down at her. The emperor¡¯s dog. Always submissive. To call a person as such could not have been as insulting. Even so, I have never felt as much shame as I do right now. But Senelia was too afraid of the emperor. For eight years her fear grew. It was a subtle fear. ¡°At that time, I didn¡¯t know you¡¯d be this good, Sally.¡± Cliff¡¯s voice suddenly softened. Her nickname came off his lips arbitrarily. But it was understandably perhaps, that Senelia never expressed even a single ounce of dissatisfaction with him. ¡°Really, it was surprising.¡± Cliff grabbed Senelia¡¯s chin and lifted it to face him. ¡°I mean, you have a lot of patience and are much more thorough that I would have thought.¡± The emperor¡¯s seemingly friendly fingers caressed Senelia¡¯s cheek. ¡°But it doesn¡¯t bother me in the least.¡± As Cliff¡¯s face drew closer to her, she felt the urge to close her eyes. But even that was not within her control. Senelia froze as she looked up at the emperor. ¡°Sometimes I think I was too good to Benelucia. Too good to give him you¡­ Too good.¡± The longer Senelia stayed by Benelucia¡¯s side, and the closer she got to capturing him, the more the emperor smiled in satisfaction. For seemingly no reason. However, it was arguably the first time he had spoken his honest thoughts like this directly. At that moment, Senelia felt it was difficult to breathe. To Cliff, who up to now remained unwed, Senelia, who pretended to be dead as soon as she saw him, appeared more and more pleasing to his eye. She would make a fine empress to wield. He had a terrible idea. ¡°Maybe, there is a way in which you can survive, without Benelucia.¡± Cliff said with interest. It was Senelia who had to endure the gossip of the social world when she was in a long-term relationship with the duke without an engagement. It was at that point that she realized that her worth had changed from what it was all that time ago. Cliff was right though. She had followed him silently for eight years. If nothing else, it proved that she never had the courage to change her fate or go against him. Besides, if she was made into an empress, he would be able to keep the thorns of Chloracean by his side. Always watching over her. If the emperor decided to make her his empress, she would have to forever endure and live in fear for the rest of her life. Are you going to continue to spend your life until death like this? Senelia¡¯s lips trembled. Just imagining such a fate was terrible. The reason she managed to preserve up to now was by desperately holding onto the hope that one day this life could end. ¡°Never¡­¡± ¡°¡­¡± I can¡¯t do that. I can¡¯t say that. ¡°I will not fail you.¡± Senelia couldn¡¯t help but feel her heart ache in pain again. The facts have not changed, the only way for her to still live and breathe is Benelucia Afron. ¡°It¡¯s done, it¡¯s sad to hear you say it like that.¡± Even with her defeated words, Cliff still smiled. ¡°Even if you fail, my intention to kill you is pretty much gone.¡± The was no such thing as failing a task entrusted to you by the emperor. If she failed, there would be a price she would have to pay. She was only what she deserved. But Cliff did not say such words. He made her feel his meaning first-hand through their conversation. Cliff de Helios was still cruel to Senelia. ¡°¡­ How dare I fail the task His Majesty has given to me.¡± Senelia struggled to speak. ¡°Well, if you say so.¡± The emperor answered as if she had forced him to accept it. As if he didn¡¯t plan the entire skit. Senelia felt as though she was in her own created skit. A play in which she was nothing but a clown, performing her tricks. ¡°Then, see you at the banquet.¡± The emperor said. As always, with his intentions beginning to seed and grow, he could now leave. Back to his Imperial Palace. ¡°Yes, Your Majesty.¡± Senelia, never changing, bowed in greeting. The emperor left. Only after the shadow of the emperor had left, did Senelia feel herself collapse. She collapsed into an awkward heap. When fear leaves, misery takes its place. Her forehead, which had been harshly driven against the unforgiving floor, hurt. Senelia slowly got up from her place and familiarly took out a potion. Potions were considered items difficult to find. A low-ranking noblewoman such as herself would have never been in possession of such an item. But she was able to get a hold of such a thing thanks to the emperor who provided it. Her hand shook as she applied the potion to her wound. Whether she shook due to her pain or misery, it wasn¡¯t certain. Nor did she care to tell which. Yes, because it was of no difference. *** Benelucia rarely attended such banquets without a partner. But just for today, it seemed like having a person next to him endlessly babbling would be rather annoying. And even rarer than that¡­ He found himself waiting for a certain someone. What are you doing now? Benelucia¡¯s eyes darkened. He couldn¡¯t bear to leave his seat, even though sitting and waiting was something he had never done. Senelia had never once acted as a master in his Afron¡¯s residence. But surprisingly, many of the tasks of the manor was run by her. The thoughts of Benelucia, who had lived as a part of the Imperial family for a long time, was difficult gauge. Senelia, who remembered the original story, knew this well. She knew his tastes. And what the advice given to the Archduke¡¯s servants when asked, were now an established system used to run the Archduke¡¯s mansion. As a result, Benelucia had been feeling highly uncomfortable during Senelia¡¯s absence. She had completely integrated herself with the Grand Duke¡¯s residence, just as she intended. ¡­ What am I going to do with you, Sally? Benelucia sighed inwardly. Even just thinking about it, it was ridiculous to ask her what her reasons for meddling in his mansion. Because Senelia did nothing, but ease Benelucia¡¯s worries. We¡¯ve already broken up. Come to think of it, when she resided in his home, he lived a life where he never paid attention to the ins and outs of what was going on around him. Whether he realized this or not at that time, didn¡¯t matter anymore. It was only now that what she had done had finally come to light. We¡¯ve already broken up. Clinging to your ex was something that Benelucia had always considered unsightly. Wasn¡¯t that also agreed upon by Senelia herself? Should I go back? Benelucia who felt tired, was more decadent at present. Many of those around him approached. He didn¡¯t feel like engaging in acts of dance, so he had stood, leaning against a wall up until that very moment. Rather than wasting his time like that, he thought it was better for him to leave. Still, something strange and unexpected held him back. ¡°The Young Lord Pendragon and his partner, Lady Daphnen, have arrived.¡± At that moment, the servant¡¯s loud voice rang out. CH 9 Benelucia doubted his ears. However, as if to prove that what he heard was not an auditory hallucination, the eyes of the nobles focused on the door of the banquet hall. All in all, it was an interesting topic. No matter what the Archduke did, Senelia Daphnen, who had always stayed at his side, appeared at the banquet hall with an escort! The door opened and Senelia and Yenelov entered the banquet hall, arms linked. Unlike the Duke whose complexion had turned pasty due to lack of sleep, Senelia¡¯s appearance appeared to be fine. No, in the contrary¡­ She seems particularly beautiful today. ¡°¡­Was the Daphnen¡¯s young lady always this beautiful?¡± This time, it wasn¡¯t just Benelucia¡¯s mistake. As he had heard another similar comment from somewhere else in the aristocratic group. ¡°The Grand Duke is so gorgeous that we have just not realized it. With the young lord Pendragon next to her, she looks different.¡± From the gossip, one sentence from the lively conversation struck the duke¡¯s ear. He hated it. Senelia, who had dark, purple hair and red eyes, had the tendency to look particularly dark in contrast when she was with Benelucia. Benelucia, who had splendid blonde hair and shiny, silver eyes. However, with the achromatic Yenelov, with his gray hair and black eyes, her unique color stood out in particular. As if proving the fact that the choice of person beside Senelia would showcase her beauty more. Benelucia felt his stomach twisted. He refused to put up with it and approached the two seemingly ¡®main characters¡¯ of the banquet. ¡°Sally.¡± He dared to mention Senelia¡¯s nickname. ¡°I greet you, Grand Duke-¡± ¡°I have something to tell you.¡± With Yenelov¡¯s greeting to the Archduke interrupted, Benelucia pretended as if he was not present. Ignore him, he thought and continued. Senelia¡¯s gaze while looking at Benelucia remained calm. ¡°Sally.¡± He called for her again. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Your Majesty. If it¡¯s calling that name, then I¡¯ll accept it, but¡­ If not, I do not think I will be able to leave the young lord Pendragon¡¯s side.¡± Benelucia¡¯s face hardened. Unless the opposition was of closer relation to you than your partner, it was polite to remain by your partner¡¯s side during a banquet. However, from the standpoint of Senelia, the daughter of a Viscount, there was no possible way for her to refuse the order of the Archduke. In other words, she used the politest of refusals given, all the while stating that her relationship with the Duke Benelucia was no deeper than her relationship with Yenelov. ¡°Ha.¡± Benelucia looked down at Senelia in shock. If he continued to act in this situation, then he would be literally dragging her away. Senelia¡¯s expression was simply calm. She met Benelucia¡¯s gaze as if she had not been agitated. Benelucia¡¯s lips twisted. Damn that face that doesn¡¯t change no matter what I do. Why are you being so kind to me? And for eight years. Damn it. ¡°Young Lord Pendragon, allow me to take Sally.¡± So, with that, the Grand Duke grabbed Senelia¡¯s wrist and left the banquet hall. *** The Grand Duke has his own private lounge in the Imperial Palace. This is where Benelucia led Senelia to. ¡°Tell me, Sally.¡± As soon as they entered the room, Benelucia turned to face and question her. It was at that moment when Senelia, who had remained silent all this time, finally reacted. ¡°I don¡¯t understand what you are trying to say, my lord.¡± And it wasn¡¯t the answer that Benelucia was hoping for. ¡°Why do you pretend to not understand what I¡¯m saying? I asked why are you with Yenelov Pendragon.¡± Benelucia asked sharply. I was upset when I had to listen about another man being a better fit for Senelia. But Senelia asked in that constantly polite tone as before. ¡°Is that an order?¡± ¡°¡­What?¡± The reply was unexpected. Leaving Benelucia stunned for a moment, reflexively question. ¡°Otherwise, I think it would be disrespectful to Pendragon¡¯s young lord. To have to explain private matters between the two of us to my lord.¡± Again, Benelucia felt his stomach twist. Again, and again. Senelia was drawing a line between herself and Benelucia. That the relationship between her and any other person was no longer his concern. ¡°Isn¡¯t the fact that you broke up with me, and then appeared here with Yenelov Pendragon, all means to provoke me?¡± He nervously ruffled his hair. He was angry at her behavior, but he couldn¡¯t find the right actions. It was because he was completely agitated by his actions. ¡°Ha¡­ I¡¯ll overlook your provocations this time. So don¡¯t do this again.¡± Taking a deep breath, Benelucia gave her a soft warning. It¡¯s very embarrassing for me to overlook something like this. To be honest, contrary to the rumors of those in the social world, Benelucia didn¡¯t care about the goings of Pendragon¡¯s young lord. But today, he was annoyed at the fact that Pendragon¡¯s young lord had occupied Senelia¡¯s side. That was a dent on his pride. It¡¯s something I don¡¯t ever want to go through twice. ¡°I don¡¯t know what you are talking about.¡± ¡°I am going to give you the breakup that you wanted, and I¡¯ll also give you something else that you didn¡¯t ask for before.¡± Benelucia thought that was the end of it. Senelia would let go of her stubbornness. If not, what would be the reason for her to appear at the imperial banquet with Yenelov Pendragon. It was well known that they were against one another. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, my lord. I have no intention of pretending like my breakup with Your Majesty never happened.¡± Of course, that was a one-sided dream of Benelucia. His brow furrowed. ¡°You do know what this means right now?¡± Benelucia questioned, as if he did not believe Senelia. ¡°I have told you that I have no intention of glossing over our breakup.¡± Benelucia pursed his lips. He didn¡¯t want to hear that answer. So like a parrot, he asked again. ¡°Senelia Daphnen.¡± ¡°Yes, Grand Duke?¡± ¡°Are you really going to break up with me?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Senelia¡¯s answer was unwavering. Benelucia was displeased. If she had been serious about the breakup, then what was the reason for her to come to the banquet with Yenelov Pendragon? Yenelov was amid his marriageable age. And Senelia had long since passed that time. He didn¡¯t know who put those two together, but the intention was already clear. ¡°¡­Now them are you saying that you are to marry Pendragon?¡± Senelia didn¡¯t answer. But Benelucia took her silence as such. ¡°Are you angry with me?¡± He still could not understand her choice. Even when he deliberately had a scandal with other women as if to confide in her, she had never said anything about it. However, maybe she was unable to stand the fact that he appeared in public with a young lady other than herself? Looking back, maybe this is the reason. Benelucia thought that it would be good if that were the case. Because it meant that Senelia had finally reacted to his actions. ¡°If that is the case, I have nothing to do with Lumina Erdella.¡± Benelucia was the first to give Senelia an excuse for her recent behavior. ¡°You Majesty, you have no need to explain to me.¡± But she snipped that thought. ¡°It means there is nothing between you and me.¡± Due to her reply, an unpleasant sensation resurfaced in Benelucia. He didn¡¯t know if that was the reason for the breakup, or is it acceptable for him to officially appear with another woman¡­ But neither was a desirable outcome. After all, Senelia¡¯s words meant that they would no longer have anything to do with one another. How can I be so upset? Benelucia clenched his fists so as to not shout out in front of Senelia. It was then, Senelia¡¯s expression changed. Which did not escape Benelucia¡¯s sharp eyes. He noticed that he was still holding Senelia¡¯s wrist. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you say you was in pain?¡± Benelucia forgot his anger in his surprise, and immediately let go of her wrist while shouting out. Senelia had foolishly not made a sound while a bruise formed on her wrist. It was annoying. He quickly took out a transparent potion from his pocket. It was a highly concentrated potion with the purest divine power to be used by the Grand Duke. ¡°This is not something I dare to use.¡± Senelia pushed the Duke¡¯s hand away. ¡°Ha¡­ Why did you stay still when your wrist was bruised?¡± Benelucia groaned. Although Senelia was dragged out of the banquet hall, she had not dared to touch the body of the Grand Duke. Why? Because she was no longer Benelucia¡¯s lover. So, she could no longer reach out to him at will. The duke was truly amazed. This potion, did Senelia value it more than her own body? ¡°¡­Your Majesty!¡± Senelia seldomly raised her voice. At this time, the cause was Benelucia. Benelucia who had just poured the potion directly into her bruised wrist. A potion that was priced as much as a single mansion. ¡°Stay still.¡± Benelucia gave a command. Senelia was stunned for a moment. How ridiculous it was, that he would treat a mere maiden such as herself, with such an expensive potion so casually. Maybe it¡¯s a feeling of inferiority. Benelucia would never become such a messed-up person. Though Senelia couldn¡¯t stop thinking about it. CH 10 It wasn¡¯t because Benelucia¡¯s actions were romantic or right. It was very unpleasant for her to be dragged by her wrists so forcibly. Nevertheless, she needed Benelucia. It was the only way to get what she wanted. So, she endured it. However, Benelucia¡¯s behavior of injuring her and then treating her unwilling aroused antipathy within her, which she then suppressed. [T/N: antipathy means an aversion or a strong feeling of dislike.] Harshly. Senelia resolutely slapped Benelucia¡¯s hand that held her away. It was an act that even she was unaware of. Senelia, realizing her impulsive action, shut her mouth firmly and spoke out a second later. ¡°¡­If you do not have anything else to say to me, I¡¯ll just leave.¡± Senelia turned her back on Benelucia. To her, he was a Grand Duke, and she knew exhaustively that she had to be polite to the end, and to when to draw the line. However, I don¡¯t want to do this. I¡¯m terribly tired after that meeting with Cliff yesterday and now wrestling with Benelucia today. ¡°Wait, Sally.¡± Benelucia recaptured Senelia. Unlike before, it was a cautious touch. Come to think of it, she had never taken care of herself, so he had to be careful. ¡°Are you in need of someone to marry?¡± Senelia felt her expression harden at Benelucia¡¯s sudden question. She couldn¡¯t help it but feel so with her twisted heart. That the Benelucia Afron was talking about marriage. ¡­Until now, there no mention of an engagement, let alone a marriage. How could she not be angry? Senelia had long passed the age of marriage. Yenelov was of marriable age. So, it wasn¡¯t unreasonable for Benelucia to draw that conclusion. But at least, Senelia¡¯s marriage age wasn¡¯t something he could ask about as if just a passing by. ¡°¡­Did the Viscount¡¯s urge you again?¡± When Senelia remained silent, Benelucia continued. Her body trembled. I didn¡¯t know he would even know about that. As Senelia had approached the middle of her marriageable age, the Viscount and Viscountess had mentioned a word about marriage to her every time. At first, they too, had held a small hope that the Archduke would take up their daughter in marriage, but when nothing came of it, they had given up. Nevertheless, Senelia became angry when she upset when she stayed at the Grand Duke¡¯s residency without getting engaged, let alone married, until she passed the age of marriage. And like any child, she didn¡¯t want her parents to learn to resign to it instead of having any expectations. ¡°¡­Did you know?¡± Senelia¡¯s voice was subtly enraged. Even if she remembered her past life, it was the Viscount couple who had raised her and loved her until now. Now her family was the Daphnen family. Even while watching the process of their disappointment grow, Senelia had never told Benelucia to get engaged or married. He also didn¡¯t say anything about it either. It was so that it didn¡¯t look as if she wanted something from him. She wasn¡¯t the only one who had endured the years Senelia spent with the duke. But it seemed as if Benelucia had been aware of the facts. Her heart couldn¡¯t take the truth. ¡°¡­Yes.¡± At Senelia¡¯s question, Benelucia had bit his lip for a moment. But in the end, he had no choice but to nod his head and admit. At that moment, Senelia¡¯s mood plummeted. ¡°Since when?¡± She didn¡¯t even realize that she was now talking to him as though she was interrogating him. ¡°¡­If their children were not even engaged by the time they had reached marriable age, the parents would be worried.¡± Benelucia refused to meet her gaze. He didn¡¯t specify, but it meant he knew for a while. Senelia was amazed. I don¡¯t know what to say. Then, the duke continued to speak as if he was making excuses. ¡°But Sally, I waited for you to speak to me about this, but you hadn¡¯t said a word.¡± To Senelia, Benelucia¡¯s words sounded as if he was blaming herself for being silent. You acted so ignorantly, and now you come and blame me. She couldn¡¯t hold back and immediately retorted. ¡°If I did, could Your Majesty have done anything for me?¡± It was funny. Had she told him about it, Senelia would have been cut off from Benelucia. She was sure of it. ¡°Yes, of course¡­¡± So, for the first time, Senelia interrupted Benelucia and her words flowed out like vomit. ¡°Of course, there would have been nothing.¡± And for the first time, she spoke to the grand duke as if sarcastically. ¡°No way¡­!¡± Benelucia tried to refute her, but Senelia did not listen to what he had to say this time. ¡°It could be. Your Majesty the Grand Duke still only loves one person, right?¡± The second Senelia spoke those words, Benelucia¡¯s complexion changed drastically. In short, it was clear for anyone to see. She smiled as if accomplished. What are you going to do with this topic? ¡°Shut up, Sally.¡± Benelucia warned her. But Senelia ignored his warning. The possibility that her current actions may in fact ruin all of her progress did not come to mind. She hated him, who neglected not only hers, but also her parent¡¯s suffering. I hate it so much! It feels as if my entire body is being torn into pieces from the inside out. So, Senelia couldn¡¯t stand still without having her say. ¡°Lucalina Elihan. That¡¯s the person who resides in the Grand Duke¡¯s heart, so how dare I ask His Majesty to marry me?¡± Senelia spat Lucalina¡¯s name from her lips. ¡°I know my place, My Lord.¡± It all felt so twisted. Grind. She could hear teeth being ground. For a long time, the name of Lucalina was a taboo for Benelucia. She was the only reason that stopped the emperor when he had sent a young boy into battle. In return, Lucalina had also being thrown into the battlefield from an early age. At the time, Cliff had spilt countless blood in order to ascend to the throne, so no one wanted to step in and stop his decision. Benelucia had then given Lucalina his love for a lifetime. But Senelia had now spoken of that name. ¡°If I had known that you would so quickly switch from me to Young Lord Pendragon just so that you can get married, then I wouldn¡¯t have minded if you had left right away.¡± Benelucia spoke out sharply. It was words uttered by a person used intentionally to stab as a vice and thoroughly injure the opponent. ¡°Yes. I know. I was foolishly attached.¡± But Senelia did not allow herself to lose. It was natural. Just because one more blade stabbed into her already tattered heart, she wouldn¡¯t let it show. ¡°I¡¯m not really blaming the Grand Duke. I¡¯ve never held onto any expectations from you in the first place.¡± Senelia, who had already masterfully hidden her expression, replied in her usual calm tone. Because I know it is easier to hide my feelings to not upset people further. Because Senelia was the one who had to suffer from the emperor every single time. ¡°¡­Ha. Yes, you never did ask me for anything. Never.¡± Benelucia¡¯s words were spat out at Senelia. Her intentions were completed successfully. Because Benelucia now felt dirty. He couldn¡¯t gauge how much Senelia knew about Lucalina. It was only at that moment in time that he had found out that she even cared about Lucalina. Senelia had never told her story for eight years. So, he just couldn¡¯t tell. When Senelia had finally made him aware, Benelucia felt dirty. Ever since Senelia¡¯s departure from his Duke Afron residency, he came discovered something. It was the fact that Senelia knew him even better than he had originally thought. But compared to that fact, he didn¡¯t know even half of what made Senelia, well, Senelia. From the first time, he knew nothing else about her other than her smiling silently at his side, nodding her head, and answering only when asked questions. ¡°Yes, so don¡¯t worry Your Majesty. Even if I want to desperately marry you, as Your Majesty said, I should never bother you with it.¡± Senelia said, bluntly. Even if she couldn¡¯t hurt Benelucia as he didn¡¯t love her, she at least hoped that he would feels as bad as she felt right now. ¡°¡­If not me¡­?¡± When he had first mentioned Yenelov Pendragon, when she had said that he wasn¡¯t the only one, Benelucia¡¯s feelings plummeted deeper and deeper. ¡°According to Your Majesty¡¯s words, I may switch to the Pendragon¡¯s Young Lord.¡± Senelia¡¯s provocation, which was words taken directly from Benelucia¡¯s own mouth, worked perfectly. ¡°Sally!¡± Someone other himself standing next to Senelia. The second he imagined it, Benelucia raised his voice at her without even realizing it. ¡°I am sorry You Majesty, but I can no longer call you by your nickname. Nor do I have any desire to call you such. So please, stop calling me like that.¡± We have no relationship, so let¡¯s not call each other by those nicknames. That was what Senelia meant. At that moment, Benelucia rushed to speak, forgetting why he had been angry up to now. ¡°It¡¯s okay if you marry me, right?¡± On the contrary, those words completely messed up Senelia¡¯s heart, causing it to thump violently. For a split moment, her neck felt sore. She forcibly swallowed and barely made any sound. ¡°¡­That is, are you getting married?¡± It was only a short but weak rebuttal. CH 11 All Senelia¡¯s struggles up to now was a means to marry Benelucia. Only then will she be safe. Only then will she be free from the emperor¡¯s reach. But when he finally did arrive, Benelucia was flippant about marriage. Senelia felt as though those past eight years were useless. If marriage was something he could go through so casually, then what the hell did she need those eight years for? All that humiliation and pain experienced and endured during that time. What was the use of that? Like any other person who were denied the fruits of their labor, Senelia was bound to anger. ¡°Even if I ran out of this banquet hall right now and catch anyone to get married to¡­ It would have nothing to do with the Grand Duke.¡± Senelia spat out the first words that came to mind. For the first time in eight years, her words were spoken without thought, and they were filled with jagged thorns. The thorns that she had faithfully swallowed countless times over. Senelia left Benelucia behind and ran out of the break room. Which in fact, was something she had long since wanted to do. *** With her return to the townhouse, Senelia began to regret her actions. Everything. She regretted everything she had done in the break room. I¡­ It¡¯s all been in vain. Her fear arose. For eight years I struggled. I knew it from the beginning how selfish Benelucia could be. But today, she wasn¡¯t able to endure it. She had gotten furious at him and used the name of Lucalina against him It was pathetic and so terrifying. She hated it so much that she could hardly breathe. ¡°How, how¡­¡± Senelia began to mutter hysterically, all while biting on her thumb. It was an act developed subconsciously as the though of death gave her anxiety. What will I do if Benelucia really wants to break up with me? Senelia kept imagining what would happen. The imaginary Benelucia, looking at her with a tired expression on his face. Eventually turning his back on her. Never looking back. ¡°Urgh¡­!¡± At that precise moment, Senelia¡¯s panting gasps stopped entirely. Thud. Unable to breathe, her body slid off the chairs and fell onto the floor. ¡°¡­Miss!¡± The maid, having readied the bath, opened the door, and ran to Senelia in a panic. However, once Senelia collapsed, she did not react. ¡°Young Lady, calm down! Miss!¡± For a second, Senelia thought to herself¡­ She thought that this might be her only last chance to have some peace. *** Benelucia looked down at the sound asleep Senelia. ¡®The Young Miss collapsed, but I couldn¡¯t contact the priest¡­ Help! Your Majesty!¡¯ As soon as he heard those words, Benelucia felt as if he himself could not breathe. Senelia had collapsed and the maid at her townhouse had urgently sent for a priest, but she had remained unconscious. A priest who could call to the spiritual side of a person was known as a high-leveled priest amongst priests. A lower noble such as Senelia, would not be able to call. So, the maid had run straight to the mansion of the Grand Duke. Senelia hated it, but it was the only available option. As a result, Benelucia was able to see Senelia¡¯s townhouse room for the first time. ¡­Is it because of me? But he paid it no attention, Benelucia had focused entirely on the events of today. Anxiety gave Senelia a pale complexion. ¡­She often had trouble breathing. As he thought back to the maid¡¯s explanation, Benelucia was troubled. They had been together for eight years, and even something like that was unknown to him. According to the maid, Senelia sometimes panicked and had trouble breathing. They said a priest came over several times, but nothing could help her. And then, Senelia had quietly accepted that fact. ¡°¡­Why the hell did I leave you like that?¡± He lowered his voice to a murmur in fear that she might wake up. Senelia had never wanted to be a nuisance for Benelucia. So, for that reason, she had thoroughly hidden her problem, Benelucia had no way of knowing about it. Senelia was a person who pretended to be unwavering in front of the duke. Besides, she hadn¡¯t told anyone, because of one reason. She was walking on thin ice. The emperor¡¯s sword was patiently at the ready to kill her for even the slightest misstep. So Senelia couldn¡¯t help being anxious. She had developed a panic disorder brought on by extreme tension and anxiety. Panic disorder. That was the condition Senelia had been diagnosed with. ¡°How did you hide so much from me?¡± Benelucia thought of Senelia, who was angry at him. Ironically, he had seen more of her after the breakup. It was also the first time he had ever seen Senelia get so upset. He knew she was withholding something from him. But he could not just straight out ask her what she was hiding. Wasn¡¯t I the one who told Senelia from the beginning to not ask for anything? ¡°Is that why you said goodbye to me?¡± No one can hide themselves for their entire lives. As he watched Senelia, whose complexion still didn¡¯t improve with sleep, the thought crept into his now calm mind. It was then that Senelia¡¯s eyelids trembled and fluttered. The moment her red eyes met his gaze, Benelucia felt relieved. He didn¡¯t notice his state of mind. ¡°¡­Majesty?¡± Senelia panicked and spoke. From what she could see, the ceiling was her room in the townhouse. So how was Benelucia there? She had never intended to bring him into her personal space. ¡°You fell, Sally. Are you okay?¡± The Grand Duke replied cautiously in a gentle voice. As if they were lovers who did not part. When she finally believed that Benelucia was really in her room, Senelia¡¯s brows furrowed in an instant. In the end, traces of him will remain in her room from now on. Benelucia Afron had always been very memorable to Senelia. I hate that from now on I will think of him even in my room. ¡°Why are you here, Your Majesty?¡± As a result of her frustration, her words weren¡¯t pretty. ¡°You collapsed, how can I not come?¡± Her words did not anger Benelucia. Rather, he gently patted Senelia as if worried when he noticed she became nervous as soon she woke up. ¡°Sleep some more. Before the priest left, he said you needed to take a break.¡± Senelia bit her lip. What happened in the break room during the banquet was only a brief incident. In the end, Benelucia Afron was arrogant like the rest of the royal family, and yet, miraculously but ironically, he was also a kind person. It was a fact that Senelia, who had been with him for eight years, knew well. Because sometimes the fact that his kindness, when ignoring his selfishness, wasn¡¯t hers at all. It pained her. Let¡¯s go to sleep without thinking about anything. She was feeling depressed. So Senelia forced her thoughts out. Losing her fighting power in an instant, she placed her half-raised upper body back on the bed without another word. If I stay awake, I probably wouldn¡¯t be able to stop overthinking. ¡°I¡¯ll be by your side until you wake up. Sleep well.¡± Benelucia said soothingly. Senelia, ironically, felt relieved. The emperor won¡¯t come to visit her when the Grand Duke was around. In the end, Benelucia was the only one who could save Senelia. Bang. Bang. Bang. Had it not been for the sudden frantic knocking on the door, Senelia would have fallen asleep. ¡°Your Majesty! I have something to report to you!¡± Despite the loud knocking, the Grand Duke did not immediately come out. A voice was heard instead. ¡°Go away.¡± However, even after hearing the urgency in his subordinate¡¯s voice, Benelucia was not swayed. He intended to stay by Senelia¡¯s side as he had promised. But the next words he heard made that impossible. ¡°Your Majesty, the Young Lady Elihan is back!¡± Lucalina Elihan. The duke flinched at her name. He whispered in disbelief. ¡°¡­Lucalina?¡± Lucalina Elihan. In the face of that name, Senelia turned white. Even though the duke sat before her, she had forgotten to take care of her facial expression. ¡­The heroine? Why, why¡­ Already? Senelia¡¯s hands trembled in panic. The reality she had feared every day for the past eight years had finally begun to unfold before her eyes. One year¡­ Wasn¡¯t there one more year left? She repeatedly counted to herself again and again. However, according to the flow of the original from her memories, it was correct for Lucalina to appear only a year later. It was not that Senelia was wrong, the original had changed. Why¡­? I, I ¡­I intervened? Was it because I tried to change the original? Senelia covered her mouth. Because at that moment, a hysterical scream seemed about to come out. CH 12 If you didn¡¯t want the original to change, if you didn¡¯t want things to¡­ Then you shouldn¡¯t have allowed Cliff de Helios in the first place! Senelia felt as though she was being strangled. If the emperor¡¯s setting had remained unchanged, like in the original, then Senelia would have never gotten entangled with Benelucia. Senelia, who was lost in her thoughts, froze as if coming to a sudden realization. I hope I am not like the original host¡­ Because I don¡¯t want to lose as a minor character in love with Benelucia. Therefore¡­? In the original novel, Senelia Daphnen was one of the countless women who had fallen deeply in love with the duke, Benelucia Afron. But when she first met him, she though that she would never get involved with a man such as himself. A handsome and kind man, a man who the entire world knew about. But in reality, he truly loved no one. Even so, most ordinary people could not help but fall for him. Senelia was afraid that if she became emotionally involved with such a man, he would treat her no different from the other women who had been sentenced to breakups with the Grand Duke. So, she avoided it. If that¡¯s the wrong decision. Then what the hell would I do with my life? She faltered. Of course, she would end up angry and cry. In the original, she, like many others, had dated Benelucia. And slowly, grew unable to forget the kindness shown towards them by that handsome man, and the things he gave them. So, it was unfortunate. In other words, Senelia had made a choice as to not end up unhappy in the end. But the price of it, wasn¡¯t it a little too harsh? ¡°¡­lly, Sally!¡± She startled at the abrupt sound of the duke calling her name. Benelucia had her wrapped up in his arms, his head lowered as he gazed at her. ¡°Go, My Lord.¡± It was the experimental instinctive reaction that Senelia had developed during the past eight years. It was the thought of needing to live, a desperate instinct for life. ¡°What?¡± ¡°The Young Lady you¡¯ve waited for has come back.¡± At that moment, Benelucia looked at Senelia blankly. I never assumed you would say something like this here. ¡°¡­Don¡¯t you want me to stay with you?¡± The question was asked unconsciously. Senelia¡¯s personality for the past few years, Benelucia knew it well. But if she had even an ounce of affection for him left, at least¡­ At least, even if she doesn¡¯t want to be with him anymore, she shouldn¡¯t ask him to go to another. Benelucia couldn¡¯t understand Senelia¡¯s thoughts at all. ¡°How could I possibly stand in your way?¡± She sounded calm. So, it seemed she would rather he forget who he was dating. Do you now draw the line or have you never loved me? ¡°You are always like this.¡± Benelucia smiled in disappointment. Despite her devotion to him, Senelia had never revealed her love at the opportune moment. The was the Senelia that Benelucia had grown to know. He could never be sure of where her heart laid. Benelucia asked again, hoping to know her thoughts. ¡°Do you really want me to go?¡± He knew it deep down. Lucalina went out of her way to help him. She was that same person who sacrificed for him, and she has returned. Much later than what the time the emperor had given him. So, he had to go. In person. Still, he wanted to ask Senelia. If you tell me not to go, I won¡¯t go. ¡°How can I claim to know what Your Majesty wants?¡± And Senelia replied consistently. After staring at Senelia for some time, Benelucia stood up without another ord. ¡°Well then.¡± Benelucia left Senelia¡¯s townhouse with his attendant. Senelia felt relief. Well done. As usual¡­ Without deviation. She did not regret her actions. You can¡¯t be like the women who usually circle around Benelucia and get discarded. Somehow, Senelia still felt uncomfortable and nauseous. Closing her eyes, she dismissed it as a symptom of her fainting spell earlier. ¡°I¡¯ll be by your side until you wake up. Sleep well.¡± The words previously whispered by the duke floated to mind. Senelia was filled with regret. She shouldn¡¯t have allowed him into her room. If so¡­ Because then, she would not still feel him there, would not still smell the vivid scent of Benelucia Afron. *** Senelia knew the name Lucalina very ¡®well¡¯. Now, even the duke knew this fact. Even after returning to the duke residence, Senelia was still in his heart. ¡°Shall we send someone to the Marquess of Elihan?¡± Arante, Benelucia¡¯s lieutenant asked. It was Arante who had commanded someone to go to Senelia¡¯s townhouse to announce Lucalina¡¯s return. At his question, Benelucia stared at the lieutenant. ¡°Milord?¡± ¡°Arante, how long have we known one another?¡± ¡°I had first met the Grand Duke as a shotgun when the duke was still a Prince¡­ It has been a long time.¡± Arante, who had paused at the duke¡¯s question, thought carefully and replied after much thought. ¡°Yes, that is why you seem to think that the relationship between two of us should lose this much formality.¡± The Grand Duke¡¯s voice was low. Arante froze and glanced at Benelucia. ¡°¡­Did I do something wrong?¡± The lieutenant quickly realized that Benelucia was upset. Immediately upon his question, Benelucia gave his response. ¡°My people are now doing as they please¡­ I think you and I have been together for too long.¡± The Grand Duke wasn¡¯t upset, he was furious. Arante knew he had made a mistake. ¡°I just¡­ His Majesty, the Grand Duke, has waited for a long time for the Young Lady of Elihan.¡± Arante was quick in coming up with an excuse. Then his eyes met the duke¡¯s. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯ll make sure this never happens again.¡± The lieutenant immediately bowed and admitted his mistake. Although Benelucia cared for his people, he was still basically a part of the imperial family. With no need to understand others, always arrogant and authoritarian. So, even though the duke remained respectful of his people, he expected his commands to be strictly executed. Besides, he did not seem likely the type to accept any excuses from Arante¡¯s experience. ¡°Prepare to leave to the Elihan estate. I will go by myself.¡± Benelucia rose to his feet. It wasn¡¯t that he left the matter go, but Benelucia knew that nothing would improve should he corner Arante like a mouse. So, he decided to do what he had to do. His footsteps toward the Marquis of Elihan were heavy. *** ¡°Welcome, Grand Duke.¡± Marquess Elihan welcomed Benelucia with a face brimming of happiness. While Lucalina was away from the capital, Benelucia, who had felt pity, often visited the marquess to take care of her. So, he got along quite well with the marquess of Elihan. Besides, she was obviously delighted that her long-awaited daughter had finally returned to her. ¡°¡­You have suffered a lot because of me, Marquess.¡± When he had arrived there, it had struck him that, yes, Lucalina had returned. Benelucia felt helpless. If it wasn¡¯t for him, she would never have left the capital. ¡°How can it be the Grand Duke¡¯s fault? It wasn¡¯t the Grand Duke¡¯s will, but it was the result of what my daughter did in order to defend her beliefs.¡± The Marquess shook her head. Although she had lost her vassal husband in an accident and had to send her daughter away, she had never once resented Benelucia. Truly, it was worth knowing from whom Lucalina inherited her temperament from. Benelucia was even more indebted to Lucalina and Marquess Elihan. ¡°She is changing her clothes upstairs. Lucalina has just come back from horseback and was covered in dust. So, she went up to get ready.¡± ¡°Ben?¡± As soon as Marquess Elihan finished speaking, a voice was heard. It was Lucalina, whom Benelucia had been waiting all this time to meet again. ¡°You¡¯re here, Ben!¡± Lucalina ran down the stairs. Unlike her casual outfit consisting of worn-out pants and a shirt, her preference for long hair had remained the same. Her long hair glistened in the light of the chandelier. ¡°Long time no see¡­ Lucalina.¡± The duke stared blankly at her. I can¡¯t believe she is standing right here in front of me. We have been separated for a long time. ¡°What? Why don¡¯t you welcome me like the way I thought?¡± Lucalina grunted slightly as she hugged Benelucia. Contrary to her tone, her face was filled with a joyous smile. ¡°Luna.¡± Benelucia reflexively accepted her hug. He looked at her face to face with embarrassment. ¡°Why are you like this, Ben?¡± When Benelucia did not reply, Lucalina asked him curiously. ¡°¡­No, nothing¡­ it¡¯s nothing.¡± When Lucalina questioned him, Benelucia finally returned to his senses and spoke. But he still appeared like his thoughts were elsewhere. ¡°Ben, are you hurt?¡± There was a hint of worry in Lucalina¡¯s voice. The Grand Duke thought it would be better if he was injured somewhere. Lucalina was his first love. He had never doubted that he would love her for the rest of his life. Above all else, he had to love her. He had to remember Lucalina¡¯s sacrifice for himself. ¡°Ben?¡± Benelucia stood still, speechless. Lucalina pondered whether she should really call over a member of the council or even a priest. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m sorry, I¡¯m sorry. Luna¡­¡± And it was then, Benelucia muttered. He gently pushed Lucalina away and covered his face with his hands. I feel like I¡¯ve betrayed myself. He felt sorry for Lucalina. Still, he felt even more sorry for others than he did for Lucalina. At the very least, Benelucia had a moment of clarity. I no longer love Lucalina. CH 13 After eight years of forming a habit, Senelia automatically responded to Benelucia. But after he had left, Senelia felt herself on the brink of insanity. ¡°¡­What should I do?¡± Nervously, she bit into her lower lip. Even if she had managed to complete this ninth year of working on Benelucia, she was not confident enough in her skills to erase his first love from his heart. She, who had knowledge of the original novel, knew how big of an impact Lucalina Elihan had on the duke. If she could replace Lucalina in his heart, then she would not have had to struggle to become someone else in the first place. So, one year, this one year, held tremendous importance to Senelia. This was due to the fact that like a drizzle, she had no choice but to slowly drench the duke in a yearning for her. He needed to slowly come to terms that he wanted her by his side. How¡­ It¡¯s lasted for eight years. Despair bled into every inch of her expression. The rest of this year was meant to make Benelucia aware of her absence. If he could not stand the void that the accumulated for the past years, the Senelia¡¯s plan would end up as a success. Should I have broken up with him sooner? Senelia buried her face within her palms. Her head was spinning. Not even a year had gone by, and Senelia was not convinced of Benelucia. He was originally a man who would never hold onto the person he had broken up with. Benelucia was Senelia¡¯s only chance at life. She couldn¡¯t possibly waste her chance by prematurely saying goodbye. So, she had to postpone it. In other words, persevere. She had to march forward and persevere. Her opponent would be the return of Lucalina Elihan at this time¡­ Life was cruel. ¡°Miss¡­!¡± The maid, who enter the room and saw her master¡¯s appearance, raised her voice. Senelia looked up at the sound, finally noticing that someone had entered her room. ¡°Young Lady, your lips. My God¡­¡± The terrified maid rushed to her with a handkerchief ready to press onto the damaged lips. ¡°How many times did you bite them for them to bleed like this? Didn¡¯t you feel the pain?¡± The maid asked noisily. Senelia glanced at her blankly, feeling a slight tingle in her lip. Her gaze dropped down to the handkerchief. There were quite a few drops of blood staining it. She might have bitten her lips without realizing it. Senelia let go of her lips. In an instant, her strength drained from her body. It was humorous really, just the name of Lucalina caused Senelia to collapse. However, Senelia didn¡¯t even get some time to allow herself to immerse in a sense of brief shame. Tuk. Tuk tuk. ¡°Ah. What is that bird doing?¡± A bird had, at some point, flown to the window and begun hitting the glass with its beak. Glancing at the white bird, Senelia¡¯s face blackened. She felt as though her life ended. Still, she immediately opened her mouth and spat out a few words. She couldn¡¯t stand idle, not now. ¡°I need to rest. Maid, please leave, I¡¯m going to sleep so I would like everyone in and around my room gone.¡± ¡°But My Lady, you¡¯ve just awoken¡­¡± The maid replied to her, worry evident in her tone. Fainting due to a shortness of breath puts a considerable strain on one¡¯s body. If the situation was not dire, the maid would have stuck closely to Senelia¡¯s side. But this time, Senelia feverously refused. Tuk tuk. Tuk tuk. The peaking of the bird grew faster. The owner was getting impatient. ¡°Maid, I¡¯m tired.¡± Feeling panicked, Senelia¡¯s voice was sharp. Watching her nervous reaction, the maid flinched. Senelia too, noticed her suspicious behavior and her complexion blackened further. ¡°¡­Then I¡¯ll leave you to rest, Lady.¡± The maid smiled and bowed her head, the she turned and left Senelia¡¯s room. It chilled her heart to know she had been cruel to someone else, especially to someone who truly cared for her in this capital. However, the person who had come uninvited didn¡¯t care, he just mocked her. ¡°My dog now makes it¡¯s master wait.¡± Senelia immediately turned and knelt. Despite the carpet under her feet, the cold air of the marble floor still seeped into her knees. She must be extremely unlucky. I need to wake-up. I can¡¯t behave like this in front of Cliff. ¡°My apologies, Your Majesty, I¡¯ve dared to make you wait. Please forgive me.¡± As of today, hostility rose in Senelia. It was the emperor who came to her at his own will. Still, she had to be the one who groveled and begged for forgiveness. Desperately asking him to forgive her. What did I even do wrong? ¡°Please, forgive me.¡± Cliff¡¯s voice came from nearby. He bent slightly at the knees, all to meet Senelia, who laid kneeling on the floor. ¡°You don¡¯t seem to feel sorry.¡± ¡°Hoh¡­!¡± Senelia breath in quickly as at that instant, Cliff met her eyes. Cliff de Helios was such a person. A person who could make another¡¯s breathing stun with the slightly eye contact or being with close range. Senelia hurriedly banged her forehead against the ground. Fortunately, she knelt upon the carpet, which had a softer surface. ¡°How can I think so, Your Majesty! ¡­This life of mine is prolonged all thanks to His Majesty.¡± Senelia urgently denied Cliff¡¯s words. All while, endlessly scolding herself inwardly. How could she have such thoughts in front of a man so snake-like. A man like him can all but see through his opposition. Apologize! So, what if I have to do it a hundred or thousand times. Does that truly matter if I¡¯m still alive? ¡°Hmm¡­¡± At the sound of Cliff¡¯s soft him, Senelia¡¯s body trembled. Though she knew Cliff may not kill her now as she still had some uses, on the other hand, she still felt twice as anxious. What if he doesn¡¯t need me now¡­? Lucalina is back. How far could she guarantee her ¡®usefulness¡¯ in that situation? That thought shook her right down to her core. ¡°Alright.¡± Senelia was taken aback. Then Cliff raised his head, wrapping his hand on her cheek directly. He continued to speak, his voice carrying a fake friendly undertone, with his hand cupping her cheek. ¡°I heard you¡¯re not feeling well, Senelia. Get up, I am not a ruthless owner, so I can¡¯t let me precious dog roll on the cold floor.¡± His voice was gentle, but Senelia knew immediately that there was a trap hidden deep in His Majesty¡¯s words. No matter how valuable she was¡­ She was nothing more than his dog in the eyes of Cliff de Helios. Even knowing that Senelia was ill, he came to her and pretended like all of this was just his attitude towards his dog. Though knowing such, Senelia still got up at his command. She bowed her head and answered him. ¡°Thank you for showing me such grace, Your Highness.¡± Instead of insults, she heart was filled with misery. Eight years. Eights years had gone by with Senelia continuously burying her shame and humiliation. A satisfied smile bloomed across Cliff¡¯s lips as he was watched his dog, who appeared to be silently weeping inside, as she finally came to her senses and fulfilled her duty of obedience. ¡°Lucalina Elihan is back.¡± Cliff said. Senelia had known the emperor for eight years now, so she also knew what she should expect since Lucalina has returned. ¡°Tell me what to do.¡± And as she had guessed, the emperor had shown up to tighten his leash again. Perhaps, if Benelucia had not rushed to her townhouse when news of her collapse had reached him, the emperor might have immediately forced her to wake up from her faint. Cliff could even cause her to ¡®develop¡¯ an illness so that she could no longer stand at Benelucia¡¯s side. To prove that Senelia did not love the duke for these past few years. Still, at that moment, Senelia deeply missed that man. Benelucia. The man who had become Senelia¡¯s only savior. ¡°I¡­¡± Senelia muffled for some time. It had only been a few hours since she had passed out and awoken. Lucalina¡¯s return was as much of a surprise to her and it was to others. It was sudden and unexpected. Unfortunately, I too have no solution for this. She thought, half lost. It would have been so much better had I not woken up after fainting. And then, thoughts of Benelucia surfaced. Had she not let him leave her, she could have avoided Cliff altogether. Then she would not have been as unprepared as she was now. That would be embarrassing for anyone to hear. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t say that I haven¡¯t given much thought as to her return.¡± Are you saying that you have no idea as to when Lucalina was should have returned? But Senelia refused to make the same mistake twice. Who would dare comment about the emperor¡¯s faults directly to his face. ¡°I am dull and do not know what Your Majesty wants me to do.¡± Obediently, Senelia replied. After all, the fact that Cliff came to her personally meant that he had already decided what he wanted of her. So Senelia¡¯s words were practically unnecessary. ¡°I will give you two options.¡± Her guess was, again, right. There was no way the emperor would just randomly visit Senelia. ¡°The first option is to get Benelucia to confirm his love for you immediately.¡± Senelia struggled to swallow Cliff¡¯s words as the emperor smirked. Lucalina Elihan had returned, and he wanted Benelucia to confess his love for Senelia. She believed that the emperor intentionally gave her an impossible option. ¡°And what is the second option?¡± Senelia asked. CH 14 Senelia guessed that the second option was probably Cliff¡¯s desire. ¡°Act friendly towards Lucalina Elihan.¡± Cliff replied as if waiting for a reaction. His reply was unexpected. ¡°¡­Yes?¡± Senelia reflexively questioned his words as if she was unable to comprehend. But Cliff de Helios, as always, ordered in his own unique manner. ¡°Act close with Lucalina Elihan and watch Elihan from your side.¡± A strange smile played on the emperor¡¯s lips. Strange enough that goosebumps caused a chill down Senelia¡¯s spine. ¡°That¡¯s it? ¡­Nothing else?¡± Senelia instinctively knew that it couldn¡¯t possibly be that simple. She sensed that he planned for more than just surveillance. As if to prove her inner voice right, Cliff replied, Senelia¡¯s body trembled subconsciously. ¡°Of course not.¡± Between the two of them, Cliff was the only one at ease. I have an ominous feeling. Senelia pressed her quivering lips together, holding them closed. As a result, the fishy taste of blood seeped into her mouth, clearly, she had once again raptured the wound on her lower lip. Cliff had always given her orders that surpassed her imagination. She could never even ask a question because she was terrified as to what his answer would be. Of course, Cliff did not care about her reaction, but he did say something that was entirely out of the ordinary. ¡°If you watch her closely,¡± he said, ¡°and if Elihan shows any signs of colluding with Benelucia, kill Lucalina Elihan.¡± Wobble. Senelia¡¯s body threatened to topple over as she swayed. Thud. She sat down. Pretending to be okay in front of the emperor was one of the furthest thoughts in her mind. ¡°You want me to¡­ want me to¡­ You want me to¡­¡± Senelia stuttered over and over again, as if she knew only those few words. Ergh. Erh. Hurriedly, she covered her mouth and bowed her head. All to desperately endure the disgust rising from within. She refused to believe what Cliff was ordering her to complete. Just thinking about it made her stomach turn. Her head began to spin. ¡°Tut. How can you be so weak?¡± Cliff clicked her tongue at her openly. It was an unfair treatment on his part. Unless I was a knight, what would be the point of getting blood on my hands when this country had laws pertaining to murdering? Even if the person standing in front of him was not Senelia, they too would find murder hard to imagine. And by the way, I am a person who previously lived in the modern world, in a country far from war. Cliff¡¯s order was not something easily comprehended. ¡°You can¡¯t?¡± He looked down at her. He appeared as peaceful as a man who never ordered the death of another human being. ¡°Then are you going to die?¡± Cliff chuckled. The emperor looked down at Senelia and watched her with a smirk. It was a weakness that was common. Not being able to kill someone on another¡¯s behalf, but at the same time, not being able to sacrifice on behalf of someone else. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I am aware of the fact that it is difficult for an ordinary young lady, such as yourself, to kill Lucalina Elihan.¡± Thuk. Cliff threw an object before Senelia. As if awoken by the sound, she turned her stiff, motionless head to look in front of her and saw a ring. It looked normal at a first glance. ¡°Turning the jewel releases the blade. It¡¯s poisonous. The poison is unknown to anyone outside of the existing imperial family, so there¡¯s no need to worry about getting caught.¡± Cliff¡¯s words hinted that she should become closer to Lucalina and use that trust to scratch her with the tip of the ring¡¯s blade. It was a perfect example of how the emperor uses people thoroughly as his tools. The more he spoke, the more Senelia¡¯s expression gradually died. No, Senelia felt like it was she who was slowly dying. Just as she had for the past eight years. ¡°¡­If the Marquis finds out about this, I will not survive¡­ No, my family! ¡­¡± Senelia tried to say more, but only stutters left her opened mouth. Her face twisted. ¡°Just like a soldier, she will get sick and then die, so you don¡¯t need to be concerned. Well, that is, if you don¡¯t get caught.¡± He lowered himself, and drew closer to Senelia. Grabbing her hand, he reached out to the ring she had still not taken. He picked it up and left it on her palm. ¡°But given your position, who would dare to say anything if you¡¯re caught.¡± Cliff face, which was shrouded in light, shone brightly. As the main villain of the novel, he was a very handsome man. But the appearance similar to a god of beauty, to Senelia, looked more like a god of death. None of Cliff¡¯s words assured her. She didn¡¯t want to hear them. The knowledge of her future death penetrated deeply into Senelia¡¯s mind. *** ¡°Why are you sorry?¡± Lucalina gaze was bewildered. As if she could not fantom the reason for Benelucia¡¯s sudden words. The person who she had not seen for the past ten years showed her a distorted expression rather than a happy one. ¡°If it is because of His Majesty the Emperor¡¯s order for me to fight, it¡¯s not your fault. So, you do not have to apologize, Ben.¡± Lucalina told Benelucia as if to appease him. Benelucia felt the more she spoke, the harder it was for him to raise his head. At the age of 15, Benelucia had left to war. After that, for a total of six years, Lucalina confronted the emperor and was then eventually driven out to take part in the battlefield. When the war came to an end, she was sent out in preparation to take the place of soon-to-return man. For that reason, Lucalina had been on the battlefield for eleven years. So, how could Benelucia tell Lucalina that his ¡®I¡¯m sorry¡¯ really meant that ¡®I don¡¯t love you¡¯. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m sorry¡­ I¡¯m sorry, Luna. I think I¡¯ll just leave now. I¡¯m so sorry.¡± In the end, Benelucia escaped from the Marquis of Elihan as if he was running away. There is no way I can stand there and do anything. When he returned to his estate, he unknowingly headed straight to Senelia¡¯s room. The room where she once lived when in his Duchy. A rush of guilt weighed down on the duke, but nonetheless, he did not turn to leave the room. ¡°It¡¯s really the same.¡± Benelucia glanced around the room and muttered to himself in despair. Senelia had stayed by his side for a year, then spent another year with him during the nights. During that time, she had never stayed in the Grand Duchy for longer than he needed her. Then after that time, that room had become hers to live in for the next six years. But even without that person, the room remained the same. Seriously, Senelia had left with nothing. She had been his shield, a lover that was used to completely block out any rumors of marriage that came Benelucia¡¯s way for six years. ¡°I think it¡¯s time we stop.¡± ¡°Yes, Grand Duke.¡± This was the third time the two had parted. However, this was the first time he was not the one who ended it. Senelia had become accustomed to parting. It was Benelucia each time who did not conform. There was no special reason when the two became lovers again. Benelucia had sent an invitation to a party to Senelia, requesting her to attend as his partner. Once she accepted it, they affirmed their relationship just as easily as when they broke up. But not every time ended with the reaction Benelucia wanted. Why did I ask Sally to break up with me in the first place? Benelucia thought back blankly. When was our first breakup? *** Ten years ago, Benelucia returned to the capital after a long-fought war at the orders of Cliff de Helios. But even after that, he would still occasionally return to the battlefield. This due to the appearances of monsters, and many people aiming for larger pieces of land within the empire. So, while residing in the capital, Benelucia would remain faithful to his lover. But once he left the capital, he cared only for his duties. It was the same pattern for his lovers during the two years before meeting Senelia. Though, Benelucia seemed to care a tad bit more for Senelia than he did for them. ¡°If you need anything, ask the maid or the butler.¡± Before leaving for the battlefield, he would always remind her of that. Of course, even when the housemaid and butler asked if she needed anything, Senelia would always give a negative answer. Three years back, there had been a day when Senelia, who had always wanted nothing, had sought out the duke before he left the residence. ¡°Your Majesty, I have something to tell you.¡± It was a rare day when Senelia had caught Benelucia, who was in the middle of getting ready to leave for battle. Looking back, he had probably had a few small expectations at that time. ¡°What? Tell me, Sally.¡± Benelucia, who was getting dressed, faced her immediately and asked. They had been lovers for three years by then, but they had known one another for five. During that time, Senelia had never expressed her likes, dislikes, or anything else for that matter. So, Benelucia had been curious about what she could have said. If you ask me to stay with you instead of leaving for battle¡­ I think it would be alright to disobey the emperor¡¯s orders, just this once. ¡°I would like to go to my home.¡± Of course, although Benelucia had high expectations, Senelia didn¡¯t ask for anything from him. ¡°¡­Is that all?¡± Benelucia asked, unknowingly disappointed. Senelia was neither his wife, nor his property. So, there was really no reason for her to tell him about where she wanted to go. It would be even worse should Benelucia disagreed. ¡°¡­Yes, I think I will stay there for a while. It has been quite some time since I last returned to the Daphnen¡¯s estate.¡± Perhaps Benelucia, influenced by his momentary emotions, should have criticized himself for his selfishness for missing the brief silence before Senelia¡¯s answer. ¡°Then let us use the warp gate.¡± ¡°No, My Lord. It¡¯s alright.¡± But Benelucia did not. CH 15 That was due to the fact that Senelia¡¯s refusal had once again caused Benelucia¡¯s heart to beat uncomfortably. He was still just a person after all. Though he was usually kind and friendly, he was a descendant of royalty. Those of which who are use to having others adjust themselves to cater to his moods at any given time. ¡°I¡¯ll take care of getting His Majesty¡¯s permission for the use of the Warp Gate, so you can just use it.¡± Benelucia told Senelia. The Warp Gate was managed by the imperial wizards, so travel through it was not only expensive, but they also had to get the emperor¡¯s permission beforehand. Therefore, it was a privilege that only high-ranking nobles had to honor to use. Originally, it also meant that Senelia would not be able to travel by warp ate. ¡°Ben, I would like to go to the estate as Senelia Daphnen.¡± Senelia called Benelucia by his nickname only when she was in this kind of predicament. Looking back, even when they were lovers, she was reserved. It seemed that she had called him with the title ¡®The Grand Duke¡¯ more often than his name or nickname. And at that moment, Benelucia was left speechless. The Daphnen estate was not a long distance away from the Capital, at most, it would be a full day travel using a horse-drawn carriage. The duke didn¡¯t want Senelia to suffer on the road. But he couldn¡¯t figure out why she insisted on rejecting travelling by warp gate. ¡°¡­What does that mean?¡± So, he eventually decided to ask. Senelia had an expression as if she did not expect why Benelucia to ask such a question. And soon, an indescribable emotion crossed her face. When her gaze fell on him, somehow, the duke felt somewhat rebuked. ¡°¡­I just meant that my parents would not like the be the center of such hustle and bustle.¡± Senelia bowed her head, avoiding his eyes. It was a clear sign that she did not want to elaborate further. ¡°Sally, don¡¯t turn around-¡± Benelucia obviously wanted to ask more about that topic. Knock. Knock. Knock. ¡°Your Majesty, it¡¯s time to leave.¡± If it hadn¡¯t been for the voice of the lieutenant cutting off his words, he would have questioned again. ¡°Go, My Lord. Your Majesty can not be blamed because of me. I had just meant to quickly inform you in the first place.¡± Of course, Senelia did not miss the opportune time. Her words caused the duke¡¯s gaze to darken, but there really wasn¡¯t any time left for delay. ¡°¡­We will talk about this again later, Sally.¡± Benelucia spoke to her as if he would remember this conversation. However, after returning from the battlefield, he could not continue his talk with Senelia. This was because, despite Benelucia¡¯s return after a month¡¯s time, Senelia still remained in the Daphnen¡¯s estate. *** Benelucia immediately ordered Suha to find out more about Senelia¡¯s affairs. Soon, he became aware of the fact that Senelia had been wrestling with the Viscounts over marriage issues for an entire month. At that moment, Benelucia had remembered Senelia¡¯s refusal to use the warp gate until the very end. He then called for the butler to confirm when Senelia had last contacted them. ¡°Since the Grand Duke had left for battle, there has been no contact from the Young Lady.¡± It would have been better if the confirmation had been in vain. Because Benelucia had predicted the situation correctly. It was an indescribable feeling. If the duke had opened the warp gate for Senelia who was at the age of marriage, the Viscounts would have expected more from their relationship. Senelia had not wanted such an outcome. Why? Even though her parents had tormented her with her marriage, she had expected noting from the Grand Duke. So, she didn¡¯t want to instill her parents with even a sliver of hope. That was true¡­ It wouldn¡¯t take much for a misunderstanding. ¡°I will not ask for anything from Your Majesty.¡± Those were the words spoken by Senelia to Benelucia around four years ago, at that time, they fitted perfectly to his needs. He was in a position in which he would wait for Lucalina, but the nobles had need cumbersomely seeking to fill in the seat next to him. As a smoke screen used to escape from their eyes, Senelia was most perfect. Because Senelia had never asked Benelucia for anything. That was the type of relationship the two of them had. It was not that Benelucia did not reject it, but that Senelia had defined it. If it had been before, he would have welcomed Senelia¡¯s actions like he had done previously. As he had parted ways with his lovers whenever they had begun to encourage him to marry. It was confusing. And Benelucia had started to feel a sense of crisis. I don¡¯t know what it is, but it seems like I should have never known the cause of the emotions I am feeling right now. He had to wait for Lucalina. Lucalina was the one who had defended him and had not returned from battle during all this time. So, with that in mind, Benelucia turned away from Senelia. ¡°Shall we find out more?¡± After he had previously enquired about her, the butler asked his brooding master. ¡°No, it is alright. She will come back when the time is right.¡± The Grand Duke shook his head with a cold expression. It was as if Senelia going to the Daphnen¡¯s estate had absolutely nothing to do with him. ¡°Don¡¯t send any more people there, we do not need to waste manpower unnecessarily.¡± After the butler excused himself, Benelucia found himself calling Suha in and entrusted him with the task again. It was funny, really. If he really didn¡¯t care, then he wouldn¡¯t give out further orders. However, the fact that he dared to call in his subordinate after he completed his mission and asked him again proved that his feelings and mind were at polar opposites of one another. Benelucia ignored it. He wanted to prove somehow that he was unaffected. I don¡¯t know who I¡¯m trying to prove to or why I feel the need to. He didn¡¯t think his thoughts were wrong. He couldn¡¯t be that stupid. Senelia returned to the Archduke after another full month or so had passed. In that time, Senelia had asked for nothing from the Grand Duke. ¡­Yes, this is how it should be. As each day went by, Benelucia repeated to himself. A lover only in name, needed nothing from him. As he needed, Senelia was doing just fine on her own. But, as if he would react if he stopped, Benelucia repeated those words over and over again. He had not said anything of the sort to Senelia. There was no communication between the two for about two months, and it was a desolate relationship for the pair of lovers. ¡°I am glad that you have survived this battle well, Your Majesty.¡± Still, that was all Senelia had to say when she returned. Thinking back, Benelucia could clearly remember how he had reacted. He hadn¡¯t replied to Senelia, who smiled at him as she usually would. Rather, he had turned his back to her and left to his room. Relief? Ha, what luck? Without knowing the cause, his emotions boiled and seemed to want to erupt. I am the only Grand Duke of Helios. And he knew it wouldn¡¯t take much effort to figure out why Senelia did not return to him after such a long time. Still, it had been two months. From Senelia¡¯s point of view, it could be seen that her ¡®lover¡¯ had shown no interest in her situation. If there had been no contact even after two months, it should mean that he either didn¡¯t care about news of Senelia, or he didn¡¯t even notice she left. So, the Senelia who showed no anger, resentment, or even doubts¡­ Benelucia couldn¡¯t stand that Senelia. But clearly, she had faithfully fulfilled her promises. So, he escaped. That day, the Grand Duke ran away from Senelia. *** Knock. Knock. Knock. ¡°Your Majesty, you have a visitor.¡± A servant¡¯s voice broke through Benelucia¡¯s reminiscent. The duke frowned, then he opened the door and left the room. I don¡¯t want another man to enter Senelia¡¯s room, even if Senelia isn¡¯t here. ¡°No one has informed me of an incoming visit today.¡± Benelucia, who tightly held the handle of Senelia¡¯s shut door, asked without hiding his displeasure. Amongst the nobles, it was only polite to inform another of their intention to visit a few days in advance and request permission. In his memory, there were no guests scheduled to visit the Grand Duchy today. As usual, when an unauthorized guest arrived, the employees of the Grand Duke were trained to tell Benelucia about it. ¡°That is¡­¡± The servant¡¯s words trailed off. He looked as though he regrated his previous judgement, but he couldn¡¯t undo the words he ended up blurting out. ¡°The Young Lady of Count Citrine has come to visit.¡± The servant spoke quickly, his eyes firmly shut. Instantly, a distinct chill emitted from Benelucia. ¡°Butler!¡± The Archduke raised his voice and called for the butler. The duke had a good physique, though he rarely raised his voice, and caused the whole house to resonate. The servant shivered from the chill; he was unable to open his mouth again. If housekeeping was housemaid¡¯s job, so the responsibility of the housekeeper¡¯s management fell on to the butler. The butler, hearing his master¡¯s angry roar, quickly approached Benelucia. ¡°Get him out right now!¡± The duke pointed straight to the attendant as he ordered the butler. Then, as if to take care of the problem, he left hurriedly for the drawing room. All while, hardly paying attention to the reactions of those left behind. When he swooped into the living room, there she was, a young girl drinking tea. Liana Citrine. She was Benelucia¡¯s partner in a scandal that occurred during his relationship with Senelia. CH 16 ¡°Why is the Young Lady here?¡± Benelucia¡¯s voice not was all that welcoming. It was quite late, which meant that a guest would appear unless they were invited to dinner. Liana was even riding in Count¡¯s Citrine¡¯s carriage, so Benelucia knew that there might be another rumor of an affair with her come tomorrow morning. Because everyone in the Helios Empire wanted to know of their only immeasurable Grand Duke. And for the first time, Benelucia felt that knowledge uncomfortable. If rumors spread like this¡­ It was going straight into the ears of Senelia by morning. ¡°It¡¯s been a while since I¡¯ve seen you, and yet, you¡¯re so cold.¡± Liana spoke in a calm tone despite Benelucia¡¯s reaction. It was almost as if she knew he would behave as such. Or as if she had gained a burst of courage from somewhere. ¡°Am I that good enough to be kind to uninvited guests?¡± The more they spoke, the colder the duke¡¯s attitude solidified. He wanted to get Liana out of his mansion as soon as possible. It was not possible to bring her out immediately as he had been raised in an elegant royal family who grew up in the ways of chivalry. ¡°There¡¯s too much between us, Your Majesty. I don¡¯t think it would be so bad if I stayed in the Grand Duke¡¯s residence.¡± ¡°Ha, between you and me? How was it possible to tie us up together when we only had that scandal ¡®accidentally¡¯?¡± At Liana¡¯s words, Benelucia said coldly. It was then that he remembered why he had first broken up with Senelia. The Archduke, who appeared so among the commoners and nobles, was a scandalous existence even when all he did was breathe quietly. It was true. So, he was usually only moderately kind to most people, but he was by no means easy to come by. There was a reason why Benelucia and Liana were briefly together the day before the first scandal. It was because of the Count of Citrine. The count had been in contact with Viscount Daphnen for a long time. To be honest, the Grand Duke had always wondered what had happened during Senelia¡¯s two0month stay at the Daphnen¡¯s estate. However, he had already acted as if he was not interested in Senelia, and had even ordered Suha not to investigate. So that happened. Because the estate of Count Citrine was right next to the Daphnen¡¯s estate, it would have been easy to hear about any news. It was very unfortunate that a brief conversation of Benelucia¡¯s had turned into a scandal. But¡­ Senelia hadn¡¯t asked about anything in regards to the scandal. Benelucia, unable to bear it again, said farewell to her. So, technically, he knew it was not really Liana¡¯s fault, but nevertheless, the duke disliked her. ¡°Is it really not possible for us to have some kind of relationship?¡± However, Liana¡¯s subsequent words changed his evaluation of her. She had been a vaguely antipathetic object, now, she was a distinctly antipathic object. [T/N: Antipathic object ¨C meaning that Benelucia views her as an object that he has absolutely no interest in.] ¡°I heard that you broke up with Senelia Daphnen. I want to take her place, Your Majesty.¡± The Grand Duke¡¯s expression hardened. How dare¡­Who do you think you can replace? A moment of anger erupted. But Liana carried on as though she didn¡¯t mind. ¡°I know that His Majesty the Grand Duke has the Young Lady Elihan in his heart. I know what Senelia Daphnen¡¯s role was, I can take over that role.¡± But even Liana could not make light of the words of the duke that followed. ¡°How did you know?¡± Because the duke had become serious. ¡°What¡­ What are you talking about?¡± Liana unwittingly avoided his gaze as the corners of her lips drooped. Benelucia was known as quite a friendly person to most people. So, they often then to forget. They forget about how many men the kind Archduke had cut through during his countless battles. If the opponent standing before Benelucia had not been a weak noble girl but a strong knight, he would not have stopped at just words. ¡°The fact of Lucalina returning is not known yet.¡± Marquess Elihan had said that Lucalina arrived on horseback before the army. This meant that the army, who was returning to the capital after a long-fought war, had yet to arrive. There was no report of an official victory, so it was strange that a noble girl who had never participated in politics knew about it. Of course, it would be a whole other matter if one of her parents were qualified to participate during politics, but Count Citrine was not that privileged. It was strange. Through that analysis, Benelucia was quick to realize that someone had deliberately sent Liana to his mansion. And who would dare to do this to the only Grand Duke of our country? It played out as if all of this had been decided from the very beginning. ¡°His Highness?¡± Benelucia took a guess. He might not have been aware of it himself, but if it was the emperor, then he would have to pretend to know nothing. It wasn¡¯t an attitude of a servant of Empire to take up such an issue, even if they knew of the emperor¡¯s intentions. Cliff was wary of the relationship between Benelucia and Lucalina. To the point where he had become overly sensitive. If the emperor has not been so paranoid, Benelucia would have been able to visit Lucalina while she had been on the battlefield for him. Since it hadn¡¯t been just a day or two in which the emperor took action to ward against them, they would have never been able to meet. But the timing now couldn¡¯t be any worse. Because of the emperor¡¯s suspicions, Benelucia would once again be misunderstood by Senelia. ¡°That, that¡­¡± Liana stuttered. There was no need to verify. The answer was almost certain, especially when considering the reason why she was able to stand before Benelucia, the reason she knew about Lucalina¡¯s return when the capital¡¯s people did not, and the reason why she was unable to give Benelucia a proper answer. Because the emperor was behind Liana. Right now, she could either be daunted in front of the Archduke or not able to answer properly. ¡°Citrine, if today¡¯s affairs leak out from your mouth, you will have to pay the price.¡± The Grand Duke warned her with a heavy tone. Liana¡¯s face was utterly pale. It was the emperor¡¯s will that she had arrived at the Grand Duke¡¯s residence. In other words, their scandal was also meant to be the will of the emperor. But now, it seems that Benelucia intended to put a stop to it. Since the duke had never once gone against the emperor¡¯s will, Liana knew that this time, he was serious. If she knew that she, the shrimp, would be caught in the battle between the two whales, she never would have sniffed out the Grand Duke. ¡°I will go to the imperial newspaper and have it blocked. You just need to watch your mouth.¡± As if Benelucia was conciliating her, he spoke in a voice more generous than before. Only then did Liana¡¯s face get better. The reason why his rumors were more prominent than others was due to the fact that the imperial newspapers never allowed any news of the Grand Duke to slip them by. If it could be stopped the scandal between Benelucia and Liana would not be a riot. In addition, Benelucia blocking the newspapers may be as good as him being the culprit for blocking what the emperor wants done. In other words, Benelucia had created a hole for Liana to escape from. ¡°Only¡­¡± However, as soon as Liana felt relief, the duke added his clause. ¡°Remember that you will pay for what you have done to me today.¡± It was a warning that there would never be a second time. The Grand Duke didn¡¯t want there to be any more reasons to keep Senelia away from him. ¡°Yes. Yes! Your Majesty, I will make sure that this never happens again.¡± The young lady nodded her head urgently. Perhaps, from this day onward, she would sleep without ever turning her head towards the archduke¡¯s residence again. ¡°Count Citrine¡¯s carriage had been sent away in advance. Instead of going straight to the count¡¯s estate from here, we will go to the outskirts. Young Lady will call a public carriage to ride back.¡± The Grand Duke¡¯s residence is on the most expensive piece of land in the capital. Meaning that it was the only mansion in that direction. If anyone had seen the Count¡¯s carriage coming that way, they will know where it led to. That was why Benelucia had Count Citrine¡¯s carriage go round and round on the outskirts. ¡°¡­Thank you.¡± The public carriages were, of course, more inconvenient than the carriages used by nobility. However, Liana had no choice but to give an affirmative answer at that time. *** After sending Liana back, semi-forcefully, the Grand Duke immediately summoned his men and made them put each newspaper under his control. It was the very first rebellion of Benelucia against all that Cliff had done. But his first rebellion was completed all in vain when the next day arrived. Newspapers couldn¡¯t publish the article in their newspapers because they were afraid of the Grand Duke, but strangely enough, rumors sprouted up secretly amongst the nobles the very next day. Upon hearing of it, Benelucia grimaced. In less than a day, only those with power could make rumors spread like that. Besides, there was only one person who tried to entangle him and the Young Lady Citrine. So, in the end, it was the emperor¡¯s handy work. Cliff de Helios had lightly snuffed even the smallest chance of the first rebellion of his younger brother. Benelucia was furious at his brother¡¯s actions, but there was a more pressing matter at hand. He had left the sick Senelia and ran to Lucalina, and now, there were rumors of him having an affair with another young girl. So, he wanted to clear up the misunderstanding without further delay. That was the reason why Benelucia visited Senelia before the emperor. But¡­ His heart was mercilessly broken when he entered her townhouse. CH 17 Because, Senelia¡¯s face as she held onto the hem of her dress when greeting him, was casual. ¡°I see you, Grand Duke.¡± It wasn¡¯t Senelia¡¯s intention. Benelucia had never made even the slightest excuse when his first scandal broke out. Not even when the second one occurred. So, Senelia had learnt to put up with it ever since that time. It was because she thought that if she longed for Benelucia¡¯s love, she would become a common sort of person in his eyes, thus, he would say goodbye to her. As such, since their first interaction, Senelia was always careful to not cross the line. Today¡¯s actions were just one of them. Senelia did not receive any word from the emperor, so, she did not know that the rumors about Benelucia¡¯s recent scandal were not the duke¡¯s intention, but masterpiece created by the emperor. I have no choice but to behave like I normally would. If that had been his first dalliance, Senelia may have noticed Benelucia¡¯s hints as soon as the scandal broke out. However, after eight years, she had already closed her heart, keeping it tightly sealed. It even prevented the slight expectation that the Grand Duke may one day love her from blossoming. Now, even the slightest of hopes had left Senelia, it was impossible for her notice the duke¡¯s true words. After, sharp words escaped Benelucia¡¯s lips, words that could have been avoided had he known what truly lay in Senelia¡¯s inner thoughts. ¡°¡­Sally, how can you be so carefree?¡± Benelucia asked, as if arguing unwillingly. And then, he immediately regretted it. But no one could take back the words they have already spoke. Benelucia, himself, couldn¡¯t pinpoint the exact moment in time in which he had fallen for Senelia. Still, in a dramatic moment of love, when he realized it, it spurred him on even more. He wanted to hug her whenever he could, inhale her scent as he buried his head in the nape of her neck, and then kiss her lips. His instincts, ready for action, following the path of anyone who suddenly realizes they¡¯re in love. [T/N: Meaning he fell in love, so he immediately wants to express it. -_- ] So, when he confirmed with his own eyes that the woman he loved was perfectly alright with him being in a dalliance, Benelucia found himself unable to pretend that he could accept it. Senelia was perplexed by her current situation. ¡°¡­I don¡¯t understand why the Grand Duke is questioning me.¡± Her reply slipped from her mouth. She felt embarrassed, the habit of always carefully selecting her words in front of Benelucia seemed to have abandoned her. As the Grand Duke¡¯s expression hardened at her words, Senelia¡¯s embarrassment grew stronger. She tried desperately to escape the situation somehow, but in the end, she couldn¡¯t speak. ¡°Ha¡­ Sally, you¡­ Do you really have no feeling for this situation?¡± A sigh of disappointment left Benelucia. It was futile to run here in the morning. He had wanted to rectify Senelia¡¯s misunderstanding, but it seemed that Senelia didn¡¯t even have the slightest bit of jealousy or anger in her heart. ¡°In that case¡­¡± Senelia blinked and thought again. She recalled that the only new gossip or information that occurred that morning were the rumors of Benelucia¡¯s affair. ¡°¡­Sally¡­¡± This time, Benelucia panicked. He called for her. Because¡­ Senelia¡­ Was smiling. *** Senelia had slept in that morning. Unfortunately, after eight years of adjusting to Benelucia¡¯s lifestyle, she had become an early riser. When she had heard of the rumors about him from the maid that morning, she didn¡¯t mind. This had already been the fourth time, including the time he brought another noblewoman to the tea party. But even then, Senelia knew Benelucia had never forgotten Lucalina. The reason why Senelia had accepted such behavior was because she knew that from the beginning, the other young ladies could not replace Lucalina, and they were just brought about out of necessity. In any case, in terms of necessity, they would never beat herself. The one who had been with the duke for eight years. Even with me, Benelucia still needed extra shields to protect Lucalina, whom he loves so very much, from the emperor. That was the ¡®truth¡¯ of the scandals that Senelia had assumed. So, she had remained silent. But, Benelucia had asked her if she about her feelings regarding his dalliance. Senelia¡¯s illusions were shattered. ¡­How can you ask me of such a thing? She was briefly speechless. She never wanted to love Benelucia. However, Senelia was human. An ordinary woman. The man who shined brightly, even if he just stood still, still caught her attention. Her eyes were touched, then her body, so it wasn¡¯t difficult that her heart followed. At some point, Senelia had also fallen in love with Benelucia. That was how it happened. Sadly, Senelia had to survive the beast of an emperor, and love did not guarantee life. During the first dalliance and the second, she was fine. She had to be. It was all thanks to that mentality that Senelia was able to remain firm even up to the present. Now, to you, who had me go through all of those scandals¡­ You¡¯re asking me such a question. The emotions that had been smothered inside her suddenly reared their head. So, she laughed. I don¡¯t want to be angry, because I really don¡¯t want to get angry. It was the best choice Senelia could make in that brief instant. ¡°Sally?¡± Senelia didn¡¯t notice the embarrassment in Benelucia¡¯s voice. It was because she was tired, tired of just pick up her emotions without ever expressing them. ¡°Duke. How am I supposed to get involved in your affairs.¡± Senelia couldn¡¯t afford to understand why Benelucia had come to her. In the end, she chose to do what she had always done. ¡°Now I know it well, Your Majesty and I have nothing to with one another.¡± When Senelia finally spoke, there was a silence between them that followed. She had nothing more to say, and Benelucia did not want to say anymore neither. Benelucia covered his face with his hand, suppressing his emotions. The pride of the Grand Duke, who lived as an arrogant ruler, was shattered in an instant. The fact that he was the only one who was terrified proved that the ball was in Senelia¡¯s court. He was naturally the person who always made the choices, so when he learnt that he wasn¡¯t, he could not immediately accept it. Of course, if Senelia had known, she would have thought it was absurd. The battle for taking the initiative that everyone tries at least once in a relationship, was also the pride that everyone discards at least once. Whether Benelucia wanted such a thing or not, Senelia had been with him for a long time and she had long thrown it all away. ¡°¡­That¡¯s right.¡± Benelucia finally spoke after some silence. His pride, which had been damaged in an instant, made him go crazy. ¡°It¡¯s fine if you don¡¯t care.¡± He turned away quickly. I don¡¯t want to explain my feelings to Senelia, she seems fine with anything. Even if I¡¯m with another woman. Senelia didn¡¯t chase after him like he before. Because that¡¯s what Benelucia saw Senelia as. For example, if Benelucia goes, Senelia goes. And if he comes, she comes. Like a pet. Though, she didn¡¯t stop him from going. Benelucia had always wanted Senelia to catch him. But, if he didn¡¯t speak of it directly, how would she ever know? *** Benelucia was originally planning to go to Cliff de Helios after he had cleared up the misunderstanding with Senelia. But whatever he did was of no use as Senelia didn¡¯t care. Rather, waiting for Benelucia, who returned to his mansion, was the person whom he did not want to meet the most at that moment. ¡°Hello, Ben. Where are you coming from early in the morning.¡± Before the butler could inform Benelucia, Lucalina, who was waiting inside, had already noticed his presence and came out to meet him. Benelucia groaned as he faced her. Lucalina had been close to Benelucia since their childhood, so, it would have been impossible to refuse her visit on just the authority of the butler or head maid. Prior to Senelia¡¯s residency in the Grand Duke¡¯s residence, Lucalina was the only other person who was allowed to visit the Grand Duke mansion without prior permission, which was permission in accordance with noble etiquette. He, too, would have welcomed her joyously if he hadn¡¯t realized that his first love was over. But I can¡¯t now. Because Benelucia didn¡¯t love Lucalina. It wasn¡¯t funny. The fact that the person he had waited for all this time became such an uncomfortable person for him to be around. ¡°¡­I¡¯m sorry, Luna. I¡¯m so tired today¡­ I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about, but can we talk about this next time?¡± Benelucia couldn¡¯t even make eye contact with Lucalina. A person who had been sent away from the capital for eleven years, for him, had just returned. And, here he was, not even ashamed to send such a person away. Lucalina was speechless. When she came to visit Benelucia, she probably didn¡¯t expect to hear something like that at all. Benelucia felt extremely tired. Cliff was wary of his relationship with Lucalina, so today¡¯s visit would have surely fallen into the ears of the emperor. Senelia. Lucalina. Cliff¡­ Nothing was going the way Benelucia wanted it to. ¡°¡­Ben, why are you avoiding me?¡± Lucalina, who was watching Benelucia, broke the silence that followed first. CH 18 As Benelucia had behaved as such every day, Lucalina could not pretend to be unaware that he was avoiding her. ¡°It¡¯s not-¡± ¡°If not then talk to me, I have something to tell you.¡± Lucalina adamantly cut his words off. She had an attitude of refusing to listen to any excuses. In front of her, Benelucia couldn¡¯t speak again. He was always at his weakest before her as he owed her a debt. ¡°Madame, bring the tea over to my private parlor.¡± Benelucia finally sighed as he gave the maid the order. *** ¡°Ben, if you¡¯re avoiding me because of His Highness, I hope you don¡¯t.¡± After the maid had left the dessert cart and exited the room, Lucalina opened continued the previous topic. She seemed to be under the impression that Benelucia was keeping her at arm¡¯s length because of Cliff de Helios. The more she responded as such, the heavier the duke¡¯s heart became. Before Benelucia could answer, Lucalina carried on. ¡°It¡¯s not as if I have been in the distant battlefield for eleven years.¡± She said something that the Grand Duke was not expecting. ¡°There I developed the strength needed to stand up against His Highness.¡± ¡°¡­What?¡± His surprise was obvious. In the region of war where Lucalina participated in, the war had continued without end. When the battle seemed to be over, something new occurred and there was no end in sight for years. It was as if someone planned it as such. Benelucia had originally thought that it was the emperor¡¯s masterpiece. However, it seemed that Benelucia had been wrong. ¡°Otherwise, no matter how long the war was, would I have been stuck there for an entire eleven years?¡± Lucalina¡¯s expression was brimming with self-confidence. The efforts of Marquess Elihan with regards to bringing back her daughter for eleven years was ultimately a lie, a show for the emperor. It was only then that the Grand Duke understood the Marquess lack of hate towards himself. Lucalina and the Marquess of Elihan had been patiently waiting from the beginning. Even as the emperor had Lucalina under constant surveillance, his guards would have loosened up over the past years. Because the senses of people would always dull with time. Changing people wouldn¡¯t have made much of a change either. The fact that the target they watched over had never seen anyone outside the battlefield, so they had fallen under a repetitive routine for eleven years where nothing had changed. Even so, Cliff de Helios, who was busy being an emperor, could not directly monitor Lucalina. So, her victory laid in having patience. ¡°So, Ben, you don¡¯t have to live under His Highness anymore.¡± Lucalina spoke to him calmly. Benelucia noticed that her speech had been building up for this moment all along. ¡°When the army returns, they will be on our side.¡± Recruiting private soldiers and raising an army without the emperor¡¯s permission was a crime worthy of treason. That means that the knights who currently returned now were those whom were sent by Cliff before. The Marquess had not openly sought soldiers for rebellion, those who belonged to the army simply had a crush on Lucalina. Even though Cliff behaved as a tyrant to the nobles, the nobles never protested much because of the fact that Cliff was fair-minded to the people. Many commoners supported the emperor, and Cliff held the only remaining heir to the throne, Benelucia Afron, in his very hands. In such a situation, the nobles had no chance of doing anything. But, what if Cliff¡¯s army, those of which returned after eleven years, were not treated well and then dismissed without any particular reason? It would provide a major flaw for the emperor. Lucalina was aiming for that loophole. ¡°So, Ben¡­¡± She took a deep breathe. ¡°Let¡¯s get married.¡± It was as if that entire conversation had led up to that last sentence. ¡°Let¡¯s get married later.¡± It was a promise a young Benelucia and Lucalina made. During the days of Cliff¡¯s and Benelucia¡¯s mother, their positions were established as enemies of the Empress. It was a time when the brothers¡¯ mother died and their father did not take in a new empress. Thus began their life in distress. Looking back, Benelucia felt it was a dream-like time. In it, a young girl and boy had made a pinky promise. Up to then, Benelucia had bever forgotten that promise. But¡­ Now I just can¡¯t keep it. ¡°¡­Luna.¡± After a silent moment, Benelucia spoke with a heavy voice. He realized that he couldn¡¯t hide his heart anymore. ¡°Sorry.¡± Benelucia felt as though he was a sinner, but still, he continued. ¡°I don¡¯t love you.¡± When he spoke those heartless words, he confirmed his heart. I turned my back on Senelia like that, but¡­ After all, I¡¯ve fallen in love with Senelia. He knew that he no longer loved Lucalina the way he did before. He loved Senelia much more than he thought. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Luna. I¡­ love someone else.¡± The Grand Duke¡¯s voice was firm. Now that he had decided to admit his sin, he could no longer hesitate or instill false expectations and deceive Lucalina. He understood that he shouldn¡¯t have done as such to her. ¡°Nonsense.¡± However, Lucalina¡¯s denial was a route that even Benelucia did not to occur. She was just as determined as before, maybe even more so. ¡°Ben, you don¡¯t love me? Do you think I¡¯d believe that?¡± It didn¡¯t sound like she was insulting him. There was a clear conviction in her tone as if she would never doubt it. The duke felt strange. It was highly unfamiliar to see Lucalina behaving as though she knew his emotions better than he would. It seemed; he didn¡¯t know the woman he knew from memory. ¡°Luna, why would you think I¡¯m lying?¡± Benelucia spoke in involuntary frustration. But Lucalina continued to convince him otherwise. ¡°I¡¯ve known you have been waiting for me for a very long time. In order to avoid the eyes of His Highness, you even met with the maidens of families that His Highness would not care about.¡± His mouth tightened shut. There was nothing wrong with Lucalina¡¯s words. He had indeed waited for eleven years for her. He even met other young ladies to pretend that his feelings for Lucalina had moved on. Even Cliff would not need to check the families of the young ladies as their families weren¡¯t those of influence or power. It was also one of the reasons why Benelucia had dated without break. He refused to marry any woman who was not Lucalina, so, he pretended to have no intention of settling down. Pretended to enjoy dating countless women. It was an endless repetitive cycle of meeting new people, then breaking up and moving to another. Before meeting Senelia, the duke would constantly change his lover almost ever month. Which is why, soon after, the duke became known as a rare prodigal son. Every word spoke by Lucalina was correct, but it still made him feel like it didn¡¯t add up. His first love had been on the battlefield for eleven years ago, and he had returned to the capital for almost ten years. So, logically, how could she speak as though she had been watching me from close quarters for the past ten years? ¡°Luna, how do you know that?¡± The question left his lips without thought. It was strange, he needed this suspicion to be resolved immediately. ¡°I was just informing you of what I know. Because, you are someone neither me nor your brother can abandon.¡± Her answer was too simple. It was answered so perfectly, that it seemed as though it was rehearsed. As if she knew that she was going to be questioned. Of course, she was right this time as well. Countless government officials filled the gap before the death of the first Empress of the previous Emperor, this leading to the rise of the second Empress. As a result, the royal family has flooded with children born of both empresses. If Cliff de Helios had not picked up his sword and cut through everyone, it would have been Cliff and Benelucia who would have been cut through. Up until Cliff ascended to the throne, there had been countless humiliations. It must have been even more difficult to bear for Cliff as he had to endure being known as the established prince of the empire the day he was born. The father of the brothers had not protected Cliff as the emperor¡¯s heart shifted from this woman to that woman, and then from that woman to this woman. In the past, their father had even persecuted his mother-in-law in order to welcome his second empress. It was a close miracle that the brothers, who could not receive the support of their parents or help from their maternal family, managed to endure. Still, Benelucia suffered far less humiliation than Cliff, largely thanks to his brother, Cliff, becoming his shield. The brothers had endured for a long time together. Even though he was a half-brother, just as Cliff, who¡¯d slaughtered the entire including his own father, he was wary of his own younger brother but could not bare to kill him. So Benelucia would not betray his brother. However, he was not a person who would want to turn his back on Lucalina, who spend years on the battlefield and was on Benelucia¡¯s side until the end. But unlike what Lucalina said, the best thing for Benelucia had to do was to not be entangled with her as much as possible. Even if that would break the heart of the young boy who had been thrilled with his first love. Even if there was nothing wrong with Lucalina¡¯s words, Benelucia still felt it was strange. Wasn¡¯t sixteen years apart too long? Benelucia had been fifteen-years-old when Lucalina left for the battlefield. Now, he was thirty-one years old and it was their first reunion after sixteen years. [T/N: He was in battle for years before Lucalina had to leave to fight eleven years ago.] It seemed as though the woman she had become was not the Lucalina of his memories. It was as though he was meeting an entirely different person. He blamed the strange sensation on the current of time. ¡°¡­If it was before, you would have been right, Lucalina.¡± Benelucia replied to Lucalina with a serious expression. He didn¡¯t want to speak such words, especially to Lucalina. But, somehow, he knew that she would not admit defeat or change her mind if he did not make it clear to her. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I¡¯ve had a change of heart.¡± Benelucia¡¯s tone was heavy, as if a sinner confessing his sins. ¡°I¡­ I love Senelia, not you.¡± CH 19 He wanted to deny it, especially when he had turned his back on Senelia. Benelucia laughed to himself bitterly. I didn¡¯t know at the time I left for Lucalina, but I have fallen so deeply in love with Senelia but she won¡¯t want me back. Oh, how arrogant he was. He regretted it, he regretted leaving Senelia that morning. Belatedly, he remembered her emaciated face. [T/N: Emaciated ¨C he means her face looked unusually thin and weak as if she hadn¡¯t eaten for a while] I was so mean. As the thought surfaced in his mind, the duke¡¯s head filled with Senelia. Thoughts which he had previously put on hold flooded to the forefront of his mind. For example¡­ The thought that he may never be able to bring Senelia back to his side. If Lucalina¡¯s voice had not sharply cut through his wondering, he might not have jumped up and left to his ex-lover. ¡°Senelia Daphnen?¡± The Grand Duke flinched as her name left Lucalina¡¯s lips. His first love had been away from the capital for eleven years. The Viscount Daphnen family was not a great family amongst the aristocrats, so they weren¡¯t well-known. Moreover, Senelia had only begun appearing in the capital eight years ago. But, Lucalina knew Senelia¡¯s last name, which Benelucia had not mentioned. And that was not the end. Her next words added to Benelucia¡¯s surprise. ¡°Didn¡¯t you and Senelia Daphnen break up seven years ago?¡± The Grand Duke¡¯s expression hardened. Seven years ago, Senelia and the Grand Duke had yet to become lovers. But to use the word ¡®break-up¡¯, Lucalina¡¯s wording was really strange. ¡°Luna, you¡¯re being weird today.¡± Benelucia¡¯s intuition controlled his voice. The unfamiliar feeling that he felt for Lucalina at that moment was no coincidence. It was the same intuition that had save him countless times on the battlefield. ¡°What the hell are you hiding from me?¡± With his questioning, Lucalina bit her lip. It was then that Lucalina realized that she had gone too far with her unexpected remarks. After a brief hesitation, she decided to ask the duke a question which was entirely unrelated to his question. ¡°Ben, do you really think that you love Senelia Daphnen?¡± There was something strange in the way she phrased her question. So, she means that it¡¯s as if¡­ As if my mind is deluded and assumed that what I feel is love. ¡°¡­Yes, I love Sally.¡± With his first love¡¯s fierce gaze, in the end, Benelucia was forced to answer honestly. Lucalina clenched her teeth but continued. ¡°You¡­ That¡¯s an illusion.¡± ¡°Luna.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°¡­What?¡± She spoke as if prophesizing causing Benelucia to become bewildered. ¡°In three years, you and I will get married.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°¡­it¡¯s not something I can talk about. But I know of the future.¡± Lucalina took a deep breath and continued as though determined. ¡°I am a Thorn of Chloracean.¡± Thorn of Chloracean. Benelucia, a member of the imperial family, knew what that meant. And now, Lucalina used the words that only the royal family would understand. As she had stated, all of what she said would have been hard to guess unless she was a Thorn of Chloracean. ¡°I¡¯ve come back to five years into my past. And in order to change what had happened in the future, I did not end the war right away. I brought people along, those who would remain on the battlefield and stand by our side.¡± The imperial family knew that Thorns of Chloracean were those who were either possessed or reincarnated. However, that exact meaning of the Chloracean Thorn was those who could change the path set by the three Gods of Fate. So, it was not wrong to say that this new information meant the development of a new type of fate. Lucalina continued her explanation. ¡°Choose me, Ben. Cliff will kill you eventually. Only when we are together can we both live.¡± The Grand Duke was confused and had a hard time wrapping his head around the situation. If that happened, at that moment¡­ As long as O could have Senelia by my side when I die, I think I would be fine. ¡°It¡¯s only natural that you would feel strange about me, Ben. After living three years more than I am now, I returned to the age of twenty-seven. In effect, I have lived for eight more years.¡± Lucalina spoke without knowing Benelucia¡¯s current thoughts. ¡°Especially for the next two years. Our first year was hard as hell. Cliff and I are at war, Ben. It was such a big war that you and I couldn¡¯t even compared to our current years in battle. Its¡¯ only natural that you are unfamiliar with something like that.¡± Benelucia couldn¡¯t possibly imagine Lucalina¡¯s point lead to that direction. The fact that Cliff and her had gone to war meant that in the end, a civil war had broken out in the empire over the throne. If it was as she said and the war was like nothing he had experienced up to then, then that meant that the empire would have been in shambles. ¡°¡­Why did a war break out?¡± ¡°Because Cliff never gave up his vigilance over you, even until the very end.¡± Benelucia shut his mouth. He already knew that Cliff had always kept a lookout on him. However, unexpectedly, he suddenly realized that there was no way he could make up his mind and attack. ¡°Is that all?¡± The Grand Duke¡¯s tone of voice changed without his notice. As a result, Lucalina¡¯s brow furrowed slightly. ¡°Then what else do you want?¡± ¡°I¡­¡± He hesitated to speak his mind. Now that he had a change of heart, he was confused as to whether he could state his point. But as much as he pondered, he knew that his guess was probably correct. ¡°Was it because I refused to give you up, even at the end?¡± ¡°What?¡± Lucalina asked. To Benelucia, it was a though she was asking how could he say such a thing. ¡°My brother is always on guard against the two of us. During the eleven years that you and I have been apart, he has never thought of killing me, even if he was wary of me.¡± Benelucia¡¯s words were spoken not to blame his first love. He simply thought that if his guess proved true, then he should distance himself from her. ¡°My brother doesn¡¯t want to kill me either.¡± If Cliff de Helios had wanted Benelucia dead, then he would have ended him at the young age of fifteen when he had no power. Instead, he had sent Benelucia to battle, where he had knights to support himself. ¡°What are you talking about, Ben? Have you forgotten who has sent you to the battlefield?¡± Lucalina said frustratedly. Most of the nobles thought that Cliff de Helios had sent his brother to battle as he was reluctant to kill him himself. The assumption wasn¡¯t all that wrong. If you die on the battlefield, then their will won¡¯t be the two of us. Cliff sent his younger brother to battle, knowing fully well that he could die there. But if you come back alive, there will be more than one reason for me and you to fight. As Benelucia had built power of his own rather than as a nobleman, he was able to fight against the nobles who had dared to try and wield him. The Grand Duke¡¯s older brother was not wrong. If Benelucia had been swayed by the temptations of the nobles and endangered the throne, the emperor would have had to cut off his own brother. The time spent on the battlefield was an endless threat to Benelucia, but in the end, it also saved him. ¡°He has no intention of killing me yet. It¡¯s not just because we are brothers.¡± The Grand Duke¡¯s judgement was not simply based on something as simple as brotherly affection. He knew very well exactly what his existence meant to Emperor Cliff de Helios. ¡°There is something humane in every person that we try to at least protect.¡± For Cliff, Benelucia was his last bit of humanity. After slaughtering his half-brothers, even if they weren¡¯t fully related, Cliff no longer went crazy. The line he should never cross in order to remain as human, was never crossed. That line was Benelucia. In such a situation, the emperor thought that there was only one person who could come and shake that balance. The only opponent was the person that Benelucia could not forget from a very young age, and even up until then. Lucalina Elihan. His only opponent. ¡°The terrible war I went through¡­ Are you trying to say that it is because of me?¡± Lucalina felt her lips tremble. For the very first time, resentment towards Benelucia built in her eyes. How could that cruelty be my fault? ¡°Not that. If it happened¡­ It was because of me.¡± Benelucia denied it with a shake of his head and a shaky voice. He spoke as if to calm her down. ¡°For me, not fighting against my brother is the best way. It is true that I am only Alive today because my brother had endured it all as he ascended to the throne.¡± Cliff would have been safer had he not protected Benelucia as a child. He could have sacrificed him instead. After he became the emperor, he sent Benelucia away. Even though he could have conventionally driven his brother to death. On the battlefield, Benelucia had already spilt the blood of countless people. If anyone heard of it, they might have said it was hypocrisy. But still, he did not want to bury the only blood related brother who had always protected him. It was the main reason as to why he endured all the pressures of the emperor silently. Cliff the emperor knew the thoughts of his brother well. They both held one another as their last speck of humanity. That was why a strange peace had been maintained between the brothers ever since. If one of the two did not violate it, then there would be no war. And Benelucia guessed that the one to break that fragile peace was none other than himself. But that lead him to thoughts of Senelia being enough. If Senelia was the only person who could hold that peace, then he would be glad. ¡°Luna I¡­ I never intended to marry anyone else but you. I just wanted to marry you, but I knew that I could not.¡± Lucalina¡¯s eyes began to twinkle at Benelucia¡¯s words. CH 20 Faced with those eyes brimming with hope, the Grand Duke avoided its gaze. ¡°I promised myself that if I couldn¡¯t marry you, I would not marry anyone.¡± Benelucia had loved Lucalina with all of his heart. Not marrying anyone besides her was the best way he could showcase his feelings for her. It was at a time when Benelucia had misunderstood that he loved Lucalina absolutely and for forever. ¡°But, if I do not give up on that love, you said that a war would break out against my brother?¡± ¡°Ben, I am always with you.¡± ¡°If it had been in the past, then that certainly have been so.¡± The Grand Duke smiled bitterly as he cut off Lucalina¡¯s hopeful confession. ¡°Even if a war had broken out, I would have been so in love with you that I would pretend as though nothing else mattered.¡± Lucalina¡¯s eyes sank, she opened her mouth as her voice trembled. ¡°You mean¡­ you do not love me enough to stand up to Cliff anymore?¡± She wanted to deny his meaning. Her face flooded with desperation. Sadly, Benelucia felt that he had to break Lucalina¡¯s earnestness mercilessly. ¡°Yes, but it is not because of my brother, nor the war¡­ I just don¡¯t love you that much, Luna.¡± [T/N: Honestly, felt savage translating his reply. T-T] Benelucia nodded. Even at that sinful moment spent with his first love, his thoughts had long ago wondered to someone else. Ironically, it was the proof he needed to admit that he loved Senelia. It was how he had come to the realization that he could now hold his head high and confess. The truth, that now, he was in love with Senelia Daphnen. If she had not broken up with him, he would have never had known. I have made too many misunderstandings with her because of my obsession with my first love and my guilt. The Grand Duke buried his face in his hands, leaving his first love shocked at his actions. I miss Senelia so much right now. ¡°You b*tch.¡± He remembered the swearing he had received from one of his long-since past lovers. Yes, I really¡­ I really was such a being. To Lucalina and Senelia. ¡°It can¡¯t be. The you at this time-¡± Knock. Knock. Lucalina¡¯s half-enthusiastic murmurs and Benelucia¡¯s self-loathing cut off at the sudden knock. The Grand Duke frowned as he glanced at the door, before he began chatting to Lucalina, he had already commanded his household to not disturb them. So, who dares approach the Grand Duke¡¯s private drawing room without hesitation? ¡°Who is it?¡± Due to his disorganized mood, Benelucia demanded sharply. It was a direct comparison to the tone the Grand Duke was known for. However, the opponent did not hesitate as he revealed his unexpected identity. ¡°Grand Duke, this is Arante. I have news to report about Young Lady Daphnen.¡± Benelucia¡¯s aide, Arante, didn¡¯t approve of Senelia. Still, his voice carried extreme seriousness. Even with the Grand Duke¡¯s ¡®do not disturb¡¯ order, he had to report to the duke immediately. Thump, thump, thump. Benelucia¡¯s heart began to speed up. It was ominous. As though something that should not happen had now occurred. ¡°Ben!¡± With the sudden rise of Benelucia from his seat, Lucalina jumped up and grabbed his arm. She instinctively didn¡¯t like the existence of that ¡®Senelia Daphnen¡¯ who continued to interfere in their lives. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Luna.¡± As though he was unaware of Lucalina¡¯s feelings, the Grand Duke tugged her hand off him and pushed her away. There was as urgency in him as he reached to open the door to listen to his lieutenant. ¡°What¡¯s going on? Tell me quickly.¡± Benelucia¡¯s gaze focused on his lieutenant. Unknowingly, he started to gnaw on his lips in nervousness, realizing only when the fishy taste of blood flooded his mouth. At the urging of his master, Arante tightly shut his eyes and answered heavily. ¡°Viscount Daphnen¡­ It is said that he has died a little while ago in a carriage accident.¡± ¡°¡­What?¡± Benelucia felt his heart sink. Senelia will never forgive herself for this. ¡°Why, why so¡­ What¡­¡± His rare stuttering and bewilderedness left his eyes appear darkened. ¡°It seems that the carriage had deviated from the mountain road due to the aftermath of the heavy rain as he travelled to the capital.¡± Arante¡¯s explanation made him feel terrible. Viscount Daphnen had only one reason as to why he would leave for the capital. It meant that the situation was all the more terrifying. Benelucia had appeared at a public ceremony with woman other than Senelia, and Senelia had later accompanied another Young Lord as a partner to a banquet. It had symbolized a perfect separation between the two of them. The Viscount of Daphnen would have been on his way to the capital, worried about his daughter. The daughter who had passed her marriageable age after never parting with the Grand Duke, but now, had broken up completely. In other words, had it not been for Benelucia and Senelia, there would have been no carriage accident as the Viscount would have not left for the capital in the first place. Senelia¡¯s father was originally a healthy man, if not for the accident, he would never have died so soon. But he had died. The Grand Duke¡¯s hand trembled, his complexion paled. ¡°Sally¡­ What are you doing now?¡± His throat tightened. He was clear of the cause of the entire situation. I¡­ It was because I have held Sally to my side for too long, and in the end, I did nothing. ¡°The Lady Daphnen has taken a warp gate straight to the Daphnen residence.¡± The lieutenant¡¯s words proved just how frightened Senelia must have been. She had never used the warp gate, even though he had permitted her use of it. It must have been dusty as it laid without use. And now, it was only after they had broken up that Senelia had finally used it. ¡°His Majesty the Grand Duke!¡± The second the duke guessed Senelia¡¯s condition, he could hardly stand it and ran out of the mansion. The startled cry of Arante rang out behind him, unable to reach the duke¡¯s ears. *** Benelucia, who had forgotten to command his lieutenant, directly ran out of the mansion. He immediately slapped the horse on its side and rode to the warp gate. ¡°Even if I ran out of this banquet hall right now and catch someone to marry¡­ That person will not be the Grand Duke.¡± Benelucia remembered the first time Senelia spoke thorny words to him. It had been a long time since he had seen her being so emotional. To him, her parents would react just as repulsed if they had been there. Such parents¡­ Senelia¡¯s father. He died because of the relationship his daughter had with Benelucia. Just the thought of how horrible his existence would now become to Senelia was frightening for Benelucia. ¡°Activate the warp gate now.¡± He jumped off his horse and marched to the gatekeeper, hastily giving out orders as he went. The people waiting in the front could not see them, but everyone held their breath at the bloody momentum that dripped off the only Grand Duke of their country. The wizards speedily did as commanded. With the warp gate activated, Benelucia felt his vision blur. It seemed as if that was the future for himself and Senelia. *** She didn¡¯t know what kind of spirit had come to the Daphnen¡¯s estate. Senelia ran to her home, ignoring the fact that she almost fell off her horse as it galloped at a speed she could not manage. When she got off her horse, her face was visibly pale and bloodless and her legs trembled. As a result, as soon as she entered the mansion she collapsed. ¡°Gosh¡­! Miss!¡± Amelia, a maid of the Daphnen¡¯s household, came out at sound of the horse¡¯s cry. She hurriedly ran to her Young Lady and supported her. ¡°Father¡­ Father, father¡­¡± The Young Lady brokenly repeated the same word over and over again. ¡°The Viscount¡­¡± As if she too did not believe such an incident could occur, Amelia couldn¡¯t continue. ¡°Ah¡­he¡­¡± Losing the strength in her legs, Senelia fell down. Amelia had trouble supporting her. Senelia sat on the dirty floor of the garden and wanted to burst into tears. ¡°Wake up, Senelia.¡± And she would have cried, had it not been for the call of her mother. Senelia listlessly lifted her head and watched her mother stand in the distance. Her mother did not rush to her, nor help her up. She just stared at her daughter. Instantly, Senelia felt her tears freeze in the cold wind. A cold rush wrapped around her heart, making it difficult to even breathe. ¡°Mother¡­¡± Her mother had always been strict. But she nonetheless loved her daughter. Alas, the eyes that looked back at the Young Lady appeared to have changed. Her mother¡­ She hated Senelia. CH 21 ¡°If the next Viscount Daphnen sits around, you aren¡¯t being useful. Your father suddenly passed away, so now there is a lot of work to do. Don¡¯t make a fuss over there and come inside.¡± The Viscountess turned her back on her daughter and entered the mansion. It was a cruel act, as if the very sight of her daughter pained her. Her mother¡¯s detachment pained Senelia. She rose to her feet; every step was almost too heavy to bear. Senelia barely managed to walk up to the front door, her pace slow due to the weakness she felt in her legs and stopped when she questioned the maid. From the instant she had heard about her father¡¯s death, she hid her doubts deep in her mind. ¡°Amelia, maybe¡­ Was father on the way to pick me up?¡± Amelia was silent, but it was that silence that gave Senelia her answer. For a long time after, Senelia stood at the doorstep blankly, unable to enter the mansion. Now, she would have nowhere to welcome her. *** Her father and mother had met through a political engagement, but soon fell in love and were happily married. So, with the sudden loss of her husband, the corners of the Viscountess¡¯ eyes reddened. Senelia couldn¡¯t say a single word of comfort to her. She knew her mother was being patient with her. I¡­ Had I married immediately, or if I had broken up with Ben sooner¡­ She bowed her head, too ashamed to look at her mother. If she had done anything sooner, Viscount Daphnen would not have had that carriage accident. The Viscountess had kept her emotions in check so as to not blame her beloved daughter for the tragedy of her loving husband. But because of this, Senelia¡¯s mother appeared ferocious. Her mother had always been extremely patient with her, and not once had her parents pressured her to leave Benelucia after all those years of pointless dating. Knowing that, Senelia could hardly maintain eye contact. I ruined this peaceful and ordinary family. She was a sinner, even just breathing in front of her parents brought about trouble. And finally, today¡­ I had killed her father. She was ashamed of herself. Nothing had stopped her from struggling to survive. But did I really have to live so much that I sacrificed the life of my own father? In the face of her beloved mother, the guilt of her father¡¯s death weighed down on her shoulders. It was becoming harder and harder to bear. ¡°Now, you will move back to the estate.¡± Her mother¡¯s voice broke Senelia from her thoughts, losing focus of where she was. She looked at her mother in surprise. ¡°I believe you won¡¯t tremble with regret for your breakup with that man when your father has just died?¡± That man. Her words revealed the Viscountess¡¯ resentment towards Benelucia. Senelia was speechless. She wanted to say that if she could, she would listen to her mother. She would always want to listen to her. However, there were no words to say that could explain the situation to her mother. With her daughter¡¯s silence, a flash of anger appeared on her mother¡¯s face. ¡°Senelia!¡± She trembled. It was Senelia¡¯s first time hearing her mother sounding strict and raising her voice. The Viscount was so angry that even her shoulders shook with her rage. ¡°Your father¡¯s accidental death¡­¡± The woman trailed off, then pursed her lips as she glanced at her daughter as though she had made a mistake. However, they both knew the ending to that sentence. Both Senelia and the Viscountess. ¡°Please, Sally. Please stop letting me down.¡± Her mother begged her earnestly as she hid her face in her hands. Viscountess Daphnen could not tolerate her daughter being with a man who would bring another woman to public affairs. [T/N: Meaning she can¡¯t deal with her daughter being with a man who cheats on her and brings another woman to flaunt in her face.] Although they had been lovers for eight years, he was a Grand Duke who could not promise Senelia a future. Viscountess Daphnen could not stand her daughter being with a man who played with her. It was her limit. ¡°Mother, I¡­¡± Senelia felt she looked stupid; she couldn¡¯t provide any reasons to counter her mother¡¯s words. She clenched her lips. ¡°Sally!¡± So, when she heard a familiar voice call from outside the window, Senelia turned to it immediately without much thought. At that moment, it was a call for salvation. ¡­Ben? Hearing the voice of someone she was familiar with made Senelia suddenly want to cry. Apparently, Benelucia had come to her. It was truly amazing timing. And it caused her mother to give her a blatant look of disapproval. She rose from her seat, opened the door, and called in an attendant. ¡°Tell the Grand Duke that we are not ready to receive mourners as yet.¡± Senelia¡¯s mother was extremely polite with her rejection. But she was chasing him away. Objectively speaking, there was nothing wrong with her words. Because Benelucia¡¯s behavior, who had come to visit the victim¡¯s family unannounced, was far from etiquette. Still, he remained a member of the Imperial family. ¡°¡­The Grand Duke requests to meet the Young Lady.¡± The Daphnen¡¯s mansion was nowhere as big as the Afron¡¯s mansion, so the servant had quickly returned with the duke¡¯s reply. Senelia¡¯s mother frowned gracefully. Due to their family standing in the empire, she could not refuse the Imperial Family twice. In the end, she spoke to the staff and held in her displeasure. ¡°Guide the Grand Duke to the first-floor drawing room.¡± ¡°Yes, madam.¡± Senelia¡¯s mother waved her hands and the attendant left at a brisk pace. She turned to her daughter and sighed. ¡°Sally, go downstairs.¡± Her tone was calm, there was no hint of anything wrong. But it made Senelia¡¯s heart flutter even more. Senelia knew that the angrier her mother was, the calmer she became. ¡°Mother, I-¡± ¡°Hurry. Are you going to keep a Grand Duke waiting?¡± The Viscountess timidly used her words to push her daughter back. Setting aside her disdain for Benelucia, she was unable to keep a member of the Imperial Family waiting. Senelia wanted to remain with her mother. I¡¯m afraid that my mother¡¯s hatred for this rotten daughter will grow should I go to Benelucia. Her mother¡¯s stern gaze put an end to any arguments she could have. She bit her lip, and in the end, left the room as she swallowed the countless words she had left unsaid. The countless words that she suppressed, as always, since she met Cliff de Helios. *** The moment Senelia entered the drawing room happened to coincide with her ex-lover¡¯s entry. ¡°Sally!¡± His call for her sounded desperate. Though, Senelia¡¯s emotions blocked her awareness of Benelucia¡¯s urgency. The guilt of her causing her father¡¯s death and the toll of her mother¡¯s hatred numbed her the everything around her. ¡°Are you alright?¡± Benelucia had forgotten his surroundings as he took in Senelia¡¯s complexion. His hand that covered her cheek became more cautious. ¡°¡­Your Majesty, why have you come this far?¡± She wanted to cry. Benelucia¡¯s concern shook her. It isn¡¯t alright. Nothing is right. And because of that, her words were stiff. ¡°I¡¯m worried about you.¡± At his reply, Senelia covered her mouth. She could barely restrain the useless question from leaving her lips. Are you worried? No¡­ Do I even need your worry now? She held back. To be blunt, it was a good sign that Benelucia had come to her despite leaving Lucalina all the way back at the capital. She knew it. Even in this terrible situation, she couldn¡¯t make things worse and lose her rationality. ¡°¡­First of all, there are many eyes watching, please let us enter the room.¡± She sighed as if it couldn¡¯t be helped. Turning her back to him, she entered the drawing room first, and Benelucia followed her shortly. ¡°How¡¯s your mother?¡± As soon as the door closed behind them, Benelucia inquired. Senelia felt strange. Benelucia might not have realized it, but it was the first time in the eight years they had been together that he had asked about her parents. If it wasn¡¯t at that particular moment, Senelia might have been touched. ¡°My mother is busy with the funeral arrangements.¡± It was half-truths mixed with half-excuses. The Viscountess¡¯ reason for not appearing in front of Benelucia was partly due to the funeral preparations, but also because she did not want to see him. ¡°Looks like the Viscountess does not want to see me.¡± Of course, Benelucia pointed out the main reason. Honestly, it was normal. What parent would welcome a man who lived with their daughter for six years and would still refuse to give a definite answer about their relationship. ¡°Sally, are you¡­ are you okay?¡± Benelucia repeated his question once more. Fortunately, this time, Senelia was prepared and could answer him smoothly. ¡°Your father has suddenly passed away, so you can¡¯t be okay.¡± Her earlier words did not seem to please Benelucia. Thus, he got straight to the point. ¡°It¡¯s not-¡± There was a little doubt lingering on Senelia¡¯s expression. It was a rare moment where Benelucia was being blunt. ¡°I mean, is everything alright between you and your mother?¡± Senelia was stunned. CH 22 Benelucia spoke as though he knew her mother¡¯s character well. It was strange as Senelia¡¯s ex-lover had never once shown any interest in her parents. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Sally.¡± This time, he apologized first. It was the first time he had ever sincerely apologized to her. ¡°¡­Huh?¡± Senelia immediately shut her mouth and stared at Benelucia. His actions, in her opinion, were entirely incomprehensible. There was only one thing Senelia wished to gain from the Grand Duke. It was for him to realize his need for her and place her by his side, to not throw her away. That was enough. She wouldn¡¯t ask for more. Why is this arrogant apologizing to me? Senelia could not understand him. ¡°If I had been engaged to you earlier, the Viscount would not have needed to visit you in the Capital.¡± His words were like a hammer thrown at head. She even thought she could feel a part of her tingling. ¡°I guess that even the Viscountess might not welcome me because of that¡­ Judging by your reaction, it seems my estimation was correct.¡± He spoke smoothly, he didn¡¯t even realize how much his words cut through Senelia. ¡°I¡¯ll repay you right now.¡± The Grand Duke hurriedly approached his ex-lover. With each word he spoke, Senelia grew increasingly nervous. First, he said he was sorry, and now, he wanted to offer compensation. As though he wanted to somehow free the burden in Senelia¡¯s heart. Though, Benelucia¡¯s intentions were precisely the beginning that would¡­ It activated Senelia¡¯s wrath. ¡°A¡­ Reward?¡± Her words were honed, sharp and deadly. She struggled to suppress herself. Alas, a ferocious urging surged through her heart. She could still clearly remember the emotions felt when she heard the obituary speech of the Viscountess Daphnen, still remembered the guilt that weighed her down. Ha. To me¡­ I¡­ Father. I made you die in remorse. For the duration of travel taken for Senelia to reach the warp gate, the thought of her father held her in a vise. She hadn¡¯t even found a moment in which she felt it was acceptable for her to cry. The Viscount had died on his way to help his daughter. He must have struggled with the thought that his daughter had eventually been abandoned. Even though Senelia remembered her previous life, she was still Senelia. She was born in this world. She was raised in this world. Viscount Daphnen was never not her father. Therefore¡­ Her father¡¯s death was a wound in her heart. And due to that, she could understand the pain her mother was going through. The mother who had begun to hate her. And you want to compensate me for that? Who, what, how and why? Is this wretchedness something you can compensate for? Her hands trembled. She hoped with her entire being that Benelucia would not open his mouth again. ¡°Let¡¯s get married, Sally.¡± [T/N: Meaning the poor man chooses death.] However, as always, Benelucia rejected her earnest wishes. ¡°Then your parents-¡± As soon as the word ¡®parents¡¯ left his lips, she couldn¡¯t hold back any longer. Pa. The Grand Duke abruptly cut off. His head snapped to the side mercilessly. Senelia felt her palm tingle as it had recklessly connected with the man¡¯s face. ¡°How¡­ How, with that mouth, to my parents¡­¡± She muttered as her temper exploded with her anger. How can you compensate for my father¡¯s death and my mother¡¯s hatred using marriage? Can marrying you solve everything so easily? It doesn¡¯t work like that! Rage flared up within her in an instant. Arguably, it was the first time that Senelia felt it so difficult to endure in front of Benelucia. ¡°Sally, what¡­¡± Such an arrogant man, who had never been slapped even during his worst partings with his lovers, seemed even more confused as it was the first time it happened to him. He looked at Senelia in confusion. It was when their eyes met that something stronger overpowered Senelia¡¯s wrath. Survival Instinct. It struck her like a thunderbolt, she had made a huge mistake. ¡°I have sinned, I deserve death!¡± She crumpled to the ground and kneeled with her head flushed to the floor. How have you been living all these years, Senelia¡­ How can I still not control my emotions and turn these eight years spent in vain. No¡­ How, how could I? Her father¡¯s death was tragic, and her mother¡¯s hatred was painful. Nevertheless, Senelia spent eight years there. Eight years spent at Cliff¡¯s side, acting like a dog. Eight years of falling in love with Benelucia. The weight of her error doused her anger instantly. Extreme fear followed her overwhelming anger. As a result, Senelia could feel herself going insane. Contrary to her usual vigilance, just by slapping the Grand Duke and then suddenly prostrating to apologize was enough to prove her dive into insanity. ¡°I have committed blasphemy! Laying a hand on the royal family, my family and I will be condemned¡­¡± It was a habit she had developed. In the midst of her frenzy, Senelia would begin to immediately offer apologies one after another. But her apologies ended there. ¡°Stop!¡± Because Benelucia¡¯s furious order interrupted her. *** Benelucia had dared to be overconfident. I can give Senelia compensation. He was a Grand Duke, what did he not have? He was ready to give Senelia whatever her heart desired. So, it had never occurred to him that he would not be able to compensate her for what he had done. For the sorrows she had suffered. Pa. ¡°How¡­ How, with that mouth, to my parents¡­¡± When Senelia¡¯s palm connected with his face, Benelucia had not been angered. He just couldn¡¯t believe it. You must understand, he had never expected his Senelia to react like that. It was only later when he came to the realization that maybe she would not want compensation. But before he could ask, Senelia had fallen to her knees. She so easily lowered her head, like an infinitely low-born person. ¡°I have committed blasphemy!¡± The second she had uttered that phrase, the Grand Duke¡¯s mood plummeted. Senelia was succumbing to her duty. Unlike himself, she had not forgotten that her relationship with Benelucia was a Viscount¡¯s Young Lady and the Grand Duke. No, I¡­ Has she ever forgotten? ¡°Laying a hand on the royal family, my family and I will be condemned¡­¡± Her next words resulted in Benelucia losing control of his expression. ¡°Stop!¡± He gritted his teeth and shouted. In her head, he could estimate exactly how badly she thought of him, she didn¡¯t even try to make excuses for herself or her family. And the fact that the woman he loved felt that way would not be pleasing to even the worst of men. ¡°Get up now. Don¡¯t kneel before me, what the hell are you¡­¡± Swallowing a sigh, Benelucia lowered himself and lifted Senelia up. His emotions flowed through him intensely, ready to burst out. If I had taken Senelia as my fianc¨¦e earlier, I wouldn¡¯t have to watch the woman I love kneel for slapping me in the face. It was an unreasonable idea for a member of the Imperial family such as Benelucia. But he was but a man who had finally realized his love and could see nothing but that love. In addition to that, he had the body of a sword master, so, when he was hit on the cheek, it left no scratches or bruises. On the contrary, only the palm Senelia used to hit him was red. He was rather sorry for that. ¡°I will not be doing anything to you or your family. So, stop that.¡± Benelucia comforted Senelia as she trembled in surprise at his actions. He tightened his grip on her in his arms and headed to the couch. ¡°Majesty!¡± Startled, she grabbed his shoulder, Senelia felt that it was impossible to keep up with the flow of the situation. ¡°Please put me down, my Lord and I are too close. Your Majesty-¡± ¡°Sally, shut up,¡± Benelucia unwittingly revealed a glimpse of his hurt feelings. My Lord and I, not us. It was unpleasant to hear that his lover was uncomfortable in his arms and even spat out words that held a sense of distance. Her body twitched at his unusually harsh voice and an awkward silence descended between the two of them. With his thoughts in disarray, he snuggled Senelia up to the couch and sat beside her. ¡°Your forehead has turned red.¡± ¡°Your Majesty!¡± Senelia went red because Benelucia gazed at her forehead and then casually knelt on one knee before her. ¡°Get up now, what if anyone sees¡­¡± She was terrified, Cliff¡¯s goons were everywhere. Senelia was afraid of his reaction if word reached the emperor¡¯s ears. Cliff de Helios wanted Senelia to be his younger brother¡¯s leash, but he did not want her to wield him. Even the emperor knew that Senelia didn¡¯t have any good feelings towards himself. And yet, Cliff would beat her up purely since he was aware that Senelia, his dog, did not have the courage to get revenge. Nevertheless, the emperor remained secretly wary of Senelia. The emperor basically distrusted all humans and believed that they were fickle enough to change at any given time. In such a situation, she was terrified of how the emperor would react when he heard that the proud Benelucia, his baby brother, had bowed to Senelia, his loyal dog. Unfortunately, Senelia could not speak a word of that to Benelucia, so Benelucia did not know what was going on with her. The Grand Duke, on the other hand, was frustrated with Senelia, who was always so careful around him. Excluding the first two years when their relationship was ambiguous, Senelia had been constant, even though she had stayed as the Grand Duke¡¯s lover for six years. She is always cautious and never takes care of herself. ¡°Is that the problem now?¡± Benelucia signed and continued his actions. CH 23 ¡°Have you ever been angry at me for being rude to you, Senelia? I don¡¯t think so.¡± There were many times when Benelucia had wronged Senelia, but it never compromised the first condition that Senelia asked for. He had never allowed anyone to belittle her or her status. ¡°Your Majesty the Grand Duke is getting a new woman?¡± ¡°Then Senelia Daphnen will become a kite with its string cut.¡± ¡°Hey, what do you mean?¡± ¡°I mean, the Viscount¡¯s Young Lady had enjoyed herself for a long time holding onto the Grand Duke, so she has to go back to her place now.¡± Rather, Benelucia had wanted to make sure that no one could ignore or look down on Senelia. So, I had set rules in my home. Even when the misunderstanding caused by the first scandal occurred, the employees of the Grand Duke¡¯s mansion did not change their attitude towards Senelia. Unless Benelucia revealed his rules to her, Senelia remained unaware. And Benelucia had never overlooked rude behavior towards her. With that, Senelia had remained entirely unaware that the only reason for her continuously peaceful life in his mansion was because of the Grand Duke. He had provided Senelia with the best he could. She was the only one who had been with him for so long. If it was anyone besides Senelia, Benelucia would have raised his nose to the sky a long time ago. [T/N: Raising his nose to the sky means they would have been beneath his notice.] However, Senelia had not reacted during that first scandal. On the contrary, she became more cautious and seemed more accustomed to lowering herself. You were the only lover of the Grand Duke of this empire, shouldn¡¯t it be okay for you to get angry? Do something other than accept! Benelucia really hated that about Senelia. Because every time it happened, she appeared as someone who had nothing to do with him. As if she wasn¡¯t his lover. Whenever they ended up in the same situation, Benelucia held back the rising frustration from being unleashed. He had never experienced such behavior from his previous lovers. It was true, he had only ever loved Lucalina, but he had treated Senelia differently from the other women. Hadn¡¯t she ever felt that I treated her specially? She should have never said such words. ¡°Why are you lowering yourself to me as if I¡¯m about to kill you? Don¡¯t do that, Sally.¡± How could I talk about such a subject at this time, I¡¯m so stupid. After all, Senelia was right. But Benelucia decided not to put up with her submissive behavior any longer. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter if you are rude, Sally. Don¡¯t beg for forgiveness again.¡± Benelucia gently stroked Senelia¡¯s red and swollen forehead. He didn¡¯t notice that the more affectionate Benelucia became, the more Senelia alienated herself from him. Neither Benelucia nor Senelia were insane. Though, with their emotions out of control and their attitudes coming and going, they looked like crazy people in the eyes of others. Even more convincing was Senelia¡¯s feelings towards the Grand Duke¡¯s actions. You say that because I have never been rude to you. Senelia had to suddenly suppress her desire to speak sarcastically. Aside from her mistake of slapping his cheek out of anger, the Viscount¡¯s Young Lady had never acted out of line with the Grand Duke. She assumed that the reason for his sudden tolerance of her was because this was her first act of rudeness. To her, he was a part of the Royal family, the Grand Duke, and the only male lead of the novel they were in. Senelia would never believe the thought that Benelucia¡¯s forgiveness of her actions were due to his love for her. As she struggled under the weight of her thoughts and emotions, Senelia remained silent. So, Benelucia spoke again. ¡°And I¡¯m sorry for proposing hastily like this.¡± Again. Benelucia apologized again. The moment he spoke, Senelia had a hard time controlling her contorted expression. Every time he apologized, Senelia felt strangely uncomfortable. Even when she thought about it, she couldn¡¯t figure out why. You came here even though Lucalina was by your side. Then that¡¯s good, but¡­ It didn¡¯t matter to Senelia if he came out of love or need. She would still be the person who he was going to keep at his side. That was her ultimate goal. Unfortunately, if she commented about that uncomfortable feeling, she would make a mistake again, just like when she slapped the Grand Duke. Her goal would then be lost. Senelia couldn¡¯t react. ¡°But I want you to know this. Sally, I didn¡¯t just randomly propose to you.¡± When she heard him, immediately, Senelia knew what she had to do. It was only then that she understood the reason for Benelucia¡¯s visit at her distant mansion and why he had friendly overlooked her slap to his face. It brought peace to her chaotic mind. She answered before Benelucia could stir her mind again. ¡°Sir, do you have need of me?¡± Lucalina had just returned to the capital. Cliff de Helios was always watching the relationship between Lucalina and his brother. Now is the time when the two of them need to be careful about their meetings. So, a smoke screen. That is what he needs. Senelia was convinced of her assumption. Otherwise, she had a hard time coming up with a reason for Benelucia¡¯s sudden change. ¡°What? That¡¯s not it!¡± The Grand Duke flinched at Senelia¡¯s unhesitant reply. He knew his attitude towards their relationship had been messed up, but he didn¡¯t expect her to think so lowly of it. He hastily added in what he wanted to say directly, slightly afraid of her misunderstanding him further. ¡°I love you, Sally.¡± It was Benelucia¡¯s first confession to Senelia. His voice was firm, hardly trembling at all. ¡°Your Majesty, you do not have to lie like this.¡± However, Senelia¡¯s denial of his confession was even firmer. She pretended like it had nothing to do with her. Unlike his apology, Senelia had truly calmed down. Perhaps, no one but her could possibly know how much Benelucia loved Lucalina. She knew exactly how long he had waited for Lucalina throughout the novel and throughout the eight years spent with him. How could such a Benelucia love me instead? Senelia refused to be the woman who became stupid and na?ve at the mention of love. ¡°¡­Sally.¡± Her words were too adamant, it left Benelucia speechless. He realized it instinctively. Senelia will never believe me, no matter how many times I say I love her. In an instant, that deduction filled him with despair. It was a despair that could not be defined easily. You don¡¯t believe my honest words, my love. Sally, you don¡¯t believe me. No one could give themselves up to someone who they didn¡¯t trust. Benelucia wanted Senelia. I want to have the true Senelia, not the woman who is always careful, taking a step back to protect her duties and without expression. But Senelia did not trust Benelucia. That meant that he could never fully have her in the future. ¡°I am aware of the grace you have shown me at the capital, so, if you have any necessary orders, I will obey you.¡± Now that the female lead had returned, Senelia decided to change her plans. She had once thought that distancing herself from Benelucia would work in her favor, alas, it was only possible without Lucalina. If Lucalina hovered around the male lead, then Senelia¡¯s vacancy would be erased soon enough. She refused to be forgotten like that. After all, Benelucia seemed to need her, so she had an excuse to linger at his side. And should Benelucia ever need a marriage, it was rather fortunate. Because Senelia desperately wanted to marry him. ¡°As I said before, it is alright to use me as a smoke screen to hide your relationship with Marquis Elihan¡¯s Young Lady.¡± ¡°Sally!¡± The Grand Duke raised his voice. His lips trembled. Use her?! Benelucia stared at her in disbelief. How could she use such a word towards herself? His reaction was that of an injured man. Senelia didn¡¯t think it was her or her words that had dared to injure that man. She assumed his reaction was due to his hidden intentions being exposed. ¡°I¡¯ve known from the moment I first visited the Grand Duke. The reason why Your Majesty has never loved us Young Ladies or kept by your side.¡± Since Benelucia said he would not be offended if she was rude, Senelia made the most out of it. She, herself, was unaware of how desperate she was. The desperation had broken down her composure and endurance. ¡°I will accept your proposal, but don¡¯t be concerned, I won¡¯t misunderstand your reasons.¡± With the return of Lucalina, the planned outcome, which Senelia had painstakingly worked on for eight years, was destroyed. And in the meantime, she had lost her father as well. It was only natural that Senelia was nervous. I must not miss this opportunity today, Ben. You must marry me. So, Senelia altered her plan, just a bit. She had come up with that alternative after desperately churning her choices in her head. Marquess Elihan was a noblewoman. There was no way she would ever let her daughter fall in love with a married man. Right now, Ben is making such a bad decision just to protect Lucalina from Cliff¡¯s hand. Senelia had concluded that the proposal from Benelucia was just a smoke screen. [T/N: Smoke screen means it¡¯s used as a cover to hide. In this case, it is a marriage used to hide Benelucia¡¯s relationship with Lucalina.] It didn¡¯t matter. Her first role given to her by Cliff was to separate Benelucia and Lucalina. It¡¯s okay if you think of deceiving me with this fake marriage and pretending it¡¯s not. To be the person that Benelucia vitally needs, well, Senelia had been working for that one goal for eight years. She had become a person who knew nothing else but that one goal. So, in her mind, she was convinced that the method she had chosen to gain that goal was the right one. CH 24 Senelia¡¯s expectations were completely wrong. ¡°¡­You better be mad at me, Sally.¡± The Grand Duke rose to his feet and took a step back. Did I choose the wrong step? Senelia felt perplexed, but she immediately tried to hide her true emotions and feigned a composed front. ¡°Why would I be angry at you, Your Majesty?¡± She had already proven her dedication to Benelucia for eight years, so that there would be no better partner that could stand by his side. I can be sure of the fact that I would be the best. Benelucia should be proposing to me because he knows I can be the perfect smoke screen, right? So, why is his reaction out of my expectations? Senelia was genuinely confused. ¡°Sally, don¡¯t you think that your reactions shown so far are abnormal?¡± He then sighed and forcefully swallowed. His expression conveyed his thoughts as if he was holding back his heartache, Senelia was offended. She knew that she put up with a lot in front of him. So, why does he make that face? Have I done something to him to be ashamed of? ¡°I don¡¯t understand, Your Majesty.¡± Still, in front of her only hope, Senelia had to play the harmless young lady. She couldn¡¯t become a nuisance like his former lovers. She had to constantly lower her head, or she would be abandoned. In the end, it seemed like Benelucia cracked and revealed his inner thoughts first. ¡°Scandal. That first scandal, it was a misunderstanding at first.¡± Benelucia¡¯s brow furrowed as must have been conflicted, but he persisted. ¡°But the second and third were done on purpose.¡± His ex-lover flinched. It was involuntary. Intentionally. That-He¡­ The misery she felt on that day resurfaced and pierced through her once more. ¡°I wanted you to react to it somehow.¡± [T/N: This man deserves to be alone.] As Senelia processed his words, her body stiffened. It wasn¡¯t that she didn¡¯t want to react, but over the course of eight years together, Senelia had developed the habit of always keeping her expressions neutral. Because of that, she never outwardly showed her pain. Only Senelia¡¯s heart, which she had thought to be shattered and closed-off, crumpled all over again. It was truly amazing. For eight years, her heart was continuously falling apart, and yet, there was still some small part that survived to be broken now. Senelia hoped that this was the end, the end of the fall, the end of the heart break. She was constantly being tossed to the ground and every time¡­ It hurts so much. ¡°Are you not going to ask me why?¡± Benelucia questioned. Her feet wanted to run; she didn¡¯t want to hear anything more. In the end, it was a kind of intuition that told her that she would not be able to handle his next words. Still, the arrogant Grand Duke opened his mouth arbitrarily and spoke as he pleased. ¡°I wanted to make sure you still loved me.¡± Everyone had limitations, but for the Grand Duke, it was more specific. Growing up as one of the noblest beings in the empire meant that the Grand Duke had always been loved. There was not a moment in his life where he was not loved by someone, so, how could he understand Senelia¡¯s perspective? ¡°Why? What could you possibly gain by finding the answer to that?¡± Senelia already knew the answer to that question too. Nevertheless, the thorny words spilled from her lips. Only then did a subtle flash of relief appear on Benelucia¡¯s face. Upon noticing it, Senelia¡¯s insides churned once more, he had deliberately poked at Senelia so that he could elicit a reaction from her. For the first time that Senelia was aware of, a sneer hung from her lips while she was in full view of the Grand Duke. Is this what you call love? Senelia once again adamantly denied Benelucia¡¯s love for her. She knew he loved Lucalina, but how was that related to love for her as well? That man is definitely trying to take my love. Her twisted heart whispered mockingly in her ear. The arrogant man who had everything could barely tolerate her lack of love, so he became greedy. That¡¯s right, it wasn¡¯t love. It¡¯s his greed to possess everything. ¡°But you wanted me to pretend I couldn¡¯t see it, Your Majesty! You didn¡¯t want me to bother you.¡± Her mouth couldn¡¯t stop. It felt as if all the thorns that had grown over all those years were being spat out, hacking her insides as they left her. They were meant to hurt both of them. ¡°Sally, there seems to be a misunderstanding, but I¡¯ve never asked that of you-¡± ¡°No, I just made you feel comfortable.¡± She ruthlessly cut him off. ¡°Isn¡¯t that why you¡¯ve been with me for this long?¡± Just because he hadn¡¯t point blank confessed his plans didn¡¯t mean that the meaning behind it remained hidden. Benelucia¡¯s lieutenant, Arante, hated Senelia. He did not want to welcome a daughter from a poor Viscount family who did not suit the might and glory of the Grand Duke, his master. So, Arante would often deliberately inform the duke of news about Lucalina in front of Senelia. It was a clear warning and a hint for her to listen well. At that time, all Senelia could do was pretend to be oblivious, pretend to hear and know nothing. At first, Benelucia had initially stopped Arante¡¯s behavior, but when he saw Senelia pretend to be unconcerned, he stopped. He allowed Arante to continue. Senelia, like all the other girls before her, became Benelucia¡¯s lover, but she stood out because she seemed content with the current position he gave her and never argued when he was with other women. ¡°Sally, I¡­¡± Benelucia trailed off, he regretted the words he spoke. It wasn¡¯t because I was comfortable with it. He had wanted to shake Senelia¡¯s fake, casual appearance. I did something irreversible just for that reason. If he looked at the situation from that perspective, he really didn¡¯t have the right to stomp his feet and throw a tantrum over her reactions. I wanted to see the real Senelia, the one who was hidden. I was willing to dig it out of her if I had too. He hadn¡¯t cared if it would hurt her. But now, as he watched the pain in her eyes that he caused, Benelucia realized that he really did not want to hurt her. He blamed his own stupidity, he knew there was no way to take back his cruel words, but every time he stood before her, he became a man who was impulsive and stupid. Even if he was aware of it, he couldn¡¯t control himself. ¡°I don¡¯t know why you wanted to know whether I love you or not, but I¡¯ll give you that answer.¡± Senelia retorted, her voice was angry and twisted. A sneer hung on her lips. Truly and unruly man! How shameless, he wishes for my love after everything? And then, like a child, he complains when he can¡¯t have it all for himself. ¡°Your Majesty, I¡¯ve never broken a promise to you.¡± For the eight years spent together, Senelia had followed every command of Benelucia¡¯s. It devastated her that she now had to pay the price now. This arrogant man tests me in the worst way possible. Even so, I am unable to escape Benelucia. Her cynicism was mostly aimed at herself, it was pathetic. She hated being so helpless. [T/N: Cynicism means the distrust of another person, like their motives and ambition.] Unfortunately, she couldn¡¯t be like Lucalina, Benelucia and his brother, she had to be terribly unfair to herself. She would never have unlimited happiness, and she was alright with that. Not everyone had to be great to be happy. The vast majority of people enjoyed mediocre happiness. Senelia wanted the same. Ordinary happiness was enough for her. It made her wonder, if that was enough, how did she wander so far away from that happiness? In the end, she couldn¡¯t help but feel sorry for herself. ¡°It will be the same in the future.¡± It was a declaration of sorts. It was a promise from Senelia to Benelucia. A reminder of their first night together, where they made a promise that will be kept forever. I love you. Your Majesty, I will never say these words to you again. If you need me, Your Majesty, please call for me. Their beginning didn¡¯t have love. Senelia had confessed to the duke that she loved him, but they became lovers not because of her love, but because he had used her. So, come now. Love? Does that word suit us? ¡°But if you say that Your Majesty needs love as well¡­¡± Senelia¡¯s red eyes met the Grand Duke¡¯s, she wanted to hurt him. She wanted him to feel what she felt. You don¡¯t know how much I want to hurt you¡­ I hope you will carry that pain until the day you return to dust. [T/N: Turn to dust ¨C when he dies.] ¡°I¡¯ll do that, as I¡¯ve promised.¡± Senelia had come to a decision, she will make Benelucia desperately need her. If necessary, she was willing to love him. But it will just be a promise, she will never give him her heart. The Grand Duke¡¯s expression fell, he understood what was left unsaid. ¡°I¡¯ll ask one more time, Sally, do you love me?¡± His hand firmly grasped onto her arm; his fingers dug into her flesh. He suddenly wanted to cling to her. ¡°That question is meaningless, Your Majesty. The word ¡®love¡¯ can never exist between you and I.¡± Senelia remained steady. Just like Benelucia on that day who never wavered at her confession of love. The Grand Duke pursed his lips. Nevertheless, he couldn¡¯t take his eyes off her, he intently searched her eyes. Hoping that maybe, he could find some truth. His ex-lover deliberately avoided a proper answer. She didn¡¯t agree or disagree. Even in the midst of her rage, her head remained clear. She remembered that she couldn¡¯t fall out completely with Benelucia. If he coveted her love, then she would use it to tie him to her. And Senelia¡¯s determination proved correct¡­ Benelucia had then made it impossible for her to give him up easily. CH 25 As Benelucia tilted Senelia¡¯s body in his arms, his shadow encased her in its darkness. ¡°It was a simple yes or no answer, Sally. Why do you keep dodging the question with roundabout replies.¡± With Benelucia¡¯s broad shoulders taking up space, all Senelia could see was her ex-lover and nothing else. He had imprisoned her in his arms, forcing her to answer him. Her teeth softly latched onto her lower lip, the more the Grand Duke pressured her, the more reluctant she was to speak. Aside from racking her brain for a plot to capture his heart and survive his brother¡¯s wrath, Senelia battled with her irritability. She truly did not want Benelucia¡¯s love, it had been a long time since she decided to stop yearning for it. Thinking about him longing for her to love him confused her. It made her insides upset. ¡°Don¡¯t bite.¡± He whispered to her as his thumb lightly pressed her lower lip. Benelucia then gently rubbed her bitten lip. Realizing her subconscious movements made Senelia want to laugh self-deprecatingly at herself. She was over the subtle reminders of how Benelucia¡¯s touch felt familiar to her. Smack. She ruthlessly knocked Benelucia¡¯s hand off, she instinctively wanted to add distance between them. ¡°I have already answered you, Your Majesty.¡± The silence that would have followed was broken by the sound of her stomach as it crumbled. Of course, Senelia hated most when she was embarrassed or shaken in front of the Grand Duke, so she determined her best course of action was to escape. Resolutely she pushed her chest away from him when, surprisingly, Benelucia moved backwards from the force. He no longer imprisoned her. Not one to miss out on opportunities, as soon as she was free from his embrace, Senelia spoke quickly. ¡°It looks like I have to leave Your Majesty so that I can prepare for my father¡¯s funeral with my mother. Please excuse me. An attendant will guide Your Majesty the Grand Duke to where you will be residing.¡± The Grand Duke had traveled all the way from the capital to the Daphnen¡¯s estate and he was already welcomed into the mansion. It¡¯s not like we can force him to leave as soon as he arrives. Unfortunately, the law would not look upon that favorably. ¡°Sally, the conversation is not over yet¡­¡± It was clear to her that Benelucia had no intention of letting her leave the room, but with her next words, he would have no choice but to back down. ¡°Your Majesty, it may have slipped your notice but do recall that my father¡¯s funeral hasn¡¯t been conducted yet, so, I do not have any more time to spend with you.¡± After saying her piece, she herself was left dumbfounded. Not much time had passed since the death of her father, and here she was preoccupied with chatting to her ex. Senelia hated the fact that she was still swayed by the likes of the Grand Duke. She roughly opened the door and left. Bang! The sound of the door slamming shut behind her was deafening. *** ¡°That took longer than expected.¡± By the time Senelia returned to the previous room, the Viscountess was waiting for her. Unintentionally, Senelia began to tremble, she was instinctively afraid of what her mother would say to her. I want to cry. That was how parents intimidate their children. Even if the furious parent stood there doing nothing, the more the child glanced at them, the more frightened the child would become. The unpleasant scolding wouldn¡¯t have begun, but the child was already terrified. ¡°Don¡¯t make a fuss, Sally. You have returned to our territory permanently this time, yes?¡± The Viscountess asked a valid question, Senelia was the only child of her parents, thus, she was the only successor to Viscount Daphnen. Her parents, herself, and everyone within their residency had assumed that Senelia would become the next Viscount Daphnen. And with the successor chosen, there was no need to have to educate others. Meaning that there was no one else who could take charge of the Daphnen estate other than Senelia. Realistically, even if her marriage had been delayed for this long, as the successor, her successor ceremony would have already taken place. Unfortunately, Senelia¡¯s romantic life had been a waste of time. She had spent all those years as Benelucia¡¯s lover and missed the perfect age for marriage. His Highness, Cliff de Helios, had also noticed her family¡¯s attempts at marriage during the years and made sure that they were unable to make any connections with those high-ranking aristocrats. Senelia¡¯s parents had put up with wasted years for a long time. ¡°Mother, I¡­¡± Her tongue slurred as she spoke, she had been distracted when she had arrived, so she had overlooked a very important fact. There was no scenario in which the emperor would allow his dog to remain in the Daphnen manor. Cliff would specifically want his dog within reach. The reason for her limited visits to the Viscount estate was not due to her distancing herself from her family. Rather, it was because the person she had to pay attention to, was the emperor. Cliff de Helios had removed her rights to travel back and forth between the Daphnen estate and the capital. So, allowing her to now permanently reside in the estate? Just the thought of it was impossible, the emperor would never approve. ¡°If you do not succeed, Sally, then the Viscount title will be passed on to someone who has not been properly prepared for the caring and maintenance of our territory.¡± Viscount Daphnen had many relatives but not even one of them were equipped with matters pertaining to the Viscount estate. As such, it had never occurred to the Viscount and his wife that they could hand down the estate to anyone other than their daughter. Although the estate covered a small plot of land, it did not lack its own charming characteristics. The successor had to be someone who understood the territory¡¯s good points and made them shine as well as understand the bad points and work to improve those. They would also need to have an in-depth knowledge of the territory, which they would obtain after years of learning. Senelia¡¯s parents had long since taken care of the training period, and above all else, they taught their daughter as much as they could about their territory and its people. I must take over right away, but there is no way I would give away my years of training and learning to someone else. The estate desperately needed a Viscount to lead it now that her father had passed on. Her father had intended to take on the title. Senelia had never known about it. Her parents had always indulged in her that it never occurred to her that she was meant to take up their position. ¡°Sally, so far we have given you time for your self-indulgence, but you are now required to take over the Viscount name and marry.¡± Their daughter¡¯s marriage could have been settled as a personal and family affair if her father had still been around. Now, with his death, the matter of her marriage concerned the territory and its people, everything had changed. The young lady knew that this was her mother¡¯s last request, she needed her daughter to step up and take her place, the Viscountess would not back down. Senelia felt short of breath, her choice had already been fixed from the very beginning. ¡°Your father¡¯s death in the carriage was an accident, but now it is your turn to make a choice. Do you want to follow His Majesty back to the capital?¡± The Viscountess was troubled, ever since the Grand Duke appeared at their estate, she had been on edge. Her greatest worry was that her daughter may once again fail to live up to her parents¡¯ expectations. If Senelia followed the Grand Duke, the Viscountess would be left with no choice. She did not know how she would be able to handle the disappointment. But, thinking about it realistically, the Viscountess would be left with only one path. Firming her resolution, the Viscountess ignored her brief hesitation. ¡°I do not think that I could love the daughter who would abandon the Viscount estate, our home, whom your father and I loved.¡± The Viscountess had given her daughter her ultimatum. *** After announcing her ultimatum, Senelia¡¯s mother left her room, allowing Senelia to ponder over her options. Once the Viscountess had left, a maid entered the room. ¡°My Lady, please have some of this.¡± Having returned to the estate suddenly, Senelia had not eaten that day and the maid must have noticed that. ¡°¡­Did you prepare this?¡± Senelia paused once she removed the lid covering the dish. It contained porridge, not a soup. ¡°Ah, actually¡­¡± The maid trailed off into silence. Senelia glanced at the maid, frowning slightly. ¡°Do you know what this is?¡± There was no one in that world who knew of porridge. It was the food that Benelucia had found out about after Senelia had impulsively made it at the Grand Duke¡¯s residence. She had been on the verge of a mental breakdown at the time, and the pressure from Cliff had made her desperately want to escape to her previous life. Her eyes narrowed as they focused on the maid. As her master stared her down, the maid hurriedly fell to her knees. ¡°I was wrong, my Lady. I was-His Majesty the Grand Duke had requested to hand the meal to the Lady.¡± She was intimidated, she didn¡¯t know what the dish was either, so she was worried that she had made a mistake and brought the Lady something unknown. But a single maid did not have the power to oppose an order given by a Grand Duke, Senelia understood and sighed. With a gesture, she commanded the maid to leave. ¡°Never mind, get out.¡± When the door closed, Senelia sat calmly and stared blankly at the bowl of porridge. Benelucia knew almost nothing about her or her past, but he was quick to notice the little things here and there. For example, the temperature of the porridge was lukewarm, this too was most likely due to his remarks before it was sent to her. It was a logical guess for Senelia. The food at the Grand Duke¡¯s mansion was always served lukewarm. There were many nobles who would refuse to eat food that was not freshly prepared, so Senelia became immediately aware of the fact that Benelucia was being considerate of her. She had always been unable to eat steaming hot food. Her stomach was in a mess and instantly, tears fell from her eyes. It was unfortunate that at that moment in time, Senelia had a moment of honesty. She finally came to a realization. Time and time again, she would wonder why the actions of the Grand Duke towards her messed with her insides. In a moment of true honesty, Senelia knew it was due to her love for Benelucia. A love that had begun to grow ever since their first meeting. ¡°It¡¯s not even funny. Do I have to confess the words I¡¯ve kept buried all this time?¡± Whispers reeking of resentment slipped from her lips. CH 26 They had never spoken of their true feelings ever since the very beginning. Senelia was accustomed to swallowing up her resentment and even the hatred that developed later on. She felt like she needed a reaction from Benelucia first. For him to reveal any emotions that had been buried and left to rot away. It was cruel of her to force him when she spent her time struggling to hide the stench of her dying love. I wanted to guarantee that you loved me. But there was no love that could ever exist between the two. Because at the center of it all, their love festered. For many years, Senelia had loved Benelucia, but that love was corrupted by the weight of their secrets and lies. Nevertheless, love or not¡­ Senelia was determined to marry Benelucia. She grudgingly took a spoon and scooped up some porridge. The watery porridge slowly flowed down her throat like a heavy stone. Senelia ate it anyway. She had a lot of work to do now. It was vital to fill her stomach with something and move on. It was her luck that she had no stomach ache after eating the lukewarm porridge. Viscountess Daphnen was not idle and Senelia could not fall behind and waste time. ¡®They had to hurriedly make up for the sudden loss of Viscount Daphnen. Since the unexpected bump in with the Grand Duke at their estate, it meant that he had gotten involved in the Viscount¡¯s business without consulting her prior. What exactly were you thinking? Her expression wasn¡¯t pleasant as she visited the guest room where the Grand Duke resided. Sighing angrily, she knocked on the door. Knock. Knock. ¡°Your Majesty, may I come in?¡± ¡°Welcome, Sally.¡± The door was instantly pulled open by Benelucia. It was as though he had been lying in wait. He probably knew she was coming. It further showed that he was going to meddle into the workings of the Viscount estate. ¡°Sit down. Is it just before lunch yet?¡± He remained relaxed as he suggested they dine together and seeing his behavior caused Senelia¡¯s stomach to twist. Benelucia was satisfied, he had gotten Senelia to bring herself to him according to his wishes. The young lady sat before him, thinking of how a meeting with Benelucia would not end quickly. She tried to calm herself. I will do what I¡¯ve always done, especially since it looks like Benelucia is out to get me to lose control. I don¡¯t want to comply with his wishes. ¡°I have work left to do, so if Your Majesty needs to eat, I will get the chef to prepare it for you.¡± Calmly, she rejected his suggestion. From her understanding, there could be only one reason why Benelucia would choose her over Lucalina. It was because Senelia Daphnen had behaved differently from the countless other women who had ever fallen for him. So, the Grand Duke was trying to shake her resolve, but she could risk it. If she fell short, her ending would be like all the other women before her. Senelia needed to keep her distance from him, if only for a while. Whether he needed her to avoid suspicion, or because he wanted the love he once had but lost¡­ It meant that he couldn¡¯t have it even though he wanted it and that made him desire it even more. ¡°Have you come to my room and still insist on not having dinner with me?¡± He¡¯s shameless. With the intention of summoning her to him, he must have been secretly controlling the affairs of the Viscount estate which Senelia had not paid attention to, and used it to make Senelia voluntarily come to him. ¡°Your Majesty, you must know why I¡¯ve come to visit. I appreciate the kindness shown to our family, but there is no need for Your Majesty to go out of your way to hide my father¡¯s obituary.¡± [T/N: An obituary is a notice of death mostly used in newspapers.] Straight to the point without a chance to interrupt, she got her main reason out before Benelucia could respond. News of Viscount Daphnen was not important amongst the capital¡¯s noblemen. Rather, his daughter, Senelia Daphnen, had received much attention ever since she held the title of lover of the Grand Duke. Despite her appearance at the banquet hall with the Young Lord Pendragon, it did not stop her being tied to Benelucia. And so, word of the Viscount would draw the attention of the nobles, especially since she had been with the duke for a long time without any whispers of a marriage to him. The sudden death of Viscount would have already become a popular discussion in the capital, and yet, no one knew of it. No one communicated with them about it and no one was lurking about. This led Senelia to believe that someone had a hand in suppressing the news. There weren¡¯t many people who could cover the eyes of the capital¡¯s aristocrats. Of course the emperor would not give Senelia a helping hand, so that left just one other. Grand Duke Benelucia Afron. ¡°Sally, I¡¯ve thought about what you said yesterday.¡± It seemed that Benelucia had now finally understood her actions. But she, who had never asked for anything from him when they were lovers, could not accept his favor now. The Grand Duke was too calm, he did something unexpected. ¡°I know I have wronged you.¡± Ominous. Senelia felt something wicked was coming her way. His words made her forget to breathe. ¡°And for that, I guess you will never forgive me. Right, Sally?¡± He so easily revealed her hatred for him, causing her to tightly clench her trembling hands. If one shows such an attitude but hoped for the other to not notice, then that person was truly stupid. Senelia had once hoped that Benelucia could be that stupid. It¡¯s just¡­ He¡¯s acted that way for eight years, never caring about my problems and reactions. I just assumed that it will be the case this time too. If you can¡¯t pay attention to someone, how could you possibly understand the workings of their mind? Benelucia¡¯s love for Lucalina had been so pure and came so naturally to him that Senelia had long since come to the conclusion that he would never be able to love anyone but Lucalina. Now that he was looking for her heart, she was at a loss. ¡°I dare not forgive Your Majesty for any wrongdoings.¡± [T/N: She means that it is not her place to forgive him. Whether he has wronged her or not, she, as a subject of the empire, cannot go above her standing and accept his apology.] Her mind was blank. She was not a person known for her ability to adjust to a situation quickly. Her expectations after those eight years were different from what she faced now. After all those years, Benelucia had felt an attachment to Senelia, and when they became uncomfortable with one another, Senelia ran away. Entirely unaware that she had ran away from a living being, Benelucia, who would chase after her. From her perspective, she didn¡¯t consider that Benelucia might come to understand her emotions. ¡°If you hate me, Sally, doesn¡¯t it mean that you loved me very much?¡± Her brows furrowed as her mood plummeted. It appeared that the love she had wasted on the Grand Duke and then hid had begun to show once more. Senelia would be lying to herself if she said she did not yearn for Benelucia¡¯s love, but it was a shield she would use cower behind to avoid wondering if it was okay to love him when he might not love her back. [T/N: I don¡¯t know about you guys, but I personally don¡¯t like the road their love is heading down. T-T] Her love had once been acknowledged then trampled on by benelucia himself, it was a terrifying memory to relive. Senelia could never fully explain how miserable she felt at that time, how unfair it was and how it brought tears to her eyes. ¡°It¡¯s okay should you not forgive me.¡± Her eyes turned red, the frustration she felt caused her to hold back angry sobs. But still, Benelucia continued. He was now a man who would not stop speaking his thoughts. ¡°I do not care if you do not love me right now.¡± He spoke confidently. The protagonist of this arrogant world. It was words only the Benelucia Afron could utter with ease. ¡°I¡¯ll make you love me again, Sally.¡± [T/N: Our novel title is starting to take place.] It would have been nice if what he confessed was an empty promise. But, for some reason, Senelia was afraid. The only time she felt loved by Benelucia was only when he allowed it. It had always been that way in the past, and should be so in the future. So, if someone like Benelucia, whom Senelia loved, was determined to aim for her love once again, she wasn¡¯t sure she could stop herself. I¡¯m not confident. She had been too lonely and broken to not give in. ¡°Please don¡¯t.¡± Senelia couldn¡¯t hide her fear. If the day came where she longed for his love again, she would not be able to endure it. She would have to spend the rest of her life with the fact that Lucalina Elihan was his first true love and his destined partner for the rest of her life. And she would always be the one cast to the side, simply a hopelessly in love person who was used when needed and nothing more. ¡°Love. I have told Your Majesty that I would be by your side without yearning for love.¡± Determined, she wanted to protest against his cruelty. ¡°This is a fact that will always remain between us, Your Majesty.¡± After experiencing one fear, the gateway holding back the others crumbled. The excitement she felt when she was at his side. The blooming emotions from his trivial affection. Her eyes that trailed after him, a man who was the main character in life. The love that would lift its head like a spout that was hit by spring rain. [T/N: Talking about a love that blooms like how a plant sprouts after a spring rain.] If Benelucia sincerely seeked her love, how much more would she love him? If that happens, will Cliff de Helios leave my family and I alone? Can I spy on the man I so desperately want to love and remain at his side? Every scenario she could think of ended in disaster. CH 27 Funnily enough, Senelia had learnt exactly how much she needed to endure should she choose to remain at Benelucia¡¯s side. She had to thank the years spent subservient to the Grand Duke¡¯s arrogant attitude. Benelucia Afron will love Lucalina Elihan forever. He will never be interested in me, ever. The Grand Duke was not Senelia¡¯s person, in the end, he would always turn back to his first love. He¡¯d done as such for many years, so Senelia had learnt an important lesson. Love him, but only enough that it would be easy for you to let go of that love for him. She would never love him more than that. That way, even if the male lead once again claims to love only the female lead, and Cliff accepts using the female lead as the leash, Senelia won¡¯t be as heart broken. But if Benelucia decided to make Senelia love him again, her love would cross the line. She would be the one who loses everything at the end. Eight years ago, when Senelia still held onto the innocence of the world, she would have been exhilarated by the promises from the male lead. She might have mistakenly assumed that she had been chosen over Lucalina. But it¡¯s been eight years. I am not the girl with hopeful dreams. She couldn¡¯t afford to be herself anymore. She had to fend for her survival. Hers, and her family¡¯s. She would do whatever he wanted, just not love. ¡°Your Majesty, if you so wish it, I can go to my mother immediately and inform her of our marriage.¡± She approached Benelucia, she had to discover a way to never fall in love with him. Resting her hand against his cheek, her desperate expression silenced the Grand Duke. ¡°Your Majesty, if you so wish, I will kiss you.¡± Senelia angled her head and drew closer to Benelucia. She gave him a short peck. Benelucia hesitated, it had been a long time since his Senelia had willingly initiated physical contact. That brief contact was a hint of sweetness in their dull situation. What am I doing?! How can I act like a young lad who received his first kiss? But love was originally like that. Her kiss left him stunned, giving Senelia the opportunity to take further action. Due to her rush and need to leave quickly, her outfit consisted of a light dress. It made her task at hand easier. Gently, she pushed against the man¡¯s shoulder, once he fell onto the couch, she followed along on her knees. From above, Senelia watched him, the couch wasn¡¯t wide, naturally, they were cramped enough that they felt the other¡¯s warmth. It was subtle, but enough to remind them of the times spent together. Senelia guided Benelucia¡¯s hand to the ribbon that tied her dress. ¡°Your Majesty, if you so wish, anything more than this is possible.¡± Her words would have sounded romantic and enticing, if only Senelia did not sound as though she was reading out prepared lines from a script. The results of her efforts caused Benelucia¡¯s mood to plummet. No, I feel even worse. It was a disgusting feeling. When his Senelia behaved in such a manner, it was as if a black mass stuck to his throat. ¡°Sally, please. Don¡¯t offer yourself to me like this.¡± The Young Lady Daphnen laughed sarcastically, she laughed at herself. Lucalina¡¯s early arrival. Her father¡¯s sudden death. Her mother¡¯s subsequent hatred. And above all else, Benelucia¡¯s claim of love made moments ago, drove Senelia¡¯s mind to the brink of despair. ¡°Your Majesty, don¡¯t deny it. There is nothing between us. Nothing remains besides the fact that I have been nothing more than a woman who occupied your bed for the past eight years.¡± The first year was spent unilaterally circulating around Benelucia. The next year was spent climbing into his bed. Then after, for six more years, they lived as lovers without the promise of a stable married future or whispers of love. In fact, now, he was neither her lover nor her betrothed. In the end, all that remained between them were the benefits obtained as they met their physical needs over the eight years. It was a miserable life, but that had become her daily existence. ¡°I know my place well, Your Majesty.¡± It was the same as the day she left. Just different. She was even more desperate. But she still had a sliver of hope to salvage the situation. ¡°That¡¯s why I would never dare to speak of love to Your Majesty.¡± Loving him is bad, one day I¡¯ll end up loving him so much that I won¡¯t stand it if he loves anyone but me. She feared that one day she would turn out like the original Senelia from the novel. The Grand Duke flinched and collapsed. Senelia didn¡¯t blame him, but that did not stop her from constantly forcing him to look back on his sins. Today, Senelia was determined to bring up the past and use it as her weapon of choice. She endured years without a clear title from him, and even though others speculated that she might be his lover or betrothed. Senelia could never ask and Benelucia had never clarified. These were the sins left behind by both Senelia and Benelucia. I admit it, Sally, I had been arrogant. He was arrogant enough to think it¡¯s acceptable to force his ex-lover to love him. Even if she hadn¡¯t forgiven him. Benelucia wasn¡¯t affected by his own arrogance, so he never had to acknowledge its implications. Now, he had to come to terms that he had hurt his lover. ¡°It¡¯s my fault.¡± Benelucia wrapped his arms around Senelia and buried his head on her shoulder. I was out of my mind, Sally. I was so eager to get a reaction out of you, that I¡­ How self-deceptive. [T/N: Self-deceptive meaning to convince oneself of a truth or false truth.] He was full of bravado without the confidence or skills to handle the outcome. Still, he refused to let go of his lover and instinctively tightened his arms around her. The Grand Duke Benelucia Afron was known to be an arrogant man who deserved to possess everything he desired. He¡¯d lived his life as a conqueror. Unfortunately, though wanted to change his arrogant ways, human beings do not change just because they want to. The essence would remain the same. ¡°So¡­ Please do not give up on loving me, Sally. I¡¯ll make it up to you, everything that I¡¯ve done, I¡¯ll pay you back over and over again. So, please!¡± Instead of feeling repentance, facing their sins made him realize how much more he wanted Senelia and his obsession grew. I want her, I love her. ¡°I will formally send a marriage proposal to the Viscountess. To let everyone know that you are mine, I will prepare the grandest wedding imaginable. I¡¯ll do everything I can until you don¡¯t feel like you¡¯re just a ¡®lover¡¯.¡± Senelia laughed self-deprecatingly as her fear momentarily subsided. Isn¡¯t that funny. No matter how many times he begs or makes promises, aren¡¯t we just walking down the path leading where I still must love him as he wishes. Benelucia might be falling into the trap she laid out, but Senelia could not forget that she had to first complete the emperor¡¯s command before thinking to follow her heart. She also had another problem to consider. They were in a novel. No matter how hard Benelucia tried to love her, they were still in a novel. Benelucia would always fall blindly in love with Lucalina. Senelia could never allow herself to hope in vain. But she had forgotten that she wasn¡¯t the original Senelia, nor was she Lucalina. So, Benelucia, too, could also become a Benelucia Afron who did not love Lucalina. ¡°I¡¯ll do as you wish, Your Majesty.¡± Reason returned to Senelia after calming down. So, she nodded and quickly got to her feet. She judged that Benelucia¡¯s feelings for her were not entirely false, however, she could not put her faith in them. If she had to compare it, Benelucia¡¯s love for Lucalina was blind, but his love for Senelia was possessive. She was amused, there was such a difference between love. Senelia sat beside Benelucia. At her response, the Grand Duke blinked hopefully at his ex-lover. Young Lady Daphnen pondered over his change, how quickly he turned from remorseful to hopeful. Ironically, he still held hope for Senelia to love him again. That¡¯s just like Ben. Whatever wrong he¡¯d committed, he was forgiven easily and loved more passionately by the masses. He¡¯d even managed to fully dissolve the awkward atmosphere between the two. Senelia pretended to not notice and simply tolerated his newfound hope. With that hope, Benelucia will choose her and not Lucalina. Everything is about to change. *** Staying true to his words, Benelucia frequently visited Senelia¡¯s room. Finally, Senelia was joyful with the thought that she would be able to marry the Grand Duke. When the next morning arrived, an unexpected incident put an end to her joy. ¡°Your Majesty, talk of marriage is unacceptable.¡± Viscountess Daphnen, Senelia¡¯s mother, directly rejected the marriage proposal causing Senelia to remember her words. The Viscountess¡¯ daughter did not expect her mother to protest. With her mind clouded, Senelia had assumed her mother objected to her returning to the capital, as she would waste her time trying to gain a love that didn¡¯t exist. She was wrong. Her mother¡¯s warning spoken after her father¡¯s death was to not be with the man named Benelucia Afron and had nothing to do with returning to the capital. ¡°Why are you rejecting this marriage?¡± Benelucia frowned, his displeasure visible to those around. He¡¯d probably never imagined his proposal would be sent back. After all, it was rude of a noble to reject the marriage to an Imperial family member. If accused of insulting the royal family, the Viscountess and her family would have no way of escaping responsibility. Besides, with Senelia being over the marriageable age, Benelucia was the best available partner. Even if he wasn¡¯t available, doesn¡¯t his political standing make him the best groom in the empire, second only to the emperor? It was incomprehensible that the Viscountess would be against the marriage proposal. However, the Viscountess was adamant. CH 28 ¡°If an unworthy person covets something too much, they will have to pay the price. As we are but a Viscount family, how can we dare to covet the position of hostess of the Grand Duke¡¯s family?¡± This is a mere homebrew bullsh*t. [T/N: Homebrew bullsh*t meaning lies that they made up, even if it has some logic to it, it¡¯s being used in their favor to get out of an unfavorable situation.] Benelucia felt a moment of d¨¦j¨¤ vu from those words. ¡°Don¡¯t you think that I will accept her?¡± ¡°I am grateful for the care you have shown my daughter, who had no connection to the capital.¡± As a parent protecting her daughter, there was some mockery and ambiguity in the way she expressed her gratitude for Benelucia¡¯s so-called ¡®care¡¯. It was especially clear as people like the Viscount of Daphnen and his wife were not ones who requested for personal favors when Senelia lived with the duke. They¡¯d never thought to use their daughter, nor did they have a desire for power. ¡°My daughter must have learned a lot in the time she spent with you in the Capital. Even if it was a little bitter.¡± As expected, though the words of the Viscountess seemed pure, the true intentions hidden inside them were easily revealed if one listened carefully. The Viscountess meant that Senelia had not been happy while she resided in the Capital, and the main cause of her unhappiness was due to her insistence on being with Benelucia. ¡°So, it would be good for you to reap the reward of that time at this point.¡± This is your fault, it¡¯s because you made her miserable. So now, stay away from my daughter. [T/N: Mommy Daphnen is so lovable, honestly. ^^ Still angry with her daughter but knows to protect her until she¡¯s dealt with the main problem.] Viscountess Daphnen¡¯s gaze glinted directly into the Grand Duke¡¯s. She had absolute belief that the man in front of her, if given the chance, would make her daughter suffer again. Benelucia¡¯s mouth snapped shut, if he had to ask Senelia if she had been truly happy with him, he couldn¡¯t be sure the answer would live up to his expectations. He was convinced after he was reminded of the scandals he¡¯d caused over the last two years. The Grand Duke involuntarily turned to Senelia, hopefully expecting her to help him. The futile desperation that Senelia might choose him despite her mother¡¯s objections. Benelucia unwittingly called out to Senelia in a heart wrenching voice. ¡°Sally.¡± But upon seeing Senelia¡¯s face, Veneruccia¡¯s expectations were shattered. As much as he was embarrassed, her complexion was also pale, Senelia didn¡¯t have the skills to beat her mother. To her mother, Senelia had most likely become a rotten existence especially since she claimed she found love with the duke. Nevertheless, she had tolerated it as just Senelia being a child and played the role of a semi-opponent. [T/N: Meaning that she was partly an enemy of their relationship progressing and continuing as the years went by.] To be honest, Senelia was in a state of panic. I had no idea that my mother would oppose Benelucia so resolutely. Because Senelia, after her terrifying encounter with the emperor, had never once thought of anyone other than Benerucia as her marriage partner. She had long passed the age of marriage, and there was still her image that was created by her position at Benelucia¡¯s side. If she had been the lover of the Grand Duke for about 1-2 years it would have been acceptable, but it was six years. Most of the Young Lords were worried that they would become enemies of the Grand Duke by taking an interest in Senelia, his ex-lover. Objectively speaking, it was a long way off for Senelia to marry anyone other than Benelucia. There was no way the Viscountess would not know that. But to oppose him was like a promise that the Viscountess would rather let her daughter live alone for the rest of her life than marry the Grand Duke. In other words, it also meant that the Viscountess deeply hated Benelucia. ¡°¡­Viscountess, what if I, despite your objections, marry Sally?¡± The male lead questioned with a heavy voice. He¡¯d rejected Lucalina, clinging to Senelia, he had done things he had never thought would never take place. It was after he realized that he loved Senelia so much that it became almost impossible to turn things around or take back his past mistakes, did he know there was no place to retreat. ¡°I don¡¯t know how many children will be able to enjoy a marriage with a partner their parents don¡¯t acknowledge.¡± This time, Senelia¡¯s mother didn¡¯t hide her intentions. She had no plans of backing down, it didn¡¯t matter that her opponent was the Grand Duke. And the more determined the Viscountess was, the worse Senelia¡¯s complexion grew. And the more determined the Viscountess was, the worse Senelia¡¯s complexion grew. The worst assumptions came to mind. The emperor¡­ Will he tolerate mother? Will he harm her too? Senelia worked hard not to tremble. A seasoned emperor, such as himself, would quickly discover that she cared very much over her mother¡¯s disapproval. Senelia knew deep down, breaking away her bravado, she could never turn her back on her mother¡¯s sincere wishes. Cliff de Helios would, without a doubt, be offended should he learn that she obeyed her mother instead of him. It is an unacceptable problem for an emperor who is obsessed with perfection. To have someone other than himself wield his dog was unacceptable. Senelia Daphnen was terrified. So Senelia was afraid. The emperor would dispose of my mother immediately for objecting to today¡¯s marriage. Senelia¡¯s thoughts reeled as she sputtered. ¡°I don¡¯t want to marry if my mother is against it.¡± Instantly, the joys and sorrows of the emperor¡¯s brother and the Viscountess were sharply divided. Senelia had only one calculation in her mind. Even if the Emperor found out about her mother¡¯s disapproval, the thought that it might be all right if Senelia pretended that even this was a calculated situation filled her mind. She could protect her only surviving parent if she just timed her actions right. What Cliff disliked was his plans going awry, he wasn¡¯t interested in her personal relationships and work. ¡°Are you serious, Sally?¡± Benelucia¡¯s words were rough. It wasn¡¯t a marriage proposal she accepted with delight, Senelia couldn¡¯t be happier to give up on marrying him so easily. ¡°My husband would like that too.¡± However, the Viscountess did not miss the opportunity to add some side commentary. Even the dead Viscount Daphnen was mentioned, the situation quickly turned against Benelucia easily, his pride cracked. Neither the Viscountess, nor Senelia, nor even the dead Viscount Daphnen, seemed to welcome him, it was a treatment he had never experienced before. The marriage proposal that the Viscountess was given from Benelucia¡¯s own hand was mercilessly crumpled. The ball was now in his court. [T/N: Ball in his court ¡ª the next deciding move is his to make.] He loved Senelia. But did he love himself more? Enough to insist on getting married even after being treated like a rouge? ¡°If you don¡¯t want to, do as you please.¡± The Grand Duke rose from her seat. The countless regrets he harbored in his heart faded away in the face of his wounded pride. Before he left Senelia¡¯s room, he looked back at her one last time. Unfortunately, Senelia didn¡¯t change her words, she was her mother daughter before she was his ex-lover. ¡°Sally, you¡¯re always like that.¡± Benelucia felt his eyes sting, quickly, he spat out those words and wanted to leave. Had Senelia asked him to wait for the Viscountess¡¯ permission, he would have gladly done so. However, as always, she did not ask for anything from Veneruccia, nor did she hold him back. He didn¡¯t want to be in this space for a second longer. He strode over and opened the door. Bang. As if to represent Benelucia¡¯s broken heart, the door slammed shut loudly behind him as he disappeared into the hallway. *** Senelia sided with the Viscountess because she thought she had to protect her mother, but when Benelucia left in anger, Senelia¡¯s reason flashed a warning light. How will you get the chance to marry Benelucia?! You¡¯ve already blown away and eaten your last chance now! It couldn¡¯t be. Senelia was about to speak out of her nervous thoughts in order to convince her mother. ¡°Sally. Have you ever been partnered with Young Master Pendragon?¡± Senelia¡¯s body trembled. These were words I had never heard from mother. What happened between her, the Grand Duke, and Pendragon¡¯s Young Lord at the banquet hall had stirred up the capital. However, Viscount Daphnen and his wife did not want to hear the rumors about the scandals in Capital, nor the gossip about their daughter who was past the age of marriage. Besides, there was no way anyone would dare to say anything to this small manor. Because of this, Senelia wondered how the Viscountess knew about her affair with Pendragon¡¯s Young Master. ¡°¡­Yes I have it, but how does your mother know about it?¡± Senelia nodded cautiously, nervously. I was worried because I didn¡¯t know what kind of tales entered my mother¡¯s ears and made her aware of the Young Master. ¡°You, take this.¡± The Viscountess handed her daughter an item she had kept aside, separated, from the marriage proposal given by Benelucia. After accepting it, Senelia¡¯s actions froze. A marriage proposal. ¡°Daughter, I didn¡¯t return the Grand Duke¡¯s marriage proposal because I wanted you to live alone for the rest of your life.¡± As for how she interpreted her daughter¡¯s reaction, the Viscountess ignored it for now and continued smoothly. ¡°If you are going to get married, I want it to be with someone who will make you happy. Pendragon¡¯s Young Master said he wanted to come to the funeral and pay tribute to your father. I said yes.¡± Senelia involuntarily raised her voice. ¡°Mother!!!¡± The reason why the emperor put the Young Master Pendragon and Senelia together to hint at them to stick together. It was unexpected that Pendragon¡¯s Young Lord sent me a marriage proposal. And, honestly, it did not benefit the Viscountess and Senelia at all. ¡°I¡¯ve left your marital problems here!¡± The Viscountess did not back down either, her tone was quite agitated. ¡°I found out that, except for the slightly bad relationship with the Grand Duke, the rumors about Pendragon¡¯s Young Master are purer and better.¡± The Viscountess¡¯ tone was very rarely forceful. In other words, it revealed that there is no room for the Viscount to rethink and change her mind. ¡°Come now and take this marriage proposal¡­ Ha! That man, that Grand Duke, will never be accepted as a marriage partner.¡± The viscountess shouted, her body trembling with barely concealed rage. CH 29 That man. There is that phrase again. It was a derogatory title Senelia¡¯s mother, who practically breathed perfect etiquette, uttered when frustration had reached its breaking point. [T/N: Derogatory meaning a disrespectful attitude, in this case, the Viscountess uses it when referring to the Grand Duke whenever she is somewhat on the verge of a mental breakdown.] When she spoke in that specific tone, it proved just how much the Viscountess hated Benelucia. ¡°You do not know what it¡¯s like, as a parent, to leave your daughter behind with a man who doesn¡¯t seem to care in the slightest until she¡¯s past marriageable age!¡± A clear expression of rage flashed over the Viscountess¡¯s features, finally proving just how long she had held back. ¡°At least, if he just wanted to remain as your lover without any intention of marrying you, he should have just done nothing when we were so worried about you.¡± Senelia¡¯s mother burst out with complaints like a rapid-fire cannon. They were the complaints she had long suppressed, in fear of hurting her daughter. The feelings that were finally revealed proved how patient she was. ¡°At least if that man wanted to get along with you as a lover, even if he had no intention of marrying you, he couldn¡¯t stop doing nothing while we were so worried about you.¡± The Viscountess burst out like a rapid-fire cannon. It was a word she had swallowed countless times for fear of hurting her daughter. More than the fact that her daughter had passed the age of marriage, but she had loved such a man for such a long time was more poignant in her heart. She said she will say goodbye to him! Everything between them should have ended. There were young ones who insisted on marrying their prospective partners against their parents wishes, but Senelia was different. She had endured the gossip of the aristocrats because her chosen one refused any form of commitment or engagement even as she slowly passed the marriageable age. It made the entire ordeal meaningless. And she¡¯s now received a marriage proposal! If he was in fact serious about her, he wouldn¡¯t have proposed like this. ¡°The fact that you stay silent means that the man did not value you as much.¡± The Viscountess intended to use this opportunity to completely separate Benelucia from Senelia. This is why I said it even though I knew that my words could hurt my daughter. ¡°I don¡¯t know what kind of whim he¡¯s coming up with to marry you, but I don¡¯t trust him.¡± The Viscountess declared her stance in a stern tone. Deep-seated mistrust. It was the result of the hard won effort of Benelucia over the eight years that passed. ¡°Don¡¯t be fooled either, if you want to go to the capital, then meet someone else to live with or stay in the townhouse manor.¡± Having said her piece, the Viscountess rose from her seat. Her stance was clear: End of discussion. The sound of the door closing was truly heartless. *** Returning to his room, the Grand Duke smiled. On the table, a unique scented tea waited. Despite the hot temperature, the scent that spread was neither too strong nor too weak. Nor did the scent bother the sensitive nose of the sword master, who had senses more sensitive than the average person as it lingered around the room. Benelucia immediately realized that it was Senelia¡¯s herbal tea. It was naturally easy to guess as that¡¯s what she¡¯d brewed for him for a long time. Perhaps she noticed that I had difficulty sleeping well. He sighed angrily. It is not entirely his fault that Benelucia never doubted Senelia¡¯s love despite her calm reactions. I can¡¯t help but feel her love when she does things like this. Senelia never missed a single detail regarding the Grand Duke. Neither Cliff de Helios nor Lucalina would know as much about him as Senelia did. Even now, from the outside, Benelucia might appear fine. But sword masters aren¡¯t the kind of people who get into trouble just because they can¡¯t sleep for a few days. However, even the sword master could not stop the inevitable mental exhaustion from seeping in. Senelia was very alert to changes in his condition. ¡°Your Majesty, I¡¯ll serve you some tea.¡± On days when he¡¯d suffered from insomnia, Senelia would deliberately brew a full pot of hot tea so that she couldn¡¯t drink it all, and leave it in his room. It was an extra measure for Benelucia, who disliked the scent of tea when he went to sleep. After warming up with a warm tea, he would normally be able to fall asleep with the subtle scent of tea remaining in the room. Even now, a large teapot enchanted with warming magic laid on the table that Benelucia wouldn¡¯t normally use. An annoyed expression rested on his face seconds before the Grand Duke approached in a trance and poured himself a cup of tea. The taste of Senelia¡¯s tea is the same as I remember. Brewing tea required careful attention to the shape of the teaware, the temperature of the water, and the amount of tea leaves used. Brewing tea in a large teapot was challenging, especially when compared to a cup of tea or a regular teapot. For Senelia, her exceptional tea brewing remained constant. From what Benelucia ate, drank, wore, and all other skills used to survive in the social world, Senelia was exceptional and constant. [T/N: Her skills at everything are perfect in everything she does, where she hasn¡¯t had a moment where she failed in one of those instances.] That was the life Senelia aimed to live by Benelucia¡¯s side all these years in order to burrow into his heart. So¡­ How can I doubt your love for me, Sally? ¡°Haa¡­ What the h*ll are you doing to me, Sally?¡± The Grand Duke sighed angrily. Walking back to his temporary room, he thought of the trip he would take the next day back to the capital. However, his thoughts drifted back to Senelia and the care she showed for him. That realization hurt his pride. Swallowing his rising irritation, Benelucia entered his room and washed his face. He had never felt his pride hurt before. Orders given by Cliff didn¡¯t wound his pride as it was words from his emperor, not his brother. Even if he thought that such commands were too much for his brother, it became reasonable if he spent some time pondering it rationally and calmly. It was not difficult on his part, born into and raised as a member of the Imperial Family allowed Benelucia to understand the will of the emperor. Even if the thought left an unpleasant sinking feeling in his gut as he obeyed, he understood the reasons behind it. With Senelia, things were different. There were many times when emotions ran rampant when they were in a casual relationship, he could never process them fast enough. Their time together was full of moments that he didn¡¯t understand. And that hurt his pride. Originally, there was no reason to hold on to Senelia even if he desired her. Because he is a man who has power, money, and people. Didn¡¯t I succeed in getting my first love, which everyone else fails? He might have been in love with Lucalina by now if his heart had not been drawn to Senelia unexpectedly. I want to keep Senelia by my side even though I am aware of all of that. The Grand Duke couldn¡¯t understand himself. Damn it! I had no intention of loving you this much, Sally! He began to question himself. Is it love to wield people like this? It would have been better if I hadn¡¯t fallen then. Tomorrow is Viscount Daphnen¡¯s funeral. If he didn¡¯t want to get tangled up with Senelia, he had to leave before she showed up. Benelucia pondered over his options. The teapot, constantly heated with warming magic, remained at the perfect temperature, the faint scent of tea lingered in the room. *** As soon as dawn broke, the Grand Duke left Daphnen estate behind him. He started at a speedy pace as if running away, afraid that he would be shaken again if he faced Senelia. Still, he felt his curious build as he rode his horse. I can¡¯t help but wonder how Senelia would react to seeing my empty room. This time, his curiosity felt overpowering. So much so, that his pace slowed considerably. As a result, the Grand Duke did not leave the Daphnen¡¯s domain until the rising sun dimly illuminating the world completely rose, starting off a bright morning. What is that? He saw a carriage on the road headed to the Daphnen¡¯s residency. Benelucia¡¯s face stiffened when his eye caught onto the pattern engraved on the carriage. He turned his horse around and approached the carriage. ¡°Young Lord Pendragon, why are you here?¡± Benelucia called the Young Lord Pendragon out of the carriage without the slightest hint of a greeting. He didn¡¯t even feel sorry for his tone. His current behavior was literally no different from grabbing and dragging the Young Lord out. Even if he was the Grand Duke, he could not be so rude, especially to another aristocrat. The knights escorting the carriage stopped in shock at the grand duke¡¯s sudden rudeness. However, with a harsh glare from Benelucia, they quietly lowered their heads. ¡°Your Majesty, what are you doing here?¡± However, the Young Lord Pendragon, who was forced to get off the carriage, seemed calm. Rather, he was provoking their nation¡¯s only Grand Duke leisurely. Benelucia and Senelia were longtime lovers. So, the reason for the Young Lord to question his arrival at the Daphnen¡¯s estate was to emphasize that the two had broken up. There was no way that Benelucia was unaware of Pendragon¡¯s true intentions. The Grand Duke felt sour. ¡°I should have asked the same question, Young Lord¡± When the Grand Duke asked a question, aristocrats like Pendragon must answer unconditionally. Ironically, the Grand Duke could choose not to reply if he so desired. The Grand DUke spitefully emphasized the difference. Pendragon¡¯s mouth twisted. The Pendragon family was a long standing and wealthy family, not to mention that he was so much smarter than his peers that he was eventually appointed to the emperor¡¯s side early on. But even such a man as the Young Lord Pendragon couldn¡¯t hide his bubbling emotions when faced with the Grand Duke¡¯s furious onslaughter. Because that was the blatant difference between the two men¡¯s status. It was a fact that burned through the Young Lord¡¯s pride, a man who had lived an arrogant life based alone on the brilliant inner workings of his mind. He was the kind of person who wouldn¡¯t let anyone hurt his ego. If Young Lord Pendragon had been just a man who behaved obediently in such a situation, he and Benelucia wouldn¡¯t have become enemies in the first place. Meeting the eyes of the Grand Duke, he replied. ¡°You asked, so I have to answer. We are on our way to Viscount Daphnen¡¯s estate.¡± The Young Lord¡¯s voice was more relaxed than ever. Obviously, he expected the Grand Duke¡¯s face to distort the moment he uttered those words. ¡°I sent a marriage proposal to Lady Daphnen.¡± Pendragon¡¯s Young Lord smiled brightly as he added the final blow. CH 30 The Grand Duke¡¯s features stiffened immediately as she angrily approached Yenelov Pendragon. When he finally spoke, his voice was drenched in gloominess. ¡°Young Lord Pendragon, do you think my actions amusing?¡± He was clearly about to take a step back and give up on Senelia, but as a man who never lacked for anything in his life, he¡¯d never imagined others would dare covet one of his own. Senelia is still mine. It was a primal voice, roaring out from deep within his heart. It didn¡¯t concern him if Young Lord Yenelov bluffed before him, he could ignore it as their grudge had long since existed. However, Senelia had mentioned Yenelov before, which changed things for Benelucia. As Benelucia drew closer, Yenelov Pendragon found it harder to not involuntarily flinch. The Grand Duke stood tall, towering all those around him, and with his wide shoulders that stood broad like a knight, it was no wonder he gave off an air of intimidation with just his body alone. Seeing such blatant coldness emitting from that type of man, even the Young Lord Pendragon, who but a moment ago was braving flirting with danger, had to take a step back. ¡°Like the last time you showed up at the banquet with Sally, this time too¡ª Why do you insist on provoking me? You¡¯ve played around for a bit, and now, do you really consider yourself a worthy opponent to me?¡± A cruel smirk crawled across the Grand Duke¡¯s lips as he laughed. The two of them may have been called enemies in the eyes of the aristocrats in the social world, but that did not mean that Benelucia felt any sort of a challenge from Yenelov. In truth, the likes of a lord such as Yenelov, Benelucia never considered him to be on a level high enough to be considered an adversary. Young Lord Pendragon¡¯s expression contorted at his harsh words as the felt looked down on. His mouth twisted as he spitefully spat out words he knew would stimulate and antagonize the man before him. ¡°Didn¡¯t His Majesty and Lady Daphnen put an end to their relationship?¡± There was doubt that his question pierced deeply into the heart of Benelucia, and at that moment, his aura became cold. ¡°Yenelov Pendragon.¡± It was clear to the Young Lord Pendragon that he had done something he should have never tried to do. He had aimed for Benelucia¡¯s reverse scale. Benelucia was gloomy. ¡°Senelia is mine.¡± Benelucia¡¯s hand wrapped around Pendragon¡¯s throat mercilessly. Veneruccia¡¯s voice was gloomy. ¡°Senelia is mine.¡± Veneruccia¡¯s grip was wrapped around Jenelope¡¯s neck. The fact that he was ruthlessly weighing someone¡¯s life without even realizing it sent chills down Jenelope¡¯s spine. Even if Benelucia broke or twisted his neck, there was no one who could oppose him. It was then that Yenelov realized the consequences of angering this person. The Grand Duke, his opponent, was a man who was thrown out into a battlefield at the young age of 15, but he still prevailed and came back alive and well as an adult. The knights of the Pendragon family, who lived peacefully in the capital, were no match for Benelucia. No one would be able to protect Yenelov should Benelucia choose to strangle him. ¡°Now your mouth is quiet.¡± He let go of Pendragon¡¯s neck, his grip had already loosened a while back, and stepped back. Pendragon let out the breath he had been holding back without realizing it. It was like experiencing death. ¡°I hope I never see Young Lord Pendragon at the Daphnen Mansion again.¡± He turned around after throwing out a final warning. Benelucia jumped back onto the horse when a memory occurred to him. ¡°Choose me, Ben. Cliff will eventually kill you.¡± He finally fully understood Lucalina¡¯s words. In the future she saw, his older brother would have tried to kill him because Benelucia would never have given up on my love. In front of him, even his last bit of humanity he tried to protect by not harming his flesh and blood would eventually lose its meaning. ¡°Only if we¡¯re together can we both live.¡± According to Lucalina, the last survivor between the brothers was Benelucia, not Cliff. In the end, it seemed that the winner was the Grand Duke. He acknowledged that if that had to be, then he would win. No one can take what is mine from me. Benelucia never shared what was his and he never would. The same goes for Senelia. Even if she herself did not know that. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± He commanded his horse. Of course, his destination was back to the Daphnen estate. *** When Senelia discovered the guest room empty, her heart felt stifled. She thought her plans had ended up in failure. But she never expected Benelucia to leave and return all in one morning. ¡°I know that His Majesty¡¯s marriage proposal was definitely returned already.¡± The Viscountess, Senelia, and Benelucia were once again gathered in the drawing room and the Viscountess¡¯ expression was cold. The reason for it was because Benelucia re-handed over the marriage proposal that had been returned to the Viscountess. Benelucia¡¯s reply was frosty following the Viscountess¡¯s words of embarrassment and rejection. ¡°Viscountess Daphnen, do you think I gave you a choice?¡± The temperature in the room plummeted. Senelia also looked at him with surprised eyes, as if she couldn¡¯t believe what he had said. She immediately remembered a scene from the original story. ¡°Brother, I¡¯m not giving you a choice right now.¡± ¡°I will kill you.¡± ¡°I said I would marry Lucalina.¡± On the day that Benelucia could no longer hold back his feelings for Lucalina, he promised to marry her and then he dared to declare it in front of the emperor. ¡°I can¡¯t stop myself, I will stand against anyone even if it is my older brother and the emperor.¡± ¡°I said I would marry Senelia.¡± And what he said then was exactly the same as what he was saying now. Only then did Senelia realize a possibility. Maybe Benelucia really loves me? It¡¯s not Lucalina, the heroine, but Senelia Daphnen, who¡¯s just a minor role¡­ myself. The original was twisted, she herself had twisted the original. Joy welled up inside Senelia. I can live. What I had given up on for 8 years was done the moment I thought it was over. It was funny and futile, but I couldn¡¯t feel that relief. Until her mother spoke up. ¡°¡­The Viscount Daphnen has one immunity.¡± The Viscountess, who had been trembling in astonishment at the grand duke¡¯s strong attitude, suppressed her nerves and spoke out with fear. But there was a determination in her voice that she would never hand her daughter over to Benelucia. ¡°It was received at the beginning of the founding of the Empire of Helios, and except for the crime of the Imperial family being murdered, any other crime can be forgiven.¡± ¡°Mother!¡± Senelia was startled and involuntarily grabbed her mother¡¯s arm. This was an insult to the Grand Duke. There¡¯s no way I can reword this and hide this insult. Although Viscount Daphnen was a family of their empire, their history was by no means short. Even this family had a once-in-a-lifetime glory. Immunity was the most powerful weapon the Viscount Daphnen family had in their possession. They could have enjoyed great wealth and glory with it, but they had never tried to use it until now. For generations, Viscount Daphnen had loved the tranquility of guarding the fountain and abandoning greed. But now, the Viscountess said that she would use the immunity she had been protecting. ¡°Are you going to confront me head-on?¡± There was blatant displeasure in the Grand Duke¡¯s tone. She rejected the marriage proposal of the royal family, even using immunity. When she returned the marriage proposal for the first time, her reasons were on a completely different level from the Viscountess¡¯s oblique refusal of now. This is an open declaration that Benelucia would not allow, he belonged to the Imperial family and was the only grand duke of this empire. ¡°I know why the Grand Duke hasn¡¯t even said anything about being engaged to my daughter for eight years.¡± However, at the words of the Viscountess, the anxiety that filled Senelia¡¯s heart disastrously overflowed and collapsed with a thump. ¡°At one time, the affair between His Highness the Grand Duke and the Marquis Elihan was so famous that not only the capital city but the entire social world of the empire were excited.¡± Senelia didn¡¯t know that her mother knew about the relationship between Benelucia and Lucalina. Her mother had never been interested in social circles and gossip. As far as such a mother knew, the relationship between Benelucia and Lucalina was truly the love of the century. The reason Senelia didn¡¯t know about the relationship between the two until she met Cliff was simply because she was just 11 years old when Veneruccia went on the campaign. Besides, when she first saw Benelucia after that, she thought that she would never get involved with a man like that, so there was no reason to know about his rumors. Mother¡­ Father said he knew all this. Senelia felt ashamed of the feeling of being caught out. She lived as a foolish person who pursued a man who never forgot about his first love. Even worse, it was her parents who spoke of it first. Young Lady Daphnen was so embarrassed that she couldn¡¯t raise her head. And it got even more horrifying. Even though my parents knew he had a woman in his heart, they let the man who used their daughter as a shield to hide his beloved woman. Those days for the Viscount couple were lived in devastation, there were no words to describe. ¡°That¡¯s¡ª!¡± After Benelucia abruptly trailed off, the Viscountess pushed on. ¡°Your Majesty, did you really think we did not know?¡± Senelia¡¯s head lowered in shame, her heart finally filled with misery at her mother¡¯s words and turned to the Grand Duke. I don¡¯t know what he¡¯ll do. Still, my heart is pounding with anxiety. As if her mother¡¯s next words would become a huge tidal wave that will end everything. CH 31 ¡°What? Did His Majesty think that we really wouldn¡¯t know that Senelia wasn¡¯t chosen as the Grand Duchess candidate?¡± Senelia¡¯s eyes widened. Ah¡­ Benelucia and Lucalina¡¯s love story should have been even more famous at that time, of course it wouldn¡¯t have made sense if the mature Viscount Daphnen and his wife hadn¡¯t heard news of it. Even if they weren¡¯t interested in social circles, there was much insider gossip that aristocrats would hear of even if they didn¡¯t join the social circles. Senelia looked at Benelucia with hopeful eyes without realizing it. At least, please, I hoped that my parents would never know that I was only a substitute. However, Benelucia had no reply. In the end, silence was the answer. The Grand Duke had already long guessed that the viscountess might know about Lucalina¡¯s relationship with him. Senelia¡¯s body trembled and staggered at the feeling of betrayal. ¡°Sally!¡± He was surprised by her sudden stumble that he automatically reached out and hugged Senelia. Smack. There was a commotion as she slashed the hand that was holding her away forcefully. Senelia¡¯s eyes widened with betrayal. So this is the main reason why mother was so vehemently opposed to Benelucia. Even so, her mother probably didn¡¯t want to let Senelia know about it as much as possible. She would have known that her daughter would be hurt. However, Benelucia¡¯s actions had forced the Viscountess to even tell Senelia that she knew about him and Lucalina. His attitude was so strong that it was as if he couldn¡¯t turn back once he passed from this spot. ¡°If the person who did that to my daughter says he loves her now, how long will that love last?¡± The Viscountess¡¯s words poured out like a flood. Those were the words she had been holding back until the very end, not wanting to hurt her daughter. ¡°Have you had a change of heart and abandoned your love for Lady Elihan enough to now go after my daughter?¡± Her mother¡¯s words raised doubts she didn¡¯t even know existed in Senelia. The contents seemed to make a lot of sense. She was shaken. Senelia¡¯s face, shaken by the feeling of betrayal, showed such emotions. ¡°Close that mouth of yours. It¡¯s an order.¡± The Grand Duke spoke nervously to the Viscountess but was answered by Senelia. ¡°It¡¯s the order of His Majesty, the Grand Duke, so of course it should be as he says.¡± She sounded sarcastic to anyone listening in. Senelia, however, glared at Benelucia, but did not dare to look back at her mother¡¯s face. I didn¡¯t have the confidence to do that. She was not unaware that there was talk of her being with him for a long time. To give an excuse, Senelia had been very desperate for eight years. My parents didn¡¯t say much, and I thought they wouldn¡¯t know because they were so indifferent to the social world. Especially since Senelia became entangled with Benelucia, they had been afraid of getting entangled in useless gossip, so they didn¡¯t even look at the social circles to join. That¡¯s why I thought there was no way it would reach their ears unless someone deliberately conveyed Benelucia¡¯s love history to them. Foolishly, she only realized it now. That it was because of her that they had completely cut off their interest in the social world. So, how can I look at my mother¡¯s face? ¡°Sally, sit down. It¡¯s nothing to get excited about.¡± The Viscountess gently took her daughter by the arm and pulled her. There was a clear hint of concern in her voice for the trembling Senelia. Rather than shouting, she was worried that her daughter¡¯s health would be harmed by her anger. She took in the sight of her daughter who was much thinner than she was eight years ago. Senelia groaned. She was so grateful and sorry for all the problems she¡¯d caused them that it was hard to bear that her mother was there for her even at this moment. ¡°¡­Let me talk to Sally alone for a moment.¡± Benelucia suggested to the Viscountess. Senelia wasn¡¯t looking at him, a rare trace of nervousness ran over his face. Despite his softening tone, the Viscountess did not let her guard down. Senelia sighed deeply at the tense atmosphere, she turned to her mother. ¡°I¡¯ll have a good talk, Mom.¡± Mom. It¡¯s a title she hadn¡¯t used well since she became an adult. It was so affectionate. ¡°Are you okay, Sally?¡± The viscountess inquired, worriedly. She didn¡¯t want to leave her daughter and that man alone. Benelucia subtly groaned. He wanted to argue that he would not harm Senelia, but refrained as his last bit of awareness warned him that his reply would not be welcomed with open arms. ¡°¡­I have to say something to him.¡± I want to tell him that I¡¯m not okay with everything. Really, I¡¯m sick of saying that I¡¯m fine unconditionally. Benelucia flinched, subconsciously, he understood what she was planning to confess. Senelia looked at him and laughed at herself. It was funny how their attitudes changed as soon as they realized who had the upper hand in this fight for love. Of course, this applied to herself as well. ¡°Yes, I understand.¡± The Viscountess nodded and left the room, she would trust her daughter. When the Viscountess left, a chilly silence lingered for a moment. As always, it was Benelucia who spoke first. ¡°Sally, I was wrong.¡± ¡°How many times have you repeated this line? It has become easier for you to apologize?¡± Barbed words flew from her lips. No matter how much Veneruccia loved her, Senelia knew that hurting his ego won¡¯t do her any good. Even if I knew, it didn¡¯t matter as much now. Anyway, if Senelia didn¡¯t get angry in her current situation, Benelucia would become suspicious of her. Thanks to that fact, she put the resentment she¡¯s always swallowed down to good use. ¡°In the first place¡­ I don¡¯t know if you¡¯re really apologizing, I¡¯m starting to think that you believe that you can be easily forgiven after only apologizing.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not like that¡ª¡± ¡°You are.¡± Senelia abruptly interrupted her ex-lover. This time it wasn¡¯t impulsive, it was deliberate. Because I don¡¯t want to hear excuses that didn¡¯t work. ¡°You really didn¡¯t calculate in your heart that I would forgive Your Majesty in the end?¡± He was speechless. When he heard of Viscount Daphnen¡¯s death, he thought that Senelia would never forgive him. Because you can¡¯t bring the dead back to life, because there is no such thing as a second chance. It was because of him. Then what about the rest? Did I think I could get it back? Benelucia was silent. He thought seriously over Senelia¡¯s words, as if he had already been prepared to do whatever it took when she gave her ultimatum. Senelia was surprised. Benelucia is a man who is good at handling women. She thought a slick answer would quickly flow from his mouth to placate her. If not, she guessed that it was because he was embarrassed by his behavior, which was rare, and could not answer anything. That is to say, she never expected Benelucia to seriously contemplate her questions before. Aside from the slight pain in her heart, Senelia felt only restlessness. I lived all these years silently, thinking that Benelucia would not want to hear my story. But if I had come clean, would I have had to do all of this stupid scheming by myself after all? That was the worst assumption Senelia didn¡¯t want to believe in. The assumption that Benelucia had in fact loved her for a long time. The assumption that if she had only been honest things might have been better. Or the assumption that if she hadn¡¯t given up on gaining the love of Benelucia from the beginning, she wouldn¡¯t have lost herself like this. All of her thoughts were terrible. If all those assumptions were true, the Benelucia scandal of wanting to confirm her feelings and all this time she had been killing herself with heartache were all her fault. Benelucia¡¯s silence and anguish towards everything made Senelia hate him even more. ¡°I hate Your Majesty so much.¡± Senelia¡¯s hands were shaking as she gripped the hem of her dress. The sorrows and fury that was kept deep inside finally took shape when it was finally spat out. And it was so huge that Senelia couldn¡¯t contain herself. I was so miserable that I had no choice but to think that everything would have been solved by earning your love. My family, the emperor and myself. ¡°Sally.¡± Embarrassment lingered in the Grand Duke¡¯s tone. Senelia¡¯s eyes, the eyes of which had been suppressing her emotions so that she would not break down, turned red. She didn¡¯t cry. But it felt as though it was worse than crying. Benelucia wanted to cry. Please cry Sally. He wanted to hug Senelia and beg her. However, his wish did not come true. Knock. Knock. ¡°My lady, a guest has arrived.¡± The maid¡¯s voice came from outside the door. Even if the Viscount¡¯s wife was alive and well, the next Viscount was Senelia. If there was just a normal guest, it would be okay if the viscountess was the one to welcome them. But they were still holding the funeral of a noble, a funeral of a noble, also the place to announce the face of the next heir of the noble who was ready to take their parent¡¯s place. I don¡¯t know how that guest arrived so quickly, but Senelia can¡¯t leave. ¡°Yes. I am coming.¡± Senelia turned away from the Grand Duke. For a moment it seemed to the Grand Duke that Senelia would never look back at him again. Instinctively, he reached out and grabbed her. ¡°I don¡¯t think I can accept Your Majesty¡¯s marriage proposal.¡± With that said, Senelia brushed off his hand in peace. It would be Benelucia who had to catch her from now on. Maybe, just maybe, this is the moment we have been waiting for. [T/N: So¡­ This was a confusing chapter. ToT Long story short, she didn¡¯t expect her parents to know the reason behind why Benelucia dated her and was trying to protect her all this time. Benelucia was aware of everything a long time ago, and Senelia began to truly hate him because he might have already loved her before but still made no actions to change what people thought of her or try to explain to her parents. Thus this led to her father¡¯s death, which could have been avoided. Hope that was helpful guys.] CH 32 ¡°I don¡¯t think His Highness would be unaware of the validity of the reason my mother spoke of.¡± Benelucia¡¯s expression twisted. Again, I was rejected by Senelia again. Instantly, sparks flew from his eyes. Apart from feeling sorry for his reddened eyes, Senelia stood firm. Since Benelucia had decided his actions, no one could change that fact. ¡°I¡¯m just letting you go for now, Sally.¡± The Grand Duke confessed in a very low voice, a deep obsession and possessiveness bloomed in that voice. Senelia gladly left the room without a reply. Benelucia is selfish and arrogant. He was a man who could not tolerate being abandoned even if he thought about abandoning others. ¡°Hasn¡¯t his heart changed since he loved Lady Elihan enough to do that to my daughter?¡± Mother is right. Senelia admitted that the Grand Duke loved her, but she did not think he would love her forever. So Senelia changed her plans. From now on, I will be your thirst. Like an oasis in the desert, you will long for me forever. It was also the best revenge for Senelia, so that he could never bear to abandon her again. *** The Grand Duke regretted letting Senelia go. ¡°Pendragon¡¯s Young Lord? How is that Young Lord here¡­?¡± He had followed Senelia later on and now, she was facing Yenelov. ¡°Lady Daphnen must have been very heartbroken, so I came to give her a little comfort.¡± Yenelov Pendragon teased her with a smooth tongue. [T/N: Like a flirt. -_- ] The Grand Duke was stunned by his behavior and glared at him. However, that morning, the same Yenelov who¡¯d been frightened by Benelucia, pretended not to know the Grand Duke, as if her liver was strengthened. [T/N: Liver was strengthened ¨C he¡¯s gotten a dose of bravery, fears no death. ^^] ¡°The funeral hasn¡¯t started yet.¡± Benelucia¡¯s hostile gaze was so pointedly focused that Senelia was embarrassed. I heard from my mother that Yenelov was coming, but I thought it would be after the funeral started. Invited guests who arrived before the funeral were usually relatives, or close friends in that way. Yenelov didn¡¯t rush in like Benelucia had, but as he was invited, it wasn¡¯t considered too rude of him to turn up early. But it was a declaration of war that he wanted to be in a relationship with Senelia. ¡°I apologize, I was in such a hurry that I rushed here alone. However, I thought that if I didn¡¯t do this, it would be difficult to show my sincerity.¡± Yenelov¡¯s voice always carried a soft and polite tone. Senelia was already past the age of marriage, therefore, meeting Pendragon at the funeral had to be premised on marriage. The Pendragon¡¯s Young Lord was hinting that he came to the Daphnen¡¯s mansion on purpose before the funeral and was stating his stance on the marriage, making it clear that he was fully willing to go through with it. Senelia felt strange. She had been the only lover of Benelucia for a long time, no one had spoken to her like that. However, I never imagined that Yenelov, who was quite popular in society, if only not as much as the Emperor and Benelucia, would say such a thing to me. ¡°¡­First, let¡¯s get you settled in.¡± Senelia decided to assist him first and plan for later. She had just rejected Benelucia¡¯s marriage proposal. Now that he was watching, she couldn¡¯t refuse Yenelov immediately because she had already claimed she wasn¡¯t going to marry Veneruccia. [T/N: She needs Benelucia to believe that she won¡¯t marry him, because it¡¯s not like she¡¯s starved for suitors.] If it was to deal with Yenelov who proposed to her, Senelia was the right person to speak to him. When she turned around, she met her ex-lover¡¯s gaze. Surprisingly¡­ he has such a wounded expression. Senelia¡¯s steps slowed to a pause for a moment. Suddenly, she realized that she was someone who could hurt him, her nose turned cold at that fact. Are you sorry for Benelucia? Would he be sorry? No. She reminded herself once again that it took her eight years, so long, to get him to that point. A point where he¡¯d feel remorse over using her and leaving her. ¡°Sally¡ª¡± So Senelia ignored the sound of Benelucia¡¯s voice that called for her and walked past him. She never looked back. It was payment for how she had lived her days with him. It was a move made by Benelucia long ago, the one who left her behind. *** ¡°You can use this room.¡± Senelia arrived outside the room prepared for the Pendragon¡¯s Young Lord, but she did not enter. He sent a marriage proposal, but it was forbidden to enter the room as they were not officially dating. ¡°You look to be in a bad mood, Young Lady.¡± Yenelov did not enter the room right away as Senelia flinched at his words. Yenelov was right, she was in a bad mood. Because I¡¯m worried about leaving Benelucia behind? Worried about what he might be thinking right now? Not at all! Senelia was rather free and cheerful. She just felt dirty. I didn¡¯t like the person I¡¯ve become, rejoicing at the wounds of others. Eight years ago, she wasn¡¯t like this. ¡°Lady Daphnen is not bad.¡± Yenelov interrupted her thoughts as if he knew exactly what Senelia was contemplating. ¡°You¡¯ve been through a lot of heartache because of His Majesty, right? His Highness is just paying the price now.¡± Even though she thought he was a cheeky person, Senelia couldn¡¯t take her eyes off him. Who in the world wants to be a bad person? ¡°Young Lord Pendragon is so strange. Isn¡¯t it usually said that we should know the grace of the Grand Duke at times like this?¡± A mere Viscount daughter and Grand Duke. Between the two, without fail, outsiders sided with Benelucia, of course. Benelucia¡¯s scandal followed the same pattern. People would advise her not to forget the favor of the Grand Duke and to dismiss his scandal as nothing of importance as he had kept Senelia for all those years. ¡°It¡¯s rude to the Young Lady, but it was what I said to His Highness the Emperor when I asked to partner with the young lady.¡± It was a random confession, however, Senelia couldn¡¯t help but focus on Yenelov. It was surprising that it was the Pendragon family¡¯s request that had put Senelia in so much trouble in the first place. That even if it moved the emperor to agree to such a request, the price paid would have been quite high. ¡°Why?¡± It was only right for Senelia to be displeased with Yenelov as his request to the emperor had almost ruined everything she¡¯d worked towards. But she noticed that she wasn¡¯t really angry. While thinking of Benelucia, Senelia developed a curiosity about Yenelov¡¯s intentions. ¡°If I don¡¯t do that, I think the young lady won¡¯t accept my partner¡¯s application.¡± Senelia had only partnered with the Grand Duke for eight years. She often rejected love letters or partner requests secretly sent to the Grand Duke. ¡°I wanted a chance to get closer to Lady Daphnen. Besides, that¡ª I can make the lady feel comfortable meeting me and forget about His Majesty.¡± Senelia pondered. Come to think of it, Yenelov hadn¡¯t paid Benelucia a single thought from the beginning. Unlike those who tried to contact me secretly, Yenelov openly went to the banquet as my partner. ¡°How will you do that?¡± ¡°I will be going abroad soon. His Highness the Emperor entrusted me with a diplomatic mission to the Kingdom of Spania this time.¡± It was nothing strange. Although the Pendragon family had maintained neutrality for generations, it was a family that has consistently produced renowned diplomats. ¡°And I will remain at the Imperial embassy there. Probably not coming back for at least five years.¡± Senelia was momentarily dazed, she guessed Yenelov¡¯s next words. ¡°Would you like to go with me to the Kingdom of Spania as my fianc¨¦e? If you go there, it will be a good place for the lady to start a new life and meet others without paying attention to the Grand Duke.¡± It¡¯s a dreamy scenario. Like the thoughts Senelia had secretly held in the hope that one day someone would help her escape from this terrible place. Besides, in five years, everything between Cliff, Benelucia and Lucalina would be over. She could avoid the typhoon-like battle and then come back and enjoy the tranquility after it had passed. ¡°I will not force you to marry me. You¡¯ll be my fianc¨¦e, and if you don¡¯t like me or if you like someone else, I¡¯ll let you go.¡± Yenelov¡¯s fairy-tale story spun out like a fantasy. The Kingdom of Spania was a fairly distant country. It would be difficult for Cliff¡¯s hands to reach her if she left there. Freedom. The freedom that Senelia so longed for was within sight as long as she grasped this rope Yenelov dangled before her. ¡°¡­Why, why¡­ Why would you do that for me?¡± Senelia¡¯s voice trembled. She was clearly shaken. She was tired, so very tired. To the point where she wanted to disappear from her life, pretending not to know what¡¯s left of it. ¡°Lady Daphnen, I have admired you for a long time.¡± Yenelov Pendragon was infinitely soft and calm. He was indeed the ideal man Senelia had dreamed of marrying. An opponent not as hot as the sun, but as warm like the sun. A man not close to power. So even if you¡¯re not special, that kind of person will make you enjoy a normal, ordinary daily life. ¡°I couldn¡¯t possibly forget you, so I waited until the lady closed her heart to the Grand Duke.¡± A man who had no first love hidden deeply in his heart, and with no number of women who have fallen in love with him. There would be no envy and jealousy if she stayed at his side and followed him. Senelia wanted to marry someone like Yenelov. ¡°I will wait a little longer for your answer¡­ Could you please give me a chance?¡± If there was a chance for me to obtain a love that would never cool down or fade away over time¡­ Senelia felt like crying, Yenelov respectfully reached out to her. ¡°I want to be included in your daily life, Lady Daphnen.¡± When the last word left his lips, Senelia turned around and ran to her room as if running away. As tears dripped down her cheeks. CH 33 The fiery love, that blind love, a fairy tale love¡­ I¡¯ve never wanted anything like that. Senelia wanted a relationship where both partners loved each other while living an everyday life. She wanted to cry. Deep down, she knew, if she married Yenelov, he would give her a life of happiness. But that was a dream that would never come true. Ohh, how miserable it all is. *** The funeral commenced. The mourners arrived at the Daphnen Mansion one by one and in the meantime, Senelia deliberately set routes as she went along her way that avoided any interaction with Benelucia or Yenelov. The Grand Duke earnestly tried to hold her in place long enough to talk to her endlessly about anything that came to mind. While Yenelov would just stare blankly at Senelia, who became an expert in ignoring the awkwardness, as he waited for her answer. Even in their attitudes, the two men were very different. Senelia became even sadder. The path she was forced to take, and the path to her happiness pointed in two different directions, so, Senelia couldn¡¯t help but feel upset. It wasn¡¯t too long before even wallowing in her sadness was something she would be deprived of. ¡°Your Highness! Please¡­!¡± Daphne¡¯s young lady looked in the general direction of the loud voice, only to see an Imperial attendant calling out to Cliff de Helios who was riding a horse and leading the emperor¡¯s procession through the gates of the Daphnen¡¯s mansion. A murmur erupted from the mourners. ¡°Why is His Highness the Emperor here?¡± Everyone was naturally lost, each of them having the same conclusion in mind. In the Daphnen¡¯s small estate, the Viscount of the Daphnen had just died, the emperor came to pay his condolences. It was no joke to say that everyone would not be curious about new gossip. Senelia, herself, was furious. Her father¡¯s funeral, which should have been a quiet memorial, would now be tinged with turmoil. ¡°For now, you can¡¯t come in, wait nearby.¡± If Benelucia had not closed the gates as soon as the emperor entered, preventing the rest of the procession from entering, Senelia would have had to churn in her anger as she stood on the spot for a long time. ¡°What are you doing, Ben?¡± He dared to block the emperor¡¯s procession, it was a serious sin, even if he was the emperor¡¯s younger brother. So, naturally, Cliff looked very displeased. ¡°I am more suitable as His Highness¡¯ escort than they are. They¡¯ll only make things busier, so I¡¯ll escort Your Highness.¡± If the entirety of Cliff¡¯s procession entered the Daphnen mansion, there would be an uproar and the funeral would be a mess. Her heart thumped in unease. Of course, the sword master, Benelucia, was better than the knights protecting Cliff. Even if it was an army, the number of knights brought by the emperor could not match up to Benelucia¡¯s skills. However, there were enough people to make the funeral a fuss and a mess. At first glance, it seemed like words for the emperor, but in the end, what he wanted to protect was the Viscount¡¯s funeral. No, it is Senelia I want to protect. ¡°You are rude, Grand Duke Afron.¡± There was no way Cliff would not know his brother¡¯s inner thoughts, the emperor looked down at his younger brother frostily. ¡°I will receive the punishment for my disrespect to Your Highness later. Now, I have come to give my condolences.¡± The emperor and myself are only guests at the funeral, so we should not make a fuss any more. There was a bitter silence there, and the surrounding people were left in a state of extreme caution. Whether or not the emperor ruined the funeral by bringing in more people than the Viscount¡¯s could afford, the emperor¡¯s visit was a great honor. Meaning, Viscountess Daphnen had to accept it with gratitude, but Benelucia had managed to stop the mass intrusion in advance. Unfortunately, the nobility of the empire knew that the emperor would not let anyone stand in his way. ¡°You will be punished, Grand Duke Afron.¡± Cliff, who had kept his mouth shut with a cool expression, said as he got off his horse. With that said in finality, everyone let out the breath they had been holding. It is over¡­ For now. Fortunately, it was a funeral, and since the opponent was his younger brother, it seemed that the emperor would take a step back and not cause a scene. ¡°Yes, Your Highness.¡± Benelucia¡¯s reply was calm. He didn¡¯t look back at Senelia. I¡¯m worried that it would look like I was showing unnecessary condescension. But Beneluciashould have turned to Senelia, if he did, he would have known how miserable she felt. ¡­You put pressure on me again, Your Highness. You reminded me of my place. Senelia was in despair without being able to cry again. The emperor deliberately led the procession and gave in to Benelucia in front of everyone. Cliff dared to show Senelia that only Benelucia could stand up to him at this level. The reason was understandable. The emperor must have heard from an informant how Senelia¡¯s father got into a carriage accident, that is why he warned Senelia not to hold grudges against his brother. Because she can¡¯t mess with what she¡¯d been working so hard on. ¡°Are you okay?¡± While the Grand Duke was preoccupied with dealing with the Emperor alone, Yenelov spoke to Senelia. Senelia¡¯s expression was mostly expressionless, but the Pendragon¡¯s Young Lord seemed to notice her bad mood. Obviously, it was the Grand Duke that stopped the emperor, but Senelia was once again shaken by the other man, Yenelov. She didn¡¯t want to fight, she wanted to run away. So Senelia subconsciously spoke her thoughts. ¡°Not a single thing¡­ I¡¯m not okay.¡± It¡¯s been years since I¡¯ve been so honest in front of other people. *** The trail walked by the emperor left the nobles beside it in an air that was suffocating. Senelia was able to get out of there with the help of Yenelov. He begged the Viscountess for her understanding, saying that he had something to say to her for a moment, and Senelia was able to leave without any suspicion from her mother. As if her daughter, who had been fine just a moment ago, suddenly felt unwell, she would surely have asked why. ¡°¡­Since I said something earlier, you haven¡¯t asked anything.¡± After bringing Senelia to the deserted garden, Yenelov did not say a word. He just stayed silent and stood by her side. In the end, it was she who spoke first. ¡°I think you don¡¯t want me to ask.¡± When he asked why her condition had suddenly deteriorated last time, she could not answer, so Senelia hoped he would not ask. Yenelov picked the right answer this time, he wasn¡¯t arrogant, just caring. Senelia suddenly remembered her first love. The man who could have been her fianc¨¦ was exactly like Yenelov. Come to think of it, they look alike¡­ Senelia¡¯s face turned white, she was afraid to think further than that while looking at Yenelov. Resemblance is close. He closely resembled Senelia¡¯s first love. It is too similar. She tried hard not to tremble. Her first love could not come true even though both Senelia and her partner wanted it, so there had been no choice but to hold a long-lasting resentment in her heart and leave. It wasn¡¯t that I still loved my first love, but I thought that if I had married that person at that time, it would have been a peaceful life. However, Pendragon¡¯s Young Lord was similar to her first love, even in the tone of his voice, personality, and appearance was the same. This¡­ Coincidence maybe? Senelia couldn¡¯t believe it, she hurriedly spat out a few words. I thought he had listened to the Pendragon family¡¯s request to provoke Benelucia but that wasn¡¯t the case. ¡°Actually, the reason why I came all the way here with Young Lord Pendragon was because I have something to tell you.¡± He intended to test Senelia from the beginning. Fortunately, Senelia¡¯s voice, realizing that fact, was calm. She was relieved that she had gotten used to the countless times she had pretended to be okay. ¡°I don¡¯t think I can have any relationship with Young Lord Pendragon.¡± It was a resolute word that left no room for words. I was thrilled with you, swayed by you. Senelia broke her heart herself, so that there is not even a little space left for anyone else. ¡°Wait a minute, Lady Daphnen. So suddenly¡ª¡± ¡°It¡¯s not all of a sudden. I was embarrassed to say it, but my thoughts were the same from the first time I heard of the Young Lord.¡± Senelia¡¯s calm words continued., it was the calm a person possessed when every fiber of their being struggled to survive. ¡°There is only one person I want.¡± And these are the words you will take to the emperor. [T/N: Damn, I honestly didn¡¯t see that coming. ] She had no intention of telling Cliff that she had noticed his trick, but she needed to make sure he wasn¡¯t dreaming of her falling into his scheme. Lost for words at Senelia¡¯s sudden resoluteness, Yenelov opened and closed her lips meaninglessly. In the meantime, she got up first and left. ¡°Then I have to greet the mourners, so I¡¯ll leave first.¡± Senelia left with an expressionless face. It was a much cleaner final goodbye. *** Senelia went to her room, exhausted from receiving mourners from morning to evening, when she found the Grand Duke in front of the door. She felt fatigue set in at once. Having to deal with him again, I was tired enough today, but this is too much. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Sally, it¡¯s because of me.¡± However, as soon as he noticed Senelia, he immediately got to the point, as if he had no intention of holding on to her for long. ¡°¡­What?¡± ¡°My brother is here. I¡¯m here. You¡¯re probably wondering about it. Sally, I¡¯m sorry for disturbing your father¡¯s funeral.¡± Benelucia couldn¡¯t meet Senelia¡¯s eyes as if he was really, truly sorry. He whispered out his apology, the shame evident in his voice. ¡°Really¡ª You¡¯re probably going crazy with worry, but I¡¯m just a hindrance to you, Sally.¡± The scene of an arrogant man blaming himself was very unfamiliar. CH 34 It wasn¡¯t Benelucia¡¯s fault that Cliff de Helios came to the funeral. Atleast, Senelia was aware of that. On the contrary, Senelia had to thank the Grand Duke, Benelucia had saved her father¡¯s funeral that Cliff almost ruined. Even so, it was a situation that ended with Benelucia asking for forgiveness. Which gave Senelia to recall the image of the Grand Duke, who stood at the forefront and blocked the emperor at the gate. In the original, Benelucia had endured his brother¡¯s tyranny until he eventually reunited with Lucalina and became lovers. He never intervened in the affairs of the emperor, nor did he antagonize him. But today, Benelucia did something he hadn¡¯t done before and even volunteered to be punished in Senelia¡¯s place. Even asking Even asking for punishment must have been to placate Cliff¡¯s anger. Otherwise, if he had continued to stand up to the emperor, saying his will was right, Cliff would never have backed down so easily. It was all for Senelia. Finally, his actions showed the extent of Benelucia¡¯s love for Senelia. ¡°¡ªNo. Thank you, Your Majesty.¡± Her tired heart suddenly craved to lean on that love. At this rate, she wondered if she should perform her act as Cliff had requested. She felt the urge to accept Benelucia. What would Lucalina do if she married Benelucia? After all, if she became the Grand Duchess, the emperor would not be able to touch her or her family like before. Unfortunately for the Grand Duke, Senelia was about to open her mouth and admit her thoughts when they were interrupted. Piruru. A bird¡¯s cry came from Senelia¡¯s room and it was a sound she knew all too well. It was the emperor¡¯s bird that, without fail, delivered news to Senelia. Senelia swallowed the words that rose to her throat. Her mind flashed as if she had woken up from a spell. The result Cliff wanted was not for Benelucia to love Senelia ¡®in moderation¡¯. He wished his brother to love her so severely that she would become Benelucia¡¯s leash. In order to do that, she could not give herself to Benelucia right now. Senelia bit her lower lip hard. Even if Senelia could escape, Cliff would reach his hands out to her mother. Senelia could not abandon her mother. However, she did not have the ability to safely escape with her mother. Just as Senelia was about to reject the Grand Duke again, he suddenly covered her mouth with one hand. ¡°Shh.¡± Benelucia had silently mouthed for Senelia to be quiet and continued. ¡°I think someone is in your room.¡± Goosebumps rose up on Senelia¡¯s back. Come to think of it, Benelucia is also a sword master. It was perhaps natural for him to notice Cliff¡¯s presence at such a close distance. Benelucia¡¯s sudden visit to Senelia¡¯s room must have been unexpected to Cliff de Helios. ¡°Here it is.¡± He hid Senelia behind his back and gripped the handle of the sword at his side. The moment he opened the door and entered, a black shadow jumped through the window. ¡°Where to run¡ª!¡± As the Grand Duke stepped into the room to chase the shadow, Senelia grabbed his arm. ¡°Wait! Please stay by my side.¡± Senelia¡¯s hands trembled as if she were afraid. Seeing that, her ex-lover held her in his arms with a pitying expression on his face. ¡°It¡¯s okay, Sally, I¡¯m with you.¡± The Grand Duke¡¯s hand caressed Senelia¡¯s back. Perhaps he assumed she was taken aback by the stranger¡¯s intrusion. Senelia was relieved by Benelucia¡¯s misunderstanding. You don¡¯t know how scared I was when I thought you would find out about my unwillingly subservient relationship with Cliff. ¡°First, let¡¯s see what¡¯s in the room.¡± Benelucia spoke softly, soothing Senelia. He seemed to be wary of the assailant doing something strange to her room. Senelia quickly scanned the room while holding onto him. There is nothing in the room. Senelia knew that the thorough Cliff wouldn¡¯t have left a loophole. Only then, once she was convinced, did she release male lead. ¡°Fortunately there is nothing.¡± Benelucia checked Senelia¡¯s room carefully, and spoke as if to reassure her. Even so, he couldn¡¯t hide his curiosity. No matter how fast the opponent tried to run away first, they would have been caught by Benelucia immediately if they hadn¡¯t excelled in their skills. But they escaped from his hand. That means that the intruder who entered Senelia¡¯s room is not normal. Senelia knew that the Grand Duke would doubt that. So, she distracted him once more. I had to make it so that Benelucia couldn¡¯t get lost in his thoughts again. ¡°Sally?¡± After the two broke up, Senelia was extremely wary of even getting close to each other. When she grabbed his arm first, Benelucia looked at Senelia in surprise. ¡°¡­Ah, sorry.¡± Senelia removed her hand as if she had realized her actions belatedly. Benelucia frowned. ¡°Why are you only apologizing for such a small thing?¡± Benelucia grabbed Senelia¡¯s hand and put it back on his arm. He even took it a step further and held her empty hand with his own. ¡°Whatever you do to me, don¡¯t say you¡¯re sorry.¡± Benelucia spoke firmly. His demeanor was not at all intimidating, even though the male lead had been rejected by Senelia, he was still proud in front of her. Senelia laughed bitterly inwardly. That¡¯s the difference between him and myself. Benelucia told her not to say she was sorry, but Senelia could not help but want to apologize. ¡°I¡¯ll be by your side today, so sleep comfortably.¡± The Grand Duke seemed to have judged that Senelia was still afraid. Senelia muttered with a slightly puzzled face. ¡°Your Majesty must be uncomfortable¡ª And again, I have to prepare for¡­¡± Senelia glanced toward the bathroom. Benelucia paused for a moment and interrupted playfully. ¡°I can help.¡± ¡°Your majesty!¡± Benelucia and Senelia were no longer lovers, so it was impossible for the Grand Duke to attend to the baths with her. When she screamed in fright, he replied with an embarrassed expression. ¡°Sorry, you were so nervous¡ª I keep acting stupid in front of you.¡± Benelucia¡¯s mood quickly turned sullen. As if he didn¡¯t know what to say to lighten the mood in case he frightened Senelia. Senelia felt strange again. It was as if they had become normal friends. What would it be like if I met you as an ordinary person¡­? It wasn¡¯t that Senelia hadn¡¯t thought of it. However, the conclusion of that thought was always from the beginning that that handsome man could not be ordinary, and that if it were not for the emperor, they would never have met. ¡°Your Majesty, don¡¯t be nice to me.¡± Senelia tried to erase the emperor¡¯s existence from her mind, but she couldn¡¯t. As soon as she thought of the emperor, she thought that this would have bought the emperor enough time so that his brother wouldn¡¯t find him out even if he tried. Senelia pushed Benelucia¡¯s hand away, as if she was a person who was splashed with a cold bucket of reality. The Grand Duke¡¯s face hardened. He seemed to have forgotten for a while that she had rejected his marriage proposal not too long ago. ¡°Sally, I¡¯ll be fine.¡± Holding Senelia¡¯s hand again, the Grand Duke knelt down in front of her as she sat on the bed. Senelia freaked out again and tried to get him up. ¡°Don¡¯t do this, Your Majesty.¡± ¡°Please give me one more chance.¡± Benelucia¡¯s body was immovable, he begged her with her hands clasped in his own. ¡°I¡¯ll do really well, therefore¡­ Don¡¯t leave with Young Lord Pendragon, please.¡± Senelia paused. I spoke with Yenelov in the hallway, it seemed that Benelucia had overheard everything. In fact, it was strange that Benelucia, whose five senses were far more developed than others, could not hear everything that happened in this small mansion. Her stomach churned. Senelia closed her eyes tightly. Why on earth did the emperor plan to play me in his grasp? It occurred to her that perhaps even allowing Benelucia to listen to the conversation between herself and Yenelov might have been the emperor¡¯s plan. It was terribly dirty of him. However, the Grand Duke seemed to misunderstand Senelia¡¯s reaction. ¡°Really! Could you please accept me?¡± The male lead¡¯s voice trembled. Seeing him weaken in front of her surprised Senelia every time. As a result, she was speechless, and the male lead suddenly tightened his grip on her clasped hands. ¡°Sally, are you going to leave with Pendragon?¡± His tone became a little ferocious at the end as he raised his upper body and approached Senelia. ¡°Do you think I will let you do that?¡± Benelucia¡¯s hand, cupped Senelia¡¯s cheek, and touched her cheek very carefully. ¡°If you¡¯re going to leave me by trying to go to Spania or the kingdom, then even that Pendragon is really stupid.¡± His tone was infinitely cynical. ¡°Do you really think I didn¡¯t know about the love letters that came to you secretly?¡± Benelucia¡¯s fingers gently ran over Senelia¡¯s lips. He smiled kindly and spoke softly. ¡°If it weren¡¯t found out, it wouldn¡¯t have gradually decreased.¡± CH 35 True to his words, the love letters sent to Senelia had decreased day by day. She assumed it was simply because her marriageable age was gradually coming to an end. But she had assumed wrongly. It is because Benelucia did not leave those who dared to send a love letter to his lover. There had been a strange letter sent from Sally¡¯s side to someone else. I didn¡¯t even have to give a separate order, I just had to mutter a word of it to my subordinates. It was natural that no one knew about the retaliation since it was the work of the Grand Duke¡¯s subordinates. However, at that time, I thought that Benelucia foolishly didn¡¯t know my feelings, and so I sent love letters to potential lovers and put a stop to those who only wanted me out of pride. ¡°Sally, I was wondering if you would turn them down or not. You never said you loved me, so I had to confirm that.¡± That was the only reason why Benelucia allowed Senelia to write a love letter addressed to a man other than himself. I didn¡¯t know why at the time, but now I know why you acted the way you did. ¡°You tested me again?¡± Senelia frowned. One emperor was enough to test her. I hate being tested by such people. However, the Grand Duke did not detach himself from her in the slightest, nor did he hide the truth. ¡°Because I had to make sure you loved me.¡± He recognized from his own words that he had longed for Senelia¡¯s love. It¡¯s because Benelucia thought he couldn¡¯t hold someone who didn¡¯t have him in their heart. Really? Was he the one who couldn¡¯t do that? ¡°But it¡¯s okay now, because I¡¯m not such a conscientious person to begin with.¡± [T/N: Conscientious person meaning a person who has awareness and self-control.] No, he is such a person who is capable of doing that. If Senelia could wait for him for years and years on end, Benelucia could do the same. But if it all ended with an act of letting her go, he would become a rather even worse human being. He knew that he could have decapitated Yenelov or trampled the Pendragon family altogether in order to embrace Senelia, however, he thought that there was no need to inform Senelia of that meanness. ¡°I am the only one who can touch you, and I am the only one who can covet you.¡± [T/N: Obsession alert!!! ^^] The begging was now over. ¡°It¡¯s okay if you don¡¯t love me, all you need to do is endure me.¡± Benelucia would no longer aim to try and win Senelia¡¯s love, but will instead work towards keeping her tied to him once more. *** The next day, as she greeted the mourners again, Senelia¡¯s spirit lay elsewhere. The main cause of her distraction was because of whatBenelucia had confessed the night before. The original source of this world was an impoverished novel, and unlike now, Cliff used every trick to get Lucalina under his control. It was for this reason that the Grand Duke had finally reached his tolerance level for his brother¡¯s antics and exploded. Compared to Cliff, who did not hesitate to commit evil deeds and obsessions, Benelucia was always kind to Lucalina. This led to Senelia forgetting a very important piece of knowledge. That Benelucia, the novel¡¯s male lead, was a human who never gave up on love and was even willing to wage war to keep that love. ¡°It¡¯s okay if you don¡¯t love me, endure me.¡± Senelia only realized the depth of Benelucia¡¯s obsession when he uttered those terrifying words. The Young Lady of Daphnen fell silent. There was no way for her to escape as long as she was entangled with royal brothers in the first place. Unfortunately, she¡¯d only realized that now. Senelia glanced in Yenelov¡¯s direction. For some reason, he had not returned even though the emperor had come and had been rejected by her. If so, she must personally use her knowledge from the author of the novel. After reaching a conclusion, Senelia took advantage of her ex-lover¡¯s absence and approached Young Lord Pendragon. ¡°What are you going to tell me?¡± As Senelia took Yenelov to a deserted place, he questioned her curiously. ¡°I know you approached me on orders from Your Majesty.¡± Senelia announced calmly. When Cliff came to her room last night, she was sure of it. Senelia¡¯s rejection of Yenelov must have reached Cliff¡¯s ears, Yenelov must have reported her actions to his master. The emperor looked down on Senelia. He must have come because he had something to say to her about his communication with Yenelov last night. The emperor would have no intention of hiding the fact that he had tested her from Senelia, who he thought of as his dog. On the contrary- like praising a dog that retrieves a ball thrown by its owner, he would have come to her last night to openly praise Senelia for passing his test. ¡°I don¡¯t know what you mean.¡± Yenelov took the route of pretense and refused to admit it, but Senelia did not fall for him. Compared to Cliff and Benelucia, whom she had been dealing with for eight years, Yenelov was nothing before her. Besides, there was no such thing as guilt. Yenelov must have received something from Cliff in exchange for approaching Senelia. ¡°If you run down this road and tell the Grand Duke that you deliberately got between me and him on the orders of His Majesty, then I bet that something funny will happen.¡± Of course, Senelia had never thought of telling His Highness Afron. It was clear that the emperor would not leave her alone if she set Benelucia against him. ¡°His Majesty will not stand still and let you do as you wish.¡± Of course, Yenelov was not completely ignorant of Cliff¡¯s disposition. ¡°Is it really so? What if I said I would do that and ran down right now and told His Highness what I just said and your loyalty to the emperor before you can meet His Majesty?¡± However, he did not know Cliff de Helios as well as Senelia, meaning that Yenelov was shaken by her words. ¡°Young Lord Pendragon failed at His Majesty¡¯s order to seduce me, but I haven¡¯t failed until now. Rather, my plans are doing quite well¡­ Whose hand will Your Majesty take? Mine or yours?¡± Yenelov, who had not flinched in front of Benelucia until he had become truly angry, shut his mouth with only a few words from a Young Lady. Senelia¡¯s calm tone seemed to be telling only the truth, so he couldn¡¯t easily refute her. ¡°¡­What do you want from me?¡± After a long silence, Yenelov relented and asked. As long as he failed in his mission, the emperor would not give Yenelov shelter. In such a situation, if Senelia informed Benelucia of Yenelov¡¯s atrocities, he would definitely not be safe. Senelia was aware of that fact and she used it to try to wield Yenelov Pendragon. If not, why would they talk about things that would make each other feel threatened? ¡°Now go and tell Your Majesty, the emperor, that I have turned down your marriage proposal.¡± ¡°¡­Don¡¯t you want to use me to make the Grand Duke jealous?¡± Yenelov looked at Senelia in surprise. He must have thought that she would use him to elicit a greater reaction from Benelucia. ¡°How many people have used jealousy to entice His Highness?¡± Senelia responded calmly. Everyone, from the one-time lover of Benelucia to the one he had never laid eyes on, did everything they could do to attract his attention. Unlike them, Senelia must always remain as a special entity to him. Just like Lucalina. ¡°And for that reason, tell the emperor I said I have someone I want.¡± Yenelov¡¯s gaze narrowed. He soon noticed the difference in Senelia¡¯s words. No matter how much Yenelov was tricked and caught up in Senelia¡¯s schemes, he was a talented person chosen by the emperor. The one I want¡­ There is only one. ¡®I want¡¯ and ¡®I love¡¯ seem similar at first glance, however, there was a subtle difference between them. Young Lord Pendragon knew that Senelia was following the emperor¡¯s orders, so it wasn¡¯t hard to figure out why the difference of a single word was important. And yet, he had to pretend not to know about her subtle hint and pass it onto Benelucia. The two words were similar, so even if the words are conveyed a little differently, YenelOV will be exonerated, and the Grand Duke will be convinced of Senelia¡¯s love for him. [T/N: Exonerated ¨C absolved/ proven innocent in the matter of why she turned him down] In other words, Senelia was trying to instill hope in the male lead, Benelucia Afron, which was futile in reality, but would be believable on the outside. So he won¡¯t give up on her forever. ¡°If that¡¯s enough, neither the Young Lord nor I will be punished by His Majesty.¡± Even if Senelia was said to be a person acting under Cliff¡¯s orders, using the emperor¡¯s person would be considered an act of excess. In that case, both she and Yenelov might incur the Emperor¡¯s wrath should they be found out. But if they did as Senelia said, that wouldn¡¯t happen. Because what she asked Yenelov to do was just tell the truth¡­ Well, a version of the truth. ¡°If this was your motive, you could have just asked me for help instead.¡± Yenelov spoke shyly. It was a story that was not unreasonable to him when judged rationally. No, on the contrary, it could be said that it is a good thing for Yenelov. The order given by the emperor failed, that didn¡¯t mean that he didn¡¯t do the emperor¡¯s bidding, so, wouldn¡¯t he still have to face Benelucia¡¯s anger? Even if Senelia didn¡¯t tell him, Yenelov wanted to clear himself of the misunderstanding with Benelucia. ¡°No, if it wasn¡¯t for the emperor¡¯s order, Young Lord wouldn¡¯t even want to talk to me in the first place, yes?¡± Young Lord Pendragon flinched. It was an accurate assumption and wasn¡¯t a complete lie. For the emperor had no heart whatsoever, to do his bidding, Yenelov would incur the wrath of Benelucia without the promise of help from the emperor. In the meantime, he didn¡¯t want to incur the Grand Duke¡¯s wrath by continuing to get entangled with Senelia for no reason. ¡°Besides, you didn¡¯t expect the current situation, did you? I don¡¯t know if it was normal, but he wouldn¡¯t be in a state to indulge in the thought of the proposal or your neck.¡± [T/N: Benelucia isn¡¯t in a state of mind where he will remember Yenelov¡¯s proposal or think of killing him right now.] Yenelov¡¯s face lit up. CH 36 [T/N: So just for further reference, His Highness is used mostly for princes and princesses. While His Majesty is used for kings and queens. So¡­ Please note that from now on the titles for Emperor Cliff de Helios and Benelucia Afron will be swapped around. ] *** To be honest, Yenelov assumed he could take a hold of Senelia¡¯s feelings and shake her up. [T/N: Play with her emotions to manipulate her.] However, he was caught out by Senelia. Yenelov, like most, looked down on her for not being able to capture the Grand Duke¡¯s heart while staying by his side for so long. So it was completely due to his arrogance and misjudgment that he failed to control her. Senelia had been flustered by being unexpectedly tested by the emperor, however, she judged her situation coldly and won, while Yenelov had not. That was the difference between the two. Senelia had the composure to maintain and to judge her route to success in the face of unexpected circumstances. It was something she had learned during the eight years that Yenelov laughed at. Young Lord Pendragon lowered his head. Perhaps Senelia even guessed that he had those thoughts. Others might have laughed at her, but it must have been quite easy for her to see into other people¡¯s hearts after all that time courting Benelucia and dealing with the antics of Clifford. ¡°¡­I¡¯m sorry, Lady Daphnen.¡± So Yenelov couldn¡¯t lift his head and meet her gaze. I feel like my lowly inner self has been exposed. But Senelia, as she was, was surprised by this situation. She never thought that a man like Yenelov would sincerely apologize to her. For 8 years, he thought that Senelia seemed to love only one person to the point of being foolish. So many people knew, and yet they thought that staying in that love made Senelia was stupid. Of course, she endured those gazes. After all, they would never know why Senelia had to go that far for the rest of their lives. She had no choice but to endure. But for the first time, Yenelov learnt the reason for her dedication and apologized for his thoughtless mistake. It made Senelia want to cry again. Others had a history of cheating their way through life and love, so Senelia didn¡¯t know if Yenelov was a bad guy. But for Senelia, it was the first time in 8 years that someone apologized for their unfounded hate and mockery of her. That one apology didn¡¯t make Yenelov look very bad. It hurt. A very ordinary person, who makes mistakes in their judgment of another, but also apologizes. He was the first. The figure of Yenelov was still the ideal type of man that Senelia wanted. His character and remorse showed her something different from the rest. Senelia turned her head away from the Young Lord. He can¡¯t be mine. Senelia¡¯s only person was the one the emperor had priorly chosen for her all those years ago. ¡°¡­Then, please, Young Lord.¡± Unlike earlier, Senelia spoke with a weak voice. Take this as my final courtesy towards my ideal man. *** ¡°Senelia!¡± The moment Benelucia seized her into his arms, Senelia realized that Yenelov had spoken to him of what their relationship truly was like. Of course, I didn¡¯t expect that Benelucia would grab me without caring about other¡¯s eyes. Senelia was very upset, but she had to hide her emotions as they were in the middle of her father¡¯s funeral. ¡°Have a chat with me.¡± The Grand Duke¡¯s face brightened with urgency and excitement. Hope bloomed in his eyes, ust as Senelia wanted. Senelia was silent for a moment. But the opportunity can not be missed. After some thought, she pushed Benelucia¡¯s hand away from her. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I have nothing to say to the Grand Duke.¡± She acted as though she wanted to follow the Grand Duke but held herself back. I have to present myself as having no choice but to keep rejecting you, Benelucia. So, in order for you to catch me, you will have to take your actions a step further. Their surroundings quietened. Everyone who attended the funeral gaped at the Grand Duke and Senelia with surprise. First, it was because the Grand Duke, who had never made a move to hold on to anyone, seemed full of lingering feelings for Senelia, and second, because she rejected such a man. As Senelia¡¯s hand pushed him away, Benelucia hesitated for a moment, then deliberately let go of her and quickly walked towards the Viscountess. ¡°Viscountess, I¡¯d like to have a moment of Sally¡¯s time.¡± The Grand Duke asked a Viscountess for permission in front of the nobles. The surprised nobles gawked at him, while subtly glancing at the emperor¡¯s reaction. Of course, the Viscountess could not refuse. However, it wasn¡¯t because she did not have the courage to refuse Benelucia upfront, it was because the emperor was afraid that the Grand Duke would be punished for hurting the prestige of the Imperial Family. But it wasn¡¯t Benelucia that Cliff was glanced at. The emperor clearly gazed at the Viscountess. Meaning that the Emperor is on the side of his brother. The complexion of the Viscountess, who received the mighty gaze of the Emperor and the Grand Duke at the same time, deteriorated. At the same time, Senelia¡¯s expression hardened. I don¡¯t know why Benelucia always makes the worst choice. My mother is the number one reason I won¡¯t let you do as you please! The anger in Senelia¡¯s stomach simmered. As if making a fuss in the middle of a funeral when calling me out quietly wasn¡¯t enough, he¡¯s even involving my mother in the matter. Her mood changed in an instant. You think I love you, so you think you¡¯ll just have to convince my mother and it will all work out? For Grand Duke Afron to make Senelia so furious every time they meet, meant he was truly talented indeed. ¡°Your Highness, Lady Elihan has returned.¡± Senelia stated, as she moved over while hiding her mother from the eyes of the Royal brothers. Another ripple was caused by the new piece of information that probably the majority did not know. Senelia squeezed the tips of her fingers, which were trembling with fear. Perhaps, she revealed Lucalina¡¯s affairs without the Emperor¡¯s permission, so the Emperor might punish her for this. It wasn¡¯t just an act of impulsive anger, it was something that Senelia decided to say with determination. ¡°Sally¡­!¡± Benelucia was momentarily taken aback and raised his voice, but Senelia refused to stop. ¡°It means that Your Highness no longer has to be with me.¡± At those cheeky words, all eyes turned to Senelia. Fortunately, many aristocrats probably knew the truth but kept their mouths shut. The assumption was that the Grand Duke was not even engaged to Lucalina, whom he loved as a child. It was actually true in the minds of the majority that they would end up together. However, everyone was just whispering behind the scenes, and no one thought to openly say anything. Senelia just said their inner thoughts out loud. ¡°¡­You really.¡± Benelucia brushed his hair back roughly and clenched his lips as if holding something back. Everyone thought that day was a series full of surprises. Especially to the Grand Duke who knew that Lucalina was a part of the rebellion. ¡°I was wrong before, so talk to me, Sally.¡± However, the surprises of the day did not seem to end there. Benelucia obediently raised his hands in surrender. Senelia let out a sigh of relief. This would give her some indulgence from the emperor. It was wrong to inform everyone of Lucalina¡¯s return without permission, but it also made Benelucia prioritize Senelia over Lucalina in front of everyone. ¡°Let¡¯s change seats.¡± Senelia nodded as if she couldn¡¯t win. There was nothing better than provoking Benelucia into action. ¡°Sorry for the disturbance, Viscountess.¡± He finally apologized to the Viscountess with relief. His apology was significant, it caused Senelia to stare at him involuntarily. Benelucia¡¯s apology will at least keep others from whispering about the mother and daughter after the funeral. You can¡¯t make fun of the Grand Duke¡¯s mistakes, can you? As Benelucia belatedly corrected his mistake, he held out his hand to Senelia. ¡°Let¡¯s go, Sally.¡± The reason why the Grand Duke apologized to someone lower than himself in front of everyone was because of Senelia. That made her feel strange. Is this how you show your love to someone? Senelia took Benelucia¡¯s hand and moved on. Her mood was lifted, but she didn¡¯t feel happy. If asked why, Senelia would not have been able to explain why. *** ¡°Sorry, I made a fuss on purpose.¡± As soon as the two of them were left, words of apology flowed out from Benelucia¡¯s lips. ¡°¡­What do you mean by that?¡± ¡°I had to make such a fuss so that the Viscountess would not blame you.¡± Senelia¡¯s mouth snapped shut. Even though his words were absurd, she knew they weren¡¯t wrong. Having experienced the entire day, the Viscountess would not blame her daughter even if Senelia went to the capital once again. The Grand Duke and the Emperor were pressuring her in their own way, so how could she endure without finally succumbing to them and going? ¡°But at my father¡¯s funeral¡­¡± ¡°I know, that was a bad choice.¡± Benelucia readily agreed with Senelia¡¯s words that blamed himself. And the moment she was left speechless, he approached Senelia with and hooked her in. ¡°So I¡¯ve warned you in advance, Sally, now I¡¯m going to do it my way.¡± Before Senelia knew it, Benelucia¡¯s arm skillfully wrapped around Senelia¡¯s waist. Strands of his blonde hair ran down her cheeks and tickled her face. ¡°Come back to the capital with me.¡± He whispered to her. It was the last day of the funeral. Senelia also had to decide where she would be after the day ended. ¡°I will never go to Lucalina, nor will I be leaving you like last time.¡± The male lead seemed to want to convince Senelia heartfeltly. Perhaps the ¡®last time¡¯ he spoke of was the day Lucalina returned. ¡°For the time to come, I will persuade the Viscountess. If it doesn¡¯t work, then at least I will take all of the hatred of the Viscountess and let none of her anger reach you.¡± Benelucia¡¯s tone was infinitely seductive, slowly trying to weave its way into her heart. ¡°You don¡¯t have to marry me right away if you don¡¯t want to.¡± He lowered his head slightly, at a distance where the tips of their noses touched, and his silver eyes twinkled. ¡°I will take you.¡± Benelucia slowly intertwined his fingers with Senelia¡¯s, one by one. It was as if the slow tickle of persuasion spread out through his fingertips. ¡°Then just tell me you won¡¯t say no.¡± The last word was a plea. CH 37 31. The Original Continues The man who had the best looks and abilities in the world, the man who she¡¯d once loved, was now begging Senelia. All the time he spent traveling to their estate was for her. And all throughout today, he proved his love for me. Having seen the changes in him happen before her eyes, how could Senelia remain cold and unfeeling? [T/N: Even though she knows the plot of the story and everything else that has happened to her, she feels touched over his current actions and feels he¡¯s changing for the better.] Senelia wanted to grab her heart and keep it far away from Benelucia. I hate that the heart that finally stopped skipping a beat for Benelucia, is now starting to open up for him once more. As much as this man loved her, she hoped that she would not love Benelucia just as much. That way, even if this man is shaken by Lucalina again in the future, as the original story had decided, it won¡¯t matter. Senelia wanted to cry, she suddenly realized why she had been so angry at the Grand Duke¡¯s actions. In part, it was because she always wanted Benelucia to hold her in this way. I¡¯d rather not know what I¡¯m missing out on, than to feel it and lose it. Senelia swallowed the regret she had suppressed for all these years. Bha! Me?! ¡­Seems I still have lingering feelings for this man. She had to admit that fact now. Foolishly, when she learned of the love that Benelucia had for her, she had hopes for that love again. Unfortunately, it was a predestined reaction that was influenced by the impact of Benelucia¡¯s actions that had taken place over the years. ¡°¡­Great.¡± In the end, a word of affirmative slipped out of Senelia¡¯s lips. She laughed bitterly inwardly. Foolishly, I was caught in a trap I, myself, had set. The male lead blinked blankly at the unexpected affirmation. Oddly enough, he looked very naive. ¡°¡­Thank you, Sally!¡± After a moment of silence, the male lead lifted Senelia up in joy as his mind registered her positive response. His face lit up with a bright smile. ¡°Your Majesty!¡± Senelia¡¯s voice raised an octave in bewilderment. The Grand Duke¡¯s considerable height of 193 cm intimidated her. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I will never hurt you.¡± At Senelia¡¯s frightened cry, Benelucia pulled her into his arms and smiled, lowering his head, he kissed her lightly on the forehead. ¡°Thank you, really.¡± A man who smiles as if he has the whole world with just one word, saying he will go with you forever, is right in front of you¡­ Haaa¡­ Senelia unknowingly hugged the man. Finally I have this man. Only today, Senelia was convinced. It had been 8 years. She groaned and cupped his cheeks with both hands. Senelia¡¯s head bowed as their lips met. The male lead¡¯s eyes widened for an instant, and then they closed as the feeling on his lips distracted him from all other thoughts. The kiss was infinitely sweet and deep and for once, Senelia thought the drama was all over. *** As the Grand Duke said, the Viscountess reluctantly allowed her daughter to spend time with Benelucia. So Senelia was now sitting in the carriage alongside Benelucia. ¡°Sally¡± ¡°Yes, Your Majesty?¡± After the impulsive kiss, Senelia belatedly recalled her promise not to give him any more of her love. So I tried to keep my distance belatedly, but it was really too late. Benelucia did not leave her alone. He constantly called Senelia by her nickname, touched her hands, and leaned his head on her shoulder. It was all acts of love. At least, let¡¯s hold off and tell Ben we love him at a later date. In the end, Senelia¡¯s heart, which had decided not to ever love Benelucia again, became soft. ¡°Your Majesty! Your Majesty!¡± From a distance, the voice of a knight urgently cried out from outside the carriage, causing goosebumps to run down Senelia¡¯s spine. ¡°What is going on?¡± But before she could react, Benelucia had already opened the carriage window and was looking out. ¡°Lady Elihan was attacked!¡± The knight became contemplative and shouted. ¡°¡­¡± It seemed that the world would not give Senelia a chance to relax. ¡°Don¡¯t go, Your Majesty.¡± Senelia couldn¡¯t bear it any longer. Before the knight could explain why Lucalina was attacked, she grabbed Benelucia¡¯s sleeve, instinctively. It was a hunch. After listening to the knight¡¯s explanation, Benelucia will go to Lucalina¡¯s aid. She was sure of it. ¡°¡­Sally.¡± The Grand Duke looked at Senelia with conflicted eyes. Even if he was trying to break his relationship with Lucalina, he didn¡¯t want to completely break friendly relations with her. [T/N: He didn¡¯t want Lucalina and her family to hate him, he wants them to maintain friendly relations, and have each other¡¯s backs.] ¡°Your Majesty! Please save the lady!¡± But when Lucalina¡¯s maid jumped out and begged the Grand Duke, his eyes fluttered sharply. ¡°¡­Ah.¡± You¡¯re going¡­ again, you¡¯re going, aren¡¯t you? Senelia had a hunch. The strength in her hand that held Benelucia to her, released. ¡°At this rate, the lady will die! You know that the only person in the capital who will help the lady is His Majesty the Grand Duke!¡± The moment the maid said that, Senelia let go of Benelucia. She lost hope. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Sally. I¡¯ll come back and explain, just wait a bit.¡± Benelucia¡¯s body jumped out of the carriage, at the same time, he snatched a horse from one of the knights following the carriage and climbed onto it. Neigh. [T/N: Sound of horse.] She could hear the neighing of horses, and the urgent clatter of horses¡¯ hooves as it raced away. Benelucia took off so fast, not once looking back. The original novel¡­ It¡¯s not over. Her hopeful heart was shattered once again. A tear fell from Senelia¡¯s eye. It was just one teardrop, but that was enough. Seeing the water droplet on the back of her hand, she wiped her cheek with her hand. The broken expectations seem familiar. When she found a photo of Lucalina that Benelucia didn¡¯t even think to put away in his room, when she saw Lucalina¡¯s unsent birthday presents neatly arranged in a box in the corner, when she saw how Benelucia longed for Lucalina¡­ The day she got drunk, depressing over¡ª When Benelucia hugged Senelia and called her name. All those days slowly chipped and broke down Senelia¡¯s mental defenses. Today¡­ was another such day. *** Without fail, Senelia returned to the capital. On the way, she was launched by Benelucia, thus she couldn¡¯t go back to his mansion without the master of the mansion present. ¡°Ben ended up going to his Luna.¡± And as soon as Senelia entered the townhouse room, she faced Cliff de Helios. She wasn¡¯t surprised in the least. ¡°I greet the Sun of the Empire, His Highness the Emperor.¡± According to what the knight heard, Lucalina returned to the retreating army. This was because when the army entered the capital, it should not be seen that the commander was away. [T/N: The commander can¡¯t leave the army nor can the army enter the capital without the commander to lead them.] However, as soon as she returned, the army, on its way to the capital, was suddenly attacked. The raiders were said to have been from the surrounding area Lucalina was passing through, but Senelia doesn¡¯t know if that¡¯s really the case. And truly, Senelia thought it was most likely Cliff¡¯s doing. Everything, even the fact that Lucalina¡¯s maid followed the knight out of nowhere must have been under his command. ¡°You look like you knew I was coming, Sally.¡± Cliff spoke, giving off the impression of pretending to be kind. But even in that tone of his, he was still the emperor. Even if she had recklessly guessed the emperor¡¯s will, she had to lie and say she didn¡¯t know. So, Senelia just chose to keep her mouth shut. ¡°My wise dog.¡± Cliff complimented as if praising Senelia¡¯s behavior and caution. But she knew, better than anyone, that he didn¡¯t praise her at this time. ¡°But why can¡¯t you win my brother¡¯s heart every time you¡¯ve been given the chance?¡± Pierce. Cliff¡¯s words pierced through her weak points as easily as daggers. After mistakenly assuming that she captured his heart¡­ It proved how easily her strong heart weakened and opened up to Benelucia¡¯s sweet words. ¡°You¡¯re not that useless, are you?¡± Cliff¡¯s hand lifted Senelia¡¯s bowed face. Her shoulders trembled. ¡°What? If you can¡¯t do it, it¡¯s not like there¡¯s no other way to achieve my goal.¡± At Cliff¡¯s words, Senelia unconsciously looked up at him. Cliff, who always pressured her, was talking about another possibility. Rather than hope, a certain fear overtook her mind. Senelia¡¯s body trembled. Because Cliff¡¯s desires brought about the true nature of fear within her. ¡°Become the empress, Senelia.¡± Perhaps quite understandably, Cliff didn¡¯t even give Senelia time to guess what fear was coming her way. Nor did he give her time to prepare herself. The moment the vague fear became tangible, Senelia¡¯s gave way to a single thought. Oh, I feel like I am going to suffocate and die all too soon. ¡°All the thorns of Chloracean in the past have had extraordinary abilities.¡± There was a stark contrast between Senelia, who was completely white in the face and unable to breathe, and Cliff, who looked down at her with a smile. ¡°Their children also often inherited that talent.¡± Cliff reached out and caressed Senelia¡¯s cheek. His hand was quite gentle. But Senelia felt claws slowly encasing her heart. In front of that fearful emperor, she couldn¡¯t breathe nor have the good sense to hide. ¡°I don¡¯t think you have anything worthwhile to offer, but most of the time, I just pretend not to know.¡± Clifford moved closer to Senelia. When the distance between the two of them was close enough to feel each other¡¯s breath, he narrowed his eyes and smiled. ¡°But even if you do have abilities, you should know that they aren¡¯t great enough to escape me.¡± Senelia closed her eyes tightly. However, Cliff tapped her eyes with his fingers as if he would not allow even that measly form of escape. Reflexively, Senelia¡¯s eyes opened again, and as their gazes met, Cliff whispered to her. ¡°But still, I¡¯m curious.¡± Senelia felt as if a snake were wrapped around her neck. ¡°Well, we¡¯ll know when a child is born through your womb, won¡¯t we?¡± That fear she¡¯d felt, it was more terrible than she could have ever imagined. CH 38 [T/N: So just for further reference, His Highness is used mostly for princes and princesses. While His Majesty is used for kings and queens. So¡­ Please note that from now on the titles for Emperor Cliff de Helios and Benelucia Afron will be swapped around. ] The mere thought of the emperor doing something to her made Senelia instantly sick. The emperor¡¯s child that I gave birth to¡­ How can anyone love someone like that? ¡°Your face isn¡¯t happy at all.¡± Cliff let out a big laugh. The emperor seemed happy even with Senelia¡¯s disgusted reaction. Well, her loathing posed no threat to Cliff de Helios, so he always played mind games with Senelia in a relaxed mood. ¡°¡­It¡¯s too much of an honor for me, Your Highness.¡± Senelia lowered herself and said honestly. She didn¡¯t feel good after being given such a ¡®grace¡¯, so she refused to put on an act. Cliff would see right through Senelia every time anyway, and her mood was always adjusted to whoever she faced. But so what, what are you going to do about it? ¡°Yeah, but I¡¯ll allow you to do this undeserved thing, nonetheless.¡± Cliff¡¯s hand cupped Senelia¡¯s cheek. Blonde hair like honey, darker than Benelucia¡¯s, and golden eyes shining like pure gold, the emperor¡¯s appearance was extremely splendid, and at first glance, he was affectionate. So, logically, it should feel romantic, having a gorgeous man cup her face lovingly, but, instead, she felt as if she couldn¡¯t breathe. She was like a prey to play with, feeling the claws of a mighty beast as it ensnared her and tried to eat her whole. ¡°Did you know that you match my taste quite a bit?¡± Cliff¡¯s arm wrapped around Senelia¡¯s waist like a snake coiling around its prey. Slowly, he pulled her closer, until there was only a span of distance left between the two. Senelia¡¯s stomach churned. Of course, she had to be Cliff¡¯s taste. [T/N: Said with sarcasm.] She was an opponent who feared him and would obey him forever. How easy a weapon to wield. She had to wonder, if the day he first realized that she was the thorn of the Chloracean. Would it have been better if she had been decapitated by Cliff¡¯s sword that day without knowing what hell she would face if she lived? Senelia thought so involuntarily. Neigh. If she hadn¡¯t suddenly heard a horse neigh outside the window, she might have wished she could turn back time and redo her choice. Just, please, kill me. ¡°Oops, looks like there¡¯s an intruder.¡± As the sound of the horses¡¯ hooves neared Senelia¡¯s townhouse, Cliff¡¯s arms loosened. The obstruction is gone. [T/N: The object keeping her locked in fear has finally moved away.] Despite his words, he wasn¡¯t particularly offended that his time terrorizing her had come to an end. No, rather Cliff was smiling as if he was having fun. Unlike Senelia, who felt as if her heart had finally gotten a chance to stop beating violently within her swollen chest, and she let out a breath. In what seemed like the aftermath to a close death, Senelia was finally set free. ¡°Since my beloved brother has arrived, I will be on my way.¡± Cliff headed to the window. Senelia watched him disappear in a daze, not even thinking about going to see if he managed to make it down safely. Soon there was a knock on the door downstairs. As Cliff de Helios said, it seems that the male lead had arrived. Thump. Her knees weakened as her nightmare left out the window, Senelia crumpled. Once on the ground, Senelia pulled her knees together and buried her face between them. Ah, it was terrible, she felt so miserable at the fact that even at this moment it was Benelucia who had once again saved her. So¡­ This just proves the fact that I could never abandon him first. ¡­ I want to cry. *** Of course, Senelia did not cry, she had to greet Benelucia who waited for her at the door. ¡°¡­Why is His Majesty the Grand Duke doing here this late?¡± Senelia¡¯s demeanor was calm, as always. Well, she seemed even more unconcerned than usual. The reason being that she had already consumed so much energy that she didn¡¯t have the energy left to express her emotions. Most of all, the main reason was because Cliff¡¯s appearance froze Senelia¡¯s heart, all of her hopes had been drenched over with ice cold water. Didn¡¯t Cliff directly show Senelia what would happen if she let go of her reason for an inconclusive matter? ¡°¡­Sally.¡± Benelucia rarely spoke so hesitated. Well, no matter how blatant of him, it would be strange to abandon Senelia during the day and treat her the same as though nothing had happened when night came. ¡°Before¡ª I was sorry, therefore¡­¡± Senelia couldn¡¯t hear his words properly, her ears flooded with the sound of the emperor. Cliff¡¯s threat, should she fail, was to give birth to his child wrapped around Senelia¡¯s neck like a snake. That cold, creepy feeling didn¡¯t go away with the male lead¡¯s appearance. What Cliff wanted was for Benelucia to choose Senelia over Lucalina and Senelia, she had no choice, she had to do it. ¡°No, Your Majesty, you don¡¯t have to be sorry.¡± So, this was a gamble. She was that desperate. Empress? Ha! It¡¯ss better to strangle myself than to become something like that. But the problem was, Cliff wasn¡¯t going to put an end to everything with just Senelia¡¯s death. One way or another, the moment Senelia unleashes herself from his control and runs away, Cliff will destroy the things she loved. So, it had to be Benelucia who broke the leash that Cliff had put on Senelia. As always, her only salvation was Benelucia Afron. ¡°It¡¯s because I presumptuously misunderstood you, Your Majesty.¡± Senelia deliberately lowered her gaze. If what Benelucia was looking for was her love, then she would have to remember the promise she had made to never give her heart to him. [T/N: Technically, it was more of a promise that he¡¯d give her everything besides his love.] She belatedly thought that her actions were right. Ha. When Senelia slipped out of his grasp, he clung to her, he tried with all his might to keep her to him. And as soon as she was once again successfully caught, didn¡¯t he, unhesitantly, run straight to Lucalina? After that, Senelia seemed to be slipping out of his hands again, so he returned. Then what is she to do now that he¡¯s back? ¡°Anyway, I don¡¯t think I¡¯m the right person to be the marriage partner of His Majesty.¡± ¡°¡­Sally.¡± Senelia gripped the hem of her skirt tightly, keeping a tight leash on her emotions. Benelucia rose from his seat and tried to approach her. This was going to be Senelia¡¯s second farewell to him. After being treated like this twice, I wonder, will he try to hold on to me? Senelia was suddenly afraid. However, the words she had already spoken could not be taken back, and she never wanted to live with Cliff for the rest of her life. It would be a life worse than death. ¡°Sally, I won¡¯t let that happen in the future¡­¡± ¡°No, Your Majesty.¡± The Grand Duke reached out and took Senelia¡¯s hand that rested on the table. But she shook her head and pulled her hand firmly. Anything like this can not happen. Senelia thought firmly, she knew she was fighting a losing battle. Because he is the male lead and Lucalina is the female lead. Senelia didn¡¯t have the confidence to be the first in his from the beginning. So, a long time ago, didn¡¯t she make up her mind to become the endless thirst that Benelucia would never be able to escape from? Just like when you meet an oasis while wandering on a desert road, your eyes roll over and you rush to it, never would you think to look around and what could possibly be around you. If that¡¯s the case, it won¡¯t matter who is the real love of Benelucia. Keep going, that¡¯s what I have to do. ¡°I¡ª No more. I can¡¯t stand His Majesty anymore.¡± Senelia decided not to hope or cling to Benelucia¡¯s love anymore. From now on, the only thing she clung to was his desire. To the greed of Benelucia Afron who always got whatever he wanted. Looking at Benelucia¡¯s back as she left her for Lucalina, she saw herself, the one who could never win against Lucalina with love. If Lucalina was Benelucia¡¯s love, Senelia could only be something else. So Senelia chose to become the male lead¡¯s desire. Usually in fiction, love always wins. Senelia hoped that she could become the first desire to conquer love. ¡°What? Are you going to break up with me again?¡± The Grand Duke questioned in a shaky voice dripping of disbelief. It was natural. When has he ever been rejected twice in his life? Even Lucalina¡¯s heart belonged to Benelucia right from the beginning. Senelia was the first black mark in his life. And the black mark inevitably brought about the desire to fill it back up. ¡°Your Majesty, you are saying strange things.¡± Senelia smiled lightly. Unlike Benelucia, who looked shocked, she appeared very relaxed. She realized that there was no other way to escape from Cliff¡¯s clutches anyway, so she became confident at the thought that fear was useless. ¡°There is no such thing as a farewell between Your Majesty and me.¡± Senelia was no longer afraid. Her heart gradually calmed. ¡°You mean we aren¡¯t related?¡± Benelucia gritted her teeth and asked, causing Senelia to blink innocently. She hadn¡¯t meant for her last words were not meant to be sarcastic or to offend him. ¡°I¡¯m sorry if my words made His Majesty feel bad, I just¡­¡± Senelia chose her next words carefully. However, nothing came to mind except for one sentence. ¡°Like today, someday¡­ I just thought that if she returned to His Majesty¡¯s side, then I would go back to my place.¡± There was another owner who would take the seat next to Benelucia, and Senelia only stayed in someone else¡¯s seat, keeping it warm until the rightful owner returned. How would you define such a relationship? In such a relationship, there was no need to say goodbye. Senelia really only thought so, thus, silence fell between the two. Contrary to Senelia¡¯s expectations, who thought that her announcing her leave would not cause Benelucia to get angry or hurt his pride. Instead, the man was silent for a long time. And after a long and cold silence, Benelucia broke the unnerving atmosphere. ¡°Sally, don¡¯t you love me anymore?¡± CH 39 [T/N: So just for further reference, His Highness is used mostly for princes and princesses. While His Majesty is used for kings and queens. So¡­ Please note that from now on the titles for Emperor Cliff de Helios and Benelucia Afron will be swapped around. ] Benelucia was a greedy person indeed. How dare he ask such a question in this situation? Senelia felt unamused laughter bubble and churn in her chest. [T/N: She was so angry that she wanted to laugh.] She knew, if she said that she loved him, if she agreed, all of her previous blunders would be wiped clean. Maybe it would be a good opportunity for her to put forth an act that gambled the success of her future. But playing according to her fate was something that Senelia found truly hateful. This wouldn¡¯t have happened if Benelucia knew what she was thinking and how long he had agonized over those thoughts and actions before she made a move. But aside from that fact, Senelia wasn¡¯t angry. Anyway, this is how he thoughtlessly behaves. Haven¡¯t I already experienced this for the past eight years? Anyway, this is what Venerucia looks like, isn¡¯t it that I¡¯ve been watching it for 8 years? Senelia did not realize that she had forgotten to conceal her anger and when to express it at the opportune moments. Eight years! It was the long, challenging years that had changed her, being with Benelucia, that fickle man, and being dragged around by the nose by Cliff, that cold-blooded tyrant. ¡°Sally, even at the moment when you said you¡¯d marry me¡­ You never told me you loved me.¡± Since when has he known?! ¡­ No! Now is not the time to be second guessing. Still, Senelia found that, without her consent, her lips slowly opened. After all, he was the only one she could cling to. ¡°Your Majesty is always the same.¡± Senelia muttered under her breath. Benelucia spoke of love again. Love. Is that really that important? Senelia couldn¡¯t understand. No¡­ Since I¡¯m not the main character from the beginning, maybe I will never understand the meaning of this love in my entire life. She felt a small spark of jealousy ignite. Being able to talk about love like this every time. Ha. The fact that you, Benelucia, can afford to live in love is always given to you. Her jealousy grew. ¡°What are you talking about, Sally?¡± A soft, barely audible voice had muttered her resentment, but it easily reached the ears of the sword master, Benelucia. But the moment she heard his voice, Senelia¡¯s emotions quickly faded away. At this moment, what she felt was useless. For Senelia, even her feelings were nothing more than a tool that had to be divided according to necessity and unnecessary. ¡°Otherwise, how could Your Majesty speak of love to me?¡± Nevertheless, the reason Senelia brought up this story was simple, it was the most efficient way to avoid replying to Benelucia about love. Even if everyone I ever met asks me for love, no one is as unworthy of it as you are. It¡¯s you who made me forever bury my love. Senelia¡¯s penetrating gaze burned, those unspoken words deeply into Benelucia¡¯s heart. However, there was no resentment or anger in her eyes. Senelia was truly just asking him curiously. And, as she expected, he couldn¡¯t reply. However, the outcome was slightly different from Senelia¡¯s expectations. What Benelucia couldn¡¯t bear was not her accusatory words, but her eyes, which looked too calm. And the moment he recognized the lack of emotions in those eyes, fear surged within him. ¡°Is it really all over like this?¡± Benelucia¡¯s voice sounded breathy, his heart felt as though it was being chased. That was not an answer to Senelia¡¯s question. He didn¡¯t spare a moment of time to apologize to her for not responding, but his lack of answer meant nothing to Senelia. Benelucia finally saw a fragment of Senelia¡¯s true thoughts and feelings. If I quietly disappear from Senelia¡¯s side like this¡­ Will I have any meaning to her? No! He vehemently denied it. Because no one knew the look in someone¡¯s eyes, of those that looked at him as if he meant nothing to them, better than Benelucia. He gritted his teeth. Benelucia had never imagined that he would one day remain as a nobody to Senelia. ¡°What if I can¡¯t accept it?¡± Benelucia could hardly calm down. He never felt like that before. Even in the past, when Senelia had first said goodbye and they parted ways, he knew that it wasn¡¯t a matter of holding on to her or not. He possessed an ingrained confidence that he could keep her by his side, without exerting much effort. But this time, that confidence was nowhere to be seen. I can¡¯t leave it like this. And to Benelucia¡¯s utter regret, Senelia appeared relieved at his defiance. Like me, you can¡¯t let me go, Sally. Even though he was relieved to see the relief in her eyes, his mouth was bitter. Because our relationship is always confirmed like this¡­ it¡¯s always through the scars we¡¯ve left behind. ¡°Are you going to force it?¡± Senelia asked resolutely. Maybe, rather, this was what she wanted. Senelia hoped that Benelucia would be thoroughly weak against the breaking of their relationship. It goes against his convictions and he forcefully pushes the marriage she rejected¡­ ¡­The opponent who broke my beliefs and forcibly tied me down. She hoped that whenever he saw her, Benelucia would feel sorry. Those feelings would further hold him back from leaving her for Lucalina. It wouldn¡¯t be a happy marriage. Nevertheless, Senelia had to do what she had to do. Even if it becomes a hell where we both reside¡­ ¡°¡­Your man is me. Everyone knows that.¡± Benelucia¡¯s mouth firmly shut. The very act of uttering such words was an act of crushing his lofty pride. If he was an honest man, he would never have done anything to block the path of his ex-lover. But Benelucia had never been in a situation like this before. Benelucia was cornered for the first time in his life, and uttered words he would never have uttered had he been a normal man. ¡°That¡ª That is unavoidable.¡± Senelia lowered her gaze as if she would just accept his point. Benelucia had already visited Viscount Daphnen¡¯s funeral in person, even the emperor was there bearing witness. Now all the nobles would consider Senelia as Benelucia¡¯s marriage partner. Things were worse than they had been when she was with him for eight years. Senelia¡¯s situation was no longer simply related to Benelucia personally as a lover, but as a person in a marriage discussion with the Imperial Family. In other words, it was enough to break up with him in the past, but now it was like making the Imperial Family lose face. It was said that Daphnen had immunity and would not be punished, but there were no nobles who would propose to someone who had a previous relationship with the Imperial Family. By Senelia agreeing, she was saying that she would rather live alone for the rest of her life than marry Benelucia. ¡°¡­I will talk to you again tomorrow, you¡¯ve had too much excitement today.¡± Benelucia abruptly got up from his seat and left. From his experiences so far, he knew best that Senelia was not a talkative person. And Benelucia could no longer bear her utterly cutting himself off. ¡°It doesn¡¯t change my mind just because tomorrow is a new day.¡± Senelia spat rapidly at his retreating back. She couldn¡¯t help but laugh at herself as the two played out a skit together. After all, what was the difference between me and all the other women who bid him farewell to attract Benelucia¡¯s attention? I hated myself. But anyway, isn¡¯t that what I¡¯ve been thinking about for a long time? I can¡¯t the familiarity of the situation erode my conviction. Senelia had a lot of work to do. ¡°Your Majesty, I¡ª¡± ¡°Sally.¡± But perhaps fortunately, before Senelia could hate herself more in this skit they played, Veneruccia cut her off. ¡°Unless you really want me to force you, stop for today.¡± ¡­Please. Not begging was the last of Benelucia¡¯s pride. Even if Senelia refused and Daphnen used their only immunity, her refusal would be useless if he pushed through with the marriage. Benelucia didn¡¯t want to do that. Please! He didn¡¯t say that, he was begging her not to push him any further. And when Senelia stopped talking, Benelucia quickly left the drawing room. For the first time in his life, Benelucia ran away from a fight. After Benelucia left, Senelia sat there for a while. She could feel the clutches of exhaustion weighing down on her shoulders. *** The capital was buzzing with news of the banquet to welcome Lucalina¡¯s return. ¡­As well as news stating that the Marquis Elihan sent an invitation to Senelia. It was an invitation sent directly from Lucalina to Senelia, and not from the marquis. Why did Lucalina send me an invitation? Senelia was understandably embarrassed. Lucalina and Senelia didn¡¯t even know each other. It was mostly because when Senelia came up to the capital, Lucalina had already left for the battlefield. Moreover, the invitation contained only ceremonial content, without explaining why Lucalina was inviting Senelia. Did you have a banquet after Lucalina came back, Benelucia? Senelia searched through her hazy memory. It had been eight years since she realized that she was a Thorn in the Cloracean. As the years passed, memories of the original work gradually faded. Thorn of Chloracean. This one title changed Senelia¡¯s life forever. However, the content of the original work was made in such a way that you¡¯d gradually forget about it even if you tried not to. Of course, even so, it¡¯s useless. Yes, they held a banquet, and¡­? Senelia searched through her memory. It would have been nice to have been able to record the original work, but if Cliff de Helios found out about it, her life would have been even more difficult than it was now. Cliff¡¯s eyes were always watching Senelia from everywhere. His eyes fell away only when she was withBenelucia, where he could not hide his presence because Benelucia was a sword master. It was possible to use Korean text to prevent Cliff from reading it¡­ but if that happened, the last bastion she had hidden would also disappear. [T/N: Bastion ¡ª line of defense, stronghold] So Senelia had no choice but to leave the original story as a memory. ¡°¡­Confession!!!¡± Senelia jumped up from her seat after recalling a scene from the original story in her vague memories. The welcome banquet for Lucalina¡¯s return¡­ ¡­Was where Lucalina confessed to Benelucia. CH 40 Senelia¡¯s complexion turned white. At this most crucial moment of the original story, Senelia would be able to confirm with her own eyes as Benelucia chooses Lucalina. Lucalina would deliberately propose to Benelucia at the banquet in order to declare war on Cliff de Helios. And Benelucia, using Lucalina¡¯s courage as a stepping stone, accepts the confession without hesitation. Senelia struggled to breathe. Her chest rose and fell chaotically as she began to lose control of her emotions. Apart from Benelucia¡¯s choice when he proposed to Senelia, she wondered if he would disgrace Lucalina in front of everyone and deny her proposal? Senelia wasn¡¯t sure that he would not be swayed. Senelia Daphnen had been with him for so many years, and knew best what Lucalina meant to His Highness Benelucia. Benelucia could never bear to hurt Lucalina. ¡°¡­I have to stop it.¡± Senelia murmured, dazedly, closing her eyes tightly. I must stop Lucalina from confessing to Benelucia, but how? To do so, meant that Senelia had to accept Lucalina¡¯s invitation. But Senelia possessed an ingrained fear of Lucalina. Of course she would, her opponent was Lucalina Elihan. The heroine who shaped the fate of this story. Lucalina was an entity who was leagues away from Senelia. Senelia didn¡¯t want to face Lucalina head on. Life is too much for me, I wish my eyes would close forever so I can escape this world¡¯s troubles. But Senelia had nowhere to run as even death eluded her. *** Nobles were usually accompanied by partners when attending any given banquet. So, of course, Senelia needed a partner in order to attend the banquet of the Marquis Elihan. Alas, there was no man courageous enough who could be her partner. Living with Benelucia, Senelia had never hung out with a male aristocrat for eight years. it ¡®s not like she could ask her family members to escort her, her father had been the only male left in their family. So, Senelia went to Benelucia. Because the best way to stop Lucalina from confessing was to have Senelia and Benelucia appear as partners. Of course, the situation became embarrassing once she made her decision as Senelia belatedly recalled her memories of the original story. ¡°Sally! Come on in.¡± After Senelia sent a letter to the Grand Duke¡¯s estate in advance, Benelucia, who had been waiting for her ever since, welcomed her warmly. He seemed to think that Senelia had changed her mind, thus his face was full of joy. However, she did not come to the Afron Mansion to resume her relationship with Benelucia. ¡°I greet Your Highness the Grand Duke.¡± Unlike Benelucia¡¯s friendly, open attitude, Senelia¡¯s greeting was dry and bland in comparison. ¡°¡­Sally.¡± Benelucia couldn¡¯t help but come to a conclusion based upon Senelia¡¯s appearance. She was of the same mind as she was the day before. ¡°¡­Come in at once.¡± Beneficial hesitated, for a moment, before leading Senelia inside. They weren¡¯t at the front door as he had come to the gate to meet her carriage. He couldn¡¯t bear for Senelia to be treated badly at the door, besides, for now, at least Benelucia was facing her face to face. Benelucia¡¯s plan was simple, he decided to keep Senelia in his mansion for as long as possible. That way I¡¯ll turn her heart back to mine. But his silent promise was useless. Immediately it fell apart when Senelia handed Benelucia an invitation from Lucalina the moment she entered the drawing room. ¡°I think she misunderstood the relationship between His Highness the Grand Duke and myself and sent the letter to the wrong person. I hope His Highness the Grand Duke will return it.¡± ¡°What are you¡­!¡± Unknowingly, Benelucia, who felt like crying, hurriedly suppressed his voice lest he frightened Senelia. He was a stout knight, loud and bold as a knight should be once having been christened by battle, but his Senelia was a slender young lady. I have no intention of scaring her. So Benelucia tried to calm down his bursting emotions. However, it was unavoidable that his stomach was boiling with the suppression. [T/N: His swallowed emotions want to come out.] ¡°How could you¡­? Anyway, how can you give this to me?¡± Benelucia¡¯s words were cut short with his need to suppress his explosive emotions. Senelia bringing the invitation from Lucalina carried three main meanings behind the intention. First, of course, that she had no intention of partnering with Benelucia. The second was a declaration that she would not intervene between his and Lucalina¡¯s relation, no matter where it should lead. ¡°That¡¯s why I directly decline Lady Elihan¡¯s invitation.¡± Senelia answered as if she had been waiting for his inquiry. The family of Marquis Elihan was originally a prestigious family. However, it was only natural for her to feel burdened as she was only a low-ranking nobleman, especially as Lucalina had successfully managed to win the war that lasted for several years. ¡°Besides, in the first place¡­ If Lady Elihan hadn¡¯t misunderstood, she wouldn¡¯t have bothered to send me this.¡± And finally, the third meaning meant that Benelucia would better correct this misunderstanding by talking directly to Lucalina. In other words, Senelia meant to tell Lucalina through Benelucia¡¯s own mouth that he and Senelia were not related. But if you know my heart, Sally, is this not the cruelest of treatments? ¡°¡­Do you really want me to clear this up?¡± Benelucia asked, he looked desperate, as if wanting, begging, Senelia to deny it. Senelia made no reply. When she didn¡¯t deny it, Benelucia crossed the table and grabbed Senelia¡¯s hand with his own. Unless there was an explicit refusal on her part, Benelucia would interpret her silence in a hopeful way. ¡°Come with me to the banquet of the Marquis Elihan.¡± His behavior embodied the characteristic positivity of someone who had never been rejected by anyone. ¡°I will prove it. When I said I love you, Sally, I¡¯ll prove it to you.¡± Benelucia¡¯s gaze was determined. ¡­But Senelia didn¡¯t believe it. Because the protagonists of this world were Benelucia and Lucalina. And because Benelucia always couldn¡¯t bear to abandon Lucalina. ¡°So, keep this for you.¡± Benelucia returned the invitation to Senelia. She looked down at the invitation in his outstretched hand without receiving it. When she made no move to take it, he put the invitation directly into Senelia¡¯s hand. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t let another man stand next to you anyway. You can¡¯t go to a banquet without a partner.¡± If one entered the banquet hall without a partner, they would only become a laughing stock. And to be sure that she would have no choice but to go with him, if Benelucia would step in and interfere, no one would want to become Senelia¡¯s partner even if she tried. ¡°Come with me to the banquet, Sally.¡± Benelucia held out a hand to Senelia brimming with perfect aristocratic grace. Blond hair radiant under the chandelier. Silver eyes that sparkled while seeing only her. That alone made Benelucia appear as if a prince standing in the middle of a ballroom, asking for her hand in a dance. His infinitely friendly tone was not shared with just anyone. He was the man everyone wants to have. A privilege that can only be received when he willingly lets someone sit at his side. That privilege was enough to make any other person mistakenly think that they were something special to him. But Senelia thought that was cowardly. ¡°You haven¡¯t left me with a choice, but you¡¯re talking as if you¡¯re asking me.¡± Benelucia always acted as if Senelia had a choice. But no matter how much he respected her, in the end there was nothing Benelucia couldn¡¯t do if he wanted to. Even so, between love and separation that would be kept for Senelia to decide. Of course, that would have to wait, as in order to interrupt Lucalina¡¯s confession, Senelia had to go to the banquet of the Marquis Elihan with Benelucia. It was correct of her to plan to come to Benelucia expecting his reaction to some extent. His reaction was expected after being handed that invitation. Still, Senelia couldn¡¯t help but feel upset. Wasn¡¯t it the same for the first two breakups before I broke up with him for the first time? [T/N: She¡¯s talking about the scandals before she broke up with him this time.] Senelia had not asked anything about the scandalous Benelucia at the time. Because I was afraid that I would hear words of farewell. She knew, after much thought, Benelucia wouldn¡¯t abandon her if she didn¡¯t push like the other women had. ¡°Sally, are you not going to ask me anything?¡± At the time, when Benelucia asked for her thoughts on his scandalous behavior, Senelia pretended nothing had happened and kept her mouth shut. ¡°¡­Of course not.¡± How Benelucia sighed then, Senelia remembered distinctly. She wouldn¡¯t ever forget as he was a being with the power to make someone nervous with a single sigh. ¡°¡­Do as you please.¡± After that, Benelucia left her. Just like that. That was the end of the first relationship between Senelia and him. Benelucia had not explicitly told her to leave the Afron Mansion. But he acted like he had no regrets, and she knew that was true. What can Benelucia have to regret about me? After the first break up, she struggled to become the person he needed the most. Even so, Benelucia gave Senelia a choice, and she had no choice but to withdraw. If she became an obstacle to him, all of Senelia¡¯s goals would end in failure. ¡°I wanted to make sure you love me.¡± However, after hearing his reason for his actions, she reached a form of clarity. It was all set from the beginning, regardless of whether Senelia did this or that, the answer he wanted from her was fixed. She had to love him. He planned it out as so. So, like most of the eight years that went by, she had no choice. Really, I¡¯m fed up. Still, just like back then, she couldn¡¯t get away. ¡°Your Highness¡¯s words, are these your orders?¡± This time, this time would be different. Senelia decided to do the same for Benelucia. She acted as if she would refuse to listen to Benelucia unless he said it was an order. She backed him up into a corner, until he was left with only one option. Senelia¡¯s question was clearly asked knowing that there was only a fixed answer. He had no choice but to play it her way. CH 41 Benelucia Afron¡¯s face hardened as he stared down Senelia. ¡°¡­Sally.¡± Yes, it would be easy to give in to Benelucia¡¯s need to maintain his pride. It should be easy for me to follow along as he wishes. Though the path she walked would turn much smoother if she followed his desires, Senelia had no intention of submitting. She would never hinder the steps needed in her plan that would make the Grand Duke willingly confine her to his side in the future. To perfectly obtain her objective, Senelia would do anything. Even if that meant going to the banquet held by Marquis Elihan alone. Anyway, it¡¯s not like my reputation in the social circle could be ruined any further. Hmpf, what more could I lose? ¡°If not, then give it back to her.¡± If any other person had stood before him, Benelucia would have assumed that he was being tested, but to Benelucia, Senelia was not one of those people. What if I use this to make her stay at my side? She was different. While he could control the masses with his power, his fame, his money, or even his dashing good looks. He came to the understanding that none of them could attract Senelia. Doing things at leisure only happens when you have the means to. Unfortunately, I do not have the means to do as I please, so if you order this from me, Your Highness, I¡¯ll follow it. She waited. ¡­What if this is the only way to capture Senelia and keep her with me? The Grand Duke bit the soft flesh of his lips and pondered over the success of this new thought. The fishy taste that blossomed in his mouth distracted him from the remorse he felt towards his prior behavior. He felt his mouth tingle as he came to his senses. Nevertheless, the thought resurfaced in his mind once more. If that¡¯s the only way to keep her with me, then it¡¯s unavoidable. He chuckled, he had come to a decision. ¡°¡­I thought I couldn¡¯t do it.¡± I feel weird. How low have I fallen? Senelia had once said that she would keep to her duty. She¡¯d put a line between herself, the daughter of a Viscount, and himself, the Grand Duke of their Empire. He never liked this claim, but he had never given her any orders that challenged this bottom line. But in the end, it was a mere hypocrisy that changed with the flip of a hand, as if according to his needs. Benelucia¡¯s face felt exposed, his desires laid bare. If he commanded her, he¡¯d be taking away her free will to choose. However¡­ ¡°Alright, this is an order, Sally.¡± However, Benelucia did not want to let Senelia go. He could stoop low, discard his charming image, he would do whatever it took to keep her by his side. ¡°Become my partner, Sally, and attend the Elihand banquet with me.¡± Thus began the first command given by the Grand Duke to Senelia¡­ Exactly as Senelia planned. Cross all of the lines you¡¯ve drawn between us, Grand Duke. May you lose your way, as you come closer. Stay with me, choose me. Don¡¯t go to Lucalina. Senelia sent up a silent prayer. Only then will I be able to live, and not just scavenge to survive. *** Senelia was unable to return to her townhouse immediately. Benelucia insisted that a dress was needed, specifically tailored to her needs. His reasoning, the Grand Duke¡¯s partner could not appear at an event with any random outfit. ¡°¡­Did you dispose of all the dresses left in the Grand Duchy?¡± Benelucia¡¯s thoughts might have made perfect sense to his own ears, but to Senelia, it did not. The Afron Mansion was decked with a variety of gowns and clothing, prepared and ready to wear in advance, for any guest who graced its hallways. Senelia thought that one of those was enough. To be frank, everything had played out according to her plans so far, but she didn¡¯t know what future Benelucia and she would have. Besides, right now, we have nothing to do together as a couple. I can¡¯t lessen his guilt by allowing him to spend money on his partner. However, it would be too much for her to not accept the expensive dress he¡¯d given to her. ¡°Is the Grand Duke¡¯s partner planning to wear a gown that is already out of fashion?¡± Benelucia visibly withheld a frown as he questioned the stubborn woman. Sometimes, I truly do not understand what goes on in Senelia¡¯s head. To request such a thing¡­ He understood her thoughts. They were not in an official relationship now, and Senelia was unwilling to accept any offerings from Benelucia. Senelia Daphnen always tried to keep to her ¡®duty¡¯, which Benelucia hated so much. ¡°Or should I open the Grand Duke¡¯s treasury?¡± Benelucia asked as if opening the treasury for someone other than the Grand Duke or Duchess was not a big deal. In the treasury of the Grand Duchy, a considerable amount of dresses that were regarded as treasures in the Imperial Family were transferred to and preserved by the Grand Duke. As with any family, these were family dresses that would be handed down from generation to generation in the Afron family line. Of course, it wasn¡¯t given to just anyone. The moment she put it on, Senelia would at least be treated as a reserve Grand Duchess. Even knowing that fact, he brought up such a suggestion. ¡°¡­Then, I¡¯ll wear my family¡¯s gown.¡± The Grand Duke¡¯s sly cornering was not rewarded with success, but rather, his prey had taken a large step back. No one would bother to criticize the gown handed down from the family¡¯s previous generations unless it would insult the family name. It would be enough if it complimented the time¡¯s fashion, or lightly resembled it. If she wore the dress of the Viscount Daphnen family, there would be no reason to buy a new one, nor would there be any reason to wear the gowns meant for the future Grand Duchess. So it was only natural that Benelucia¡¯s expression soured. To him, it was general knowledge for the male partner to present a gown to their female companion for an upcoming event. So for Senelia to refuse him, Benelucia was left to assume she wanted to draw a line between them once again. It wasn¡¯t Senelia¡¯s intention. Living through the past eight years, walking on eggshells, being Benelucia¡¯s woman, without an official title, caused her to become a natural at avoiding being labeled as a gold digger. To not act in any manner that would seem as if she was aiming for the position of Grand Duchess. It was a habit that had been engraved deep into her bones. ¡°You will go to this extent to not get involved with me?¡± Unfortunately, there was no way for Benelucia to guess the meaning behind Senelia¡¯s actions. On the contrary, the fact that she behaved like that throughout her time with him rather stimulated him even more. Senelia had never, not even for a moment, tried to reveal that she and Benelucai were lovers to outsiders. Usually, when you have a lover, don¡¯t you want everyone to know about it? To lay claims on each other. It was a privilege that only lovers could have. It annoyed him that Senelia had always willingly given up this privilege. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean that.¡± Even Senelia felt sorry for herself. It was a reaction made unconsciously, and she had never expected Benelcuia to react so sensitively. Many people want something from him. When she becomes one of many, she will be abandoned. I¡¯ve always been careful not to be like that. But now, Benelucia loved Senelia anyway, and her attitude to his offer was somewhat misleading to the man who loved her. ¡°¡­I apologize.¡± Senelia lowered her eyes and apologized quietly. She wanted to make her partner feel as if she was being difficult, not hated. Sadly, Senelia could not get used to the fact that Benelucia loved her, even though she thought she frequently made plans to tie him to herself. For eight years, she had been trying very hard not to make the mistake of thinking that he loved her, even for a moment. It¡¯s just that Senelia was more comfortable with Benelucia keeping her by his side due to a whim, rather than love. ¡°¡­It¡¯s alright, I will leave your gown to Madame Rampadour.¡± Benelucia muttered as he turned his head. He hated seeing Senelia behaving submissively. She never showed pride in front of her lover like others, rather, she endured and accepted all of Benelucia¡¯s attitudes and behavior. Each time she reacted as such, they seemed more and more distant from normal lovers, and the distance between them continued to grow without a chance to reconcile. Between the Grand Duke and the Viscount¡¯s daughter, it seemed that the gap could not be bridged. Benelucia felt choked. So it was. He dared to bring up the name of Rampadour to provoke Senelia. ¡°Your Highness! That is¡ª That is nonsense.¡± Senelia raised her voice involuntarily, then lowered it urgently. As he expected, her eyes were trembling violently. Madame Rampadour. Madame Rampadour was a designer famous for only making clothes for the Imperial Family. In other words, Senelia¡¯s refusal to wear the dress from the treasury of the Grand Duchess would be meaningless. No, rather, it was like meeting something worse while trying to avoid it! Even after Benelucia became independent as a Grand Duke, Cliff recognized his younger brother as a member of the Royal Family. However, no matter how close she was to becoming the fiancee of the Grand Duke, if she was a bride-to-be before marriage, she could not be recognized as a member of the Royal Family. But imagine¡­ What if I wore a dress that would be worn by royalty? It wouldn¡¯t be excused with words like preliminary. Wearing clothes made by Madame Rampadour meant that she was already the Grand Duchess. Senelia¡¯s complexion drained to white. There was no way Cliff de Helios would allow her to marry Benelucia without his permission. Their marriage had to take place under the careful planning of the emperor. It was clear that if she wore Madame Rampadour¡¯s clothes, she would displease Cliff. ¡°Do you hate it that much?!¡± Someone of Benelucia¡¯s caliber and standing should know the significance of Madame Rampadour¡¯s clothing. He didn¡¯t intend to place added pressure on Senelia by ordering a dress from Madame Rampadour. I was just trying to provoke her a little, to make her accept at least a dress from a famous designer other than Madame Rampadour. Can she not accept the bare minimum, it¡¯s the male partner¡¯s honor. However, thinking of how her complexion had deteriorated all of a sudden, he was unknowingly injured. Senelia, who had unknowingly froze under Benelucia¡¯s heartbroken gaze, replied a step later. ¡°It¡¯s just¡­ I think that these custom made gowns are too much for me.¡± ¡­Too much. Benelucia was moved again by those words. He suddenly remembered the gifts he had given her when they were lovers. CH 42 While Benelucia claimed to love Senelia, he¡¯d showered her abundantly with precious gifts. Mermaid¡¯s Tears. Sun Crystals. Fairy Flowers¡­ The list was endless. When bought at the auction, each could sell for the value rivaling that of a small kingdom¡¯s national treasure. Of course, Senelia would graciously accept any present given by Benelucia, but it ended at acceptance. Besides the first time, Senelia would never again wear the gift, no matter how many times Benelucia requested her to. He¡¯d never had the chance to see them decorating her after the first time. At first, he¡¯d wondered to himself, did she not like his gifts? It made sense, Benelucia was aware that his previous lovers had picky tastes, and so he concluded that Senelia was cut of the same cloth. [T/N: The same as his past lovers.] Is there a law against gifting the same, just because it¡¯s Senelia? He never found out the reason until the day she¡¯d said goodbye. All of the gifts, the precious gifts given by Benelucia, were stored securely and individually in jewel cases. Safe from even random specks of dust, they sat patiently until they could be returned, in perfect condition, to their rightful owner. No matter how well a person took care of their jewelry, even if they didn¡¯t bear to wear it outside, it wouldn¡¯t have been able to keep itself scratch free. [T/N: Meaning it can get scratched when cleaning it, or tarnished when wearing it when she is alone, etc.] However, the gifts returned by Senelia maintained its original brilliance, it had never been taken out of its casing. Senelia would never imagine the shock that brought Benelucia to a standstill when he had first discovered the condition of his gifts. From the moment she¡¯d received my gifts, she¡¯d been ready to return them. It proved that she had never considered them her own in the first place. ¡°No, I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll be noticed if I go with my family¡¯s gown, but if it¡¯s Madame Rampadour¡¯s dress¡­¡± The memory of his reaction when giving her gifts made Senelia revise her initial plan. I felt that I had to force myself to enjoy only the best of things to the point where I would no longer be told that I was over deserved or that I was overflowing my means. I had to like them because of their value, not because they were something I desired. And if a person gets used to receiving only the best of the best, of course only those things will catch their eye. With that thought in mind, Benelucia felt that his way of gifting was correct. When you get used to the best things, anything less becomes insignificant. And he was the only one who could bring those things to Senelia. If I could tie her tighter to me in this way, why wouldn¡¯t I? ¡°I like the accessories from Lucerne.¡± Thus Benelucia mentioned the designer Lucerne by name. Lucerne, like Madame Rampadour, was a craftsman who crafted and supplied only to the Imperial Family. ¡°¡­Your Highness!¡± Senelia felt unable to form a proper reply. Benelucia had been giving Senelia gifts whenever he felt the desire, but she didn¡¯t care much about what she wore or felt the need to dress up for no reason. He was originally a man who was generous to his lover, whether that lover loved him or not. So Senelia was under the impression that Benelucia might have forgotten about it altogether after giving her the gift. [T/N: Once the gift was given, he wouldn¡¯t need to remember what he had given.] So, no matter how much he loved her now, she couldn¡¯t handle the fact that he tried to court her and win her over using the same means as before. He still chose to win her over using status and expensive trinkets. It is true that Benelucia deliberately forced her to obey and bend to his will, but this was far beyond Senelia¡¯s expectations. ¡°Sally, you¡¯ll need a stylist to do your hair and make-up.¡± Whether Senelia agreed, Benelucia seemed unwilling to accept her refusal. ¡°It would be good for Baroness Schweiken to be in charge of your dressing.¡± Baroness Schweiken was a maid in charge of Benelucia¡¯s mother, the former empress. She had already retired a long time ago, but she still nurtured the younger children so that her skill set would not dwindle away. That meant that Baroness Schweiken was very busy and proud. ¡°¡­Your Highness, please calm down, let¡¯s talk and discuss¡­¡± Senelia grabbed Benelucia¡¯s arm with trembling fingers. The only coherent thought Senelia possessed at that moment was to stop him and without realizing it, she came up with the coldest words lurking deep within her heart to freeze him in his wake. ¡°Are you going to introduce me as the Grand Duchess at the banquet of the Marquis of Elihan? Lady Elihan is there, and above all, did I not already tell you that I would completely end things with you, Grand Duke?¡± Madame Rampadour, Lucerne, and Baroness Schweiken. There were many who wanted them to attend them. It was an honor to be served by a person reserved for the Imperial Family. But Senelia¡¯s reason for rejecting them was simple. She didn¡¯t want to deserve it. Of course, she wouldn¡¯t admit that secretly, one of her reasons was that she wanted to put an end to Benelucia¡¯s plans to completely entangle her while she was powerless. But really, she never really wanted that qualification, to be his Grand Duchess. Marrying him was a necessary condition for living freely. If it came to losing her freedom of life, those qualifications didn¡¯t matter. So Senelia¡¯s words sounded perfectly true. As a result, Benelucia¡¯s excited thoughts, which wanted to bind her to him by feeding her greed, were extinguished before the seeds could take root. ¡°¡­Yes, you rejected me. Again¡± Benelucia remarked in a calm voice. His silver eyes darkened. While he was contemplating how to hold Senelia to him, she never forgot the fact that she had decided to leave. At that thought, Benelucia gnashed his teeth involuntarily. ¡°But so what?¡± Benelucia spat through gritted teeth. If I could, I would reveal every method she¡¯s planned to leave me. I would hinder every plan she comes up with. ¡°I can propose as much as I want until you accept me.¡± He was rejected by Senelia, something he had never experienced before in his life. However, Benelucia¡¯s rationality prioritized keeping her by his side rather than being swayed by his own wounded pride. There were many things to fill his pride in his future life. However, there is only one Senelia, and if I miss her, it will be the end. ¡°Because now and forever, I will be your only man.¡± So Benelucia willingly knelt down in front of Senelia and lowered himself in order to win her affections again. ¡°Do you want to introduce yourself as the Grand Duchess at the banquet?¡± Benelucia¡¯s lips landed on the fourth finger of Senelia¡¯s left hand. He and she weren¡¯t engaged, so her finger remained bare. In fact, Benelucia deliberately bought and carried gifts with him that could easily be substituted as wedding bands, but Senelia had never worn them. Of course, at the time he didn¡¯t even know why he acted in such a manner. ¡°If so, will you accept my marriage proposal? Will you? Sally?¡± Benelucia¡¯s voice suddenly softened upon her name. Like the snake that whispered to Eve, urging her to taste the forbidden fruit, Benelucia had a beautiful face paired with an infinitely kind smile, as if he were going to bewitch Senelia. Unknowingly, she followed that smile and her gaze fell on Benelucia¡¯s exquisite features. His face, the most handsome one their world had seen, was smiling only for Senelia. So how could she easily deny the enormous ripple effect of Benelucia¡¯s actions on her heart? ¡°Sally.¡± When Senelia didn¡¯t say a word of refusal, Benelucia¡¯s smile deepened. ¡°You have to answer me, come on, Sally?¡± Benelucia urged Senelia for an answer once again. He was a man accustomed to others loving him due to his appearance. Her reaction¡­ In it, Benelucia was convinced that Senelia would accept him. ¡°I am¡ª¡± But at that moment, Senelia suddenly came back to her senses as if she had been freed from magic. Benelucia¡¯s confident face¡­! She knew that face. The face that had never failed in love, and thus never yearned for love. He has that face again! Even though he waited for Lucalina for a long time, he had no doubt that she would love him in the end. He never doubted that time would fade away Lucalina¡¯s feelings for him. If it was any other man, time would have distanced them, but not for Benelucia. Not for the male lead. ¡°¡­No, I will not marry His Highness.¡± So Senelia had to say no. While watching Benelucia¡¯s bright smile drop, Senelia felt her heart ache and throbbed in pain. I felt like I had done something I shouldn¡¯t do. But she didn¡¯t take her words back. Rather than being Benelucia¡¯s second love, she had to be first. She needed his very soul to thirst for her. ¡°If you need me as a shield because of Lady Elihan¡¯s and your love, tell me. I will follow your orders¡­ Always¡± Senelia drew the uncrossable line again. It was a hint that she would never marry Benelucia of her own accord. ¡°Sally!¡± Benelucia couldn¡¯t stand Senelia¡¯s hidden whisper and cut her off. His voice sharpened to a point. As she flinched, Benelucia bit his lip and apologized. ¡°I¡¯m¡­ I¡¯m sorry for yelling at you. However, I¡­¡± Benelucia was speechless. I love you. Sally, I love you. So there¡¯s absolutely no need to use you as a shield. Even if he said this, Senelia would not give a positive answer or take his word for it. And, arguably, it was him who made her like this. The two swallowed back words left unsaid. Senelia sighed. ¡°Do not say that¡­ and no matter how shameless I am, I will not force you to marry me just to be used as a shield.¡± In the end, that was all Benelucia could say. Something hot was placed in his chest, burning his insides. Still, he couldn¡¯t spit it out. ¡°¡­If you feel burdened, let¡¯s go to another boutique.¡± And in the end, haggling with Seneliawas not worth it. Benelucia¡¯s will to overpower her with authority was discarded. Yes, I couldn¡¯t force anything on Senelia any more. However, he soon regretted his choice. Just as Benelucia had planned, he changed his mind and took Senelia to the boutique of Madame Longerute, a famous designer in the capital, where he knew there was a dress that Senelia would like. It was then that he felt regret. Entering the boutique, Benelucia and Senelia came face to face with the female lead. Lucalina Elihan. CH 43 It was Lucalina who approached Benelucia first. ¡°Ben, what are you doing here? This one is¡­¡± Lucalina, who had been addressing the male lead with a warm expression, halted and turned her gaze towards Senelia. ¡°¡­Lady Daphnen?¡± Lucalina¡¯s words made it clear that she recognized Senelia immediately. Senelia found herself momentarily frozen. The blue eyes resembling the sky, hair as silver as moonlight, an air of confidence and elegance that demanded attention wherever she went. Suddenly, Senelia recalled how Lucalina was described in the original story. Despite thinking her recollection of the source material had dimmed, she couldn¡¯t understand why such details were surfacing at this very moment. However, one thing was certain. The portrayal of the female lead in the original work had been precise, never venturing into excess. Had Benelucia not been present by her side, Senelia might have recognized Lucalina the moment she stepped out of the carriage. Lucalina¡¯s presence was commanding, a magnetic force drawing the attention of those around her. Just like Benelucia often does, the main characters usually give us, the readers, that impression. Suddenly, Senelia¡¯s stomach churned with unease. Did Lucalina originally match the banquet with her attire from the Longerute Dressing Room¡­? Senelia couldn¡¯t recall. Madame Carlotta¡¯s dressing room was managed by Count Servis, a relative of Marquis Elihan. As a result, Marquis Elihan frequented the place, causing Senelia to intentionally avoid Carlotta¡¯s dressing room so as not to stir memories of Lucalina for Benelucia. This had been her practice during the six years she had been Benelucia¡¯s lover. Even if her memory of the source material faded, Senelia couldn¡¯t forget where Lucalina used to get her outfits tailored. However, of all days, today Benelucia and Lucalina crossed paths in Madame Longerute¡¯s dressing room. It was as if they were mocking Senelia, subtly alluding to the connection between the main characters that she had tried to keep separate. As that realization hit her, her mind went blank. While Senelia found herself at a loss for words, Lucalina moved closer. ¡°Daphnen, right?¡± ¡°Just hold on a moment, Luna.¡± Benelucia stepped between Senelia and Lucalina, blocking Lucalina¡¯s 179 cm tall frame from Senelia¡¯s sight. [T/N: A very tall woman¡­] At that moment, Senelia finally felt like she could breathe and think. ¡°¡­Ben, what are you doing?¡± Benelucia¡¯s protective stance seemed to have flipped a switch in Lucalina¡¯s tone, as her once youthfully joyous voice took on a sudden edge. ¡°Do you really think I would harm Lady Daphnen?¡± Lucalina questioned him, her regret evident. ¡°No¡ª Not that¡­¡± Benelucia was at a loss for words. It wasn¡¯t like that, truly Luna. The delicate atmosphere between them was shattered. ¡°¡­It¡¯s the first time I¡¯ve seen you, Lady Daphnen.¡± For a brief moment, Senelia appeared somewhat fatigued. His action was a reflex in response to Senelia¡¯s sudden bout of fatigue. ¡°My apologies, Lady Elihan, my name is Senelia Daphnen.¡± Senelia revealed herself from the camouflage, stood beside Benelucia and greeted Lucalina with politeness. Standing at 172 cm tall, Lucalina was taller than Senelia by 7 cm. Senelia had to look up at her. Senelia¡¯s heart raced with nervousness. Not wanting to let only Benelucia and Lucalina converse, Senelia unwittingly inserted herself, but the more she observed Lucalina, the smaller she felt. Lucalina shone with a radiance akin to a female lead, making Senelia feel rather insignificant. One might question why I keep getting entangled in the original work¡­ Haa¡­ However, the original work had entirely altered Senelia¡¯s life; how could she not hold onto it? At least, it had to follow the original path for her to change the future, so changing it too early was a risky endeavor. Just like when she first encountered Cliff, Senelia didn¡¯t want to jeopardize her life in an unfamiliar situation. ¡°¡­His Highness the Grand Duke.¡± Senelia glanced back at Benelucia and called out for him. In this moment, she was trapped in endless turmoil and inner conflict, she despised being around Lucalina. She was restless. But what would Senelia Daphnen, who had spent eight years crafting this facade, do? Hmmm¡­ Ultimately, there was only one conclusion. ¡°You seem to have something to discuss, so I¡¯ll step aside first.¡± Senelia retreated from the male lead¡¯s side. In that instance, her expression swiftly hardened. To fulfill her duty. To not dare to yearn for Benelucia. That was the vital essence of her plan. If it was the persona Senelia had cultivated, the one she was familiar with. Her next step should have been straightforward. The moment she kept Lucalina at bay and allowed a hint of resentment to surface in front of Benelucia¡­ Senelia would be just like all the others who had fallen under his spell. Even if Benelucia felt affection for me now. At least, Senelia was certain about this. ¡°¡­Are you planning to leave like this?¡± Benelucia¡¯s grip tightened on Senelia¡¯s arm, his disbelief evident. He voiced his disbelief, unable to fathom her intentions. Senelia had assured the Grand Duke that she understood Lucalina¡¯s nature, but to think she would just leave him alone with Lucalina. It didn¡¯t make sense if she truly cared for me. ¡°You should stay with Lady Elihan.¡± Senelia cast a scrutinizing glance at Lucalina, then sighed and gently disentangled her arm from Benelucia¡¯s grasp. It was as if she realized that this gesture might seem inappropriate in front of Lucalina. ¡°Thank you, Lady Daphnen. In any case, I have something to discuss with Ben.¡± Lucalina seized the opening Senelia¡¯s action provided and inserted herself between Benelucia and Senelia. Normally, she wouldn¡¯t have done such a thing, but after Senelia had rebuffed her advances, it seemed she had grown a bit on edge as well. ¡°Well then.¡± Senelia offered a slight bow, then turned away without hesitation. Though she appeared unaffected, inwardly, she was filled with worry. Her hands, gripping the hem of her dress, grew clammy with a cold sweat. Senelia couldn¡¯t help but imagine the conversation that might unfold between Benelucia and Lucalina if she were to walk away. The moment she turned, a pang of regret immediately washed over her. Yet, she couldn¡¯t help it. Senelia was never meant to be a source of bother or trouble for him. ¡°Where were you planning to go?¡± Benelucia¡¯s grasp on Senelia¡¯s wrist almost felt like a relief. ¡°I don¡¯t have anything to discuss with you, Luna.¡± Benelucia¡¯s interruption was firm and unwavering, cutting off Lucalina. At that moment, it didn¡¯t matter to him that the person holding him was Lucalina. What mattered was that Senelia wanted to distance herself from him because of another woman. That single thought had Benelucia¡¯s emotions in turmoil. ¡°Your Highness, the Grand Duke.¡± Senelia blinked, her face slightly flushed. They were in front of Lucalina. Of course, Senelia wished to be someone the male lead would never want to let go of. However, she never expected to find herself caught by him in front of Lucalina. It was just that Benelucia had always kept Lucalina in his heart during the eight years that Senelia had been observing; she never thought he had the guts to make such a decision. Just like the time he had left Senelia to help Lucalina during one of Clif¡¯s schemes. ¡°To be honest, I was just going to look for some clothes¡­ It¡¯s not urgent or anything¡­¡± Senelia involuntarily began to make excuses. Certainly, it wasn¡¯t a conscious effort on Senelia¡¯s part. She had simply grown accustomed to acting this way, and above all, Lucalina had always been the heroine in her eyes. The male protagonist, Benelucia; she hadn¡¯t forgotten this fact despite the passing years. This very awareness of Lucalina¡¯s significance left Senelia feeling intimidated whenever they crossed paths. Even Senelia¡¯s unwavering determination to stand by Benelucia¡¯s side felt futile in moments like these. After all, Senelia had etched into her very bones who the true protagonist of this world was. ¡°¡­So, you¡¯re just planning to leave like that, when nothing¡¯s happening?¡± Benelucia clenched his teeth and spoke out. Senelia¡¯s behavior had always been like this. One day, she seemed to adore him, and the next, she appeared indifferent to whatever he did. From taking meticulous care of his coffee, tea, and every dish he ate, down to the embroidery on his clothes, she seemed to anticipate his every need. She anticipated and catered to his every whim well before the scandal that had engulfed Benelucia. ¡­And even after the scandal. Yes, Senelia behaved as if she was completely unfazed by the scandal. Her actions suggested love, but her circumstances indicated otherwise. It would have been easier for Benelucia to relinquish his feelings for her if he believed that Senelia didn¡¯t love him. But just a short while ago, Senelia had joyfully accepted his marriage proposal. Benelucia was certain that it wasn¡¯t his imagination playing tricks on him. How many years had we been together? He had lost count. True, it had all started because of my own fault, but how could one suddenly turn emotions on and off like a faucet? Yet, after eagerly agreeing to his proposal, Senelia had once again distanced herself from Benelucia with ease. Truly, Benelucia was uncertain whether Senelia¡¯s feelings for him were genuine or not. As a result, his grasp on her wrist involuntarily tightened, as if afraid she might slip away. Otherwise, he felt that if he let her go now, it seemed she might slip through his fingers. ¡°¡­Sally, don¡¯t you have any pride? What kind of woman would be willing to hand over the man she¡¯s with to another woman?¡± Benelucia¡¯s anger was intense, but he somehow managed to lower his voice, mindful of their surroundings. Senelia disliked drawing attention, so she bore with it. He hoped she would be upset with him for placing her in such a predicament. Thus, he was contemplating offering an apology in any case. However, as was often the case with Senelia, Benelucia¡¯s expectations were off the mark.