IGMHTMYS Chapter 08

Episode 8

I stepped down from the carriage of the Crown Prince of Boswell, Lucian Duret Boswell.

Slowly, I turned and met his eyes. The feeling was strange. I had really convinced him… to become my husband. It all happened so fast, like a flash of lightning.

Lucian gave a cold smile.

“Shall we try something entertaining?”

His voice carried a faint trace of amusement, but his eyes were dark, filled with clear hostility.

“…Entertaining?”

What on earth was he planning with that expression?

“Continue preparing for your wedding with Frederick,” he said.

“What are you thinking?”

“I’m curious. Don’t you want to see what kind of face Frederick will make when he finds out the bride has changed?”

Lucian’s eyes glimmered. He hated the imperial family—there must have been a serious conflict between them. Even in my previous life, I couldn’t figure it out.

When I had once asked Frederick, he avoided the question. Which only proved the empire had done something unforgivable to Lucian.

“…I suppose I am curious,” I admitted.

Yes, I wanted to see Frederick’s arrogant, calm face twist in humiliation. Instead of me, let Eleanor stand at the altar beside him. They truly were a perfect match—filthy humans.

“I already know the perfect replacement bride.”

I let out a cold laugh.

Our malice lined up perfectly. Lucian bent down politely, kissed the back of my hand, and whispered:

“Someone is watching us from above.”

“I know.”

There was only one rat who would spy on us like this.

“Frederick will arrive soon,” Lucian continued. “I look forward to the Princess’s acting skills.”

I shrugged. Frederick couldn’t even imagine the deal Lucian and I had struck—tricking him would be child’s play. After all, I had learned plenty from Frederick in my past life.

“Don’t worry, Your Grace.”

Lucian gave me one last glance before leaving.

I pressed a hand over my chest and took a deep breath. I had really done it.

At last, I had taken my first step toward escaping Frederick, Medice, and this empire. My lips curled upward on their own.

My heart pounded so violently it felt like it might break my ribs.

When I looked up, I saw a shadow quickly vanish behind a curtain.

Eleanor, don’t worry. I’ll make sure you get the place you deserve.

Eleanor leaned against the wall.

“…Oh, you scared me.”

That direct gaze had landed on her as if he already knew she was there. Her heart dropped. Eleanor pressed her hand over her chest.

“What? Did he know I was watching?”

She pouted and casually walked down the corridor, pretending nothing had happened.

Weren’t you supposed to be sick? Why are you sneaking around… and that was definitely Lucian, wasn’t it?

Her eyes sparkled. They hadn’t interacted during the voyage, so why were Belisa and Lucian meeting in secret now? Eleanor’s lips curved into a cheerful smile.

Belisa—born with everything—never knew gratitude, never learned satisfaction. Always greedy. Eleanor hummed a tune under her breath.

Whatever was drawing Belisa and Lucian closer might turn into an opportunity for her. She headed toward the kitchen.

“My sister hasn’t been looking well lately.”

She spoke sweetly to the head chef.

“Could you teach me how to make the madeleines she likes?”

“You want to make them yourself?” the chef asked, surprised.

“Why? Is it too difficult?” Eleanor widened her eyes innocently.

“Not at all. It’s just… your kindness toward the Princess is touching as always.”

“Of course. She’s my sister. This is nothing.” Eleanor smiled warmly.

This time, her words were genuine. The Medici family didn’t care about Eleanor herself. She followed Belisa around, serving her and waiting for a chance—that was the only way.

Belisa could become Crown Princess without lifting a finger. But if Eleanor didn’t struggle for it, she would end up as a mere noblewoman’s wife.

I won’t waste my life like that.

She was of royal blood, too. She intended to climb as high as she could. Rolling up her sleeves, Eleanor got to work with determination.

When Lucian returned to his mansion, a small figure rushed out.

A little girl with braided hair flying like wings threw her arms around his leg.

“Where did you go?”

Lucian sighed softly and placed his large hand on Amelie’s head. His sharp gaze softened just a little.

“You were with that lady?”

“Why? You don’t like her?”

Amelie drew in a small breath and shook her head.

“She’s pretty…”

“Then why did you say she was ugly?”

Amelie pouted, hitting his leg with her tiny fists. Lucian twitched his eyebrow. Children were truly hard to understand.

“Why?”

“B-Because it’s embarrassing! You don’t get it, Lucian!”

Blushing, Amelie glared at him and ran into the house. Lucian tilted his head. So she had called the Princess ugly because she was embarrassed? What kind of nonsense was that?

He turned to his butler, Caron, who had been watching with a troubled face.

“Do you understand any of this?” Lucian asked.

Caron gave an awkward laugh. Lucian was too dry-hearted to raise a child properly.

“She probably said it out of embarrassment, Your Grace.”

“…I truly don’t understand.”

At least the Princess hadn’t seemed offended at the time. Lucian brushed his hair back slowly.

“Is the Grand Duchess’s room prepared?”

“Yes, Your Grace.” Caron bowed.

“…The regular sea patrol is coming up soon, isn’t it?”

“That is correct. Shall I prepare your departure?”

Every three months, the navy was required to patrol the seas for a month, keeping Sirens and other monsters from disturbing the empire’s waters. Fighting and hunting them was their main duty.

Lucian narrowed his eyes and smirked.

“This time, we’ll depart three weeks early. Prepare quarters on the ship for Amelie and the Grand Duchess.”

Caron’s eyes widened. Lucian had never once taken Amelie with him before, no matter how she begged. And now, not only her but also this sudden ‘Grand Duchess’? And leaving earlier than scheduled?

“But, Your Grace… the Crown Prince’s wedding is coming up.”

“We’ll depart that day.” Lucian cut him off firmly.

Caron’s breath caught. Even after serving Lucian for years, he still couldn’t understand what his master was thinking. Who was this so-called Grand Duchess anyway? Amelie had said she was a princess…

A headache began to pound in his temples.

The Duke bringing home a Grand Duchess without even a marriage ceremony? What in the world is he thinking?

Caron hurried after Lucian.

“What does Her Grace like to eat? Does she have any food allergies? Any favorite colors or furniture styles?”

His voice rose in worry. To have Lucian’s household criticized as incompetent would wound his pride deeply. Lucian stopped in front of the stairs, making Caron stumble.

“Your Grace?”

“The Grand Duchess…” Lucian narrowed his eyes, recalling Princess Belisa.

Even after sailing together for a month, he had barely exchanged a few words with her. She was always tidy, graceful, and well-kept. Elegant, with a sense of style. Whether it was her own taste or her maids’ influence, he couldn’t be sure.

Today had been the first time he’d seen her a little disheveled.

“She doesn’t seem picky with food. Don’t worry too much, Caron. We’ve gained a month.”

Lucian gave a smooth smile and patted Caron’s shoulder.