Chapter 25
Once every few decades, there would come a time when monsters would surge in number.
Before the harsh winter began, the monsters would flock to the Graham territory.
“It was a noble sacrifice.”
“Sure. But it was still a pointless death.”
During the evacuation, they threw themselves into danger to save the people. The citizens revered the former Grand Duke and Duchess as heroes, but the nobles whispered behind their backs, calling them fools.
“I won’t watch you die.”
What was love, really?
“The Grand Duke is only marrying that young lady because she’s a Sword Master.”
The Emperor was deeply displeased that the empire’s tenth Sword Master would now belong to the North.
“There was no need for marriage! Sponsorship would have been enough! The Grand Duke must be moving because he actually likes her!”
“He probably also wants to increase his influence in the capital. Even though the Barrett family has weakened because of the eldest daughter, their knights are still among the best.”
It was said that if you wanted to learn swordsmanship, you had to go to the Barretts. The Emperor stroked his chin as he watched his daughter seethe.
“No way the Grand Duke thinks she wouldn’t accept sponsorship alone.”
“Honestly, if not for the marriage, I was planning to offer her support even greater than what the Grand Duke could provide.”
“Father!!”
At the Emperor’s offhand remark, Isabelle let out a shrill cry.
“The Grand Duke acted first before it came to that. He must have a reason.”
The Emperor smiled faintly, trying to soothe his daughter.
“I won’t stop you from meeting him while he’s in the capital. But find out why the Grand Duke is so eager to hold on to the Barrett girl. Marriage? There must be an outrageous reason.”
“Then will you let me have him later?”
“Isabelle, don’t cling to something that’s already failed.”
In his eyes, his daughter had already failed to win the Grand Duke’s heart—despite years of trying.
“You’ll find someone new. Forcing a marriage won’t bring you happiness.”
“I will be happy. He’s someone I’ve always wanted.”
“Possessing someone doesn’t bring happiness.”
The Emperor looked at his daughter with pity. She was still too young to understand, no matter how much he said.
“Your chance has passed.”
“……”
Isabelle clamped her mouth shut at his resolute words.
“I don’t want to hear any more talk of marriage to the Grand Duke from you. Choose between the prince of the Krisha Kingdom or the Duke of Sorbo’s eldest son.”
With that, the Emperor dismissed her.
“Ha…”
The princess swept her hair back roughly as she exited her father’s audience room.
Give up on Elliott Graham?
From the moment she first laid eyes on him, she had wanted him for herself. With graceful yet quick steps, Isabelle headed toward her palace.
‘I have to find out why Elliott joined hands with Barrett.’
Though she had been furious at the Grand Duke’s unexpected actions, her father’s suspicion made sense.
Something was off—he wouldn’t have pushed marriage otherwise. The Emperor was urging her to uncover Elliott’s motives while pretending to oppose the marriage.
She would follow her father’s lead, uncover the truth, and then do whatever it took to win the Grand Duke for herself.
“Um… Your Grace?”
At Evelyn’s call, Elliott swallowed his breath.
“If it’s hard to choose, would you like me to pick?”
“No. We agreed I would help you choose the final embellishments.”
Looking over the book filled with endless embroidery designs, Elliott hesitated.
They had only a month and a half to finish the dress—a tight schedule. Still, famous ateliers had rushed forward, eager to claim the honor of designing for them.
The most prestigious atelier in the Empire, Moria, had even come with formal sketches of the wedding attire specifically for the Grand Duke and Duchess.
“Just choose whichever embroidery you like for the sleeves and collar,” Evelyn said gently, watching him pore over the catalog.
“They all incorporate the Grand Duchy’s crest, so I think any of them would suit you well.”
But as she observed him, she thought to herself: This is going to take half the day.
She had already realized during the last party, when they chose jewelry, that the Grand Duke had incredibly refined tastes. He could not tolerate anything even slightly lacking in quality.
“This one is more carefully made than the others.”
That was an understatement. Moria had been humiliated during their first visit—every design they brought was flatly rejected due to Elliott’s meticulous standards.
This time, they’d come with a design that would restore their reputation.
“They’re all so beautiful, it’s hard to pick.”
“But there are certainly some I find lacking.”
At his remark, Madame Moria flinched.
“These, these, and this one—eliminate them.”
It was time for rigorous selection. Elliott disqualified embroidery patterns one after another.
To Evelyn, they all looked fine. But clearly, they hadn’t met his aesthetic standards.
“Evelyn. What do you think of this one?”
He had chosen a pattern that combined the Graham family shield with the Barrett family rose.
“Don’t the rose vines complement the shield motif well?”
“It’s lavish, yet elegant.”
“Let’s go with this one.”
Finally, approval.
Evelyn exchanged a relieved glance with Madame Moria.
“With embroidery only on the sleeves and hemline, the dress will be completed quickly.”
“What about the reception attire?”
“You asked for something lighter and fresher, so we’re still searching for the right fabric.”
“Only fifteen days remain.”
“You’ve decided to emphasize the accessories, so once we have the fabric, the outfit will be completed quickly.”
Madame Moria, determined as a knight before battle, answered solemnly.
A single mistake wouldn’t just result in rejection—it could ruin the atelier’s reputation.
“The main attire is nearly finished, and yet the reception dress isn’t ready?”
“Moria Atelier is famous for meeting tight deadlines. It’ll be fine,” Evelyn said, coming to her aid.
“Please don’t worry. I promise to bring you something that meets your expectations.”
With that, Madame Moria left in a hurry, saying she would return in five days for the first fitting.
Her eyes were dark with fatigue. Will she survive this? Evelyn watched her go with pity.
“Why did you choose such cheap tableware for the ceremony?”
“…Pardon?”
Once the two were alone, Elliott asked in a serious tone.
“I chose what was recommended to match the ceremony. Was there something wrong?”
“I was worried you weren’t satisfied because you didn’t select a craftsman’s work.”
Evelyn swallowed nervously. Craftsman-made sets could cost hundreds of gold coins.
It was already a contract marriage—spending that kind of money felt excessive. Besides, she had already received a massive sponsorship from the Grand Duke.
Spending more felt like overindulgence.
“What we have is more than enough. And artisan pieces feel too extravagant.”
“There’s nothing you need to feel burdened by.”
“Y-You don’t need to spend so much on me…”
Since their engagement, Elliott had been behaving unpredictably.
Even though she knew his proposal wasn’t genuine, his sweetness made her heart flutter, leaving her confused.
“Please don’t say such sad things. There’s nothing I regret spending on you.”
He glanced subtly toward the servants, then softened his expression.
Their faces lit up in satisfaction.
Ah, it’s all an act…
It was all to avoid suspicion among the servants.
Evelyn forced a smile. If she didn’t stay alert, she might be the first to fall for him and confess.
“Is this all too much for you?”
“I’m just… very grateful.”
“As am I. I’m grateful that you understand my intentions.”
The parlor was filled with bashful warmth, and the servants’ hearts swelled with joy.
Our lady is really in love with the Grand Duke… That emotion was plain to see.
At Evelyn’s subtle gesture, the servants quietly exited the room.
“Why are you doing all this?” she asked once they were alone, looking troubled.
She had a vague idea of his intentions, but the burden still weighed on her.
“Because I know that simply receiving my support won’t be enough to shake off the label of a cursed one.”
With his smile gone, Elliott sipped his tea, his expression unreadable.
“We don’t have much time, yet changing people’s perceptions takes too long.”
He recalled the atmosphere that day—the way the nobles had scrambled to change their attitudes once he stepped forward.
But they were only reacting to his title. Few truly believed the curse wasn’t real.
Elliott had concluded they needed something dramatic—something that would shatter public opinion in one blow.
Nossa, essa princesa não sabe desistir. E eu quero que ele se apaixone primeiro, gosto de ML cadelinho kkkkk