HTNSA 82

Chapter 82

If she hadn’t known the original storyline, she would’ve been completely fooled—utterly naive and unsuspecting.

Eliza had a widespread reputation as a benevolent empress, but Eila knew her true nature well.

“She’s only being kind because I’m still useful to her.”

That was exactly how Eliza had been in the original novel.

With a gentle smile, Eliza had taken Eila’s hand the first time they met and said:

“I think you’ll be a great support to our Darian. You truly are gifted.”

The original Eila had been deeply moved by her words.

After all, someone as noble as the Empress had recognized her talents.

And even later, when she and Darian fell in love, Eliza didn’t strongly oppose their relationship. In fact, she had given them her blessing.

“Eila has been a great help to our Darian, so I understand.”
“Even though I’m a commoner?”
“Of course. That doesn’t matter at all.”

At the time, Eila hadn’t known.

That Eliza’s kindness only lasted as long as Eila was useful.

Despite being of royal blood, Darian had inherited almost none of the dragon’s power.

Because of that, some officials opposed his ascension to the throne, citing his lack of legitimacy.

So Eliza poured all her efforts into recruiting capable individuals to support him.

Fortunately, Darian had a sharp eye for people.

Those he gathered eventually raised him to the very brink of the imperial throne.

And once it became nearly certain that Darian would succeed the throne, Eliza’s attitude toward Eila shifted drastically.

She began to harass Eila over every little thing, pressuring her to break things off with Darian.

And on the day Darian finally abandoned her and agreed to marry Freya, Eliza sought Eila out and coldly said:

“Don’t take this too personally. Darian has merely come to understand his place. You were proud to support him, weren’t you?”

Eliza gave a light laugh.

“Really, you should’ve known your place from the start. How dare you think of stepping into the imperial palace without a single thing to your name?”
“Your Majesty…”
“People must know their limits. A mere commoner, reaching for a prince?”

With a cackle, she repeated Darian’s own words:

“He said the only value you ever had was making potions. And frankly, he’s right. You’ve got nothing else.”

Even being abandoned by Darian had shattered her heart, but the Empress’s words had torn her soul apart.

She was right. Eila had nothing left.

No family, no status, no lover.

“Did Darian ever truly love me?”

He had known full well that she had already been abandoned by her family—so how could he so heartlessly cast her aside again?

He had always talked about helping the weak. How could someone like that use her and then throw her away?

Eila couldn’t understand it at all.

And so, in the original story, she fell into deep despair and eventually died from a broken heart.

“Piyoo.”

Eila gently hugged the dragon squirming in her arms. Its warmth spread into her chest.

She gazed quietly at the creature before slowly lifting her eyes.

Eliza and Darian stood frozen, staring at the dragon cradled in Eila’s arms.

But Peony was different.

She looked only at Eila, filled with concern—worried about what kind of future awaited her now that she had become the master of a divine beast.

But Eila simply offered her a reassuring smile.

Peony let out an awkward chuckle.

Watching her, Eila thought to herself:

“It’s okay now. I’ll focus only on those who truly cherish me.”

Avoiding Eliza and Darian would be enough.

Rather than wasting energy on petty matters, she needed to protect the ones who truly cared for her.

With renewed resolve, Eila hugged the dragon tighter.

* * *

What should have been a peaceful break felt long and stifling to Freya.

Ever since returning to the Arma estate, Eila had been the constant topic of conversation.

“How could someone be so lucky?”

Right before break, Freya had seen Eila being dragged away by soldiers and had assumed she’d never have to deal with her again.

But the egg Eila had been raising—once thought ominous—turned out to be a Black Dragon.

Not only had she escaped punishment, but she might even be awarded a medal by the Emperor.

“Ugh. What the hell is this?”

With things like this, it was obvious Darian would show more interest in Eila.

“He was staring at her at the ball too…”

It infuriated Freya that Darian, whom she had considered her future husband, would turn his attention to another woman.

As a result, she couldn’t concentrate even during tea time with her parents.

Just as the Countess of Arma was about to ask her daughter what was wrong, the Count suddenly scowled and spoke:

“By the way, have you all heard the news?”
“What news?” asked the Countess.

Casting a glance at his eldest daughter, the Count continued:

“That Black Dragon—hatched by Eila Blanche—well, now just Eila the commoner—has finally chosen its master.”

Freya’s head snapped up.

Even she had been curious about who the divine beast would choose.

“Of course it chose Prince Darian, didn’t it?”

There was urgency in her voice.

“He needs the divine beast’s recognition to ascend the throne without opposition…”

But her father didn’t look pleased, which sent a chill of anxiety through her.

Had the dragon chosen someone else?

Who? Adolf? Peony?

Either way, it wouldn’t be good news for Darian.

Freya quickly urged her father:

“Tell me. Which royal did the dragon choose?”

Assuming it had to be one of the royals, she was shocked to see her father looking conflicted.

“The one chosen isn’t a royal,” he said.

“What? Then who is it? Don’t tell me…”

A ridiculous idea flashed through her mind.

Eila—who had picked up the egg and cared for it all the way until it hatched.

Wouldn’t that give her the best chance?

Her thoughts were confirmed as the Count spoke with obvious displeasure:

“Yes, that former friend of yours, Eila. She’s the one the dragon chose. I can’t make sense of this world anymore…”

Freya’s eyes widened in shock.

She had suspected it, yet couldn’t believe it now that she’d heard it.

“The divine beast chose Eila?”

A Black Dragon choosing a commoner?

No, how could someone be this lucky?

If this kept up, could it even be called luck anymore?

Freya’s lips pressed into a tight line.

Then the Count continued, as if warning her:

“That’s not the biggest issue. What matters is that Her Majesty the Empress has taken great interest in Eila.”

Freya’s fingertips trembled.

“W-Why would the Empress care about her?”

“Because controlling Eila means controlling the divine beast.”

Freya’s face went pale.

“Of course, she wouldn’t immediately make a commoner the fiancée of a noble prince.”

The Count anxiously tapped the table, fearing that if things continued as they were, they’d lose their chance to make Darian Freya’s husband.