Episode 10, Part 2: Change (4)
When the child was born and grew up, she had been his lover.
So this vow couldn’t be a lie—Yuriel told herself firmly.
“In the name of the High God, I officially bless the union of these two lovers as husband and wife.”
The wedding certificate bore the seals of both families and the imperial family.
When the priest wrote the name of the deity across it, the marriage was formally approved.
Yuriel looked up and met his gaze.
In his ruby-like, enchanting eyes—she was reflected.
“You’re truly my wife now.”
“…Yes.”
He smiled, clearly satisfied.
Even more handsome than the day she thought of as a dream.
“Here. Take this.”
“What is it…?”
Before she realized it, he had taken her hand and placed something tiny in her palm.
When she opened it, she found a small brown seed.
Looking up in confusion, Akron smiled.
“This is an ancient seed. It’s been passed down through our family for generations.
We use it as a charm—for protection.”
“…I see.”
Who would’ve thought such a story was behind this tiny seed?
Everything he gave her was precious, but this—this felt especially meaningful.
“Thank you. I’ll treasure it.”
She carefully tucked the seed away.
A charm for protection—something to always keep close.
Maybe she’d make a little pouch and wear it.
She hadn’t expected a gift so rare.
A faint blush crept onto her cheeks.
Seeing that, Akron gently kissed her forehead and asked,
“Aren’t you scared? We’ll be living in the west now.”
The western lands were half-covered in darkness.
That’s where monsters were born.
People in the capital only read about them in books.
But the real ones—were far more terrifying.
Just like reading about war couldn’t compare to living through it,
Yuriel knew this too.
Still, she shook her head and replied,
“…No, I’m not scared.”
“Why not?”
The west—full of monsters—was a place even trained knights feared.
But Yuriel met his eyes without flinching.
“Because you’ll protect me.”
Their gazes locked.
Akron’s pupils trembled slightly—but she didn’t notice.
He reached for her damp silver-violet hair and kissed it.
“Of course. My wife.”
“A party?”
They were having tea in the afternoon when he brought it up.
Surprised, Yuriel set down her cup.
Akron explained gently.
“Yes. The Empress has safely given birth to the Crown Prince.”
“Oh, that’s wonderful news!”
Yuriel, startled, forgot her hesitation and genuinely smiled.
The Spera Empire already had five princes and three princesses,
but all were born of concubines or consorts.
The Crown Prince—born of the Empress—was a blessing like no other.
“The Imperial Palace sent an invitation.
There’s a party to celebrate the birth—and they want to meet you too.”
Curiosity about the new Grand Duchess still lingered in the capital.
Even the Imperial family was curious.
After all, the Duke had famously rejected the Empire’s most beautiful princess.
Everyone wanted to see what kind of woman had captured his heart.
“Now that they know I’m in the capital, they won’t let us skip it.”
In other words, they had to attend.
“But… don’t we have to head back to the estate soon?”
Traveling from the capital to the Veiharz territory took a month—even at full gallop.
And with a pregnant woman, the journey would take even longer.
“Don’t worry. I have a plan.”
Yuriel rubbed her belly, curious about what plan he had.
Thankfully, she wasn’t showing yet.
Attending a party wouldn’t be a problem.
“We’ll just stop by briefly—no need to stress.”
Akron’s confident tone eased her a bit.
But not all her worries faded.
‘I’ll probably see them…’
All nobles in the Empire were likely to attend the Crown Prince’s celebration.
That meant they—her former family—would likely be there too.
Yuriel’s face darkened for a moment.
But she quickly returned to her calm expression.
“When is it?”
She had to face them eventually.
If so, so be it.
“Next week. You don’t need to prepare anything special.”
“Alright.”
Sooner than she expected.
A party at the Imperial Palace meant she had to prepare—her heart, too.
Yuriel nodded.
The celebration was in three days.
Most preparations were already done by the maids.
“Is there anywhere you want to visit?”
Akron asked as he wrapped her gently in his arms.
He wanted her to enjoy the capital before they left.
“Hmm… The library?”
His eyebrows rose in surprise.
He hadn’t expected that answer.
“Really?”
“Yes. There’s a book I’ve been wanting to read. One you can only find in the capital.”
“…Let’s go.”
He ordered the carriage to be prepared immediately.
Soon, it arrived.
Akron helped her into the carriage, then joined her.
The ride was smooth as they traveled down polished streets.
Yuriel leaned back, gazing out the window.
Colorful rooftops. Blue signboards.
Luxurious shops and busy people filled the roads.
‘I grew up here… so why does it feel so unfamiliar?’
It had only been a few months. The streets hadn’t changed.
“Anywhere else you want to go?”
His sudden question pulled her from her thoughts.
He’d been watching her, it seemed.
“…Besides the library?”
She thought back.
Her family’s mansion was in the capital,
but she rarely went anywhere but the library or temple.
She never knew what shops were in fashion or which theaters were popular.
‘Did I even want to?’
She always worked for the family.
In the rare free time she had—she read.
If she ever showed interest in anything else,
Fiona would take it away.
‘What do I like?’
She liked books. And animals.
But beyond that… she didn’t know.
She held her belly, feeling a mix of confusion and sadness.
“…I’m not sure.”
Vroom.
As if sensing her sorrow, the baby inside her stirred gently.
Still, her fingers remained cold.
“Ah…”
Then, his large hand covered hers completely.
Warmth spread from her fingers to her heart.
“Then let’s explore—together.
Slowly, one place at a time.
As long as it doesn’t tire you.
I heard the opera’s popularity lately. Shall we go tomorrow night?”
His voice was soft, like melting sugar.
So sweet, it scared her.
Yuriel found herself nodding before she knew it.
“Looks like we’ve arrived.”
The carriage had stopped.
Outside, the large stone wall of the library came into view.
“Careful.”
“…Thank you.”
He got out first, then gently helped her down.
She still wasn’t used to his care.
Yuriel looked around quietly.
‘It’s just like I remember.’
This place—the library—felt familiar.
Unlike the rest of the city.
But just as she was about to relax…
From the alley beside the library,
a woman stood half-hidden in the shadows.
“…Wait. Hold on.”
Yuriel grabbed Akron’s sleeve.
She froze, eyes fixed on the woman in the alley.
Messy hair. A pale, lifeless face.
The woman, sensing her gaze, slowly looked up.
And when their eyes met—Yuriel gasped.
“Roina?”
She couldn’t believe it.
But it was her.
Roina—her old maid, the only one who ever showed her kindness in that cold mansion.
“…My lady?”
The woman’s eyes widened with disbelief and hope.
She limped toward Yuriel—but her movements were pained.
As she got closer, Yuriel could see her better.
Her clothes were tattered.
Scratches and bruises covered her arms and legs.
“Is it you, my lady?!”
