Episode 13. Part 2: Change (7)
“My wife is extremely tired from a long journey. If you have something to say, speak to me instead.”
He was blunt. It was a clear dismissal — a ‘go away.’
If it hadn’t been for the emperor’s orders, he wouldn’t have brought Yuriel to this party.
There was no reason for him to tolerate men flirting with the woman carrying his child.
With his words, the crowd that had gathered like waves scattered like fallen leaves.
“Being the Grand Duchess sure is a powerful title. I didn’t do anything wrong… right?”
“Not at all. You’re not lacking in any way. I just didn’t want you to overexert yourself, so I chased them away.”
Yuriel sighed in relief again.
It seemed he believed the nobles had gathered around simply because of her title.
Akron chose not to reveal the other truth.
‘None of the other royals are approaching.’
A few princes and princesses were visible.
Though the party was dazzling, there was an undercurrent of quiet tension.
In the imperial family, which valued bloodlines, the birth of a crown prince was a blessing —
but to others, it meant something very different.
‘This place doesn’t feel right either.’
His gaze locked with the First Prince across the hall — the prince’s arrogant stare unchanged.
Royal family members had often seen the Veiharz family as a threat, fearing their power.
This emperor was a rare exception, but his sons did not appreciate that fact.
Still, it didn’t matter.
The Veiharz family only acted under their ancient pact — nothing more, nothing less.
Akron tried to shake off the thoughts and stood.
Yuriel, noticing his movement, turned away from the dance floor and looked up at him.
“Oh, are you leaving already?”
“Disappointed?”
He glanced toward where Yuriel had been watching.
Couples were dancing gracefully in the center, moving to a soft melody.
“No, not at all. Let’s go.”
Yuriel quickly shook her head.
The dance floor was full of joyful faces, but—
‘I thought I did well…’
She had handled the most powerful people in the empire without mistakes and even talked with the nobles properly.
Still, she couldn’t stop thinking about Fiona. Something about that situation kept tugging at her.
“Then let’s go.”
With Akron’s support, Yuriel rose.
She assumed they’d head straight back to the mansion.
But as they left the ballroom—
“…Yuriel?”
A cautious voice called her name from behind.
Surprised, she turned around.
Standing there was a woman with sweet round cheeks.
“…Ciela!”
Yuriel called out happily.
“I knew it was you! I wasn’t sure at first because your dress was so fancy!”
“Oh my goodness, did you just return from studying abroad?”
Yuriel lit up as she grabbed Ciela’s hands.
Ciela had been her closest friend during their youth — the one person she could confide in, even with her deepest secrets.
But after Ciela left to study abroad, they hadn’t seen each other since.
“Yeah. I arrived this afternoon. I sent you a letter before I came, but you never replied… I was so worried.”
“I’m sorry. Things got complicated…”
Ciela’s letter must’ve arrived at the count’s house after Yuriel had already left.
“It’s fine! I’m just glad I found you. I was about to go inside — are you leaving now?”
“Ah…”
Yuriel hesitated, then looked up at Akron.
She had been so surprised and happy to see her friend that she had completely forgotten he was there.
Hearing their exchange, Akron glanced briefly at Ciela and spoke.
“A friend of yours?”
“Yes! We were close growing up. Ciela, this is Duke Akron Veiharz.”
Ciela’s mouth dropped open in shock. Her already large eyes widened even more.
“D-Duke?! I’m Ciela from the House of Count Reven!”
Flustered, Ciela quickly bowed.
She had heard of the Duke’s fame, even from abroad.
“I see. A friend of Yuriel’s.”
He accepted her greeting with a nod.
Akron was known for being cold and distant.
The fact that he acknowledged her made Ciela visibly emotional.
“Still… did you need to introduce me so formally?”
“Huh? Ah…!”
Yuriel looked up in surprise. Akron’s lips were curved in amusement.
Then suddenly, she found herself pulled gently into his arms.
“You could’ve just said I’m your husband, you know.”
“B-but…”
In a blink, she was wrapped in his embrace.
She saw the stunned look on Ciela’s face.
Her friend looked like she was asking, “What in the world is going on?”
Everyone in the empire knew Yuriel had married.
But her one true friend — the only one who didn’t — was standing right in front of her.
Finally, Yuriel spoke softly.
“…I got married.”
“…Oh my gosh.”
Ciela looked like she was about to faint.
She had just returned home, only to discover her best friend was now married…
To the Duke of Veiharz, no less.
“So… then His Grace is…”
“You don’t have to call him that.”
Ciela was still in shock.
Yuriel tried to calm her, but all she got back was a piercing stare demanding answers.
“Looks like you two have a lot to catch up on.”
“Well, it’s been a long time…”
Yuriel was sweating nervously.
Even while Ciela was abroad, they had exchanged letters.
Yuriel had shared everything — including the struggles with her family.
But even to her, Yuriel hadn’t shared everything.
How could she? There were so many secrets — dreams, the Veiharz family, the baby…
“Excuse me for interrupting.”
Another voice joined them. Everyone turned to look.
“I apologize for the delay in greeting you, Your Grace, Your Highness. I am Prince Philex, Second Prince.”
“I’m Yuriel Veiharz. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Philex, though second to the First Prince, still had strong support among the nobility.
The birth of the Crown Prince had pushed him further back, but he remained significant.
“Is there something you need?”
Akron asked with a calm expression.
Philex, like many royals, saw the Veiharz family as a threat.
He wouldn’t come here without a reason.
“His Majesty requests your presence. He wishes for Veiharz’s blessing upon the Crown Prince.”
Those aware of the ancient secrets often sought Veiharz’s blessing —
believing the dragon’s power would protect the child.
“…This is troublesome.”
Akron rubbed his chin and glanced at Yuriel.
He had suspected the emperor would summon him again —
but not like this, using the baby as an excuse.
“He insisted on it.”
To Akron, the emperor was just a nuisance.
And so was the prince delivering the message.
“Then please go,” Yuriel spoke before Akron could refuse.
“I’m fine. I just ran into my friend, and we’ll be chatting anyway.”
She had realized he was hesitating because of her.
If it was just a simple blessing, it wouldn’t take long — she could wait in a guest room.
“Will you be alright alone?”
“Of course. This is the palace, after all.”
The imperial palace was guarded tighter than any fortress.
With so many guards and knights, it was one of the safest places in the empire.
Still, Akron hesitated.
He didn’t like leaving her, even for a moment.
But seeing the brightness in Yuriel’s eyes as she reunited with her friend, he finally agreed.
“Very well. I’ll return quickly.”
“I’ll have a room prepared for the Duchess to wait,” Philex added and gave orders.
The guest room was luxurious — far too grand for simply waiting.
“See you soon,” Yuriel said with a soft smile as he left.
Once the door shut behind him—
“Yuriel!”
“C-Ciela!”
Yuriel jumped at the sound of her name and leaned against the door.
Ciela visibly worked up and grabbed her shoulders.
“What is going on?!”
“Can we sit down first…?”
Yuriel managed to calm her down and got her to sit on the sofa.
Ciela crossed her arms, clearly upset. But Yuriel knew — she was like this because she cared.
This was the friend who had stood by her through everything.
“Now talk. When you stopped writing, I was so worried.”
“I’m sorry… it’s just, things got very complicated. I don’t even know where to begin…”
Even though Ciela knew about her family’s mistreatment, there were still secrets Yuriel couldn’t reveal.
She carefully explained what she could — about the marriage, about her life — leaving out dreams and the baby.
When her story ended, Ciela’s expression softened. Then tears welled up in her big eyes.
“…Yuriel.”
She held back the tears and stood up to hug Yuriel tightly.
She had always been the only one to get really angry when Yuriel was mistreated by her family.
Her heart had not changed — even after all these years abroad.
“I’m so glad you met someone like him.”
She didn’t scold Yuriel for leaving her family behind.
Instead, she thanked the Duke for saving her.
“…Thank you.”
Yuriel almost cried too.
But she didn’t want to show a sad face to her friend — not after so long.
She smiled brightly.
“I’m really glad we met again—”
BANG!
“You can’t do this!”
A loud commotion erupted outside the door.
Someone was arguing with the guards — so loudly it could be heard clearly from inside the room.
“I’m her brother! The Grand Duchess is my sister!”
