Episode 6 –
The Suspicious Cyclamen*
—
> “I’m proud of you, Killian, for coming back after achieving such a great victory.”
> “It’s all thanks to you, Carlos.”
> “You’re too humble. I didn’t really do anything.”
Carlos gave a cold smile, lifting one corner of his mouth.
Then he turned to face the people waiting for him and, showing off a presence that felt just like the emperor’s, he spoke in a loud voice.
> “Duke Killian has returned after leading us to victory against Arca! Marov Castle is now part of our land—how could we not be overjoyed?”
People clapped all at once and looked at each other happily.
But as soon as the Crown Prince’s smile faded, they all stopped clapping and focused on what he was about to say next.
> “However, lately there have been some very shameful rumors going around about the Duke. So, before the banquet begins, I want to set things straight.”
“……”
> “Yes. Just like the rumors say, Killian carried out a rather unusual witch hunt.”
“…?”
> “But it was done to get rid of dangerous people in Marov, so I will forgive everything Killian has done.”
Carlos dragged out his words and glanced at me.
That clearly intentional look annoyed me for some reason.
What was he talking about?
Killian… took part in a witch hunt? That couldn’t be true.
I frowned in disbelief and looked over at Killian.
But something felt strange.
Even after hearing such shocking words being said about him, Killian didn’t show any reaction at all.
Carlos had just told everyone that “the Duke carried out a witch hunt and brutally killed children born from witches.” And yet, Killian didn’t flinch.
Wait, hold on.
Could the rumors actually be true…?
Just then, Killian turned his head slightly.
Our eyes met unexpectedly, and I quickly looked away, startled.
My heart was racing.
A witch hunt? He killed women with holy power and the children they loved so much?
> “Was the rabbit okay that day?”
> “Did the lady save that bird too?”
> \[After being kicked out of the palace, Liliana gets discovered for having holy power. In the end, she’s burned at the stake along with many other witches and turns to ash.]
I looked at Killian, my face pale and trembling.
He was still staring at me.
With a slight frown, his eyes were full of questions.
As soon as I realized this, I turned my head away to avoid his gaze.
> “Stop looking at me like that,” I thought.
I didn’t know anything about rabbits, or birds, or witches.
Ugh, damn it…
> “What do I do now?”
—
### \* \* \*
**Chirp chirp—chirp chirp—**
> “Ugh… I’m doomed… Everything’s ruined… That baron pig was right about everything…”
I let out a deep sigh, lying face-down on the bed with a tired face.
A palace maid, who was opening the window, stopped and looked at me with concern.
> “Are you feeling unwell, my lady? Did you not sleep well last night?”
> “I’m fine… Don’t worry…”
> “That’s a relief… Then shall we get up and head to the dressing room?”
> “Huh…?”
> “His Highness has already arrived and is waiting for you, my lady. So even if you’re tired, you might want to hurry just a little.”
I buried my face in the pillow and groaned like a lazy child.
Right. This wasn’t the count’s mansion—it was the Imperial Palace.
After the banquet ended last night, I had been too shaken to think straight.
Carlos had noticed my state and told me to stay in the West Palace. Apparently, this was a room I used often whenever I visited the palace.
Anyway, I slowly sat up, pulling the heavy velvet blanket over me. I messed up my hair and let out a weird groan.
—
### \* \* \*
> “Lady Liliana has arrived, Your Highness.”
> “Bring her in.”
> “Please go inside, my lady.”
Dragging the hem of my ivory dress, I walked into the room.
I hadn’t slept at all because of the witch hunt, so I still felt half out of it.
But that didn’t last long.
The moment I saw the inside of the room, I gasped, eyes wide with surprise.
Beautiful and fancy dresses filled the walls. Inside the boxes, jewels sparkled brightly, and the shoes on the floor shimmered under the sunlight.
> “Wow… This is amazing… So beautiful…!”
As I looked around in awe, Carlos smiled and stepped closer.
> “Your eyes are sparkling, Liliana. You look so happy.”
> “Ah…! I’m sorry for the late greeting, Your Highness. Please forgive me.”
I quickly lifted my dress and bowed. Carlos gently touched my blushing cheek and spoke softly.
> “Do you like the dresses? Then I’ll give them all to you.”
> “A-All of them?”
> “Of course. They’re all yours.”
> “……!”
> “I’ll have everything sent to the count’s estate—every dress, jewel, and shoe.”
I stood there stunned by his unexpected kindness.
Carlos then kissed my curly hair and whispered in a gentle voice.
> “Now it feels like I’m seeing the Liliana I used to know. I’m so glad you’ve come back to me.”
> “Huh…? What do you mean by ‘come back’…?”
> “I thought you had lost interest in me. Because of someone who suddenly showed up.”
> “I… I don’t really understand what you mean…”
> “Killian is kind of good-looking, don’t you think?”
> “……!”
> “Seems like he’s always had girls chasing after him, just like before. I was just a little worried you might fall for him too.”
Carlos ran a hand through his black hair and gave a faint smile. But his eyes, still watching me, held a strange glint of suspicion.
> “Th-There’s no way… I would never dare…”
I mumbled, avoiding his gaze, my voice so quiet it was barely audible.
His soft smile disappeared instantly.
The room suddenly felt cold and tense.
I nervously twisted my hands together, unsure of what to do.
Suddenly, Carlos stepped forward and wrapped an arm around my waist.
My heart dropped from the unexpected closeness.
But he didn’t care.
He studied my face, my breathing, my movements—everything. Then, he pulled down one sleeve of my dress.
> “Y-Your Highness!”
He looked at my flustered face coldly and pushed me against the wall.
**Thud—**
A dull pain ran up the back of my head and shoulder.
But I didn’t have time to think about that.
Carlos pulled down my other sleeve and brought his lips to my neck.
> “Ugh…”
His hot mouth sucked and licked the dip in my skin.
The sudden shock made my body tremble. I tried to push him away with my hands.
But his arms were too strong. All I could do was scratch at his forearms.
> “Stop… Please stop…!”
I cried out desperately. His lips, which had been moving down to my collarbone, finally stopped.
I used the chance to push against his chest with all my strength.
Thankfully, he let himself be pushed back and raised his head.
But then, he grabbed my chin and forced me to look him in the eye.
His eyes burned with anger and suspicion as he asked:
> “Why are you acting like this, Liliana? Is there something wrong with me touching you?”
> “N-No… It’s just that… We’re going to the ball, and you might leave a mark… If people see it, it might affect your reputation…”
> “So, it’s not that you hate me?”
> “Of course not… I would never…”
> “Then do you love me?”
> “……!”
> “Do you love me?”
> “I… yes…”
I mumbled, my face pale, avoiding his eyes.
My hands shook as I pulled up my dress sleeves like I was a victim of something terrible.
Carlos didn’t even breathe as he watched my pitiful state.
Then, he reached out and placed his hand near my ribs, rubbing the soft skin gently with his thumb as he whispered:
> “Of course I believe you.”
> “……!”
> “Don’t ever change that heart of yours.”
Lies.
They were all lies.
I stared at his glowing red eyes, trembling. The dangerous feeling spreading through me made my body flinch again.
Carlos finally stepped back, twisting one corner of his mouth into a smirk.
He walked over to the dresses, picked a red cyclamen flower, and gently placed it in my hand, saying sweetly:
> “If you’re wet, go change into dry clothes. I’ll be waiting.”
—
