TCPETBL | Chapter 002

🌷 Chapter Two –

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Evelina had no idea where the carriage was headed—the curtains had remained drawn the entire time.

So, when it came to a halt, she merely assumed they had paused for a brief rest.

But as she stepped outside, her breath caught at the sight before her.

“Th-this place…?”

“It’s the Imperial Palace,” Noël replied gently, a soft smile gracing his lips.

Evelina blinked, her crimson eyes scanning her surroundings in bewilderment.

“May I ask… why have we come to the Imperial Palace instead of heading north?”

“There’s no question you cannot ask, Princess,” Noël said kindly. “To answer you—we’ve come here to travel north through a magical gate.”

As he spoke, the knight Evelina had seen earlier approached once more.

When he offered his hand, she instinctively reached for it and descended the carriage.

Noël retrieved her small bag and carried it inside without ceremony. Alarmed, Evelina opened her mouth quickly.

“B-but… the Imperial Palace isn’t open to just anyone. Is this really allowed?”

“It’s quite alright, Princess. We are not just anyone.”

Despite her hesitation and the worry that flickered across her expression, Evelina followed Noël closely.

And just as he had said, no one dared to stop them.

Thus, they arrived without issue at the chamber where the portal was housed.

A mage stood by the gate, wearing an expression of utter boredom.

“Which house do you represent?” he asked lazily.

“The Archduchy of Rockfield.”

At Noël’s calm response, the mage visibly stiffened and scrambled to open the gate without another word.

It was Evelina’s first time seeing this part of the palace—let alone entering the Imperial Grounds.

The space within was vast.

At its center lay a large, intricately carved magic circle glowing faintly with a mysterious light.

“You may stand here,” Noël instructed.

“Huh? Oh… alright.”

Following his direction, Evelina stepped carefully into the center of the circle.

But something felt off.

Noël stood behind her—but the golden-haired knight from earlier now stood beside her.

It struck her as strange, that he alone would take his place so close while the other knights remained behind. She brushed it off, thinking perhaps it was for her protection.

“Activating the portal now,” one of the mages announced.

Two more stepped forward, murmuring incantations under their breath.

As their chant deepened, the glow intensified—until it blazed so brightly that Evelina had to shut her eyes.

She felt weightless—floating—then suddenly, as if drowning in the air.

“We’ve arrived, Princess,” came Noël’s voice.

Evelina slowly opened her eyes.

They had arrived at a temple.

While the capital’s portal was housed within the palace, the northern one lay within a sacred temple.

As she prepared to step out, the knight beside her gently removed his cloak and draped it across her shoulders.

“The north is far colder,” he said softly.

“Oh… I see. Thank you.”

It was the first time anyone had ever shown her such tenderness.

Flustered, Evelina bowed her head slightly in gratitude.

Just as he said, once they stepped outside, the wind cut sharply through the air, and gentle snowflakes danced from the sky.

A grand carriage awaited them at the temple gates, as though prepared in advance.

“It will take roughly thirty minutes to reach the palace,” Noël said. “Please bear with the ride, even if it’s a bit uncomfortable.”

“I’m fine, sir. No need to worry.”

At her words, Noël gave a peculiar expression, then spoke again.

“Princess, you are a precious soul—and soon to be our Archduchess. There’s no need to speak so humbly to me, nor to treat me with such reverence. I am your humble servant. Please speak freely.”

“Oh… I suppose I’m a bit foolish. My thoughts are small,” Evelina murmured, her brows furrowing in visible discomfort.

Noël waved his hand apologetically.

“Ah, Princess, I didn’t mean to upset you. I’m only concerned that—”

“It’s time to leave,” the golden-haired knight interjected coolly, his gaze cutting sharply toward Noël.

Startled, Noël let out a nervous hiccup and stepped away, his retreat almost comical.

As Evelina stood awkwardly, she hesitated, then gathered the courage to ask:

“Um… if you don’t mind—may I know your name?”

She nearly lapsed into her usual polite tone but remembered Noël’s words and shifted her approach.

“…Arsene.”

“It’s an honor to meet you, Arsene. I hope you’ll take good care of me.”

She smiled, then stepped into the carriage.

It struck her that his name matched the Archduke’s.

Not an uncommon name—but still, Evelina found it charming.

Inside, the carriage was warm, likely heated by magic.

Outside, the world was painted in white.

Leafless trees loomed, blanketed in falling snow.

Yet somehow… Evelina felt a strange sense of calm.

Her thoughts drifted to the Archduke’s mother—Lady Rockfield—who awaited her at the palace.

‘I’m sure she won’t like me…’

She murmured the words beneath her breath, dark and heavy.

After all, what noblewoman would welcome a cursed girl with crimson eyes?

The carriage rolled on, unaware of the anxious storm inside her heart.

The Archduke’s palace came into view at last—towering and immense.

It was far grander than the Rothsfield estate where Evelina had spent her life.

The northern landscape was blanketed in snow, cold and stark white.

Even after passing through the great iron gates, the carriage continued for some time before finally stopping.

‘How vast is this place…?’

Evelina swallowed hard.

The carriage slowed to a halt, and she hurried to neaten her wrinkled dress.

As if understanding, Noël waited patiently without rushing her.

After a few minutes, he gently knocked on the carriage door.

“Princess, may I open it?”

“Yes, of course.”

As the door swung open, Evelina laid eyes upon the palace in full.

She gazed up in awe, mouth slightly open—until a hand extended toward her, and she quickly looked away.

It was Arsene, offering to escort her.

She took his hand and stepped down cautiously.

Servants lined both sides of the entrance, as though awaiting her arrival.

And then, in unison, they bowed and said:

“Welcome home, Your Grace.”

Evelina’s eyes widened in shock.

She didn’t understand why they addressed her with the Archduke’s title.

Confused, she turned—her gaze falling on Arsene.

“Ah…”

She gasped faintly as realization crashed over her.

Golden hair like molten light. Sapphire eyes like rare gemstones.

He bore a striking resemblance to the emperor.

So striking, in fact, it was undeniable.

Evelina paled.

She quickly stepped back, raised her gown, and bowed deeply.

“Forgive me, Your Grace. I… I’m so sorry I failed to recognize you.”

“……”

“Please… forgive my insolence.”

She trembled, unable to lift her head.

Arsene swallowed hard.

Truthfully, he had expected her to recognize him the moment they met.

Even if he’d never stepped foot in the capital, his golden hair and piercing blue eyes mirrored the emperor’s unmistakably.

But she hadn’t realized… and he had no idea how to respond.

Wanting to soothe her fears, Arsene knelt before her.

“Evelina.”

“Y-yes?”

“You’ve done nothing wrong. If anything, it’s my fault for never visiting the capital. I apologize.”

She blinked, confused.

Unable to meet his gaze, she looked away—but then, his face lowered into her field of vision.

He’d dropped to one knee… to meet her eyes.

“How could I ever be angry with you?”

“Because I… I didn’t recognize you…”

“Even so, is that reason enough for anger?”

He took her hand gently… and kissed it.

Evelina froze. Her eyes widened. Then, slowly, her cheeks flushed crimson.

The sight of the Archduke kneeling before her—someone as insignificant as she—shocked her to the core.

As she struggled to process it, Arsene asked, almost pleadingly:

“Will you forgive me now?”

She didn’t quite know what he sought forgiveness for—but nodded shyly nonetheless.

His smile lit up his face as he stood once more.

Evelina exhaled a quiet sigh of relief.

After a moment’s hesitation, she spoke timidly.

“Um… Your Grace?”

“Yes, Evelina?”

She wanted to ask why he was speaking so formally to her—but the words caught in her throat.

A rumor flickered in her mind: the Archduke kills anyone who displeases him.

She swallowed the question whole.

Arsene tilted his head curiously.

“Was there something you wished to ask?”

“No, nothing. Just… the palace is so large…”

“Oh? Did you like it? Thank goodness. If you didn’t, I was planning to tear it down and rebuild it.”

Her eyes flickered.

He said it so casually… had she misheard?

“You… were going to tear it down? Just because I didn’t like it?”

“Of course. This is your home now, Evelina. It should bring you comfort.”

Speechless, she could only gape at him.

He looked at her, puzzled, as though wondering what part of his words could possibly be strange.

She let out a small, awkward laugh and brushed it off as a joke.

Then, Arsene offered her his arm.

“Shall we go in, Evelina?”

“Y-yes…”

She hesitated, then gently placed her arm through his.

Within the grand palace awaited Arsene’s mother—Lady Rockfield.

A part of Evelina wanted to turn back… to flee back to her father’s estate.

But she was already here—already bound to this path.

If she disobeyed now… would her father despise her more?

Arsene leaned down and whispered quietly into her ear.

“Don’t be afraid, Evelina. My mother… she’s been waiting for you for a long time.”

“…I see.”

All Evelina could think… was that she must not make a single mistake.

And at last, the palace doors opened wide—welcoming her to the life that awaited within.

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