TCPETBL | Chapter 004

🌹 Chapter Four – Within the Heart of a Greenhouse, the Rose Whispers
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Arsyn gently took Evelina’s hand in his and led her inward with a soft grace.

“I had this dressing room prepared for you, Evelina. I hope you’ll find it to your liking. There’s also a door that leads directly to my bedroom—which will become our room after the wedding—so you won’t have to go through any trouble getting here.”

As he moved aside, Evelina hesitantly stepped into the room.

Until that very moment, she hadn’t even realized that this grand dressing room belonged to her.

She had wanted to ask him again—why did he say that she was the owner of this palace, not him? But it was clear that he had no intention of answering.

So Evelina swallowed her question without resistance.

‘If I keep asking questions… they might truly cast me out.’

She believed that, being someone so utterly useless, the least she could do was listen obediently to what others said.

It was a lesson carved into her since childhood.

Tsk. You’re worthless… Be grateful we haven’t thrown you out.

Those were the Duke’s frequent words whenever his eyes fell on her.

And she never once argued back.

Because… he was right.

Then, a voice broke through her thoughts.

“Evelina, what do you think of this dress?”

Snapping out of her haze, Evelina turned her head toward the sound.

Arsyn stood holding up a gown before her.

“It’s… it’s very beautiful.”

“Really? I’m glad. But not nearly as beautiful as you, Evelina.”

“Ahaha…”

She let out a nervous laugh, thinking he must be teasing. But Arsyn’s sincerity outshone any jest.

Returning the dress to its place, he spoke again.

“The designer is scheduled to arrive tomorrow. You’ll be able to request anything you wish from her directly.”

“Pardon? But… there are already so many dresses here?”

“These are merely a small gift from me.”

To Arsyn, there was a world of difference between Evelina choosing a dress for herself and simply wearing what he had selected.

Though Evelina had lived in a palace too, his understanding of wealth was clearly leagues beyond ordinary comprehension.

And yet, there was something that weighed on her.

“Um… Your Grace…”

“Yes, Evelina?”

She wanted to say how uncomfortable it felt to call him ‘Your Grace’ while he called her by name—but the words refused to leave her lips.

Instead, she smiled awkwardly and said something entirely different.

“Thank you so much… for the gift.”

“I’m truly glad you liked it.”

Arsyn beamed brightly.

“Ah…”

As if recalling something, he added:

“Now that I think about it, since we’re soon to be married, I hope you’ll call me by my name—just Arsyn, not ‘Archduke.’”

“W-What? I couldn’t possibly address you so informally…”

“It’s my heart’s greatest wish.”

She was about to politely refuse, but when she saw the wounded look in his eyes—like a sad puppy—her resolve crumbled.

Though she’d done nothing wrong, she suddenly felt guilty.

She didn’t want to make the Archduke—no, Arsyn—feel disappointed.

After a brief hesitation, she nodded shyly.

“…Alright.”

“And aren’t you forgetting something?”

“…Arsyn.”

A radiant smile lit his face the moment his name passed her lips.

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“Your Grace, is the dress uncomfortable?”

“No, it fits perfectly.”

Berri worked diligently, adjusting the gown to perfection.

Earlier, just as Evelina was about to leave the dressing room after exploring it, Arsyn had noticed a small stain on the hem of her dress and gently suggested she change into a fresh one.

She had been embarrassed by the dirt from kneeling earlier and agreed.

Though he told her to pick anything she liked, the sheer variety overwhelmed her—so she ended up choosing the gown Arsyn had admired earlier.

“I’m done, Your Grace.”

“Th-thank you, Berri.”

“It’s my honor.”

No one had ever served Evelina before. The unfamiliar kindness made her feel uneasy.

But seeing Berri’s excitement, she couldn’t bear to reject her.

She remained still and said nothing.

Then, slowly and carefully, Evelina stepped out of the dressing room.

Arsyn, who had been waiting just outside, turned at the sound—and froze.

When he didn’t say a word, Evelina hesitated and asked timidly:

“Does… does it not suit me?”

“…”

“These kinds of dresses are too fancy for someone like me, aren’t they? I brought another one with me—I’ll go change—”

She turned, flustered, but Arsyn swiftly caught her wrist.

“Absolutely not.”

“Huh…?”

“The reason I didn’t speak right away… was because you looked too breathtaking for words.”

It was the first time in her life anyone had ever called her beautiful or adorable.

She thought he was just being polite—but the look in his eyes… told her otherwise.

“You don’t have to lie.”

“It’s not a lie.”

“But… I’ve never heard anything like that before.”

With a shy smile, she gently smoothed the cloth that always covered her eyes.

She had never once looked someone in the eyes without it.

Even blindfolded, people found her presence unsettling.

They’d say they felt uneasy around her, so she avoided even sitting at the table with her family.

Meals were left outside her attic room by a young maid.

To the Duke, she had always been less than nothing. His only concern had been her older brother.

Evelina had long ago accepted it without complaint.

“I still don’t know why you chose someone like me… But I’ll be forever grateful.”

“…”

“Thanks to you, Your Gr—I mean, Arsyn… I spoke with my father for the first time.”

Arsyn’s jaw clenched.

He wanted to murder the Duke Rutzfeld.

Cursed Princess.

That wasn’t who Evelina was.

“…That’s not it at all.”

“What?”

“I could never lie to you.”

She blinked at him, confused. Then quickly lowered her gaze.

It was instinct—people always got angry when she made eye contact.

“Of everyone I’ve ever met, you are… the most beautiful, most enchanting, and absolutely the loveliest.”

“…”

“So please, never belittle yourself. And don’t avert your eyes—I won’t look away from you.”

Evelina cautiously lifted her head.

Arsyn met her gaze without wavering.

‘Is he forcing himself to bear looking at me? Or… is it only because my eyes are covered?’

Perhaps he’d change if he saw her red eyes.

Even she avoided mirrors.

She covered them out of guilt—for the discomfort others felt just by seeing them.

But Arsyn simply smiled and offered his arm.

Hesitating briefly, Evelina shyly took it and walked beside him.

“If you go this way, you’ll see my office. Over there is the dining hall. I usually spend my time working, so feel free to visit me anytime if you ever need something.”

“Alright.”

“…Though honestly, I’ll be the one coming to you every day, Evelina.”

Her cheeks flushed at his bold words.

He had to restrain the urge to pull her into a hug right then and there.

Just like before, her slow blush was impossibly adorable.

“This is the garden. And at the far end, you’ll find the greenhouse. Do you like roses, Evelina?”

“I do. But I especially love freesia.”

“I love freesia too.”

“Really? What a coincidence.”

She smiled gently.

Nodding, Arsyn naturally led her toward the greenhouse.

The moment he learned she liked flowers… he began loving them too.

He didn’t know much about blooms, but the instant he found out Evelina adored them, he had the greenhouse built just for her.

Karina had initially thought Arsyn had gone mad—but the moment she heard Evelina liked flowers, she had approved without hesitation.

“Here we are.”

“Is this greenhouse new?”

“No… I simply had it restored. It was left unused for some time.”

He lied with a straight face.

Judging from her earlier reaction, telling her he’d built it for her might only overwhelm her.

As Arsyn opened the door to check if the place was tidy, his expression suddenly froze.

When he didn’t enter, Evelina tilted her head.

“Is something wrong?”

“Oh, well…”

He quickly turned to block her view.

He was about to ask her to come back later with some excuse—but someone beat him to it.

“Arsyn, why are you standing there like a statue?”

He closed his eyes and cursed silently.

His blood boiled, but he forced a smile.

“There’s someone inside?” Evelina whispered.

“No. It’s just… the greenhouse is messy. We can return another time—”

Just then, the sharp tap of heels echoed through the space.

Evelina peeked through the slightly open door—only to find Karina walking toward them with a radiant smile.

Her eyes widened in shock.

Arsyn clicked his tongue and turned around, voice cold.

“What are you doing here, Mother?”

“You really have the worst timing. Step aside, you rude child. I came to see my daughter, not you.”

She snapped her fan shut and tapped his shoulder with it.

Though he could’ve easily stood his ground, Arsyn stepped aside without protest—for Evelina’s sake.

“My dear, did you enjoy the palace tour?”

“Y-Yes, I did… Mother.”

Karina’s face lit up with joy at the faint, hesitant word.

Evelina stole a glance.

Fortunately, Karina seemed quite fond of being called ‘Mother.’

She turned to Arsyn.

“I believe Noel was looking for you earlier.”

“Don’t lie.”

No sooner had he spoken than Noel’s voice rang out from outside.

“Your Grace, are you there?”

Arsyn clenched his teeth, glaring at Karina—who only smiled smugly and gestured with her fan as if to say: Go on now.

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