TCPFDH 09

Episode 9 – The Secret Vow of Emerald and Ruby Light

According to the twin maids, Milan was already ready and waiting in his room.

“This is the couple’s suite. If you pass through this passage, you’ll reach Lord Milan’s room.”

One of the twins lifted the heavy veil connecting the two rooms and smiled sweetly.
Bertina already knew this, since Milan had visited her the night before. Still, she gave a curt nod of thanks and stepped forward.

The dark passage was short. In just a few seconds, she reached the veil on the other side and lifted it.

The room beyond was the same shape and size as her own, furnished similarly. The only clear difference was the carpet: hers was deep purple, while his was green with a blue tint—like his eyes she had seen that morning.

She was still surveying the room, expressionless, when a voice greeted her.

“Good morning.”

Milan stood up from the sofa and walked toward her.

…Even though outside, the sun was setting. His morning greeting felt strange. Bertina gave only a small nod in return.

“Let’s go. We can’t go too far, but I’ll show you around the castle and its surroundings.”

His tone was calm, flat. He extended a hand to her.

“I appreciate your thoughtfulness, but… there’s no need to offer your hand.”

Awkwardly, Bertina refused.

She had tolerated being touched while her makeup and dress were done, but this was different. She resisted the idea of contact—especially with a man, and one of the demonic kind. She braced herself for his reaction. But Milan’s expression never changed.

In fact, he didn’t even look at her.

Had she offended him? But all he said was a flat, “Let’s go,” before turning away and opening the door.

As they walked the crimson-carpeted black-marble corridor, Milan explained:

“Our rooms are on the top floor. My mother—the Queen—also has her private chamber nearby, but it’s forbidden to enter. The audience hall is in the middle levels. The lower levels are for guards and servants…”

The castle was enormous, just as it looked from outside. But moving around was made easier by not only staircases but also two elevators.

They entered one of the elevators. Milan raised his hand to the golden sigil on the wall, and it began to descend smoothly.

Bertina had seen this last night, but it still seemed strange.

“What powers this elevator?”

“Magic,” he replied simply.

Flat, emotionless. Even compared to her own calm manner, he seemed empty, his feelings hidden away. Unlike the Queen, unlike the maids, Milan was different. His thoughts never showed on his face. He barely even looked at her.

Part of her felt relieved not to be forced into conversation. But part of her wondered uneasily if this silence would really let her survive here.

The elevator reached the bottom floor, and the gate slid open. Milan gestured for her to step out first.

Such courtesy was almost gentlemanly. Yet, she still could not read what he truly felt.

The moment she stepped out—

“…Oh? Milan?”

The voice was bright, cheerful.

Bertina turned. A girl approached, about her own age.

Her hair was short and red as flame. She wore a black vest and shirt, clothing that looked like a young man’s. Yet her long lashes, pink lips, and graceful beauty gave her a noble femininity as well. Her eyes were gray, tinged with orange—strange and captivating.

(She’s beautiful…)

Bertina watched as the girl came closer.

“Rine. I’m in the middle of showing her around.”

Milan’s voice was flat, but his expression had softened.

Rine smiled warmly and tapped his shoulder. “Take your time then.”

The tap drew Bertina’s eyes to Rine’s hand. On her ring finger was a fine golden ring, set with a large emerald that gleamed brightly against her slender finger.

“Oh, Rine. This is Bell. She arrived yesterday—my fiancée.”

Snapping out of her daze, Bertina quickly bowed. Rine turned to her, smiling with grace, and bowed politely in return.

“It is an honor to meet you, Lady Bell…”

She must not know Bertina’s true name yet, and used the nickname Milan had given.

“My name is Bertina,” she corrected gently.
“I see.”
“But you may use the nickname. I’m just not used to it, so I might not respond right away.”
“Understood. Lady Bell, I truly welcome your arrival here.”

Rine began to kneel, reaching to take Bertina’s hand—when Milan suddenly stepped between them.

“Rine, don’t do that…!”

His voice, sharp and rough, startled Bertina. For the first time, his expression seemed pained.

Confused, she looked at him—then noticed.

On Milan’s right hand, his ring finger bore a ring identical to Rine’s. Only the stone was different: his held a ruby, deep red, instead of emerald.

She had not paid attention to such details before. But now she understood.

In the human world, a ring on that finger signified engagement, or love. And the choice of stones… emerald, like Milan’s green eyes. Ruby, like Rine’s red hair.

The truth fell into place.

Milan’s coldness toward her. His lack of interest in this marriage.

Because he already had someone. Because Rine was his beloved.

Bertina’s eyes narrowed.

(So, even here… I am unwanted.)