Episode 67
The Emperor shook his head with a sigh. His look said: “Is that really all you have to say?” Flint’s solid gaze faltered for just a moment, and the Emperor found that amusing. He smiled gently.
“Flint, don’t be so stiff. I’m trying to help you,” he said. “Be the hero who saved the Grand Duchess from the cruel hands of Duke Rosana.”
Flint swallowed hard. The Emperor had never offered help without a price. With his usual calm and stern expression, Flint replied.
“I appreciate the concern, but I must refuse. My wife and I have already agreed to leave the matter in the past.”
— ‘Your Majesty’s grace is deeper than the sea. But I have promised my husband not to bring this issue into public view.’
The Emperor chuckled, remembering Eliano’s words.
“You truly care for the Grand Duchess,” he said. “Yes, Eliano values honor as a noblewoman. If people found out the truth, she would be deeply ashamed. As Heriath said, you love your wife very much. I’m pleased you’ve finally found someone to hold close.”
“Yes, Your Majesty. Please continue to bless our union,” Flint said with sincerity.
But the Emperor couldn’t help feeling disappointed.
He had once wanted Eliano to marry Heriath. She wasn’t clever, but she was obedient, gentle, and humble. She would’ve been the perfect Empress—never greedy, and always loyal to the throne. And if Eliano became Empress, her father, Duke Rosana, would have devoted himself fully to the crown. It would have been a strategic win.
The Emperor had observed Heriath’s feelings since the twins from House Rosana were little playmates with the crown prince.
People say first love never works out, but the Emperor had wanted to make his late-born son’s first love a reality. However, when Duke Rosana refused, the Emperor’s pride stopped him from pushing further.
“Eliano clearly loves you too,” the Emperor said. “You have a very devoted wife.”
With a subtle gesture, the Emperor signaled the head attendant, who approached Flint with a silver tray.
On it lay a plain envelope. It wasn’t even sealed.
Flint opened the letter and his face went rigid. He had thrown it into the fireplace… yet here it was again. He noticed the edges of the envelope were slightly burned and let out a heavy sigh.
The attendant quickly retrieved the letter and handed it to the Emperor. The Emperor picked it up from the tray.
“I could use this letter as proof to punish Duke Rosana,” he said. “It would work in your favor, Flint.”
The Emperor gave him a knowing look, as if testing him. Flint slowly lowered himself to his knees.
“Please, Your Majesty. I beg you. I do not wish to expose my wife’s pain just to save my own name.”
— “Eliano said she didn’t care,” the Emperor said casually. “She said it was fine if I used the letter.”
Flint knew Eliano would never truly agree to that—she would never be able to refuse a direct request from the Emperor. It was no different from an imperial command.
“You’ll become the brave man who rescued his wife from a monstrous father. I’ll erase the slander—that nonsense about you being a kidnapper or worse.”
“Your Majesty,” Flint pleaded. “I don’t want to use her suffering just to clean my reputation.”
The Emperor gave a soft sigh.
“But if we don’t punish her father, will her emotional wounds ever truly heal?”
“And what if she suffers new wounds in the process?” Flint asked.
The Emperor’s voice hardened slightly.
“Flint. I care about that child. And I won’t miss this chance to scold Duke Rosana. Don’t you understand my intent?”
It was clear now—the Emperor wanted to pressure Duke Rosana. Flint bit down hard as he lowered his head again. The Emperor’s eyes narrowed, watching how Flint would respond.
Flint’s throat moved. Then he spoke in a low voice.
“Your Majesty… I am indeed a shameless kidnapper. I broke into the Rosana mansion in broad daylight and took her from her father’s hands. It’s true.”
Flint pressed his forehead to the floor.
“So punish me. But please… return that letter.”
The Emperor looked down at him and lightly waved the letter in his hand.
“Flint… are you asking for this as a wedding gift?”
Flint froze.
What the Emperor was really saying was this: You can’t have both the letter and the seal. You only get one favor.
“I will give you your father’s signet. And your mother’s remains.”
He was offering something far more precious in exchange for giving up the letter. As the Emperor watched Flint’s stormy gray eyes waver, he smiled gently.
“I hope you will accept my gift with gratitude. Once you and the Grand Duchess go north, leave the capital to me.”
The attendant brought forward the tray again, this time with two small chests. One held the signet ring of Maximilian Howard. The other held the ashes of Flint’s mother, Agnes.
Flint’s lips trembled as he bowed his head.
After a long silence, he finally raised his head again. Emotion still lingered in his eyes.
He answered softly, respectfully:
“If the Great Sun above watches over my mother’s remains, it would be an honor beyond measure.”
The Emperor’s smile faded.
Flint hadn’t even looked at the silver tray.
“Please return the Grand Duchess’s letter,” he said. “I accept Your Majesty’s gift… and will return to the North with joy.”
Flint Howard chose his wife over his parents.
The Emperor burst into laughter. Just like Heriath once grumbled, Flint Howard was completely blinded by love for Eliano Rosana.
It wasn’t what the Emperor had planned, but watching the son who would inherit everything make the right choice… that brought him an unexpected joy.
The Emperor thought back to his private meeting with Eliano Howard.
,,,
A few hours before the Emperor summoned Flint for a private audience, something happened outside the audience chamber.
Just before the doors opened, Heriath stopped Eliano.
“Chamberlain, I’d like to speak with my friend for a moment. Would that be alright? Just a short talk.”
The chamberlain hesitated for a second but stepped back politely.
Then Heriath gently called her name.
“Lia.”
Hearing him call her that, Eliano blinked, surprised. She hadn’t heard that nickname in so long. Heriath smiled, a soft and elegant smile.
“Let me give you a word of advice as a childhood friend. Lia, I know you don’t listen to me anymore… but since your husband is my only true friend, please listen this once.”
His tone was warm, casual, like the days when they were kids playing together. Only now, his voice was lower—more serious.
“Listen carefully. Father believes that Flint is completely blinded by love for you. He thinks Flint has lost all reason.”
“I don’t understand what’s wrong with two people loving each other. That’s natural for a married couple,” Eliano said, her voice calm but firm.
Heriath’s silver-blue eyes narrowed slightly.
“What is it that Your Highness wants from me?” she asked, guarded.
“I want nothing from you,” Heriath replied. “But my father…”
He gave a tired sigh, as if this whole thing was a burden.
“I’ll be blunt. You need to look like the girl who is deeply loved by her husband.”
“I thought I already did,” Eliano replied. “Yelling through a magic speaker, crying and fighting with my father… that wasn’t enough?”
She tilted her head and added dryly, “Though I probably looked like I loved him more.”
“The Emperor doesn’t just see what’s in front of him,” Heriath warned.
Eliano lowered her eyes.
“Just remember this—forget everything else. It’s not you who’s madly in love. It’s Flint. That’s the story we stick to.”
“…”
“For Flint’s sake, you must follow my advice, Lia. Promise me.”
Eliano answered softly, her voice calm as still water.
“Is it because my husband won the star that the sun was supposed to claim? Because I’m from House Rosana?”
“Yes,” Heriath said without hesitation. “Because you’re a Rosana.”
Their eyes met—Eliano’s deep green and Heriath’s pale blue.
“I need Flint in the future. I won’t let my father destroy him. If you don’t want your husband to be ruined, you’ll need to act smarter from now on.”
Gone was the childhood friend. Heriath now spoke as the Crown Prince.
“The conversation’s over. Chamberlain—escort the Grand Duchess. My father must be waiting.”
He courteously walked her to the audience chamber door himself.
Inside, Eliano bowed gracefully before the Emperor.
Her voice was elegant and clear.
“I greet the Great Sun of Bianteca. Your Majesty’s generosity in accepting my boldness is a kindness I shall never forget.”
The Emperor didn’t deny her words about being “bold,” but simply smiled kindly and gestured for her to sit. A soft chair was brought quickly by a servant.
“You’re still recovering. I won’t make you stand long,” he said gently.
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
Eliano curtsied and sat down gracefully. The Emperor watched her, stroking his chin.
Such dignity. So refined. She could be a model noblewoman.
Duke Rosana likely thought that his harsh discipline shaped her into this… but the Emperor disagreed.
If violence made greatness, then every academy would use whips.
Seeing how pale her lovely face had become, the Emperor felt a deep pity. Now he understood where that quiet sadness came from—Duke Rosana’s cruelty. And it made Eliano seem even more precious.
“I fear I’ve caused trouble and disturbed Your Majesty’s peace,” Eliano said.
The Emperor looked thoughtful, then smiled.
“No, I was just thinking how much you’ve grown. You’ve become a fine lady.”
Eliano replied with humility.
“I’m still lacking in many ways. Because of my improper behavior, people speak poorly of me… it brings me shame.”
“Tch. It’s your father who should be ashamed. The Grand Duchess of Howard has a noble title. You’ve fulfilled your duty just by surviving. Don’t let it weigh on you. You’re not the only daughter of House Rosana, are you?”
Eliano gave an awkward smile. She wondered for a second if she should squeeze out a few tears… but the Emperor continued first.
“What’s disgraceful is your father—and Flint.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
Eliano stood, trying to kneel in respect, but the Emperor quickly waved her down.
“No need. It seems Flint takes after his mother,” the Emperor muttered. “He inherited her courage. She once risked everything for love.”
Eliano, now seated again, shyly replied.
“I… think it’s admirable. Thanks to Flint’s bold courage, I’m still breathing today.”
The Emperor rested his chin on his hand, suddenly sounding a bit bored.
“Tell me, child. What would you like me to do? Shall I punish your father?”
You should be glad that flint doesn’t have ambition for the throne you old reptile