CHAPTER 14
“Alright.”
Ruth, who had been listening to Eva seriously, replied with a gentle smile.
He was a rather strange man. Without saying much, he seemed to understand her situation and tried to help her. Despite his high status, he lowered himself before her, elevating her instead. Even when he cautiously asked for her opinion, he neither tried to persuade her nor blamed her if her answer differed from his wishes. A kind man—but one who could not be treated lightly. Though he spoke little, he carried undeniable dignity.
“And…”
He was also someone whose casual words could strike her heart deeply.
Eva thought it would have been better if they had met once during the time when their lives were still connected long ago.
“Sir Ruth… I hope you find happiness as well. Even though we’ve only just met, you seem like an upright and strong person. Wherever you are, whatever you do, I pray that God’s blessing will be with you.”
She knew what kind of situation he was in. Perhaps he had endured hardships just as great as hers—maybe even greater. He had lost his mother at a young age, lived under the pressure of the new Empress and powerful nobles who opposed him, and continued to struggle through life. Even now, he had been exiled to the borderlands and faced threats to his life.
So, seeing someone in a similar situation filled her with sympathy. She was grateful for the kindness he had shown her despite everything. Eva sincerely wished for Ruth to return to the palace, secure his position, find a suitable crown princess, and one day become emperor who would care for the empire and earn great renown.
“……”
For the first time, cracks appeared in Ruth’s calm expression. He looked as if he had been struck unexpectedly by someone. His steady eyes trembled slightly with emotion.
Did I say something wrong?
A chill ran through Eva’s body, like a passing breeze against her skin. Yet unlike before, it wasn’t frightening—it was strangely thrilling.
Unable to understand the feeling, she quickly looked away.
“I—I should thank Count Holland,” she said.
“For what?” Ruth replied, still looking at her calmly. Unlike usual, there was no curiosity in his tone—only formality.
“For taking care of the castle. I think you are a truly wonderful person.”
“……”
He remained silent even after her awkward attempt to change the subject.
“The moonlight is… very beautiful,” Eva added.
With nothing more to say, she turned away from him. She had wanted to see the Moonlit Garden so much, yet here she was, only exchanging glances with this man. And this place might not come to her again.
She steadied her breathing and began walking around the fountain. Behind her, she heard footsteps following quietly, as if not wanting to disturb her thoughts.
The autumn night air, the sound of water falling into the fountain, cooled her heart. The scent of trees from the forest and autumn flowers filled the garden. Overwhelmed by the beauty, Eva smiled without realizing it.
As she walked, looking here and there, she suddenly slowed down.
“Ah…”
Ruth was standing across the round fountain, watching her. His gaze, now softened again, remained fixed on her as he matched her pace. When she took one step, he took one; when she took two, he followed two steps—always directly opposite her, as if they were standing on opposite poles of a compass.
When Eva turned away from the moon, his face was clearly visible. When she faced the moon, his face fell into shadow. Each time his expression shifted between light and darkness, her heart felt as though a flame was flickering on and off.
Feeling strangely unfamiliar and uneasy, she averted her gaze. She quickened her steps, looking only at the ground. She assumed he would maintain distance no matter her speed.
But he must have stopped at her path without her noticing.
Thud.
Before she knew it, she collided heavily with his chest.
“Ah!”
Startled, Eva lost her balance and staggered. Ruth instinctively grabbed her arm and pulled her into his embrace. Caught off guard, he wrapped an arm around her waist to steady her. Without intending it, they ended up holding each other, facing one another closely.
Both looked equally startled and frozen.
“Sir, Sir Ruth…”
Eva stammered, looking up at him. She tried to tell him to let go, but realized she was gripping his clothing tightly herself.
“I am not Count Holland,” he said.
“Huh?”
Eva blinked in confusion.
“I am not Count Holland. It is the lord of this castle who is admirable.”
“What does that—”
Before she could finish, the earlier conversation came back to her: thanking Count Holland, calling him a wonderful man. It seemed related, but she couldn’t quite connect it.
“I feel strange,” Ruth said calmly.
“Why?” she asked.
“Because it’s been a long time since I heard words of pure concern and blessing directed at me.”
“…?”
Eva swallowed nervously, waiting.
“If in the past we…”
She waited, breath held. If in the past we… what?
Perhaps he meant if they had once been together when they were engaged. Maybe if their engagement had still been intact…
But he did not continue. Instead, he silently held her in place, his gaze locking onto hers, his arm tightening slightly around her.
The sound of flowing water filled the silence. Moonlight wrapped around them like a spell.
Ruth slowly raised his hand and cupped her cheek.
“I think… I might understand,” he said.
“Understand what?” she asked softly.
“What it means to fall in love so quickly.”
His voice deepened.
“Perhaps they were intoxicated by the night scenery.”
His thumb brushed slowly over her lips.
“Or perhaps they were enchanted by angelic light.”
His touch was firm yet gentle.
“Or maybe… it was simply chance, like this moment bringing two people together.”
His finger pressed lightly against her lower lip, parting them slightly.
Eva’s heartbeat went wild. She understood exactly what this situation meant, even without words.
Everything felt unclear—fear and excitement intertwined.
Ruth tilted her chin upward gently. Their faces drew closer.
But—
Just before their lips met, he stopped.
“I apologize. That would be improper.”
“Why…?” Eva whispered, shaken.
After a pause, he replied:
“For me, a kiss is a vow. And I am not confident I can keep that vow. I do not wish to make a false promise to you.”
Eva didn’t fully understand. To him, a kiss was a commitment—something that bound two people. And he could not promise to uphold that bond.
He stepped back.
“I’m sorry,” he said again.
Eva forced a small, bitter smile.
“No… it’s fine.”
And she told herself it was for the best.
Later…
“Wasn’t it too late?” Ruth asked.
“It’s fine,” Eva replied calmly.
They entered the mansion together.
Inside the reception room, tension filled the air. The baron, his wife, Count Holland, and Pamela were all present. As soon as Eva and Ruth entered, everyone stood and bowed.
“What’s going on?” Eva wondered.
Then—
“Welcome, Your Highness the Crown Prince.”
Count Holland spoke coldly, revealing Ruth’s true identity.
