Episode 18
I immediately spoke to the Grand Duke.
“Raymond.”
“?”
“It’s almost time for you to meet Luke by the second metasequoia tree, isn’t it?”
“Ah.”
Raymond looked surprised that I knew about his schedule. That was top-secret information that only a few people were aware of.
But once he remembered I was a prophet, he quickly accepted it. As expected, divine powers make everything easier to believe.
“Yes, that’s right.”
He nodded, still a bit dazed. I quickly shared my idea.
“This time, how about you set the trap, Raymond?”
“A trap?”
“Yes. That area is perfect for an ambush. You could even do a double ambush.”
“A double ambush…”
He paused to think it over.
I knew Raymond would realize this was a smart move. In the original novel, it was actually the Grand Duke who got caught in a double ambush there.
But not this time. Not with me around. Now we’d strike first.
“That’s possible. Good idea. Thank you, Eilene.”
Gasp. My heart!
He suddenly called my name again. I almost collapsed from how sweet it sounded.
“Oh… it’s nothing.”
I lowered my head and tucked my hair behind my ear.
Just hearing my name in that lovely voice made me feel all fluttery and like I was melting inside.
I touched my warm cheeks with my cold hands to cool them down.
The more I heard my name, the more I wanted him to say it again and again. But time was limited. As we chatted, time slipped by quickly, and soon it was time for me to return to the Cowet mansion.
“Shall we go now?”
Feeling like I was carrying a precious gift with me, I turned to leave with a lighter step—but Raymond gently grabbed my arm.
Grabbing arms must be one of his sexy habits.
Usually, it’s annoying to be stopped like that, but with him, it felt amazing.
When Raymond called me, when he needed me—that alone was such a thrill.
He stood up with me, but it looked like he still had something left to say.
“I have a question.”
“What is it?”
This must’ve been the real thing on his mind. He spoke directly, without hesitation.
“Eilene, you said you’re not the Emperor’s person. So… are you mine?”
Thump.
My face turned red like a fall leaf, and my heart started pounding like crazy. He didn’t exactly ask for an answer—he just wanted to confirm what he already thought.
And that stirred a warm breeze in my chest.
His person… Raymond’s person… That was the clearest way to describe who I was. After all, saving the Grand Duke was my mission in this life.
But of course, I couldn’t say something that big out loud—not honestly. So I gave him an answer that was close, but a bit more vague.
“I want to become a guardian angel of justice.”
And secretly… just for you!
I left that part out and gave him a convincing explanation.
People believe divine power is given from the heavens. So when someone with divine power says they’re protecting justice by the will of the gods, it sounds very believable.
Even if I didn’t say everything, what I did say wasn’t a lie—so I didn’t feel guilty.
Raymond, who acted like a noble hero himself, seemed to completely accept my answer.
“Alright. I understand.”
He nodded deeply.
There was no need to say anything more. He was convinced.
Raymond and I walked down the market road together. Koa was waiting at the forest entrance.
Even though it was almost midnight, we heard singing and noise from the street. The voice was actually quite nice.
As we got closer, we saw two people playing instruments and singing.
“A street performance?”
Back home, I used to see aspiring singers and new artists performing in public like this. Seeing something similar here made me feel happy.
“They’ve got a nice voice.”
“Shall we stop and listen?”
“Sure.”
We blended in with the small crowd. Raymond stood naturally, like he was used to it.
I glanced at him.
He was swaying gently with the rhythm, eyes focused on the singers.
This scene—this moment—was the most unexpected and magical thing I had ever seen.
A noble like the Grand Duke should be sitting on a fancy leather sofa, listening to elegant music played by a famous orchestra.
No one here would guess he was royalty.
Enjoying street music with commoners… He was such a humble and cool person.
“Forever~ I will only look at you~”
The songs had various themes, but today’s main one seemed to be love. The lyrics felt like they were speaking directly to my heart.
When the song ended, cheers and applause erupted from the crowd.
“Now, we’ll take a short break and ask if anyone from the audience would like to sing!”
The singers looked around, scanning for someone to pick. Then one of them pointed… directly at Raymond.
“Hey, we’ve got a handsome young man over there! If your face is that good, your voice must be too!”
“Exactly!”
“Good one, buddy!”
Everyone turned to stare at Raymond. He looked super flustered, probably never having been in this kind of situation before.
“Eilene. Let’s just go.”
“Raymond, don’t be like that. Sing just one song, please?”
I gently stopped him from running away. The way he moved with the rhythm earlier made me feel like he truly loved music. I asked without thinking, just following my heart.
To my surprise, Raymond paused, then slowly walked toward the performers.
Wait—he’s really going to sing? Raymond… singing?!
I had only begged him because I wanted to hear his voice, but I didn’t think it would work so easily!
I was overwhelmed by this unexpected treat.
He looked so brave. So cool.
If he sings with that amazing voice of his, I might just melt into the ground right here…
Standing by the singers, Raymond cleared his throat and started to sing. The street musicians professionally adjusted their playing to match his voice.
His voice rode the wind and filled the street.
Time flows, unstoppable, but precious things grow within it.
Even if the thread seems broken, it continues under the name of eternity.
The earth that drank your sweat will bloom with new life.
A voice that sang of hope.
He wasn’t overly polished or showy, but his emotions were real in every word. Maybe that’s why the crowd fell into silence, completely drawn in by him.
When the song ended, thunderous applause broke out. Raymond quickly slipped away and returned to my side. He looked just like a little kid running to their mom after getting lost.
“Raymond! That was amazing!”
“Was it… okay?”
“Of course! How is your voice so good? That was incredible!”
I used the chance to fan-girl as much as possible. I bounced on my toes and shouted praises like a hyper fan, practically spitting with excitement.
Raymond looked shy from all the attention and his face turned a soft peachy pink.
“It’s getting really late. Let’s go.”
He grabbed my arm and pulled me along. Behind us, the singers’ music echoed into the night, like it would never end.
The Next Morning
Sunlight streamed through the huge windows.
After waking up and washing, the maids helped me get ready. One brushed my hair while scratching my scalp in a satisfying way, another cleaned up my fingernails and toenails, and a third prepared my outfit and shoes.
At first, being cared for like this by others felt awkward. But now I was starting to get used to it. Humans really are creatures of habit. Since Eilene had lived her whole life like a noble lady, I had to play the part and fit in naturally.
Unfortunately, today was the day the Emperor invited me for lunch. After breakfast, I’d have to take a carriage to the imperial palace. That’s why everyone was so busy helping me get ready since morning.
As I sat quietly, I closed my eyes to meditate and repeated the same phrase in my head over and over.
I am Eilene. I am Eilene.
I am the daughter of Duke Cowet, Lady Cowet. I am Emperor Kyle’s fiancée.
It was something I said to myself every day, so I wouldn’t slip up and forget who I was pretending to be.
Knock knock.
“Yes, come in.”
Someone knocked, and I answered. My mother—the Duchess of Cowet—entered the room. So early in the morning? What’s going on?
“Good morning, dear.”
“Good morning, Mother. Did you sleep well?”
She greeted me kindly and walked closer. The maid following behind her was carrying a fairly large box, which she placed in front of my vanity.
When I glanced inside the box, I saw a bunch of letters stacked neatly.
“What’s all this?”
“These are invitations that have recently arrived for you.”
“Invitations? All of this?!”
There were at least eighty of them. That meant nobles not only from the capital, Ferment, but also nearby regions had sent them.
“This many?!”
“Of course. You’re His Majesty’s fiancée, Eilene. By the way, I need to talk to you.”
My mother sat down next to me and gently took my hand.
