“The envoy has arrived earlier than expected.”
Cabelenus von Schwarhan Blanche checked his reflection in the mirror before striding forward without hesitation.
“They used a newly developed carriage,” Gajev quickly reported, following closely behind him. Despite the late hour, the palace was ablaze with light due to the unexpected arrival of their guests.
“The Christi Kingdom’s magic is exceptional.”
Gajev left it at that and clamped his mouth shut. The emperor had not sent a princess from the Christi Kingdom without reason. Schwarhan possessed mana stones, but they lacked the technology to harness them effectively. Forming ties with the Christi Kingdom would provide a path toward greater advancements.
“The key is figuring out how to persuade them.”
A gleam flickered in Cabelenus’s eyes. Jerpeneus’s intentions were obvious, but there was no need to follow his brother’s plans so obediently. Instead, he could use this opportunity to secure an alliance with the Christi Kingdom on his own terms.
“I have already prepared terms that should pique their interest.”
“If that were enough, a deal would have been struck long ago.”
“There’s no way around it. Magic is the Christi Kingdom’s most valuable asset. Unless the conditions are highly favorable, they won’t accept easily.”
“And considering their current prosperity, that makes them even less likely to concede.”
The Christi Kingdom had consistently refused Schwarhan’s proposals. The fact that they had sent an envoy now suggested they had received a substantial incentive.
“As Your Grace predicted, His Majesty recently revised the trade provisions concerning the Isla region. Under the new terms, the Christi Kingdom will benefit significantly.”
“For His Majesty to go so far as to yield Isla… he must be determined to see this marriage arrangement succeed.”
Cabelenus clicked his tongue in mild irritation.
“If the marriage is finalized, both sides will benefit. Combining the Christi Kingdom’s technology with Schwarhan’s resources will further strengthen the Blanche Empire.”
“A powerful empire… That’s certainly a subject His Majesty enjoys.”
“His Majesty has always desired a flawless Blanche.”
“For his own sake, that is.”
Cabelenus scoffed briefly. The reception hall was now in sight, its doors firmly shut.
“From this moment on, Alicia’s safety must be handled with the utmost care.”
“I’ve asked my aunt to ensure that the lady’s presence remains as hidden as possible. However, merely concealing her won’t solve the problem.”
“That doesn’t mean we should expose her either. It’s best to keep her hidden for as long as possible.”
Cabelenus’s voice was firm. Even if the other side already knew of Alicia’s existence, it wouldn’t matter as long as they found no tangible proof.
“I will eliminate any potential threats before they arise.”
“And make sure Alicia remains unaware of it.”
“Wouldn’t it be better for her to know?”
“No. It won’t change anything even if she does.”
Alicia still had nightmares. She would sleep soundly for a while, only to wake suddenly in the middle of the night, checking if Cabelenus was beside her before falling back asleep. There was no need to burden her with unnecessary concerns. The matter had to be resolved swiftly so he could return to her as soon as possible. Without hesitation, Cabelenus resumed his steps.
Gajev signaled to the guards stationed at the reception hall’s entrance, ensuring that Cabelenus could enter without interruption.
At the moment he stepped inside, a bright voice greeted him.
“So, I finally meet the famed ruler of the north.”
Cabelenus instinctively turned toward the source of the voice.
“It is an honor to meet you, Your Grace of Schwarhan. I am Veloa Christi, the third princess of the Christi Kingdom.”
Their eyes met, and she immediately extended a polite greeting.
“Cabelenus von Schwarhan Blanche. Ruler of Schwarhan.”
Cabelenus smoothly reciprocated her greeting before quickly exchanging pleasantries with the rest of the envoy.
“This is my first time seeing Your Grace up close.”
Veloa smiled, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
Gajev subtly observed Cabelenus’s expression. When he first heard of her reputation as the most beautiful woman on the continent, he had assumed it was an exaggeration. Yet, upon seeing her in person, he thought the rumors had actually understated her beauty. The foreign princess was truly breathtaking. However, contrary to Gajev’s concerns, Cabelenus appeared entirely indifferent.
“You must have had a tiring journey. Was the trip uncomfortable in any way?”
“We arrived later than expected due to the unfamiliar snowy terrain, but in return, we gained some valuable experimental data. That made the trip worthwhile.”
“Not to mention, this also granted me the opportunity to meet Your Grace.”
Veloa’s eyes sparkled with curiosity as she studied Cabelenus. Her perfectly shaped red lips curved into a subtle smile, revealing pristine white teeth.
“To be honest, I was surprised. I expected an empty wasteland, but this place is far more impressive than I imagined. Perhaps it is because it is ruled by the Crown Prince of Blanche himself?”
“I am merely the ruler of Schwarhan.”
“Noble blood always reveals itself, no matter where one stands. Just like Your Grace.”
“Ah, was I too blunt?”
Veloa tilted her chin slightly. She had heard of Cabelenus’s fearsome reputation, but if she had been concerned about such things, she wouldn’t have volunteered to be part of the envoy. She knew her own worth well. As long as Cabelenus needed her, there was no reason to lower herself.
“No. I don’t care much for indirect words either.”
“In that case, I suppose I can speak more freely.”
Veloa’s smile deepened.
“I have come here under the premise of an engagement with Your Grace.”
“It is too early to discuss such matters.”
“Of course. No matter how advantageous the conditions of a marriage might be, there’s no reason to invest if the future is uncertain.”
Bold, yet not entirely inappropriate. Gajev studied her from behind Cabelenus, evaluating her words and mannerisms.
Veloa was the key figure of the delegation. Given the importance of future negotiations, it would be best to understand her fully.
“You say interesting things.”
A faint smile played on Cabelenus’s lips.
“To be frank, I am here to test you, Your Grace.”
Veloa seized the moment, parting her lips without hesitation.
“The Emperor of Blanche said so himself—he believes Your Grace is destined to rule the continent.”
“…That is not an appropriate topic for this setting.”
Cabelenus’s gaze shifted beyond Veloa to the envoys standing behind her. Judging by their uneasy expressions, they had not expected her sudden remark either.
“Is it really an improper topic? Not if Your Grace is truly meant to rule the continent.”
Cabelenus’s eyes narrowed slightly, though Veloa remained oblivious to the shift. Gajev, on the other hand, silently clicked his tongue as he observed her. She was too young, too reckless. Not yet ready to sit at a negotiation table. In their haste to find a bride for Cabelenus, the imperial court had clearly made an error in their selection.
“I don’t settle for anything less than the best. If Your Grace cannot offer me the best, then I have no interest in this engagement.”
Veloa held her head high, her posture rigid with defiance. Watching her, Gajev concluded that she leaned more toward arrogance than confidence. A true negotiator would never have dared such impudence in front of the Grand Duke of Schwarhan. It wasn’t as if Schwarhan lacked the ability to bring down the Christi Kingdom by force—Cabelenus simply chose not to. He wasn’t hesitant due to a lack of confidence but because the losses outweighed the gains. But there was no need to enlighten Veloa of this. The enemy’s ignorance was an advantage.
“And how exactly do you plan to test me?”
Cabelenus responded calmly, playing along with her provocation.
“I’ll take my time thinking about it while I stay in Schwarhan.”
Veloa took his answer as a sign of approval, and her lips curved even further into a smile.
The negotiations had only just begun.
“I’m glad we can continue our lessons together, my lady.”
James smiled in return, unpacking his art supplies one by one. However, his mind was in turmoil. Alicia, under the protection of the Grand Duke, was anything but ordinary, but he deliberately ignored the implications. There was nothing good to be gained from entangling himself in noble affairs—he knew that better than anyone.
Yet, despite that, the revelation that Alicia was Cabelenus’s lover had shaken him.
The Grand Duke of Schwarhan was a man constantly surrounded by rumors, but he had never been involved in scandals regarding women. His detachment was so well-known that people even speculated he had no interest in them at all.
“…Could she really be just a concubine?”
James’s brow furrowed slightly. Given his profession, he had a keen eye for detail. At first, he assumed Alicia simply wasn’t accustomed to Schwarhan’s customs. But the more time he spent with her, the more certain he became—she was not a noblewoman.
“Not that it’s any of my business.”
James tried to shake off the thought, but he couldn’t suppress the unease creeping into his chest.
A woman secretly confined in a palace by a powerful ruler—her fate was all too predictable. Nobles didn’t see commoners as equals. For now, Alicia might enjoy comfort and luxury, but once Cabelenus lost interest, her future would be bleak.
Unwanted concubines were discarded without mercy.
Even the term “concubine” was nothing more than a convenient label. The empire’s laws only recognized one legitimate wife and husband—concubines held no real status.
“Did you try drawing the assignment I gave you?”
James masked his thoughts with a light smile.
Alicia hesitated before answering, fidgeting with her hands.
“I did… but it’s a bit embarrassing.”
“It’s just a drawing. There’s no need to be embarrassed.”
James reassured her with his usual gentle expression. After a long moment of hesitation, Alicia shyly handed him a sketchbook—the one he had given her as a gift.
“…His Grace, the Grand Duke.”
James exhaled as he took in the sketches.
A soft smile touched Alicia’s lips as she gazed at her own drawing.
It was impossible not to understand her emotions.
The sparkle in her eyes, the slight flush on her cheeks, the natural curve of her lips—anyone could see it. Just mentioning Cabelenus’s name filled her with warmth. She was in love.
That fact unsettled James.
She had no idea what she was getting herself into.
Yet, Alicia remained oblivious to his concerns, simply twiddling her fingers as she smiled shyly.
“You told me before to draw what I wanted.”
“It’s still not very good, right?”
She mistook his silence for criticism and asked cautiously.
James clenched his hand reflexively.
She didn’t realize how many commoners had been discarded like toys by the nobility. She didn’t understand that the fine clothes she wore, the jewelry she adorned, the privileges she enjoyed—none of it truly belonged to her.
“Is it really that bad?”
“…No. You did well. The details are accurate.”
A heavy weight settled in James’s chest.
He flipped through the pages, trying to remain indifferent. But that was a mistake.
The sketches, accumulated over time, told an unmistakable story—Alicia’s growing feelings.
James couldn’t bear it any longer. He shut the sketchbook.
“You should consider transferring this onto a canvas.”
“No, I don’t think I will.”
Alicia shook her head firmly.
“Is it too daunting?”
“No, it’s not that… I just want to practice more first.”
Her eyes gleamed with determination.
“I want to make it a gift. This time, with my own hands, without relying on anyone else. Completely by myself.”
“It’ll take a long time, of course. But if I keep learning, I think I can do it.”
She had received so much from Cabelenus yet had given nothing in return.
She had nothing else to offer him—but at the very least, she could paint his portrait.
Even if she couldn’t put her feelings into words, she could express them through a gift.
Alicia smiled, feeling her heart pound with excitement.