chapter 27
A slight tension flickered across Serret’s face as she walked toward the Emperor.
Today was the Emperor’s 30th anniversary coronation ceremony. As planned, Serret and Yuan were to receive a personal letter and a medal from the Emperor.
Although she had planned to divorce, there was no harm in accepting them. By the time she divorced Yuan, the Emperor would likely be dead, so there was no need to worry about appearances.
Serret’s white dress swayed like waves as she approached the Emperor.
She had deliberately chosen a dress that was not flashy. After all, the protagonist of the day was the Emperor; a conspicuous dress would not be appropriate.
It seemed everyone else had the same thought, as all the attendees were dressed modestly—except for Lydia.
Lydia had boldly worn an outfit in the same red hue as the Emperor, as if to flaunt the love she received from him.
“What a show, Lydia. That love won’t last long either.”
Serret raised one side of her lips in a slight smirk.
She probably had no idea that the Emperor’s life was nearing its end. Once the seemingly eternal love of the Emperor disappeared, her life wouldn’t be all smooth sailing either.
Mockingly, Serret stepped in front of the Emperor, suggesting he enjoy himself while he still could.
“Duke Prectuuster and his fiancée, Inohater.”
The steward announced to the Emperor.
“We are honored to meet the Light of the Empire, His Majesty the Emperor.”
At Yuan’s greeting beside her, Serret bowed slightly in respect.
The Emperor slowly rose from his seat and descended the steps. A faint displeasure crossed his stern face.
Somehow, the Emperor didn’t seem pleased with the situation.
“I am pleased to bestow my blessing as Emperor upon Yuan Prectuuster and Serret Inohater. The Prectuuster family has long been loyal to the royal house, and your service has greatly supported the crown.”
The Emperor’s voice echoed through the quiet cathedral. His old, frail voice cracked.
“Therefore, for the two of you—”
The Emperor paused briefly.
Serret glanced at him out of the corner of her eye. The Emperor was staring fiercely at Yuan.
Whether he noticed the Emperor’s fierce gaze or not, Yuan remained composed. Not a single breath faltered, and Serret couldn’t help but feel a quiet admiration.
If he were anyone else, his legs would be shaking from that glare. Fearless man… no wonder he even poisoned his wife.
“I wish you happiness.”
After a moment, the Emperor continued, having released his harsh gaze from Yuan. The steward handed over the letter and medal, and the Emperor personally gave them to Yuan.
As he presented the items, he leaned close and whispered something in Yuan’s ear. The voice was so low that even Serret, standing beside him, couldn’t hear clearly.
Yet Yuan’s expression didn’t change. He appeared completely unfazed.
Whatever the Emperor whispered, it must have been trivial, judging by how calm Yuan seemed.
“I shall be happy, just as you said, Your Majesty.”
Yuan held Serret’s hand and spoke to the Emperor.
Serret was puzzled by Yuan’s sudden gesture, but she didn’t show it, instead forcing a smile.
Her smile was forced because she couldn’t frown, but the Emperor’s face darkened. He twisted his features and stared at their joined hands. The more he glared, the tighter Yuan gripped Serret’s hand.
Sensing the strange tension, Serret looked between the two of them. Soon, the Emperor turned his back on them and climbed the stairs in apparent anger, sitting down in his chair.
Once the Emperor was seated, Yuan and Serret returned to their places and straightened their posture.
“What did he say?”
Serret asked softly once she returned to her spot.
“He told me to live happily. He said he’ll be watching.”
Yuan’s casual tone made it sound as if it were nothing.
“Really?”
Serret tilted her head. That didn’t feel like the atmosphere. Oh well, it didn’t matter. She decided to stop worrying about it.
Throughout the 30th anniversary ceremony, the Emperor had worn an annoyed expression. It wasn’t until they were about to leave for the carriage parade that his expression slightly softened.
“Lydia, ride beside me.”
Before boarding the carriage, the Emperor called Lydia. Silence fell instantly around them.
Originally, only the Emperor was supposed to ride in the carriage. But suddenly, he included Lydia—a completely unplanned addition.
“Your Majesty! What do you mean by that? Putting Lydia in the carriage?”
Crown Prince Henderson opened his mouth in disbelief.
“Lydia is my daughter! No one can deny that. Who dares insult the Emperor’s daughter!”
The Emperor shouted at Henderson.
But it didn’t seem to be directed at Henderson alone; he swept a sharp gaze over the gathered nobles. Then his eyes landed on Yuan.
Serret flinched at the Emperor’s furious gaze.
“Lydia, ride. No matter what anyone says, you are my daughter.”
The Emperor spoke directly to Yuan, as if to make sure Yuan heard.
Serret glanced at Yuan. He stood expressionless, meeting the Emperor’s gaze.
It didn’t matter to him whether Lydia was the Emperor’s daughter or a commoner’s. Yuan’s face even seemed cold.
The Emperor, displeased, escorted Lydia into the carriage. As she boarded, murmurs ran through the crowd.
The atmosphere became uneasy because Lydia, who was not officially recognized as the Emperor’s blood, was riding with him.
And it wasn’t just any day—it was the 30th anniversary coronation. Riding in the parade with Lydia was practically a public acknowledgment of her as a princess.
“Your Majesty!”
Henderson looked up at the Emperor in the carriage.
“Move.”
Ignoring Henderson, the Emperor ordered, and the carriage began to move.
Lydia sat upright, looking down at the people with a proud expression.
Then their eyes met Serret’s. Lydia looked at her with a triumphant expression.
It was the same look she had given when she handed over the poisoned tea—a look as if she were gazing at a worthless insect. Serret felt her breath catch.
The pain from that memory surged, and Serret staggered.
“Serret.”
Yuan gripped Serret’s arm firmly.
“Are you alright?”
“Yes.”
Her voice was thin and fragile, like a sigh. Serret withdrew her arm from Yuan’s grip and watched the carriage move away.
No wonder she could smile even as someone died in front of her. Lydia was far more ruthless than she appeared.
“If you’re unwell, we can skip the evening ball.”
“No, I’m fine.”
Serret straightened her back in response to Yuan’s concerned voice.
In the future, as she married Yuan and prepared for the divorce, there would be many clashes with Lydia. She couldn’t afford to act weak at those moments.
“I will attend, without fail.”
Just as you used Lydia to try to kill me, I’ll use her to get my divorce from you, Serret thought with a smirk.
⚜ ⚜ ⚜
The grand chandeliers sparkled, and the flowers decorating the hall gave off their fragrance. The 30th-anniversary ball was the epitome of splendor.
Serret was surrounded by young ladies who didn’t belong to Lydia’s group or the Crown Princess’s circle.
When Serret approached the timid, inconspicuous Lady DiCamillo, other young ladies slowly gathered around her.
Before she knew it, Serret was leading the conversation among them.
Perhaps thanks to her time as a Duchess, she guided the discussion with the ease of flowing water, and the young ladies looked at her with eyes full of admiration.
“Excuse me for a moment.”
While talking with them, Serret saw Jeremy leaving the hall with another man.
Worried that impressionable Jeremy might get into trouble again, Serret excused herself from the young ladies and followed him.
“Where did he go?”
She emerged into the corridor, looking around for Jeremy, but he was nowhere to be seen.
Sighing, she turned back toward the hall when a familiar man brushed past her.
“Jack?”
Serret murmured under her breath. She quickly turned to see his face.
It was undoubtedly Jack—the man with whom she had a brief, unpleasant entanglement in her previous life.
Jack was a poet. Not particularly famous, but he wrote unconventional love poems and was often invited to ladies’ tea parties.
In her previous life, Lydia often took Serret to Mrs. Huer’s salon, a gathering place for nobles who enjoyed literature and poetry.
Serret first met Jack there. He would write love poems for her and send letters, making her uncomfortable.
It was excessive attention for a married woman of over half a year.
Then the incident happened.
One day, Lydia brought Jack to the Duke’s residence. Serret served them in the drawing room while Lydia excused herself to the bathroom.
Left alone, Jack seized the opportunity to passionately confess his love to Serret.
Startled, she tried to leave, but Jack suddenly embraced her.
At that perfect moment, Yuan and Lydia entered the drawing room.
Even seeing another man holding his wife, Yuan remained unfazed. Not a hint of anger.
Yuan’s attitude wounded Serret. He truly didn’t love her, she realized.
Yuan remained as unchanging as ever—painfully so.
“Why is he here?”
She was puzzled when Jack’s voice carried to her.
“Lydia!”
Jack called to Lydia brightly. Instinctively, Serret hid behind a pillar to watch.
Jack walked briskly toward Lydia, who disappeared around the corner.
Serret followed them instinctively. They were heading toward a secluded garden.
Hiding behind the trees, Serret listened to their conversation.
“The woman with blonde hair in a sky-blue dress?”
“Yes, Duke Prectuuster’s fiancée.”
“You want me to seduce her?”
“Jack can do it. Winning the heart of an innocent woman is nothing for him.”
Lydia’s voice carried a laugh.
A mocking smile appeared on Serret’s face as she listened.
“So this was your scheme in my previous life, too. And now, you’re planning the same thing again.”
“Change your repertoire. You’re really foolish, Lydia.”
