chapter 53
Elion slowly pulled Rubiana’s head and rested it on his shoulder.
Settled on his broad shoulder, Rubiana no longer bobbed precariously.
Thinking he could finally focus again, Elion unfolded the newspaper.
But that was a miscalculation.
The weight of her on his shoulder, the magical energy flowing from her, her uneven breaths, the intoxicatingly sweet scent of her body—her very presence—stimulated all of Elion’s senses.
Ultimately, failing to concentrate, he folded the newspaper roughly and set it aside.
Then he closed his eyes.
With his vision blocked, her presence felt even stronger through his other senses, making him dizzy.
But that only lasted a moment. Elion’s consciousness soon began to be consumed by the gentle current of sleep.
His cheek tilted slowly to the side and touched Rubiana’s head.
Thus, the two drifted into a sweet nap, using each other as pillows.
Duke Miren arrived at the imperial palace at the summons of Empress Miranda.
“Your Majesty, the Empress.”
“Grand Duke Klitzman and Lady Payson!”
Miranda shouted irritably, skipping even formal greetings.
Her anxiety and unease had reached a peak, far beyond what she had expected.
No matter how much the Emperor caused a commotion, she expected Elion would ultimately refuse the arranged marriage.
Having always been alone until now, it was expected that Elion would live a lonely life forever.
That was the life most fitting for him.
A forsaken prince, afraid of being abandoned again, could not open his heart to anyone, could not grow close to anyone, and would continue his solitary existence.
But an engagement? And to Lady Payson, no less?
This was a development far beyond plausibility.
Miranda could not accept the situation at all.
“The House of Payson is a noble family known for remaining neutral, isn’t it? I cannot just watch a Grand Duke gain the backing of such a powerful family.”
Listening patiently to Miranda’s worried lament, the Duke spoke gently, almost coaxingly.
“Do not worry too much, Your Majesty. The House of Payson is indeed prestigious, but as you said, they are only concerned with neutrality. It is obvious they will not meddle in politics. There is no need to worry in advance.”
“Don’t talk to me like that, Duke!”
Miranda raised her voice.
“People’s hearts can change anytime! Those who claim neutrality will likely care more for their own family than anyone else, won’t they?”
Hmm, the Duke made a low hum.
Miranda was not wrong.
The harmonious reputation of the Payson family was widely known in the capital’s social circles.
She vaguely remembered hearing stories about the affection among parents and children, and the particularly close bonds between siblings.
Soon, a crease appeared on the Duke’s forehead.
Miranda’s eyes flashed as she spoke.
“We must stop their engagement. He has already taken control of the Imperial Knights. We cannot give him any more power. If we do, his influence will become overwhelmingly strong.”
After a brief moment of consideration, Duke Miren finally nodded.
“Your Majesty is correct. We will devise a way to prevent their engagement.”
With the Duke’s agreement secured, Miranda’s eyes gleamed as she continued.
“I heard the Grand Duke and Lady Payson have gone on a journey. If we use this opportunity well, we could achieve our goal easily. What do you think, Duke?”
Her thin red lips curled into a sharp smile.
By the time the carriage reached the villa, the sun was already setting.
Though called a villa, it was more akin to a townhouse in the capital—but it was far from that.
Rubiana was overwhelmed by its sheer size, almost comparable to a lord’s castle.
Though it was not a frequently used villa, the on-site staff had diligently maintained it, and the building was immaculate.
As Rubiana marveled at the villa’s grandeur, familiar faces greeted her.
“Welcome, Your Grace, and Miss Rubiana.”
It was Scott, the butler, and Jocelyn, the head maid of the Grand Duke’s residence, who had arrived earlier.
“You must be hungry. We’ve prepared a meal for you immediately. Shall we go to the dining room first?”
“Thank you.”
Rubiana, escorted by Elion, headed to the dining room.
She smiled inwardly at how he remembered to offer his hand despite the many eyes watching—a sign of his growth.
The table was set with steaming dishes, freshly prepared.
Fortunately, it was not as overwhelmingly abundant as the breakfast she had received at the Grand Duke’s house last time.
Perhaps Elion had noticed her thoughts as she recalled that morning.
He smiled faintly at her.
“You’re relieved, aren’t you? I made sure to give strict instructions, so there won’t be a table overflowing with food like last time.”
Rubiana covered her mouth with her hand, laughing quietly.
She remained still, not wanting to speak in front of the anxious Scott, when Elion teased her.
“You weren’t hoping to taste every dish, were you? Was last breakfast exactly your taste?”
“…Of course not. This is perfect.”
“That’s a relief.”
Rubiana gave Scott a small, apologetic smile before taking her seat.
Though she had only eaten a few biscuits and sipped tea during the journey, she wasn’t particularly hungry.
Still, tasting the warm cream soup, she felt her body relax, and her fatigue melt away.
‘Mmm… this is wonderful!’
She ate the soup with increasing speed.
But suddenly, Rubiana paused.
‘Ah, no. I need to restrain myself. Otherwise tonight…’
She reminded herself of the true purpose of this journey and put her spoon down.
She didn’t want to show a full stomach when she would be removing her clothes in front of Elion later.
Even though it was only an exchange of magical energy, she still wanted to appear as beautiful as possible.
Elion noticed her stopping and asked.
“Why? Not eating more?”
“I’m too tired and don’t have much appetite. I’d like to wash first, if that’s okay?”
“Of course. As you wish, take all the time you need.”
Rubiana left the dining room, guided by Jocelyn, and headed to the bathroom.
“The bathwater is already prepared. You may enter whenever you are ready.”
“Thank you.”
Rubiana was touched.
They had prepared everything so that she could eat and bathe immediately upon arrival.
Even though the sudden long carriage ride must have been tiring for them as well.
Guided by her dedicated maid, Sophie, Rubiana undressed and immersed herself in the bathtub.
The warm water, scented with flower petals, enveloped her tired body.
Her fatigued muscles relaxed luxuriously.
“Ah… this feels amazing…!”
The villa’s bathroom had a ceiling of half glass, revealing the crescent moon in the dark night sky.
Though not bright, the soft glow of the moonlight was comforting.
The bathtub, the glass ceiling, the air filling the bathroom—all felt new to her.
In the unfamiliar comfort, Rubiana finally realized she was on a journey.
‘Yes, this must be why travel feels so good.’
It had been a long time since she felt at ease.
At her familiar townhouse in the capital, she had always hidden her fear.
The fear of being attacked by monsters, the fear that her possession might never be perfected, the fear of losing her lead role in life even when it was in front of her, the fear that she might have to live as a supporting character again, and the fear that she could not stay long with the family that was finally hers.
Countless fears had weighed her down.
‘But not now. Not even one of them. I feel so comfortable, both in body and mind.’
Being in a new place made the familiar fears fade.
She was truly grateful.
Perhaps it was the warm bath.
Until mealtime, she had been tense, thinking of the true purpose of this journey. Now she was not.
‘It’ll all work out somehow.’
Rubiana took a deep breath and submerged herself fully underwater.
Underwater, she could hear nothing.
All she could see were the floating petals and the soft moonlight.
Was it the warmth of the water? Or the tranquility of being underwater?
She remembered waking up in the carriage.
She had been leaning on Elion’s shoulder, asleep.
And Elion had been leaning on her head, asleep as well.
