Until now, I focused solely on escaping the fate of death from my previous life, getting out of the Lorentz family’s clutches.

But what about after?

‘I only thought as far as surviving with the Empire’s help.’

I was always swayed, struggling not to be swept away.

“By following you, can I live freely? Without being bound by anyone’s orders?”

“There will be orders. But you can refuse them if you dislike them. It’ll be your free will.”

I mulled over his words.

In the Kingdom, I always had to bow to someone’s commands, even the ones I detested.

The word ‘free will’ was too sweet.

“You have a way of making an irresistible offer.”

‘Can’t refuse.’

A resigned smile crossed my lips.

The Prince laughed.

“I am Giovanni.”

He squeezed then released my hand, as if shaking hands.

Feeling more elated than when the King casually called my name.

‘Giovanni…’

His name imprinted in my mind like a stamp.

Unlike the King, he truly saw me. Not for my status or origin, but as an independent being with free will.

“Eigrin…”

I intentionally left out ‘Lorentz.’

The surname of a once-proud family felt foreign behind my name.

His smile was as attractive as his proposal.

Then the music ended.

‘What a pity.’

I thought so spontaneously.

I wanted to talk more, to converse further.

Then our eyes met.

Giovanni extended his hand again, effortlessly.

“Let’s dance another.”

I smiled broadly without realizing.

“Of course.”

The conductor raised his bow, and new music began.

“When I was young, I received a prophecy that I would be the glory of the Empire.”

Giovanni gripped my hand. Following his lead, I twirled around, listening attentively.

His low voice flowed with the elegant melody.

“Essentially, it’s no different from saying I’ll be the Khan.”

“…”

“But well, if I’m fated to be the Emperor, I’ll become one without trying.”

It wasn’t an arrogant tone, assuming I’d naturally become the Emperor.

Rather…

“It sounds like you’re skeptical.”

“Right.”
Giovanni laughed lightly.

“If it’s an unbreakable prophecy, I should become the Emperor without doing anything.”

He didn’t believe in the prophecy.

He was mocking it, the prophecy or destiny.

Observantly, and cynically.

And I became anxious.

“I’m not stepping onto a guillotine-bound carriage, am I?”

“A guillotine?”

“Does the Empire have guillotines?”

Giovanni narrowed his eyebrows.

“I don’t understand what you’re saying.”

“Is your brother generous?”

“Not particularly.”

“Would he leave the Prince’s close associates alone if he becomes the Emperor?”

His expression turned enigmatic.

“Well.”

My anxiety intensified.

“You said you can’t guarantee life, but at least try to keep me alive.”

A heartfelt plea, only 10 minutes after I decided to join him.

“Are you already regretting it?”

His insinuating voice made my heart twinge.

“I have to try to stay alive, right?”

“I’ll try.”

“That’s reassuring.”

I replied and slightly raised my head.

The waltz hadn’t ended yet, so I could see his strong jawline and smooth nose up close.

After a brief silence, I spoke again.

“Why me, Prince?”

“Your question is hard to understand.”

“As you might have noticed, I’m treated insignificantly in the Kingdom. My status is different from those of noble birth. Even my family’s treatment is mediocre.”

Worse than mediocre.

That phrase almost slipped out, but I held back.

“That’s why.”

“……?”

“Because you’re not precious in this country.”

Again.

Those clear black eyes.

It felt like being drawn in.

“I need you.”

His low voice resonated like thunder.

Essentially, he needed someone desperate for the Empire’s help.

“I’m lucky to have met you, Prince.”

My lifeline.

Giovanni raised his eyebrows as if asking what I meant.

I didn’t answer.

As the music ended, I stepped away from Giovanni, lifting the hem of my dress in a curtsey.

He reciprocated the gesture, his thin lips curving into a slight smile.

Just that, and his demeanor seemed much softer than when I first saw him.