Fiancée.

Those three syllables stirred waves in Conrad’s heart. The vivid memories of Olivia’s diary came to his sleep-deprived mind.

After the collapse of trust in his father, Conrad spent sleepless nights reading all of Olivia’s diaries.

The desperation outweighed any guilt about reading someone else’s diary. It wasn’t about his younger sister or the lineage he never looked back on; it was about alleviating the guilt that clung to himself, who had imposed so much on a mere six-year-old.

He hoped for at least a single line in this diary that would allow this child to breathe.

Among the five volumes of diaries, Conrad eventually found the first and last content that genuinely pleased him.

It was a story from the day Olivia, at the age of nine, went to the Prince’s eleventh birthday.

[Dash] For the first time, Father initiated the conversation. It was so good. He said to become the Prince’s consort. At first, I only thought I should do well, but after meeting the Prince, I really want to become the Prince’s consort. The Prince seems like an angel who helped me. Talking about a dazzling smile seems to be a story about the Prince.

[Dash] It’s really good. If I become the Prince’s consort, Father will talk to me every day, and the Prince will be with me. Then I can spend time with my brothers, Esella, and everyone together. Just thinking about it is delightful. If I do my best, everything will come true, as Mom said.

It was ironic. Among the five volumes, there was only one moment when the child was happy.

Therefore, it hurt even more. Since then, Olivia had made every effort to see that ‘dazzling smile.’ Even after relentless efforts resulted in no response, she whipped herself.

So Conrad had no choice but to ask the Prince.

“Olivia,”

A dull pain scratched mercilessly inside his throat.

“…Did you really think of that child as your fiancée?”

“Well…”

Leopold’s face, which seemed ready to respond, gradually stiffened. The sea-colored eyes widened, and the lips that had been carrying a cynical smile tightly sealed.

Soon, a heavy atmosphere settled in the office. In the oppressive atmosphere where no one could escape like a dense fog, Leopold silently thought of Olivia.

To think of Olivia as a fiancée.

Well, it was an all-too-obvious question. Who else could it be if not Olivia right next to him?

But why couldn’t I answer immediately? Leopold bit his lips.

Of course, that one word stubbornly lingered only in his mouth. Pain pierced his chest like someone squeezing his heart. Would it be relieved if he said it?

That’s when it happened. Knock[Dash]. With a light knocking sound, the door opened without permission.
Between the doors, Maria Etel peeked her head. The moment Leopold’s eyes met Maria’s, he unconsciously glanced at the Duke.

The Duke’s self-controlled eyes looked at him with an inscrutable gaze. His fingertips twitched strangely.

As if unaffected by the heavy atmosphere, Maria cheerfully spoke.

“Oh, the guest has arrived. Excuse me, Leopold. I’ve been searching for you so much because of the preparations for the banquet.”

“…Then, I’ll get up now.”

“Ah.”

When the Duke stood up, Leopold swallowed a bitter breath.

He felt like he should respond to the earlier question. In this situation, everything felt like an excuse.

An excuse. There was no one in this empire who deserved an excuse from him.

It was okay not to feel a sense of responsibility for the answer. The prideful ego raised its head high.

Meanwhile, after finishing the formalities, Conrad left the office. With the sound of the door closing, a deep sigh escaped from Leopold’s lips.

“…I mentioned the meeting with the Hepherti delegation.”

Maria, who was watching the Duke’s back, was surprised. The voice was excessively sharp, considering it was about her lover.

She was already anxious because Leopold was sitting with Duke Maderlaine.

In a hurry, she rushed to talk about Olivia Maderlaine’s story. She ran with the hope that he might acknowledge it, but he didn’t even pay attention.

It felt like tears would spring forth from the bitterness. Leopold, who didn’t know what today would turn into even in his dreams, was pitiful.

But Maria forced a cheerful smile, lips pursed. If he said she was cute, she could overlook it just once.

“Well, I mean. Does Leopold have to go? You’ll see each other at the banquet anyway.”

“Maria. The meeting with another country is a matter of state. It’s not something to be taken lightly.”

However, what ultimately returned was a stern voice. Maria bit her lip. The vision before her eyes blurred unpleasantly.

“Ha. Don’t cry. Maria.”

Trying to comfort her was just a dry remark. There was no warm hug like before, no affectionate gesture of stroking her cheek.

But in the current situation, all Maria could do was listen to Leopold’s words.

“Don’t cry.”

Today is a good day. After today, everything will return to normal.

So, with a bright smile, Maria added.

“I will prepare separately and go in. Preparations for the banquet must be thorough.”