Elizabeth’s condition was irreversibly grave.

Even elite healers had turned away, shaking their heads.

Everyone except Douglas sensed Elizabeth’s impending death.

“Elizabeth, don’t sound so weak.”

“Don’t contact my parents. They’re on a continental journey and I don’t want to disturb them.”

“I understand. You’ll feel better soon.”

She wanted to believe that.

What other choice was there?

The auburn hair that once enchanted men had lost its luster.

The white hand that never set down a wine glass appeared fragile, as if it would break upon touch.

Her seductive smile and arrogant eyes were fading away day by day.

Men who used to bring flowers and gifts to see Elizabeth abruptly stopped coming.

Douglas found it deeply painful and somewhat gratifying.

“Why do you visit every day, Douglas?”

“Because I want to see you, Elizabeth.”

“Like this? You really have weird tastes.”

“Do you find it uncomfortable?”

“I’ve gotten used to it. You’re just like a book. Foolishly kind and engaged in unrequited love.”

“A book? What do you mean?”

“You’ll understand if you read that book. But not now. Later… when I’ve truly changed, then read it. If it bothers you, discard it.”

“Why do you keep talking about changing?”

“Ah, I’m thirsty. Stop being loud and bring me some wine.”

Elizabeth avoided the issue.

Douglas handed her a glass of water.

“You have to abstain from drinking for a while. Quitting would be even better.”

“Will you regret this later?”

“I won’t.”

“You will if you truly love me.”

“My feelings will never change.”

“…That’s good to hear.”

It was indeed strange.

Elizabeth had always found Douglas’s affection irritating.

She had scorned and mocked him for chasing after her even after their breakup.

But that day was different.

Her dark eyes were filled with both fear and sorrow as she looked at Douglas.

As if she knew her own fate.

“Promise me you’ll love me to the end, even if I change.”

“People don’t change easily.”

“Have you been listening? Do you think I want to be a drunkard for the rest of my life? I want to be reborn!”

“Then I’ll support your change, Elizabeth.”

“Good. Make a vow now.”

He couldn’t refuse her request.

No, he was happier than ever to be able to make that vow.

Douglas placed his right hand over his heart.

With a voice filled with hopedfor soulfulness, he said,

“I, Douglas Netleton, will love Elizabeth as I do now, no matter what she becomes.”

Elizabeth slightly lifted the corners of her mouth.

And extended her hand.

It was the first time she had ever taken the initiative to reach out to Douglas.

“I didn’t entirely dislike that aspect of you.”

“Elizabeth?”

“Just go. I’m too tired!”

After that, he could not see Elizabeth.

He had been turned away at the door even when he visited after hearing rumors that she had miraculously recovered.

Time crept by over the span of a month.

Even being buried alive would not have been as tormenting as that period.

When Elizabeth finally allowed him to visit, Douglas felt his heart swell with joy as if he were reborn.

The Elizabeth who walked into the reception room was stunningly beautiful.

But clearly, she was not the same Elizabeth as before.

The eyes, the walk, the aura, even the gesture of tucking her hair behind her ears told him so.

“Elizabeth, would you reconsider our divorce?”

He asked as if he knew nothing.

As if the conversation they had had, and the old book, never existed.

“Still can’t let go of me? Aren’t you tired of being mocked?”

Elizabeth’s red lips twitched.

It was a cold voice, yet the malicious vibe she used to exude had disappeared.

Wisdom filled her eyes, making them shine even clearer.

Douglas was the only one who noticed the subtle change.

Would a fever change one’s eyes?

Or had Elizabeth fulfilled her wish?
Douglas once again placed his right hand over his heart.

“This heart will remember the oath until it stops. Because Elizabeth is just Elizabeth.”

Douglas had fallen for the new Elizabeth anew.

He deeply regretted not offering her wellaged wine as she lay in bed sick.

His regret peaked when she started reading the book Elizabeth had given him.

The story began like this.

“There was a woman.

She died helping the poor and sick.

God granted her a new life.

Even if it was a life as a licentious villainess playing with a tyrant.”

(Here is a time marker.)

“Congratulations. You’ve become the empire’s most famous person.”

Franz clapped sarcastically.

It seemed he was upset that I had been absent for a while.

Rumors had spread throughout the empire that the heiress of Emster had been kidnapped by bandits.

Uncomfortable gazes poured in wherever I went.

It was awkward, but I had to bear it.

It was a situation I had caused, after all.

“The bards are really busy, singing love stories about you and Elizabeth.”

“A small matter. Where did you hear such rumors?”

“Every maid and servant is talking about it.”

“I need to reeducate them.”

“You’ve launched a massive cleaning operation, haven’t you? I heard the imperial dungeon is packed with criminals.”