Chapter 1 - Prologue (1) (1/2)

Episode 1. Chapter 1. Prologue (1)

The Persian Empire won the Seven Years’ War against the United Kingdom of Gulfin.

To celebrate with the people, the Emperor held a grand ceremony.

Crowds filled the square of Saint-Eimante on the day of the event, sending cheers to those who raised the name of Persian.

Citizens who went out to welcome the soldiers sprinkled flower petals wherever chariots and horses passed, wishing that their future would be full of blessings.

‘Has it been two years?’

Adrienne was sitting at a table outside the Persian Imperial Palace when she had a thought about someone.

Cyril was the sickest person Adrienne knew in the world.

He volunteered to join the army three years ago, and a year ago, at the age of eighteen, he was promoted to lieutenant.

‘Is the time already like that?’

Cheers burst as a result of the surprise.

A parade that circled the square eventually passed through the Imperial palace’s main entrance.

When the band began to perform a more wonderful piece, everyone in the crowd stood up and cheered.

As she rose up, the sound of conversation filled Adrienne’s ears.

“Does it look like Sir Thesar?”

“Take a look at his noble figure! I’m certain. Isn’t the Duke of Thesar reassuring? His successor is just as excellent as he is.”

“Of course, Sir Thesar did a great job as a soldier but—”

The last words were said by Countess Conte, who lowered her voice and added quietly.

“—I’m confident he’ll do an excellent job for the ladies of this country. Look at those beautiful eyes!”

“You’re just as mischievous, Countess. But, when you look at Sir Thesar, it’s difficult to disagree.”

“To be honest, I was suspicious. Despite the rumors, he is said to be a really handsome man.”

Countess Conte, who had swallowed her breath for a moment, said admiringly.

“But, what the heck! It’s the first time it’s ever happened, and it’s not an exaggeration. I’d rather feel as if I’m at a loss for words.”

The chatter or adoration for the women featuring Sir Thesar continued.

Adrienne’s gaze was drawn to the front of the long parade.

Sir Thesar will be wearing the Imperial Guard’s blue uniform, so of course Cyril will be nearby as well.

Perhaps he didn’t have time to cut his hair while on the battlefield, but his dark hair lightly covered his brows, and the long golden eyes beneath him grew deeper than Adrienne’s memory.

Despite the fact that his expression was clear without thinking, his eyes seemed to be soaked in superiority due to his superior features.

In a single line, Adrienne summarized the story of women talking.

A sensual and attractive man—.

Cyril was the most perfect creature in the women’s stories, a man of fantasy who wished for a kite to reach him once.

‘Cyril Valentin is a man of fantasy. What kind of fantasy could be such a mess?’

Of course, Adrienne was not one of them.

It would be crazy to see her little friend, with whom she lived for 8 years, as a man in a fantasy she hasn’t seen in two years.

It was even more ridiculous when she considered that the little friend was very small and weak when he was younger and that he was different now.

At that time, multiple eyes were focused on Adrienne’s face like a flying arrow. Adrienne, who had been thinking about something else, was taken aback by the incredible momentum.

At the same moment, her gaze was drawn to Cyril. Cyril, who had been expressionless for the whole time, lifted an eyebrow.

Why are you there?

Cyril’s look said it all. She had no option but to realize it after living in the same castle for about eight years.

‘Don’t pretend to know each other—’

She wrote it personally in the letter, yet the skill of betraying expectations remained. Adrienne, who was receiving a stinging gaze as a result of him, laughed bitterly.

She expected it to be a difficult day.

*****

Adrienne de Cassinel Bluea.

It was the aristocratic name given to the daughter of Count Cassinel’s oldest son and Count Bluea’s second daughter.

The Count Cassinel family was the guardian of the Empire that had served as the border for years, one of the ten original great nobles, and even a part of the new great noble family.

What else is Bluea like?

Bluea was a family that once produced an Empress, although it was roughly 200 years ago, and though it is no longer considered a great aristocrat, it was once one of the ten original great nobles.

Adrienne was a combination of two families in terms of legitimacy.

She’s lucky to be able to introduce herself to others with two aristocratic surnames!