Episode 107: Raeliana’s Heart
Yohan’s expression darkened.
How she knew wasn’t important.
What mattered was that she knew about Rudella.
Currently, Rudella was in hiding after severing ties with her family. Although she had provided evidence that brought down Fedelian, her status as the former crown princess candidate had made her a subject of investigation.
“I’m not sure what you’re talking about.”
For this reason, Yohan chose to feign ignorance. Her existence had to remain hidden, at least until she was bound to him through marriage and could be protected under the name of Lahart.
“I came here knowing everything, so there’s no point in denying it.”
Raeliana’s smile was serene, but the glint in her eyes was anything but gentle. It was as sharp as a blade.
“I couldn’t believe the Lady Fervache would accept polygamy. But then I thought, if Lady Bismarck proposed a deal, it might explain why the Lady Fervache had no choice but to accept.”
Yohan silently listened to Raeliana. He needed to figure out how much she knew.
“But the Duke Lahart must have come to like Lady Bismarck too, right? Otherwise, the deal between the Lady Fervache and Lady Bismarck wouldn’t have worked. Am I wrong?”
Raeliana tilted her head slightly, a small smile playing on her lips. Her eyes curved in a crescent shape.
“Well, isn’t that a bit of an over-interpretation? I don’t quite understand how you came to such a conclusion.”
Yohan gave a vague answer, hoping to draw her closer and learn how she had discovered so much.
“Hmph. Even after all this, you’re still denying it. Fine, I’ll tell you more.”
Raeliana continued speaking.
“My older brother… no, the traitor, met a disgraceful end, didn’t he? But I started to wonder. Why is it that the former crown princess candidate hasn’t been mentioned at all?”
Although she was once the crown princess candidate, the fact that Rudella had provided the evidence remained hidden. It had been deliberately kept secret.
If it became known that she had betrayed Fedelian, the families supporting the crown prince wouldn’t have left Rudella alone.
“I was so curious that I decided to investigate. I used the imperial special forces and even hired a famous intelligence guild.”
The special forces and the intelligence guild.
They were organizations unparalleled in gathering information.
“And as a result, I uncovered several secrets about Lady Bismarck. Quite shocking ones, actually.”
“…Secrets, you say?”
Yohan’s eyes narrowed.
“Hmm-hmm. “Normally, I wouldn’t share them, but I should, shouldn’t I? I want a definite answer from you, after all.”
Raeliana chuckled softly and continued.
“The work-obsessed, doll-like Lady Bismarck started to change after meeting you, Yohan. Didn’t she?”
“…”
“She even began taking on direct assignments, but only for you. Isn’t that strange? I found it incredibly suspicious and odd.”
Yohan’s blue eyes darkened. His lips pressed tightly together as he calculated how much she might know.
He had thought she was simply naïve, but she was unexpectedly sharp. The information she had was limited to what the special forces and intelligence guild had gathered.
‘Perhaps it’s because of her extensive experience in social circles.’
In any case, he now understood how Raeliana had pieced together the relationships between him, Francia, and Rudella. She had drawn her own conclusions based on the information she had.
Judging by her words, she didn’t seem to be lying.
“So, what you want is to marry me?”
“That’s correct.”
“To gain the prestige of Lahart?”
“Well… that’s part of it, but not all.”
Raeliana laughed lightly. Sunlight streaming through the window illuminated her, making her golden eyes glisten brightly.
“I told you before, didn’t I? I’m very fond of you, Yohan.”
“Yes, though I still don’t understand why.”
“Well, I can tell you again.”
She gently traced the rim of her teacup with her fingertip, her lips curling into a faint smile.
“I admire your honesty, Yohan. I also like that you don’t fall for things easily, your exceptional abilities paired with your humility. And on top of that, your flawless looks and reputation in high society make you a perfect match for me.”
Yohan was, without a doubt, the ideal husband. If not for Francia, his desk drawers would have been overflowing with love letters. Marriage proposals would have come nonstop.
His abilities, title, appearance, and character were extraordinary.
Despite his status and talents, he wasn’t arrogant, and his perfect appearance was matched by his virtuous reputation.
“Surely, you’re not saying my feelings are insincere, are you?”
Raeliana spoke lightly and smiled, closing her eyes as she delicately sipped her tea, as if savoring its aroma.
“Isn’t being a secondary wife meaningless?”
“Does that matter? What’s important is being chosen by Yohan Lahart.”
“Hmm.”
Yohan’s expression hardened. She wasn’t looking at him. More accurately, she was looking at what he possessed. Could such feelings truly be considered sincere?
From her perspective, perhaps it was normal. She had lived her entire life this way, seeing only such things. That was the kind of world it was.
But then, what did that make Francia? Despite being the daughter of the Fervache family, she had loved him, the third son of a mere viscount.
And what about Rudella? She had been the former crown princess candidate and a key figure of Bismarck, yet she had sacrificed everything for him.
Accepting Raeliana just to gain the power of the Lahart family would be nothing short of an insult to them.
Yohan finally spoke, his voice low and dry.
“May I speak frankly?”
“What is it?”
Raeliana tilted her head, smiling curiously.
“I don’t like Your Highness.”
“…What?”
Raeliana blinked in surprise at Yohan’s words. She had never expected to hear something like that.
But Yohan was now in a position where he could say such things to her. Things had changed significantly from before.
The transcendent mage who killed the Grand Swordmaster Aegis of Tenelope.
The man who saved the continent by sealing an unprecedented demonic lair.
The second duke of Rozino and a man of unparalleled honor.
That was Yohan now.
“What part of me do you dislike? Where else would you find someone with a background and looks as perfect as mine?”
Raeliana’s voice wavered, and her fingertips trembled slightly, as if her pride had been hurt. It was as though she couldn’t believe the possibility of being rejected.
Even without her status as a princess, she was stunningly beautiful.
A slender, graceful neckline.
Smooth, flawless skin.
A straight and well-balanced nose.
Small but alluring lips.
And with her golden hair cascading like silk and eyes shining like gold, she was a beauty who could captivate any man at first glance.
Moreover, she had the perfect background of royalty.
However…
“Appearance and background are important, but they’re not everything, are they? What I don’t like is Your Highness’s attitude toward me.”
Yohan wasn’t someone who could be swayed by appearances alone. It wasn’t because he was accustomed to beauties like Francia and Rudella—it was his principle. How could he love someone who didn’t respect him?
And did royal lineage or background even matter? Not to Yohan. Even if it did, he wouldn’t accept it under such circumstances.
“…I don’t understand what you mean. I’ve respected you and clearly explained why I like you. What part of my attitude toward you do you find displeasing?”
Raeliana blinked her large eyes, genuinely puzzled. She seemed sincerely unable to understand.
“First, Your Highness sees me as a tool to fulfill your own self-esteem. Let’s be honest—do you like me for who I am, or is it because of what I have to offer?”
She couldn’t answer. It wasn’t Yohan the person she was drawn to, but Yohan Lahart, the nobleman.
Of course, she did feel a certain affection for Yohan as a person. It was inevitable given the kind of man he was. But could that be called love?
No, her feelings were ambiguous.
“The Lady Fervache loved me even when I was merely the third son of a viscount. She wanted me purely for who I was, regardless of my background. My appearance might have played a part, but she appreciated my character and tastes as well.”
He could have mentioned Rudella, but he refrained. There was no need to provide her with that information.
“And what about Your Highness? You wanted me as nothing more than a trophy for high society. You desired me because of my stature as an prominent mage. Am I wrong?"
Yohan’s deep blue eyes pierced into Raeliana. She couldn’t bring herself to speak. He wasn’t wrong—his words hit the mark.
“I value people who genuinely care for me. To Your Highness, that might seem like an idealistic notion, but that’s how my first love was, and it’s how I will continue to live. I won’t compromise on this principle.”
Yohan’s voice was calm and steady, but his unwavering conviction was clear in his eyes.
“The winter is nearing its end, but the days are still cold. Be sure to wear a coat to avoid falling ill. Take care on your way back.”
With that, he left. Raeliana remained silent, unable to utter a word.
***
After Yohan left, Raeliana remained in the drawing room, unable to move. She was stunned, as if struck by a heavy blow.
To be honest, the kind of relationship Yohan described was an idealistic one for royalty or nobility.
People of noble blood usually married for mutual benefit.
But he had chosen to live by his ideals.
The Lady Fervache had loved him when he was nothing more than the third son of a viscount. He had accepted her love and, as a prominent mage achieved great success.
Raeliana’s heart suddenly began to race. Her face grew warm. Deep down, she had always yearned for such a relationship, but she had never been able to pursue it.
After all, she was a princess.
She was someone meant to bring benefits to the Imperial family.
She envied Yohan Lahart. The image of him living boldly, supported and loved by people who truly cared for him, vividly came to mind.
What he had wasn’t just power and honor. It was the warmth of genuine relationships—something Raeliana had craved her entire life.
“…”
Raeliana stared at the spot where Yohan had stood, lost in thought.
His words pierced deeply, leaving a painful echo in her heart. She couldn’t forget what he had said. She realized his feelings for his loved ones were sincere.
If she were to be with him, could she also receive such love? If she were to win his heart, could she build such a warm relationship?
“Ah…”
Raeliana let out a faint sigh.
No.
She couldn’t give up.
She didn’t want to let go.
It was only then that Raeliana Rozino stopped seeing Yohan Lahart and began to see Yohan.
 |
Raeliana Rozino |