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Chapter 2

The prophecy was cut off in the scene where Carian confessed his love to Margaret. Perhaps, considering the fate of the one who wrote this ‘crazy prophecy’, or the person who sent this to me, it was a fortunate cut.

‘No, then what are they going to do after the confession? Hug? Kiss?’

Such a disgraceful act? I stared for a moment as if this ‘prophecy’ involved Carian.

No way.

I laughed in disdain. I almost teared up. It was a strangely unpleasant book.

…of course as if I can read that scene in the book.

“Huu, I was almost shaken by a nonsensical fiction.”

I grabbed the book and wandered toward the fireplace. It’s my old habit whenever I am contemplating something. Holding a document with some issue to review, after making up my mind, I burn it relentlessly if it wasn’t important.

Secretary Andy would be horrified and say it was very barbaric; if it was the butler and Carian, they would warn me there can be a possibility that a toxic substance were applied to the paper when burned.

Of course there was a possibility. But I was now more concerned about other things.

“Who the hell plays tricks like this?”

At first, it seemed likely that my cousin James or my fiancé Carian would do this tomfoolery, but when the book was sent to me, the two were automatically eliminated as possibilities. Carian would not defame others just to play a prank.

If James had sent it, instead of the nobles whom he did not know well, he would have written a half-fact story with himself as the main character.

‘Then who could it be?’

Whoever it was, it was very inefficient in terms of considering the anticipated effects. Although I actually managed our family business, on the surface I was just a Count’s daughter. If the joker wants us to participate in this play, it would have been more effective to target my weak-hearted father.

‘Besides, purposely making a book out of this strange material, tearing it in half and sending it?’

Of course, the output was as well-made as much as the money spent on it, but there was still something weird about this. The person who sent me this purple letter had yet to send me specific demands.

“Then this is real? Is the Empire going to be a mess?”

Doesn’t this not make any sense at all?

‘What the hell..?’

This time, I examined the book more carefully. Come to think of it, there were other suspicious parts in the story.

There were traces of erasing the parts of the scenes, pages subtly excised or covering the text with black ink. Those were the descriptions of how Margaret seduced the horde.

‘If you’re going to tell me, tell me everything! You don’t want to tell me how to do it, but you want me to be prepared for the future?’

The whole book was clearly shouting with its whole being that it was suspect.

Anyway, thinking about it alone would not yield a clear answer. First, I should reserve judgment for a while and hide the questionable book in the safe where no one could see it.

Now that this prophecy or something had arrived, wouldn’t I learn the author’s intention when the next purple letter arrives?

‘Well, I guess it won’t be too late to judge until then.’

It was just then, as I placed the book in the safe.

“Master.”

Outside the door, Andy hurriedly knocked.

“Master, Lord Carian has come to visit.”

Andy announced my fiancé’s visit.

Welcome! It’s good that you are here. Whether this ‘prophecy’ is true or not, you are dead to me.

“Okay. Have him come over.”

As soon as I finished, the door swung open, and a blonde-haired man rushed to me as if he were flying.

“Sarah! I missed you!”

“Haha, didn’t I tell you not to run in as soon as you opened the door? I was surprised because of you. I thought you were an assassin!”

“Oh! I’m sorry. But I missed you so much!”

“We just saw each other yesterday!”

As I pushed Carian and scolded him, he wept as if he was hurt.

Radiant blonde hair, beautiful green eyes, straight brows, high nose bridge, sensual lips, and a sharp yet aristocratic jawline. Perhaps it was due to his gorgeous appearance that no matter what kind of expression he made, he had a deep appeal as if I was looking at a painting or a sculpture.

“Yesterday was yesterday, and today is today!”

My fiancé cold-heartedly grumbled, but as always, I moderately ignored him. Time is limited for me to respond to every expression of his nonsense.

“Hm, hmm.”

Secretary Andy coughed tactfully.

“Thank you for guiding me. But why are you still not leaving?”

Carian was polite, but he said it coldly. It was a look that never seemed to fit. Should I say that the large dog that rolls to show its belly and paws at me to play with him, reveals its teeth to others and growls?

“Carian.”

I shook my head at him.

“Andy, what is it?”

“I’m really sorry, but it was said that Alexia’s approval documents were urgently needed, so…”

“Oh. I’m sorry. I forgot about it for a moment.”

I was distracted by the letters and the shabby book. I grumbled as I rummaged through the pile of documents on the desk and pulled out the approval documents. Anyway, the review was completed yesterday, and it will be completely finished once it is signed.

Andy stood stiffly and waited calmly for my signature.

‘It’s probably time for Andy to get used to Carian.’

I didn’t mean to treat him casually, but at least he should become used to seeing him with me. However, Andy was still having a hard time with Carian.

Honestly it’s hard to claim my dog doesn’t bite.

“Carian. Why are you scaring Andy?”

I rebuked him as I checked the documents a last time.

“Honey, this is unfair! What did I do? I didn’t hit or threaten him. I was just politely recommending this rude third-wheeler to leave our tryst!”

I sighed as I heard Carian whining as if he was falsely accused. I turned my back on him and faced Andy while handing over the executed documents.

“Same goes for you too, Andy. Don’t you feel sorry for making Carian uncomfortable? I’m sure you’re familiar with Carian’s background!”

As the cherished cousin of the Crown Prince and the heir to the Grand Duchy, his position is by no means easy. I know I’m the only one in the Empire who thinks so little of him.

“Oh, yes, pardon me! I’ll correct myself! Then, I’ll just take my leave!”

Andy seemed about to add something else, but he looked at Carian standing behind me. He rushed out with a contemplative face, as if running away.

“Agh.”

He even talks back and nags me, as if he was the one who’s paying me! Is he really scared of Carian or just pretending?

As Carian stated, he didn’t threaten Andy, but I won’t feel good either if I am scared of him. It feels strange. Isn’t it disappointing when others claim that my annoyingly cute dog comes from hell? My dog doesn’t harm anyone!

I pouted.

“So? What are you up to today?”

I expected his reason to be trivial as he would visit the mansion until he ran out of vague excuses, such as the weather was good so it was good to go on a picnic, or he wanted to see me because he was feeling down.

Most likely the purpose of his visit today is related to the matter His Highness had entrusted to me.

He actually had no complaints about His Highness asking me. He was rather proud that it was natural of me as a competent person to take on such a task.

However, he was dissatisfied about the fact that instead of him, Sir Lois the Knight Commander was appointed as the messenger in regard to the business reports. Even yesterday, he visited on the pretext of bringing desserts and complained to me for a long time.

– How come it’s not me? Why is it Sir Lois over me?

– Is it not obvious?

Holding back my laughter, I caught a glimpse of his gloomy expression and pursed lips. I scolded him.

– Be honest with me and put your hand on your chest, what is your reason for wanting to be His Highness’ messenger?

He gently placed his hand on his chest. His beautiful green eyes gleamed playfully.

– If I was the messenger, then, I would have more legitimate reasons to visit you frequently. It’s a good opportunity to have more time together.

– You’re not going to complain about whatever I do?

– Of course!

– So that’s it. What will you do about the possibility of gossip that you were selected because you are my fiancé, what then?

– Who dares to say such a thing!

His expression hardened as if the person who said that was right in front of him. His ferocious expression exuded coldness into the air for a moment, but it was somehow amazingly cute so I chuckled. He smiled along with me but his expression hardened again.

– Hmm. Anyhow, if there’s someone like that, tell them to come forward.

– There’s no one, there’s no one.

– But His Highness is too much!

– You didn’t throw a tantrum at His Highness, did you?

Carian rolled his eyes and looked away.

– No, well, he was the one who offered though.

– You didn’t tell him anything suspicious, right? Hurry up and take back what you said to His Highness!

– I refuse! ‘It’s been a while since I’ve met my fiancé because I’ve been busy, do you think I want to meet you? I don’t know anything else, but it’s definitely the opposite.’ he said.

In fact, His Highness’ wedding that was scheduled for a few months from now was put on hold. Due to the Eastern Empire delegation, including the Crown Prince’s time, the scale of the events was greater than expected, causing delays.

It was the first time that the delegation of the Eastern Empire had visited our Empire since the war during the previous emperor’s reign, so all energy and effort were concentrated on it.

Due to his position as the Crown Prince, it was difficult to find time to leave the Imperial Palace, unlike Carian. It’s rare for an arranged marriage, but love had formed between His Highness and the Lady from the Grace Duchy, making the delay that much sadder.

– Okay, then there’s nothing we can do about it right? It was even said by His Highness.

– Yeah… that’s right.

Carian seemed amenable because he also knew that fact, better than anyone as a close aide to the Crown Prince, but it also seemed that he was still dissatisfied and full of complaints. While he tried to understand it in his head, he always cried because he didn’t have enough time to date.

How can I comfort this man?

But as I turned around with those thoughts in my mind, I noticed an unusual expression on Carian’s face.

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