Eastern Duke’s Residence.
Acting Duke Dairon did not attend the coronation banquet.
Trusting his promise with Ern, he waited, trying to calm his anxious heart.
Finally, the day came when the delegation, excluding Ern, arrived.
From them, he received a report about events in the Empire.
“…Is it true?”
“There is no doubt about it.”
“Hah…”
Ern revealed that he was alive.
Knowing the contents of Ern’s trial, Dairon couldn’t help but question.
‘Did he abandon the trial?’
But wasn’t it said that breaking the trial’s rules meant death?
That was impossible.
The Ern he knew, no matter how emotional he might be, would never disregard his responsibilities.
Then there was only one explanation.
He had succeeded in the trial.
He had reclaimed his name in the Imperial City.
“…That’s good news.”
Fortunately, the worry about the end of the royal bloodline was resolved.
As a loyal subject of the Empire, Dairon felt sincere relief.
“What about my situation?”
Since things seemed resolved, it was time to move on to other matters.
Dairon had his own significant, personal concerns beyond Ern and Epherna.
The reason Ern joined the delegation heading to the capital—
Wasn’t it to demand Epherna to formally resign as the head of the Eastern Dukedom?
“Well… about that… I must apologize in advance…”
“…?”
“After arriving at the Imperial City, Lord Astra disappeared… So we couldn’t request an audience with Her Majesty…”
The subordinate’s voice trailed off, barely audible by the end.
Dairon, adept at reading emotions and actions despite his straightforward demeanor, quickly grasped the meaning behind the words.
“You’re saying you couldn’t report it to Her Majesty.”
“…I’m sorry.”
“It’s not your fault. I entrusted full authority to him in the first place. Without him, no one else could have requested the audience anyway.”
Dairon let out a deep breath, releasing the irritation boiling within.
‘He must have simply forgotten.’
Ern wasn’t one to break promises so easily. If reminded, he would surely inform Epherna.
Dairon wanted to believe that.
*****
My ears are burning.
I feel like I’m forgetting something, but it’s probably just my imagination.
More importantly—
I expected this much, but not to this degree.
I knew Epherna had almost entirely severed her connections during the three years I was absent, but I didn’t realize it was this bad.
“I don’t trust him.”
“How many times do I have to explain?”
Cyan, arms crossed, was stubbornly attempting to persuade Epherna. In the cold atmosphere, I had no choice but to quietly observe.
Though Cyan casually addressed her informally, Epherna didn’t bat an eye.
Not only had she sent away the attendants in advance, but the two had personal matters to discuss as friends.
“How can a dead man return alive? Even if he did, how can you be sure that he’s the real Astra?”
“I’m sure. I’ve considered it many times and verified it repeatedly.”
Well, that’s true.
Though it was a bit belated.
“Then you wouldn’t mind if I verify it again?”
“Do as you wish.”
Cyan swiftly turned to me, locking eyes.
“Lord Astra. Is that alright with you?”
I had no reason to refuse, so I nodded.
Cyan immediately began asking a series of questions.
“When we first met in the North, under what circumstances was it?”
“It was right after sparring with the Duke. My clothes were torn, and you provided replacements.”
“Had I stayed at the Academy before?”
“Yes, to teach Epherna summoning magic.”
Up to this point, the information was general knowledge that Epherna could have shared in advance.
“During my time at the Academy, there was only one private conversation between us. What was it about?”
“…I don’t recall any private conversations with you.”
For a moment, Epherna’s expression darkened before regaining its light.
I subtly rubbed my goosebump-covered arms.
“Correct.”
But you wouldn’t know this, right?
Cyan said with a mischievous smirk before continuing.
“There was a time when Epherna caught a cold at the Academy.”
“Yes, I remember.”
That was true.
During the body reconstruction process, she suffered a severe cold.
If memory served, she insisted on attending classes despite her condition.
“Do you recall carrying Epherna home after she fainted one day after school?”
“Wait, hold on.”
“And do you remember what you said back then?”
I did.
But to say it here…
“Are you seriously making me repeat that?”
“If you say it, I’ll let go of all doubt.”
Hah. So that’s what this was about.
Still, I had no reason to refuse.
Despite my face burning with embarrassment, I had no choice but to answer.
*****
Everyone has secrets they wish to keep forever.
Whether it’s a personal preference they fear others will judge, or a past they’d rather leave behind…
There are secrets that, if revealed, wouldn’t necessarily be humiliating enough to make one wish for death—but they are still better left unsaid.
I am no exception.
In fact, I have more than one such secret.
A night that’s getting darker.
Eperna’s bedroom.
“So that’s the kind of secret you were hiding?”
Epherna beamed, as though she had uncovered a prize.
I kept my lips tightly sealed, staring off into the distance.
‘I didn’t think things would turn out this way back then.’
At the time, Epherna had been asleep. No matter what I said, she wouldn’t have heard me.
That false sense of security had been my undoing—I had let my guard down, and personal feelings had slipped into my words.
“Why didn’t you tell me earlier?”
Because it’s embarrassing.
Who in their right mind openly shares their own humiliating moments with others?
“Hehe.”
Does this make her that happy?
Epherna clung to me with no intention of letting go.
She hadn’t acted like this in a long time, almost as though the past three years hadn’t happened.
‘Well, I guess it’s fine.’
No matter how embarrassing it was for me, as long as it made her happy, that was all that mattered.
– You shouldn’t overdo it, you know. You have no idea how worried I am. Do you think it’s okay as long as you’re fine?
Those were the words I had grumbled back then, upset at seeing her in pain.
I doubt she knew how sincere I had been at the time.
…Or maybe she did.
Maybe that’s why she was so happy now.
“Did you speak much with Lady Lemea?”
“Yes. She doesn’t seem to doubt you anymore.”
“That’s a relief.”
“She confirmed that your memories are accurate. Even if you were a fake with his memories, she said it’s pointless to delve further. There’s no end to it if she keeps doubting.”
“She’s right.”
Even if I, who had returned alive, wasn’t the Ern Astra from three years ago but someone carrying his memories—ultimately, I am still me.
If someone wanted to argue beyond that, it really would be endless.
“I’ll take care of your duties tomorrow. Spend more time with her.”
“Thank you.”
With that, Epherna held my face and kissed my cheek.
*****
After announcing my return as Ern Astra, the Imperial Court wasted no time scheming to elevate me as Epherna’s consort and a Grand Duke.
Epherna, seeing no reason to oppose it, simply let them be.
And so did I.
Unless Epherna herself decided to take drastic measures, nothing dangerous would come of it.
“…For these reasons, we intend to skip the delayed engagement and proceed directly with arranging the marriage.”
“Understood. Thank you, as always.”
Listening to the Imperial representative outline the marriage plans, I resumed handling Epherna’s former responsibilities.
The tasks left for the Empress were hardly different from what Epherna had managed as the First Princess.
In fact, they were simpler now, clear-cut and easy to handle.
As someone who had assisted Epherna back then, I found them well within my capabilities.
I had been worried, but it turned out to be needless concern.
‘I wonder if Epherna’s enjoying herself.’
She must have accumulated quite a bit—whether affection or resentment—during those three years.
Especially with Cyan, who seemed to have much pent up against her.
After all, Epherna had ignored everyone, Cyan included, during that time.
Taking advantage of the opportunity, Epherna had gone out with Cyan and Sierra from the Imperial Treasury.
I hoped this outing would finally resolve the tensions that had built over the years.
“Ah, one more thing.”
“Yes?”
Still here, I see.
“What is it?”
“Three days ago, the Great Khan of the Urgan Tribe sent word from the western plains.”
“The Great Khan of Urgan…?”
That could only mean Temur, the Sky King.
Once a member of Epherna’s personal guard, it was undoubtedly him.
“He has formally requested an audience with Her Majesty the Empress. Shall we refuse?”
“There’s no need for that.”
Temur was a well-known representative of the plains.
He wasn’t the type to make empty moves.
The fact that he had officially requested an audience proved his sincerity.
“Send a letter of acceptance.”
“Yes, Grand Duke. Additionally—”
“What else is there now?”
“Lord Dairon of the Eastern Dukedom has requested a meeting with you…”
“…”
Ah, right.
The promise I had forgotten about hit me like a hammer.
