1 Prologue

There was once a stunning woman who was admired by the majority of the Bremiun Empire. She had attractive emerald green eyes, golden blond hair, and a commanding stare.

She had military influence inside the empire and was descended from an aristocratic family. The household held a lot of secrecy that no one knew about except the two old nobles that lived within

With the empire's noble officials' approval, Duke Ivian's daughter, Herena Ferrer, was engaged to Calus Bremiun, the Crown Prince of the empire, at a young age.

Despite still being little, the lady attempted to go toward the garden because of its unparalleled beauty.

Her hands appeared to be searching the area around her. The young one was staring intently at someone who was approaching her. She fell as she tried to grab her brother's extended finger, but Ismael caught her gently. Within her brother's arms, she felt a certain nostalgic warmth.

"Watch out, our adorable little one. You didn't appear to be aware of your own feet since you were so focused on me," Ismael Ferrer said with the corners of his lips rising

Then, he chuckled after speaking to his little sister. Even though she didn't understand what her brother was saying, the little girl laughed while her brother securely held her.

Ismael considered for a split second that perhaps infants really were weightless. Then, while still staring softly at Herena, he shook his head.

The baby's nanny, on the other hand, was absentmindedly glancing aside. Her eyes showed somewhat somber. She walked over to Ismael and waved as she shook her head.

"Greetings, young master, Ismael. It seemed like you cherished your sister, young master," the nanny spoke as she went by the young boy's side

"Likewise, Harlene, I hope your day is off to a great start. Look at this face; of course, I agree. Surely there must be some facet of her beauty that you find appealing. I'm starting to worry that her beauty will one day entice young noblemen," and then Ismael shook his head again.

"Don't be worried, young master Ismael. I'm confident you'll be a wonderful brother to her. You will never allow someone to hurt her in any manner. As a result, you'll be able to defend her," Harlene, the baby's nanny, murmured with her lips pursed.

"When it comes to this young one, I know I'm willing to make many sacrifices, Harlene. She has been my light since entering this world, and I hope you will do the same, "Ismael stated. His shadow dances with the grasses as the sun's rays fall on their shapes.

"I'll do it, young master. I'll protect you and the child. I'm pledging my life to it," Harlene remarked as she looked away from the young kid and toward the garden.

Ismael then squeezed his sister's cheeks, which looked like roses due to her light complexion, and they both giggled.

"I believe in you, Harlene."

Herena could feel comfortable in the little boy's arms while laughing during the entire experience, despite the fact that she was still a newborn and had no understanding of anything.

The child had grown up and was now a young woman as the years went by. She eventually gained the ability to walk, communicate, and comprehend words. The smile does not go away. She headed to her household's library, where her brother normally lies around.

"Brother Ismael, there you are. How are you these days?"

After his lengthy journey, she was happy to meet her brother. It took him several months to go back home. He only read one book from his seat, but he grinned at his sister and buried it before responding.

Herena furrowed her brows in suspicion because of her brother's recent suspicious behavior. But after observing Ismael laughing and giggling, she smiled once again.

That may have just been in my head, Herena thought.

Ismael then was still holding the impermissible book tightly in his palms against his back while putting on a facade once more.

"I'm doing alright, Herena. How about you, then? Did you match your brother's caliber while I'm gone? Alright, come over here and give your brother a big hug," Ismael said in his usual voice.

Trying to divert his past actions, he chuckled afterward

"If brother Ismael is alright, then I'm also the same. We're siblings, after all, right, brother? Oh! I got to tell you something, brother! Even Harlene praised me when I finished the embroidery course! In addition, I was at a friend's house, and we shared a cup of tea. And you know what, brother? She had a crush on you! She was serious when I asked her. Perhaps, it was because my brother was so attractive, I suppose," Herena exclaimed with an undenying smile she had

Ismael smiled as he talked ahead and hugged Herena, acting as though something was humorous. He felt the warmth he recalled when he held her in his arms. His attention was diverted, though, and it wasn't until then that he understood that his sister was no longer secure.

Years went on, and Herena's brother tragically passed away. She sobbed the most, despite the fact that no one was shedding tears except for her and Harlene.

She and her nanny were the only ones who nearly let water gush out of their bodies, while her mother and father didn't appear to cry nearly enough.

"Eat your meal, Herena. If you never eat it, we are wasting our money on you."

Her father spoke with power in his voice. He has always hated his daughter more than his wife.

"Yes, sweetheart, take a bite," Her mother spoke in a soft voice, but she didn't have a sufficiently lovely smile on her face. There is a problem with the household she resides in.

She couldn't eat after that, even though her brother passed away years ago. But her memories of him were still fresh, and she didn't grow up to be a lady who deserved her place.

She and the Crown Prince became engaged later on. She noted that, upon closer inspection, he resembled her elder brother. She may have missed him when he was with the Crown Prince, which is why she instantly fell in love when she first saw him.

She believed he may have been kind when they were engaged, but he wasn't.

"Excuse me, Lady Herena, but leave me alone."

"B-But, C-Calu---"

"Again, Lady Herena, I've never approved of you addressing me by my name."

At their prearranged engagement meeting, Calus left Herena. She then forced herself to enter the garden to refresh her memory while holding her hands in the air.

She would never know that she would now understand why her fiancé had been so distant from her at this point.

"Have you been waiting a while, Arianne?"

"Your Highness, I-I--"

"When we are alone, keep quiet and address me by my name, Arianne, like how I refer to you, alright?"

"Calus, yes, of course. I'm glad you're here now," the Lady named Arianne spoke with a smile on her face

Calus entered the garden and offered Arianne his coat. The young noble Lady asked his fiancée after many conversations, but still, Calus would always remind Arianne that his fiance was only nothing to him

"My heroine, Arianne, who you already know, is the only person I'll ever love."

The woman's face then became crimson. The Crown Prince's words made Herena's heart pound hard. Her hands were on her lips as she hid in the bushes. Her eyes went wide open and then became blurry. She had the impression that everything was a stinging smack on her face.

She was only adored by her brother. The one and the only person she truly loved and cared about was already gone. When she first noticed the surroundings in which she was situated, she was already in tears.

Her mind and emotions were the polar opposites of the apparent calm. They had already gotten out of hand.

Years have passed, and Herena is still willing to do everything to win the affection of a young guy who she is certain would never return the favor. She'll bring him the meal she prepared if he's ever visited his workplace to work as a Crown Prince, but it's always been ignored.

It went on until Calus' father, the Emperor, suggested that he was already of legal age to tie the knot. However, that evening was just the beginning of everything.

"Devion, the elderly man doesn't know what that young woman was up to, right?"

"Your Highness, I'm afraid he knew about it but was powerless to take action. Your father's power has already been constrained by the noble officials."

"No, Devion, there has to be a solution. There is no way I want to lose to these swine!"

"Ismael, the deceased young master---"

"Never speak of that name ever again, Devion, or I'll have to cut off your tongue as well."

"Please forgive me, Your Highness."

Then Calus combed through his office's paperwork while his eyes grew wider.

"Devion, I thought I had the perfect answer, but it seemed harsh. Although I sincerely hope they will never know, I don't think they will feel anything other than resentment."

"I'll always support you, whatever you'll do, your highness."

"Yes, Devion. I trust you. Other than that, I have no other options. You realize who I'm in love with, right?"

"Yes, Your Highness, I know."

"Ensure her safety. I predict that something unexpected will happen in the next few months. Which means I have to watch out for them."

***

After a couple of months

In his usual state, the Emperor convened a meeting with the councils within the Imperial residence. Knowing that the bureaucrats may be in a difficult situation, he carefully prepared his strategy. These powerful factions were all appropriately represented.

"Rise, everyone."

In front of the monarch, they bowed in respect. The knights stood up when Helvon made those remarks.

"I now proclaim that the hunt shall occur next week. Anyone who disagrees with my decision must provide justification."

Nobody made an effort to speak. They had followed them, which pleased the noble faction. The other noble group, though, appeared dissatisfied, but nobody brought it up until...

"May I recommend, Your Highness, that we wait until the Hagion Festival is over? Before the hunting season begins, it would be good to convey that we respect the people's holiday."

"Duke Themiore, you are quite correct. Alright, everything appears to be in order. I'll wait until after the Hagion Festival before starting the search."

However, before the officials could object, sounds started.

"Keep your mouths shut!"

The voice of the Emperor resounded like thunder.

"Your Highness, does it not seem improper to base our titles on commoners?"

"Yes, Duke Ferrer, you're also correct, but for whom are we working?"

The manner in which the Emperor said these words was enough to leave the Duke speechless. Themiore was correct, and everyone else thought he was an idiot.

"The meeting is over, all right?"

In light of this, the officials led Ferrer into a narrow corner and engaged him in conversation as they led him out. Because of their intentions for the Crown Prince, they appeared to be quite excited.

The officials who had conspired with the other noble faction to limit the Emperor's authority gathered a few weeks later. They have written down their plans, and they plan to talk about them at the upcoming meeting.

Calus was in the Crown Princess' chamber on the eve of the hunting day. Devion tracked his shadows. Herena was thrilled to meet him for the first time, with Calus initiating the move, but she never knew why.

Herena already knew everything there was to know when Devion handed her documents with fragments of proof demonstrating her family's and the authorities' collusion to curtail the Imperial member's power.

It was night, and the window's silver illumination cast such a silvery scene across the Empire.

"You are aware that I desired to be free of it and to regain my strength, but with you, everything appeared to be under control. I'm at a loss since you intend to murder my heroine again, Lady Herena," Calus said when the young Lady was already weeping. Then, he gave her direct eye contact.

"I'm really sorry, C-Calu-"

"Lady Herena, I don't need your apology. I only wanted you to be gone."

He then used his sword to murder her.

Still, it turned out that Herena had gone back in time to a period before she was engaged to the crown prince, precisely when she was still a baby.

"This time, I refuse to kill Calus' Heroine, and I didn't return just to be a mere tool. Instead, I must find my life's purpose and save my loved ones."