His eyes widened momentarily in surprised. Soon after, however, he regained his composure and answered softly.
“You are very quick, my daughter-in-law.”
A faraway expression came on his face as if he were remembering the distant past.
“I’ve been told many times since childhood that I inherited less of the dragon’s blood because of my gentle personality. Ironically enough, I was able to rise to the throne for that reason. And yet…I’ve always been envious of Archduke Edel.”
Howard seemed to genuinely envy his older brother’s strength. Perhaps that was why he named Oliver as his heir, as he bore no resemblance to his weaker self.
In the past, Amanda had heard that the previous emperor chose Howard over Luke, in order to continue the prosperity of the Keith Empire down a path other than war. Now as she listened to Howard’s words, the rumor did not seem wrong.
‘Does he feel inferior because of his father?’
Although Amanda couldn’t fully understand Howard’s feelings, his rise to the throne enabled the Keith Empire to make many advances. It was an undeniable fact.
‘I’m sure he would be devastated if he finds out that Luke would eventually take over the throne.’
Howard was ignorant that, in the near future, Luke would attempt to destroy the imperial family and take the crown for himself. Amanda wouldn’t allow that to happen again.
However, the thoughts in Amanda’s head remained tangled in a complicated net. She no longer thought of Howard’s beliefs as mere superstitions, and, assuming that Oliver and Amanda would have a son, she would have to give the child human blood.
There was a horrible feeling in her stomach as she imagined herself feeding that child with her own hand.
‘…Father thinks it a blessing, but this is a curse on the imperial family.’
Although the couple would not immediately have children, this wouldn’t be an easy matter to approach. Amanda suddenly recalled something else Oliver had said a long time ago.
— I hope you will have my child. They would be lovely with blonde hair and red eyes like you.
She had wondered whether Oliver could only love a child if it looked like her, but what she knew now gave her a more ominous perspective.
As Amanda stood there in a brooding silence, Howard once again spoke with a solemn voice.
“Oliver tends to think poorly of his lineage, but you shouldn’t do so. Because of the dragon’s power, the Keith Empire has grown strong and never lost a war with another kingdom.”
Howard was right as well. When it came to military power, many kingdoms could not even reach the foot of the Keith Empire.
“If something happens to me, please keep this secret space safe and protect the bloodline in the future.”
“…”
Amanda finally understood why Howard told her the secret of the Imperial Family. However, she found it difficult to give him a reply. She closed her eyes tightly then opened them again.
“Father, you must understand that this is sudden and overwhelming…please give me time to think.”
“Very well. This all must be quite a shock. If you have any further questions, I’ll be happy to answer them.”
He wore his usual smile on his pale, gaunt face. However, it was now difficult to hide that Howard was now dealing with a comrade who shared the same secret. Amanda was at a loss at how to accept this and what to do in the future. Among her many worries, she remembered the lonely look Oliver made when he once called himself a monster.
‘How terrified Oliver must be when he realized all this as a child?’
For some reason, it was pained her to imagine it.
*
*
*
Amanda left the Emperor’s palace with conflict in her heart. Howard’s health hadn’t allowed for a long visit, and they said their farewells as soon as they left the secret room. She wasn’t feeling well herself from the arrow wound, though she showed no outward sign of discomfort.
As Amanda strode through the grounds lost in thought, a voice called out to her.
“Where are you going in that condition?”
She turned her head at the familiar voice, and saw someone briskly walking towards her.
It was Oliver, looking incomparably handsome with his dark hair, luminous blue eyes, and sculpted features. Amanda smiled as he approached.
“Are you here to pick me up?”
“Of course. I thought you were sleeping, but you weren’t in your room. I was suddenly summoned by my father to the Emperor’s palace, saying I was to escort you.”
“I’m not a child, and you don’t have to.”
“You’re not well, so don’t go about simply because he calls you there.”
“He’s not just anyone. He’s my father, the emperor of the Keith Empire.”
Oliver’s expression remained resolutely stubborn.
“He’s not your father…”
Oliver’s voice was dangerously low. Amanda looked up to see a heat burning in his eyes.
“Even if it’s God, I can’t allow it.”
“…?”
“I cannot tolerate anyone forcing my wife to move when she’s unwell.”
Amanda froze for a moment, then let out a soft chuckle. Indeed, Oliver was such a lovely man.
His expression softened at the image of Amanda smiling.
“Is this such a funny story?”
“Yes. Though I’m more happy than amused, to be precise.”
Oliver grinned and reached out his hand, and Amanda immediately knew the meaning. She had taken his arm numerous times, but until now they had no memory of walking hand-in-hand together. One might not consider it important, but to Oliver and Amanda, the subtle distinctions were understood between them. They had been sure to display an outward appearance of love because of their contract marriage, but they had never done such little things as lovers in private.
Seueug.
Amanda took Oliver’s hand with no hesitation. There was no need for special words between them.
They ambled at an easy pace, quietly holding each other’s hand. She wished for this moment to last for a long time. Despite the warmth of the emotions washing over her, however, Amanda had many questions she wanted to ask Oliver.
‘Did he intend never to tell me that the ring was the Dragon’s Orb?’
Oliver had deliberately hidden the truth from Amanda, and now she had uncovered his secret without permission. Everyone had something they wanted to conceal. She was hesitant about digging up his wounds, but she knew she could not procrastinate on this. More importantly, this was something Amanda must know about.
“…Oliver.”
Oliver responded with a soft smile.
“Speak to me, my wife.”
As she took in his perfect profile, Amanda forced her lips to move.
“What did you wish for on the Dragon’s Orb?”
Oliver’s footsteps suddenly halted. It was a question that could only be asked when someone knew the secret of the Imperial Family.
His expression stiffened, and he looked at Amanda with uncharacteristic dread in his eyes. He spoke in the barest whisper.
“…How do you know?”
“It doesn’t matter how I heard the story. How long were you planning to keep it from me?”
Oliver couldn’t give an answer to Amanda’s question. He didn’t want to lie. He hoped that he would never have to tell her the ugly truth about himself.
“If you’re asking that question, there is only one person who could have told you about it.”
It was easy to guess that it was his father Howard, who Amanda happened to return from a meeting with. Oliver knew more than anyone about Howard’s obsession with the bloodline, and how the old man would do anything to keep it alive.
Oliver looked at Amanda with darkly hooded eyes.
“Let’s move on. There may be ears listening nearby.”
“…Very well.”
They continued to walk again, but this time in silence. They could sense each other’s feelings without the need to exchange words.
Amanda had many questions about the Dragon’s Orb and the Imperial Family…
And Oliver was not happy to answer any of them.