* * *
When Hesia wasn’t around, I discreetly asked Hugo if it might be possible to request an audience with the King.
Hugo nodded, saying he’d try to relay the message, but I didn’t expect it to be easy.
Understandably so—right now, I’m nothing more than an unknown guest.
If it’s difficult, I figured I’d have to become an official consort or something, and was waiting for the King’s response when—
It had been about two days when the head attendant of the royal palace came looking for me, finding me, as usual, reading a book while casually perched along the window frame of the study.
“His Majesty wishes to have lunch with Lord Vivisian. Do you have time now?”
I was briefly surprised by how young the attendant looked, but more than that, the ease with which the request came caught me off guard, and I furrowed my brows slightly, turning to Hugo, who stood beside me.
“What’s Sha’s schedule for today?”
“He’s busy until the evening.”
“…So they deliberately chose this time. Alright, I’ll attend.”
“Preparation—hm, I suggest changing into something a bit more formal.”
So meticulous, seriously.
I muttered inwardly but gestured lightly at Hugo.
Formal attire was hard to manage alone, and Hugo understood, quietly following me to the bedroom.
Inside the dressing room, now filled with a good number of my clothes, I changed outfits.
As Hugo personally helped me dress, he whispered softly.
“His Majesty is a difficult man. He doesn’t wield his authority like a weapon, but… he’s far from being a kind person. I know Lord Vivisian will handle things well, but just in case… when speaking to His Majesty, you’d best weigh every word carefully.”
I nodded in understanding.
Hugo straightened my collar, adjusted my accessories, and finally withdrew his hands.
“All set. I hope you enjoy your lunch.”
“Thank you, as always.”
“It’s my duty.”
Hugo responded in his usual flat tone, then opened the door for me.
The attendant, standing impeccably straight outside, looked me over and then led the way.
Recognizing that as permission, I leisurely followed him.
On the way to the main palace, the attendant briefed me on points of caution.
The King valued propriety, disliked disorder, and loathed those who flaunted themselves.
Honestly, listening to that description, all I could think of was that it sounded like an older version of Hesia.
While mulling over that with an ambiguous expression, we soon arrived at the main palace.
Unlike Hesia’s residence, the main palace was filled with people who both recognized and didn’t recognize me.
Whispers of “that guest” floated about, even remarks already treating me like the King’s consort.
Fortunately, it seemed no one actually knew who I really was.
Understandable—it’s been years, and very few would recognize the current me as Vivisian from back then.
At the lunch hall, the attendant gave my attire a final check before announcing me.
His dark fingers neatly straightened my clothing, then stepped back.
“His Majesty is inside. Upon entry, offer your formal greeting and do not lift your head until granted permission.”
“Yes.”
Nodding, I waited as the attendant announced me.
Soon after, the heavy doors, which looked difficult to open, creaked slowly.
A grand dining table laden with all manner of delicacies came into view—and at its far end, the King sat, posture arrogant and expression utterly bored.
I stepped inside slowly.
As expected, everyone else quietly exited the hall, and the doors shut behind them.
Only the King and I remained in the vast space.
One step, two steps—slowly, I approached and stopped a few paces away from him, lowering myself into a formal bow.
“I greet the blazing sun of the Merien Principality, Xenedus M. Merien.”
“Lift your head. And sweetheart, you ought to tell me your name.”
The elderly woman before me was the one who had expanded the already vast territory of the Principality.
Despite her age, the Grand Duchess appeared astoundingly healthy, and she spoke with a voice that was both rigid and laced with a strange amusement.
Wondering which name I ought to use, I slowly opened my mouth.
“Vivisian Teian greets Your Grace.”
“Good, Duke Teian—former Duke, rather.”
“‘Former Duke’ feels a bit generous. It was more like… a temporary stand-in.”
Muttering awkwardly with a forced smile, I watched as the Grand Duchess shrugged and pointed to the seat beside her.
“Sit.”
Her voice was light, yet carried an undeniable authority.
I quietly sat as instructed, and the Grand Duchess picked up a wine glass from the table, smiling faintly.
“Vivisian, why did you come to the Principality instead of the Empire? Was it truly just for my grandchild? In the past, I suppose… Well, back then there were ‘circumstances.’ But now, everything’s been resolved, hasn’t it? That stain on your name, the disgrace clinging to Vivisian, it’s gone. No one dares insult you anymore.”
She asked with what seemed like genuine curiosity.
Her bluish-gray eyes, cloudier than Hesia’s, stared at me over the rim of the wine glass.
“If I say I came only for Sia, would you believe me?”
“If it’s the truth, I have to believe it. I’m not some stubborn old woman who rejects the truth.”
She chuckled, taking a sip of wine.
The dark crimson liquid slid between her red-painted lips.
“But you see… I treasure my one and only grandchild deeply. So, Vivisian, if you’re lying… things might get complicated.”
To deliver a clear threat so casually—now that was a talent.
The strange pressure in the air made me swallow dryly.
I wet my lips with my tongue, furrowed my brows slightly, then spoke honestly.
“It is true. I came here for Sia. I don’t know how much you’ve heard… but I don’t have much time left.”
“…What?”
It was the first time the Grand Duchess showed visible surprise.
She scrutinized me carefully, trying to determine the truth, then muttered slowly.
“…It’s true, isn’t it? How did that happen? No… coming back to life in the first place doesn’t make any sense either…”
“It’s hard to explain in full. But to sum it up, Sia brought me back. I have one year. And I intend to spend that year… for Sia.”
“Feels like there’s a lot you’re leaving out, but I won’t press. Does Hesia know?”
“Yes. That’s why I came to see you.”
As I nodded and added that, the Grand Duchess tilted her head slightly, as if unsure of my true intentions.
I decided to get straight to the point.
“I’d like to… share some of the duties of the heir.”
There was a brief silence, understandable, considering the abruptness of my request.
The Grand Duchess studied my face, then asked:
“It doesn’t seem like you’re after power.”
“No, not at all. If that were the case, it’d be easier to stick close to Sia and enjoy the perks. I just… I don’t want Sia to blend into my daily life. I want to become part of his world. I want to do more for him.”
“And after you’re gone? What happens to Hesia then? Maybe it’s selfish of me, but before I’m the Grand Duchess, I’m that child’s grandmother.”
It was the very question that had haunted me, thrown back at me now.
I couldn’t help but smile faintly, realizing how deeply she cared for Hesia.
“I don’t think it’s selfish. And Sia… will be fine. Once I give him all the love I couldn’t before… he’ll be okay. He’ll grow up untouched by cruelty, loved completely, like someone who’s only ever known kindness.”
“And how can you be so sure?”
“Because Sia… is the gentlest person I know.”
It was a statement that sounded like it explained everything, yet explained nothing at all.
My absurd, hopelessly biased praise for Hesia left the Grand Duchess silent.
As we spoke, the once warm meal had cooled.
The Grand Duchess took a bite, and I mimicked her, pretending to eat.
When she set down her utensils, I followed suit and wiped my mouth with a napkin.
My stomach churned slightly.
Maybe it was from talking too much with someone unfamiliar, or maybe forcing food down in such an uncomfortable situation.
‘I should call the physician later and get something to settle my stomach,’ I thought, drinking some water.
The cool liquid eased the heat in my chest, if only a little.
While I composed my expression, hoping my discomfort wasn’t visible, the Grand Duchess finally spoke.
“For now, I’ll make arrangements for you to do what you’ve requested.”
“Thank you.”
“But Vivisian…”
Her voice, calm yet stiff, fell over me just as I bowed in gratitude.
I thought the conversation had ended well, but apparently not.
I instinctively furrowed my brow, then smoothed my expression as I raised my head.
The Grand Duchess gazed at me with a troubled look, rubbing her face with both hands.
“Hesia… that child… isn’t so gentle. He’s only gentle with you. Only with you—and the world that brought you back. When you’re gone… I don’t know what choices my grandchild will make.”
It wasn’t the Grand Duchess speaking as a ruler—I could tell instinctively.
It was a plea from a guardian, speaking for her grandchild.
“Judging by Hesia’s behavior, maybe it’s not set in stone you’ll die.”
“……”
“Vivisian, I know how harsh your life has been. I truly respect you for enduring it all. But… could you think of my grandchild, just once more? That child has only ever longed for you. Lived for you. Swore to ascend the throne so there wouldn’t be anyone like you. Filled the vast garden with blue flowers, waiting for a ‘you’ who might never return.”
“I…”
“I’m not forcing you. Just… asking you to consider it a little more. I’m sorry for saying all this.”
The Grand Duchess, speaking as though she knew every part of me, lowered her head slightly and then raised it again.
It was the greatest apology someone bearing the honor and lives of countless others could offer.
I quietly observed her, then gave a faint smile and nodded.
“I’ll do my best… to think of the kindest possible outcome.”
“Thank you… truly, thank you.”
Her face, now glowing with relief, radiated love—the kind that defined family.
A word I had once yearned for so desperately.
Rolling that word on my tongue silently, I smiled weakly.
* * *
