The quiet rustle of silk sheets echoed through the dimly lit bedroom, trailing off into a heavy silence as Serena shifted beside him. Eiser lay back, his dark hair fan out against the plush pillows, one arm resting lazily behind his head. The faint glow of the evening filtered through the sheer curtains, casting long, intimate shadows across the bed.
"Eiser," she softy broke the silence, her eyes fixed on his calm face. "There's something I want to tell you. It's about what I couldn't say at the train station."
Eiser didn't flinch. His dark eyes remained calm, almost indifferent, as he cut straight through her hesitation. "I know. You want us to get engaged."
Serena froze, her breath catching in her throat. Her heart hammered against her ribs-quick on the uptake as always! It had been her plan to subtly steer the conversation, to extract a promise from him while the lingering warmth of the evening kept him in a good mood.
Pushing aside her surprise, she pressed forward, letting her vulnerability show. "Yeah, I want to get engaged to you! I hate being called ex-husband and ex-wife, and being lovers only after a divorce feels ambiguous. Let's just make it official-that this time, we're together because we both genuinely want to be. It'd be a fresh start for us, too."
Eiser closed his eyes briefly, inhaling slowly before releasing a sigh that seemed to carry the weight of a dozen unseen chessboard moves.
"I feel the same way," he murmured, his tone measured, devoid of the romantic warmth she had hoped for. "But it's too early right now. We'd lose more than we gain. It's a net loss."
The word struck her like a sharp chill. Serena bolted upright, the silk robe slipping slightly over her shoulder as she stared down at him in disbelief. "...A loss?"
"Don't forget that right now is a crucial period for both of us," Eiser continued coolly, his voice maintaining its methodical rhythm as he looked up at her sharp reaction. "Every marriage proposal coming our way and every contact from other families right now is vital intelligence."
He shifted slightly, his gaze piercing through the dim light. "Take this incident, for example. Whether it's true or not, the information that the royal family intends to hand the throne to the youngest prince carries massive weight in itself. You know better than anyone how complicated the royal family's situation is."
Serena sat rigid on the mattress, the emotional high of a fresh beginning instantly colliding with the cold, calculating reality of the political storm waiting just outside their bedroom door.
"Take this incident, for example," Eiser continued, his steady voice breaking through the heavy silence of the bedroom. "Whether it's true or not, the information that the royal family intends to hand the throne to the youngest prince carries massive weight in itself. You know better than anyone how complicated the royal family's situation has been since the war."
Serena remained sitting upright on the bed, her dark hair cascading down her back as she stared ahead, processing the sudden shift from personal intimacy to ruthless political calculation.
"Besides," Eiser added, watching her posture closely, "the fact that Hired said it himself means it wasn't just a bluff to convince you. It means the internal dynamic within the royal family has already been somewhat settled."
He paused, letting the strategic reality sink in before delivering the sharper point. "But what if you were my fiancée? Would you have been able to hear such classified information so quickly... and directly from his own mouth that the royal family has designated the youngest prince as the next king and begun preparations to establish a new reign?"
He leaned back, his eyes narrowing slightly in the dim light. "Making a move after the political landscape shifts versus moving ahead of time knowing it will shift are two entirely different things. As a business owner, you should be even more sensitive to that difference."
Serena stayed completely silent. Her back was turned to him, her head bowed slightly as the weight of his logic pressed down on her.
Softening his tone just a fraction, Eiser called her name. "Serena. We will end up married after all. That won't change. But when we reveal that to the world is a matter of strategy. It's a matter of timing, not emotions."
Still, she gave no reply. The stillness between them grew heavy, almost suffocating.
"Still not convinced?" Eiser asked softly, scanning her motionless profile.
Silence again.
A flicker of unease crossed Eiser's calm expression. ...Why isn't she arguing back? he thought, unused to her quiet surrender when challenged.
Shifting on the mattress, he reached out toward her dark, bowed head. "Serena. Look at me."
The second his palm touched her shoulder, Serena turned her head, her dark eyes flashing with sharp, unyielding glare as she looked at Eiser.
...Yeah, that's more like her, Eiser thought, a faint flicker of familiar recognition settling over him. As if she'd just quietly accept it.
"Let me make one thing clear," Serena declared, her voice firm and cold in the quiet bedroom. She turned her entire body away from him, slipping her bare feet to the carpet and stepping into her dark embroidered slippers. "I brought up the engagement not because I was shaken by marriage proposals, but because I wanted to decide for myself where I stand."
She stood up, pulling the dark silk robe tightly around herself as she walked toward the doorway. Before stepping through, she paused, casting a sharp glance back over her shoulder.
"Whether we get engaged or not, neither I nor my family are in a position to be swayed by such interests."
With a sharp click of the door, she stepped out, leaving behind a silence far heavier than before.
Eiser remained seated on the edge of the bed, his sharp blue eyes tracking the place where she had just stood. A low, tired sigh escaped his lips as he closed his eyes, letting his shoulders sink slightly beneath his open robe.
He leaned forward, resting his hands against his knees as his thoughts turned back to her proud, unbending resolve.
I want to make you mine right this second, too.
Eiser sat alone in the dim quiet of the bedroom, staring toward the dark wooden door she had closed behind her.
I want to make you mine right this second, too, he thought, his chest tightening with an overwhelming, possessive urge. So no one else can dare look at you, I want to nail it down once and for all that you belong to me.
The urge to force her hand was a constant, simmering pressure beneath his calm exterior. Yet he held back.
But my desire to leave every opportunity open before you, unchained to anyone or anything, remains unchanged from back then to now.
He raised a heavy hand, pressing his fingers over his face as a quiet breath escaped him. Through the gaps between his long fingers, his pierce blue eye gleamed, shadowed with conflict and calculating resolve.
Trying to tie you down to me right now would just be my own selfishness.
He slid his hand slowly down his face, staring off into the warm, flickering light of the room.
...Otherwise, Serena.
Convince me a little more.
Until I have no choice but to cross the line I drew myself, build me an escape route to retreat from, and weave a trap to bind me.
A sharp, dangerous focus settled over his features as he looked toward the quiet grand hallway beyond the doors.
Who knows?
Even if it's just a single thin thread you cast, I might willingly let myself get caught in it.
Murachevia Kingdom Capital, Valern · Valern Hartwell Station
The grand facade of Valern Hartwell Station stood tall against the pale sky, its ornate, pointed arches and towering windows glowing under the warm light of streetlamps. High above the bustling stone concourse, the grand hall radiated a polished, quiet elegance as noble travelers glided past beneath the high wooden walls.
A uniformed station attendant stepped forward, holding a clipboard in his gloved hands as he approached the couple standing near the luggage carts.
"Excuse me," the attendant asked politely, looking back and forth between the two. "Should I move the luggage that came out of your shared compartment over to one person's side?"
"No," Serena replied instantly, her voice cold and unyielding.
She stood poised in an elegant white gown wrapped in a matching embroidered shawl, her dark hair swept up into a sleek, refined updo. Without turning toward Eiser, she held a compact mirror in one hand, her piercing dark eyes sharp with quiet irritation.
"Separate them completely," she instructed smoothly. "We're nothing to each other, so there's no reason to keep them together."
Nearby, Eiser stood perfectly silent, his expression unreadable as his brilliant blue eyes tracked her graceful movements.
Serena closed her compact mirror with a soft click and began walking down the hall, the steady, rhythmic tapping of her heels echoing off the marble floor.
Truly strange, isn't it? she thought as she walked, her chin held high.
The man who warned me to be careful because I didn't know what intentions other men had when approaching me, now claims those approaches and marriage proposals are all valuable intelligence.
She glided past the servants and attendants, the soft silk of her dress rustling as she maintained her measured stride.
If you asked me which side was his true feelings, the answer would probably be both.
Behind her, Eiser turned his head slightly, his sharp gaze fixing on her retreating figure. His blue eyes burned with a quiet, restrained intensity.
Rationally, he must have calculated what's most advantageous down to the last detail, Serena mused, feeling the weight of his eyes on her back as her heels continued to click against the stone floor. But that doesn't mean his emotions will move according to calculation.
She took another step, a subtle smile playing at the edge of her thoughts.
I guess there are things even he can't control. Things he can't help, even when he knows better.
The rhythmic, muffled thud of leather-shod footsteps broke Serena's train of thought as a shadow lengthened across the grand stone floor.
Things he can't help, even when he knows better.
She maintained her calm stride, the delicate silk of her ivory dress sweeping gracefully around her ankles as she let her internal monologue reach its cool, decisive conclusion.
In the end, you're just like me... understanding it doesn't mean I feel any better about it, though.
"Hello, Ms. Serena Serenity."
The smooth, polished voice echoed gently off the high vaulted ceilings, halting her in her tracks.
Serena paused, her expression composed as she turned toward the sound. A handsome, fair-haired young man in a impeccably tailored brown suit offered a polite, practiced bow before taking her hand with refined courtesy.
"...Ah. Hello, Mr. Ednoc. It's nice to meet you," Serena replied, her voice smooth and neutral as she observed him. Her sharp mind immediately took inventory of his youthful features, polished demeanor, and impeccably maintained appearance.
The Vice President? Someone this young?
"I am Ednoc Patter, Vice President of the Central Bank of Kenverlton," he announced smoothly, his tone warm and engaging. "A sincere welcome to Atiazen. I really wanted to meet you, and I'm delighted to greet you in person like this. Upon hearing news of your visit, I personally volunteered to escort you! You probably can't even imagine how fierce the competition was, haha."
He offered a bright, charming smile, retaining a gentle hold on her hand as he inclined his head slightly. "If it's alright with you, may I act as your guide during your stay in Atiazen?"
A faint rustle of heavy wool and a deliberate, heavy step made the air in the concourse feel suddenly dense.
Behind Ednoc, Eiser stood perfectly still in his sharp, dark formal suit. His dark hair was combed back, framing a cold, unyielding countenance. His piercing blue eyes locked onto the scene before him with a sharp, guarded intensity.
"If I may have the honor of escorting you..." Ednoc continued, unaware of the brooding gaze fixed on his back, as Eiser observed the encounter with quiet, icy watchfulness.
The smooth warmth of Ednoc's polite inquiry hung briefly in the air, catching Serena off guard. A sudden, vivid memory of Eiser's lower voice echoed in her mind: Just like you planted an unpleasant assumption in my head, I'll plant one in yours, too. So watch out. I heard there are plenty of guys out there who get a rush of blood to their heads just looking at those purple eyes of yours.
The ghostly echo of Eiser's provocative words hit her like a sudden splash of cold water, sending a sudden flush of pink blooming across her cheeks.
Ah... She caught her breath, fighting to keep her composure as a soft blush crept up to her cheekbones.
Ednoc noticed the sudden shift in her demeanor, his polite smile softening into a look of light concern. "Ah, please feel completely at ease," he offered reassuringly, mistaking her hesitation for discomfort. "I am simply here to assist so that you experience no discomfort during your itinerary."
"Ah, no! It's not that...!" Serena blurted out quickly, waving her hand in mild fluster before catching herself.
She turned away slightly, her mind racing with irritation. Am I out of my mind?! He's just... he's just someone who came out for protocol. What on earth am I thinking in front of someone I just met for the first time? She squeezed her hands closed in secret frustration. It's because Eiser said such completely useless things!!
Determined to shake off the lingering phantom of Eiser's gaze, she steeled her resolve. An unpleasant assumption? Hmph, that won't work on me!
She turned back to Ednoc, smoothing her expression into a flawless, radiant smile. "The honor is mine," she said softly, offering a gracious nod.
Ednoc's face lit up, a small chibi-like spark of genuine delight flashing across his expression. "Ah, is that alright with you?"
"Of course!" Serena replied smoothly.
Yet as she spoke, her gaze flicked discreetly past Ednoc's shoulder to where Eiser stood watching in quiet, imposing silence. A sharp, defiant thought directed itself squarely at the stern man in the dark suit: If it bothers you so much, you should've gotten engaged. Why wouldn't it be okay?
"Shall we go then?" Ednoc offered politely, presenting his arm to her with practiced gallantry. "I'll take you to the guesthouse first. Watch your step on the stairs."
"Thank you," Serena murmured, lightly placing her hand upon his offered arm as they began their descent, leaving Eiser's silent, watchful shadow behind.
Ednoc led the way down the grand terrace, his manners attentive as he gently supported Serena's arm.
"You must be exhausted from your long journey," Ednoc remarked, casting a pleasant look her way. "Is it not too cold for you?"
"No, I'm fine," Serena answered, her voice serene and composed. "Spring is in full swing now anyway. It's much warmer than I expected."
As they walked, the local social customs she had researched beforehand came back to her. In Atiazen, social etiquette dictated that local unmarried figures were assigned as personal escorts to unmarried VIP guests. Seeing Ednoc here meant the rumors were true.
"I heard you requested a quiet and modest reception," Ednoc noted, adjusting his pace to match hers.
"Yes, that's more comfortable for me," Serena replied, inclining her head gracefully. "Thank you for your consideration."
Then a sudden realization struck her, causing her steps to falter slightly.
...Ah, wait a moment. That means...!
Her breath hitched as her gaze darted over her shoulder. If Atiazen matched local unmarried hosts with unmarried visitors, then Eiser-
Behind them, a tall, elegant woman with flowing blonde hair in a sharp cream suit stepped forward to greet Eiser. She reached out, extending a hand to him with a confident, bright smile.
"...! I am Anessa Bernel," the woman introduced herself warmly, her voice carrying across the stone courtyard. "Deputy Director of the Royal Architectural Institute, and an architect."
Eiser took her hand, offering a polite bow of greeting.
"I've been watching the Grayan family's business and architectural technology with great interest for a long time," Anessa continued, her expression radiant as she spoke to Eiser. "I really wanted to meet you, so I'm very glad to greet you like this."
Eiser nodded politely in response, listening attentively to her pleasantries.
Watching the scene unfold, a wave of annoyance churned in Serena's chest. And here I was actually looking forward to this schedule, thinking I'd be spending it with Eiser!
She bit back her frustration, forced to turn back around and continue walking alongside Ednoc. Things went wrong right from the start, and now that woman is going to stick around him for the whole trip as well?
Behind them, Anessa gestured toward the grand staircase leading to the main courtyard. "The stairs are steep. Please be careful."
"Ah, thank you," Eiser replied in his low, steady voice, maintaining his quiet composure as he escorted his assigned partner down the steps, entirely unaware of the storm brewing just a few paces ahead.
The woman's hand rested comfortably on Eiser's arm, her gesture attentive as they began their descent down the grand stone steps.
"The stairs are steep. Please be careful," Anessa offered gently.
"Ah, thank you," Eiser replied, his tone smooth and courteous.
Yet as he walked, his striking blue eyes subtly shifted, catching the faint reflection of the figure walking just ahead of them.
Up ahead, Serena glared back over her shoulder, her cheeks puffed out in a quiet, simmering rage. Her dark eyes burned with intense jealousy, fiery irritation practically radiating off her as she watched the blonde architect cling to his arm.
Eiser noticed her glaring look immediately. A faint, suppressed smirk tugged at the corner of his lips-a subtle gesture that went entirely unnoticed by the woman beside him.
Serena's eyes widened in sheer disbelief, her expression sharpening into a furious scowl.
Look at that... she fumed silently, her blood beginning to boil. ...Is he smiling right now?!