Author: alyalia

“It’s been a while… Older Sister.”

 

“…”

 

Carlotta’s expression grew complicated at his greeting. They were in a relationship that made it hard for her to simply say it had been a long time or to yell at him to leave immediately.

 

Her lips moved awkwardly, and after a brief hesitation, she asked quietly, “…What brings you here?”

 

Could it be that her fate has been decided?

 

As soon as she spoke the question, a suspicion flashed through her mind, and she pressed her lips together. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart. It’s fine.

 

Carlotta had spent her time in the prison constantly imagining her end. She had already faced her death dozens of times in her imagination. So she thought she would be ready, no matter what news she heard. Or so she believed…

 

“…The execution has been decided.”

 

Thump. The moment Kayden declared her fate, her heart sank, and she instinctively stopped breathing.

 

…So, this is how it ends.

 

Carlotta lowered her gaze, accepting the news humbly. It was, after all, inevitable. Just as she had anticipated, there was no reason to spare someone who posed a threat to the throne, even if she hadn’t led the conspiracy. If she had been in Kayden’s place, she would have eliminated herself to remove a rival.

 

As she steeled herself to reply with a calm ‘I see,’ Kayden continued.

 

“Millard Sudsfield’s execution has been decided.”

 

“…What?”

 

The thoughts that had been flooding her mind disappeared instantly. Carlotta’s jaw dropped, and in shock, she raised her voice. “Mi-Millard Sudsfield? Isn’t he the first princess’s fiancé?”

 

“Yes, that’s correct.”

 

“But why him all of a sudden…?”

 

“He attempted to kill his father but failed. Most likely, it was at the first princess’s command. As soon as he failed, she annulled the engagement and was the first to demand his execution.”

 

Kayden no longer referred to Rebecca as ‘sister,’ not even out of formality. His eyes were cold as he spoke.

 

Carlotta unconsciously shrank under the icy pressure of his gaze, wondering why he was telling her this. Could he be saying that I’ll be executed alongside him?

 

Kayden gestured toward the guard, who brought in an old leather sack from outside. The sack, tied tightly at the top, was large enough to reach an adult man’s waist. Placing it at Carlotta’s feet, he spoke. “Do you know what this is?”

 

“…”

 

“It contains the poison and the heads of the assassins the first princess sent to kill you.”

 

All the color drained from Carlotta’s face. While she had been trying to accept her death, death itself had been closer to her than she realized. A chill crept down her spine.

 

Of course, knowing Rebecca’s nature, this wasn’t entirely unexpected. But knowing and feeling it firsthand were different.

 

Carlotta recoiled slightly, but all she could do was lean further into her chair. “…What are you trying to say?” She forced the words through tightly clenched lips.

 

Kayden responded. “The reason I came to see you today is that, during the trial of Millard Sudsfield, the discussions regarding your fate have also been concluded.”

 

So that’s what this is about. Carlotta anxiously waited for his next words. But Kayden just stared at her in silence.

 

Finally, just as Carlotta was about to speak, a quiet yet heavy voice broke the stillness.

 

“Do you want to live?”

 

Carlotta’s shoulders jerked upward. Already on edge, she let out a sharp, bitter laugh. “…And if I say yes, will you let me live?” Her tone was laced with sarcasm, and she regretted it immediately. But the words were already out.

 

Nervously, Carlotta glanced at Kayden. To her surprise, he simply nodded.

 

“I will. If you wish to live.”

 

“…!”

 

“However, you must formally renounce your claim to the throne. If you do so, I will ensure you live quietly somewhere far away, safe from the first princess.”

 

Even with all the conditions attached, it was a shockingly generous offer.

 

Is this for real? Carlotta found it hard to believe. After all, hadn’t she spent years persecuting him as Rebecca’s tool? But Kayden’s eyes, fixed on her, were sincere. There was no trace of disdain or malice, only calm.

 

At first, Carlotta had tormented him under Rebecca’s orders, but at some point, she had begun doing it voluntarily, unable to bear that steady gaze of his. His eyes seemed to see right through her, reflecting her ugliness back at her. No matter how much she tried to crush him, those eyes remained unyielding. Yet now, that very gaze, which she had once despised, offered her an odd sense of trust. It was almost absurd.

 

After a long silence, Carlotta spoke. “…All I have to do is give up my claim to the throne?”

 

* * *

Meanwhile, Diana had taken the opportunity to step outside while Kayden was visiting Carlotta. She had spent the past few days in a half-voluntary, half-involuntary confinement, unable to leave due to Kayden’s constant attention.

 

I thought I’d never see the sunlight again.

 

She certainly enjoyed her time with Kayden. But when he wasn’t with her, her lack of stamina left her fainting, and when she awoke, he was always by her side, making it impossible to escape.

 

Today, as soon as Kayden left to visit Carlotta, she asked Bella to help her dress and step outside. Although she had initially wanted to collapse back onto the bed the moment he left the room, once outside, she felt refreshed.

 

Deciding to enjoy the sunshine a little longer, Diana began to walk through the garden. As she strolled aimlessly, her mind filled with thoughts. Her expression grew somber.

 

…Execution.

 

On the way back to the capital, Diana had heard the news that Millard had attempted to kill Viscount Sudsfield. Rebecca had immediately annulled their engagement, and upon arriving at the palace, she, through Ludwig, had demanded his execution. Despite the initial hesitation of the palace officials, who were wary of condemning the first princess’s former fiancé, Millard’s execution had been swiftly confirmed.

 

Upon hearing the news, some nobles had sent letters of condolence to Diana, assuming she would be deeply upset. But to her own surprise, Diana felt nothing. She had even personally warned Millard to be careful of Rebecca before her wedding.

 

Millard had ignored her advice and ultimately brought about his own downfall. There was no reason for sympathy.

 

I wonder what the viscount will do. Her only remaining interest in the Sudsfield family was that.

 

Would Viscount Sudsfield join forces with Kayden to seek revenge on Rebecca or not?

 

He was supposed to die because of that incident, so I can’t predict how he’ll respond…

 

Diana clicked her tongue. The more she altered the future she knew, the more unpredictable things became. But she didn’t regret it. She had gained something far more valuable than certainty.

 

Kayden should be finished by now, shouldn’t he?

 

Diana gauged the time and considered returning to the third prince’s palace with him when something caught her eye. Someone had just stepped out of a carriage, crossing the garden, and upon seeing her, stopped in their tracks. By the time Diana realized who it was, the person had already approached her.

 

Ludwig Kadmond smiled warmly, his eyes as gentle as ever. “It’s been a while. You’re just as beautiful as always, Third Princess Consort.”

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