Chapter 58

Genovia tenderly held Elise’s hand. “The Duke, you see, he doesn’t quite grasp the intricacies of emotions. He operates on a rigid set of principles he’s acquired over the years. Of course, it’s not entirely his fault. My father once told me that when His Majesty rescued the young dragon from the arena, a creature who couldn’t even scribble his own name, the first thing he did was christen him. The family name carries more weight than the given name.”

Elise found herself whispering the surname without conscious thought. And then, it struck her. Kyrstan. Kyrstan’s origins lie in an ancient tongue, signifying ‘worshipper.’

Genovia couldn’t resist a mocking tone, “Doesn’t it make for a rather fitting family name?”

“The obsidian lightning that faithfully serves the royal bloodline, the eternal devotee of Van Yela’s lineage. All tamed by His Majesty in such a unique way.”

Elise fell into silence, absorbing the weight of those words. Had they been more than just allies in the past? She discreetly studied Genovia’s face, detecting traces of resentment and animosity beneath the icy facade as Genovia lowered her gaze.

“He allowed people to misunderstand him in such a manner. How could a dragon, even a young one, dare to assume such a position over others? Whether or not the others misinterpret his intentions…”

Misunderstanding. Those two syllables etched themselves deeply into Elise’s heart. Oh, indeed, she found herself ensnared by that very concept—misunderstanding.

Even as autumn descended upon them, Elise clung to the delusion that Rezette would stand by her side. It was a grave and potentially fatal misconception.

Elise couldn’t help but contemplate how Rezette treated the noblewomen in his homeland. As she envisioned it, a bitter taste filled her mouth.

Genovia’s eyes gleamed with significance, as if she possessed the knowledge of all secrets.

“But you see, what truly sets Rezette Kyrstan apart? He’s utterly indifferent. He couldn’t care less about how he’s perceived by others. Whether he inspires fear, reverence, or resentment in people’s eyes, it means nothing to him. Oh, he truly cares for nothing except his master. It’s almost as though he’s entirely apathetic toward anything that isn’t his master, to the extent that it sends shivers down my spine.”

Elise fell into silence.

“Consider this, Elise. In just fifteen years, Van Yela expanded its territory by a mere third. So why isn’t he celebrated as a war hero? Could it be because he doesn’t conform to the world’s expectations?”

Genovia’s voice grew more animated, and beneath her smile, devoid of mirth, a trace of madness lurked.

“But who truly has the power of choice? Who is it that always pleads and clings to him?”

Elise remained silent.

“He chooses. Rezette Kyrstan selects those whom he will serve. And he selects the rarest and most brilliant of all, like a crow drawn to shimmering treasures. Ah, yes, wasn’t his childhood nickname Galeus’s Crow? How fitting.”

Elise remained in the dark about who Galeus was. Genovia let out a weary sigh, addressing Elise, whose expression remained impassive.

“Do you still not comprehend?” Genovia pointed at Elise with her index finger. “Whether it’s the Emperor or you, you’re merely one of his countless trophies. When the shine fades, he’ll move forward without any lingering regrets.”

Genovia continued, “And as for me, I’m not even worthy of being considered one of those trophies. Or perhaps I should say I’m fortunate not to have been chosen? What good is it to receive such a dubious distinction?”

Possibly influenced by alcohol, her words became increasingly elaborate. She chuckled to herself, gently touching her forehead.

“When he showers his care and affection upon that precious collection of his, do you have any idea how swiftly that attitude will change when it loses its luster?” she asked.

“It’ll change in the blink of an eye. He’ll treat it like any other unremarkable thing. Lately, his feelings towards our dear Emperor have been far from pure. Maybe he’ll be discarded soon, just as I was, you think? Like me…”

It was only at that moment that Elise comprehended. Genovia Irrien may not have been his lover, but one thing was evident: she had been abandoned by him, to the extent that her bitterness and resentment had ignited to such an extent.

Genovia clenched her teeth as she continued, “He’s the one who reigns supreme above everyone’s heads, just like that.”

“Even if he willingly kneels down, gazing upon his master with unwavering loyalty, it’s he who’s truly placed the leash on everyone. And the one who’s most aware of this fact is none other than himself. I’m certain you once had that leash around your neck as well, didn’t you?”

A leash… The notion didn’t strike Elise as entirely wrong, and it left her with an unsettling feeling. Despite Rezette’s courtesy towards her, the reality was that he held the upper hand in their relationship. Images of herself, one after another, begging, clinging, and pleading with him flashed through her mind.

“I don’t have any particular desire to place my neck back into that noose. But the power that stems from his strength is undeniably alluring. It’s tempting enough to… to possess Rotiara, to be the master of Rotiara… Do you grasp the immense value held within the blessed lands of the North? I doubt the Southern Princess comprehends it.”

“Yes, that’s all it is now, isn’t it…” Genovia drew in a deep breath. “It’s infuriating how he treats me as casually as a stone rolling in the street, but I’m genuinely fond of the titles that adorn his name. The master of Rotiara. If I can’t have the man, I’ll at least claim that title. What else can I do?”

“But you, Elise…” Genovia leaned closer, her fingertips gently lifting Elise’s chin. “Will Rotiara leave a lasting impression on the Argan Princess, having spent her entire life in those lush lands? No, her sole concern is her own survival. It hardly matters who comes to her rescue, does it?”

Silence enveloped them.

“So, do me a favor, and bear a child for me. Two would be wonderful, and three even better. Yet, gazing upon your fragile frame, one may suffice.”

Another pause.

“Give birth and entrust the child to me. I’ll ensure your return to Argan.”

“Are you truly expecting me to believe that?” Elise batted away Genovia’s hand. Genovia arched an eyebrow, displaying no hint of embarrassment.

“Don’t worry. I’ll care for the child.”

“That’s not what I…” Elise tried to speak, but Genovia left no room for her words.

“In any case, His Majesty likely shares the same sentiment. Minus the fact that your womb is currently empty, everything I’ve said echoes the emperor’s thoughts,” she said.

“Do not act foolish, Elizabeth. Come autumn, it won’t be me but His Majesty’s guards who shall arrive in Rotiara to inspect you. Should you remain as delicate as you are now, they will not hesitate to cut into your belly.”

Genovia ruthlessly exploited Elise’s vulnerability once more. Elise’s complexion drained of color in an instant.

“And even if you survive that peril, come winter, you’ll be sent to Ugel. Or perhaps meet your demise as punishment for affronting His Majesty. Then it won’t be a disciplinary measure but a death sentence.”

Genovia’s icy fingertips traced Elise’s throat, sending a shiver down her spine as though her throat had been slit.

Once again, as she had that fateful day when the woman casually grazed her belly, Elise found herself gasping for breath. Genovia’s unrelenting taunts tapped into a primal, deep-seated fear that lurked within Elise’s psyche.

When Elise instinctively swatted away Genovia’s hand, as though warding off an intrusion from her chest to her abdomen, Genovia erupted in laughter.

“Do you truly believe Rezette Kyrstan will come to your rescue? When the time comes, unless it’s for treason, there will be no way he can save you, no matter what. Do you think he’d forsake his master to save you? Oh, Elise, Elise, that’s a profound misunderstanding.”

Elise gritted her teeth as Genovia continued tormenting her.

“Are you attempting to escape on your own without his aid? What if you’re apprehended? You’ll truly meet your end then, won’t you?”

“So, you want to use me for that?”

“I’d be more effective than him. Elise, don’t you wish to go home?”

Home…

Elise’s eyes brimmed with tears. The ivory-hued palace, bearing the elegant imprints of time, and the starlit chamber, perpetually adorned with blossoms, vividly flashed in her mind’s eye.

But when she left, that place had been reduced to a grim tableau of blood and lifeless bodies. There was no haven to which she could return. Elise was now bereft of a home.

With a voice quivering, she declared, “I can’t trust you.”

“Is that so?” Genovia gently caressed Elise’s cheek, causing her body to tremble like a reed in the wind. The stark contrast between her frigid demeanor, distant gaze, and cheerful tone was chilling. Elise was now genuinely terrified of her.

“You truly don’t believe me? I’ve been treating you so well.”

“What do you mean by ‘treating’? Just let me go!”

“But you want the child, don’t you? Even if you give birth, you won’t run away with it, will you?”

“Why do you even care…”

“So, if you hand it over to me, what’s the problem? It aligns perfectly with your original plan, doesn’t it?”

“You expect me to believe you after treating me like this…”

“Oh dear,” Genovia sadly raised her eyebrows and whispered gently, as if consoling a weeping child, “Did I make a poor first impression? I apologize. However one looks at it, it hurt when he married a woman prettier than me, so I may have acted out of frustration. How about we reconcile with a hug?”

“No, I don’t want that! Don’t touch me!”

“Why are you crying? Don’t cry. You might faint again.”

This woman was undoubtedly insane. One day, she’d threaten; the next, she’d cling to Elise’s side, draining her emotionally; and then, she’d put on a disgustingly friendly act.

For the first time, Elise realized that this woman, openly displaying madness, was more terrifying than the Van Yela knights who insulted her or the Ugel savages who threatened her. Genovia, the one who eroded her sanity, was truly the most frightening of them all.