《The Duke’s Imposter Sister》


 Chapter 1 - Futile Escape

    The great Byrenhag, at the forest near Orphadame brothel.


    Gris Benedict was running away with all her might. She had to flee for life if she didnt want to be killed, or to live in the brothel all her life, or even worse, to be sold as a ve to be a strangers toy. It was a fortunate night that the full moon aided her, giving a clear view of the forest.


    But it must be known that Gris was Grandias princessand unknowledgeable of the geography of Byrenhags forest.


    Moreover, it was the first time in eleven years that she had step foot out of the brothel, so she was blind on where to run. The only thing she had heard was that a cliff was situated near it.Which side is it?she thought frantically. If she is looking to escape another demise, she must find a path connecting to another vige!


    Trees towered ominously over her, stretching across all directions in same likeness. Gris pleaded to the fates in her mind,please, please. She was in a hurry, but her sense of direction wasckluster; it was hard to find the right way.


    She breathed heavily, Ha, ha, please.


    The pursuers on her tail rushed to seize the fleeing Gris. An eager voice devoted to catching her could be heard within a horrifyingly close distance.


    There it is! Left! Grab it!


    The torches held by the men came towards her like a vengeful ghost.Where should I go?Gris almost tripped over own feet in confusion. In that moment, a dark face appeared beside the torch.


    Cowardly b*tch!


    It was Billton, the owner of the brothel, his evil voice resounding in the forest.


    Did you pay me back for the kindness I showed you, for the food you ate and the bed you slept in?!


    A p flew towards her face without a moments hesitation. Gris fell sideways from the harsh force, her back bumping into hard wood.


    Ahh!


    She heard ringing her ear. Dull ache was present in her abused cheek and the back of her head that had collided with the tree.


    This would be the beginning of the assault. Her legs shook in the terrible premonition that she would be beaten more mercilessly than usual.


    Perhaps even until herst breath, a passing stranger would still be wary of extending a hand. Such was the fate of most women trapped in a brothel; they live only to be consumed till their death.


    At the mere thought of it, Gris felt beyond miserable that her eyes began to burn. There was no mercy in Billtons eyes, rather, only the irateness that had reached its peak.


    Follow me, you f*cking bitch!


    He dragged her wickedly with his rough hand by the scruff of her neck. When they had arrived in front of the brothel, Gris was already profusely bleeding, and she sobbed near the branches of the bushes.


    With fearful eyes, Gris looked towards the four-story building that loomed over her like an iron fortress. Her escape must have already caused amotion inside. Her eyes went dark at the thought of being dragged back to a prison.


    Locked in her grievances, a nobleman had also got off a carriage that had just recently arrived. He donned a robe free of dust, a masquerade mask resting on the bridge of his nose and hiding traces of his identity.


    When Billton looked over and saw the tall man, he was given a startle. The man was eyeing the crying Gris, who was sitting on the ground looking filthy and bloody. If the guest were to mistake the women in the brothel to be like her, then it would be devastating on his part.


    Billton mmed Gris calves with his heels, as if to kick her out of the way. Despite the pain, in her heart, Gris also didnt want to be seen by a man.


    She sprang to her feet and rushed into the fortress. Upon reaching the corridor where a torch hanged on either side of the wall, she saw the guard standing in front of it.


    As she neared, the melodies of the lute yed by vagabond musicians grew louder. When she was able to hear the voice of women mixed with it, Gris hid inside the warehouse in revolt.


    It was shortly a time after people had died of a gue. It was not yet clear to her whether she survived merely due to luck or because she was cursed.


    Ten minutester, dreadful news came. The nobleman Gris encountered in the front yard just a while ago bought a night to be with her.


    Billton didnt waste his time and threw her a new dress. To give her such luxury meant that the man probably had given him a good sum of money. After that, the women around her quickly ushered her to a bath and donned the dress on her frame.


    Gris, who realized that her tant defiance only led to Billtons appalling anger, was staring nkly into space. Three women were dressing up Gris, but the room was quiet as if no soul were present. Finally, Marie, who seemed most upset of the trio, sighed.


    Thats why you should have just eaten well. How can you run away on thin hope?


    Gris had initially gone out to draw water. When she saw that the security felt ck today, she felt it was the moment to escape. So, she threw the bucket and ran.


    If I had just quietly drained water, I wouldnt have been hit like thisshe was filled with regret, but the moment has passed. Gris closed her eyes and med herself instead.


    Im sorry she started. Because of my actions, security might be tighter in the future.


    Another tired sigh came from ren, who had been sparing her a lecture with her words.


    Its going to be more difficult to get out in the future. Therefore, youll have to hang on to the mercy of good man these days. Perhaps if you tell him a sad story, he would be willing to take you out of this ce. You can tell him its your first time and just hang on Gris, all right?

 Chapter 2 - Her First Custom

    Adrian, who listened quietly, narrowed the gap between her forefinger and Gris forehead to apply the ointment on her wound.


    Did you think a life of a normal human being awaits you outside once you left this ce?


    The room had begun to be a little noisy again, but at thisment, a hushed silence fell over them. Gris bowed her head weakly.


    The women here were fallen nobles, or widows who had been sold in debt. There were even some serfs that found this ce a refuge aftermitting a felony. Indeed, it would be a miracle if they were treated even with the least amount of respect by society if they left.


    Adrian, who hadmitted a murder, knew this fact well. It was perhaps the reason why she was always burning with a desire to extinguish the lives of all the men here, rather than to escape with their help.


    If only I had the white flowers in my front yard, I could have seeded in my n.


    Marie asked a question upon hearing her. White flower?


    Adrian applied ointment to the wound on Gris calf and nodded.


    Yes. The white flowers with roots that look like cotton. Their roots can be poison if you boil them in rum for a long time. Its a deadly toxin that can melt your gut and make you vomit blood until you die.


    There was a cold smile on Adrians lips.


    Thats how I killed my husband, who kicked me on a normal basis. And thats why I came all the way here.


    It was a hush secret on how to make poison. It was my mother, who was an alchemist, that told me. One day Im going to kill all the guys in here with that poison and run away.


    Gris felt hopeful with such a preposition, but her hope diminished midway. Even if luck were ever to grace upon them and they could escape, luck is cruel and will be a choice of another. It had been no ones choice out of misfortune that they would dare toe here. Gris, who had been helpless from the very beginning, exhaled a weary breath, her gray eyshes wet with tears.


    Adrian applied camellia oil to her thighs and suddenly looked at Gris face. Soon, her bitter voice reached her ears.


    Youre too beautiful to be decorated like this. You poor thing.


    Gris knew what the poor meant in Adrians words. All the beautiful woman here were like a popr toy in a marketce. They suffered from men queuing in unending lines whoe to relieve their desires. If fate smiled on them, theyll die within a year or theyll die in the brothel until old age haunts them.


    Gris couldnt bear to meet death in a brutal way. She wanted to meet someone. She wanted to know of such a person who would give her hope, to realize the reason why she should live in the world.


    Before she knew it, her hair, which was messy as a birds nest, was pampered till it recovered its fine texture. Gris felt awkward at the new sensation of her weightless hair, she had gotten used to the oil that weighed her locks. The dust around her body, which had wrapped around her like a shield, had also disappeared. Such things bearing her vulnerability made her finicky.


    But she could not dwell on her musings any longer as the wooden doors opened wide, forcing all the women to close their mouths in a hurry. Billton came inside. He wiped his nape with a handkerchief and pointed out the door with his index finger.


    Everybody out. Mary stays.


    Billton referred to Gris as Mary. The day she was sold to the brothel was the feast day of Mary.


    The women, although discontented, left the ce quietly. Billton scrutinized Gris who was sitting in a chair like a doll and grabbed her fair neck with a ruffian hand.


    Listen. I dont know who the guy you are going to spend the night with, but he paid a lot of money. If you make it unpleasant, Ill have your tongue cut off.


    Gris closed her eyes tightly. His hot, damp palms pressed against her made her breath in extreme pain and fear.


    Ah! On Billtons bloodthirsty face, light dawned. His gruff voice tickled unpleasantly in her ears.


    In fact, Im thinking of softening my cr*tch before I cut your tongue. Do you know what I mean? If you make the man who ising into the room soon disappointed, youll end up in aterriblemess.


    Gris struggled desperately. Let me go, let me go!


    Billton, who finally had his fill, smacked his lips in derision. He loosened his strangling hand, as if to give her mercy.


    You should be thanking me. No matter how much the man rubs it in you, you wont get pregnant no matter what.


    Gris was shocked upon being reminded that she had been drinking contraceptive tea for nearly a year. Billton managed a sexual very without the risk of pregnancy because he wanted to sell the women at a high price.


    For half a year, her menstruation had stopped. She would be unable to conceive.You should be thanking me, he said. A shaky breath came out of her mouth.


    Gris tried to shoot Billton a re, but he merely patted her on the cheek and left the room. She touched her stiff neck and took a deep breath when the wooden door creaked open again.


    It was a man in his early twenties who came into her confused view. He was lean, tall, and had a small face which was hidden underneath a mask. But the sight of his naked hand free of blemishes clearly showed that he was a nobleman.


    He must have been the man she ran into when she was crying at the front yard of the brothel. If so, is he a man with a bizarre taste for women who look like beggars?


    Or perhaps, even worse, he reacted to a womans cry. Unless he is an aristocrat who secretly enjoys violent fornication, then there was no reason for him to visit.


    When she thought so, her hands and feet cooled with dread.What could be his purpose?Gris opened her lips, panic swirling in her stomach.


    Its nice to see you sir


    T/N: New novel! This is going to have quite a mature theme.

 Chapter 3 - Lost Princess (1)

    The man took his mask off and looked around the dpidated room. Inside were a bed and a table big enough for two people. The window was covered with a wooden te, so the only source of light was a tiny candle lit on the table.


    As if not wanting to stay in such a doghole, the man only half on the chair. Gris flinched and glimpsed at him.


    He was a man with brown hair, eyebrows straight and eyes nted downwards. His friendly countenance seemed harmless enough, but Gris knew better. His eyes told a different story. He didnt look much like an aristocrat who had lived a gentle and fulfilling life. Gris thought he looked more of a hungry wolf, and kept her guard when he let out a warm smile.


    Now, you finally start to look like a human being.


    His sweet voice filled the room. Gris stood as stiff as a wooden doll, her nerves on edge as she had never dealt with a grown man before.


    The man stared at Gris oddly, as if seeing an animal for the first time. Minutes passed, and he finally opened his mouth.Is your hair gray? What about your eyes?


    Gris had heard stories from Adrian and Marie, about men ruthlessly charging into them and ending up with bruises on their bodies. Or about times when they were told toy still like a corpse.


    But she had never heard stories about men asking about the color of their eyes and hair. Her fear started to grow when he asked another bizarre query.


    When did you end up here?


    Gris seized to answer but saw the mans unpleasantness on his face when he realized she was ignoring him. She grasped the idea that the man did not have much patience.If you were born an aristocrat, no one will keep you waiting for an answer,Gris thought. She straightened her mind and finally answered.


    When I was nine.


    The man finally loosened his face when he heard her voice.


    So, you know how to speak. What a relief.


    Gris was confused. No aristocrat woulde here just to make conversation with ady, no matter how pretty they were.


    She assumed that he was here for something else. But the man continued to talk with his deep, mellow voice.


    And where did you live before you came here?


    No one has asked her this before. They were only curious if she was ill or was on her period. In that way, this man was highly unusual. Griss eyes shook as she opened her mouth to answer.


    I, I


    Although Gris was locked in the whorehouse at the tender age of nine doing chores for a living, she once lived as the princess of Grandia. As the second oldest princess, Gris was adored by her parents and even by the public. She would spend her days in her detached pce with her grandmother.


    But due to false usations, her parents were driven as heathens and were executed. Her older sister and younger brother were prisoned in a tower and starved to death, while her grandparents, rtives, and cousins were also murdered in various kind of inhumane ways.


    Young Gris was also confined in a tower but was sentenced to beheadal and returned to the Grandia pce.


    For several days she was locked up in prison and was carried away somewhere in a coach. The destination then and is still a mystery, for the coach was attacked by a group of mobs and burned down to ashes.


    Gris managed to escape the scene. But she was soon caught by a mob, by their leader who was missing an eye. He promised to keep her alive if she didnt cry, and he kept his promise by selling her to a whorehouse. From this, Gris learned that promises needed specifics, or the cost out be unbearable.


    Fortunately, the former owner of the whorehouse was looking for a hand to keep the ce neat and tidy. Young Gris was given a meal every other day, spending her days as a maid, cleaning and washing the house.


    She also nursed the former owner whenever he was sick, which kept her busy enough to not deal with customers. But a yearter, when the owner changed to Billton, Gris longed for those petty days as a cleaner.


    I.


    Gris closed her lips as she reminisced the past eleven years of life. She couldnt reveal she was once the princess of Grandia.


    Now, Grandia was ruled by the Talilluchis who had led the revolution. If they heard the princess of Grandia was alive, they would inspect the whole nation to find her only so they could kill her brutally. Gris was afraid that she would lose her head, which she had narrowly kept attached to her body all these years.

 Chapter 4 - Lost Princess (2)

    I dont remember where I was before I came here. I lost my memory when I hurt my head, Gris said as she pushed her hair away from her face to reveal a scar on her forehead. The man quietly looked at her disfigured skin and opened his mouth.


    You dont remember any of your family members?


    Gris nodded ruefully. The truth was after the murder of her parents, her grandmother had copsed from shock and shortly died. Her sister and younger brother had gruesome ends themselves, having been locked in separate towers to starve to their deaths brutally.


    Yes. I believe they have all died If one of them were alive, they would havee to find me. The words that slipped through her lips were both truths and lies.


    Gris was expecting monotonous condolence from the stranger, yet the moment she had finished her statement, he merely shed a smile of relief. It was when she grasped that the man before her was a wicked snake hiding his true intentions and not a weak, hungry wolf.


    They charged me more than the normal due to the circumstance that you are still a virgin. Is that a folly?


    Billton was a trickster; he would do anything to rip off his customers at the expense of others, so this didnte as a surprise to Gris. But she was livid that her virginity, which she had fervently protected by scrubbing the floors with her blistered hands, was given away so quickly with a word from Billtons sleazy mouth.


    Gris let out a long sigh. But the man interpreted her silence as a no. Heughed, sarcastic and cold, as he leaned on the table to rest his chin on his hand.


    Well, I was naive to believe that a person in this ce would be a virgin. How many men have you slept with?


    Gris remained silent. The situation was proceeding at an unprecedented pace, and she didnt know if lying or telling the truth would be the best course of action.


    The man, seeing her closed lips, waved his hand dismissively. It doesnt matter. You wont have to live like this anymore.


    I wont have to live like this anymore?Gris couldntprehend his words. Her eyes cut through the chilly air to bore into the stranger before her. The man level headedly held her gaze for a couple of moments and finally got to the point.


    I once had a niece. A child named Yuliana, but she went missing in the forests of Byrenhag, he started.


    .


    I have been looking for her ever since, but to no avail. I was almost certain that she was dead, when


    The mans words trailed off, his gaze flitting towards Gris gray locks.


    When I saw you. The first moment Iid my eyes upon you, I could see Yuliana cry out my name, running towards me. She was only three years younger than me, and we were inseparable as children.


    Is this the reason then why he inquired about my hair and eye color,she thought, curious and a hint of respite finally settling on her bones.


    Gris was relieved that this stranger came for a bizarre reason. If he was looking for his niece, she suspected he wouldnt sleep with a woman that looked like her. The scenario had turned out to be fortunate for her, as it meant that she could keep her virginity for a while longer


    After the quickfort, what followed next was immense grief. Oh, how wonderful it would be if Gris were truly that Yuliana. Perhaps it would be her ticket out of the whorehouse and end to this pitiful life.


    Oundish thoughtse with desperation. Gris instantly had the twisted idea to pretend as Yuliana if it means an escape out of this hell hole.


    But she shouldnt.Shecouldnt.This Yuliana might be out there, scared and alone, waiting with bated hopes for her uncle to find her


    The thoughts flew out her mind in session, yet her heart finally steadied with her resolution. Gris pulled on her skirt uneasily and finally looked up the man. Although she was frantic to get out of here, she was determined to stick to her morals. She wouldnt lie to this man who had lost a family.


    I apologize, sir. I hate to be the bringer of bad news, but I am not the Yuliana you are searching for.


    Gris naturally couldnt see her face without a mirror, but she knew, without a doubt, a sense of mild frustration was evident on features. As much as she felt she did the right thing, she couldnt turn a blind eye to how she let theonlyopportunity to escape in eleven years, slip through her hands.


    Why? he simply asked in return.


    Gris thought the query stemmed from her resoluteness on denying she was Yuliana, when after all, she had lost her memory. Although she wanted to divulge that she could remember every detail of her childhood as if it were yesterday, she closed her eyes instead and swallowed the words that threatened to escape from her lips.


    There was no guarantee he would help her if he found out her secret.


    I dont recognize you at all, sir.


    The man smirked as if he found her amusing.


    Stephan Van Byrenhag. You dont recognize my name?


    Gris almost stopped breathing. She searched the words in her mind for familiarity:Byrenhag, Byrenhag.


    Indeed, Gris had heard mentions of the Byrenhags numerous times while working here. A prestigious family, the Byrenhags owned a vast amount ofnd in the neighborhood.People worshiped the Byrenhags, the royal family of Nordvaltz.


    Gris was beyond amazeda man of excellent lineage, of which she had only heard in drunken stories and boisterous chatter, was now standing before her eyes.


    Sir, Gris mustered her voice to be firmer. I have heard of your great family, a legend that descended from generation to generation. However, I still go by my earlier statementyour name is unfamiliar to me. I dont think I have ever heard of it before.


    If Gris rubbed him in the wrong way, she could very well live a more miserable life than the current one. And the moment a frown graced his face, she grew so anxious and tensed, feeling as if her body could faint any minute.


    No, Im quite assured that you are Yuliana.


    For some reason, the man was relentless about believing that thedy standing before him was his lost niece. But whichever family he came from, prominent ormon, Gris could only still give him one answer.


    Im sorry, sir. I do not remember you. I am not Yuliana.


    The man let out a cheeky grin. Gris didnt expect people who were looking for lost family members to feel forlorn all the time, but she found it quite startling, and disturbing, that a smile was spreading on his face.


    It honestly surprises me that you can still be upright in a ce like this.


    Is he praising her now for being frank? Or was it a sarcastic jest for being a fool to let the silver tter tter to the ground?


    Gris fists balled at her sides, her fingers clutching tightly to her coarse skirt.


    I am only saying such because I am not her.


    Despite her constant denial, there was still a humorous glint in his eyes. The man carefully inspected her from all sides, her side profile and frame from top to bottom. Only when he was satisfied with his observation did he finally rise from his seat.


    What is he thinking? Is he genuinely lookingfor his niece?Her thoughts were in disarray, panic creeping up her chest when he finally uttered something.


    Well, I still want to confirm it properly. Outside of this ce.


    Im taking you to grandmother. If she doesnt recognize you as Yuliana, then you can return here.


    The man left with the following words. In her stupor, Gris could only hear the creak of the door and his footsteps growing distant toote. Or grasp the fact that she had narrowly escaped a brutal night of losing her virginity to an unknown man.


    Ten minutester, more stunning news weed her. Words that she had been dreaming off echoed in her ears she was going out of the brothel for a trip.

 Chapter 5 - The Byrenhag Grand Mansion (1)

    As a child, Gris had always hated riding in coaches.


    She didnt like the ustrophobic feeling of being caged inside a confined space nor the unbearable smell of mold that prated the upholstery whenever it rained. She also hated the unsteady rattle of the wheels on the uneven ground, and how that made her feel as if the box was physically beating her up.


    However, the truth was a different mattershe inwardly knew the terror stemmed from her memory of the mob ambush on herst ride in the coach as a child.


    To this day, she is still gued by dreams of that horrid night eleven years ago. The ming arrows that descended and prated the wooden frame of her small space. The ominous ck figures that approached as she nced through the window in fear. During that time, she was desperately trying to stamp out the little fires on the floor, while hanging onto the door to keep it closed.


    At the mere thought of that night, Gris legs started trembling as she took a tentative step into the coach with Stephan, about whom she knew nothing other than his name.


    Her fears gradually eased as the hours passed. Sleep assailed her senses soon after, her lidded eyes vaguely rememberingndscape from long ago the uneven fields of trees, the lush greenery. It had been a beautiful night with a full bright moon, very much akin to this one.


    Regret filled her heart. Gris realized that she had taken so much for granted during her days as a princess.


    Perhaps today is a lucky day, finally not riddled with misfortunes. Even if it seemsical, in a cruel sense, she could not help but make a note of the good and terrible days when she was locked inside the brothel.


    Gris knew that she would have to return to her prison the moment they discover her identity is faux. So she made every effort to remember the details of the beautiful scenery before her, burning the seconds of her elusive freedom into her eyes.


    Stephan was equally mesmerized with the scenery.


    Do you think its beautiful?


    He was surprised at how much she seemed to appreciate the ghostly nightndscape. Feeling embarrassed, Gris nodded, now fully awake from the sleep that almost imed her.


    The furthest I have been out of the brothel all these years was to fetch water from the well in the front yard.


    Stephan stroked his brown hair and pushed it away from his pallid face. Then he looked at her directly and asked,


    How do you feel about going home?


    Such direct, softly spoken words somehow seemed gentleing from his parted lips. It did not help either that his features were every bit as of an angel. But Gris couldnt brush off the sh of darkness from his soul he had shown earlier.


    I I dont know.


    As she kept repeating her words cautiously, Stephans brown pupils reflected the moonlight as he steadily gazed at Gris.


    If Grandmother recognizes you, then youll be able to stay at home.


    Home. She hadnt heard that word for a very long time. She hadnthada home ever since the rebel forces massacred her family and demolished everything she had considered her haven.


    Gris Benedict knew there was no home for her anywhere in this unfriendly and hard world. And knowing this, she tried hard to keep her emotions in check, her expectations down the drain.


    She only wished for one thing.


    Sir I, I have only one request.


    As much as she hated every moment in the brothel and had made numerous attempts to escape, she only did so because she had heard a very hopeful message three years ago.


    A traveling minstrel in his early forties told her that he had performed in the Grandia ballroom many years ago. And he luckily recognized the small girl in front of him as the second lost princess of Grandia. While he was singing his songs, he couldnt stop staring at Gris and finally approached her to gauge if his guess had been right.


    Gris, afraid the rebels would relentlessly continue to hunt her down, strongly denied it, but the musician was convinced that he had remembered correctly. Taking pity on her, he decided to share a rumor that had gone around in Byrenhag


    Rumor has it that a man named Johannes was looking for Gris Benedict for thest three years. Unable to find her himself, he had purchased a portrait of her at great personal expense. The musician added that the antique art store that sold the portrait was next to the church of Byrenhag and urged her that she should visit and try to learn more about her heritage.


    Gris did not remember anyone named Johannes buttched onto the hope that it was a rtive or one of her fathers followers who had used a pseudonym to hide their identity.


    She wanted to find this man and tell him she was alive. Perhaps she could inquire about the current state of Grandia.


    Can we please stop by the church of Byrenhag on our way back?


    She knew it wasnt a huge favor but she didnt want to give Stephan the benefit of the doubt, lest it raises his suspicions. Thetter contemted for a bit and scratched his left eyelid with his index finger.


    Why do you want to visit the church?


    His eyes like a hawk bore into Gris, prompting her to turn her head away and look back at the scenery.A mistake.


    Ive heard its quite breathtaking.


    Stephan smirked at her remark.


    Then you dont need to visitonlythe church, do you? he said.


    I can assure you. You dont need to see the church to witness beauty.


    Silence settled on the carriage. As they traveled a bit further, Gris continued to gaze at the golden beams of moonlight brightening the fields, sleep forgotten in her gnawing anxiousness. Suddenly, the coach stopped.


    She looked out the window and saw arge metal gate, with a guard standing on either side, menacing and intimidating. As the horseman spoke quietly to the guards, they nced inside the coach, spotting Stephan. His appearance was enough to warrant them quick entry to the gate.


    Slowly the heavy gate opened, like ws of a bigger prison, and the coach steadily rolled into the mansion grounds.


    From her periphery, Gris could see in the distance to the western side of the gates was a stable, and a couple of horses munching on grass in the open field. A group of armed men was chatting amongst themselves as they patrolled the stone path that surrounded the mansion.


    The air inside the gates seemed gentler. Could it be from the scent of fresh flowers and newly cut grass? Nevertheless, the enormous mansion that could be mistaken for a castle seemed simple yet elegant upon first nce.


    Gris now realized what Stephan meant when he said she didnt have to go to the church to see something magnificent.


    The night sky was powdered with glittering stars, theke reflecting the golden silhouette of the moonlight and the array of flower beds around the mansion, of which she could see has been meticulously managed, exuded harmony and tranquility.


    This ce is


    As the coach approached the front door of the mansion, Gris finally recovered her sense of speech. Stephan turned, waiting for her reaction.


    Wee to the grand mansion of the Byrenhags.

 Chapter 6 - The Byrenhag Grand Mansion (2)

    The coach stopped and the front doors were flung open. The grand butler and the servant bowed their heads to greet their Master.


    You have returned, Marquis Talsbarg.


    Stephan stepped out of the coach and took off his ck robe. He then offered his hand to Gris, to help her down the steps, as if she was a princess.


    Mind your steps.


    Startled, Gris took his hand and walked down slowly and deliberately. She was nervous and focusing on his cold and mmy hands when Stephan suddenly ordered the servants to move away.


    You may go inside now.


    Gris followed Stephan into the mansion. Stephan walked briskly in front of her, through the lobby, stopping only when they where in front of a room at the far end of the corridor.


    This was Yulianas room. Im going to speak with Grandmother first, so please go inside and have a rest.


    He opened the door for her and walked back to the lobby. Gris watched him walk away and quietly stepped inside. On the bed were two rag dolls, and on the table next to the window was an embroidery hoop. There was a crystal vase with a nameless white flower on the windowsill.


    It must have been the room of a young girl.


    It isnt fussy but cozy,she thought despite the high ceilings.


    A grand, clean and beautiful ce. It held the same semnce of a forgotten home Gris had been dreaming of all along.


    But she was nervous that Stephan had gone immediately to speak with his grandmother. Recalling her days as the princess of Grandia, if she remembered correctly, the grandmother would have been the eldest of the Byrenhags, Pa Byrenhag.


    Although appearing to be an old and weak widow who had lost her husband in the war, she was in fact a strong and wise woman who almost singlehandedly turned her family name into the most powerful one in the area through military acumen and sound business sense.


    Could Gris manage to trick this woman and act as her granddaughter?That would be a feat!


    Gris walked over towards the window. The gentle chirp of a few crickets in the garden mixed with the baying of a hound bing louder as she neared.


    It was a sound that she could never appreciate back at the brothel.Perhaps this is a tiny gift fromGod.She had gone through so much during the past eleven years


    Right then, the door opened and Stephan entered the room, breaking her from her musings. He looked tired after hours spent on the coach.


    Grandmother just went to bed.


    Spend the night here.


    It was close to midnight, so the offer seemed reasonable. But Gris hesitated to sit or even lie on the bed, so she looked out the window once more.


    A mystic full moon hung bright in the night sky. Beneath it was a garden full of spring blossoms, swaying gently in the breeze. The wooden tform in front of the garden looked like a temporary structure that didnt seem to belong there.


    On either side of the tform stood armed soldiers waiting for something. A bishop holding a bible stood on the tform.


    Stephan kindly exined what Gris was seeing. They are preparing for a ceremony before the war. The knights are heading off to battle tonight.


    At that moment, a young man in a white robe walked into the garden. His pale face contrasted with his ck hair. His long limbs gliding across the grass.


    Thanks to her time in the brothel, Gris could predict a mans personality just by looking at his face. But Gris had never seen anyone like this person, with features so delicate he looked as if he had been crafted by the gods. Unable to analyze the man, Gris continued to listen to Stephans exnation.


    Ah, Vianut is here. Hes the man who will be your brother, Stephan said.


    That is, if youre fortunate enough.


    Gris said nothing and her eyes continued to follow the man in the garden. Despite her silence, Stephan continued speaking.


    Hes every womans dreams. The future head of the Byrenhag family.


    Inwardly, Gris caught her breath.The head of the Byrenhag family. Sir Vianut Byrenhagshe mumbled to herself.


    She remembered she had heard of his name as a princess of Grandia. As she searched her memory, the armed soldiers by the tform kneeled and bowed their heads to show obeisance and respect to Vianut.


    The head of the Byrenhag family walked past the men on the floor and nobly stepped on to the tform. The Bishop took Vianuts robe.


    As he took the robe off, his bare body glistened in the moonlight. This was a body that was trained to withstand the heavyweight of the suit of armor. As he stood there bare-chested, Gris forced herself to look away.


    For some reason, her heart started pounding, her lips drying.


    So, do you remember anything?


    Stephans face was reflected in the window. Gris didnt have to turn around to know that he expected her to admit she was Yuliana at any moment.

 Chapter 7 - The Almost Fiance Of A Deposed Princess (1)

    Gris turned her head slightly. She couldnt understand why he so strongly believed she was somebody she wasnt. Or maybe he had an ulterior motive for wanting her to be Yuliana


    Her attention was called elsewhere, towards Vianut kneeling in front of the Bishop. Her gaze followed his movements as he turned his palms face up, the Bishop washing them with holy water.As Vianut gazed towards the distance, she could see his handsome profile entuated by the moonlight.


    Almost hypnotized, Gris stared at his face and suddenly remembered something she had heard from the brothel. Someone had said that despite being a man of youth and handsomeness, Sir Byrenhag avoided women.


    There were two spections as to why he did this. One, he was a devoted disciple of God and swore to stay a virgin until marriage. The other was that he was unable to have s*x.


    Rowdy men at the brothel enjoyed gossiping and with their foulnguage made it clear why they expected Vianut Byrenhag to have been thetter. The rumor was that Sir Byrenhag diverted his sexual desires into killing people on the battlefield.


    Despite the lurid stories, Gris never took any interest in the gossip. She didnt believe that a man as powerful as Vianut would swear to stay a virgin because of strong religious beliefs. Unless he was impotent, he would have lusted after women, just like the men Gris sawing and going in the brothel.


    She suddenly realized that she was focusing on Vianut more than the scenery she imed to appreciate. It must have been his finely-sculpted face that distracted her. She turned toward Stephan, paying more attention to what he had to say.


    When I was young, there was a gue in Byrenhag. My mother was the sessor at that time. She raised me at home while Vianut was sent to the Archbishop for education.


    Stephan couldnt disguise the hostility in his voice.


    Oddly enough, despite being close to our mother and having earned her trust, I didnt be head of the Byrenhags. Instead, it was Vianut who, with the Archbishops approval, became head of this house a few years after father passed away. Not only did he have the Archbishops support, but he also had the Church of Byrenhag and the knights of Byrenhag behind him, exined Stephan.


    It wasnt difficult to figure out that Stephan wasnt fond of Vianut.


    Gris carefully studied Stephans face reflected on the window ss. She expected a frown as he contemted the turn of events, but for some reason, a malicious smile spread across his face.


    A monarch and now the respected chiefmander of the army. If youre smart and try to ally yourself with him, he could be a big help to you.


    She had the nagging feeling that Stephan was still insisting that she continue with the charade of being Yuliana, the daughter of this highly respected family. Was he being genuine? But why? After a further moment of thought, Gris hesitantly asked Stephan.


    Try what?


    The room was getting stuffy, and Gris felt increasingly ustrophobic as the windows steamed up.


    If you try tobeYuliana.


    Now it seemed as if the windows were covered in a haze. Gris stared straight into the opaque ss and nervously asked him another question.


    Why do you need a Yuliana?


    Stephan smiled instead of replying.


    The windows slowly cleared up to the point where the scenery outside could be seen again.


    Vianut suddenly raised his gaze and looked directly at Gris through the window. His piercing gaze caught her by surprise. Was he really looking at her or did it just seem that way? Didnt he gaze at her earlier, or was this all in her mind, or was it wishful thinking?


    She was transported back to her old life in Grandia, her family, her majestic home filled with so many giddy memories. Her heart was pounding as she thought about her other life from eleven years ago.


    She surmised it must be these memories of longing, making her heart pound against her chest erratically. She refused to believe it was caused by the man before her, no less than a stranger.


    But she was brought back to reality as Vianut turned his head toward the Bishop and stood up. The Bishop quickly draped the white robe around his shoulders and rewashed his hands with the holy water. Vianut only wore a thin sheet of cotton around his lower half, and so his muscr and robust body could be seen through the slightly transparent cloth.


    Feeling quite perverse at her spying, Gris quickly looked away in shame.


    She felt a tightening between her thighs, a strange feeling inside her gut. She had seen all kinds of s*xual acts between a man and a woman, so why should she be flustered? Was she taken aback that a man who devoted his body to God had an unnecessarily voluptuous body?


    What a wicked mind you have, Gris.She chastised herself.


    With so many thoughts running through her head, she wasnt aware that Stephan was still standing behind her. He let out a peal ofughter and inwardly ashamed of her wild thoughts, Gris looked down at the wooden floor.


    I I wish to stop by the church of Byrenhag.


    Gris had spent thest eight years hoping to meet this man called Johannes. It was never her n to pretend to be a girl named Yuliana and live in a mansion, gazing on the young head of the Byrenhags.


    Because I am not Yuliana.


    Stephan nodded his head and smiled. His smile could mean many things. A sneer towards a determined whore trying to be morally upright, and his desire to thwart that determination. But Gris had the intuition that he knew all along that she was not the person he was looking for.


    Then what was his purpose?Gris felt like a helpless fly trapped in a spider web, waiting for the inevitable end. But Stephan left the room first as if to avoid any further conversation.


    I will take you to the church. After we have verified whether or not you are Yuliana.


    Good night, he said as he closed the door behind him.


    Unsure of what to do, Gris stood still for a while. With hesitant steps, she finally climbed onto a proper bed for the first time in eleven years. But she couldnt fall asleep, she wasntfortable yet, tossing and turning in the strangers bed. Yulianas dolls upied more than half of the space, and they looked like eerie creatures gazing at her, especially the bunny missing one eye.


    After a couple of hours respite, she heard the rumble of the metal gates as they opened. Gris instinctively looked out the window again and saw soldiers on horses exiting the mansion gates in a single file.


    Stephan had said these soldiers were riding to battle. This meant that they were going to kill orbekilled.


    The holy crossdraped overtheir armorwas entirely hypocritical. She could only think.

 Chapter 8 - The Almost Fiance Of Deposed Princess (2)

    The more she dwelled on that thought, the more she felt overwhelmed that these young men were riding to their deaths. She then saw a man on a ck horse joining the group of soldiers. From his pitch-ck hair, she immediately knew it was Vianut.


    For some reason, Gris picked Vianut out quickly from the hectic crowd of soldiers.His wide shoulders are easily distinguishable from afar.Gris thought as she subconsciously rubbed the skin between her breasts.


    Rumor had it that Vianut regarded the act of making love as holy. Perhaps that was why the other men considered him odd or at least different. They, however, just chose girls in the brothel who would acquiesce to their demands.


    Of course, all these fluttering feelings might be because she had met Vianut when he was younger. The head of the Byrenhag family was once considered an appropriate candidate for marriage by her royal father.


    Although her father had been thrilled by the offer of marriage from the noble family, he was concerned that Grandia would fall into the Byrenhags hands if Griss younger brother, the heir to the throne, died before another heir would grace the royal family.


    After much thought, her father had finally concluded that the Byrenhags werend-hungry and only loyal to themselves. As a result, he rejected the offer. She remembered her young self being heartbroken, but she couldnt defy the king of the empire. The letter he had written was still visible in her mindthat of Gris Benedictwishesto marry a family man and that the lifestyle of the Byrenhags would not be suitable for his daughter.


    When Gris heard this, she had protested to her mother, feeling that the Byrenhags would be insulted upon reading the letter. They would understand that the marriage proposal had been rejected because her father looked down on the Byrenhag family and their reputation fornd acquisitions.


    Her motherforted her by saying that everything in the letter was right and she shouldnt be upset. As she had seen so many arranged marriages fail, she didnt want her daughter to go through the same sorrow. As nave as it was, she wanted her to genuinely fall in love and experience all its magic, highs, and lows. But Gris didnt understand any of this at the time and spent days feeling apologetic for the marriage that never took ce and for the Byrenhags son.


    In retrospect, her mother had been wrong. If she had married him then, none of theter cmities would have urred.


    Now, she didnt feel a tad bit remorseful for him anymore. He was now an influential leader with status and immense riches. She was one of the empires high-born princesses and now a low-ss ve. Vianut wouldnt even remember that he had proposed to her all those years ago, and she couldnt imagine his disdain when he knewwhatshe was now.


    Gris finally returned to bed once Vianut and the soldiers left through the metal gates. Sleep was still elusive, and she didnt fall asleep until early morning.


    ***


    The bright morning light woke up Gris the next day. For a moment, she couldnt remember where she was.In a daze, she sat up and saw the blue sky and magnificent garden outside her window and appreciated the moment.


    She was ustomed to waking up to a thin stream of sunlight filtering through half shuttered windows. But today, she was in a different room with a better window. Only then did all the events of the previous day flooded back.


    After some time, there was a knock on the door. Without waiting for her response, Stephan walked into the room. His cologne was strong and trailed after him as he moved around the room.


    From Griss experience of men in the brothel, men who wore strong cologne wanted to make an impression and were self-conscious of others. Such men invested time to dress up in order to hide their weakness and inferiorityplex, often hiding twisted perversions as well.


    If her theory was correct, could there be something Stephan was trying to hide then? As Gris asked herself this question, Stephan suddenly spoke,


    Did you sleep well?


    In light, Stephan appeared younger, his face looking better from a nights sleep. On his chest was a sapphire jeweled brooch, and hanging around his neck was an elegant gold pocket watch. Hisrge eyes, straight nose, and pursed mouth actually made him more handsome than she had initially thought.


    He appeared to be in his early twenties, simr in age to Vianut. He referred to Vianut as a nephew but Gris thought they had the same mother. Maybe she had misunderstood, but there was no mistaking the animosity that Stephan showed toward Vianut.


    Gris bowed a little towards him.


    You look more beautiful in the day, he said, after scanning her head to toe.


    She could see how he was appraising her, as many men did in the brothel. For a whore though, beauty was a curse. It made her life more precarious as beauty was desired by all the male guests in the whorehouse. She would deliberately rub mud on her face and hair to hide her looks.


    To her, hearing a manpliment her looks was the first step before they paid for a nights time. She shuddered at his praise, which Stephan didnt notice.


    You must have been a favorite of many at the brothel.


    Beautiful women are always valued. This means that things may turn in your favor today.


    Gris dropped her eyes so he wouldnt have a glimpse of the emotions on her face. She didnt want to be anyones favorite, nor did she desire to use her beauty to make things turn in her favor. She just wanted to go to the church. What could Stephan be even nning for her?


    I simply want to go to the church of Byrenhag


    But Stephan interrupted her,


    Grandmother is awake. She wants to meet you, he said abruptly.


    She realized she could be imprisoned before having a chance to visit the antique art store where Johannes had purchased her portrait. Attempting to trick Pa Byrenhag with a false identity could bring her to prison, or worse, evendeath.


    Should I run?Gris head was jumbled with so many thoughts and she knew she was panicking. When Stephan gentlyid a hand on her shoulder and leaned over to whisper in her ear.


    I really do hope you are Yuliana.


    Before she could stop herself, an involuntarily gasp had already escaped from her lips.

 Chapter 9 - Yuliana’S Grandmother (1)

    Momentster, a young servant with red hair entered the room. She politely curtsied and introduced herself as Bellin. She had brought three dresses for Gris to try on and insisted not only on helping her dress but brush her hair and finish her makeup.


    Gris didnt realize that Stephan was still in the room until she heard him say that Yuliana loved the color yellow. He went a step further by telling Gris in no uncertain terms that she should wear a yellow dress for the first meeting.


    As he left, he picked up a yellow hair tie and threw it at Gris. That action felt the same as if he had thrown a knife at her. Was this a challenge to go through with the deception? At that moment, as Gris picked up the yellow hair tie and dress, her earlier thoughts of running away disappeared. She knew she had to ept the challenge and make the best of this bizarre situation.


    Immediately, Gris knew there was a problem with the dress  it was too tight around her chest. She reached for a piece of cloth in a vain attempt to tie them around her breasts to tten them, but Bellin knew it wouldnt work. After a couple of minutes of wrestling, they managed to get her into the dress.


    Gris couldnt breathe but knew that the dress fitted her superbly, and with her tiny waist and full breasts, she looked, quite simply,stunning. Bellin quickly eased the seam around the bustline, and Gris nodded contentedly.


    After doing her hair and putting the final touches on her dress, Gris was ready. She followed Stephan along the endless corridors and when they reached thest room on the right, Bellin knocked on the door and announced,


    Madam, Yuliana is here.


    Her voice echoed in the cavernous room with high ceilings. Gris gripped her skirt as she heard the mellifluous voice reply,


    Come in, Yuliana.


    The butler slowly opened the door to a room that was like a burst of sunshine. It radiated warmth, and Gris instantly felt weed. splendid oriental carpet in myriad shades of yellow covered the floor, and a tall bookshelf full of books stood against the left wall. The centerpiece of the room was an ornatedys writing desk ced just in front of the bay window surrounded by armchairs and sofas. Hanging on the other two walls were still life paintings of flowers and fruits in iridescent colors.


    A thin but beautifully dressed woman sat on the sofa.


    As she entered the room, she sensed that time had ceased to exist in this quiet and odd room exuding such warmth.Gris held her hands together demurely, and promptly curtsied.


    There was a heavy silence in the room that added to Griss nervousness.


    So you found Yuliana where did you find her? the old grandmother asked in a very direct manner.


    She asked without showing any emotion, speaking softly, but in a way that Stephen knew that an answer was expected immediately.


    Familiar with his grandmothers manner, Stephan replied eagerly.


    I found her in a cabin owned by Chancellor Estru, near the Byrenhag woods where she first went missing.


    So you have, she replied dispassionately.


    Arent you happy I found her?


    A heavy silence fell in the room again. Feeling unsure of himself, Stephan attempted to exin.


    The elderly couple living in the cabin found Yuliana, abandoned in the woods, and raised her like their own daughter. Unfortunately, they died three years ago, and Yuliana was living alone when I found her.


    Gris became increasingly nervous. Where he found her, the people in her lifethese were all lies. He told his lies so blithely that even Gris was drawn into the deception.


    Stephan looked sideways at Gris and saw that her growing difort with the way he fabricated the story. He sneered at her, wondering what she would say next, what she, as a prostitute, could say to disagree with him.


    Gris felt herself falling into a dark hole and drowning in a pit of vipers. She wanted to scream for help but felt frozen. The darkness reached out for her, and she just wanted to let go when Stephans grandmother asked her the question she didnt want to hear.


    Are you Yuliana?


    The wind howled outside. She yearned to open the window and disappear with the wind into a far distance.


    As Gris remained silent, Stephan glowered at her. But the word yes didnte out of her mouth. Her mouth was dry, and she couldnt speak. Stephan stood up and tried to cate his grandmother.


    He said, Yuliana fell from a cliff and hit her head. Her memory and speech are still patchy but fortunately, she is recovering steadily. And I will stay beside her and care for her.


    The room fell silent again, and she sensed the threatening bodynguage from Stephan.I really do hope you are Yuliana.


    Did this mean that he would kill her if she didnt y along with his game? Why did he want her to be Yuliana? She began to think of the brothel as a safe haven and almost longed to return there safely.


    But Stephan could still pursue her, he could send men to rape or kill her or torture her to death for his unknown purpose.


    The more she thought about her prospects, the more her hands and feet grew cold. Her face was bing white with fear.


    The grandmother did not look pleased and cleared her throat as she rose to her feet. She did not want to be bullied by Stephan, who was intruding in her private conversation with this girl that he imed was Yuliana after all these years.


    Stephan, give us a moment please, she insisted as she picked up a nket from the chair furthest from the firece and slipped it around her bony shoulders.

 Chapter 10 - Yuliana’S Grandmother (2)

    Stephans face showed his surprise. He hadnt expected his grandmother to have a one on one conversation with the girl. Gris was also astonished by the grandmothers request and stood up too.


    She was in the Byrenhag domain with their matriarch, who almost singlehandedly made the family survive through famine and war. Gris felt faint and wasnt sure her legs would hold her up.


    But Grandmother


    Stephan furrowed his brows to show his displeasure. This wasnt the way he had orchestrated the meeting, and he wasnt pleased. Seeing his reaction, Pa Byrenhag replied sternly.


    Step outside.


    Stephan reluctantly obeyed and shot Gris a parting look as he left the room.


    It was only a matter of time before Pa figured out that this girl was not Yuliana. Tricking Pa Byrenhag had been a fools errand from the beginning. Gris hoped that the interview would finish quickly and dropped her eyes towards the floor.


    Stephan left the room, and Pa moved slowly to the windowsill. Absent-mindedly picking up a vase from the side table to her writing desk, she then sat in the bay window.


    Gris involuntarily flinched when she felt Pas eyes looking at her intently. Gris hadnt worn a pretty dress or been in thepany of an aristocrat for such a long time, that she felt self-conscious. She didnt know what to do with her hands and fidgeted with her dress.


    Minutes passed while the two stood in front of one another. Pa stroked the sculpted wood panel in the windowsill and mumbled to herself.


    How extraordinary. You really do resemble Yuliana, dont you?


    Gris couldnt decipher the true meaning of her words. Did she mean she really looked like young Yuliana, or was it extraordinary because she knew Gris wasnt her granddaughter?


    Gris wanted to study Pas face but didnt dare lift her head and look directly at her. Pa watched her body tremble with nervousness and finally said,


    Step forward, wont you?


    It took more than ten steps for Gris to walk up to Pa from the sofa to the windowsill. Gris was so anxious she was unsteady on her feet and nearly tripped over the antique globe.


    Although Gris fixed her gaze on the maroon table, she could see Pas chin in the periphery of her vision. Her face was covered with wrinkles, from age but also from neglect and perhaps loneliness and sadness. The loss of her granddaughter and dearestpanion must have caused more grief than she had imagined.


    Look at my eyes.


    Her voice was calmer, and Gris slowly raised her eyes. A face with a pair of pale lips and wrinkled eyes and a sharp nose stared straight back.


    She didnt look as old as Gris had expected. She had short silver hair and looked as if she was in her sixties, and the dark rose, pink dress she wore made her look graceful and elegant. But her skin had lost sticity and made her skinny body look even bonier.


    Gris had a shback and realized that the grief she experienced over the loss of her family would have been very simr to what Pa would have endured. Gris had spent her nights crying over her dead grandmother. She imagined Pa crying over her lost granddaughter.


    Almost in tears, Gris sped her hands together tightly to prevent herself from shaking. Pa watched her bing emotional and suddenly asked,


    What do you like to eat?


    Gris imagined Pa already knew what Yuliana liked to eat. But Gris didnt have the energy to try to guess what Yulianas favorite food could have been. She could only think about the warm walnut pie she loved to share with her grandmother when she was young.


    I like walnut pies, Gris replied.


    Walnut pies? Pa nodded her head as if this was the answer she had expected to hear.


    Gris had forgotten about Pa and Yuliana and thought back to her previous life and her favorite moments with her grandmother. Walnut pies were a festive snack among the aristocracy. Did Yuliana like walnut pies, too?


    Yes.


    Now it was Pa who looked as if she was reminiscing about Yuliana


    Do you have any scars I would recognize? Pa asked.


    Gris wasnt Yuliana and so wanted to say she didnt know if thetter had any scars. But she was scared that Stephan might hurt her, so she was going to make a guess.


    No. I dont have any scars, said Gris. But her eyes said otherwise. She looked into Pas eyes and tried to send the message that she wasnt Yuliana and that her son was setting her up. If Pa was the kind of tactician described in the rumors, then she should understand the message Gris was desperately trying to deliver.


    Pa squinted as she watched the girls trembling eyes.


    What a funny little girl you are, Pa mumbled to herself.


    Gris wanted to know what she meant. Was her intention literal or figurative? Did she mean strange? Gris watched Pa rub her own wrinkled cheeks andugh.


    I have no idea either, to be honest. Its been such a long time. I cant really remember if Yuliana had any scars.


    But looking at you, I am a bit confused. Did Yuliana really go missing? If that is true, then why is she showing herself now?


    At that moment, Gris understood Pa Byrenhag was a grandmother who had issues remembering things herself. Pa wasnt a cunning tactician trying to catch out Gris andbel her an imposter.


    Just as quickly, Pas grin vanished.


    I dont think you are Yuliana. But it may not be a bad idea to keep you around. This could must be the creators will.


    Pas hazy green eyes became more lucid and shined with a mysterious sparkle.


    Why dont you go and get some rest?

 Chapter 11 - A Branded Life (1)

    Gris spent the whole week recovering in Yulianas room. She needed the time to treat the rash she had developed in the brothel, but mostly, she used the time to sleep and recharge in peace.


    ording to the doctors, the rash was an allergic reaction to the moldy and unhygienic environment she had lived in. The rash covered her calves, forearms, and a wide range of other areas, but they were confident their ointment extracted from roasted pine needles would calm down the itchiness and redness.


    The rash also covered her stomach, but she couldnt tell them about it, as on the left of her stomach was a scar that permanently marked her as a pr*stit*te. It was a mark that had been seared with a hot iron shaped like a tree branch, and it was there to prevent branded women like her from running away to marry like a normaldy.


    Gris was curious about the male psyche. Men spent time and money to sleep with pr*stit*tes, and many of them frequented the same ones regrly. Why then were they branded like animals and denied ever having a chance to change their lives? Should they not have the right to marry and have children because unfortunate circumstances put them in this challenging situation?


    The more she thought about this hypocrisy, the more incensed and resentful she became. She traced the mark on her stomach with her fingers and saw it as a symbol of hatred. Could she have this mark and still end up happy? Or was she doomed to a past that would forever haunt her?


    Living with the Byrenhags even for a short period, eating and sleeping well, had made her greedy. To avoid living with false hopes, she had to find a way to get to the antique art store near the church of Byrenhag and discover her destiny.


    Stephan had left the mansion a couple of days ago, saying the Marquisate needed his help. He had told Pa that Yuliana had developed a highly infectious rash, so she shouldnt meet her while he was gone. He did say though that the doctors rmended the skin irritation be exposed to fresh air to elerate her recovery, and so she was given permission to take walks in the garden.


    Gris thought of taking this opportunity to run away, but soon realized it was impossible. The mansion only had two entrances, both heavily guarded with soldiers. To walk through the gates, one had to show a pass issued by the administrator.


    But she couldnt stop thinking about an escape to find Johannes. Every morning, Bellin arrived to help Gris with her daily ritual and to dress her. Gris had to insist firmly that she didnt need help bathing and, in fact, preferred this time alone in the morning.


    She couldneverlet her see the mark on her body.


    It was a relief that Bellin was naturally taciturn and didnt ask too many questions. She must have been curious as to why Yuliana suddenly re-appeared after ten years but didnt dare pry.


    Bellin dressed her inplete silence. Gris sat in a chair by the window, wearing her favorite yellow dress, while Bellin gently brushed her hair. She was suffering from the tight bandages Bellin had wrapped around her bosom and couldnt wait until bedtime when she could undress again. Still, she was happy that her chest was unnoticeable with the help of the bindings.


    With the rays of the sun gently warming her face, she almost felt like she was at home in Grandia. She could almost hear the chatter of the servants and her sisters humming and singing. As she was daydreaming, Bellin suddenly asked carefully,


    Are you going for a walk today?


    Gris barely opened her eyes to answer.


    Yes, she replied.


    Bellin hesitated a moment as she was tying Griss hair before saying,


    I, I heard that Sir Byrenhag is returning today.


    Sir Byrenhag the eldest son of the Byrenhags, Vianut van Byrenhag.


    Gris thought of the man she saw that night in the garden under the moonlight before he set off for battle. Her heart started racing, and she tried her best not to appear flustered.


    Today?


    Bellin nodded her head and replied,


    Yes, maam. I knew he would return without any injuries. He seems invincible since he became the Grand Duke Byrenhag.


    When was that? asked Gris with interest.


    About seven years ago. Sir Byrenhag, the elder, died around then, Bellin replied as she continued to prepare Griss hair.


    Sevenyears ago


    Vianut looked around his early 20s, so he must have be the Duke of Byrenhag before he was fifteen years old. Gris imagined Vianut holding a sword and slicing through enemy troops at a young age. Perhaps hedidcontrol his urges by killing people.


    Lost in thought, Gris looked into the mirror and noticed Bellin looking closely at her reflection. Was she trying to read her mood?


    That was when Gris realized she hadnt shown any emotion when she heard Yulianas father had died seven years ago. Not confident to fake tears, Gris quickly lowered her eyes. She figured that changing the topic was better than trying to make excuses.


    Where did he go this time? Gris finally asked.


    Bellin replied as she started to it her hair.


    Towards the seashore near Chateau. For a month, there was piging and even r*pe as the Chateaites invaded and imednd belonging to the Byrenhags. Our soldiers reconquered the Byrenhagnd within a few days. I heard that Sir Byrenhag beheaded the King of Chateau himself.


    Shocked with herself, Bellin quickly covered her mouth.


    I apologize, maam. I shouldnt have said that butIm not scared, Im d. Im sorry it was a mistake.


    Bellins hands trembled as if she had been sentenced to death. Gris watched her and felt she was over-reacting. Was Bellin just a timid type, or was there some other reason behind it?


    Its fine, Bellin, Gris told her calmly.


    .


    I am also scared of beheadings.


    After Bellin finished her hair, Gris was surprisingly hungry, despite not having done much all morning. But it was already past noon, and she would soon set out for her daily walk. Her diet at Byrenhag was heartier than she was used to. It also helped her sleep better and regain her strength.


    Mushroom soup, chicken with vegetables and sometimes a ss of red wine it reminded her far too much of a life she had forgotten.

 Chapter 12 - A Branded Life (2)

    Byrenhag didnt really have a summer season and generally maintained a temperate climate throughout the year. Summer days could be hot and dry when the sun was shining, but the day was long while the night was short. When Gris prepared for her daily walk, she could feel that it was a warm daypared to thest few days. She removed the cloak around her shoulders and draped it over one arm.


    She raised her head to gaze happily at the the clear, cloudless sky. The scent of wildflowers was everywhere.She actually feltblessed.


    It had been so long since she had felt calm and secure.


    Gris walked pass a servant standing by the garden bench and climbed up the hill. Soon, she faced a split in the road. If she walked straight, she would shortly arrive at theke, while the path to the left led to the front entrance of the mansion.


    Gris looked behind her and could see that Bellin followed her silently in the distance, like a predator or a guard?And I thought youkept to yourself,Gris thought. Maybe Stephan had ordered Bellin to keep a close eye on her while he was away.


    Gris imagined herself running along the path to the left and continuing through the metal gates but she suddenly wondered, running to what? To freedom? Or peril?


    She decided to walk straight ahead and quickly arrived at theke. The calm waters shimmered in the hot sun as their greeting.


    Gris could see wooden steps leading towards a gravel shore by theke. It had a seating area and appeared to be a rest stop for the servants.


    If there was a heaven, Gris was convinced this would be the ce. Feeling slightly drowsy, she walked down the stairs and sat on the stone chair by the water. She ced her cloak on the chair and wrapped it around herself.


    She took a deep breath and was about to close her eyes when she spotted a butterfly. It was a striking ck butterfly with no other pattern on its wings, dark as the night.


    She suddenly felt pity for the butterfly.Shouldnt butterflies be colorful,isnt that how they camouge themselves?she wondered.


    However, if it was pitch ck, it could be easily spotted by predators. Her pity grew and she spoke out loud to herself.


    You are a bit like me, arent you?


    Iamchasedby men and youhave been detectedby me.


    I hope you survive. Dont get caught by your predators.


    She wasnt sure if she was talking to the butterfly or it was something aid out of pitiful situation. Just then, she suddenly heard a tearing sound of metal. The mansion gate was flung open and secondster, a g bearer holding the insignia of Byrenhag sprinted through the gates.


    This inevitably meant that Sir Byrenhag was returning after a victorious campaign in Chateau. The servants near the gates hastily organized their wee for the homebound soldiers.


    Gris also decided it was time to return to her room and started walking toward the Mansion. Then, as she took a step forward, a lump of soil from the back legs of a horse running past smacked her in the face. She closed her eyes and let out a small cry.


    Ugh!


    Gris stepped backward in reflex and shut her eyes tight. Her nose stung from the force of the impact.She continued to step back when she suddenly realized there was nothing solid under her feet.


    When she looked behind, it was toote. She had lost her bnce and was already falling into theke.


    Hel


    Ssh! Gris was soaked from head to toe in the ice-cold water. She heard Bellin urgently calling her name.


    Maam! Lady Yuliana!


    Through her slightly opened eyes stinging from the chilly water of theke, Gris saw ripples of water on the surface. She used all her strength to swim up to the surface, but she couldnt move her arms due to the tight bandaging underneath her dress. The water beneath her was pitch ck, and she had no idea how deep it was.


    It was then she heard the galloping of a horse in the distance. The cold water relentlessly filled her nose and mouth.


    At that moment, she felt strong arms swoop her up, and she could finally breathe in much needed air. When she recovered her consciousness, she found herself lying by theke.


    Hah!


    Gris gasped to fill the air in her lungs. When she wasnt gasping, she coughed up water that had invaded her system.


    Maam, are you okay? Oh, dear! What do I do?


    Bellin wiped her face with a towel and patted her back to help her cough up more water. With her efforts, Gris slowly recovered her breath and her vision started to clear.


    Now that she could see, she realized a man dressed in brown,pletely drenched like her, was sitting in front. Pieces of armor were scattered around him.


    Phew, what a relief. Are you fine, young girl?


    Droplets of water were falling from his brown hair. He appeared to be the savior that had scooped her out of theke. Gris stood up slowly and ced her arm on his chest and said hesitatingly.


    TThank you. I I am fine.


    The man introduced himself after a few breaths.


    I apologize for the bted greetings. I am Quentin, the first chief of the Saint Johannes knights.


    Gris brushed her hair away from her cheeks and replied quietly.


    Thank you for helping me, kind Knight.


    Next to Quentin was another man, wearing armor and ck gloves, covered all over in dried blood.


    He was so tall that Gris only saw up to his chest at a nce. Gris held her head up high to see his face. It was a man with dark hair.


    The man had dried blood on his right cheek as well. Perhaps it was the traces of red all over his body or his fierce eyes, but he looked like a ck wolf returning from a sessful hunt.


    Flinching, Gris lowered her gaze and took a step back. On the chest of his armor suit was a carved Sainte kneeling down with her hands sped in prayer. Surrounding the Sainte were five swords pinned to the ground, with the first swordrger than the others.


    This meant that he was Head of the first, among five other families, protecting the Kingdom of Nordvaltz; he was the Head of the Byrenhags.

 Chapter 13 - The Color Of Yuliana’S Eyes (1)

    Gris smelled bloodshe had learned to run away from men reeking of alcohol, butblood?


    No one had told her about such men.


    Unsure what to do next, Gris bowed her head.


    I, I apologize, sir.


    He wasnt at all curious why the girl fell into theke or if she was unharmed.


    A deep voice suddenly pierced the wind,


    Name.


    Wiping her wet face with her hand, Gris flinched as she heard his question. She was a guest of the Byrenhags. Every corner of the garden, every drop of theke and every brick in the mansion belonged to him. It was onlymon courtesy to reveal her name to such a powerful man.


    Somehow, her new name felt out of ce. She hesitated to answer, but aware of this man and his soldiers in front of her, Gris resolutely said.


    YYuliana, sir.


    The soldiers murmured with excitement. They had probably heard the news that Yuliana had returned.


    Gris did not dare to face the crowd directly, with all of them staring at her. She felt paralyzed and could only stare into the distance beyond theke. She waited for Vianut to order her back to her room.


    Despite what he had expected, Vianut was wordless and only looked at the girl drenched from head to toe, and shivering in the cold wind. Could he be trying to determine whether she was indeed his long-lost sister from all those years ago, or an upstart who sought his power and money?


    Whatever the reason, Gris felt guilty; she was fooling everyone in the crowd surrounding her.


    At that moment, he tugged his gloves off his hands with his teeth. He put his pale hands, asrge as her face, on her chin and pulled her towards him. His expressionless orbs bore into hers.


    Gris held her breath. She studied his face, framed beautifully with a transparent blue background. With the sun behind him, a dark shade drew across his features, making him look cold and untouchable. And in contrast, his warm breath touched her face, warming it. Everythinghis touch, his face, his breath, overwhelmed and confused her.


    He disrupted her from thinking straight.


    Suddenly everything she knew about Vianut van Byrenhag jumbled together. He is cold, yet hot. He worships God and in return for Gods trust and protection, he sacrifices his s*xual desires andmit murder under Gods name. He exuded a smellit wasnt nauseating alcohol, nor strong colognebut it drew her in like a ma.


    Was he a kind man, or someone from whom to run away? She didnt have time to draw a conclusion before he slowly called out her name.


    Yuliana.


    His deep voice brought shivers down her spine and goosebump to rise on her arms. Gris couldnt stop herself from looking into his eyes, surrounded by a dense row of eyshes. Hisrge eyes were slightly almond-shaped and of a deep purple, with hints of blue, color.


    She gazed into his eyes and counted five seconds before she could avert her gaze. The nape of her neck flushing as her heart raced. By the Gods, she wasblushing! His features shaped perfectly, as if meticulously sculptured by God possessed her mind like the gue.


    If half of his face hadnt been covered by dry, crusting blood, Gris would havepletely given in to him at that moment. But she had to brace herself.


    ording to Adrian, the brothel-keeper, it only takestenseconds to fall in love with someone. Ten seconds to absorb physical looks, the sound of the voice and the other persons body scent.


    If Adrian was right, was this the reason why Gris couldnt take her eyes off of him? Or was it because of the stench of blood and sweat that wafted over? If this man was strong enough to survive a fierce battle, then he could also exterminate the Talilluchi family, who stole Grandia away from her and her family.


    Three seconds ticked by slowly. Gris needed a reason not to fall for his oundish charms.


    As these thoughts floated past, a ck butterflynded on his left shoulder. Behind the insect, Gris saw a ck horse with a human head tied to its leather saddle.


    Looking at the sharp upper part of the crown embedded into the heads scalp, it must have been the King of Chateau. His head decorated with ribbons of dried blood, and his skin turned bluish, was a horrific sight.


    Ten seconds must have passed by now, and she knew the reason why she couldnt fancy such a man. Not only was he bloodthirsty and violent, he was also vindictive; he wanted to keep asevered headas a trophy.


    He was in a position of power where he had the ability to decide who would live and who could die. If he was vindictive, Gris shuddered at the thought of what he would do to her if he discovered her true identity.


    Just then, she heard a shrill voice in the distance.


    Oh no! Madam Yuliana!


    The housekeeper and a local magistrate both came running towards her. They carried between them a thick nket, having heard that Madam Yuliana had almost drowned in theke.


    Atst, he let go of her chin although his index finger lingered. Even then, his eyes still held hers as if he had just seen something marvelous and couldnt stop looking. Gris was thrilled and embarrassed at the same time and soon averted her eyes from him.


    The housekeeper approached her but as soon as she spotted Sir Byrenhag, she curtsied deeply. The local magistrate bowed his head in deference.


    Im relieved and d to have you back, Sir.


    Vianut nodded curtly at the housekeeper and turned to leave with his back facing Gris.


    Gris understood he had nothing more to say to her. Dripping with water, she moved over to the housekeeper, who wrapped Gris tightly with the nket. With a worried look on her face, the housekeeper asked,


    How do you feel, madam?


    I need to get back to my room, Gris whispered in a shaky voice.


    As Gris started to walk back to the House, the housekeeper and Bellin followed in her footsteps.She passed Vianut and Quentin and felt both their stares trailed on her Soon enough, she heard a teasing voice.


    I know Im in no position to say this, but she has grown up to be a beautiful youngdy, Sir. I suspect numerous proposals will be arriving on your hands soon.


    The light tone sounded like the knight Quentin, but Vianut didnt reply immediately.


    After a while, he simply said, She has eyes the color of crimson.

 Chapter 14 - The Color Of Yuliana’S Eyes (2)

    The further she walked, the more difficult it was to hear the rest of their conversation as the wind picked up a little. But she had heard enough,My eyes?, she thought.What aboutmy eyes? Are they different from Yulianas?


    She strained to hear what they were saying and pretended to stumble. She heard Quentin reply diplomatically.


    Yes, even red, they were very charming, he said.


    Quentinsment was followed by a burst of what sounded likeughter. Or was it the shriek of the wind?


    ***


    Gris was shivering violently by the time she got back to the room. She needed a hot bath to warm herself up. As usual, it took some time to convince Bellin she didnt need her help to take a bath, but their daily charade had became part of the grooming ritual and both women epted that as routine.


    However, she was still agitated after the warming bath. She couldnt help revisit over and over why he had mentioned her eye color. Maybe there was a reason, or perhaps she was overthinking it.


    She returned to her room with a heavy heart. She had nned on resting before dinner, but someone was already waiting. It was Stephan, who had just returned from his trip.


    Gris expected to see him sooner orter. She suspected he had rushed back when he heard that Vianut had returned victorious, to protect the fiction he had created about Yuliana.


    You have returned, Marquis Talsbarg.


    Standing behind Gris was the housekeeper who greeted Stephan tenderly. Both Bellin and the housekeeper curtsied and then stood waiting for further instructions. Stephan looked out the window and said,


    I would like to speak privately with Miss Yuliana.


    Gris heart jumped. Her face ashen, Gris closed the door behind her after the servants had exited the room. She felt her heart pounding and the anxiety growing. Stephan, however, was calm and looking at her reflection in the window said softly, You look much better than thest time I saw you.


    Ihave beensleepinglong hours since my arrival,she rehearsed in her head.


    Well I have been looked after by Bellin and the staff, and the surroundings are restorative, Gris answered cautiously.


    Stephan turned squarely to face Gris.


    You wont have to go back there again. Ive paid the price of your servitude to the Owner.


    Did this mean that she now belonged to him? He wanted to keep her in Byrenhag Mansion to achieve his ambitions. But Gris didnt want to be part of his n; she wanted her freedom.


    Thank you for your concern, but I am prepared to go back to the brothel, Sir. I dont belong here.


    When Stephan heard this, he scanned her face to try to understand her meaning.


    Your grandmother skipped her meals and retreated to her room when Yuliana went missing. Her health declined drastically. Now that shes ten years older, it will only be a matter of time before she passes away.


    .


    But now that you reappeared, she has started to eat, little by little. She now has a reason to live. She is pugnacious and wants to find out if you really are Yuliana. And if you are, she will feel its her duty to marry you off well.


    Stephan was implying that it was better for Pa to die happy than to know the truth. So, ying this game was not a bad thing. But if Pa discovered the truth, she would be devastated.


    Im just not confident that I.


    I am only trying to find a way to restore my mothers health and her will to live. That is the most important thing to me.


    .


    If you help me, I will take you to the church of Byrenhag, Stephan finally said.


    Then take me there first, Gris said. She couldnt help but wonder if he would keep his word to her.


    Stephan found it ridiculous that this prostitute, no matter how beautiful, was trying to negotiate with him. He paid for her life, who was she now to be demanding from him?


    Arent you a funny little girl? he smirked.


    I saw Sir Byrenhag today, said Gris, trying to change the subject.


    Stephan leaned against the window frame. So, I have heard, he said.


    He was curious about her conversation with Vianut. But Gris only remembered that severed head hanging off his saddle.


    He showed up with a human head tied to a horse. His metal armor was covered in blood. More importantly, he didnt seem pleased that his long-lost sister had returned, she stated impassively, gauging Stephans reactions.


    Thisment didnt seem to surprise Stephan.


    The head would be for the King, his Majestys pleasure. Vianut is the Kings favorite pet, he replied.


    .


    A favorite pet.Why was Stephan describing his superior, Sir Byrenhag, like an animal?


    Gris nervously tucked her hair behind her ears and carefully studied Stephans face.


    Compared to the other men at the Byrenhags, Stephan was thin and elegant. He didnt look as if he would know how to handle a sword. With his reading sses clipped to his waistcoat, he seemed to be more schrly.


    But maybe he was the bookish type because he couldnt and didnt want to be a soldier. Was he frightened of going into battle and, therefore, made excuses that he had a loftier mission? Gris became more and more convinced that this was the case.


    Looking at Stephan, Gris suddenly thought of what Vianut had said earlier.


    Sir Byrenhag pointed out the color of my eyes. Yulianas eyes, what color were they?

 Chapter 15 - Caught In A Spider’S Web (1)

    Stephan looked out the window and abruptly answered.Brown, he said as he turned to face Gris.


    Stephan furrowed his brows finding something amiss. He grabbed her wrist and pulled her over to stand in front of the window, directly under the sunlight. He moved her head from left to right until the light caught the corner of her iris and stared into them. There was an unmistakeable golden-red hue surrounding the iris.


    Stephans face turned pale.


    Darn it.


    .


    They were brown in the dark, he said.


    He thought for a moment and straightened his shirt.It will be alright. Ithasto be.


    Gris wasnt sure to whom he was speaking but he definitely had someone in mind.


    Vianut was sent to the Archbishops when he was three, he exined.


    Gris still remained silent, opting to listen to the other partys speech.


    He wasnt close to Yuliana and, after all this time, wouldnt really remember the color of her eyes. I was the one who grew up with her, we were always together, he said as he stood up, arms crossed in front of him. He continued talking, more to himself than to Gris, trying to justify his actions.


    As long as I assure everyone that you are Yuliana, no one will question you. All you have to do is stay away from Vianut.


    So, despite the eye color, he still wanted her to pretend she was Yuliana. But for how long could she avoid Vianut, the master of the estate where she was staying? Gris began to tremble in helplessness. She was aware that within the Byrenhag territory, Vianut was no less than a King in his own Kingdom.


    I wont be able to avoid him for long.


    Stephan eyed Gris warily as if he wanted to say something more. She wondered why he didnt outright tell it, as he usually did. As her frustration grew, he blurted out, You wont be able to avoid me either.


    At that moment, Gris understood that he absolutely wanted her to continue this charade as an imposter. But more so, she realized that she wouldnt be able to change his mind.If she continued to be stubborn, it was easy to take her life.


    Perhaps she should be grateful that so far that Stephan hadnt touched her in anger or in lust.


    Acknowledging she had no other choice than to ept his wishes, Gris fell to another moment of defeated silence. Stephan nervously twirled his pocket watch on its chain. Taking her stillness as an agreement, he said usingly,


    Ive already introduced you to mother, so its toote anyway. From now on, you are Yuliana, who disappeared ten years ago, and ended up spending her childhood with an old couple at a cabin in the forest.


    Gris couldnt help but wonder if Stephan was really doing this for his grandmothers health. But before her thoughts could stray further, someone knocked on the door. It was Bellin, bringing even drearier news.


    Lady Yuliana, Madam Pa, wishes to speak with you.


    Seized by terror, Gris turned to Stephan. Do I have to go alone?


    Stephanzily raised an eyebrow and pretended not to hear her request. Realizing she was on her own, Gris uneasily replied to Bellin.


    Ill be out soon, she said and took a deep breath.


    Before she could make it pass the door, she heard Stephan whisper into her ear.Be careful what you say.


    It was nothing short of a threat.


    Gris watched Stephan cross the room in quick steps before she stepped out to follow Bellin to Pas room.


    After turning at the end of the long corridor on the first floor, Gris and Bellin arrived at a maroon door carved with elegant patterns representing the family crest. Observing the borate gold-ted candlesticks on each side of the door, Gris quietly asked Bellin a question.


    How is she feeling today? Do you know why she wants to see me?


    Bellin cleared her throat and lowered her voice. Her health is getting better by the day. I think she misses you. She was also very anxious after she heard you fell into theke.


    Gris nodded her head. At the unforeseeable future of her dire circumstance, her hands shook again. But she knew that she had to meet Pa.


    Gris remembered thest time she had met Pa. She remembered the strange look in her eyes when the older woman had studied her so intently. Gris knew she wasnt convinced her granddaughter had returned, but if she didnt believe that Gris was Yuliana, why didnt she just denounce her as an imposter?


    As the confusion of thest week whirled in her brain, Bellin knocked on the wide maroon door.


    Madam Pa, I havedy Yuliana for you, she softly said.


    The next moment, a voice came from the other side of the door.Come in.


    Bellin opened the door and stepped aside as Gris walked over to Pa. The room was warm, and the sun shone brightly through the window. A ck silhouette sat motionless in front of the window.


    Realizing that the silhouette was Pa herself, Gris held up the hem of her skirt and bent her knees to curtsy. It was how she had been drilled to curtsy as a princess in Grandia. Pas eyes were warm upon her greeting and her face crinkled up with genuine pleasure.

 Chapter 16 - Caught In A Spider’S Web (2)

    Were going to have some tea. And a walnut pie will be such a treat, Pa said to Bellin.


    Bellin left the room to prepare the tea, and Pa invited Gris to sit opposite her at the table. After she made herselffortable, Gris eyes followed Pas across the room, where she saw the most glorious view of glowing, setting sun bathing the fields in a warm orange against a clear sky.


    Gris yearned to be the real Yuliana; she wanted to live in this mansion, where everything was beautiful and calm. Pa, however, felt bitterness rise from the bottom of her heart as she said,


    I must have spent thest five years in this roomalmost like a prisoner.


    As she mumbled these words, the rays of light kissed Pas face. At first nce, she looked like an abstract painting with brushstrokes of warm color against a soft background. Her eyes were youthful, sparkling, but looking again, Gris saw that she had deep wrinkles carved into her face evident in the light


    These days, I imagine bing a bird and flying out of this window, she added as she looked into the faraway distance in yearning. Gris, feeling stirred by such words, quietly nodded at herment.


    After all, she understood her more than she could have imagined. Gris had always been the same; whenever she felt suffocated or tied down, she yearned to fly away into the horizon, to discover a new world and escape her dismal fate.


    She longed to start a new life, surrounded by kind strangers, and to simply forget her ill past. She wanted to leave behind her, not only the tremendous grief of losing her family but the responsibility of exacting revenge against the Talilluchis. In the end, Gris yearned for a normal life beyond all the political intrigues and cmities. But it seems fate wasnt smiling kindly at her.


    Lost in thought, Gris looked at Pa absent-mindedly. She imagined that Pa also had a history she wanted to leave behind, just like her.


    At that moment, Pa took a side nce at Gris, and a contented smile spread across her face.


    I think you understand me. I must assume that your life in the cabin was not easy, she said.


    Fortunately, Pa did not ask for any specific details about life in the woods. Tensing initially at the question, Gris slowly rxed her shoulders and replied,


    Im just worried about your health, she said.


    Pa continued to look at Gris with her green eyes that glittered like emeralds. The look she gave Gris seemed to ask if that was all she was worried about


    Thankfully, life is tolerable. You see, I have eyes and ears all over this mansion to keep me informed and amused.


    Gris listened carefully to her choice of words.She has eyes and ears all over this mansionDid this mean that she regrly listened to the servants gossip, or was it more?


    Gris gazed into the old matrons imprable green eyes, hoping to have an insight into her imperceptible thoughts. But she only saw a pool of darkness in her eyes. Pa seemed genuine, and Gris could not believe that she was involved in Stephans n. As guilt consumed Gris, Pa gently asked.


    Did you meet Vianut?


    Vianut Gris pictured the taciturn, egotistical, but striking man in her mind and nodded her head. Pa was curious how he, the brother of the long-lost sister, had reacted.


    Did he recognize you?


    No, Gris replied.


    He not only hadnt recognized her, but he had alsomented about her red eyes. Any moment now, he could reveal his suspicions


    Gris nervously licked her lips, trying to utter the next statement in confidence despite theck of it. I also didnt recognize the grown man that Vianut has be  I only remember a gangly twelve-year-old who always yed tricks on me and how Stephan would protect me. Since I hit my head, I still have gaps in my memory.


    Pa nodded her head meaninglessly and turned her head to stare at the sky, now filled with a magnificent amalgamate of purple and orange hues from the setting sun.


    There will be a small dinner party this evening. Its to celebrate Sir Byrenhags safe return. All of our rtives, the Duke and Duchess of Ortur, the Marquis and Marchioness Vian, and others of importance will be at the party.


    Then her eyesnded on Gris, I hope you will also join us in this family celebration to congratte your brother upon his safe return.


    The more contact she had with Vianut, the higher the probability that her true identity would be revealed. Yet she couldnt offend Pa either. Faced with the matrons straight gaze, she took somefort in the fact that her eyes appeared browner at night.


    Yes, of course, with the greatest of pleasure, Gris replied respectfully.


    Not yet fully recovered, Pa was visibly tired even before the tea had arrived and had wanted to rest before the celebratory dinner. They promised to meet privately another time, and Gris left the room, emotionally drained and apprehensive about the dinner party.


    ***


    In the early evening, the guests arrived in their coaches.


    Bellin told her this was the first party in years. After Yuliana went missing, no one dared to hold a party because Pa had been consumed with grief.


    Hearing this, Griss heart grew heavy. Now that Pa was holding parties, it seemed to suggest that she really believed her granddaughter had returned. The betrayal she would probably feel when it was revealed that her granddaughter turned out to be a fake would be excruciating.


    Gris somehow understood that this lie would be her life, and she would have no choice but to maintain the lie forever if she wanted to live. To live by the skin of her teeth now seemed a daily urrence for her.


    As Gris finished dressing, she dyed her lips with a red flower extract that enhanced the delicateness of her porcin skin. But Bellins hand, holding the crushed flower, began shaking. She seemed to be more nervous than usual and was terrified of making a mistake. Gris noticed a trickle of sweat rolled along the side of her forehead. She looked at Bellin quizzically, conscious of the maids entric behavior.


    YYour skin looks amazing. Its like a babys, no, it reminds me of a soft petal., Belling stammered. Then she continued to enthuse, praising her masters beauty, Im sure anyone who is of marriageable age at the party tonight will fall in love with you at first sight.


    Gris didnt understand why Bellin was so overwhelmed and just when she was going to question her further, her maid quickly held a mirror up to her face.


    She was immediately stunned by the sight. Her hideous and unkempt hair and dry skin covered in rash were nowhere to be seen, and only a beautiful woman looking luminous with glittering eyes and pouty red lips sat in front of the mirror.


    Gris slowly shut and opened her eyes. And thedy on the mirror mimicked her all the same. She touched her nose, only to find thedy in the mirror follow after her.

 Chapter 17 - A Lonesome Man (1)

    Gris admired her red lips. Bellin couldnt stop looking at Gris transformation and just stood transfixed.


    She finally ventured, Your pale skin and dark hair are a beautiful contrast to your red lips. You look so young, fresh and captivating I firmly believe that you will shine at the party tonight.


    Gris remained silent to the maids appraisal.


    Up until now, it was only Sir Byrenhag who stood out in banquets and parties.


    Bellin had worked so hard to bnce Gris makeup with her natural beauty. But she also wanted to show her off tonight and wanted to enhance her eyes and lips. She wondered if Gris liked it or thought it was too much.


    Thetter felt her handmaidens nervousness and reassured her, Youre very talented, Bellin.


    As Bellin smiled and bent over to straighten Gris dress, there was a knock on the door.It must be Stephan,Gris thought.


    Come in.


    Through the open door stood Laurel, the housekeeper. When she saw Gris, all dressed up with jewelry and her hair charmingly coiffed, she was in awe.


    Maam, you are a natural beauty, but the white evening dress and makeup make you even more beautiful. Im sure Madam Pa will be thrilled, Laurel said.


    Gris looked down at her dress, embroidered with sequinned flowers. Laurel was proud to escort the young Yuliana to the dinner and flung the door wide open.


    Maam, its time to head to the ball.


    Gris nodded a little apprehensively but eagerly followed Laurel and Bellin to the banquet hall. A golden carpet had been ced in the long corridor and there were candles and flowers everywhere; there was a sense of festivity in the air. The servants must have tried their best to decorate the Byrenhag Hall for its first party in a decade.


    When Gris arrived in the main hall, an orderly row of servants stood on either side of the banquet hall, weing the guestsing in through the main door. Two roaring fires were burning, giving the room warmth and a golden glow. In one corner was a violin quartet ying a bright melody, adding to the festive atmosphere in the room.


    Gris was captivated by the quartet and their performance when Laurel spoke to her.


    Sir Byrenhag is already in the banquet hall, maam. He will be delighted to see you in your lovely dress, she whispered.


    Initially excited by the sight of a room full of handsomely dressed and gorgeous people, Griss heart suddenly sank when she was reminded that Vianut was present. She then became anxious that Vianut would destroy everything and reveal her true identity during the party.


    As they continued to move towards the banquet hall, the sound of the violins became louder. As Gris walked inside, she could see many candles illuminating the room like a night sky studded with a thousand stars. And at the far end of the room was a raised tform, behind it was a round table for the guests.


    The seated guests turned to the door as Gris entered the room. Bellin and Laurel, still remaining at Griss side, reminded her, If you need anything, well just be outside the door. The six people in the far-left corner are your aunt and their family. Do you remember them at all?


    Gris turned to look at the far corner of the room. A group of noblewomen in elegant dresses studied her as they whispered to one another. She knew they were talking about her, their niece, who had suddenly re-appeared out of nowhere.


    Barely resisting the impulse to run away, Gris took a deep breath instead and calmly walked toward the women and curtsied deeply. When she looked up, she saw Stephan, drinking a ss of wine on the tform, gesturing her toe over.


    But who actually caught her eye was the person sitting in front of the tform near the fire.


    It was Vianut, and she now understood why Bellin had said that Vianut would stand out in a banquet. He no longer had blood and sweat on his face and his imposing armor, but had washed and brushed his thick ck hair. His face now clean, she could see he was indeed a handsome man behind the grime and blood.


    Seeing him, Gris stiffened as she walked over to Stephan. Vianut hadnt noticed her; he looked rather bored and lost in his own thoughts.


    Gris kept a wary eye on him and took another step. And another step. And another step.


    Suddenly, his eyes stared straight at her.


    Gris felt a cold draft and goosebumps on her arms. She rubbed the back of her neck to warm herself and something brushed her arm.


    Just then, a single pearl earring dropped to the floor. Gris watched the pearl earring roll along the pattern of the floor tile until a hand picked it up. It was Quentin who had saved her from drowning in theke.


    Its a pleasure to see you again, Madam Yuliana. Im Quentin, do you recall when we met by theke?


    Bellin, watching from a distance, quickly approached them and took the clip-on earring from his hand and fixed it to her ear. Aware of the growing attention of everyone in the room, Gris nervously turned to Quentin.


    Thank you, Sir Quentin.


    Gris felt someones eyes on her and realised it had to be Vianut.. Gris was tense, for the very reason his stares were indecipherable. His eyes were different from other men where hunger for a womans body was vividly reflected in their orbs. Although Vianuts gaze unnerved her, she knew he was studying her like an unknown specimen, purely out of curiosity.

 Chapter 18 - A Lonesome Man (2)

    Gris recalled the rumours stating Vianut was a virgin and intuitively knew it was true. She didnt feel that he knew anything about women, but he had demonstrated that he was a leader and a soldier and knew how to kill people. He was arguably more dangerous to a woman than the average man with many mistresses.


    Gris stopped daydreaming and curtsied to Quentin as soon as Bellin had fixed her earring securely. Then she continued walking towards Stephan.


    As she walked past her family, she could feel they were watching her every step, every move. They were all curious about how the Master of the Byrenhags would ept the sudden re-appearance of his own flesh and blood.


    Conscious of the attention on Gris and her uneasiness, Stephan greeted Gris warmly. When she arrived onto the tform, he kissed her hand, only drawing more attention.


    Yuliana, you look magnificent today, he said in a loud voice, as if announcing it to everyone in the room.


    Your grandmother will be here at any moment. Why dont you sit down and wait for her?


    Griss eyes followed his arm and looked at the table, opposite the tform. There were four golden chairs, side by side, at the far end of the table. Vianut sat in the second chair to the left.


    Gris wanted to sit furthest away from Vianut. She didnt want him to examine her eyes again nor did she want to rouse his attention.


    Just then, she felt his blue eyes locked on hers again. He was studying her face and took in her subtle makeup, the dark eyeshadow making her eyes stand out and her red flower-blossom-dyed lips.


    Nervous, uncertain and scared, Gris delicately smoothed her dress and sat down. Her heart was racing; she wasnt sure what to do next.


    But she knew exactly what Vianut was doing. He wanted to determine if this grown woman sitting some seats beside him was the sister whom hest saw when they were young children. She felt his eyes move from the mole on her right cheek to her bare corbone.


    She knew that if she sat next to him, he would only find more evidence that she wasnt his sister. Now distraught, Gris forced herself to meet his gaze.


    His eyes were a deep blue, paler around the edge of the pupil, and mesmerizing. But it was strange that he appeared almostlonesomeeven though everyone hade to celebrate his victory and safe return.


    She looked at his eyes again and knew that if she had met him before her father rejected the Byrenhag familys proposal for marriage, she would have pleaded with her father to ept him as her husband.


    She wondered how her life would have been different but she didnt dare pursue those thoughts. That would be futile and would only make her feel desperate about the situation in which she found herself now.


    Gris wanted to hold his gaze until he looked away, refusing to submit to her uneasiness. But instead, he whispered,


    Yuliana.


    It was a deep baritone. Not realizing he was speaking to her at first, Gris only answered a moment toote, her chest constricting. Yes, brother?


    He nced at the chair and said, Sit here.


    His voice left no room for disobedience, and she had no reason to, lest she induce suspicion from the patrons around. Worse,him. Therefore, with heavy steps she made her way towards the empty chair beside him.


    At that moment, Pa entered the room, wearing an understated ck silk dress and a beautiful red shawl draped over her right shoulder. Everyone immediately rose to greet the matriarch. Acknowledging her family with a nod, Pa sat in the first golden chair, next to Vianut.


    When Stephan sat down in thest golden chair on the other side of Gris, the banquet officially began. Although it was a small party with only fifteen guests, the banquet hall was soon filled with chatter andughter.


    Gris felt ufortable throughout the dinner. Although Vianut made polite conversation with her, he mostly spoke with his grandmother. The only thing she remembered during the whole party was Vianuts long elegant fingers and his handsome legs that stretched out underneath the table.


    After the main dinner had been served, Pa, clearly enjoying herself, offered a toast to Vianut and asked how he felt abouting back from the battlefield.


    Everyone stopped speaking and turned toward Vianut. Then, Sir Byrenhag stood up with a ss of wine to toast his grandmother and looked around the room.


    I am d to be here tonight with my family. I hope to stand, here again, alive, at the next party, he said with a slight grin on his face.


    Everyone burst intoughter as they heard his short speech, slightly tongue in cheek.


    One person, however, refused to smile. That was Stephan, who had been quietly content during most of the evening, but now seemed unhappy that his grandmother had not included him in the toast.


    Gris stopped looking at him when the gift ceremony was announced. This was an old Bryenhag tradition that passed on gifts received by the family that werent needed or being used in the mansion to guests. These included small items such as a non-parchment paper notebook, gloves and perfume.


    Then, the local magistrate who had been conducting the event brought out a gift from the King of Nordvaltz.

 Chapter 19 - The Duke’S Unexpected Gift

    When he reached to pull off the white cloth covering it, two white furred animals peaked out of the basket nose first. Seeing this, the guests stood up from their seats to get a closer look of what the King has sent them. The civil official then proceeded to ce the basket purposefly on the table for everyone to see and then turned to adress the curious crowd.


    These two adorable creatures are called puppies, they are a gift the King himself has sent to us. These are very rare breeds of dogs and are almost impossible to find in other Kingdoms. These type of dogs are very fond of people, and they also make for such nice hand warmers, the civil official jested, as he ran his fingers against the thick fur coat of one of the puppies, his hand seemed to be engulfed by a small cloud as he did this.


    Gris, who had spent thest hour sitting stiffly on her seat, also turned her head and peered along with the crowd. Seeing the animals, she determined that indeed, the puppies were different from the ones she has seen before.


    The puppies the King has sent them had big fluffy white fur, that surrounded their tiny bodies and they had two ck round specks that made up their eyes, those eyes were quite visible against the milky fur of the puppies.


    The crowd eximed with thrill at the sight of the puppies. It was widely known that only the royal family were allowed to keep dogs as pets, and for that reason, nobody has had the chance to have seen a dog, especially this close. It was a rarity to be near something so precious.


    Gris herself was amazed by the breed too, for she had only seen hunting dogs before. She thought in amazement about all kinds of animals that roamed this world which she herself may not know to exists yet, but her musings were disturbed when the civil official turned and spoke to Vianut.


    If you dont n to keep them, why dont you raise one and only send the other one away? After all, it is a gift from the King himself, sir, he suggested politely.


    Showing disinterest in the dog, Vianut slowly nodded without a word. Then, he looked around the room to find someone to give the dog to. His cloudy eyes scanned the people around.


    If gifted a dog from Sir Byrenhag, it wont be necessary to get the Kings permission to raise it, and this thought ran in the minds of the expectant crowd.


    The duke and duchess Ortur,dy Vian, and other guests straightened up in their seats with hopeful looks in their eyes. Pa had whispered under her breath to herpanions that puppies would be quite troublesome. Still, secretly she had enjoyed the cheery mood surrounding the room and was also anticipating who will get the chance to own the puppy.


    At that moment, Vianut scooped up one of the puppies, it was evident in his stand that he has decided who to give it to. The puppys legs hovered in the air as it was picked up, it then squirmed out of fear, but Vianut tightened his grip around the puppys ribs.


    Vianut didnt seem to mind that his tight grip might injure the puppy. Appearing to understand his intention to kill it than let it run away, the puppy remained still in his hands.


    This was the reason to be wary of those with high authority, for they did not value the life of othersthis thought entered Gris mind. All that mattered to them was whether they were obeyed by their subjects or were not. If he found out that she was deceiving him, and was pretending to be Yuliana, it will be Gris neck in his hands and not the puppy.


    Gris bit her lower lip to calm herself. Her quiet musings were disturbed when she felt something drop on herp, the puppy had fallen on her knees. When she looked up to her side, she saw Vianut smiling down at her.


    His smile gave her nofort.


    Ah, you look like the person that must have a puppy. He dered as he pped his hands together.


    His low voice filled the air around them, and the crowd apuded at his decision after hearing it.


    Yes, you are quite right, Sir Byrenhag. Yuliana should have the puppy, Pa said as she pped her hands with a delighted smile on her face. Gris wondered if her smile was genuine. She clenched her fingers tighter on her side.


    Bewildered, Gris squished her knees together to keep the puppy from falling out of her legs. She thanked Vianut for his gift, but her mind was troubled. She felt like he didnt give her the puppy out of kindness and felt wary of this gift.


    Why did he give this precious animal to her? What was he hiding behind his generous smile? Why does it feel like a trap?


    The party begun quieting down and soon ended after the gifting ceremony. After Gris and Vianut bid goodbye to their guests, thetter headed upstairs to his room to retire, and not once did he turn his back as he went.


    Gris also returned to her room, unable to repress away the uneasiness she felt since the gifting ceremony. She had walked into the party alone, but she left it with a puppy held in her arms. The civil official wasnt joking when he said that the puppies were good hand warmers, this Gris thought as she stroked the puppys warm fur as she walked. Her once cold fingertips had slowly warmed up while she held the puppy during her walk back to her room.


    When Gris entered her room, she gently ced the puppy down on her bed and observed it as she took a step back. It shifted on her bed, lightly wagging its tail, it paws barely leaving a mark on her bedsheets. Bellin, who had followed her to her room, stood from afar and watched the odd animal too.


    For a split second, Gris felt pity for the dog for being treated merely as a handwarmer and as a symbol of royalty.


    She remained quiet, but she too was curious of what Bellin thought of the puppy, but Bellin suddenly spoke.


    Did you decide on a name? Bellin asked her, and Gris sighed.


    Namea name.


    It was a gift from Vianut but it was for Yuliana; thus the puppy was not hers. Therefore, she wasnt in a position to name it. Giving it a name would be iming it as hers, and it wasnothers.

 Chapter 20 - A Princess’ Mournful Song

    Being well aware that she didnt have the power to feed nor protect it, Gris let out another long sigh and addressed the question to the puppy.


    Whatwhat would you like to be named?


    Finding it odd that Gris was asking a question to a mere animal, Bellin raised her eyebrows towards her mistress in judgment. Despite being aware of how strange Bellin must have viewed her then, Gris patiently waited for the animal to answer back and finally perched on her bed beside it. She just stared at the little creature while it scratched the fabrics on her bed, its small mouth biting the fabric.


    I would like some rest. You can leave now, Gris said to Bellin, realizing that she couldnt give thetter an answer.


    Without questioning her unusual behavior, Bellin wished her a good night and closed the door behind her as she left.


    Just like every other night when Gris was left alone in her room, she approached her windows to take a look outside.


    Compared to the day, in which the ce was filled with graceful butterflies that dance around vibrantly colored flowers creating a harmonized scenery, at night, the garden transformed into a site attractive for devils to gather.


    The hill in the distance became a great dark shadow that dimmed those covered by it, and Gris briefly wondered if something sinister was happening at those hidden corners. Colorful flowers merely shined beneath the moonlight that reflected the dew that had gathered on its leaves and petals, showing off its dim-lit glow.


    Gris watched the horizon thatid beneath the moon in a daze. It was truly a marvelous sight. Whatever cold darkness that embraced the Earth that the night has brought was countered by the moon, which never failed to shine warmth upon creation and reminded Gris that this world was still very much alive and filled with living and breathing creatures that nowy in quiet slumber.


    A sudden question gued her thoughts as she was engrossed by the image of the night.


    If it was Gods n to keep every little creature alive, then why did He create death? Did God only offer life to the chosen ones? Was Gris Benedict one of the chosen ones?


    She made it this far, so there was no doubt Gris was one of those favored, but she couldnt calm her anxious soul, what if she survived out of pity, or ident, what was the purpose of her being her still? She could only sigh again, as her fears slowly crept and filled her thoughts the way coldness also made its presence more pronounced as nightfall grows thicker.


    Stephan, Vianut, and even Pa were fierce beasts to her, beasts who have not yet to show their vicious teeth. The moment she takes her guard down, she was bound to get stabbed, of this Gris was sure of. There was no one to trust, and so she cannot calm her worried heart.


    Gris often spent her nights thinking about this, and thus she was constantly stiff in the neck.


    She opened the window and was greeted by chill of the night wind, she massaged her nape, pressing her fingers forcefully to ease the pain.


    The whiff of the winds carried the scent of wildflowers into her room. Finally closing her eyes, Gris hummed a tune as feelings of nostalgia filled her, she remembered she used to hum this song too when she was nine years old.


    It was perhaps the time when she was deposed as princess and locked in an isted tower when she had begun singing it.


    When she heard the news of her father and his followers had formed an allied force to resist the army of the Taliluchi, Gris sang the song of victory at the top of her lungs. She wanted her voice of support to resound in her cage and to be carried by the winds to her father and his people. She sang so loudly in hope back then.


    However, days after this, she received news that her fathers force had lost the battle. On that gloomy day, she forced herself to sing a luby tofort her pained heart. She sang till her voice became hoarse, her strength leaving her.


    She thought of her father and the soldiers who fought for her that day. She wondered if they had gone safely to heaven, and imagined her father enjoying an armful of sunshine in a field of wildflowers under a clear sky. Would it have been better if she went with them?


    Gris endless thoughts of the people that had died for her that day propelled her to sing the same luby now, however, this time, not for her, but for those peopleher fathers people. She imagined a slow tune of a violin in the background as she sang the words to the song.


    In the dead of the night, where all birds are asleep,


    I bear a seed in your cradle,


    with the sweet words of prayer, the seed will bud open,


    and be a lovely flower.


    May you walk through the fields of warm paradise,


    and live under an eternal blessing.


    Ah, ah you may not hear my words,


    but Iy in your heart forever.


    For quite some time, Gris dwelled on her sorrows and looked at the side path of the garden.


    However, she noticed that the path, which was empty a few moments earlier, now shown a human shadow in front of the fences. It was a tall man with broad shoulders and slim, long legs.


    But the most noticeable feature of this figure was his hair. The moonlight reflecting the head revealed a handful of ck hair. It was the hair she had seen in the corner of her eyes throughout the party.


    It was Sir Byrenhag.


    She rather wished it was the devil insteading to visit her in the garden than him. The devil would sweet-talk her into a deal to sell her soul to him, but would at least not kill her in the spot.


    Completely frightened of the sight of Vianut, Gris immediately closed the window, pulled the curtains shut, and hid behind those. She ced one of her hands on top of her chest, feeling the rapid beating of her heart.


    She willed herself to calm down less she suffers from a heart attack and focused on herbored breathing. Finally, when she felt her heart no longer beat as fast as before, she mustered her courage, pulled her curtains back, and peeked out of the window.


    Under the moonlight, she could make out his figure. He was still in the garden, and for some reason, she could only see him standing with his back turned against her and he had only turned his head to face her window. Perhaps he heard her sing earlier. Maybe the singing was unpleasant to his ear in the middle of the silent night. Gris took a step back, hoping he hadnt seen her.


    For some time, he stood there, without moving a limb almost as if in a trance. Without knowing how long he had stood in the garden, Gris was relieved when finally she heard his footsteps start and grow distant into the fields.


    This sound she was currently hearing reminded Gris of the lonely wolves that came by her window when she was younger. Those wolves who circled and sniffed, wondering if they could reach her beyond the walls, but arent able to find a way in, so they would leave after some time in recognition that there wont be a hunt that night.

 Chapter 21 - A Personality Change

    Gris spent the night tossing and turning in bed that she woke up feeling sore and tired. Bellin, once again, came to knock on her door at sunrise. Gris granted her entrance, and Bellin at once started preparing her bath while she sat on her bed, staring nkly at her walls while running her fingers through her puppys coat, the little one still sleeping.


    As soon as her bath was ready, she got on it with Bellins assistance. After, Bellin also helped dress her like all the other mornings that came before, ever since she arrived.


    After their preparations, the ruckus had woken up the puppy, and it was now happily running around her room. Gris had moved to seat near her window as Bellin proceeded to fix her bed.


    Thanks to cuddling in bed, she and her puppy got rather close over the night. The puppy finally found her and begun circling around the leather shoes she wore and yed with her by wagging its tail between her ankles.


    Bellin watched the two interestingly as she fluffed the pillows back to life and opened her mouth to speak.


    Did youe up with a name for the puppyst night?Bellin asked Gris as she finally finished fixing the bed of Gris and was approaching thetter tob her hair. As soon as Bellin reached Gris, she beganbing her hair, untangling the knots.


    Oh, a name.


    Gris didnt feel any different about how she didnt want to name the creature, but she did think it should have a name for convenience. But what name? To her, it was a fluffy little creature, maybe amon name would suit it.


    Gris thought for a while and chose a word perfectly portraying its fluffiness and vulnerability. This name came from the bottom of her heart and carried her desire of wanting the servants to also adore the puppy, for it was still a baby.


    Teer, she said.


    Bellin had an awestruck expression on her face when she heard the namee out of Griss lips. She then stared in space and scratched her head, causing a couple of strands of her ginger hair to fall lightly from the pins that held it in ce.


    You have changed a lot, maam, Bellin told Gris softly.


    Gris was confused at Bellins unexpectedment.


    What did she mean? Did she suspect something different about Yuliana?Gris firmly pressed on her chest with her palm, her heart was beating fast again. She cleared her throat, hoping her voice does not break as she asked.


    What do you mean, changed?


    Bellin suddenly stirred as if pped back to her senses and dropped the brush in her hands, seeming quite perplexed.


    Nnothing maam. Please forgive my rude behavior. Bellin eximed, her voice slightly quivering, and her eyes were filled with tears. Gris stared at Bellin in confusion, and this seemed to cause thetter more grief.


    Bellin dropped her deadly pale face to the floor in an almost bow as if she hadmitted high treason.


    Gris had once seen servants working under tyrannical royals put on a face like the one Bellin was wearing. Unsure of what had happened to cause such a reaction from herpanion, Gris had begun to clear her throat to Bellin if she was alright, however before she could voice out her concern, Bellin opened her mouth hesitantly and begun speaking.


    The head of servants will be arriving soon, maam. Since your health recovered tremendously, Madam Pa put her in charge to officially introduce you to the mansion, Bellin said with a shaky voice.


    Just then, Laurel, who was the head of servants, knocked on the door and entered the room.


    She was ady in her mid-thirties, with brown eyes and hair. She had a distinctive, vibrant voice as well as sharp features.


    Good morning, maam. You look stunning as always, Laurel said to her as she bowed at Gris in greeting.


    Gris nodded her head towards Laurel acknowledging her presence after studying Bellins still troubled face. Reading the awkward stillness in the room and pegging it as her mistress morning absent-mindedness, Laurel ced the towel she brought with her and into the wardrobe before returning to talk to Gris once again.


    Today, I will take you around the mansion, and tomorrow, your tutor will be arriving to give your first lesson on liberal arts, etiquette, and doctrine  everything that you will need to know, exined Laurel.


    Gris felt anxious about this news. While Bellin started to clean the rest of her room. Laurel had told Gris she would wait for her to collect her thoughts so they could begin their day, mustering up her courage, Gris left the room with Laurel, still feeling quite uneasy.


    The two proceeded to walk on the hallway that led to a new wing of the mansion, to which Gris had never been before. ncing at the ce up ahead, Gris squinted her eyes to get a clearer look.


    Gris saw that there were two portraits hanging on the wall beside the flight of stairs that led to the lobby. As if sensing her unspoken question, Laurel turned and exined that the first portrait she was seeing was the image of the former head of the Byrenhags, Sir Valdemar Byrenhag, and the one next to it was Sir Vianut Byrenhag. Gris swallowed, her throat suddenly felt dry.


    Gris nced at each of the portraits carefully. The two men in the frames resembled each other strongly, she notes. Laurel continued to exin about the familys history as they began to climb up the steps to the next floor.


    On the first floor of the annex is a room storing the ster casts of each member of the Byrenhag household. Currently, the ster cast next to Sir Vianut Byrenhag is empty, but shortly a ster cast of yourself will be ced there too.


    When Gris imagined her ster cast recing Yulianas, she felt her breath leave her body, causing her to choke and making her feel suffocated as if caged into a tight space, like lifeless portraits.


    The second floor is used by Sir Byrenhag. The most inner room at the start of the hall is his own room and next to it is the storage, Laurel continued as she ced her hand on the gold-painted handrail, she continued to support her weight on the rail until they arrived on the second floor.


    The second floor was decorated in luxury, reflecting Vianuts prestige. On the wall was a painting of an angel crafted by the familys artist, and on the floory a carpet with gold embroidery.


    Gris was busy studying the pattern of the embroidery when she noticed Laurel who was walking in front of her stopped. She seemed unable to enter the sacred territory of Sir Byrenhag. Instead, she gestured towards the other inner rooms.


    The storage is also used by Sir Byrenhag himself. He has a penchant for collecting things.


    With this, Gris determined that Vianut may be fond of things more than people.

 Chapter 22 - Arousing Suspicions (1)

    Gris thought that it was a rather odd piece of information to know that Vianut had a penchant for collecting things, especially expensive pieces. Gris didnt understand that if he was fond of luxurious things, why then had he handed out the valuable gifts he had received yesterday, when in fact, he had a whole storage dedicated to keeping such treasures.


    He likes to collect things? Gris asked, as she tilted her head in curiosity.


    Laurel cleared her throat and started to exin what she had thought of Vianuts collection.


    I think he brings back meaningful items from the battlefields as a trophy, as a reminder of his achievements. He keeps the storage locked and only he has the key to open it, but if you would like to have a look around, I rmend asking for Sir Byrenhags permission, since you are his sister he may permit you to enter it. Laurel advised Gris, and the former then started to proceed to the next rooms, and Gris followed her quietly, quite lost in thought.


    Meaningful items.


    Gris shivered of the thought of what Vianut may be keeping in that room. What if it wasnt the treasures she was imagining them to be. Looking back at his character, Gris reckoned that a man like him would be inclined to keep the head of the animal he first hunted as a teenager or the bones of a man he first slew, and she imagined them to be disyed on some form of peculiar altar.


    Gris figured it was important to understand him, what he liked and disliked, this information was going to be vital for her to survive and to avoid suspicion, earning his ire or bothering him. She must live quietly without giving him any trouble. After giving it some thought, she finally decided to ask Laurel a question.


    Have you ever been inside that room? she asked her.


    Laurel instead of turning to answer her, seemed to have fixed her gaze on the side. Gris followed her line of sight and spotted a fingerprint smeared onto the handrail, and she wondered if this print had bothered Laurel.


    Uh, no, maam. The storage is managed by Sir Bryenhag and only him, Laurel answered her, as she took out her handkerchief from her pockets and wiped the smear off the handrail.


    Gris reckoned that perhaps the things he kept there were extremely important to him. Laurel continued her steps up the stairs to the third floor and Gris closely followed behind her.


    To be honest,moners like me dont have the opportunity to meet him that often. I personally have worked in this mansion for nearly twenty years, but Ive barely heard his voice, she replied, looking at Gris behind her shoulder as she climbed the stairs.


    It seemed Laurel didnt want to talk about Vianut and his private life. Gris understood that Laurel was ufortable being asked questions rted to her employer and so she merely nodded her head in response. She figured if any rumors or information were to leak about Vianut, it was easy for Laurel to be used of gossiping about the head of Byrenhag.


    Laurel glimpsed at Gris, and noticed Gris slightly furrowed brows, the former thought that theter may be disappointed in her being tight lipped, and so Laurel opened her mouth, wanting to give Gris at least some information about the master of the house.


    He, however, seems to enjoy painting in his spare time. I saw other servants prepare paint and paintbrushes for Sir Byrenhag.


    Oh, he likes to paint? Gris repeated to herself.


    Gris tried imagining Vianut sitting down, upper body leaning towards arge canvas and focusing on his brush strokes as colors slowly filled the white spaces. But it was hard to imagine him looking so good mannered and refined. Her impression of Vianut was far too distinct in her mind; he was a sturdy man with blood on his face, a murderer.


    Laurel continued her tour, taking Gris to the guest rooms of the third and fourth floors, and when they finished they finally returned to the first floor, and she was allowed to retire back to her room. When she arrived, she observed that the room was cleaned and organized neatly by Bellin, but there was a set of dirty footprints in the middle of the floor.


    Gris swallowed hard, and quietly took a few steps forward, and her eyes followed along the footprints. At the end of the trail she found Stephan standing by the window. The broad-brimmed hat he wore ced a shadow around his face. Gris felt her hands tremble.


    Footsteps, Gris heard them slowly approach her room; she rushed out of the room to find that Laurel had followed her, thetter looked at her curiously.


    I was curious if you needed anything maam? Laurel asked, and Gris shook her head.


    No, I dont need anything, please leave.


    Gris nervously sent Laurel away, thetter gave her an odd look before turning to walk away. She watched her leave and when she finally felt she was far enough she re-entered her room. Stephan was still there near her window and walked towards him, noticing he had put Teer on the windowsill and was watching it.


    How cute, he said. Did you name it yet?


    Teer seemed to have spotted Gris and sat down on the window sill and greeted her by wagging its tail. Gris wanted to step forward and swoop the puppy away from Stephan but she didnt feelfortable having to walk so close to him to do so. She awkwardly stood by her bed and replied to him.


    Its name is Teer.


    Stephan watched Teer, it was wagging its tail quite excitedly. He then looked into the puppys eyes as it barked to get his attention, in response he stroked its soft and tiny head.


    Hello, Teer, he greeted the small creature menacingly.


    It was obvious that the dog didnt understand what he was saying, but it seemed to have sensed a violent temper from Stephans voice and it instantly ceased barking. Stephan held Teer by the back of its neck, and slowly stroked it. Gris feared the pressure he ced may end up bruising the fragile puppy but she could only swallow the lump on her throat as she waited for Stephan to talk again.


    Teer, there is unfortunate news.

 Chapter 23 - Arousing Suspicions (2)

    Vianut is apparently suspicious of his sister and hired a person to look into it. I heard hes looking for the horseman that served me the day I brought her in, he said as he slightly nced at Gris meaningfully. Then turned back to look at the small puppy.


    Your owners head is about to be in; oh, I dont know what to do, do you know what to do Teer? he asked in a slight grin that made Gris feel disgusted.


    Stephans voice was soft as he delivered the grim news, this made Gris stomach turn at the irony of it. Gris could only stand frozen by her bed.Vianut started to get suspicious.Did he notice something at the party yesterday?It was only a matter of timeshe will be discovered and lose her head soon.


    Isis that true? She was barely able to squeeze the question out of her throat.


    Gris wanted to ask more, but she found the words stuck on her throat. She felt like she was falling into a dark pit to hell. Her lungs ran out of air, but she couldnt fill it no matter how hard she tried to breathe the air around her.


    She only wished to go to the church, pray and hide in the house of God. She didnt want any of this mess. She was tired of imagining her body parts being ripped apart by the hands of Sir Byrenhag himself. These thoughts sent shivers that reached her bones and she felt her body grew cold as if it was already dead.


    Her hands that gripped the bed rails slipped away as the sweat started pooling on her palms. She lost bnce then and fell down to the floor, her hands reached out to wipe her forehead, which was also covered in sweat. Stephan from the distance just watched her.


    Your face has gone paler, he told her.


    She knew he wasnt simply studying her pale face but she didnt dare ask him any questions. She would only be taken in by his subtle, yet troubling words, she would only grow more troubled. Stephan dropped Teer on the ground, and approached her. He then crouched beside her while she remained seated on the floor. Gris watched as he pushed her jawline with his index finger, she tried to keep her head dropped to the floor, she wouldnt look him in the eyes.


    You are beautiful. Any man would agree with me.


    She had heard these words numerous times in her life, but the wordsing out of Stephan were particrly unpleasant. Other men had at least tried to hide their lustful intentions, but he didnt bother to. Gris turned her head away.


    Stephan smirked as she watched her and mumbled to himself.


    You are beautiful, but not enough to deceive Vianut. Well, no woman will be enough. Unless they came straight out of the bible.


    By this, he meant that Sir Byrenhag was only interested in holy figures. In any case, Gris did not have the ability to seduce a cold man like Vianut, nor had the will. Her head was full of thoughts on how to escape this deadly mansion with her head attached to her body. She just wanted to live.


    Please send me back before he figures out who I am. I would rather prefer that, she begged.


    Her racing heart triggered her anxiety. She imagined Vianut chasing after her. She cant bear to stay in this house anymore, she would die either by Vianuts hands or out of her own fears.


    Theres no doubt he would find you and kill you even if you were to leave.


    Gris couldnt answer, she knew Stephan was right, Vianut wont be forgiving.


    He might even feed you to his beasts.


    Stephan was good at picking out words she feared the most. It was almost sadistic. She hated him and his words.


    Gris was furious of Stephan, treating this as if it had nothing to do with him. It was his fault she was sitting on the floor, sweating and fearing she might be killed by Sir Byrenhag, whom she would have never met if Stephan left her alone in the whorehouse. How could he feel no guilt of putting an innocent woman in danger?


    That is right she was meless, she was just trying to survive, this was all his fault!


    His intentions were quite apparent to her. If his n was revealed, he could simply me it on the whore and walk away from it, while she would suffer the consequences.


    Gris shuddered on the thought of Stephan enjoying the sight of her being fed to beasts. What could she do? Her body trembled with fear, but she was also filled with anger. Then Stephan opened his mouth to speak again.


    But there is also good news. His words suddenly calmed her down.


    WWhat good news? Gris snapped back at him in desperation as she took a deep breath.


    She was sensitive now that her life was at risk. But to Stephan, she was merely a frantic little animal he was ying with.


    The horseman that transported you from the whorehouse to the mansion, I put him on a ship and sent him far, far away, he told her, and Gris did not know how to respond.


    After you showed up, my mother rose from her sick-bed. This is good for Vianut, too. There surely must be a man in politics, but there also needs to be ady in the house.


    Listening to him, Gris ced her hands on her forehead and took a couple of more deep breaths.One, two. She counted and when she reached ten, her heart finally beat back to its normal pace.


    So what do you intend to do now? she asked him, as she slowly stood up.


    She loathed Stephan but there was this unexinable feeling that tore her heart. If it wasnt for the Tallulichis, she wouldnt be dealing with this hooligan of a man.


    Her heart filled up with hatred, unsure of for whom these nameless feelings were for. Perhaps it was all directed to herself for being such a helpless person in a circumstance that offered her no choice.

 Chapter 24 - Arousing Suspicions (3)

    You just have to sit down and look pretty. And pray for my mother. After all, Vianut needs her.


    Stephan brought her here as coteral for Pas health. Atst, Gris regained her reason and was buried in deep thought.


    Stephan wasntpletely wrong. Some may think nobles wore fancy clothes and attended parties to chatter, but in fact, they were squirming to find ways to maintain their power; exchanging information and discussing the state of their Kingdom among themselves, it was too much work. Someone needs to govern the affairs of their own household while they are busy on state affairs.


    Nobody wanted Pa, the woman that stood in the middle of everything, to die. This meant that if she kept Pa healthy and alive, she could stay out of Vianuts grip. She had hope to stay alive.


    But. Gris stated.


    Interpreting that she understood what he meant, he flicked his index finger on her chin, as if adoring her.


    You can do it, right?, he asked her.


    Only interested at the thought of staying alive long enough to find a way to leave the mansion, Gris did not answer. Slightly amused at her silence, Stephan nodded his head and opened his mouth once again


    Sure, you dont have to answer me. He teased her and Gris could only re at him.


    But do keep in mind that if you get caught trying to escape, you wont leave this ce in one piece. Gris pretended his words didnt affect her.


    She must survive, this was the only thought she allowed to fill her mind.


    He gave her one final smirk, and left her room without a goodbye.


    Gris sighed and sat on her bed, she curled her fingers, her nails biting into her palms as she stared in fury at her door.


    Like always, their conversation finished on his own initiative.


    ***


    That night Gris came down with a fever.


    After Stephan left, she was stuck in bed for hours.


    Maybe it was Stephans negative energy floating in her room that caused her to be sick, but for some unknown reason, she developed a headache that progressed to this illness. Feeling she would be stiff as a rock if sheid down for another minute, she sat up in her bed, her sweat rolling down the sides of her face.


    She wanted to run away even now, even in her sick state. But the walls of the mansion were as tall as a fortress, and the front gates were heavily guarded. But just like Stephan had told her, she wouldnt stay unharmed if she was caught attempting to flee.


    Teer, whoid asleep next to her, woke up and stretched its back. The puppy approached the edge of the bed and jumped off it,nding with a soft thud on the floor. It then began to sniff on the rooms carpeted floors, it circled the wardrobe and finally stumbled towards the door. Gris noticed that Teer started to scratch the wooden door with its ws. She thought that Teer was still a puppy, and it seemed to be curious about what was outside, so it wanted to go out.


    Gris decided that it may be a good idea to take the puppy out on a walk, so she mustered up her strength and walked towards the door. Teer peered up at her as she approached, she turned to open the door too. She followed Teer who was happily walking along the hallway, its small feet stopping ever so often as if picking up an interesting scent along those areas all the while wagging its tail. Gris finally overtook Teer, and noticing that Gris was now in front of it, Teer followed her closely behind.


    As they walked in the garden, Gris had a sudden thought.


    She wondered again why Vianut had given her the dog. She recalled the gentle, yet dark smile on his face as he handed her the dog. Why did he give her that look, what was he thinking, when he already suspected her identity? Was it for show? What did he want from her?


    Gris continued to walk along the corridor, she was lost in deep thought. She soon reached the lobby, and Teer also followed her direction, after a second of hesitation, Gris decided to step into the unfamiliar ce.


    Smelling the fresh soil and grass, Teer charged outside the front door with excitement. Afraid that Teer might ruin the flowers in the garden flowers, Gris chased after it with a ghastly face.


    Oh dear, Teer! Teer? She called after it.


    A warm ray of sunlight greeted Gris as she stepped outside. The early-bloomed flowers swayed in the breeze which carried their floral scent and filled Griss lungs with their sweetness. Unable to spare a moment to relish the scenery before her, Gris scanned the garden in distraught to find Teer. She panicked.


    Various flowers decorated every inch of the small patches of soil inside the fence. Outside the fences was a stone path with fresh baby leaves sticking out of the cement and led to a path filled with trees that rested at the opposite side of the fence.


    Gris finally spotted Teer.


    Teer was strolling around a bench under a tree, sniffing at the ground happily. In front of Teers moist ck nose was a pair of crossed legs. Not wishing for the puppy to disturb the person in the garden, Gris frantically ran over to Teer to gather the puppy in her arms.


    Gris sighed in relief and was about to take Teer in her hands and leave the garden but she stopped in her steps when she locked eyes with the person sitting on the bench. Gris couldnt move a leg.


    This man, she had seen him yesterday. It was Sir Byrenhag.


    Teer. Her voice that had been calling for Teer faded into a whisper. She wished the wind didnt carry her voice all the way to the bench. She wished he didnt hear her.


    Vianuts eyes fixed on her. Quentin, who was facing Vianut, also turned around to look at her.


    Lady Yuliana? Quentin greeted her.


    The wind traveling from a distance swept past her, lifting her skirt above her knees, but she didnt have the sense of urgency to push down on her skirt. Her mind was ovee by the urge of wanting to ride the wind and disappear into the sky with it.


    She wanted to flee.Danger! Her mind screamed at her.

 Chapter 25 - Eyes Of Fear (1)

    Ah, I see you are out for a walk too. No wonder I saw this little guy.


    Now that she was found standing in front of them, Gris couldnt just turn and walk away, even if she wanted nothing more than to flee, she had to acknowledge their presence now that she was seen. Gris dragged her heavy feet towards Vianut and slightly bent her knees to bow before him in greeting.


    I just came for some fresh air. Gris told them as soon as she raised her head, all the while being careful that she doesnt meet his eyes. From the corner of her eyes, Gris saw a ball of fur moving around, she nced ever so slightly to her side.


    Teer had escaped and was now busily chasing after a white butterfly that flew into the garden, hoping from flower to flower. Gris watched Teer run away, pping her white fur. Unlike teer who was free, she was stuck where she stood and anxiously waited for Vianut to dismiss her. Gris could fear the sweat onto her forehead be thicker.


    Unfortunately, it seemed she wasnt going to be dismissed so easily. Vianut started to put down the book he was reading and rested it on hisp and then moved to ce one of his arms on the backrest as he leaned back to stare at her.


    Hello, he said, and Gris felt a lump on her throat. She swallowed and suddenly felt her throat ran dry.


    It was not what Gris had expected toe out of his mouth. She did not expect a friendly greeting, why was he talking to her?


    Gris nervously smiled and she could feel her eyes loosing focus. He once again put on a sleek smile to address her as if amused by her state of shock. She noticed faint dimples gracing his cheeks, pulled out by his smile.


    He was acting like a light-hearted boy, who was merely exchanging small pleasantries with his sister but Gris suspected that he could be trying to catch her red handed by making her lower her guard. She remembered Stephan saying he was already looking for the horseman because he was suspecting her.


    There must be something behind that smile, she thought. Gris kept willed herself to be on her toes.


    Yes, hello, brother. she greeted him, while forcing a smile.


    A cold breeze blew past them carrying a bit of dirt that dusted her underskirts. As Griss skirt pped in the wind, his blue eyes slowly slid down to look at her toes.


    She was wearing her casual dress which only had oneyer. Due to the fear paralyzing her in her ce, Gris did not notice that the strong wind managed to lift her dress above her knees, exposing the angry rash on her upper legs. Aware of the awkwardness between the two, Quentin cleared his throat loudly and finally opened his mouth to speak.


    The weather is still a bit cold isnt it? he blurted out.


    Gris realized that Quentin must be pointing out her thin attire and how inappropriate she must have looked. Finally noticing the cold wind blowing freely between her legs, Gris replied in embarrassment.


    Um, the weather is fine. The puppy Sir Byrenhag gave to me, is indeed quite a hand warmer.


    Teer was untroubled and was mindlessly running around them, unable to read the tense ambiance between the human upants of the garden. Teers only concern was the white butterfly that flew over her head as if teasing her to jump higher.


    Gris silently stared at the butterfly too.


    Noticing that theirdypanions attention was elsewhere, Quentin followed her line of sight and noticed the white butterfly Gris was looking at. He nced back towards her and took interest in how she watched the butterfly.


    You were looking at a butterflyst time too. Do you like butterflies? Quentin asked her.


    This surprised Gris, and suddenly an image filled her thoughts. Quentin must be recalling the ck butterfly that sat on Vianuts shoulder thest time they were all together by theke which she also found herself staring at back then.


    Yes, Gris replied a momentter.


    Impressed at his own insight, Quentin nodded and crossed his arms.


    Ah, it is no surprise that you are fond of butterflies too for you are both rted. Sir Byrenhag is also a fan of butterflies.


    With this Gris who has been eyeing the flying butterfly stole a quick glimpse at Vianut. She didnt expect that a man like him was fond of butterflies.


    In retrospect, all her assumptions about him thus far were wrong, or rather everyday she was finding new things about him that made him moreplex; unexpected things that to Gris made him harder to read, it was almost ironic.


    Vianut had a penchant for collecting luxurious items and yet gave out valuable gifts to others. He used his sturdy arms to paint in his spare time which Gris found to be extremely unlikely for someone like him who had on a number of asions used those same hands to kill enemies in the battlefield.


    A man like him should have bloodlust running in his veins, and here again she finds out that he liked small vulnerable creatures like butterflies, it didnt make sense to her.


    Perhaps she waspletely wrong about him; he may have a humane side to him after all, a side that is different from the threatening face he had shown when she first saw him. He could have devoted himself to god tofort the ones he inevitably killed in battle.


    Gris felt her stiff muscles slowly ease at the thought that perhaps he would not blindly slice her throat in the end.


    Fixing his eyes on her, Vianut ran a hand through his hair. A weak smile stilly on his face as a deep voice slipped out of his lips.


    Yuliana, he said, breaking the silence around them.


    Without knowing why, Griss eyes fell on his chest. Startled by herself, she tightly shut her eyes and lowered her gaze.


    Yes, sir.


    He made an eye gesture to the bench he was sat on. Come sit, he told her as he handed Quentin the gray wolf fur cloak he took off on the bench, so that she may have a ce to sit on.


    Gris hesitated, seeing that Vianut was already taking up almost half of the seat of the bench. Extremely tensed up, Gris only slightly ced her bum on the bench, careful that her body doesnte near his.


    Gris felt that she wasnt sitting, nor standing up; but she was in an ufortable position. Vianut beside her didnt seem to care that she was struggling in her position. She realized that his intentions werent to have her sit down. She grew more nervous after realizing this.


    Just then, he lifted his arm from the backrest and grabbed her chin to turn her face toward him. Spooked by the cold touch of his fingertips, Gris dropped her gaze to his knees, she could feel the embrace of fear upon her again.

 Chapter 26 - Eyes Of Fear (2)

    She knew intuitively he was trying to see her eye color in the light.


    What should I do? Itll only be more suspicious if I just run away now!


    Gris could only pretend she was blinded by the sun and keep her eyes half-closed, desperately praying that the sunlight will help her eyes appear a little more brown like Yulianas.


    She was observed by a pair of pale blue eyes that purposely scanned her irises.


    If the men she met before had lust in their eyes, in Vianuts were wariness and curiosity. She was terrified of being raped by those men, but this man in front of her was capable of doing anything to her, even taking her own life which was more frightening to her than the former.


    She wanted to shake off his grip when his voice struck her head.


    Your eye color is beautiful,,. he told her instead.


    Her heart started to race without control. What could she reply to him? Should she give an excuse? Or did she have to admit her sins, beg for her life? Then Stephan woulde after her. She felt the blood drain from her body.


    Just then, Quentin, ufortable with Vianut grabbing adys face and staring at it as if looking at a petty item, urgently blurted out a remark.


    I, I also thought the same, sir. Her eyes are like sparkling jewels.


    Vianut let go of his hand as if he had seen enough.


    Yes, so much that I want to collect them.


    A blood-freezing sight shed before Griss minds. She imagined a pair of red eyes on a shelf in his dark collection storage roomher eyes.


    She felt a dull pain starting from her irises. Afraid they might actually pop out from their sockets, she closed her eyes for a few moments and opened them again when she heard his voice addressing her.


    They are eyes full of fear. Vianut told her.


    Gris found herself speechless.


    Like you have sinned.


    Feeling that he had read her mind, Gris anxiously flushed. She felt captured by a predator, smacking his lips in front of a delicious feast it was about to take part of.


    I, I, um.


    She had to say something. Something to keep him from suspecting. But with what excuse? She thought of saying she was ill and had to return to her room.


    Gris tried to keep herself sane, bringing her eyes to focus on something. Unlike her, Vianut was calm, keeping his gaze on her as he rested his chin on his hand.


    I heard you singst night.


    Gris suspected that he wanted an exnation of what she was singing the night before. But it was impossible for him to know it. It was a song known only among the royal family of Grandia. Her forehead was beaded with sweat.


    Teer started to annoyingly bark at the butterfly which had been teasing it, for it could not easily catch the flying insect. Teer, realizing that the butterfly didnt feel threatened by the barks, took out its frustration on a white fluffy flower, on the ground and started gnawing on it.


    Trying to think of a way to escape his questioning, Gris looked around her for help and her eyesnded on the flowers. It was simr to the cotton flower she once saw when she and her family visited the southern region of Grandia. She remembered what Adrian had said in the whorehouse


    If only I had the white flowers in my front yard, I could have seeded in my n.


    White flower?


    Yes. The white flowers with roots that look like cotton. Their roots can be poison if you boil them in rum for a long time. Its a deadly toxin that can melt your gut and make you vomit blood until you die.


    Gris had no clue if that white flower was indeed what Adrian was talking about, but it would be bad if Teer identally ate it. She jumped out of her seat and bowed her head.


    I have to go now because of Teer. I am sorry to have wasted your time, sir. She hurriedly eximed, while making a fuss that it will be dangerous for the puppy to eat the nt.


    Worried he might ask for details about the song the longer she stayed with them, Gris turned and ran down the stone path and carried Teer with her.


    Only when she was far enough, could she finally breathe. But she was still close enough to hear them. She heard Vianuts voice.


    Teer?


    Quentins response followed. I think its the dogs name.


    Probably thinking it wasnt a suitable name for a dog, he corrected him indifferently. Handwarmer.


    Only a handwarmer, the dog was just that.


    ***


    Another eventful day faded away to begin a new one.


    Gris once again, didnt get enough sleep; she had a nightmare about being chased by a suspicious man. Even in rest she couldnt find peace.


    Laurel came by early in the morning to remind her she would be getting a number of lessons that day. Gris didnt understand what use it would be for her to study so many things she never would be able to apply, but she couldntin about it. It was probably important for Pa or Stephan that she took the lessons.


    As she dressed up, she heard a knocke from her door and she imagined Vianuting to find her with bloodshot eyes. It was only a matter of time he found out his sister was a fakeing from a whorehouse. How angry and insulted would he be to find himself calling a whore hissister.


    But luckily, it was only Pas butler that came to her, saying Pa offered to eat breakfast with her, and so Gris had no choice but to obey. She followed the butler and sat with Pa who was waiting for her expectantly.


    The meal went by quite uneventfully. While they were eating, all Pa did was just closely look at Griss hand holding the fork and knife.


    As his butler took away the empty dishes, Pa ordered for a walnut pie. Gris observed the olderdys demeanor and concluded that thetter seemed to be in good condition that day. She asked Gris in a more cheerful face than days before.


    How was the party?


    Gris, focusing on every movement Pa took, nodded her head as she answered. I enjoyed it very much.


    Pa smiled as she agreed with her that the part certainly must have been grand. I see you didnt forget your table manners.


    Gris knew Pa was eyeing on the way she bowed like a noble, as well as her table manners and conversation etiquettes. It was not perfect, but seeing those habits were still in her, Pa started to believe she was the real Yuliana.


    Gris didnt intend to trick her, but her heart grew heavy, regardless. How long was this going to continue?


    She was tired of pretending.

 Chapter 27 - Deeper Into The Web (1)

    Yes.


    Gris stuttered as she felt her throat clogging up. She tried topose herself as the butler brought in the walnut pie. Pa smiled when she saw the pie, still piping hot. Her eyes had a childlike glow in them as she stared back at Gris.


    The pie reminds me of the old days. I used to like apple pies more than walnut pies but because you loved them so much. I always had walnut pies. Even on the day we lost you. Do you remember?


    Smelling the buttery scent of the pie, Gris shook her head gloomily.


    No.


    Pa didnt seem to mind her granddaughters memory loss and continued her story as the pie was being served before them by the butler.


    That day was when I brought the duchesses to the Byrenhag woods. To promote amity, I held a huntingpetition with a white foal as the prize.  Pa told her, her eyes were slowly filled with mncholy and Gris found herself being interested in the tale the old woman was telling her of.


    The butler began to divide the pie into 8 slices. The scent of cinnamon that filled the air with each cut put a smile on Pas lips.


    Back then, I felt myself growing older day by day. So, I wanted to prove to the duchesses that I was still healthy and well, and that nothing was able to stop me, not even my age. she exined.


    After the butler poured more ck tea into the tea cups, he left the room along with the tes they no longer needed. Pa wiped her hand on a linen cloth and let out a long sigh as her finger tips stroked the teacup handle.


    The thought ofpeting with the young duchesses made me want to win. I was too excited and did not consider the fact that you mighte after me. I left you with a nanny as we journey for the woods. Pa seemed to be lost in thought, and Gris couldnt say anything and instead continued to listen to the older woman as she told thetter of her regrets.


    When I came back from the hunt with two deers, you were already gone and the servants were wailing, running wild around the woods in bare feet, looking for you. That was when I realized I had made a mistake, an irrevocable one. My pride has cost me my granddaughter. Pas eyes began to pool with unshed tears and Gris wondered if she should catch her teardrops if they were to fall.


    Gris tried to picture the day that must have been hell for Pa. She imagined Pas feelings the moment she realized she had lost her precious granddaughter in exchange for two deers.


    Never having lost any children of her own, Gris thought of a simr pain that may have felt the same way. The day she witnessed her mother and father being decapitated, one by one, was also a very painful memory for her. Gris supposes like Pa, she too lost loved ones.


    On that day, Gris saw her mother still fervently searching the crowd and was trying to find Gris even after she was beheaded, her determined eyes still seemed to speak to Gris. Her eyes told her she had to put things to the past and live a long life.


    Her mother, even up to herst breath had thought of her.


    Gris remembers the way her mother had looked at her with worry, wanting to give her mother peace before she leaves this hellish world and finally be in heaven, Gris courageously nodded her head towards her. Then, she watched her mothers soul slowly leave her eyes, fervently hoping she died peacefully knowing her daughter was determined to live.


    To a nine-year-old girl, a mother is her world. Tears were about to fill her eyes too when she recalled the day she lost that world.


    Do you believe in God? Pa suddenly asked her. Her question seemed to pull Gris back from her thoughts to reality and she swallowed the cry that was about to fall from her lips to cast her attention back to the olderdy, she was about to answer but her words didnt seem to want toe out.


    I


    Gris faith in God was lost when her mother died. She was certain no child should be made to witness her parents death with her own eyes, as well as receive the news of her siblings deaths. It was a pain she did not wish on anybody.


    As she made her way back to her own prison, waiting for her turn to be beheaded, she even had to endure the torture of having to see their skinny corpses lying around behind bars. To this day, the memory still made her want to vomit.


    She spent a long-time resenting God for not taking her with them. But she couldntpletely lose her faith in God because she wanted to believe that her parents and siblings were in heaven and were living under His blessing. Gris slowly nodded her head as she replied to Pa. If He did not exist, where were her loved ones to go after death?


    Yes Gris answered simply as she reached out to take a sip of her ck tea, her hands slightly quickered against the China and she hoped Pa didnt notice her slightly trembling.


    Pa faintly smiled when she heard her answer.


    That is good news to hear. I believe in God as well. I like to think that everything we go through is under Gods intention.


    Gods intention.If she was right, then what intention was behind letting a girl, devoted to God, experience hell at such a young age?


    The moment she was about to let out a long sigh of disgust, she felt Pas eyes on her and so she bit her resentment down.


    You appearing here must carry Gods intention as well


    Pa smiled as she announced the realization she made after having spent the whole week in her room, thanking God for bringing her granddaughter back.


    Well, now I have a reason to live, so I ept it as a blessing from God.


    Seeing her selfless smile, Gris felt her throat tighten. She was so close to blurting out that Stephan was tricking her the entire time. This poor old woman was being fooled.


    Pa watched Gris tense up and looked out the window.


    When I was younger, I struggled to understand God and the hardships he gave me. I wanted to know why he took my husband, and why I was pregnant with Stephan when I lost him.


    Gris remained silent and allowed her to continue talking.


    But now I learned to simply wait. I believe Ill understand why he has brought you back to me once I calmly wait for his message. Pa then gave her a smile. Gris supposes that the old woman was just happy to have her granddaughter back.


    Reflecting now on Pas words, Gris realized something rather odd. Pa didnt take in her granddaughters reappearance as a blessing. It was as if she wanted to know the purpose of why she hade back.


    Gris took a sip of her tea as she thought of this odd feeling at the bottom of her stomach. While watching her, Pa handed her a piece of walnut pie on a te as the older woman attempted to change the topic.


    Did you hear you will be receiving lessons starting today? she asked.


    Today Gris had scheduled for a plethora of lessons carefully nned in order to shape her into a wless noblewoman, that was needed by their household.

 Chapter 28 - Deeper Into The Web (2)

    Gris reached for the silver knife and fork on the table and began slowly cutting the pie as she replied, Yes, I am told to begin lessons today.


    Pa smiled at her in encouragement for her to take a bite of the pie. The pie wasnt as hot anymore, and sadly did not look as sweet.


    If there is anything to make you feel at home, please tell me, Pa told her and Gris gave her a faint smile in reply as she dug her fork on a piece she just sliced.


    When Gris took a bite of the pie, a unique blend of cinnamon and buttery walnut spread in her mouth. It was crunchy, yet soft, and had the right amount of sweetness.


    I never had a walnut pie this good in my life, Gris eximed.


    Gris wanted to focus on devouring the pie, but she recalled that she did, in fact, have a favor to ask of Pa. Gris however, was uncertain if she was in a position to ask for favors from the olderdy, but realizing her own desperation, Gris finally made up her mind and opened her lips to ask.


    I, I actually do have something to ask you.


    She wanted to meet Johannes before everything got out of hand, but it wasnt clear if Stephan would let her, considering that she sensed he was unhappy with her and did not trust her either. Gris had to find someone else to help her, she needed to survive, and she was willing to risk anything, even if it meant that Stephan may eventually find out that she was unwilling to remain his puppet.


    I want to visit the church of Byrenhag. I heard the scenery there is heavenly, she carefully said.


    Gris studied Pa as she let the trembling words roll out of her mouth. Pa simply pushed her cup of tea to Gris side in a gesture as if to indicate to the younger girl to keep drinking her tea. Pa then answered with a faint smile.


    Sure. We can go there together, one day.


    Once again, she felt her heart grow heavy when she saw Pas generous smile. How could she pay for her sins to this olddy? Unable to look directly at Pa, Gris dropped her gaze to her cup of tea, its dark color reminded her that she was equally tainted.


    Thank you, and I am sorry. Gris, found herself blurting out and she bit on her lower lip, the words just escaped her lips without intent.


    Pa lifted her brows as if to ask why her granddaughter was apologizing. However, she wasnt able to voice out her questions because at that moment, the sound of footsteps grew as it drew closer to Pas chamber and was soon followed by a knock on her door.


    Its Stephan, mother. the voice from behind announced.


    Pa reached out and took a sip of her tea before replying.


    Come in.


    Stephan had a fox fur cloak around him, making him appear like the beast itself when he had stepped into the room. Gris thought it suited him for he had probablye by his mothers door with his slyness like a fox, his veins filled with deception, that or he was disgusted of the thought of keeping a whore so close to his mothers side, and breathing the air in the same room.


    Gris forced on a smile to hide her unpleasant feelings towards Stephan. Simrly, he put on a face of faux happiness and turned to Pa as he spoke.


    Im sorry to bother you during your tea mother, but Yulianas tutor is waiting for her.


    Pa smacked her knee to imply she hadnt thought of that and nodded at the implication that her granddaughter needed to leave her side.


    Of course, I was withholding a child that had a busy day ahead.


    Oh, I enjoyed the tea very much, Gris said apologetically, as she understood that it was time for her to leave.


    Recognizing the heaviness in the air surrounding the room was as bad as he thought it would be, Stephan left the room first in a hurry. Gris followed him out, but briefly stopped when she remembered the white flower, which she saw in the garden the day before. She wondered what would have happened if she handed the flower to Adrian who was still in the brothel.


    She didnt have the ability to free thempletely, but she wanted to at least ease their suffering.


    Before she headed for her lessons, Gris went to the garden and picked a handful of the white flowers. Then, she requested Stephan to deliver it to ady named Adrian back at the brothel as a farewell gift, along with the promise she would fulfill her role as Yuliana.


    Stephan epted her request without hesitation as if it was nothing to him and took the flowers to send it away as she requested.


    ***


    Fifteen days went by quickly as Gris put her mind to the lessons, time faded away and Gris did not realize she stayed alive longer than she expected.


    She had lessons on etiquette, liberal arts, embroidery and more, in order to maintain dignity as a direct family member of Sir Byrenhag. She was familiar with etiquette, horse riding and painting since her body remembered it, but waltz was the worst lesson she had to learn.


    Unlike the first time she met her when Pa struggled to walk from the bed to a table, the olderdy had now significantly recovered as she could walk more freely than before. Pa was now enjoying her spare time by strolling along the gardens and Gris, too, found happiness in tagging along and following the olderdy closely behind her during her walks.


    Another day dawned and Gris woke up with the sound of Teer whining, pestering her to y with it. Bellin came by just in time, like she always does with a new dress in her arms.


    You woke up early today, maam. Bellin greeted her and Gris only gave her a faint smile in reply.


    Bellin smiled more frequently now than the first time they met, Gris observed. Gris recalled the number of times Bellin used to tremble with fear in front of her. She still didnt understand what made her so fearful.


    After a quick bath, Gris got ready to be dressed for the day. She sat in front of a mirror as Bellinbed her hair, untangling the knots of her curls.


    Your hair has be smoother. I can see the shineing through now, Bellin quietly told her in admiration, and Gris couldnt help but agree.


    It was all thanks to the meals she ate intensively to survive. Meals which were not only filling but it was also delicious dishes made by the skillful chef of the mansion. She has gained back nourishment living this borrowed life.


    Keeping up pretenses of a woman of few words, Gris only quietly smiled in reply. Bellin looked at her crescent, gray eyebrows when she continued their conversation.


    How are the lessons going?


    Its pretty fun. Except for waltz, Gris replied honestly.


    Bellin sighed with relief as she continued onbing her hair. Im sure youll pick it up quickly once you get the hang of it.


    Gris listened to the soft sound of Bellin stroking her hair as she allowed her thoughts to wander. Bellin had be quite talkative over thest week and Gris foundfort at the thought that maybe they have grown closer.


    How was your trip yesterday? Bellin suddenly asked.


    My trip? Gris looked at her in confusiin


    You went to the church of Byrenhag yesterday. Bellin reminded her and Gris sighed and slowly closed her lips as she stared into space.

 Chapter 29 - A Painter’S Enigmatic Muse (1)

    She had indeed gone out on a trip with Pa yesterday. Specifically, they went to meet a ster cast sculptor near the church, and while they were at it, they visited the church.


    While Pa talked with the priest whom she knew for a long time, Gris left the two, saying she would be at the za. When she arrived at the antique art store, she pretended to look around the store, and when she finally found the courage to ask the owner if he knew a guy named Johannes, only a disappointing answer awaited her.


    Unfortunately, the owner shook his head, telling her he just took over the shop recently and so did not know the man.


    Luckily, the previous owner of the shop was the current owners cousin and told her he would ask around if he had the chance. Left with a meaningless promise, Gris sighed as she took her steps past the forest, exuberant of cypress trees, and back to the mansion.


    Yes, it was so beautiful that I would like to go back one day.


    By that, she meant she really needed to back again. But Bellin was more interested in a different part of the story.


    Did you meet the sculptor? I heard hes a handsome man.


    Gris recalled her memory of meeting the sculptor on the way back to the mansion. Pa wanted her to meet him so he could make a ster cast of her and disy it in the family ster cast room.


    Unfortunately, Gris didnt remember what the sculptor looked like. Her mind was caught up on how she could find Johannes.Was he a man? Was he a handsome man?She squinted her eyes as if to help her remember and soon mumbled to herself.


    Yes. I think he was handsome.


    Noticing her indifferent reaction, Bellin replied to her.


    I reckon if you have a brother like Sir Byrenhag, no one would seem handsome enough to you.


    Gris realized something during her time at the mansion. However a conversation started, it always ended with Vianut. It probably meant he was that much important and talented. Gris slowly nodded at Bellin who now patted her hair down with camellia oil.


    Oh, I forgot to tell you. Sir Byrenhag returned yesterday.


    He must have returned from his weeks stay at the Nordvaltz pce. Whenever he was gone, Gris felt at ease.


    She wondered if he was yet to find the horseman. Gris held her nervous, cold hands together while Bellin talked to her.


    It seems Sir Byrenhag is finally getting married, she said.


    It was her first time hearing this. Did he have a fianc?


    Married?


    Bellin continued while she ced a hair essory on the crown of her head.


    I overheard the civil servants talk, but apparently the King of Nordvaltz have arranged him to marry the eldest daughter of the King of Britin.


    To be honest, everyone was worried since Sir Byrenhag had never shown any interest in women. He left everyone anxious whenever he left for battle without leaving a son behind.


    Gris nodded her head as she listened to her. He had as many responsibilities as the amount of power he held in his hands. One of his responsibilities was to have many children, someone to take his ce in case something happened to him.


    But she had never heard of a man forcefully marry against his will. It was women who gave birth, risking their lives. Men could easily seek pleasure secretly. But Vianut didnt even do such thing, leaving the officials worried.


    Does he have any special reason?


    Bellin answered as she wiped her hand with a cloth.


    Apparently he deeply misses the fianc he had when he was younger. Even till now.


    Ufortable talking about his past, Bellin suddenly changed the topic to the princess of Britin.


    I heard the princess of Britin is currently studying abroad in a warm country in the south. I suspect they would get married in a months time after shees back.


    It wasmon for nobles to get married without seeing their partner prior to the wedding. Bellin was certain he was going get married to the princess.


    Im sure they will get married. I heard the princess is extremely charming. Also anyone that meets Sir Byrenhag will fall for him the moment they see him.


    Gris brightened up upon hearing the news. She was confident that Vianut will be too busy organizing the marriage to be paying attention to her.


    After dressing up, Gris left the room with Teer in her arms. The first study past the lobby was where she had her lessons.


    When she entered, a room with high ceilings and sunlight peeking through the windows greeted her. She breathed in the smell of dry parchment paper and sat in front of the canvas. She ced Teer on the floor.


    Her lesson started when the teacher walked in. Frenze was an art teacher, and he spent thest week teaching her how to effectively draw shades in still-life paintings. They worked on drawing a red apple, and as she created a shine under the stem, as if she could taste the vor of the apple from the painting itself.


    Once she finished with shades, it would be her first piece of art. She was nning on gifting it to Pa, remembering that she liked apple pies.


    Excited with her meager artistic aplishment, she held up her brush. Just then, she heard heavy footsteps descending the stairs.

 Chapter 30 - A Painter’S Enigmatic Muse (2)

    Gris hase to realize that the servants always muffled their steps. The owner of those footsteps would be either Vianut or Stephans.


    Not wanting to see either of them, Griss smile died. The footsteps grew heavier, and her heart raced faster as she gradually became certain that the steps wereing towards the study.


    When she gripped on the brush too harshly, Frenze pointed it out to her. Then, the footsteps stopped.


    The door to the study slowly opened. Now pale, Gris turned her head towards the door.


    She expected Stephan to be standing by the doorway, so she ced her gaze at where she expected to meet eyes with him. But instead, her eyes met an adams apple.


    She raised her gaze to see who it was. She noticed right away even when a dark shadow covered the mans face.


    It was Vianut van Byrenhag, the man with a fine, but mercilessly cold face.


    Spotting him, Frenze hastily took off his hat and bent his waist forward.


    Si-sir Byrenhag. It is an honor to meet you. I am Frenze, in charge of Madam Yulianas art lessons, he stuttered.


    Vianut stopped and looked around the study. He must havee for a book. Realizing this, Frenze fixed his eyes to the floor and continued to stutter on.


    Unfortunately, we were allocated to hold my lessons in your old study. Madam Pa gave us permission but if you are notfortable with it, I am happy to move to a different room.


    Not recognizing this man she had seen before, Teer hid below a sofa with full alert. Vianut looked at Teer and then caught eyes on the hem of Griss yellow dress. Gris urgently stood up to greet him, realizing she hadnt done so due to being so nervous at his appearance.


    Its been a long time, sir she said. When she was greeted by his silence, she continued, I apologize for noting to you first when I heard you were back.


    She almost started to sweat on her belly where she neatly ced her hands. She wanted him to greet her as well but what came back was an unexpected remark.


    Ah, youre still here, he said with a smirk on his face.


    It meant that he thought she would have run away or been kicked out of the house during his departure. He slowly approached her as he continued.


    You must be either one, he said. Either bold or really her.


    Liking her glossy hair treated with camellia oil, Vianut lightly gripped her locks and felt its texture. He was like a child, touching anything that fascinated him.


    He then glimpsed at the painting of the apple. Trying to read the atmosphere, Frenze took the opportunity and jumped to exin it to him.


    Madam Yuliana here is extremely talented with her brush strokes, just like Madam Pas famous painting skills among high society. With just a couple of more practices, she will be an outstanding painter, he blurted out.


    It sounded like sweet talk to keep himself as an art teacher in the mansion. Vianut frowned as if Frenzes words got on his nerves.


    How funny.


    Frenze stood wide-eyed, trying to understand what was going on. Vianut kindly exined to Frenze, like he always did to ignorant people.


    That you say shes just like my mother.


    I have to check it myself.


    Then he pulled out a pocket watch from the pockets of his ck fur cloak. Gris took in short breaths, she wasnt the leastfortable. She thought that Frenze had triggered Vianut to test her identity with his outrageous words.


    Wanting to say something, she looked up to him, opening and closing her lips but failed to let out words. It was when she noticed theshes of his eyes that looked down at her were very long.


    Draw me.


    Sporting a cold smile, he slowly walked towards the sofa by the window and plopped down on it. Frenze was nervous at the situation that suddenly developed before him.


    Si-sir. Madam Yuliana may be an excellent painter, but she needs more practice to paint portraits, he reasoned as he gave desperate looks to Gris.


    Gris didnt know what to do. Should she say she would practice on her painting and offer to paint him another time?


    Soon, she finally opened her stiff mouth. Vianutid down on the sofa, resting his head on the armrest while looking up to the ceiling, and interjected before she could speak.


    Ill be the one to judge.


    The sofa was wide enough for three people, but his legs were protruding out the armrest at the other end. The other leg he couldnt fit on the sofa was supporting his body from the floor.


    Perhaps he was trying to get rid of the talkative art teacher and his so-called sister, altogether. Gris wanted to paint a perfect portrait and proudly present it to Vianut, but she knew more than anyone she didnt possess the skills.


    She put down her brush and carefully opened her lips to speak. I deeply apologize but my painting skills are not enough. If you give me more time


    Vianut interrupted before she could finish her sentence. Sure, Yuliana. He then smiled carelessly and mumbled to himself.Yuliana, YulianaGris could see he still was still not used to calling her Yuliana.


    She had to make a decision: either to put in an effort to draw him well or refuse his orders and grow even more distant than they already were. Unable to bring herself to reject his orders, Gris sat gloomily in front of the easel.


    Then, she whispered to Frenze to go and find Stephan. Please note Stephan about this situation.


    Nodding his head, Frenze said out loud he had to fetch more charcoal and left the room. Gris wrapped the single piece of charcoal with cotton and firmly gripped onto it as she started to sketch the outlines of Vianut lying on the sofa.

 Chapter 31 - Windows To The Soul

    Her hand was shaking but it didnt mean she wasnt confident. She learned to paint since she was six. Although she had never finished a portrait, she had used several canvases painting the human eye, in constant awe of the beauty in its shape and colors.


    She recalled her lessons and started make a rough sketch. Shortly, Vianut brought his arms to his eyes to block the sun that shone upon him. Despite trembling all over, she requested exactly what she needed from Vianut.


    The eyes.


    He cocked a quizzical brow at her.


    I need to see your eyes, she rified.


    He put his arm down a little toote, gazing at Gris as he did so. He repeated her words, marking sure he heard them right. My eyes?


    Although slightly intimidated, Gris remained stubborn. I think the most important feature of a person is their eyes.


    He asked why she thought so. She remembered the day the rebel forces intruded into the castle of Grandia.


    On that day, she hid under a table and watched her people get murdered. She saw their pupils dte as every one of them copsed onto the floor.


    From then on, Gris believed that in a persons eyesy their soul, and so developed a habit of inspecting peoples eyes when she met them for the first time. She would purposely avoid people with elusive nces or those she couldnt read clearly.


    Vianut belonged to thetter, and consequently, it was logical for her to avoid him. Yet there was something mysterious in his orbs that evoked curiosity from those that beheld them.


    Perhaps this was the opportunity to truly investigate his soul, for whatever Vianut Byrenhag was. Gris looked at the sturdy man beyond the canvas in front of her and cryptically answered,


    Eyes are the window to the soul


    Startled at her unexpected answer, he lifted his gaze to the ceiling, dwelling on her words.


    She really needed to make a start at drawing him. Taking her trembling hands, she mustered what courage she had and lifted a piece of charcoal to the canvas.


    Vianut ced a cushion beneath his head and turned his face towards her. His blue eyes, where the strong ray of sun hit, scanned hers. Perhaps intrigued by herment, he wanted to test it out on her too, for his gaze was now trailed on hers.


    When she felt his eyes, she realized she had misspoken. Under his scrutiny, she was searched from head to toe. Her soul, a poor girl, a disposed princess sold to a brothel, felt wide exposed.


    He was simply looking at her, yet Gris felt conscious as if her body parts were bare. As his elegant face and curious gaze bore into her without pause, she felt her shame grow tantamount.


    The charcoal she firmly pressed against the canvas broke in half. Gris stared at the half of the charcoal held in her hand, barely pulling herself together when she started to sketch again.


    Two men hovered in her mind. Vianut covered in blood and the other Vianut who adored butterflies.


    The merit of imagination was that one can freely draw whatever they desire. Therefore, she imagined a man lying down in a garden on a warm summer day. Butterflies gathered around him, while hezily watched them flutter above him.


    As the warmth in her imagination spread to the tip of the charcoal, her hand sped up strolling around the canvas. Only the regr sound of charcoal rubbing against the canvas filled the room, but Vianut didnt seem bored by theck of conversation.


    Gris knew that as she was studying the details of his face, and he was doing the same. Whenever she would be overwhelmed by his gaze, she reminded herself of the man in her imagination to calm down.


    In no time, Gris finished sketching and picked up a paintbrush. She squeezed blue paint out of its tube and diluted it in water. Then, she looked directly into the pair of blue eyes that she had been avoiding all day.


    Thanks to the bright sunlight, she could observe the full depth of his eyes, including the iris. It was as clear as a deserted seaside. And unfortunately, that was all that she could find. Any warmth, kindness, happiness, even anger or sadness were nowhere in his orbs.


    Gris could finally understand the problem of a man who stood above everything; he was born with everything, thus did not desire anything. Since he had enough in his hands, he didnt feel any sense of gratification when gaining something. His only mission would be to protect the things he already had.


    That was why his soul appeared unclear. He was neither good nor evil, as he did not desire anything.


    Feeling slight pity, Gris started to paint over the sketches. She wanted to blow in a bit of warmth into his soul, out of sympathy.


    Now an irregr sound of brushing reced the room. Then, there was a knock on the door. Finally, Frenze must have found Stephan.


    Its Stephan. Im going in.


    Entering the room, Stephan frantically tried to read the room with a pale face. When his eyes met Vianuts, he remained calm outside and acted as he was surprised to meet him.


    Ah, you were here, sir.


    Vianut slowly heaved himself onto the sofa. He didnt seem happy to be interrupted by Stephan.


    So far, Gris only had assumptions about their rtionship but had never seen them together before. They somewhat looked alike, proving they were of the same blood, but their ambiances werepletely different.


    If Stephan was a white pet wolf grown indoors with love, Vianut was a ck wild wolf grown outdoors, alone. Its likely because Vianut was arger man with ck hair. While Gris dropped her head after watching the two, Stephan smiled generously.


    I bumped into Frenze by chance. I heard you requested Yuliana for a portrait.


    A voice significantly lower than Stephans was heard. That is right, Uncle


    Stephan nodded to show he was envious of the two siblings sharing quality time. He then took his steps in front of the canvas.


    She didnt recognize her own sketch. The canvas was full of blurry and imprecise lines of charcoal. Vianuts face was exaggerated. However, the shape of the head was vague while there was a speck of color at the eyes.


    Gris knew it was futile from the moment she held the charcoal. How could she draw a man who was already a piece of art?


    But it didnt help her drawing look any less embarrassing. Stephan must have agreed, thus blocked the painting with his body.


    Believe it or not, Yuliana is still looking for an activity to her aptitude. Its only been a month since her return, so she still needs practice in painting.


    His voice sounded calm, but she knew he was extremely disconcerted. He didnt expect Vianut, who was always busy with official businesses, to be asking her for a portrait.


    You may be offended, so how about she brings it to you after she is finished?


    Despite saying this in a rxed tone, he scowled at Gris. Vianut looked at her eyes fill with disappointment and walked to the canvas.


    His elegant eyes started to scan the piece without hesitation. He first saw the ck background and then the coarse wobbly lines which resembled a figuration of terror. Lastly, he saw the one eye that was colored in.


    Surprisingly, he did not show disgust as Gris expected but instead stared at the blue hue.


    He seemed to read and sympathize with the fear, confusion, and anguish she felt while drawing him. Gris was afraid her heartbeat was too loud but soon found calm as a weird current filled the air between them.


    Gris huffed short breaths between her teeth. Then, a strangely soft voice tickled her ears.


    Youre in it too.


    He was talking to her. Gris flinched as she looked up at him.


    Im sorry?


    Vianut stared into the blue eyes on the canvas with amusement.


    In the painting.


    When she followed his longshes pointing the painting, she saw the retina which she expressed transparently. Inside it was a figure in a yellow dress sitting on a chair, apanied by a white blob beside.


    Once aware that it was herself and Teer, Gris shook tremendously with confusion. All she did was draw and paint what reflected off her eyes. She may have added a bit of warmth out of pity, but it had be a portrait of him affectionately staring at her and Teer.


    Her heart started to race again.


    I didnt intend it, Gris blurted out. I was thoughtlessly drawing what I saw


    Stephan studied the situation with a serious face but shortly let out a light-heartedugh.


    This is surely something. All of your portraits portray you as a fearless monarch, sir. If I were you, I would love Yulianas painting.


    He was indeed very cunning. Stephan was trying to sugarcoat the painting into a usible portrait.


    Vianut turned to look at Stephan after understanding his returned sister did not have the brilliant painting skills as his mother. Then, he stared at him with suspicion of his overprotective behavior towards his sister.


    Youre acting like my father.


    It was unclear what he was trying to say. Stephans eyes, which smiled kindly, started to twitch at Vianuts words.

 Chapter 32 - Falling Into His Trap (1)

    Gris Benedict was at a lossbewildered of the situation where she felt she was walking on tightrope. Had she painted the picture a little better, she could have smoothly escaped


    In no time, someone knocked on the door. The voice of the civil servant resounded from the outside.


    Pardon me, Your Highness, but its time to go to the harbor.


    Upon hearing the words, Stephan avoided her gaze. Duke Vianut took a pocket watch out of his chest and checked the time.


    Then, he slowly said, Come in.


    Stephan greeted Duke Vianut and heaved a sigh of relief. Gris soon followed Stephans footsteps. As soon as they came out of the corridor, Stephan wiped out the pulps of cold sweat on his forehead. He furrowed his forehead and uttered to her.


    If something like this happens in the future, I hope you try to avoid it at all cost.


    Deep inside, her blood boiled in anger as Stephan gave her a harsh look.Isnt he demanding too much? He already used me a lot like Im a p*mp of a brothel! The only thing that I just want to do is get out of this mansion as soon as possible


    For the first time since she came to the mansion, Gris stood up and red at him.A greedy human being just like Billton. A scum without a conscience. What the hell are you nning to do with Yuliana?


    Stephenughed as if he had read the thoughts in her mind. Its good to evaluate the situation first.


    ..


    You should always thank me for saving you from the brothel. You were once trash that men have tasted anddiscarded.


    Stephan stepped aside and exited the lobby, left with no intention to carry on their conversation. Meanwhile, Gris barely managed the tears of frustration back.


    Yet she could only carry on with the education was enforced on her. She could only rx once the cross-stitch, horseback riding, and waltz sses are over. When nighttime came, Gris ate her meal while talking with her grandmother about mundane things like the warm weather.


    It was only then she was able to return to her room.


    She arrived just in time when Bellin was about to finish cleaning up. Seeing her humming cheerfully while wiping the table, she surmised there must have been something good that happened today.


    Bellins presence unexpectedly made her feel a little rxed today. As she hugged the active Teer who had been jumping around the bed, she decided to blurt out her thoughts, It seems something good happened today.


    That was when Bellin noticed someone came inside. She immediately bowed and greeted Gris. Gris looked at Bellins hair, which was clipped with a crystal pin.


    Your hairpin looks pretty. Did you buy it? Gris was interested because it was her first time to see it.


    Bellin smiled brightly as she touched her hairpin and said, Just a moment ago, Master Quentin gave one hairpin to each of the maids in the mansion. He bought it from a trader he and Duke Vianut saw in the harbor.


    She thought that Quentin was a very generous man for even buying a gift for the maids. Gris drew a smile as she nodded.


    Bellin added, Master Quentin said that Duke Vianut has bought a very expensive thing. It was an earring studded with a gem, red as the blood of a pigeon. The gem was called ruby He said that it looked very enigmatic, and reddish like the eyes of a witch.


    Gris raised her two eyebrows. While she had seen a myriad of gems when she lived in Grandia, she had never seen a ruby. Perhaps it was because her mother preferred sapphires, so she didnt have a chance to see it.


    Ruby?


    Eager to know how a ruby looks like, Gris inquisitively asked Bellin. The maid nodded and told her the story that she heard from Quentin.


    There is a legend that a phoenix with eternal life. Finding life dreary, it reborn as a ruby. Thats when the talks began that if you have a ruby, you will escape death.


    Oh


    Maybe because of that legend, the price for rubies are only affordable by the very luxurious. He said that he bought it for twenty gold coins. Maybe its a present for the Britin Princess?


    Twenty gold coins was enough to buy a small mansion, and on would still have excess gold coins as change. But of course, its worth the investment for the Princess of Britin.


    Gris nodded her head as she imagined the ruby. Yes, it is, maybe.


    As Bellin wiped the chair, she said to herself, Well. It could also be that he purchased it for his collection.


    They continued their curious conversation until Bellin finished cleaning the room. Gris asked if she can leave the mansion without a pass or if there was a hole in the wall, but she only got a reply that there was no such thing in the mansion.


    Despite the gut-wrenching events, she only fell asleep at dawn and was haunted by dreams of returning to the brothel. Sometime in her past, she had hidden in the kitchen, watching an 0rgy through the open door. But in this dream, she wastheprostitute.


    Her brain seemed to have believed that because Stephan kept on treating her as such.


    The next day, she woke up feeling leery, knowing her day would be the same as yesterday. Bellin came in at dawn and took her to the bathroom and as usual, she took a bath alone and stopped by the dressing room to rummage for a red dress. Then, she came back to her room for makeup.


    On other days, she would have admired the magnificent view outside the window, but today, she does not have surplus energy to spare. As each day passes by, slipping through her hands like sand, she felt like falling further into a deep trap. In the beginning, the escape route seemed to very clear with a bright light shining on it, but now it had diminished.


    What should I do? I cant even avoid Stephan nor Vianut.


    She sighed. Bellin, who was braiding her hair, carefully asked her.


    Are you not feeling well?


    Gris shook her head and reassuringly answered Bellin. No, Im good.


    After a moment of silence, Bellin looked closely at her face. She probably saw a look full of anxiety. But it was toote for Gris to hide it.


    Is your tight schedule too hard for you?


    I wonder what to say. I cannot even ask her how to safely escape the mansion

 Chapter 33 - Falling Into His Trap (2)

    The room was again filled with silence. Bellin hesitatingly opened her mouth. It seems that His Excellency, Stephan, is eager to make your debut in society soon. The schedule seemed a little tight, so our servants were also concerned that it would be hard for you too.


    Society?


    Yes. Because you already over your marrying age.


    Gris drifted in her thoughts while listening to Bellins story.


    Life as a proper aristocrat woman begins after her social debut. One can either build friendships with other women and contrive to benefit each others family or find a ce to marry. If one was lucky enough to find an influential mate, she can gain a lot of power both inside and outside her family. The social world is a big stepping stone for women to have further growth.


    Still, she cannot fully understand the situation. Why does he want to give such a golden opportunity to a fake nephew? The more power a fake nephew gets, the more hell be at a disadvantage.


    Despite her thoughts, she couldnt find a proper answer.


    Bellin finished priming her hair and she checked the purple wildflowers by the window. Then, she opened her mouth.


    Nevertheless, if the work is too much for you, just let us know. I can ask the housemaid a favor so that she can secretly tell the mistress.


    As Bellin turned back, Gris warmly looked at Belins red hair. When she first met her, she was a trembling girl deathly afraid of her. It was quite unbelievable that they were now helping each other. A total stranger and a humble woman who is even inferior to ordinary people Gris felt sorry inside and tucked her thoughts down.


    Thanks, but I dont need it. If my uncle finds out, you might also be in danger.


    Bellin acknowledged the truth behind Griss remarks though she genuinely wanted to help her out. Well, maybe we can manage. Everyone is grateful for your change. So am I.


    Bellin peeled the yellow leaves and threw them in a wooden trash bin. She looked at Gris. Gris wondered what Bellins words meant. It sounded like she made a good job fixing herself, but she was still curious about what Bellin meant by her statement.


    Change?


    For a moment, Bellin turned pale as if she had made a huge slip of the tongue. Ohh, that Its not that I apologize!


    Gris couldnt understand her reaction. She simply asked her a question out of curiosity and the girl was now trembling.


    She suddenly wanted to know what kind of person the vanished Yuliana was. Gris, who was deeply brooding over the word that slipped from the Bellins tongue, looked closely at her and asked.


    You do not need to be sorry. I only asked that because I was curious. But with the word change Did I do something so terrible before I lost my memories?


    With a face as pale as a dead person, Bellin slowly inhaled, trembling in fear. Sor Im sorry I unintentionally made a mistake.


    You know, I lost my childhood memories. Im asking because I really dont remember, Bellin. Why are you so scared?


    Im Bellin shifted her gaze at the floor, shaking her head as if a guilty sinner.


    Gris looked at her and said. Dont be like that. I just want to know what kind of person I was before I lost my memories. I am curious why you were so afraid of me before.


    After hearing that, Bellin firmly closed her eyes. She seemed to give up on covering up things. She loudly sighed and said.


    The youngdy liked to kill animals by hunting. She killed all the puppies she had saved by hitting them with a stick. Theres also a rumor of her pushing the maid to the well, resulting with the maids death. Well, it could also have been an ident.


    The servants thought that your mother died of pneumonia and you were lost astray after her death.


    Bellin looked like she wanted to talk more but hesitated. Perhaps Bellin worried that there will be a sudden change in her masters behavior and give her an impetuousmand. Gris had no intention of doing so, though.


    Please tell me everything you know. Anyway, I will discover that also.


    Bellin flushed, her fingers still quivering.


    You also had identally lighted the warehouse. So, the five maids who were sleeping there died.


    ..


    Of course, all the maids believed that it was an ident.


    Gris was stunned at Belins words.Did the young Yuliana kill the puppy with a stick?Did she also kill the maid by pushing it into a well? Did she set fire to the warehouse to annihte the servants?


    While she did not want to believe those stories, she couldnt just ignore it. Now, the mystery behind Bellins fear when she first met her was finally unriddled.


    Oh, I see.


    She did not know how to react to those incidents, so she just uttered meaningless words. Bellin, who had been stiff all the time, said in a hushed voice.


    Im sorry to trouble you. You are raising Teer well and I shouldnt have said anything.


    Teer looked up as if she understood her name and came out of the bed, wagging her tail. Gris stared nkly at the very tiny Teer.


    There was something she was curious about every time she saw Teer. It was probably the reason why he gave the precious dog to a noblewoman he doesnt even know. He didnt seem to have given it out of favor, so she suspected that he was trying to defame his fake sister by giving Teer. So far, nothing strange has happened yet.


    Now, I know.


    Gris realized his intentions. The reason why Duke Vianut gave her Teer as a gift was to check if her missing sister really returned. If she hurt Teer in a few days and imitated Yuliana, his suspicions would have ceased.

 Chapter 34 - What Is It To You (1)

    It was unthinkable! Gris grit her teeth in disgust.


    How could she kill others just in order for her to keep pretending that she was the real Yuliana? Gris took a long sigh, her eyes searched the room and she spotted Teer who was running around the ce and she followed the puppy and scooped the little creature in her arms and begun scratching Teers head.


    From now on, I will be careful so I wont kill anyone by mistake. She whispered to it, and Teer licked on of her fingers as ifforting Gris heart.


    Bellin who was with her in the room nodded as she believed Griss words. She carefully looked at her gloomy facial expression and said in a rather dispirited tone.


    My Lady, Im so sorry. I should have not told you that. Im sorry for causing you greif.


    Gris was rather grateful to Bellin for giving her good information. However, she couldnt was away her feelings of anxiousness that sooner orter her true identity will be discovered by Vianut because of Teer.


    NoIm okay. I just thought of something and I was distracted. It is not your fault.


    She smiled to show Bellin that it was information that did not matter much to her, but her smile seemed more like a grimace and her face betrayed her by showing her troubled emotions. Bellin gloomily tucked her head and sighed.


    That was how the events passed her by.


    Bellin was lost in her own thoughts and was regretting her actions when she suddenly stirred as she remembered something.


    Would you like me to bring you to a quiet ce where you can thinkfortably in solitude? I think going to a ce like that will make you feel better too.


    A quiet ce? Gris eyed her in curiosity and Bellin nodded at her.


    Theres a ce in the mansion where maids are prohibited to enter. Because if we identally damage the statues made of ster casts, we will be severely punished. Bellin told her and Gris set Teer down as she felt herself being lost in thought again.


    If it was a quiet ce, then the sound of footsteps will likely be heard, wouldnt her presence there be easily felt? Is it better that she does not go? However, if it is a ce that the maids cannot enter, it must be somewhere people do not frequent, where she be left alone. Perhaps it might be a good ce to hide if in case she was revealed to be pretending?


    Gris cautiously asked Bellin.


    Where is this ce?


    Bellin cheered up as excitement resonated from Griss voice. She opened the door and scanned the hallway first to check if there is anybody loitering around in the hallways. When she determined that the hall was empty, she led Gris out of the room and the two of them carefully sneaked out of the room. While they were walking, Bellin stopped in her tracks and silently whispered to Gris.


    Its a chamber where the statues of Byrenhag family are located. The ster casts of thete King, Grandmother, and the previous prince are there.


    If it is a ce where the ster cast of thete King is located, it probably must be the reason why they have restricted the entry of the maids. They probably also designated a caretaker like a butler or a maid to guard the ce and ensure the safety of those family heirlooms.


    As they walked a little further, they soon approached the lobby. Bellin carefully scanned the surroundings before she stepped into the hallway, behind the lobby stairs.


    The two majestic gates were visible at once. Bellin gently led her to the door and quietly stood by her side and whispered to her that she couldnt go in together with her, Gris had to go in alone.


    Gris hesitated for a momment and she felt her heart beating faster. After gathering her thoughts and mustering up her courage, she carefully opened the door and stepped inside.


    She didnt realized she had closed her eyes as she arrived in the room, afraid of making eye contact with one of the statues and thought those might contain the soul of thete King. But still, she just wanted to check the this hidden room of the mansion so she can asses herself if this nook would be useful to her in the instance that she must prepare to flee when an unfortunate event will arise. So Gris slowly opened her eyes to take a peek.


    As she stepped further inside its cavity, Gris found herself inside a high-ceiling white room whose emptiness weed her. Because of the stained ss windows adorning the corner wall, the five cardinal colors of sunlight mysteriously scattered all over the ce, spilling various colors on the floors.


    The space was a doubleyered structure, with ster statues ced on the floor of the stairs. The size of the statues was based on the original size of an actual human body, making it a good hideaway incase someone were to enter the room, for gris figures it can hide her small frame. One can hide well in the back of the statues for days and not get caught, Gris thought in passing as she scanned the room some more.


    Gris thought that she made a good decision checking this room out as potential hideaway as she walked around the space. Another positive thought transgressed in her mind. Unlike her room where the voices of the maids are easily heard, this room was very quiet.


    Being inside this room made her feel as if she woke at dawn after a very long slumber, the air around her was rather still. Moreover, she cherished the tranquil scenery.


    The stray thoughts that wandered in her mind were like impurities clouding her judgment. Herplicated feelings gradually subsided with the tranquil ambiance of the ce, this room was rather soothing. She felt free here as if liberated from all the problems in the world.

 Chapter 35 - What Is It To You (2)

    She gently closed her eyes and slowly breathed the air in the room. She imagined that she returned to her mothers belly and reminisced the luby that she often heard when she was young. The tune in her memory naturally flowed out of her mouth, and she did not realize that she was now singing.


    Birds sleep at night while hugging the seeds in the cradle,


    And flowers bloom with sweet praise.


    You will walk in paradise forever and rest there.


    Aah Even if you dont hear my song,


    You will forever be in my heart.


    She softly whispered to herself in a gentle tone as if she were singing a luby to a baby. She silently walked towards the seat beside the window and furtively looked beside her.


    But in the corner of her eyes she spotted that there was a dark shadow in the middle of the white statues that upied the room. Gris then looked at the Princes statue which was seated in a square ster cast. The shadow then stopped moving. Her Gris felt her heart start to beat fast.


    The shadow moved closer and was now three steps away from her. The dark figure revealed a familiar face. It was Vianut and his face looked like he had just awakened from sleep. Gris took a step back.


    Gris felt her cheeks warming at being caught looking at him, as if she had peeped at his private life. She guessed that he may have been woken from his slumber because of her singing the luby. At this, she felt her hands start to tremble.


    Fear rose as she bowed her head down, unable to think of a way out of the mess she was certain she was stuck in.


    YoYour Highness. She stuttered out as she felt Vianuts figure close in on her. She wanted to run but her feet remained glued to the ground.


    While Gris was panicking, Vianut on his part merely stared at her and he slowly exhaled his breath in a sigh wondering to himself why the formers reaction was troubled, he was confused. Vianut then ced one of his hands on his neck to massage its stiff muscles, his veiny hands worked on the knots below his skin as he looked at hispanion and lightly said.


    I thought it was you.


    He thought it was me? Was he expecting that I wille to this ce? Or he thought it was me who sung the luby?She needed an exnation to understand what he was telling her.


    Howrver it seemed that Duke Vianut did not feel the need to exin himself. He did not seem to care what have made her ufortable and instead proceeded to nonchntly asked what he wanted.


    Please sing again. That song you were singing, he asked as he stared into Gris eyes.


    His deep blue eyes looked like it was imploring something from her. It seemed like he was begging her to tell him where she learned the luby of Benedict. His eyes seemed to urge her to sing the luby again, so he may listen to it once more.


    She can sense that the luby meant something to him.


    At once, Gris felt like she was sharing her childhood memories with this man. There was a part of her that wanted to ask how he knows the luby and talk about her hometown to him, talk about the life she lived in Grandia.


    However, she cannot make him feel that she was ufortable with him, or make him suspect that she was so different from him. If she makes any mistake, he will discover her identity as the Princess of Grandia.


    I am afraid I dont know what you are talking about


    Gris replied coldly and began to scramble for the door.


    It was the first time she felt that she was running for her life, her sweat that slid down her body and met with the cold wind as she ran sent chills to her spine. But her heart felt hot as if she was roasted. Her gasps were wearing her down, stinging her lungs and spreading pain inside her. She had a hunch that she would have a heart attack the more she strayed nearar him.


    So she ran as far as she could, she was afraid to even look back.


    ***


    Luckily, the day went by without any further mishap. Gris attended the sses for aristocrats and was immersed in her studies until evening. Then after her schedule, she proceeded to eat dinner with her grandmother and then retired to her chambers when it was time for her to sleep.


    As she rested her head on her pillows she cant help but allow the events that happened earlier today to fill her mind.


    Even though hours had passed, the meeting with Vianut repeatedly flooded her thoughts and she could not stop thinking about their encounter. She reckons that he was merely resting in that chamber, why was she so bothered by it, did she think it was odd for him to stay there?


    She wondered why Vianut was interested in Benedicts luby. He after all had no rtions with the Benedicts family.


    When morning came, Bellin arrived in her room to wake her.


    Irritated by Bellins voice, she barely managed to open her eyes as she was not able to sleep soundly that night. She was surprised to find out it was already dawn. Just like all morning that came before, she willed herself to wake up, get dressed, and yed with Teer as she prepared for her daily routine.


    While she was ying with Teer, a knock came from her doors.


    Gris felt that there must be someone who was in front of her chambers. She asked who was there and a man gently replied to her.


    Im Bram, the servant of Your Highness.


    Gris told the voice that he could enter he chambers and Bellin walked towards the door to open it, as she did so, she froze in shock when the man entered.


    A old gentleman came in and bowed his head, saying. Gris noticed that he looked rather kind.


    Good morning, My Lady, Bram greeted her.

 Chapter 36 - A Lingering Gaze

    Gris was so nervous that she couldnt even breathe, though she was just talking to a butler. Her uneasiness came from that fact that she knew Bram  he was the servant who served as the eyes and ears of Vianut.


    Gris bowed her head in hopes to conceal the subtle anxiety she was feeling, her thoughts were in turmoil, and she was filled with worries. She wondered what will happen if Vianut discovered her sisters identity and called her to answer?


    She wanted to ask Bellin if there was any news of importance because she knew thetter was knowledgeable of the gossips surrounding the mansion, she wanted to ask her because she suspected something must have happen for Bram to visit her, but she was frustrated because she could not ask Bellin in front of the Vianuts servant. The room was filled with awkwardness.


    Finally Bram opened his mouth.


    Your Highness has suggested having breakfast with him.


    Griss eyes popped wide open. Those words were like lightning that came from nowhere.


    Why did he want to have breakfast with her? This news was sudden.Breakfast with his Highness?There seems to be no reason for her to eat with him. Was it because of the luby?


    Gris hesistated before answering, she thought that perhaps there was away for her to turn down this request.


    Im sorry but my stomach keeps on aching. I dont have an appetite today.


    It was rather fortunate that Gris did look sick that day, herplexion was pale as she has not been sleeping welltely. The butler seemed to believe her words, but he did not drop the request.


    Would it be okay if you woulde with me to exin directly to him?


    Even if she will not eat with him, it still meant that she needs to see Vianut. Bram was at the door as if his master urgently needed Gris toe with him and she realized Bram was not going to leave the room without her.


    In that short period, she tried to think but no idea came across her mind, it seems she had no excuse. And so, she had no choice but toe with the servant. She went with Bram and walked in silence until they arrived at the second floor where Vianuts room was located.


    Your Highness wanted to eat his meal silently in the office. Pleasee in.


    The servant spoke in a low voice to Gris as he stopped by the first bedroom on the left side of the hall. Bram then opened the doors gently to allow her to step inside. As soon as she entered she noticed that there was a desk in front of the window and the walls were filled with books.


    Hanging from the wall she found a wolfs head which served as a decoration above the window. The smell of warm food that came from the room did not seem to match the cold atmosphere that covered its walls.


    The servant that had been with for Gris, opened another door that led into the bedroom and spoke to her in a low tone..


    This is the ce where Your Highness likes to eat when he is busy. So that he wont have to waste time going around.


    The servant entered the are first and settled at the corner of the room. Gris could her Brams deep voice from within the inner room.


    Your Highness. Lady Yuliana is here.


    In contrast to the first floor which was always noisy, filled with the presence of servants, the second floor was eerily quiet, Gris noticed.


    Come in. Vianut had told her and Gris nervously followed his instructions.


    From the corner of her eyes she spotted Bram opening the curtains upon receiving orders from his master to open them and let the sunlight in. Gris looked up and notices that there was a chandelier on the ceiling that seem to be reflecting the light that filled the room. There was a table filled with food too.


    Simr portraits in galleries a handsome man was erectly seating beside the table. He slowly turned his head to her and spoke in a low tone.


    Sit. He told her.


    Gris carefully greeted Vianut, she had practised that greeting beforeing, after she greeted him she begun to tell him of her desire not to have breakfast with him.


    Im sorry but my stomach does not feel good today. I am afraid I cannot dine with you.


    As Gris exined she noticed that Vianuts expression remained unchanged. He seemed disinterested with her excuse.


    Sit. Vianut merely repeated.


    At first, it was just an excuse but soon after, she spoke those words her stomach indeed felt upset. It was because his cold gaze strangled her like a rope and she started to feel sick. The longer she endured his presence, the more she felt like it will be herst breath, but to avoid earning his ire, she forced herself to sit across him.


    Vianut nced at his side and looked at his servant meaningfully. The standing servant then ced a te of steak and mashed potatoes in front of her and scooped out a sd. He also poured a ginseng tea on her cup.


    Vianut watched the trembling girl with his blue eyes. She thought his scrutinizing gaze was akin to those of doctors when investigating over small animals who were unfamiliar to them.


    Duke Vianut gradually raised his gaze andnded on Gris eyes, he had been staring at her bony fingers. Gris looked down to avoid his gaze and Vianut then turned to nce over her slender wrists and forearms. Then his eyes traveled from her arms to her voluptuous chest.


    His muscr nape stiffened as his veins distinctly protruded from his neck. His gaze then lingered over her cor bones, noticing to himself that he had been staring at her for too long he shifted his gaze and looked down on his te as if he had seen something he should not have seen. He then spoke to her.


    Eat.


    She held the fork heavily, feeling choked by his endless gaze. She knew shell end up eating with Vianut anyway, even if she had wanted to refuse. There was no escaping him.

 Chapter 37 - At The Byrenhags’ Mercy (1)

    Gris reached out for her silver fork and poked a piece of potato and brought it to her mouth. She hopes that by keeping her hands busy she might be able to conceal her anxiousness. She figured she at least had to eat to gain strength, she couldnt look at Vianut so instead she casted her eyes elsewhere and quietly looked around the room.


    The windows of the room gave the view of the north, which exined why the room was so dark. There was a cab behind her, and on it was a sculpture of a saint. On the right side of the room, its wall was adorned by two portraits, each portrait housed middle aged people one was a man and the other was a woman.


    The portrait of the man surprisingly looked just like Vianut, Gris observed, that is if he was older however, the formers face showed deep sorrow, he looked more somber than Vianut. Gris assumed he was the former Sir Byrenhag and Vianuts father, Valdemar. She had seen his portrait before, by the lobby staircase, and so she seems to recognize his face.


    Next to his portrait was of a woman, smiling as bright as a person can. She had a beautiful smile, Gris noted. Unlike the average woman in their town, the woman in the portrait had a small frame and was rather petite like Gris, as if she too had not been fed properly since childhood.


    ording to what Gris has heard, thetedy of the house died from pneumonia, meaning she suffered from poor health. She was even amazed that a sickly woman like her was able to give birth to two children.


    Looking at the portraits, Gris suddenly recalled the portraits of her own parents which too were once hung on the walls of the pce of Grandia.


    When she was young, she had thought her life as a princess, with all its responsibilities such as needing to appear fancy and elegant like a doll that was pleasing to the eyes, was rather suffocating. She remembered that she would return to her room after official events and pass the corridor where her parents portraits were disyed, in anger and then, she wouldin to the girl whobed her hair about how tiring it was to be a princess. Gris smiled bitterly, recalling how unaware her younger self was of the privileges she had.


    Come to think of it now, the girl who used tob her hair was the oldest daughter of Count Tallulichi.


    Now, she must be enjoying a luxurious life in the pce.That d*mn girl


    Gris felt the tears of anger when she imagined them celebrating their life at the pce at the cost of her familys demise and could almost hear theirughter echoing in her ears. But her bitter musings stopped when she felt a cold gazend on her.


    Vianut was staring at her in deep contemtion. Gris feared that he may have read her emotions on her face and was now thinking she was pretending to be Yuliana, pretending to be saddened by the portraits of their dead parents.


    Therefore, she realized that she had to stop. She had to stop missing her parents and the pce stolen from her by the Tallulichis if she did not want to be discovered.


    Gris wet her lips with a ss of red wine.


    The silence was unbearable, thankfully, Vianut finally spoke to her.


    Your portrait. It was new.


    He was talking about the painting she messed up yesterday. As she was thanking him in her mind for not asking about the luby, he continued talking to her in a sickening happy tone.


    Ill give you a chance. This sudden announcement left Gris speechless.


    Youre too good to kill.


    This time Gris was certain that Vianut was convinced she was a fake.


    To be honest, anybody who knew the real Yuliana would be suspicious of her, for she who once was violent enough to kill a dog, is now raising one with love. Moreover, her eye color was different and was caught singing a luby from a neighboring kingdom. There was no way Yuliana could have known of that song.


    Realizing this was it for her, her heart started to race, and her throat dried up. Vianut felt smug at the fearful expression on her face.


    Your face. Its quite pretty, He told her, and Gris did not know how to respond. Live as a mistress among nobles and feed yourself that way.


    It seemed to be the greatest mercy he could offer. Predicting the consequences if she rejected this, she went pale at the direction of this conversation.


    It was clear to her that Vianut was giving her an opportunity or threatening her, to confess Stephans n. However, Gris knew that if Vianut spares her, she will still die by the hands of another venomous man if she betrays him. It was not likely that Vianut would step up to protect a prostitute, who he may now view worse than an animal for pretending to be his sister.


    Gris forced her lips shut to stop them from trembling. Vianut took a sip of water from a crystal ss and said in a low voice.


    You should ept it.


    She knew that Vianut had no ns of letting her have a choice. Rather what he was doing now was giving her onest chance in return for painting a funny portrait. If she didnt tell him the truth, she might die in his own hands. Imagining her pale, bloody head hanging in the za, just like the King of Chateaux, Gris became nauseous and wanted to throw up.


    But when she was about to hastily blurt out the truth, Stephans words lingered in her ears.


    If you attempt running away, just bear in mind that your head will be axed, along with the whores in the brothel you came from.


    It wasnt difficult for Stephan to kill a couple of women. Adrianne, Marie, ren, including others, will face death. What have they done wrong, except for being forced to live a life they didnt choose?


    There shouldnt be more blood spilled just to save her life.


    As she let out a sorrowful sigh, Vianutzily ced down a fork. Times ticking. He told her but Gris remained silent.


    How long do you think my patience willst? Vianut was starting to get annoyed by herck of response.


    Vianut, didnt have much interest in women, and was already being incredibly generous for inviting her for a private meal with him. Her not responding to him now, was a clear sign of disrespect.


    But Gris couldnt ept his generosity even when it was clear she was offending him with her silence. If she infuriated him, it was only going to be her life at risk but if she infuriates Stephan, that will result in others lives at risk as well.


    Vianut realized that Gris was determined to keep her mouth shut. She wasnt going to answer him even if it means she was to die. He let out a high-pitchedugh, and Gris knew that hisugh didnt carry any mirth. As soon as he finishedughing, he reached out and slid his fingers between the stem of his wine ss and took a sip.


    It was nice eating with you.


    His final offer for her to confess was finished, just like that.

 Chapter 38 - At The Byrenhags’ Mercy (2)

    While he had eaten all the dishes in front of him, Gris te remained full; she had only managed to slice up the steak in front of her in pieces.


    Her hands were so shaky anyways that there was no way she could eat more even if she had the time to enjoy her meal. As Gris stood up and was led out the curtains by the butler, she heard a sigh.


    Vianut put down his napkin on the table and continued. Ive found a horseman. Gris felt her heartbeat quicken again.


    He ims to know you.


    A horseman? What horseman?


    I dont understand what youre


    Then she remembered.


    She turned around to face him, and she felt herself struggling to breath. Suddenly her sight turned pitch-ck. Was he talking about the horseman that brought her and Stephan from the brothel to the mansion?


    When her sight cleared, she saw Vianut, wiping his mouth like a gentleman. There was no chance to ask him more questions.


    The curtain closed in front of her, she lost her chance.


    That was the end of their meal.


    ***


    When she left his room, she was frantic. Her neck burned like she was already ced on a guillotine, and her heart pounded so hard it started to ache.


    Of course, it was normal for Vianut to look for the horseman. It was obviously odd for his dead sister toe back alive, so he wouldve wanted to find the horseman that delivered Yuliana and find the truth about where she came from.


    But Stephan said he put the horseman on a boat and sent him far, far away. So how did he find him? Had he already heard everything from the horseman before he was sent away?


    Gris paced fearfully in her room lost in thought, and she began to feel more frantic when she heard a knock on her door. Soon enough, Bellin entered, and greeted her. Gris let out a sigh.


    Ah, youre back, maam. How was the meal?


    Lately, Bellin wore afortable smile on her face when she talked to her. Gris wondered if Bellin could read how frightened she was right now, she supposes she was as pale as a dead man. Bellin seemed to have noticed that she was troubled and turned to ask her.


    Is everything alright?


    Unable to exin to her the reasons why she must have looked so troubled, Gris decided to keep quiet. She felt suffocated. This was it, she could feel her end nearing and there was nothing else she could do, what was there left to do but to wait for her death? Gris panicked, she caught hold of the hem of her dress and stood up. She wanted to run away. It didnt matter where, as long as she got out of the mansion now.


    Studying her face, Bellin carefully asked her.


    Uh the Marquis is looking for you. He said it was an urgent matter and he needs you right after the meal


    He mustvee after he heard Yuliana and Vianut were eating together. He would be asking her what they talked about.


    Gris didnt want to discuss this with Stephan. She thought it would be a better use of time to find a way to escape the mansion. Afterall, he was another person that would kill her if he found out he could no longer use her.


    Besides, Stephan must already know that Yuliana had now left Vianuts room. If Gris didnte to him, she is certain he wille to her.


    Lost in deep thought, she opened the door to the corridor.


    Where is the Marquis? Gris asked Bellin and she rushed into the hallway to lead her.


    I will take you to his office. Bellin told Gris and Gris nodded. Noticing Gris trembling behind her, Bellin realized that this was serious matter and hurried her steps.


    In a blink, they left the walls of the mansion and headed towards the annex on the west side. Gris supposes that they must be heading towards the knights office in the building too since they passed a couple of men in armor.


    In the far end of a corridor she could see the sun shining brightly.


    They arrived in front of a door and Bellin knocked on it. To the voice asking who it was, Bellin replied, Sir Marquis, Madam Yuliana is here.


    There was an answer straight away from the other side of the door. Come in.


    Once they were inside, Gris dismissed Bellin and thanked her for opening the door for her. Gris went deeper into the room and saw Stephan was sitting on a sofa, and was writing a letter with a fountain pen. He looked up at Gris and removed his monocle.


    I heard you had breakfast with Vianut, he said with his face slightly flushed with agitation. He then leaned his back to the sofa.


    Im a little curious whether you cant avoid Vianut or youre choosing not to, he said in a low, calm voice.


    Stephan reached out for his cigar and inhaled smoke from it and exhaled deeply. Gris could only stare at his face which became hazy behind the white smoke from burning tobo leaves, his image was devilish, and only made Gris more anxious than she was before.


    I believe that you might attempt to lure him and turn your back against me. Surely, it will be a waste of your talent youve gained as a wh*re.


    Stephan told her and paused for a moment before continuing.


    What Im trying to say is Sir Byrenhag is not a man that can be moved by pleasure. Why, Im not even sure he can have s*x.


    Gris slowly breathed through the disgusting smell of the smoke and ruminated her options. While she was ced in a position where she could get killed at any moment, he was expressing his mistrust to her. He wasnt a man she could trust in the first ce. Not to mention that each time they met he appeared more and more intoxicated and she couldnt hide her shock from his ill-mannered ways.


    Did she have to bother informing Stephan about Vianut finding the horseman? Wasnt it better to leave him blinded and let him die in the hands of Vianut while she ran away from the mansion?


    He deserved to die.


    She wanted to ignore all sensibilities and follow her heart. But if she failed to leave without getting caught, she was as good as dead.


    Moreover, despite Vianut being as authoritative as he can be, it wouldnt be easy for him to kill his uncle. He wont be able to do that while Stephans mother, also Vianuts grandmother, was still alive.


    With Gris already in dire danger, she at least had to do something. Step by step, she decided to escape from the throes of death she had to carefully n for a way to escape the mansion. Gritting her teeth Gris faced Stephan.


    Duke Vianut found the horseman.

 Chapter 39 - Checkmate (1)

    Stephans gaze sharpened slightly, suspicion alight in his mind. How could he not be? Any intelligent person would also be wary when they heard a piece of important informationing from a mere prostitute.


    However, he didnt show it to the woman before him as he slowly took one long and slow drag from his cigar onest time. He then stubbed it out on the ashtray and looked straight at her eyes.


    The horseman? Is that what he said to you?


    While he was suspicious, Stephan was also taken aback by the information she gave; just like her before. So, he couldnt help but to confirm it once again with her with a pale face. Gris stared back at him and rubbed her hot, red eyes with the back of her hand as she answered.


    Yes. I think he was giving me a chance to tell the truth by inviting me for breakfast before he turned to the horseman himself.


    Stephan gritted his teeth, inexplicably annoyed, and threw down his cigar. He then began to think, trying to figure out what Vianut had in mind.


    Although it was not explicitly shown on the surface, it was clear that their rtionship was a rough one. It was a power struggle between family members, but it wasnt just that. Stephan, just like any other second-inmand, coveted the power Vianut already held in his hand.


    Knowing this, Gris expressed her sorrow in advance. After all, their fight would only end when one of them died and she had a feeling it wouldnt be Vianut. As such, she started to pray for Stephans soul, since there was no doubt which one would end up getting buried in the end.


    After ten minutes or so of silence, Stephan vaulted out of his chair. He had finally decided his course of action.


    If the horseman ising back, he will being through the port, since I sent him overseas. Ill just deal with him before Vianut can get him.


    I shouldve just killed him in the beginning rather than needlessly inviting trouble to my door.


    This wouldnt be an issue in the first ce if he didnt n to bring over a fake niece.


    How dare he regret, not of the actions he had taken, but of leaving the horseman alive?


    Gris quivered with indignation, but she didnt speak her thoughts out loud. Instead, she quickly opened her lips to ask something.


    T-then let me hide somewhere during that time.


    She thought it was a perfectly reasonable request. She could stay low and run away if her true identity became known. Or she could return if her true identity stayed hidden.


    But Stephan furrowed his brows with annoyance. He walked over to Gris and let out a deep sigh. Yulianado you think you can escape this with your silly little n?


    Stephans pretty face glowed from the sunlight. However, all Gris felt was pity for his bottomless greed, that not even with all the beauty, power and money he had could satisfy him. And thus, he chose to venture straight to the path of no return.


    You stay here and doyourpart in the mansion.


    He clearly wanted her to not make a big deal out of it and act as usual. But how could she do so, knowing that her life was at risk? Therefore, for the first time ever, Gris steeled him with a firm look and uttered.


    This is my life youre talking about. What if he finds out who I am?


    His brown eyes shining brightly in the sun, stared down at her. Face with such an unsettling, impassive gaze, Gris felt like she was being sucked. All her fear, anxiety, and hopelessness had coalesced and had started to eat her inside out like a parasite.


    In the end, she was scared he might read her frustration towards him. So, she dropped her head and stole glimpses at his chin, when she suddenly saw a smile forming on his face. One that of triumph at her submission.


    Just like that, he said as he ran his fingers through his gray hair.


    Teer.


    He was implying Gris, who was quivering with fear, was just like the puppy. But she didnt have the energy to respond. The dry smell of tobo and the scent ofvender in the air was filling her lungs, making her dizzy.


    As the dizziness slowly overwhelmed her body, she couldnt resist but reach for something to hold. When she opened her closed eyes, she found her hand was already gripping onto his forearm.


    He watched her hand too. However, unexpectedly, he didnt shudder and enraged by the fact that a prostitute was touching his body. He didnt even push her away. Instead, he brought up a different subject.


    Im going to put assassins on standby at the port and the border. Itll only be a matter of time before the horseman dies, he said in a low voice that could be mistaken as the voice of one who was plotting a rebellion. It seemed to be the first andst solicitude to the woman who was risking her life.


    If we get rid of the witness, youll be the real Yuliana. As long as I, his uncle, is the one who brought you here, Vianut cant express his suspicion any longer. Now


    You go and do your part.


    Of course, nothing had changed.


    Stephan didnt show himself until sundown. Perhaps he was busy nting people around the locations where the horseman might appear and was receiving reports from his people.


    However, what was even stranger was the fact that Vianut didnt show himself either. Though, from Bellin, she came to know that he was acting like he normally would. He followed his usual schedule of staying in his office on the second floor, attended his evening training, went for a bath and returned to his room.


    She wondered what this meant.


    Did it mean there is still time till the horseman arrives? Or did it mean matters like this werent worth his time?


    All sorts of spection filled her mind, but soon a dark, silent night went by. And a misty morning sky greeted Gris.

 Chapter 40 - Checkmate (2)

    Today was the Sabbath, which came around once every week. The servants went to church early in the morning, leaving the mansion incredibly quiet.


    Stephan, who looked like he had spent the whole night running around, paid a short visit to Gris. He came to tell her his men were unable to find the horseman. In addition to that bit of bad news, he also added that he had lost contact with one of the spies whom he sent to the port. Hisst report was that his people were looking for him right now, and then he returned to his office.


    When he left, Gris was buried in thoughts as she picked at the dried petals by the window.


    Where was the man who went to the port? Was he discovered by Vianuts men as he was attempting to kill the horseman?


    However, since she couldnt hear any news from outside the mansion walls, there was nothing she could do. At this rate, she believed she would first die from stress before anyone could eveny their hands on her.


    At that moment, she heard a noise from outside the door, and her heart sank. In her imagination, right now Vianut wasing to kill her since he found out about everything.


    Madam, I came straight after the church service. Its Bellin.


    When she heard it was Bellins voice and not Vianuts, Gris finally breathed in relief. She then stood up, touching her lips that were as dry as a dead leaf with her index finger, and called out.


    Be-Bellin? Come in.


    Bellin cheerfully came through the door. But, she didnt immediately greet Gris. Instead, she busily scanned the room, looking for Teer. When she spotted Teer revealing herself through the bed covers, she beamed and hugged her. Only then did she turn to Gris and inform her of some news.


    Madam Pa is on a trip. She must be feeling better now. She went on a two-day trip to the cemetery.


    Hearing that, Gris eyes widened in surprise and she asked whether it was the truth. She was bbergasted since she hadnt heard about this matter; however, it was only natural she didnt hear about it because she had spent the entire morning fretting about her own precarious situation. Therefore, being unaware that Pa left was to be expected.


    Cemetery?


    Bellin nodded at her question.


    Yes. I dont know who shes going for, but she always makes this trip every year around this time.


    Aha


    I think shes visiting the grave of someone important, Bellin kindly said as she ced Teer back on the bed, but she always leaves quietly without letting everyone know. I think shes trying to hide it, though. So, dont worry too much, maam.


    Now, its time for your doctrine lessons, maam, Bellin shifted gears. However, I think I will only escort you up to the small chapel before I return.


    While she wasnt in the mood to learn anything, Gris didnt have a proper excuse to refuse. So, she headed to the chapel and received her lesson from the priest waiting for her there.


    Although the priest was exining things in an abbreviated way for her to understand easily, she couldnt concentrate at all. Right now, she felt like arge storm was heading her way. Deciding it was impossible to continue his lesson after seeing the serious look on Gris face, he gave her a break and left the chapel.


    However, Gris wasnt alone for long. Soon, a tall man entered the building. When Gris realized the man was Vianut, she tensed up.


    She wondered if he hade to inspect his mysterious sister during her lessons in the chapel, but he turned his head and fixed his gaze on the figure of a saint, unaware there was anyone else in the chapel.


    For a moment, everything was silent as Gris quietly watched his beautiful side profile. His deep eyes were magical and obscure.


    Feeling her eyes on him, he turned his head. Their eyes met, his blue irises sparkling with wariness.


    He looked like a wolf that had never seen a human being before, an animal that instinctively bared his teeth at the hand before iteven if it was given with kind intention.


    But a wolf growls to protect itself. Then, why was this man keeping his guard up against a youngdy? She couldnt touch his hair even if she tried. So, if it wasnt fear for his safety, then was he afraid of what she might take from him?


    While she was musing to herself, Quentin rushed into the room with his short and messy hair. He then urgently whispered something into Vianuts ear.


    They looked at each other, and suddenly both turned their gaze to Gris. Though she couldnt hear their conversation, she had a hunch that her worries hade true.


    She heard the sound of footsteps echoing in the corridor. The steps sounded urgent but were not in a rush, and Gris was certain they were Stephans.


    Gris knew it wasnt possible to talk to Stephan with the two in the room, so she stood up and hurried out.


    With the sun behind him, Stephan walked down the corridor. His ck silhouette was filled with confusion, betrayal, and anger. Gris instinctively knew her life wasing to an end.


    After all, Stephan couldnt stop everything, but it was what she expected from a man who had already lost a session battle.


    Now that she was certain of her fate, her heart began to tear. She did everything she could to survive in the brothel. Atst, she really thought she could finally meet Johannes, but


    Does he know? Gris asked with watery eyes.


    Stephan answered with silence. He then said to Gris, looking directly into her eyes, filled with resentment, Its not your fault. Its mine.


    The assassin that disappeared Turns out he didnt disappear. He was taken and tortured by Vianut.


    A dryugh suddenly bubbled from his lips.


    And you know the funny part?


    She couldnt even be mad towards this man, who was trying to make a joke, as if it was someone elses business they were talking about. So, she only looked up at him with cold eyes, waiting for his words.


    He didnt find the horseman in the first ce, Stephan quietly whispered. It was all a trap.

 Chapter 41 - Helpless Circumstances (1)

    For a moment, she couldntprehend his words.


    Vianut didnt find the horseman? It was all a trap?


    Vianut was lying about how he found him. He knew you would tell me and was nning to capture and interrogate one of my men after I released them to search for the horseman. He mustve been very curious about who you actually are.


    Once he finished speaking, Stephan slowly scanned Gris. Then, he squinted his eyes and voiced his suspicions.


    But why did he not torture you instead? He must have already known you arent Yuliana. Has Sir Byrenhag, this virgin boy, finally seen the light and decided to be generous to ady?


    He said it sarcastically, but then Quentin entered the corridor. Realizing their time was up, Stephan decided to quickly finish what he wanted to say.


    The assassin that was captured was, unfortunately, one of the men that apanied me to the brothel. By now, he will know youre a prostitute from a wh*reh*use, not Yuliana from the cabins.


    When he finished speaking those words, Quentin approached closer to them. As the sound of his footsteps neared them, Gris shuddered, already hearing the sound of screeching metalnding on her neck in her mind. Thus, when Quentin arrived in front of Stephan, her lips began to quiver.


    Sir Byrenhag is calling for you, he said coldly.


    Expecting that, Stephan began to walk without flinching. But Quentin didnt take the lead as he stood still, staring at Gris.


    Bothof you.


    Quentins friendly eyes that used to look at her kindly were now as cold as ice. He seemed to be disgusted that she turned out to be a lowly woman he could buy for a couple of coins.


    Although she had never had a physical rtionship with a man before, she didnt want to tire herself by exining she wasnt a prostitute. Besides, not only would they not believe her words, it would also mean she despised those women who had been given no choice of which some had been herpanions for the past eleven years.


    She didnt want to do that to them, who were left to the cruel fate of selling their bodies just to survive. Anyhow, Stephan indeed got her out of a brothel. So, there was no point in pretending she was detached from that kind of life.


    Okay


    Gris silently followed Quentin. Though she almost cried at the knowledge that her efforts to survive up until now were in vain, she swallowed back her tears, not allowing them to fall. She knew that once they fell, she wouldnt be able to control them.


    Despite that, she still held onto the hope her life might be spared. Though it was a futile thing, wasnt it because of hope that she managed to survive all these years? Nevertheless, if only she had died with her parents that day maybe she wouldnt have had to go through all those harsh years.


    While feeling dismayed, she suddenly realized she had already stepped into Vianuts room.


    Vianut was sitting in a chair, which was ced in the center of the room. His arms on the backrest and his legs crossed, he squinted his eyes like a spectator waiting for a show to unfold.


    Normally, he looked like a virtuous man, oozing holiness. But today, his cold eyes made Gris shake in terror. There was a simmering anger, palpable beneath the surface.


    Gris lowered her head and her lips quivered. Then suddenly, Quentin pushed her calves and forced her to kneel.


    Her gaze dropped instantly. She finally felt things had turned back to the pastwhen men looked at her from above like she was dirt, while she had to helplessly stare down at the filthy floor.


    Then, a low voice rang out over her head.


    Do you have anything to say?


    The question was directed at Stephan.


    Stephan, who was standing upright beside her, finally spoke.


    Yes, I do, he said, full of certainty that Vianut wouldnt kill his own uncle.


    I didnt bring Yuliana from a cabin. I found her in a brothel in Orphadame. I had no choice but to hide her background for the sake of this family.


    But this girl is Yuliana. I can guarantee you.


    Unfortunately, before he could even finish exining, Vianut smirked. A sarcastic one that basically told everyone who saw it that he didnt think Stephans exnation was worth a dime.


    Vianut then ced hisrge hands before his chest. Suddenly, there was a screeching sound of metal being moved, hurting Gris eardrums.


    Gris then nced at Vianut and saw a dagger in his hand.


    Does he carry a knife at all times to kill someone at his convenience?


    Vianut rxed his crossed legs and leaned his upper body toward Gris. Without any warning, he ced a knife that was sharp enough to slice through her bone on her jaw. He then used the knife to lift her chin.


    So, with no other choice, her eyes rose up from the ground and looked at Vianut in front of her. His ck hair was currently slicked to one side, showing off his pale forehead.


    Why dont you tell me yourself? he said with steely eyes.


    Gris was scared the knife might slice through her neck if she flinched and began to hyperventte. However, she grit her teeth.


    Though she wanted to blurt out the truth about Stephans n, she couldnt do it even with death staring at her face, because she was fearful of Stephans revenge


    What if Stephan hurts the others in the brothel?


    As such, Gris tightly shut her shuddering lips. Although it would be lonely, at least she wanted to die alone, sparing the others from potential suffering. Therefore, she could only cry as she shouted her thoughts through her eyes.


    Yes, I am a prostitute as you know, but I didnt want this luxurious life of yours by pretending to be your sister. I just wanted some freedom, something you and your uncle and everyone in this mansion take for granted. Something that someone, oddly enough, must risk their life for.


    All I wanted was the precious freedom and to meet the only person that looked for me Because at least to that person, I could be Gris Benedict, not some nameless whore from a brothel.


    Oh, I have been too ambitious. How dare I want to be more than a lump of flesh to be used for satisfying sexual desires. How dare I want to be a person someone can lean on. How dare I want to say a small hello to Johannes.

 Chapter 42 - Helpless Circumstances (2)

    At the thought of having the one task that she truly wanted to fulfill unfinished, tears welled up in her eyes. And she had to wonder, just why did she not leave a message for Johannes to the art shop owner before? Why didnt she leave a message thanking him for searching for her? Why didnt she leave a message telling him he had be her motivation to stay alive because he had searched for her?


    Her tears streamed down and soon it distorted her view of Vianuts face. She tried clearing her vision by letting the tears roll down the side, but it flowed down too quickly and her attempt only left her cheeks wet and dirty.


    Watching her, Vianut neither smiled nor frowned. However, his eyes gently quivered at the sight of her crying face. However, Gris couldnt know this as she had her eyes closed, fervently praying the emotion in his eyes was not anger but of sympathy.


    However, she wouldnt hold her breath for mercy as she awaited the sharp edge of the knife to pierce her skin. Unexpectedly, instead of slicing through her, the sharp edge of the knife mercifully retreated from her skin. At that, she couldnt help but let her eyes snap open in surprise.


    Her shaking eyes nervously looked at Vianut. However, he had already removed her gaze and knife away from Gris and turned towards Stephan.


    She says shes not Yuliana.


    It was what he understood from the sorrowful eyes. Could he have sense Stephan had threatened her not to say a word?


    Understanding that this action meant that he wouldnt kill her anytime soon, Gris filled her lungs with air and let out a deep breath. Before she could rx, though, Stephans voice rang above her head.


    Everyone cries when theres a knife to their throat.


    He was telling Vianut to not misunderstand the simple tears as something else other than fear of a knife. Despite hearing this, Vianut just slid his knife back into the sheath at his waist.


    Your face just now.


    Uncle Stephan should have already known it. He said, eyes turning cold. He was staring at Stephan as if it was him who he wanted to hold the knife against, not her.


    Realizing Vianut wasnt someone he could trick easily, Stephan rubbed the middle of his forehead and thought hard. The story that came out of him after a moment was quite serious.


    To be honest this wasnt part of my n. He said, speaking as if he was confessing his fault.


    But from Gris understanding, he wasnt a man to confess his own crime. So, she nced at him doubtfully.


    I noticed she wasnt Yuliana about two weeks ago. But I saw that mother is recovering quickly with her presence.


    Stephan continued as he pounded his chest, acting in such a way to show that he too was extremely frustrated.


    Though I wanted to put everything back to the way it was, I couldnt. So, seeing your grandmother was getting better so quickly, I decided to say nothing. Besides, if she knows this girl isnt Yuliana, she will be shocked and her health may decline or even worsen.


    From Stephans exnation, he made it seem like this was all for Pas sake. And if people were unaware of the truth, they would believe his words and even apud him for his thoughtfulness. However, Gris knew thetruth. As such, the only thought in her head was


    How could he be so despicable and shameless?!


    She was about to criticize him about how audacious and heartless he was; using all ways and means to achieve his goal, to the point, he even used his own mother to create a lie. However, afraid that her raging thoughts might really slip out, she pressed her lips harder and held it down.


    And since Stephan knew Gris wasnt going to speak much to save herself, he started to be bolder in his attempt to persuade Vianut.


    If the anchor of the family andnd bes weak, people will be in despair. Moreover, those families who were envious of ours will be cheering in their homes. Then he levelled Vianut with a challenging stare, You already know that, Vianut.


    However, thetter only stared at him emotionlessly without flinching.


    So?


    There was no formality left in him as he spoke. But, Stephan was already used to this, so he just continued speaking.


    Its important to this family to give this girl Yulianas role.


    Listening to Stephans idea, he smirked. But if one saw his eyes, they would see the icyness had still remained.


    To a prostitute?


    Since he kept his body pure and holy, it must be a disgrace for him to share the same space with a prostitute. Sensing this, Stephan thought for a moment, searching for a way to allow Gris to stay without triggering his temper.


    For a prostitute, she isnt greedy. And thats one of the reasons why I didnt send her back. And she did im the whole time she wasnt Yuliana.


    Gris bit her lip, realizing her mistake. She shouldve been outwardly greedy; she should have imed she was Yuliana the first time Stephan had asked her weeks before. Then, she wouldnt be part of this mess and get kicked out of this house.


    A shaky sigh escaped through her salty, dry lips. Her chance to get away now was gone.


    Meanwhile, after carefully studying Vianuts expression, Stephan confidently continued to persuade him. The best n right now is to keep this girl, get her married to a member of the royal family, and get all the benefits we can get. If she acts out of her line, then we can obviously kill her. But I dont think itll happen since shes smarter than she looks.


    For Pas health and the familys benefit, they needed a Yuliana.


    Listening to him, Vianut crossed his legs, rested his arm on the backrest, and dropped his gaze. Smarter than she looks, huh?


    As he said that, a set of steely eyes scanned Gris from head to toe. She shuddered, feeling like a toy of a merciless beast as she sank her head deeper towards the floor. A deep voice pierced into her ears.


    Then, I wouldnt have noticed her.

 Chapter 43 - Secrets To The Grave (1)

    As soon as she heard his words, she realized something was wrong. To her knowledge she had never avoided him as much as she did right now. So, why would he continuously notice her even though she didnt show any overt strange behavior?


    However, she held her tongue and tightly closed her eyes, feeling a burning sensation enveloping her while Duke Vianuts eyes were fixed on her nape. He then retrieved his gaze seemingly done with her, as if all his doubt had been cleared. He then checked his watch before he spoke briefly.


    Talking with you was a pleasure.


    Those brief words told her that she should now leave as their conversation had already ended. Although it was spoken with a cold tone, there was an immense relief that washed over her.


    She had survived. Even though it was just a whim of his that she managed to avoid deaths door, she was still alive, nheless. However, at this moment, she isnt sure whether being alive was a blessing or a bane.


    Still, right now, that didnt matter to her because she soon would be away from this personification of Death God. So, she tried to lift her body that went stiff from keeping still on the floor until then. All of a sudden, Vianut spoke again.


    Everyone, please go out.


    Unfortunately for Gris, her happiness from being able to stay alive did notst for long. Since Vianut easily crushed it with his few words.


    You, however, will stay here.


    Hearing that, Quentin immediately signaled Stephan to follow him out. But Stephan hesitated. He was not sure it was safe to leave this girl, who knew all his lies, alone with the duke. Yet, in the end, he had no choice but to give up lest he incurred further suspicion from Vianut. So, he gritted his teeth and left following Quentin docilely.


    Soon, sounds of the door opening and closing reached Gris ears. And the footsteps of the two men gradually faded away into distance. Left alone with Vianut, Gris felt restless, especially when he was inspecting her from head to toe.


    Your name.


    And just like the time they first met, he demanded her name again. He was very clear in what he wanted. But, she didnt have the heart to tell him her real identity. She didnt want the name her parents lovingly gave her in Kingdom of Grandia to be known here. So, her lips quivered as she started to speak.


    I dont have a name. Back at the brothel, they call me Maria.


    Maria. This name was such amon one people could find in every two families. And, by choosing it, Gris is convinced he couldnt easily kill her; not when she saw him praying in front of the Virgin Marys wax figure, a name identical to the one she bore.


    Though he seemed to discern the meaning behind her moniker, she didnt care. Because she desperately wanted to survive at all cost. Therefore, if it took a cowardly method for that to happen, then so be it.


    Maria


    He uttered, looking displeased. Gris thought it stemmed from the name being used in an unholy ce  a brothel of all ces. However, he didnt dwell on it for long because he soon shifted his attention to other things. So, he questioned her with furrowed brows.


    Where did you learn that song?


    It was about the Luby of Benedict, the song he caught her singing by the window of the gallery in the mansion. But she didnt want to reveal the truth to him. Thus, she looked at his pristine shoes without any dirt and lied.


    I learned it at the brothel.


    From the prostitutes?


    He asked with a husky tone, extending his hand to grasp Gris delicate neck, lightly clenching it. Even so, just with the position he ced his hands on, he could easily snap her nape. As such, she raised her head, instinctively trying to lessen the pressure however she could as she stared at the bewitching man before her with reddish eyes.


    Regardless of how pitiful she looked, though, his eyes remained ice cold as he locked eyes with her. Furthermore, despite not saying a word further, she seemed to understand what he wanted to ask behind his gaze. She knew he wanted to interrogate her with the following questions.


    From which prostitute? Or did you hear that luby when you slept with someone?


    But Just by imagining this luby being sung inside the brothel, made her blood surge violently in rage. This showed just how high this particr songs position was in her heart. Not only to her, but also to him. In fact, just from the fact he was interrogating her about this, she could infer that thisposition seemed to mean a lot to him as well. However, despite understanding this, she still didnt want to reveal from whom she learnt the song from.


    Absolutely not.


    As such, she avoided his gaze by turning her head to the study table and said.


    I apologize.


    What he wanted wasnt her apology. After all, he wouldnt waste his time just to get an apology from a who*re. No. The reason he held her back wasnt for her apology nor for inconsequential answers.


    He had a far more important purpose behind interrogating and questioning her. But, after careful spection, he decided to loosen his grip on her neck and changed his means to get his answer. And as his cold hands drifted away, a chill brushed under her chin.

 Chapter 44 - Secrets To The Grave (2)

    Hmm.


    Nevertheless, Gris was still terrified even when he had already let her go. And when he focused his attention down to her helpless body, she felt a chill running down her spine, freezing her blood.


    There is a reason why I saved you. He slowly articted, each word sending an invisible pressure to Gris.


    And though he didnt speak the reason out loud, Gris had a guess in her mind: it was most probably connected to the turbulent rtionship between Duke Vianut and Stephan.


    Aside from that, she could think of nothing else that would make him save her. Perhaps her presence was needed for his borate n to deal with Stephan while at the same time conveniently taking care of this impostor sister of his.


    Vianut could divulge the truth that she was nothing but an imposter to the public. Then, to drag Stephan in, hed leak out news that Stephan hadmitted sexual misconduct with this fake sister of his. And, under that pretense, he would deal with both of them cleanly.


    When that spection crossed her mind, Gris vision momentarily darkened. She was vulnerable indeed, but she couldnt easily let her fragile life be torn like parchment. As such she decided she had to do something.


    Id like to leave the mansion, she pleaded earnestly.


    She had something she simply had to do outside this mansion. Her dreams were close at hand and the only thing she needed to do was to meet Johannes first. She needed to find out whether Johannes is a follower of her father or one of the members of the Benedict family who survived the rebel army.


    If he was either one of those, then she knew he probably had been looking for her for thest 3 years. In that case, she would finally be one step closer to attain it.


    Therefore, she couldnt die. Not like this.


    He was the only sliver of hope in her dismal life. She has to exact her revenge even if it costs her lifeeven if she had to die painfully, she preferred to die under her real name. She wished to die as Gris Benedict; to boldly and rightfully die as herself under the light.


    If you grant me my wish to leave, I will remember your benevolence for the rest of my life. I will also seek to repay it however I could, Your Grace. So, please


    Even though she knew very well that this cold-hearted man wouldnt have such mercy in him, hope springs eternal. She couldnt give up the slightest chance that he might feel charitable at this moment, so she pleaded. Pitiful as it might be with her lying prostate with head t on the floor, she didnt mind.


    However, at this moment, only a cold smile was visible on the dukes face.


    Live as amoner? A penniless person with nothing but her body?


    It didnt matter how much utter derision he inserted to his words. It didnt matter how mocking it was. What mattered most to her was whether he would allow her freedom or not. Even partial freedom was fine with her.


    She could bear anything. Absolutely anything. Even if she was being crushed, she would bear with it. She would even give up one of her hands if he wanted it. That was how far her desperation went.


    I merely want to live freely. As long as I can have that, Ill be content. Even if in the end Ill have to struggle thats fine by me!


    At that, he suddenly burst intoughter as he seemed to find Gris wish of being happy while prostrating herself, a funny thing.


    Lift your head. He intoned, stopping for a brief moment before he continued.


    The reason why you want to live. Make me understand.


    Those words dazzled her for a moment. But soon, she realized she shouldnt try to understand his train of thought because his words and actions were always different from expectation.


    Just like before, even though he was sure she was an imposter, he still gave her a rare puppy. And when he looked at her, he always appeared distant with a cold air as if telling her not toe close. However, despite warding her off with his cold gaze, he asked her to paint his portrait for him.


    Moreover, he even invited her to a dinner to give her ast chance to confess. She was truly unable to fathom his thought. Even earlier today, he didnt hurt at all although he stared at her as if he was ready to kill her.


    To tell the truth, the fact that he gave her a chance to live was already beyond herprehension. After all, he could easily find a way to kill her without a trace if he just racked his brain a bit.


    And if she ran away, he would be chasing her to death and grip her neck. He looked very simr with a wolf-dog prowling around its prey, who would only take a step back when she burst into tears.


    And though she had once reared a dog like that in the pce before, her dog was an affectionate one


    In any case, she understood there was a reason behind the mans actions and words. However, she truly couldntprehend it. Then again, her only wish right now was to escape this coffin-like mansion. Thus, she gritted her teeth and gave him a partial answer.


    I need to meet someone right now.


    After that, she lifted her head, looking at him desperately. And although he was inly looking down at her, he also did something entirely unexpected this time.


    I will find the person for you. He offered with a smile that sent shivers across her spine.


    But in return, you need to do something for me.

 Chapter 45 - A Perverse Request

    Vianut spoke with a subtle smile as if daring her to guess what he meant. He met her eyes then slowly moved his hand, drawing her gaze to follow his movement, that had been holding the chairs armrest and hooked his trousers belt.


    I dont need to tell you anything, right? You are a prostitute anyway. He ridiculed as hisrge hand, which was bigger than her face, pulled his shirt free from his trousers.


    As he untied the knot of his trousers, he bit the top of his shirt, revealing his six-pack abs in his torso. It looked like a bumpy mudor rather, hard rocks.


    As he slowly breathed, the muscles there rippled and hardened  a sensual sight for an inexperienced Gris. The more she saw how thick and sturdy his upper body is, the more she felt a strange, morbid desire drum against her heartbeat.


    However, soon, her brain engaged itself. Gris finally realized what he meant by his words. It was the thing she loathed seeing in the brothel  the picture of a woman sucking the man, making all sorts of shameful sounds.


    And right now, Duke Vianut was expressing his amorous desire for that. And she spected the reason he chose this approach was because it was better for him than to spill his seeds to some woman. After all, through this, he would be able to eliminate the threat of illegitimate offsprings conception while also obtaining the high he was seeking for as a man.


    Suddenly, the thought of the naked face of the noble duke before her in the garden entered her mind.


    Is it true that he made other girls lick him? What was his reaction when the girls lips touched his?


    Then, an image of him looking down at hernguidly crossed her mind. She imagined the sounds he produced with his sleek lips during the act. At that, she couldnt help but to feel numb as her lower abdomen clenched.


    However, she didnt understand why her body was reacting this way. Perhaps it was because she was afraid? Or maybe


    Gris stopped, feeling her heartbeat throbbing. rmed by the unknown feeling and sensation, she immediately lowered her head and tucked it in, averting her gaze away from him.


    Your Grace this lowly one


    Even before she finished her sentence, Vianut lightly snorted, scorning her as if he knew what she meant and didnt believe it for one whit.


    Try it once. He tly ordered as he tightly pulled her naturally untied hair, not letting go and making her feel as if it was tied to his hand.


    However, his grasp suddenly gentled and he slowly moved his fingers around as if to feel its softness. It was supposed to feel gentle, but when his hard fingertips touched his scalp, Gris body froze, lips trembling.


    After all, she had, not even once, tried sucking a man with her lips. And if this man was experienced in this, he would have known immediately that she was inexperienced once she tried to do it to him. And she couldnt let him know this. Because once he knew it, he would be suspicious of her background, which was thest thing she needed.


    God, how much more miserable should I live in order for You to allow me to meet Johannes? Can I still meet him? When I dont know if he had already flown to anothernd or not.


    Gris lips quivered. Her determination to survive regardless of what it took gradually faded from her. Though she had known of what will be of her future once she left the brothel, she was still unprepared for this. Right now, her life wasnt any different from her dreams where she was being chased, robbed, and killed by a mysterious man.


    As such, she wondered whether letting this weary and lonely life of hers to end would be a better choice or not.


    Maybe


    A regretful tone spread through the gaps of her teeth. She did not expect that she would ever have to say these words  not even once she had arrived in this beautiful mansion, did she think these words would escape from her lips  in front of the mighty Duke.


    Just kill


    The reason why she couldnt say it all at once is because of the remaining hope in her heart.


    The reality is that she wanted to live. She wanted to love and be loved. She did not want to die cursing Billton from the Brothel, Stephan, or Duke Vianut. Because she wanted to die a peaceful death.


    s he was a cruel man, who wouldnt spare her any dignity nor hear her out, even in his half-naked state. Thus, she could only look at him resentfully, holding back her nausea as her words echoed louder and louder between them.


    Please kill me instead.


    Suddenly, the study room darkened because of the dark clouds outside. However, you could still see a vague shape of a man with shining blue eyes inside. And one couldnt help but think of a wolf in a cave when they saw this sight.


    You prefer to die? Why? He asked, a mocking gaze alight in his orbs. But there was an unmistakable hint of curiosity in there for a prostitutes refusal to sumb.

 Chapter 46 - My Dear Daughter (1)

    Curiously, he stopped his movement at that moment and let his trousers go, choosing not to take it off. However, it was not out of mercy, but because of suspicion.


    Because you are overwhelmed with fear? He questioned with a dubious look on his face.


    His scruple was not without base, but he didnt show it outwardly. Instead, the way he was asking her was simr to challenging her. It was as if his eyes were transmitting these messages to her:Why wouldnt you dare to touch my body? Was it perhaps because you were a mere lowly prostitute?


    Facing this tant mockery, Gris felt she tethering on the edge. But she steadied herself before she gave a brief response.


    Yes.


    Except Duke Vianut didnt seem to be convinced with her answer since her words were something he didnt expect. But his queer expression suddenly shifted as if he had concluded something.


    I think I was right. You know what Im talking of. He said, abruptly showing a smile as bright as the sun.


    However, Gris didnt understand the reason he was suddenly smiling to the point his dimples were visible. In fact, he was being way too rxed here that she felt it to be very peculiar. After all, for someone who thought they would be given a fell*tio, he didnt seem as excited as he should be.


    From her knowledge, most of the customers who came to the brothel would be breathing heavily, their veins popping out of their hands and nape. She would see an outline of their lengths between their legs signifying their ar*usal  the tant expectations on their faces at the night that was about toe.


    When she recalled how the men looked when they wanted to do the deed, Gris discreetly looked at the ce between Duke Vianuts thighs. And unexpectedly, she couldnt see any sign of those desires present.


    Catching that, a ray of suspicion suddenly crossed her mind.


    Was this a test?Had he been trying to see whether she was the kind of woman who instantly gave their body to other men when pressed?


    What would have happened if she had given in just now? Would there be a sword ready to strike her neck? Was the rumor she heard  that he is the one man who believes in keeping himself pure before marriage  be true?


    While Gris was entangled with her thoughts, he suddenly stood up, no longer looking interested in her or even about who she was looking for.


    I had fun talking with you. He enunciated, directly ending the conversation and briskly left.


    She wasnt surprised by this because this was the way their conversation always ended: on his convenience.


    She was fatigued from the events that seemed to hit her like a storm, feeling as if she could crash at any time. And though she knew she wasnt in a position to do so, she fell ill. Therefore, she stuck herself under the nket for days that seemed like eternity to her.


    And she dreamed of the time past.


    In it, her beautiful mother appeared, looking as elegant as always in her forever-favorite golden gown coupled with her sapphire-studded crown. And right now, she was waving to her with a tender smile.


    Gris then looked around the ce they were at. It was a sunny field with a thick forest on both sides of the clearing and a stream of river in front of it. It was a sight that was very familiar and dear to her. So, when she saw this, tears welled up in her eyes.


    Furthermore, she could see her father, sister, and younger brother beyond the river. And they were currently sitting at the table, peacefully conversing with each other. It was tea time. Not only could she hear the musicians beautifully yed songs, she also saw a maid harvesting the grapes nearby.


    Then she spotted two seats out of the five seats surrounding the table were empty. And, without even asking, she knew that one of it was for her while the other for her mother.


    When she saw that, she unconsciously began to move, wanting to go there. She wasnt alone as she walked though, because her mother was apanying her to cross the river. However, she seemed to be disturbed by the scars she could feel on Gris hands.


    My dear daughter What happened to your body? She asked as she carefully examined Gris condition.


    Hearing her question, Gris subconsciously looked down at her body that was full of scars. Right then, she was wearing a white dress used for normal wear. It was short enough that her calf was showing. And under the hems of the skirt, one could discern some faded scars she received during her stay in the brothel.


    But, even though she knew it was just a dream, she still did not want to tell the truth to her mother and distressed her. So, she chose to hide it.


    I did a lot of things before.


    But, her mother looked even more sorry for Gris, as if she had already known and said, Lets go beyond the river and eat dessert together then.


    There, Gris noticed the table was full of zhini pie and ck tea that she particrly favored. Moreover, her mother also said she brought a special strawberry cake for them to enjoy.


    It was moment that felt too real to be a dream. Sweet desserts and heaven-like surroundings surrounded her senses, and most importantly, the presence of the people she missed the most in the entire world.


    And this made the tears and grievance she held within her heart almost burst free from its confine. The hardship she had experienced after that day dance before her mind, but as always she shoved it away.


    It was her dream, and she didnt want to remember such things when she could feel her familys warmth. So, Gris lifted her white dress to cross the river, wanting to reach her other loved ones.

 Chapter 47 - My Dear Daughter (2)

    All the while she held her tears at bay. Before she could though, an apparition of her mothers beheaded body suddenly appeared, still with her usual gentle smile fixed on her face. Then, a delusion of her sister and younger brother, who were signaling to them toe faster, also appeared. However, it soon turned into one where they had be dried corpses in an instant.


    Father. What about father?!


    As if responding to her thought, the scene soon changed to one where her father was ring at Duke Taliluchi with bloodshot eyes before losing hisst breath.


    She wanted to run as fast as she could to them, but she abruptly froze. She was struck with realization that even if she went there, she didnt have the proper words to say to her family that had been cruelly murdered. Not when she had yet to achieve her goals. Not to mention, this was a dream in the end, and a far cry from the brutal reality she was in.


    And though Gris wanted to tell her family something a hopeful one at that: theyll meet in heaven after she has managed to fulfill everything.


    Then, if she happened to ascend to where they were and reunite with them, she would tell them she had the will to survive up until now because of Johannes. Because she knew this man was still searching for her out there.


    Not only that, she also wanted to tell them that despite being a weakling, she had managed to avenge them and regained their familys honor. She wanted to let her beloved family know that their enemy, the Taliluchi Family, was thoroughly gone despite their many means and methods due to her.


    There many things on the tip of her tongue, but one she couldnt utter yet. She wanted to say that she hade to meet them without any regrets; that she had received enough affection from many people. Only then would she be able to cleanse the guilt she felt from cowardly surviving alone.


    Therefore, with a bleeding heart, she strenuously tried to express her thoughts.


    Mother I have not yet aplished something incredibly important. So, I cante to you. Not right now.


    Suddenly, everything in the dream stilled. Then, her mother sighed as she released her hold from Gris. She looked regretful, helpless to stop this naughty daughter of hers from being stubborn.


    How long should we wait for you?


    Ille back to everyone soon. Gris hesitated before she firmly hugged her mother. As if it was the end of the crescendo, soon, the scene began to crumble.


    And then she woke to the bleary, familiar sight of the ceilings.


    But, she didnt move, feeling a deep lingering sensation leftover from her dream. Then, a tear silently fell from her eyes as she covered herself from the nket. She was slowly reminiscing about her dreams and immediately regretted not following her mother.


    Because the goals that seemed so easy to attain in the dream were just all an absurdity when she woke up.


    Time passed by and before long noon arrived. Bellin had stopped by to change the towel she had on her forehead. She had been patiently nursing her for the past few days, and she even gave her news about the happening in the mansion before she left.


    About the fact that the grandmother left the mansion to meet the Archbishop. Or the news that Stephan was concerned about her illness. All these news were delivered to her by Bellin when Gris finally regained her cognizance.


    Gris didnt know whether the news of Yulianas recovery had already spread in the mansion or not, but not long after Bellin left, Stephan slipped inside her room. By that time, Gris had already regained some of her energy and was drinking some water while sitting upright on the bed. And when she spotted him, she stood up to greet him politely.


    I apologize for being unconscious for so long, Your Excellency.


    Stephan nodded his head graciously as if letting her know that he was magnamious enough he can tolerate her being ill. Then, without a word, he sat in the chair beside the bed.


    Keep on calling me uncle, Yuliana.


    He said, examining herplexion. It seemed that her countenance was no longer pale and had turned for the better. This pleased him, especially since Vianut seemed to have decided to keep his silence, despite knowing the truth.


    Meanwhile, Gris scrutinized his reaction before she tucked her head in without replying. She was still drained from the confrontation; not to mention her subsequent illness that led her to spend three days lying prone on the bed. Thus, she felt her knees tremble when she stood up.


    Youre lucky.


    Stephan spoke slowly as his proud brown eyes watched Gris. At first, he looked as if he were praising a dog that obeyed him well, but then his look soon grew strange with a hint of suspicion.


    I think Duke Vianut has been extremely generous to me. Gris said, slightly agitated at the reminder.


    Gris then looked at Stephan, who had enough reason to believe such, carefully and bit her lower lip. She was unsure whether he would believe it or not. After all, even she, who wasnt that familiar with the duke, couldnt believe that Vianut could be that generous.


    Since the questions he asked were one that was especially difficult for her to answer. Furthermore, he also did it while pointing his sword at her neck, making her feel that death was just one step away. And at the same time making her feel that his choice of killing her or not was based on the result he got after testing her.


    Therefore, Gris was convinced Vianut was never the generous one.

 Chapter 48 - Grandia’S Law

    While thinking, she couldnt help but to recall the sharp sensation near her skin at the time. Thus, she slowly massaged the back of her head, as if by doing that, it would erase the burning sensation of her scalp.


    Even after you left, he tried to kill me several times.


    Hearing that, Stephan nodded his head while propping his chin, looking at Gris with convinced eyes. He then stood from his seat and looked outside the window.


    I think it is because of my emotions. He suddenly said, making her confused.


    But, though it is good you survive Did he give any conditions? Like, spying me or reporting our conversation to him?


    Although everything seems reasonable, Stephan was still dubious of the reason why Vianut let Gris live. However, Gris only shook her head. If the duke had made such a proposal to her that time, she would definitely have stepped up.


    Duke Vianut I think he let me live because he is pleased to see me struggle.


    Stephan, who had been serious all the while, suddenly broke intoughter.


    No wonder. Cruelty it runs in this family.


    Yes. They were people who took pleasure from others agony. Even Yuliana had thrived on killing other people. From these, it could be seen that everyone belonging to this bloodline was simr to one another.


    Anyway, Vianut doesnt want to ruin the family that the former grand duke had protected and devoted his life to. So, he definitely cant let the public know that youre not Yuliana. This is a good sign.


    Stephan spoke carefully as he turned around and looked at Griss face. Then he touched his chin as if he was thinking something and opened his mouth.


    Your face looks dissatisfied.


    He stated, sure of his words, so there was no use for Gris to deny it. As such, she could only press her lips forcefully to prevent herself from voicing out her resentment. Thankfully, Stephan didnt fuss over that, raising his cape lightly and adjusted his seating position on the bed to sitfortably.


    I am thinking of getting you married to a great man soon. If that happens, you too can do anything. He suddenly announced.


    Hearing that, Gris froze as if she was struck with lightning. She understood what he meant by those words; hes going to marry her off to someone who would be the most advantageous to him.


    However, although his words implied she would be free was it truly possible if she got married to the person he chose? What if he nned to mercilessly kill her after he had squeezed everything from her?


    Because that was just their nature. Discarding useless things that had no value to them. Therefore, Gris had to make up an excuse, so he wouldnt be able to marry her off to someone he liked. And she happened to have one.


    The brothel engraved its mark on my belly, and I was told it cant be erased by any means.


    She thought he would curse and give up when he heard that. But contrary to her expectation, Stephan only chuckled as if that was not a problem.


    Theres no way the gentleman would recognize such a scar. And even if he knows it, he will only pretend it doesnt exist. Or he will quietly sell you back to the brothel after iming you die from a sudden illness. Hence, theres no need for you to worry because he wont tell the truth to the masses or even to his family.


    Gris slightly furrowed her brows at the nastiness of his statement. But, before she could think of escaping, Stephan suddenly said something that made herplexion pale.


    Oh, Ive to remind you of this, just in case. If you want to escape, please nip that thought in the bud. Because recently, the situation outside the mansion is a bit dangerous.


    Having said that, he idly nced over Gris lower body with his cold eyes. And Gris shrunk back when she felt his gaze on her hips, wondering whether he wanted to taste what hed bought. But Stephan only chuckled as he removed his sight away.


    A group of thieves has just formed a troop at the foot of the mountain and is living there right now. If you lose your way in the forest  who knows? You might end up being caught by those thieves, and brutally raped until yourst breath. A fitting end for a whore, dont you think?


    He said, sounding just like a real uncle who was concerned about his nave niece and was giving earnest advice. And if you happen to get pregnant, you wont be able to know who the father of your baby is. Now after you give birth, they will just continue raping you, treating you as a sow to be impregnated again and again. So, be careful, all right?


    But, in reality, he was threatening her of what he would do should she fail to fall in line.


    He was worse than Bilton. But there was nothing Gris could do anything about it. Therefore, she only clenched her mouth tightly in the end, not saying anything.


    Stephan seemed satisfied with her response, so he stood up from the bed and properly tidied up his outfit.


    If you dont want that to happen, then obediently stay behind me. He then left. His parting words echoing in Gris mind.


    No, he is the worst. Using my weakness to ckmail me, tying me up in this mansion.


    But Gris was a Grandian. And in Grandia, An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth was aw. And though Gris had never done anything simr, she was now roused to repay Stephan in the Grandian way. But first things first, she needed to find his weakness.


    Before she began to plot, though, something suddenly crossed her mind. She knew someone who knew most of Stephans weaknesses.


    Duke Vianut. The man whopeted with Stephan for the session and won.

 Chapter 49 - His Confusing Actions (1)

    Gris supposes that she could choose to ask Duke Vianut directly her questions.


    Stephan nced back at Gris, and saw the look of frustration painted on her face; he surmised she was dissatisfied with that reason, nheless, Stephan continued speaking.


    From now on, you will keep on attending your sses, so please change your clothes. I will invite my friends toe over within a few days, so take your sses seriously so that you can project a good image to them. Stephan told her and Gris remained silent, she knew he wasnt done talking to her yet.


    Oh and your soon-to-be-husband will alsoe. He told her nonchntly. He interpreted her silence as her understanding of his conditions, and that she wouldply with them.


    He gave her onest look before proceeding to leave her room. As soon as Stephan managed to step out of the room, Bellin came in and rushed to help Gris change and prepare for the day.


    Bellin had faithfully informed her of all the happenings in the mansion but she was not able to absorb all the news. She remained in silence all the while, lost in her own thoughts. What was going to happen to her now?


    Gris was so engrossed with the news of the impending arrival of her soon-to-be-husband to be focused on anything else. It seemed that everything would happen ording to Stephans n if she would do nothing. If she does not fight him, he will win over her.


    But what could she do? Gris wondered what she should do to stop Stephan from winning. But her thoughts seemed aimless and she could not find an answer, instead she decided that she should first go and visit the artwork store. So that if Stephans friends evere and visit, she and her soon-to-be-husband could be out of their way.


    There were a myriad of thoughts running in her minds as Gris was dressing, and even after she had finished it seemed like she could never form a coherent idea on what courses of action she should take without her head ending up on the ground. After she was finished dressing, she soon stepped out of her room to begin the day. As soon as she and Bellin left the room and went out to the lobby, she came across Duke Vianut and Quentin, who was about to climb the stairs.


    Quentin, who smiled amiably every time he saw her, brusquely kept an eye on the stairs. On the other hand, the blue eyes of the Duke which was always filled with wariness were rather enveloped with zest now.


    Gris supposes could understand why they had given her such responses. He gave her such a look because she refused the chance to serve him for a night during his rise in status. But she was baffled as to why a man like him would choose to ask a prostitute.


    Until now, it seemed he hasnt found a logical reason why she refused to serve him, so Gris supposes that her behavior might have piqued his curiosity and so he seemed interested in her now. Gris was about to tilt her head in a different direction and avoid the two, but he called her in anguid voice.


    Yuliana.


    Quentin raised his two eyebrows, not knowing that Duke Vianut would take the initiative to talk to a prostitute. Gris did not have a reason to escape and stood one foot in front of him as she bowed her head.


    Your Highness.


    Vianut found it rather delightful as well as funny to see Gris exercising formality before him, like a real aristocrat would. He spoke to her while his long, clean hands touched his nape.


    Big brother.


    It was amand telling her to call him brother instead, seeing Gris hesitate at his words he then chuckled.


    Like a small animal being hit, Gris felt bullied by his actions and so she softly bit her lower lip to prevent herself from saying something she may regret. She wanted to quickly escape, not having any interest to speak with him or y with his games. She spoke in an urgent voice.


    Big brother, I have to go now to my ss, it is almost time. She told him meaningfully and Duke Vianut nodded at her in reply, passively letting her go.


    Just as Gris felt relieved that he had allowed her to escape him, it seemed like he was trying to squeeze her to death by cornering her in moments she least expected.


    Meet me in the gardenter. He told her as soon as she passed him by, and Gris heart started to pound loudly inside its ribcage, she could not help but nce back at him and met with his gaze.


    We will take a walk. He told her before turning his back and walking on his way.


    Gris thought bitterly that perhaps it was Vianuts habit to think of ways to scare her.


    ***


    The cultural ss ended easier than she had thought. Probably because she had already been applying the etiquette of the aristocrats since she was young.


    While Gris was preparing for her next ss, Quentin dropped by the ssroom. Gris eyed him as he approached and could not help but note that it was rather strange to see Quentin in armor even though there was no exhibition. She realized it toote that he came from his training. All morning he must have been busy getting acquainted with the weight of his sword to be morefortable to use the weapon to kill She felt goosebumps that rose all the way to her neck due to the sound of the irons friction, it sounded like a de getting sharpened.


    Duke Vianut would like to call you. Quentin told her as soon as he was close enough.


    Griss heart sank at his words.


    She thought that something must have happened. Gris bitterly wonders what creative ideas and effective ways to drain her blood he hase up with now? With every anxiousness she felt rise with each second, she wanted to avoid him at all costs, but it seems her future was set in stone and she could not fight her destiny.

 Chapter 50 - His Confusing Actions (2)

    I cannot go, for I am waiting for the embroidery ss. It will start soon. Gris told Quentin, hoping that this excuse would suffice.


    She fretfully touched the embroidery that wasid in her study table so that he may see that she was serious. Quentin furrowed his forehead as he found her reaction rather offensive.


    Do you n to keep him waiting? He asked her in a loud tone.


    Rather than nning to keep him waiting, shed rather not meet him at all, Gris thought. Strangely, it was not because she hated him this time. It was because she feels so low whenever he arrogantly looked at her, he hated his eyes that gazed at her as if she was just filth on his boots.


    Thinking on it now, Gris realized that even Quentin thinks she was lowly, and though Quentin also held the same abhorrent feelings for her, she does not feel hurt by his condescending gaze. It was strange why she was so sensitively reacting only to Duke Vianut  what made his perception of her so different from that of others?


    Knowing that Quentin wont leave her alone, Gris stood up from her seat, her head held high.


    Lets go, then. She told him.


    As if Quentin could no longer wait, he snatched the embroidery te and left the ssroom. Gris sighed as she followed him out while eyeing the embroidery he took; she was currently making it as a present for the grandmother.


    Gris followed Quentin silently, but she was casting daggers at his back.


    As they walked Gris noted that though it had continuously rained all day yesterday, there was not even a sight of a cloud today. Sunlight warmed the grassy fields as the wind made it swing in a cool breeze.


    In the center of the golden field, Gris saw Vianut. He was sitting while reading a book on a bench. It was the same bench where Gris would often linger whenever she had free time. It seemed that he came at the ce not so long, since he was holding his book with the ck leather gloves still on his hand. Gris also saw him biting the middle finger of his other hand to remove the other glove as they approached.


    His dark ck hair was shining beautifully in the sunlight. Since then, she had hated the zing sun which seemed to have favored Vianut. Gris no longer wanted to appear before him, she did not want to show him a face engulfed with shame and humiliation anymore and that was what she felt each time he came to her. She also did not want to hear his voice that would taunt her again with cold words.


    Gris walked towards Vianut but she fixed her gaze at the flowers and butterflies dancing in the fields. She moved to sit on the front of the bench. He should know how to acknowledge her presence, but he only looked at the Bible, as if showing her that she deserves such unfriendly treatment.


    A strong wind blew from somewhere, bringing a strong scent of flowers with it. As Gris inhaled the sweet scent of the flowers, the wind blew her yellow skirts and it flipped over to her thighs, she panicked and tried to pull it down over her feet.


    His blue eyes, which were casually moving along the words of the Bible that he read, inadvertently moved its directions to her exposed skin. Gris suddenly felt a strange movement in front of her and she knew this did not evene from the flowers. She nced at Vianut and noticed that his once wless eyes gradually became cloudy. She couldnt understand his reaction, but sheprehended that it was one of confusion. His intense gaze on her made Gris feel a burning sensation in her nape.


    It was because a man was austerely looking at the part of the body part which was usually covered by clothing and furthermore, he was holding a Bible on his other hand. Gris felt rather embarrassed.


    When his rather low breath spread through the gaps of his teeth, she found her breath hithc in her throat. She had the habit of trying to control her breathing each time she felt ufortable, she did this to ward off the unfamiliar kind of tension, shiver, and palpitation that was currently engulfing her.


    At that moment, she noticed his darkened eyes came onto her thighs again without warning. Something filled her turbid retinas. Confusion? Or greedthere was something in his eyes, but it was a look she has never seen before.


    Gris eventually exhaled the breath she had been holding and looked down at herself. Even if she stretched her flesh, her thighs have solid muscles. She has a whiteplexion but because of the skin allergy that she got in the brothel, there was a dark scar that started from her calf and rested above her knee.


    It was ugly and made her look more worthless in appearance.


    As always, she deserved to be ridiculed.


    Gris soon realized that there was indeed something wrong with Vianut as she saw a blue blood vessel that was pulsating in his nape. Confused about whats happening, she immediately put down her skirt. As if he faced an unexpected event, he furrowed his brows and put the book down.


    It seemed that uncle had changed his ns.


    She did not understand his words. What n was he pertaining to? How did he know what Stephan was thinking?


    Vianut must have felt an untimely heat, that caused him to take off his wolf fur cape and put it down on the bench beside him. Then he gestured at the seat next to him and said to her.


    Sit here.

 Chapter 51 - Memories Of The Past

    Gris followed his brief order and seated on the bench.


    She couldnt distinguish if it was nervousness or restlessness that she was feeling. But because of this, she only half-seated on the bench and was struggling to remain in ce.


    His blue eyes that sparkled with the sunlight again averted its attention on the book in his hand. Gris nced sideways to capture a glimpse of the books frame he was reading and then began to feel strange again.


    She thought the book itself was rather beautiful, and so was Vianut. He had thick, rich eyshes, neat eyebrows, and soft lips. His ck hair, which was naturally swept away by the afternoon wind, looked quite neat and vibrant. Maybe it was the influence of the scenery of the Great Byrenhag, where wildflowers are in full bloom that he too had started to look lovely in Gris eyes.


    Yes!


    The reason why she felt suddenly attracted to this man is only because of the green scenery, the whole ambiance of this ce managed to bewitch her, she was only lost in the ce, a momentarypse of judgement that was all.


    Gris looked at her surroundings once again. She felt an unfamiliar sense of familiarity in the air, as the tip of her toes were pounding nervously against the grassynd.


    She then spotted Quentin who was standing near them and noticed that he had begun to watch the butterflies with the embroidery te he snatched from her earlier that day.


    Gris began to feel lost in the moment when a calm low-pitched sound slowly resounded beside her and broke her reverie.


    I heard that Dirk will be arriving soon. Vianut told her.


    Maybe he was talking about someone. Gris guessed that he was talking about Yulianas friends who were nning to visit the mansion. Nheless she couldnt stop herself from asking a question.


    Who is that?


    He turned the page of his book with his slender fingertips as he replied.


    Yulianas childhood friend.


    Gris remained silent.


    I am thinking of arranging your marriage with him. Vianut told her nonchntly.


    Gris suddenly recalled that Stephan also told her the same thing todaythat her fianc will being soon. He must be someone of great importance that they carefully chose for her in order to benefit the Byrenhag family the most.


    Gris was not interested in what kind of man her fianc is, but she found herself rather interested in the thoughts of Duke Vianut of her fianc. She wanted to ask if he would be sending her off as the fake Yuliana before things get worse.


    Should I get married? Gris serene question echoed in the garden. Duke Vianut only flipped another page of the book in response and the two were trapped in an awkward silence. After what seemed to be an eternity, Vianut then spoke as he pressed his fingers on his earlobe tightly as if it was suddenly very ticklish.


    Yes, you should. It was only then that Gris realized that Vianut would agree with anything as long as it would benefit the family. Even the Grand Duke himself is preparing to marry a woman who has never seen before, as a part of the royal order.


    Gris perceived intuitively that she would soon have to marry Dirk if she stayed in this mansion longer. She felt an irresistible urge to flee before that happens, for once she was married, she would forever be trapped.


    However, she wondered, where would she flee? Could she even go outside the mansion? How will she avoid the bandits who were hiding all over the forest?


    The sun was still bright, but she felt it was rather dark as if there were heavy clouds in front of her. At that moment, Vianut shifted in his seat, he couldnt concentrate anymore, so he closed the book.


    Marriage only.


    She couldnt fully understand the meaning of the word marriage only.


    Gris decided to look at the flower bed, nervously fidgeting her fingertips on the bench at loss with what she must do.


    The ck butterfly she saw a while ago was sitting on a wildflower with its shiny wings fluttering against the cold air. She thought it had already gone somewhere else because she couldnt see it, but it seemed to have stayed there.


    Her vision, which regained vitality, relentlessly chased looking after the butterfly as it jumped from flower to flower. Vianut, who had been looking at her all this time, was also now looking at the same butterfly.


    Gris nced slightly sideways at him for she sensed his eyesnd on her. She tried to read his face, seemingly wanted to understand why she liked butterflies so much.


    The truth was, Gris did not like butterflies at all. Rather she was just envious of the freedom that a butterfly had, as it can appear on a sunny day, and enjoy nature and fly anytime. But the moment she saw a ck butterfly, she felt something more special about that flying creature. It reminded her of the precious memories that she had when she was nine.


    At that time, Gris was trapped in a tower after watching his parents beheaded.


    Perturbed by the incident, she cried all her eyes out for days. But when she heard that her fathers followers were still fighting, she sang a song of victory day and night. After three days, symptoms of dehydration started to manifest in her.


    As she heard the pitch of torn vocal cords that sounded like hoarse metals being scratched together, she knew she was going to die. After that, she persistently cried as she ran out of breath. She was a child full of fear, only wanting nothing more than to hide in her parents arms and copse in them.


    Her tears endlessly flowed in the corner of the rock prison she was trapped in, her cage ck as night.


    A few days passed. There was a sound of stone banging against the second-story wallwhich seemed impossible to be reached by people. And that sound still haunts her to this day.

 Chapter 52 - The Black-Haired Boy (1)

    There was a scouting window on the side of her prison cell where the sound came from. It was a palm-sized opening, but the sight of the sunlighting down from it was like salvation to her, and its image in her memory was still quite vivid. Seeing those rays of sun felt like a miracle back then, because at that time she had been too busy cowering in the corner to notice it  it was the only thing that prevented her from beingpletely devoured by darkness.


    Gris remembered staring at the lighting in her for two days, while being engrossed in her thoughts of why, just when she wanted to live earnestly all she met was darkness, and why it was only now that she was this close to the light?


    She remembered sighing at those thoughts while wetting her chapped lips. During that time while she wallowed in self-pity, she heard a banging caused by a stone that came from the wall. One time, two times, three times the knocking continuously came.


    The sound began and continued in regr intervals. Gris grabbed a dust-stained chair and ced it in front of the window and carefully stood on it, wanting to check what was happening outside.


    The first thing she felt as soon as she peeked outside was the feeling that her eyes were about to burst from the bright sunlight that attacked her vision. She quickly lowered her head, closing her lids and took some time to slowly open them, allowing her eyes to adjust gradually at its intensity.


    Just as Gris eyes got used to the light, a small stone flew andnded on her forehead. She steadied her dizzy head with her hands and looked outside and spotted a young boy with hair as dark as ebony standing between the trees.


    Strangely enough, Gris saw that there were no stones around the ce where the boy was standing. Still, she reckoned it was this boy who had been throwing stones at the tower this whole time.


    She watched the boy closely and saw him looking for a suitable stone and when he found one, he moved towards it and picked it up. Gris wondered if he would use it towards her tower and if it would hit her head again. Fearing so, she hurriedly climbed down from her chair and again, huddled up in a corner.


    She looked at the many stones that had fallen under the chair, and she thought about why the boy had thrown them. Did he do that because he was a follower of the Taliluchi family? Or was it because her crying was too loud, and he was irritated by her?


    As she thought this, Gris could not help but be filled with sadness, and at that time it was as if the grief she was feeling surged up even more. She had lost the people she loved just a few days ago, and now she found herself just passing time, waiting for time to heal her or lead her to death. She wondered if she would die peacefully, but she knew they wouldnt even allow her to die in silence.


    The sorrow, anger, and resentment she had umted on her heart from all the misfortunes she experienced rose all the way to her throat and she felt like she was choking. Gris sensed that she would die if she didnt do anything, so she picked up the stones that fell from the window and threw it outside.


    It was at that moment that Gris had her first cowardly thought in her life. She thought that he couldnt hurt her because she was hidden in a prison that was like an impregnable fortress which he wouldnt be able to reach, and that was why she could keep throwing rocks at him without fear, she would throw rocks at him until he was scared enough to no longer attack her!


    She threw the stones so hard she felt dizzy with each swing of her arm. Gris quickly got worn out due to her already being weak from fatigue and malnutrition. She was not able to eat anything for the days, she was losing strength daily, her body and soul were weak and exhausted.


    She did not recall falling asleep, but she must have passed out because when she woke up from her faint like sleep, she was still in that disgusting stone-walled prison. This time, light no longer filled her cell, but it seemed it was dawn again.


    Gris curled up in the cold and musty corner again, locked in her thoughts. This was because the anger she had earlier finally subsided, and worry poured in to rece it. What if the boy was hit by one the many stones she threw yesterday? She just didnt want to be med anymore


    She pulled herself up in a standing position and thought that maybe the boy will be around the tower again. Slowly the sun rose and filled her tower with light once more. That is when she saw some strange items under the light that came from the window. A bread wrapped in a handkerchief, a wooden water canteen, and a bronze statue of a praying saintid on the ground.


    She didnt know who threw those things, but their underlying meaning was clear. They wanted and were telling her tolive on. As soon as she realized that, Gris felt tears pooling in her eyes, and like a dam that broke free she began to cry loudly, not in sadness but for relief and gratefulness. And for a long time, she only cried.


    It felt like she was finally beginning to heal. The sadness of loss, deep scars in her body and the trauma she suffered inside her head  and even the loneliness that had been buried deep into her bones seem to ease a little by the sight of those objects.


    When she looked outside after crying for a long time, she saw the ck-haired boy again. He had a training sword in his hand instead of a stone.


    Gris observed that the boy was totally engrossed with his swordsmanship and it looked like he had been training for a while. Then, it seemed like that boy thought of something and looked up at the tower. When their eyes met, Gris saw the boy reached into his pockets as if looking for something.


    Finally finding what he was looking for, Gris saw the boy spread his belongings out in his palm and looked at them for a long time before he began to throw some towards the tower. One by one those thingsnded in her tower.


    Chocte, gold coins, prayer rosaries The thought that he had thrown out only the best things out of the things he had made the area around her eyes burn with tears.


    She didnt know where she was but right now it was dazzlingly beautiful. There werent any flowers or butterflies, but there was a boy who started dancing while handsomely swinging his sword in this ce. Here there was something precious that grew and bloomed.


    The young Gris back then felt like the sword was akin to a wandering ck butterfly, trapped forever in a unfertilend, trying to blossom any kind of flower. Trying to find kindness.


    She recalled the beautiful scenery and the fragrant forest smell of that day, and carefully opened her lips to speak.


    I like ck butterflies. It reminds me of someone.


    Vianut beside her said nothing.


    She nced at him and saw his eyes just vacantly staring at the butterfly she mentioned, and Gris shook her head in recognition that he of course didnt know about such longing, for he must have never experienced such grief.

 Chapter 53 - The Black-Haired Boy (2)

    Gris, who had been looking at him, now averted her gaze and looked straight ahead. She felt sorry for the ck butterfly. She felt sorry because of its dark color that stood out to its enemies.


    Come to think of it, Quentin told her that the Grand duke also liked butterflies. She had thought it was probably just him being kind, but she kind of hoped it was real.


    She fiddled with her lower lips with her index finger and then carefully opened her mouth once more.


    Ive heard that big brother likes butterflies. Do you perhaps like taking a break in the garden too?


    He justughed in response, as if it was the first time he heard that about him and that he found it ridiculous. Gris supposes that if that wasnt the case  he was insteadughing at her believing what Quentin said, like a naive girl.


    If you dont like it, why.


    She was trying to ask why then he called her out and was sitting like this in a ce filled with butterflies without clearly stating his business, what was his reason when clearly, he did not enjoy being there.


    However, she trailed off because she was too frightened to really ask him this, but then she heard a short answer back from him.


    No, I like them. Butterflies and flowers, they are beautiful, Vianut told her.


    His orbs thennded on a ck butterfly that had fluttered down lightly onto a pink wildflower. The instant Gris tried to follow his gaze; a drowsy voice suddenly filled her ears.


    Butterflies are valuable enough for the world that it has gained a right to be greedy. He told her.


    The two of them watched in silence as the ck butterfly busied itself with the pink flowers, mindlessly sucking its floral liquor.


    Suddenly, Quentin appeared behind it crouched. She felt like his gaze at the butterfly was like the eyes of a leopard preparing to pounce on its prey.


    But what do you think will happen if it gets excessively greedy? Vianut asked her.


    Gris felt an ominous premonition when she saw the growing interest in his face.No way. No wayThe moment her heart started beating like a drum, Quentin pulled a handkerchief from the embroidery te and quickly covered the butterfly.


    S-stop dont catch it.


    But Quentin was already holding the handkerchief like a pocket, and the butterfly was heartbreakingly running on it by the time she stood up. The Grand duke, satisfied, stood up when he saw Gris distressed and then took off first with Quentin following. Gris bowed her head with her lips trembling.


    It seemed like the Grand Duke wasnt here to take a walk or to collect butterflies. He was here to y a rxed, persistent, destructive game.


    She clutched her chest, where her heart cracked, and gasped in pain.


    ***


    Vianut van Byrenhag, thewful owner of the holynd of Byrenhag.


    This was a face everyone acknowledged. The citizens would bow and praise the Byrenhag family whenever he passed. Of course, it was not absolute loyalty, but just a token of appreciation for protecting their lives.


    Vianut was never impressed with their praise. Everything that settled on the Holy Land of Byrenhag was his. The trees,kes, flowers, crops, and even the people.


    So, it was natural for him to protect it, and if he wanted it was possible for him to kill it. However, Vianut did not kill or protect without good reason. He did it ording to his rules.


    Catching the ck butterfly was a very impulsive decision. He didnt think of doing that when he first saw the ck butterfly as he sat on the bench. Then he recalled his first encounter with the fake Julianna, who stared at the butterfly with eyes swelled red.


    The girls innocent, defenseless eyes, they certainly werent Julianas.


    In addition, she had too many holes for a con man trying to leech off the Grand dukes family. That was what troubled Vianut.


    He had so far distinguished good from evil by necessity. He had killed the wicked whenever he could, and only let the good live in thend. It was a rule that he should apply to the fake Juliana.


    He was ready to kill her as soon as he felt that she was an unnecessary viin in her estate. However, that moment, like a while ago, did note.


    He had been observing the fake Juliana, and she was a mass of contradictions. She was a parasite that hadtched onto the Byrenhag family, but she didnt try to sponge off on anything.


    She acted as if she was an aristocrat from the bottom of her bones but would look ashamed when she turned around. The fact that she was a prostitute that had innocent eyes was the greatest contradiction.


    Vianut spent a lot of time trying to figure out whether Maria, the prostitute, was good or bad but he still couldnt tell.


    Then he realized something unfortunate. It was the contradicting features of Maria that interested him. That was why he broke his rule and caught the butterfly.


    Back in the room, Vianutid down on a spacious window frame, holding the handkerchief that still had the insect in it. It was a new habit these days, even though he was not interested in sunbathing or appreciating the scenery.


    He raised his knees, put his feet on the window frame, used his arm as a pillow, and stared at the ceiling while lying down. All his thoughts were directed at the butterfly trapped in the handkerchief. He wondered how broken it was inside the cloth, and he wondered how Maria would react if she saw that.


    Then the white-haired viscount, Briun came in after knocking and came and bowed in front of the window frame.


    Your Highness, the Princess of Britin has sent a handwritten letter.


    Vianuts unusual eyes turned to Briun. It glowed with drowsiness. He had been like thattely.


    Briun knew that it was a warning not to interrupt his rxation time. The letter, which he had extended to the side of Vianuts stomach, slipped back.


    Ill put it on the side table.


    After hesitating, Briun opened his mouth with difficulty.


    The Princess of Britin will be happier the sooner you answer. This is because you can measure a mans affection from how long he takes to respond.


    It was an epiphany for the young Grand Duke, who was indifferent to the woman, and only spent his time in politics and swordsmanship. Vianut knew all the officials and bishops in his territory were waiting for news on the Grand Dukes marriage, so he answered as if it was natural that he should.


    Yes, I will.


    So far, he had been dying his marriage by saying he would do it when his grandmother wakes up from her sickbed. It was because he had lost his fianc in an unforeseen incident when he was young. He didnt want to fill the vacancy with another woman.


    The longer this went on, the officials grew more concerned and even the king ordered the Grand Duke to fulfill his responsibility. Therefore, he was given a mission to produce a son as soon as possible.


    He could resist the rise in fleshly desire after puberty, but he couldnt resist the kingsmand. Therefore, he just had to look forward to the already decided marriage and be content with it. Thinking so, he sat on the window ledge.


    Briun, relieved by his choice, looked into the crystal bowl on the floor under the window frame. Inside were piles of sun-dried red jerky and he suddenly thought,


    It seems like he didnt eat today.

 Chapter 54 - Her Master (1)

    Suddenly, Brians attention was directed elsewhere. Vianut then knew that the former was referring to the white, small puppy when he said this little rascal.


    On the first day it was brought into the room, it walked around the area carefully, barking whenever it noticed something new and smelled the unfamiliar territory. The puppy however, suddenly ran and hid under the bed at the sound of his voice. Vianut doesnt remember ever seeing it after that.


    It seemed too much of a scaredy cat to even remember the hand that fed him was Vianuts. The puppy ate so little that he couldnt even tell if it actually eats, for his bowl always seemed untouched and if it came out, it was quite stealthy, avoiding his quick eye.


    Vianut suddenly thought of a red-eyed girl, who was simr to the little rascal, and rubbed his eyes with his hands to clear his mind of such unexpected thoughts.


    He noticed that Brian then put the bowl of food on the floor and pushed it under the bed. Must have have sensing the treat offered to it, the puppy came out to feast on the bowl. And as soon as its body was visible Brian reached out and then caught the puppy.


    I got you, you little rascal! Brian eximed triumphantly and cradled the puppy in his arms.


    Brian then brought it in front of Vianut.


    The puppy in his arms was still trying to break free from his hold and was pushing at his chest with its front paws. Brianughed at the puppys futile attempt.


    You have to rub it alot when you have a chance. That way, it will start to miss the touch of your hand ande to you first. Brian told Vianut as the former stroked the puppys fur. Vianut could only stare as the animal slowly eased into Brians touch.


    His Majesty might order you to bring him along when he summons you in the future.


    Brian carefully counseled Vianut and held out the puppy in front of thetters chest for him to take. Vianut hugged the puppy reluctantly.


    Unexpected heat and softness soaked his cold hands as soon as his palms were buried in the puppys thick fur. He stroked its belly with his eyes narrowednguidly as a pleasant warmth came in through the palm of his hand and spread all over his body.


    Vianuts eyshes fluttered slowly as he looked down on the puppy in his arms. He began to feel overwhelmed by this simple act and was feeling a sensation he never even longed to feel for. Simply because he never even knew that such emotion existed before. He never felt the need to feel this warmth, as the first thing he learnt as a son of a strong knight was to ovee the cold, the loneliness and fear in order to survive in battles.


    However, something felt odd. There was a part of him that found the loss of cold a little unpleasant. His grip on the puppy loosened and he soon felt ufortable with its warmth.


    The little rascal, who was looking at his face, seemed to have noticed Vianuts difort and took the opportunity to run away from his arms and hide timidly again.


    Vianut looked at the puppys white back as it scampered off and recalled the first instance of warmth he had ever tasted in his life. The red-eyed girl who first gave and taught him that taste of sweetness spread out in his vision like an afterthought in his mind.


    He had found the reason for his difort faster than he expected  he had felt that pleasant warmth not long ago, when he had put his hand under the chin of the fake Yuliana in the garden. And this difort stemmed from the fact that he couldntpletely possess the warmthing from that girl.


    Vianut scrunched his forehead and clenched his fist as if he was trying to hold on to the warmth escaping out of his grasps, but he did not understand whether he hated it orlongedfor it. He already knew that he shouldnt long so hard for fickle feelings, as this was something, perhaps, he woud feel everyday once he got married.


    He shouldnt be longing for something he could never keep that wouldnotstay.


    Brian was once again crouching and was trying to call the scared puppy out of his hiding ce, but it was futile as the puppy seemed resigned to hide. He then gave up on trying to call it out and after taking a sigh, he asked Vianut, Did you name it?


    Vianut briefly lost himself in thought.


    He didnt think it was necessary to give the puppy a name, as the puppy was made to be his hand warmer and when it died that would just be the end of its use. However, he guessed if he named it, it would be easier to tame it, and it would probably be even better if the name matched him well.


    From his observation, the puppy was timid and made very little noise. It had a soft warmth to it, and the more he tried to touch it, the more it would run away. Also, Vianut reminds himself that at the moment it stopped ying, its role would disappear.


    Just like the fake Yuliana.


    He fiddled with his lower lip with his index finger, and then answered softly.


    Maria.


    The warmth that he had desperately tried to cling unto unknowingly had fully faded away. He looked at his palms that had turned pale against the cold air around him and decided to reward his fake sister. This fake Yuliana that had taught him the limits of his ownership.


    The boredom was killing him. He decided he should at least enjoy the look of her face crumbing when she saw her present. Who knows. Perhaps he would be greeted with another sight  that of sa smile on her face.


    His hand started bizarrely tingling as soon as he thought of that.


    Nevevrtheless, he simply brushed it off, as his senses were tired from theck of sleepst night and so his body was slightly trembling from fatigue. With these thoughts he left the room to find his fake sister.


    ***


    Another bright day came to wake Gris, and yet she attended every ss she had half-heartedly. The wife of the teacher, Count Tali, assumed that she was just depressed today because she had lost the handkerchief she was supposed to give to her grandmother. But that was only one reason she was feeling depressed.


    Gris was constantly recalling the sight of the poor butterfly being captured right in front of her eyes. She was so ashamed of herself, for she just cowardly watched on the sideline and did not put up a fight to save it..


    Whose fault is it that the butterfly was caught? If she hadnt said that she liked butterflies, the butterfly would probably be dancing beautifully in the sky full on flower nectar right now.


    With great difficulty and a heavy heart Gris finished todays tasks in a very lethargic state, to the point she was even powerless in opening the door. Her mood was heavily subdued, as she thought that yesterdays event would make her afraid to like anything in the future.


    She was lost in her thoughts and she touched her lips mindlessly. She guessed that this was what the Grand Duke wanted, for her to feel this distress. It seemed intolerable for him that a dirty wh*re like her was enjoying nature and liked beautiful things as if she was a human being and he wanted to punish her by killing that butterfly.

 Chapter 55 - Her Master (2)

    Gris thought he was deplorable for twisting with her emotions like that. There was a growing dislike inside her for him that made her want to rebel.


    She wanted to love everything in the world with a clear conscience. Even if he killed something out for his fancy, she tried tofort her grievances with the fact that Vianut would not be able to take everything in this world.


    Gris, who had been agonizing over the ideas in her haid,id powerlessly on bed. It puzzled her why he was incredibly conscious of her. Why does he care so much for just a mere fake sister?


    She stared at the ceiling and slowly drew the things that she loved in the air so that she wouldnt forget them. She was drawing her father, her mother, her older and younger siblings, Bellin, Lorell, and Teer until she fell asleep.


    Fortunately, she dreamed of her and Teer leisurely enjoying the afternoon together in the fields, and basked in warm sunlight. She thought this was how the day would end, but then she suddenly heard a knock at her door waking her from the dream.


    When she opened her eyes slightly, all she could see was pitch-ck; it was evening now. Gris opened the door, relying on the moonlight leaking through the window to guide her as she wiped the sleep from her eyes.


    She obviously thought that it would be Bellin who was at her door, whether it was to change the burnt out candles or give her some urgent news. As it was only Bellin who woulde to her door at this hour.


    However, the minute she opened it, her heartbeat seemed to have stopped. Standing in front of the door was a white-haired old gentleman. There was vignce in Gris eyes, who knew that this man was the Grand Dukes butler.


    What brings you here? At this time she asked.


    Gris prayed and hoped that he was here on special business and that Vianut was not nning something sinister for her. She hoped it was something on the lines of the Grand Duke changing his mind and decided to send his fake sister away, or that he wouldnt marry her to Dirk nothing special and especially nothing bad.


    The butlers answer rang as her lips were drying up. His Highness is looking for you, miss.


    Griss eyes quickly darkened, the thought of going to him disgusts her.


    The butler began to take the lead without even asking or waiting for any kind of consent from her, it once again reminded Gris she had no power nor right to refuse Vianut, and so she walked after him in silence until they arrived at the library of the Grand Duke that she had visited a few days ago.


    Your Highness, I have brought Lady Yuliana. The butler announced and his voice echoed in the halls.


    It was dead silent around them, as if everyone was asleep now. The only sounds one could hear came from the garden, and it was the faint sounds of the bugs.


    The candles on the wall, which lit the hallway at regr intervals, felt cozy as if they have been lit for a while now. It was the perfect atmosphere to fall asleep, so why was the Grand duke still in the library?


    Come in. Vianuts calm low voice was heard from inside the room. The butler opened and held the door open, while gesturing Gris to go in alone.


    Gris looked down at her clothes, the butler had been in haste so she wasnt able to change into her everyday attire. Now she was wearing the clothes she had just slept in, a pinkce dress designed to be worn with a zig-zag string from the chest to the belly to hold it together was now a little loose, and her dress was already quite rumpled.


    Fortunately, the ribbon that Bellin tied back around noon was still good. This should be enough to make her appearance decent. Gris stepped into the study silently. And as soon as she entered the room, she saw Vianut wasying on the window frame like usual, as he stared up at the ceiling. The full moon was peeking through the window and with his delicate silhouette against it, his appearance was like a piece of painting.


    He nced at her and sat on the window frame, holding the edge of his seat with his hands. Thanks to his long legs, his feet could touch the ground and still have room to step forward. The candle light shone on his sleek leather shoes that slightly glowed in the dark.


    Gris stopped walking after one step and was now quietly watching his every movement. He looked at her dress meaninglessly and folded his arms over his chest. She thought that he might have had a very busy day, as he looked very exhausted to her.


    Come closer, Yuliana. He ordered.


    As naive as it may be, Gris clung on to a hope that he had been repulsed enough to tell her to leave the mansion or not taint the family name by marrying Dirk. She sent a silent prayer to the heavens, that of her liberation as she went and stood before him.


    However, instead of giving her freedom, Vianut simply held out a palm-sized ck frame to her, he had taken it from the window frame.


    Its a gift.


    He extended it only slightly before him, beyond his casually parted thighs as if beckoning her toe and snatch it from him. She felt awkward and embarrassed at the improper gesture and was racking her thoughts on how to proceed.


    When the silence had stretched on, Vianut then shook the frame lightly. Almost in a challenge as if to ask why she was not taking it yet. The atmosphere from the gentle candlelight made the Vianuts smile seem beautiful as he sat in front of the window where one could see the full moon.


    No matter who it was, they would of course be attracted to beautiful beings.


    However, refusing to be drawn in, Gris walked forward with her head down trying to not look at him. When she stopped walking, she could see the mans long slender calves.


    She knew now whatthiswas.


    What he was doing was showing her who was the owner and the puppy.


    Vianut was telling her what their rtionship was  she was the puppy, who had to run when called, eat when given snacks, and be happy with small gifts he would give her. It would be a natural rtionship between the Grand duke and a pr*stit*te. She bite her trembling lips in an effort to calm herself as she stretched out a hand to take the frame.


    Inside the frame, there was something she never thought she would ever see again. It was a ck butterfly with its wings spread out.


    The same butterfly cursed by him, hardened never to fly into the sky again. He killed and framed it


    Gris touched her eyes trying to cover the tears that threatened to escape. Vianut was a cruel man. This she was sure of.

 Chapter 56 - An Immoral Desire (1)

    Vianut was looking at her quietly with his arms crossed as if he were defending himself. He seemed to be trying to read her expressions to find out whether she was in a good mood or not.


    His blue eyes that stared at her were filled with something that was foreign to Gris.


    No, maybe there was nothing there, it may have been just empty of emotions.


    Gris recalls having seen eyes like his before, it was akin to a wolf dogs irises. She had nned to raise a white rabbit in their gardens before when she saw one, but it moved so fast that she wasnt able to touch it. The desire to touch the rabbit grew to a desire to catch it, and with each day that passed Gris chased it every time.


    But one day, her wolf dog, which watched her chasing the rabbit silently, suddenly pounced to catch the rabbit. As it dug its fangs on the rabbits neck, thetters gorgeous fur came flying in the wind.


    She didnt know whether the wolf dog was jealous of the rabbit getting its owners attention, or just wanted to give her whatshewanted. However Gris recalls that her wolf dog came to her with its lips slightly bloodied, it sat in front of her after its hunt as if waiting for its ownerspliments. She remembers its shiny blue eyes were especially impressive.


    She realized back then that the dog wanted to be loved by her and killed the rabbit for her to show it affection.


    Gris heart became as heavy as it was then. But it might not be because of the arrogant gaze of the Duke Vianut. Her eyes wobbled with grief by looking at the butterfly in her hands.


    I like butterflies when they are still alive. Gris told Vianut meaningfully as she tightened her grip on the frame.


    The Grand Duke nodded as if he knew it would be her preferences, but his face was devoid with emotions that made him unreadable to Gris. To ease her heart Gris calls to mind the image of her wolf dog and how it tried to gain her favor, maybe Vianut gave her the framed butterfly as a sign of goodwill. Maybe with his simple gesture he was asking her if she could look at the frame without having to go out to the garden if she missed butterflies from now on.


    Vianut casted his eyes on the floor when he saw Gris expression on her face. For some time, the two remained silent until Vianuts gazended on Gris face again.


    I like this better. He spokenguidly and gave her a smile that showed his dimples. He longed for a smile from her, but Gris was a woman who was struggling to hold back her tears.


    Gris finally dropped her head down and covered her eyes with her hands out of frustration, and then became very confused of what was happening. The blue eyes staring patiently at her tearful face were so full of liveliness as if Vianut was so pleased with what he did..


    She wondered how long she was going to stay in the library with Vianut, when it seemed to her that he had finished his business with her anyway. Right now, all she could do was wait to be told to leave. Just as she thought Vianut was going to send her away he slowly approached her and used his index finger to slowly sweep it across her jawline as if to confirm something with his touch.


    Perhaps Vianut was doing that gesture without any meaning to it. He might have noticed that she was shivering in his presence and found her reaction funny, so right now he was teasing her, because that was what he was to her  he was a bully.


    She didnt want to react to his touch and give him the satisfaction of seeing her more distressed, but it was hard to remain calm under his scrutinizing gaze. The t chest of this man constantly caught her eyes as her downcasted gaze could only stare at it, and the scent of rosemary subtlying from his body couldnt escape her notice.


    It seemed that he was sending her a message that she cannot let her guard down because he was the man who could do anything to her  he was her toy.


    She was so nervous as she did not know what was the game he was ying this time, and because of fear she found herself unable to breathe well.


    He smiled slightly at her as if he had read her mind.


    You are quite tense now. He whispered and Gris felt choked by his words.


    I heard you are a wh*re. He told her viciously and Gris bit the insides of her mouth to keep herself from responding to his words.


    It was strange to Vianut for a woman who had been sellingughter and her body for a living would blush at the simple act of his index finger brushing against her face.


    Gris thought that she had to make an excuse for him to let her go, but right now she couldnt control her trembling voice so she dare not speak. Gris knew that with her silence she just confirmed it to him.


    Yes, I am. A whore. Gris finally admitted as she stared at him defiantly.


    At her admission, Vianut let out a chuckle. Before Gris could think of what hisughter had meant, Vianuts words like a bolt from out of the blue shook her and he spoke in a low voice, Prove it.


    It was safe to say that this was the strangest thing that ever happened to her this year. It was already unthinkable to her that she was able to get the attention of the duke, who was always in the midst of work, and now she finds herself in a bizarre situation wherein she was asked to prove that she was a prostitute.


    Gris, who could not believe what she just heard, started to move away nervously. As she began to take a step back she saw his handsome face shown more clearly under the moonlight like a masterpiece of sculpture.


    She could see his interest at her response as if he was enjoying seeing her contemting whether she should try hard to prove hersellf to him, or if she should try to run away. Gris supposed he would find either to be interesting.


    She thought maybe this was a nightmare of hers since there was no reason for him to show such a fervent sadism to a woman who meant nothing to him.


    However, she felt a tingling pain on her lower lip that she bit to check if she was dreaming. It was obvious, this was reality. She wanted to know why he was being so harsh on her.


    Why should I?


    Gris managed to squeeze out the question and Vianut answered her without a hesitation, Because you get on my nerves.


    She already knew he wasnt a sweet person. However, she expected him to at least be a logical one, a person with enough reasons to give her an eptable answer.

 Chapter 57 - An Immoral Desire (2)

    But he answered her in a way that showed his personal feelings towards her and this caused Gris great confusion. The man who was praised by the servants for being a cold but wise duke was not here, this man before her was led by his emotions.


    In front of her, there was only a man who was giving her a persistent gaze. She thought maybe this was his usual unguarded face ever since he was born.


    But she didnt want to be happy to see his facial expression that Gris knew no one would have seen before. She only expressed regret for Britins princess that a mere whore saw his facial expressions first. Gris closed her eyes before responding to Vianuts revtion.


    So, tell me what annoys you about me?


    His straight-forward answer was heard in the darkness, You said once that the eyes were the windows of the soul.


    With his words Gris recalls that one afternoon, wherein the sun shined brightly. It seemed her words had made a great impression on him when she was painting his portrait back then.


    When she opened her eyes again to respond, she found herself locked under his mysterious eyes that seemed to have absorbed the orange light that came from the lit candles in the room. He was carefully examining her expression.


    On that asion, Gris looked him in the eye. His eyes were a peculiar yellow, like the Milky Way in the early morning sky that she saw back in the day.


    Her mother used to say that the Milky Way was a river made up of stars which have nowhere to go. It was a ce  a rendezvous for lost stars.


    After hearing the words of her mother back then, she remembered that she had prayed to God to send those wandering stars home quickly.


    And now she finds herself praying for Vianut too that if he was lost and wandering, she hoped he could get back to where he was.


    Gris, who was looking at Vianuts mysterious but vacant eyes, finally decided to break their eye contact.


    As expected, Vianut seemed unsatisfied with her reaction and stared at her in annoyance.


    I wonder where the dirty whores soul is? He told her bitingly.


    Gris wonders if hisment was an appreciation of her eyes. She did not satisfy his curiosity, nor his desire to break her.


    Maybe Vianut wanted to know why the wh*re from the brothel didnt look like one and if she was not a wh*re, why did she lie to him, and what kind of fraud she intended tomit by pretending to be his sister.


    You cannot see my soul because its dark here. Gris, who spoke quietly, lowered her head.


    He answered with a low voice, touching his lips as he did so, I did not mean your eyes.


    Immediately, she could feel Vianuts gaze looking over her dress. He seemed to be trying to make sure if she was merely overlooking his bad treatment of her. However, he slowly rolled up his sleeves as if giving her a chance to confess the truth to him.


    But Gris couldnt take the opportunity he was giving her.


    Even in the lowly society, virginity was of great value, and it even became a source for money. If the value of virginity got bigger at this point, she was sure she would be sold to the richest and most perverted man in town.


    Vianut also rolled up his other sleeve as if waiting for her to answer while Gris kept her mouth tightly shut. Then he bit his lower lip slowly as if he was going to figure out for himself and said.


    You move Vianut told her, but Gris remained silent.


    And you will die, he ended. If it hade from another mans mouth, she would have run away. However, the Duke Vianut was also known by the town to be a virgin himself and that he valued the importance of keeping ones chastity before marriage.


    She thought he would not ruin his noble soul just to see if she lied to him again. Maybe he would lose interest in her too if she showed him that she didnt care whoever touched her nor care about how she was to be touched.


    Gris looked out the window and casted her eyes at the moon with an uninspired look and pondered that everything would be okay if she just held on to that


    As you wish She told him


    With a grin on his face, Vianut grabbed the end of the ribbon, which was wrapped around her front body as if warning her that he was going to pull the strings.


    For a moment, Griss gaze fell on his hand. Vianuts long fingers started pulling the ribbon slowly.


    Suddenly she felt the ribbon that used to hold her breast tight came loose. She was so nervous that she couldnt even breathe out, afraid he might catch her true feelings.


    When the knot was untied, her breasts, which were ample for her body, revealed itself. Of course he seemed to look at them in detail, but he didnt see anything because it was dark.


    As expected, it seemed that there was no other option but to test it.


    But Gris was not relieved of the darkness. It was her first time seeing a negligee on a man, and she could only see the Duke because it was too dark around.


    The thought that she was going to spend a night with him made Gris heart panic and her thoughts seemed vacant, unable to process what was happening.


    Her neck was suddenly sticky with cold sweat. If she didnt get out of here quickly, her whole body might get damp.


    Theres a mark for whores on the side of my body. If you dont want to see it, I can draw it for you. Gris, who tried to speak calmly, pointed to a marked spot at the side of her breast with her hand.


    Vianuts gaze however was caught by the white negligee, which appeared between the pink strings. Extremely nervous with Vianutsck of response, Gris heard a ringing noise in her ear. She saw his eyes shining dark in front of a womans body.


    He said he lost his mother when he was young. Since then, he was sent to theknightage, so he would not have had a chance to see a womans body up close. Perhaps he was looking at the flesh of a woman for the first time and that currently, he was overwhelmed by emotions he must have never really felt before at the sight before him.


    The n to live here like an invisible person and disappear was already pointless, Gris had failed at keeping that n. For right now, she finds herself stuck at a peculiar situation wherein she assumes that she seemed to be the first woman to show him her breasts.


    Moreover, for Gris he became the first man to raise her body temperature this high.


    More and more, his blue eyes shed dangerously in Griss vision. There was unmistaken desire in them. A pleasant breath spread to her ears. It was deeper and deeper than the mens breathing heard in the brothel.

 Chapter 58 - Something Stirring (1) | Mild 19

    Gris, who lost courage to face Vianut head on instead, decided to lower her head.


    She could see his dark shadow lurking neatly on the corner wall, like a curious onlooker.


    While taking a deep breath, she decided to raise her eyes up and instead found herself locking eyes with Vianut, thetter had his irises narrowed at her. She quickly turned her attention towards the shadows on the wall as she felt the air around them grew more tense.


    Gris tried to calm herself down by thinking that she would be able to get back to her room soon if she would wait a little longer for Vianut to confirm the imprint on the left side of her body was real.


    She willed herself to control herbored breathing slowly and patiently, as she always did. Then she saw the shadow tilting its head to look closer towards her chest, and Gris looked down.


    His lips that she always found as perfectly shaped every time she saw him, were opened.


    Ah, your highness..! Gris eximed in surprise just as at that moment, one of his hands reached out to grab the bottom of one of her breasts.


    Your highne-ah Gris breathed heavily as Vianuts fingertips gently pressed on her peaks as if he were instinctively trying to milk them. The tip of her mounds tickled. She felt suddenly warm and there were shivers down her spine caused by a sensation she had never felt before. Her body seemed to have been broken by the influx of new sensations at that instant.


    Gris held on to his shoulder and tried to maintain her bnce as her knees were trembling so much that she was about to fall down. It seemed that by supporting her weight by grabbing onto Vianuts shoulder gave thetter more ess to her body. Vianut suddenly bent his head lower to bite her rose buds.


    Oh, no, no Gris protested and started to push against him.


    Vianuts warm lips on her skin gave her shudders. The feeling was so poignant that every time his hot and wet breath touched her skin, she clung on his shoulder tighter as if afraid she would faint.


    Even though she supported herself by clinging her whole weight on him, Vianut didnt wobble  not even a little. He only busied himself by sucking the dark area on her mounds, holding her back and waist tight in his arms so that she would not fall. In the dark room, Gris could only hear the licking sounds his tongue made.


    The skin Vianut warmed was now flushed and she was out of breath. His ministrations had caused something to tingle inside Gris, it ran from the tips of her soles and closer to the area between her thighs. The prickly sensation had begun to spread persistently all over her body as the illusion of sharing love with a man grew more powerful in her mind.


    In her now blurred vision, Gris eyes looked down on her breasts and she spotted that her nipple had hardened enough to be seen through her negligee.


    After he exhaled in a low voice  almost a growl in her ears  he dragged down her negligee with his teeth. His face, which was slightly raised, was too suggestive that she forgot what to think about. She was aghast and torn on what to do at the sight of her hard buds being exposed fully.


    At that moment she was bare to him, he took a close look at her. The instant his warm mouth connected with her skin, her peaks instantly hardened.


    Ah, please, please, stop, your highness Gris protested. She didnt want to feel vited and humiliated by the callous man before her.


    She gave him a hard p on the shoulder. But the more she did, the more excited he became, and his voice turned even lower as he groaned.


    She could not believe the sight of the Great Duke aggressively cing her hardened peaks into his mouth. Despite the strong action, he was devouring her with surprisingly gentle strokes of his tongue.


    Suddenly, Vianuts slick tongue began to rub faster against her nipples. Fire began to grow inside her as her vision grew faint. In her treacherous mind, she could almostimaginewhere and how his tongue tasted her.


    Vianuts intense acts  what he was doing to her  sent more than a hundred words to her mind and made her lose her judgement. She started sweating heavily and Gris struggled to keep a clear mind, but at the same time, there was the need to extinguish a heat in her body.


    Gris vision grew more hazy as seconds tick by that she could barely make out his figure with his head nted towards her. Vianuts neat ck hair was now disheveled, and the tip of his nose was buried in her chest, but he did not seem ufortable in his current state. Rather, he seemed quite content continue torturing her with his tenacious tongue on one of her buds, this time more skillfully.


    She could faintly see that his eyes fluttered slowly with satisfaction


    His orbs, which glittered like the mysterious Milky Way, showed an unfathomable deep gaze towards her. Like a hungry soul that had been awakened for a thirst that needed quenching.


    Gris felt a strange, morbid impulse inside her. She wanted to fill the hunger in his soul until he was satisfied  an unexpected need to feel whole too.


    Instantly feeling frightened by her strange thoughts, Gris bit him strongly on his arm and saw the muscles on his neck tighten.


    At that moment, his arms came slightly loose around her and Gris took this opportunity to run away, hiking up the negligee on her breasts as she did so. The moment she stepped out of the library she found that the hallway was empty because it was ratherte in the evening. Fortunately, she was not seen by anyone and she arrived in her room without any incident.


    D*mn Gris cursed after sitting in a chair. Her whole body was trembling, and only then did she realize that she had been holding the butterfly frame all the while. Gris ced the frame on the counter table and turned it face down, so as not to see it.


    Her mouth was dry, and it felt like all the water had been squeezed out from her body. She poured some ck tea to calm her nerves and noted that it tasted particrly bitter tonight.

 Chapter 59 - Something Stirring (2)

    Morning came and Gris started it as she normally did. She went about her routine in silence, until Bellin spoke to her whilebing her hair.


    From what the servants said earlier today, I think theyll be here soon  your childhood friends. Belins voice while grooming Griss hair sounded excited.


    However, Gris had a long face, as if she wasnt well Last night, she dreamed of the duke feasting on her. It seemed that Vianut, who had tasted every inch of her body, had sucked out all strength from her body that she had no energy today.


    Even up until noon, Gris thoughts kept reyingst nights events. She was confused if what happened between her and the duke was due to impulse or intention. Gris also wondered what the dukes face had looked like after she left him alone.


    Then, she suddenly got terrified with the idea that it was the beginning ofsomething. That from now on, Vianut might call on her every night and might want a little more from her than a bite every time.


    She thought it might be possible. There was no woman in the world who was easier to bed than a brothel wh*re with no learning, and no security.


    Maybe she was the best thing he found as his toy; one he could y with for fun.


    As such, it was a day Gris spent with her head full of thoughts.


    She had lunch alone and she ate at the banquet hall because of her grandmothers absence, therefore she had no one to dine with.


    Afternoon came and it was once again time for her to learn the waltz. Dance ss was the hardest for Gris who had no talent at all for the art.


    However, Gris consoled herself with the thought of moving against the waxed floor. It was the only moment she liked. She felt like she was given freedom from the boring prison life by being so childish as to slide on the polished floors.


    Gris began to walk towards her dancing room and noticed that the hallway was well lit, due to the rays of sunlight that was leaking from outside. As she found herself getting nearer to the white doors of the banquet hall, she heard heavy footstepsing her way, and men suddenly appeared from out of the corner. They were the Great Duke Vianut, a butler and Quentin.


    Gris felt a sudden flush to her cheeks. Thankfully, the Great Duke only caught her eyes and didnt seem to dwell his sights on her ming face. But still, she felt an uncanny emotion stir from within her, as the memories of his warm lips and the strong scent of rosemary from him surrounding her body resurfaced into her mind, incessant and inextinguishable, once again.


    She closed her eyes and his hungry, devil-like stare came through her mind. Her heart grew anxious  what if he came up and talked to her and called her into his studyte at night again? These thoughts filled her with worry.


    In a hurry, Gris walked straight past Vianut and hispanions, she sensed that he looked at her then.


    She thought it was probably a growing desire he had for her. Since he had already tasted her, he seemed to act like she was his own woman.


    But his eyes were calm and indifferent. To her, it seemed more like seeing a filthy prostitute. If not, then an insignificant human being he could control.


    Soon the distance between them grew as they took steps opposite each other. Gris by now could barely hear his footsteps and so she turned to look from behind her and watched his back until his figure disappeared from her sight.


    He seemed to tell her through their small exchange that he was going to pretend nothing happened between them. Gris thought she would ept this because it was definitely a good thing for her if the matter was never brought up, but she felt strangely stung by his callous gestures.


    But who was she kidding? Gris reasoned with herself that it was foolish to expect something meaningful from Vianut. Afterall, why would he want a wh*re when he was about to marry a princess?


    Gris opened the banquet hall doors and sighed in great relief.


    She began her dancing lessons quite sessfully and her teacherplimented her posture, which was now betterpared to four days ago. Sadly, sliding against the waxed floors did not bring her joy today, nor did she feel free as a butterfly.


    Bellins pale face greeted Gris when thetter returned to her room from her ss. Gris moved to sit on the bed, and before she could ask why Bellin looked so grim, the maid opened her mouth to speak.


    I am really sorry, my Lady. Teer had escaped the room earlier today. Bellin kept her head low as she spoke to Gris.


    Gris recalled that Teers curiosity has indeed grown a lot these days. So, it wasnt unexpected for it to want to wander around, but if they still could not find it, it would lead to a big problem.


    Havent you caught it yet? Gris asked with her pale lips.


    Bellin felt ashamed towards her mistress and her hands were shaking.


    I rushed to get it, and, uh it went all over the ce and ran into the Great Dukes room while the head maid was out.


    What?! Gris eximed and stood up from her bed.


    I tried to bring it back, but it didnte out of the bed, so I just came back here to wait for you. I think it went in looking for a puppy that was under the bed.


    Gris suddenly felt dizzy.


    She couldnt believe it ran into Dukes room where no one could easily enter. She was worried because if she left it unattended, it might move to another ce, and be difficult to find it again.


    The mansion was too spacious. Teer was so yful that it could jump into theke or may even get kicked by a horse.


    Is the Great Duke in his room?


    If the room was empty, she could easily go in to call out Teer even from the door. She knew that it woulde running to her as it was familiar with its owners voice.


    Gris decided to leave the room in a hurry. Bellin, who followed her out, equally looked troubled.


    The Great Duke was resting in his room a little while ago. Thats why I and the head maid tried to get it, but we came back without getting Teer out. Bellin told Gris.


    Does he know? Gris asked Bellin and thetter knew at once she meant Vianut.


    No, I couldnt tell him and came out of the room to wait for you. He was in a particrly bad mood today, so I did not want to disturb him.


    Griss steps up the stairs slowed significantly as she heard Bellins answer. Gris decided that she was just going to go check the room out, but if he was there, she was going toe back right away.


    I can go my own. Gris whispered in Bellins ear as they stood in front of the door to the library.


    She could see that the doors of the Byrenhag family were beautifully embossed. Bright lights were leaking out through a slight gap. If she called Teer recklessly, she might make it feel ufortable. Gris took a deep breath and decided to take a look inside.


    Closing one eye, she peeped in through a chink in the door with another eye. At first Gris saw a window frame and a side table in the room. She then saw a pair of mans legs that were touching the floor in front of the window frame. She btedly realized that they were Vianuts legs sitting on the window frame.


    Come to think of it, he was by that windowst night too. She got curious if he liked to sunbathe as he always preferred to be closer to the sunlight.


    However, there seemed to be something interesting in the garden that caught Vianuts eyes.

 Chapter 60 - An Arranged Marriage (1)

    Gris disregarded whatever thoughts she had about the wonderfully decorated window frames absorbing the sunlight. She quietly retreated from the door, but Bellin looked on restlessly. She seemed as if she was about to burst into tears, so Gris calmly responded to her.


    Let me know when the room has been emptied, then Ill call for Teer toe to the door.


    I will be watching over her, mydy.


    Ill just be in the garden getting some air.


    Gris absentmindedly proceeded down the stairs and into the garden as if nothing had happened. On her way there, she did not find anything of interest. The servants were repairing a fence in the flower garden near the rear entrance of the mansion, and the horsemen were heading somewhere in groups.


    It was a mundane sight that the owner of this mansion had seen so many times. Why did she need to subject herself to such an ufortable position just to see this?


    For the first time today, Gris stretched and raised her arms above her head. At the same time, she inadvertently caught sight of Duke Vianut staring at her from a window on the second floor.


    Though there was a fair amount of distance between them, she was sure that their eyes had met. He was most certainly looking at her as she sat on the bench.


    Gris slid her arms down and moved back. Duke Vianut suddenly disappeared as if he were trying to elude the woman who had recognized his existence. Only the open window was left in his stead.


    She sighed and felt her heart thumping out of control. It was simply unimaginable that he would have bowed his head in delight at seeing a brothel whore.


    Perhaps he had been on his way out to work? With his arrogant personality type, he wouldnt have left his seat just because he had been caught off guard.


    Enjoying the fresh air, Gris sat on the bench for a little while longer. Bellin arrived after some time. She was beaming now, contrary to her gloomy disposition a short while ago.


    Mydy, good news has arrived!


    It seemed that they had already located Teer. Gris instantly stood from her seat and desperately inquired after the pup.


    Did you find her?


    Bellin nodded her head and began to examine Griss face.


    Yes We have already taken her to your room, but


    Now that she thought about it, how had Bellin been able to bring Teer to her room? Nervously touching her lower lip, Gris repeated Bellins words.


    But?


    Bellin was unsure if she could tell her mistress this or not. She hesitantly opened her lips.


    I waited for a long time on the stairs on the second floor, and when His Majesty was about to leave, I peeked through the door. But, he and Teer hade out from the study and were ying.


    He must have discovered that Teer escaped, Gris replied, covering her eyes with her hand.


    Bellin continued speaking as if that was not the real problem.


    His Highness had prepared to go out but stopped, and instead he attentively watched Teer. He seemed to be guessing how she got there, and then he asked me if you secretly sent her in


    Bellin was anxious that Gris would be misunderstood because of her mistake.


    Is it possible that he mistook me? He told me that you put Teer in his room to attract his attention.


    Gris was not surprised that the duke had thought so. She had witnessed such behavior many times in her life.


    A girl who seeks to attract attention by pretending that things are coincidences, like untingly dropping her handkerchief, spilling tea on a mans clothes, or intentionally leaving one of her possessions at his ce.


    Duke Vianut was probably used to seeing this behavior because he possessed many desirable qualities. For example, if a woman were to bed him and bear his child, her social status would certainly improve no matter how low her present status was. Wasnt that a convenient way to raise ones standing in society all at once?


    There was something unfair about it, but Gris was rather grateful that he considered her apletely materialistic person. It was better to be a person to be wary of rather than a person who was easily fooled, even though she didnt know why he was so wary of her.


    As soon as the next day dawned, the mansion was in an uproar. Yulianas grandmother, who had been away these past few days, gave notice that she would be back in the morning.


    While speaking with Bellin, Griss face brightened for the first time in days. For Gris, Pa was a warm, safe haven in this mansion, which was like air filled with beasts. Griss anxiety would alleviate even for just a moment every time the grandmother lent an ear to her, and she never failed to praise the younger girl for her beauty.


    Gris frequently prayed with a heavy heart that she would never disappoint her grandmother in any way.


    Even though God did not always answer her, she believed that He would listen to her prayer this time because she promised that she would not me Him for having been dethroned as a princess or sold to a brothel. She also prayed for eptance and the ability to appreciate her surroundings, even though she was left alone in this hellish world.


    While Bellin helped her get dressed, Gris touched the handkerchief she prepared as a present for her grandmother. It was embroidered with a phoenix made of golden thread. She chose this design because she remembered Pas story during their first tea time together.


    Thoughts of flying outside the windows often haunted me.


    Her gift was imbued with positive feelings. It was often said that when a person died, he or she would be born again, like a phoenix, and gain the ability to roam freely throughout the world. Gris hoped that Pa would like her gift. She beamed like a small girl.


    Then, the door suddenly opened and Stephan appeared. Gris immediately rose from her chair with a hardened expression.

 Chapter 61 - An Arranged Marriage (2)

    Bellin, who had just finishedbing her hair, bowed to Stephan while picking up the fallen strands from off the floor.


    I will leave first to prepare for Your Highnesss arrival, the maid said.


    As soon as Bellin went out, Stephan instantly searched for Teer. He found her lying in the bed and picked her up. He held her tightly as he spoke.


    Its been a long time since I saw you. Teer too.


    Gris knew that Stephan did not hug Teer because he was excited to see her. It was only because he needed something to use as a hand warmer due to the cold weather.


    Stephan buried his hand in Teers belly, as expected. Teer fluttered her feet with surprise but Stephan did not care.


    Ive been to Talsburg, he continued, Its a ce like the size of my palm. I dont know whats so good about it.


    If it was any normal day, Gris would have just overlooked it, but this time, she sought to gather more information from Stephan because she wanted to search for his weakness.


    In Talsburg? Gris asked, raising her crescent-shaped eyebrows.


    Stephan nodded.


    Its a fingernail-sized estate.


    Oh


    I brought some good news on my way back. Your ymates, Dirk and Adele, will arrive within two days. The two are siblings. Dirk is the same age as you, and Adele is two years younger.


    His delivery almost sounded like amand to Gris to remember everything clearly. Stephan drank some of the ck tea that had beenid out on the table. Gris looked at him and noted how splendidly he was dressed today.


    Are you directlymunicating with that family? she asked.


    Stephan settledfortably against the table.


    Yes, Stephan answered, I have been negotiating with Dirks mother regarding your marriage with her son.


    When my mother returns, I will suggest holding your social debut banquet. Dirk will be with you by then, so be good.


    The more she listened to what he was saying, the more it seemed as if he had already nned everything. He had called on Dirk to stay at the Byrenhag Estate in order toy down his intent for their marriage. Gris could distinctly see Stephans inner machinationsid bare.


    However, she wondered why Stephan was hurrying all of his ns. Suspicious of what was really happening, Gris asked him in a rather low tone.


    Do you really intend to arrange my marriage?


    Stephan savored the aroma of the ck tea for a while before opening his mouth.


    Yes. The good and innocent Dirk will not even know that you are not a virgin.


    Icareso much about you, and, in any case, you might get caught.


    As he continued speaking, his eyes gradually narrowed. Gris, who did not want to stir his doubts, promptly responded.


    No, I also want to leave this mansion as soon as possible.


    Really?


    But, I wonder what I can obtain from this marriage.


    Griss reddish eyes scoured for his weakness. She was trying to find out why Stephan was nning this and why he was willing to let go of his fake niece.


    Fortunately, because Gris spoke in a roundabout way, Stephans doubts were not triggered, but he seemed a little surprised, as if clueless as to how a woman could take control of her own life despite the threats aimed at her.


    What do you hope to obtain?


    His question held an air of suspicion while he smiled and nodded wryly. There must have been a limit to his threats, which meant that it was now better to make her his partner instead of his pawn.


    All you can get is a kind but foolish husband.


    When ites to his face, it is better than usual.


    Gris acted interested while imagining what Dirk looked like. Then, she sat on the bed and looked out the window.


    How about you, Your Excellency? she asked covertly.


    Me?


    After a brief pause, Stephan expressed his intentions more easily than she had imagined.


    I will gain a powerful alliance.


    Perhaps the alliance he described was Dirks family. But for what purpose did Stephan need a strong ally?


    She had one guess. Stephancked the military power to stand against the Grand Duke, so it was only clear that he was preparing resources to take the Dukes power away.


    Gris head swirled with various thoughts. She didnt know how to act in this situation. She wanted to tell the Grand Duke or his grandmother, but she had no evidence to corroborate her ims. She surmised that it was better to wait until they began to notice something amiss since they were the kind of people ustomed to war and conflicts.


    As Gris struggled with her thoughts, Stephan opened his eyes sharply as if in warning.


    You will help me make Dirks family empower me. Otherwise, I will reveal your origin to them.


    Ah


    She sighed deeply. At this point, she felt like she would only be released from Stephans hold only if she died.


    Was there really no other way? Dirk What kind of man was he?

 Chapter 62 - The Grand Duke’S Turbulent Emotions (1)

    Gris nodded reluctantly since she was unwilling to go against Stephan. Fortunately, a maid came and broke the frigid atmosphere.


    Please pardon my interruption, but they have announced His Excellencys arrival at the front gate.


    As if he had been anticipating this news, Stephan immediately departed from the room with all the rapidity of a rushing stream.


    Lets go.


    Gris walked behind him absentmindedly, only looking at the heels of Stephans leather shoes. As soon as they arrived at the main door of the mansion, they saw the Grand Duke entering.


    It was only normal to at least acknowledge the people who arrivedter, but he didnt even spare them a nce. All that could be seen was the cold and angry back of the Grand Duke.


    But who was he angry with? The innocent woman who confused him or his impulsive self?


    Gris asked herself these questions in silence before btedly shaking her head.I shouldnt continue dwelling on such things,she said to herself. He may have just been sensitive because of a setback in his work.


    Then, the carriage arrived. The Byrenhag matriarch gently grasped Gris hand as she descended from the carriage with aplexion much brighter than the one she had when she left the mansion a few days ago.


    It seems that the house has been left unintentionally deserted. Did you miss your grandmother?


    Gris smiled like a child and nodded her head. Only then did she attract the Dukes interest, but she did not have time to notice him since she was preupied with enjoying the warmth radiating from the grandmother, even if the feeling was ultimately fleeting.


    Yes, I waited every day.


    The servants busied themselves with moving Pas luggage into the mansion. Stephan embraced his mother amidst the bustle andmotion.


    Im happy that you have returned healthy. When the doctor told me to prepare myself, I thought I would never meet my mother again.


    Gris found Stephans pretenses irritating. He was not the kind of person who would rejoice in his mothers recovery even though he was her own flesh and blood. It would have been a blessing if the older woman recovered her health and regained her strength.


    Pa, who was ignorant of her childs darker side,ughed at her sons affable demeanor. She seemed greatly pleased with his warm wee.


    Thank you all foring out to wee me. If no one had been home, I wouldnt have even thought ofing back. The carriage ride was surprisingly difficult.


    The grandmother cheerfully joked as she stepped into the mansion.


    Since we are all gathered here like this, lets have a cup of tea together.


    Pas personal terrace served as the venue for the afternoon tea. She was seated first at the head of a table that was draped with a lovely,cy tablecloth before offering seats to the Grand Duke and Stephan.


    Gris looked around and sat down afterwards. She tried her best to put on a calm expression but couldnt help but feel rather tense from the Dukes presence.


    If she allowed herself to lose her resolve, she feared that the sudden rise in her body temperature might cause her heart to stop. So soft was the touch of his lips, his face wrenched with thirst, and the breath that she persistently yearned for


    She shook her head as she tried to detach herself from these thoughts that weighed so heavily upon her chest.I dont know why this is happening. Why do I keep thinking about Duke Vianut? What is this nervous throbbing in my heart?


    Gris closed her eyes in an attempt to escape from the feelings she could not understand. She didnt want to be consumed by his intensity and the allure of his appearance.


    Quite a long time had already passed but she hadnt been able to bring herself to drink the tea in front of her. All she could do was just fidget restlessly. Pa noticed the awkwardness in Gris posture.


    Are you alright?


    Gris snapped back to her senses and rubbed her chest. She spoke as if she were trying to clear her voice.


    Yes, Im okay.


    I was concerned there might have been something wrong.


    The older woman nodded and smiled. Stephan lifted his mug and savored the scent of lime tea.


    Is the archbishop well? he asked.


    Yes, he was very excited when he heard about Vianuts uing marriage.


    Unlike the others who talked andughed naturally, the Duke remained as cid as a statue. If it wasnt because he found the tea time boring, then his impassiveness must be due to what happened yesterday.


    It must have been too shameful for him to show his disheveled side to a whore. Gris decided to think about the situation more positively. They were both ashamed of the events that had transpired between them, so it was reasonable that they wanted to avoid the topic.


    Gris nced at Duke Vianut and took a sip of her tea. The scent of fresh lime perfused her body. Pa took this time to remove a handkerchief from a silk pouch and hold it in front of Gris.


    I bought this while I was at the cathedral. The beautiful colors reminded me of you.


    The patterning on the handkerchief was reminiscent of a cathedrals stained ss windows. The elderly woman fluttered it tteringly. Gris took the handkerchief and gazed at it in disbelief.


    Wow This is the first time Ive seen a pattern like this.


    Such vividly colored red and blue threads were rare. Perhaps the grandmother really had thought about Gris when she made up her mind to buy it. As she touched the handkerchief, Gris realized that she did not deserve such a beautiful gift.


    Is it a bit peculiar? Pa asked anxiously, Do you like it?


    Gris hand jolted in surprise.


    No, its really pretty, but its such a precious thing.


    Stephan, who had been leisurely drinking his tea,ughed.


    It looks good on you, Yuliana.


    From the undercurrent in his tone, he meant that she should graciously receive the gift. Gris lowered her head and held the handkerchief close.


    Thank you, grandmother.


    Stephen changed the topic as if he had been waiting for an opportunity to speak.


    Since we are all gathered, might I gauge your thoughts on holding a social debut banquet for Yuliana? Dirk and Adele will also soon be arriving to stay at the Byrenhag mansion.

 Chapter 63 - The Grand Duke’S Turbulent Emotions (2)

    It was surprising that Stephan spoke so naturally like he had suddenly thought of the topic. Now that she thought about it, this marriage was only needed so that she could have the audacity to live even though others would be hurt. Gris stealthily ground her teeth while the grandmother nodded.


    Yes, though its already a bitte for her debut.


    Noble women customarily debuted in society at the age of fifteen, so for Gris she was already several years past her debut age. When Gris saw Stephen smile strangely, she knew he would force her debut in society to ur soon regardless.


    When do you want to set the date? he persisted.


    Its better to prepare properly. Set the date for about a monthter.


    Then I will prepare the invitation, mother.


    Gris listened and stayed silent during the conversation. Pa positively appraised the younger girls appearance and looked at the eyes of the Grand Duke this time. She was trying to ask his opinion about the state of Byrenhag.


    However, the Grand Duke did not respond to any of the great events that he should have been interested in. All of the attention was cast on him, who was lost in thought without so much as a blink of an eye.


    You dont look well. Is something wrong?


    Only then did the dukee back to his senses.


    Its nothing, he replied bluntly, looking only at the lime at the bottom of his tea cup.


    Pa smiled as if she was used to his reserved answers.


    Your sister is about to get married, so its understandable you feel restless.


    No.


    Really? Ever since you were a child, the more you were beaten, the more you strongly denied it.


    If he denied her further, the more he would be misunderstood, so he chose to remain silent. Pa eventually changed the topic when she observed his eyes be darker and sharper than usual. The conversation continued for a while about daily life urrences and routine happenings amongst the nobility. After the tea time concluded, they retired to their respective chambers.


    Gris held the handkerchief she received from Pa as shey upon her bed. She was thinking of taking a break before going to her sses, but the grandmothers words kept reverberating in her head.


    Really? Ever since you were a child, the more you were beaten, the more you strongly denied it.


    The more you were beaten, the more you strongly denied it


    It was amazing that there was such a person in the world. Was Pa so fond of only teasing her more taciturn grandchild?


    Gris let out a long sigh when Bellin abruptly entered the room wiping her forehead with an apron.


    After arranging the luggage, the mansion has now grown quiet, Bellin announced, as if it were obligatory to report all the happenings around the mansion to her mistress, Her Excellency is taking a nap, and His Excellency has gone to his office.


    Okay. Thanks for informing me, Bellin.


    Bellin smiled nicely as if it were only natural for her to report such things.


    His Highness seemed to be nning to paint soon. I saw the butler mixing some paint.


    Painting?


    While she wanted to ask what and where he would be painting, Gris kept her lips sealed. She didnt even know why she was so curious about him.


    She realized toote that she should have exined to Bellin that she was only collecting information, but it would have been nothing more than a usible excuse. The fact is that she had an interest in him. Perhaps she had been swayed too much of Stephans machinations that shes being calcted with the Grand Dukes moves.


    Her interests were something borne out of a survival instinct  it should be nothing more. While Gris sighed in relief, Bellin looked out the window.


    Its now time for the horseback riding ss.


    Yes, I have to go.


    Horseback riding wasnt difficult because her body was already ustomed to it. She arrived in front of the stables with a lightness in her steps. The azure sky and viridian grass certainly befit the nickname of Byrenhag, which meant heaven on earth. Her anxious and distraught mind was cleansed by the sight.


    Her lessons were predominately about how to properly mount a horse and trot around theplex, but Gris took them more seriously than ever. One day in the future, she might need to ride a horse out of the estate in case of an emergency pertaining to her precarious situation. She also had to check on the guards that were stationed at the front and rear gates of the mansion.


    Unfortunately, the entrance to the mansion was to be closed at all times, and the security personnel strictly checked each iing or outgoing person and his or her belongings. So rigid was the inspection that it was impossible to even try hiding beneath a mound of straw. If she attempted to leave under any guise that wasnt Yuliana Byrenhag, then it was absolutely certain that she would immediately be caught.


    There was no way to secretly obtain a pass to depart the premises. She wasnt even sure if the head of security had been instructed to report to Vianut or Stephan every time Yulianaes and goes


    Gris turned her reins while she stared at the main gate like it was an impregnable fortress. Fortunately, she felt a bit calmer because the weather was so pleasant. The air was clear and the view was bright.


    Well, no matter what the weather is like, she should enjoy herself regardless. If she had more time, she would have liked to draw a nicendscape.


    She stopped by the openkeside, the wildflower-covered hills, and a little cypress forest; however, she didnt find the Grand Duke painting at any of these locations. She felt curious. What would he be drawing in this beautiful weather if not the scenery? Unless he was painting a stuffed beast in the collection room, he should have been out here.


    When she returned from her ride misty with sweat, Teer had gone missing again. Gris wiped her brow with the handkerchief she received from Pa. She thoroughly searched through every hall for the pup.


    Then, the Grand Duke came down the stairs of the lobby. He was holding a white puppy in one hand.

 Chapter 64 - A Complicated Relationship (1)

    Gris felt dizzy as she approached the lobby. It seemed that Teer had gone out to see Vianut and his dog again while she wasnt paying attention. It was already toote to reproach herself for not checking the room properly and making sure the curious puppy hadnt escaped before she went out.


    Bellin bowed in front of the Grand Duke, having also discovered Teers disappearance toote.


    Your Highness, I deeply apologize formitting another mistake.


    Duke Vianut was about toplete his descent to the first floor when he stopped. Curious about what was happening, he scanned the lobby and found Gris, half-hidden in one corner of the hall.


    His concern was unexpected. Gris nervously touched the wall. He didnt even look at her when they were having tea on his grandmothers terrace, so why was he suddenly so interested now?


    When her eyes met his sunken orbs, she felt a burning sensation arise in her breast simr to the one she had felt yesterday. Gris pressed a hand against her chest as she ran back to her room. To be urate, both she and Duke Vianut were avoiding each others territory.


    Luckily, only Bellin and Teer returned to the room with her.


    Fortunately, His Excellency did not reprehend us. I will be careful from now on. Im sorry, mydy.


    Teer ran to Gris and busily wagged her tail. Gris scratched Teers head since she couldnt scold the little beast for missing Vianutspany.


    Two days had passed since theirst meeting. Gris encountered the Grand Duke three other times, but during each instance she ran away.


    For the time being, she wanted to avoid him. It seemed that the Grand Duke also wanted the same thing, and she surely didnt want to go against his wishes. She only hoped that time would pass quickly and Vianut would forget about the nighttime encounter that happened between them a few days ago.


    Unluckily for her, yet another incident happened one evening after all the work routines were finished. The head butler, Mr. Bram, came to the room to deliver some ominous news.


    Mydy, His Highness is looking for you.


    Gris, who had just returned from dinner with Pa and felt stabilized, grew pale as she received the news. She wanted to ask what the Grand Duke wanted, but Mr. Bram would not have known his intentions.


    She walked with heavy steps as they arrived in front of the Grand Dukes study. It was a quiet ce where only the sound of insects could be heard. It was also the ce where she had felt how soft his lips were for the first time. Was it possible that he called for her because he had lusted for her?


    Gris hurriedly adjusted the front of her dress. Bram feigned a cough as he cleared his voice and announced their arrival.


    Your Highness, I have brought Miss Yuliana with me.


    Send her in.


    The door immediately opened right after the Dukesmand. She was not sure if she was feeling aroused as she felt a chill on her nape. The sensation gave her a bit of relief. Cold air usually helped to cool a persons body temperature and also make them more alert to their surroundings. She felt that she would not run away defenseless likest time.


    Gris felt relieved and went inside. She covered her chest with her arms by pretending to touch her lower lip. She found Vianut standing in front of his desk, but the moment he saw her, he settled himself against the edge.


    Mr. Bram closed the door behind him as he left. Gris only stared at the flickering oilmp on Vianuts desk.


    She could feel that the duke was staring at her face, but her body did not grow hot like thest time. The voice that emanated from him was too cold.


    Maria.


    Only that name was constant amidst the swaying shadows cast by various objects in the room. Maria. The name of ady that she respects, or the name of the prostitute he despises.


    Actually, that name belonged to a girl who quietly did the misceneous household chores in the brothel. People made her aughing stock, calling her the deaf and dirty Maria. The people were also wary of her, believing that she might be carrying a skin disease.


    Of course, Duke Vianut was also careful around her, but he was not cautious of her because he believed she had an infectious disease. His posture was overly rigid as he crossed his arms defensively. He stared at her like she was a demon who would defile a mans pure soul in front of him.


    But, wasnt it a big contradiction to intimately call such a demon into the room?


    Gris stepped back as she thought of that, because for her, Vianut Byrenhag was such a devil.


    I have to go to bed soon.


    Gris just wanted to know what Vianut wanted so that she could immediately go back to her room. She then vaguely heard a burst of mockingughter.


    You are good at running away. Today as well.


    When she heard that, countless questions arose in her head. What was his motive for speaking like that? Did he mean to imply that he was chasing an object that kept on running away? Gris furrowed her brow as she shook her head.


    The day after that night, he first acted coldly and avoided making eye contact with Gris, like that was what he truly wanted. Gris eyes trembled with confusion.


    I thought that it was for the best.


    Was it not?


    A gentle wind swept through the window panes. Touching her chin with her hands, she rationally dismissed her own question.


    Yes, its not.


    Gris bowed her head, feeling a cold sweat forming on her forehead. Then what was the best solution in his mind? Why did he think that their current situation, where they simply avoided one another, wasnt the best?


    So?


    She coolly replied to him as if it was the natural thing to do.


    I have no reason to escape.

 Chapter 65 - A Complicated Relationship (2)

    It was weird for a prostitute to run away from a man whose arms she often embraced. Gris continued searching for a usible reason. She had to somehow make enough excuses so that the truth about her origin would not be leaked.


    You didnt give me my wage.


    His voice was low as he spoke. After a very brief pause, his charming blue-eyed eyes became filled with disappointment, which then disappeared as quickly as it came.


    Gris was being swayed by theplicated emotions that were gripping at her heart. Their rtionship as fake siblings had been so difficult to build up, and it immediately copsed after that incident. As the boundaries fell, the bond became obfuscated, and their rtionship to one another right now was too vague to describe.


    It was so confusing. In order to define a new connection with him, she had to battle with herself over sleepless nights and a racing, fluttering heart.


    She wanted to clearly define their rtionship again to put an end to the restlessness. Luckily, Gris knew of a way to bring their interactions back to their original state.


    All they need was to find an equivalent exchange for money and s*x. Specifically, the rtionship between a master and a prostitute. If she obtained a reasonable price from him, she would be able to sort out herplicated feelings and reorganize the nature of their rtionship in her mind.


    She could now conclude that the reason why he was trying to embrace her was not because of an amicable feeling but from a physical desire. So, she didnt have to avoid him anymore.


    Please give me one gold coin.


    His gaze that had been focused on the floor now fixated on her face once again. He seemed so cool when he showed a willingness to understand her. She couldnt believe it.


    Gold coin?


    His facial expression did not change, but he did seem angry. He bit his lower lip gently and smiled coldly.


    Interesting.


    Gris stroked the outside of her ears as a savage, scornful smile manifested on his face. At least she knew he would be grateful, because he had said that he would cover up his daily mistakes with a bunch of gold coins.


    However, he softly ground his teeth as he ran a hand through his hair and frowned. He looked at her with ferocious eyes.


    Thats all?


    She couldnt figure out what he meant. She sighed and tried to tamp down the cold indigestion that was rising in her body.


    Yes, that will be enough.


    Since he couldnt appreciate the womans desperate efforts to make a big profit for herself, she thought that he might be offended. Or it was because he could not see the girls seducing him and asking love while he was so busy aiming for sess?


    Fortunately, Gris had no desire for sess. She only longed to meet Johannes and exact her vengeance on the Taliluchi family.


    Im not expecting anything more than a gold coin.


    Vianut checked his pocket to see if there was anything he could give, and then he thrusted a gold coin at her. Her face seemed tired as if she wanted to sort out this rtionship quickly, but for some reason, a strange emotion filled his eyes.


    He seemed to be humming silently, as if implying that he wanted her toe closer and that he would forgive her as long as she proudly behaved.


    Gris sluggishly dragged herself forward and slowly approached him. She looked up at his dark eyes and down at the gold coin.


    Thank you, she monotonously said.


    Just then, the gold coin that had been hanging at the end of his index finger suddenly fell to the floor. She felt that he had intentionally released it. Gris eyes trembled.


    She believed that he dropped it on purpose because he could not tolerate her only looking intently at a mere gold coin.


    Or did he think that one gold coin was too much in return for what she provided? Did this mean that he expected her to at least pick it up in a servile manner?


    Your Highness


    Gris felt that the sorrow in her heart was soaring inside of her.


    She wanted to go back to their conversation and instead say that she would take only one gold coin to make them even. She grew vexed and afraid because she was unable to calcte the depth of contempt hidden in his expressionless face.


    However, she knew she had to satisfy him first to keep herself out of his sight. So she had no choice but to pick it up with a miserable face.


    Gris sorrowfully looked at the lone coin on the carpet. The moment she tried to bend her knees, he stepped on it.


    No.


    His lips, shadowed by the candlelight, were viciously crooked.


    You cant have whatever you want.


    It was a matter of desperation. He couldnt even spare a single gold coin in exchange for desecrating an innocent womans body and mind. And now, he didnt even want to give her what she wanted. How could a man as wicked as this exist?


    Countless doubts filled her mind. Was he even thinking of paying her in the first ce? Did he just want to see her with a humiliated face?


    Gris was nervously touching her lower lip as she tightly closed her eyes. She just wanted to give in to whatever his demands were so she could get out of this blood-drying situation already.


    Your Highness, you can have whatever you want. What do you want from me?


    Gris thought that at least being forward would be better than dangerously and restlessly living in uncertainty every day. She prepared her heart, but she didnt expect anything.


    As if her reaction was trivial to him, he chuckled as he withdrew a purple jewelry box from his arms.


    The box contained a set of earrings. Red gems the size of an index finger nail stood out at her.

 Chapter 66 - Blood Red Piercings (1)

    Gris had encountered many gems during her time in Grandia, but none of them were red. The stone glimmered like the hardened blood of a pure, divine creature.


    Wait, a gem the color of a creatures blood Bellin had mentioned something like that before


    Duke Vianut has bought a very expensive thing. It was an earring studded with a gem, red as the blood of a pigeon. The gem was called ruby He said that it looked very enigmatic, and reddish like the eyes of a witch.


    There is a legend of a phoenix with eternal life. Finding life dreary, it reborn as a ruby.


    Thats when the talks began that if you have a ruby, you will escape death.


    Gris heard that he had spent ten gold coins buying them. But no matter how much he hated giving her what she wanted, how could he give her a piece of jewelry that was worth ten times more than what she initially asked for?


    Wha whats that?


    He seemed gratified at seeing the woman, who had so far been silent, react with surprise. While she lightly ced her hand on her cheeks as if imagining where the jewel would be ced, she lightly lifted her hair and drew a smile.


    Red jewel.


    His low, masculine voice grazed her ears. Grisshes were flickering as she cast a sidelong nce to the man who was lowering his head.


    Instead of one gold coin Do you intend to give me that?


    Yes.


    He was looking at Gris nape without her knowing. Gris endured the urge to shudder as his hot breath touched her neck. His uv was wobbling. For a moment, his neck muscles thickened and the veins beneath were rising.


    Perhaps she was again feeling the urge to suck his skin like thest time. Gris felt as if she were about to go mad as a tingling sensation crept down her legs.


    Your Highness, I dont deserve too much kindness.


    She hated feeling these sensations she had never experienced before, especially from such a cold and arrogant man. As if on reflex, her intention to refuse him instantly spurted out of her mouth.


    I cant ept it.


    He ced the jewelry box on his desk and dragged the oilmp next to him. He then pulled out the earring and held it in front of the fire. His hand was surprisingly delicate, and the silhouette of his profile was as elegant as a sculpture. He fully caught her attention when he spoke.


    I dont like it either, he slowly replied as he furrowed his eyebrows, like something had tired him out.


    She couldnt know what he meant by his words if he loathed women who got on his nerves or if he hated himself for being troubled by a girl like her.


    That familiar scent of rosemary sping strongly at her windpipe wafted through her nose. She instinctively held her breath to prevent herself from inhaling too much of it.


    He then firmly stared at the sterilized earrings and lightly gripped Gris earlobe with his fingertips.


    Youll hurt yourself if you move.


    She realized toote that he was trying to pierce the ear. The sharp needle was already pinned against her earlobe, and Gris tightly pressed her fists.


    No, wait, stop!


    The tip of the needle began to dig into the flesh. Her skin was burning. She even started hallucinating that the cool, night air was heating up.


    Ouch!


    It seemed that Vianut was also acutely aware of the change in room temperature. The air was growing damp with his sighs. Gris experienced her body muscles tensing. He looked at her unceasingly, as if unwilling to let any change in her facial expressions go unnoticed. Her breathing trembled and her blood pulsated against her veins.


    It was terrible. She could not believe that she received a piercing from a man.


    Oh, it hurts.


    But she could notprehend why abhorrent images of erotic acts kept appearing in her mind. When she saw the defenseless expression on his face as he pierced her ears, the sound of her throbbing heart slowly intensified.


    No


    The needlepleted piercing her flesh and exited through the other side of her earlobe. After checking the needle with his index finger, he fixed the pin on her earlobe. He then immediately sterilized the other pair of earrings in the fire. She felt something stir within her as she looked at his delicate touch.


    She wondered what was the meaning behind his obtrusive actions that bordered on improper. Was it to satisfy his desires that could not be fulfilled as the Grand Duke, who had to hand over everything to a well-informed sessor?


    At that moment, he pressed her other earlobe with his hand. Gris held her breath as she stared up at him. There was a tinge of excitement in those azure eyes that were checking her freshly wounded ears. They seemed filled with a desire to devour anything that fell within their sights, but perhaps that feeling was more of an impulse to vent out the repressed passions that had been building within him.


    Her eyes sparkled and she wanted to blurt out things from her mind just to release her desires. She wanted to say that she yearned to possess and taste him, up to the deepest parts of him that she had never experienced before. The needle pin broke through the skin of her earlobe.


    Your Highness, ahhouch!


    His body stiffened and tensed formidably, as if he had just buried himself deep into the body of a woman. Cold sweat ran down in his forehead, then a hot breath brushed near Gris cheek.


    Ha


    The needle pierced the flesh at once. Gris scarcely felt the pain as she had been more thrilled by the sight of this mans chest.


    As he bowed his head, he touched the jewelry box and picked up the backing for the second earring. Soon, he blocked off the other needle.


    Its done, he slowly said, Even before you could cry.

 Chapter 67 - Blood Red Piercings (2)

    And so the night before the storm, which had felt like it was about to immediately crash down upon them, ended. Wiping his forehead with his sleeve, he held out the lid of the jewelry box to her as if to say the ordeal was over.


    While her ears burned, Gris epted the box. Several questions floated in her head and were yet to be resolved. She wanted to know the reason why he gave her such precious ruby earrings instead of a single gold coin, why he took it upon himself to pierce her ears, and why he looked so passionately at her while he did.


    Eventually, she just received the jewelry box without voicing any of her concerns. It seemed that Duke Vianut had no idea about the turmoil in her head and just turned away. She heard him call out behind her back.


    Goodbye.


    Maria.


    She thought his tone sounded like that of a person bidding another farewell. As she looked back, he was already sitting at his desk as if nothing had happened.


    Only then did Gris realize that he had resolved the mistake he had impulsivelymitted a few days ago. She couldnt brag about receiving precious earrings with a value ten times more than the one gold coin that she had asked for. Probably, this would be another incident that never happened between them.


    Was it good? Perhaps, it was for the best. Gris could now dismiss the incident that kept racking her brain.


    Gris told herself that this was something she had hoped for all along. A gulf of sadness enveloped her, but she just shoved it off, returned to her room, andy on the bed.


    But she could not fall asleep. The flesh of her skin was sore and burning because of the earrings he had given her, and the cold hands that touched her earlobes kept shing through her mind. It was impossible for her to dismiss everything that happened that today.


    As soon as dawn arrived, Bellins eyes were wide open. She was surprised to see a red ruby


    earring between her mistresss gray hair.


    Oh, mydy. Your ears, earri


    Gris lifted herself and sat on the bed as she touched her earrings. She couldnt sleep all night because of the stinging pain. Fortunately, the hot shes had already subsided but the soreness still remained.


    It hurts


    She was afraid that they would scar so she decided to take her bath tomorrow and only washed her hair instead. Gris carefully looked at the earrings through a ck mirror on her vanity table and turned her gaze to Bellin who was drying her hair.


    Perhaps Bellin already had an inkling that these were the ruby


    earrings that the Grand Duke had purchased from the trader. The bloody red gem shimmered mysteriously under the sunlight..


    Did the Duke pierce your ears? Bellin finally asked after a while.


    Gris nodded.


    Yes.


    Bellin beamed happily as she carefully brushed Gris gray hair.


    He is indeed very kind. Look at how he has blessed your marriage!


    Gris stared at the floor absentmindedly. Bless her marriage? She couldnt figure out what Bellin saw and why she thought of that.


    What are you talking about?


    Gris touched her earlobes that were burning red. Bellin was steaming with excitement.


    It is a tradition that has been handed down from Nordvaltz for such a long time. The father teaches her daughter not to becking at anything, and the mother pierces her daughters ear before marriage and earnestly prays for her daughter to be loved as a woman. If you dont have a mother, your father or sibling will do it for you.


    Really?


    The Duke must have thought of giving them to you as a present when he bought them. Theyre really beautiful.


    Bellin firmly believed so, but Gris could not admit it. Wasnt their rtionship purely a transaction of flesh and blood? Even with his farewell greeting to her yesterday, it seemed that he just wanted to clear up what was happening between them.


    Goodbye.


    Maria.


    Anyway, that would be the best oue. She had already settled in her mind that whatever feelings he had for his fake sister, she would ignore them. Now, she could focus on Dirk, whom she would be meeting very soon, and Stephan. Gris looked at the glimmering earrings with hollow feelings.


    Yes, its beautiful. Indeed.


    Bellin smiled and looked out the window.


    Finally, your fianc will be arriving soon. I will dress you in the most beautiful gown.


    For some reason, Gris cannot take her eyes off the red rubies that


    Vianut had gifted her.


    Two hours passed. Gris was surrounded by five maids. To make the skirt balloon out, they had her wear threeyers of petticoats beneath her gown and ced a parting gale skirt on top of it, which had been made from the best whale fin.


    By now, she was beginning to feel like she was under a tremendous amount of pressure. She could not tell if this arrangement would really be a gift for Dirk, who was supposed to bring wealth and prosperity to Stephan and the Byrenhag family.


    After she had finished dressing, she stood in front of the mansion to wait for Dirks carriage to arrive. Bellin was behind her, continuously fixing Gris hair, which was being swayed to and fro by the wind.


    Youre beautiful. Im sure that your fianc will certainly fall in love with you at first sight.

 Chapter 68 - Love Triangles (1)

    Gris nodded lightly. Her indifferent response wasnt because shecked confidence, but because her thoughts were currently perturbed by another man. Even up to this moment, when she was about to meet Dirk, Duke Vianut was still on her mindfrom the day she had first met him on theke, to the moment he had hugged Teer, and when he had pointed a dagger at her nape.


    Her emotions were awhirl with pain, frustration, and excitement as she thought back on that night with Vianut, and the following days when she had abstained from his presence. She couldnt make sense of her feelings, but somehow she had to find a way to rationalize them.


    Perhaps her confusion stemmed from a strange mix of gratefulness and fear toward him for tolerating her existence thus far. Yes, that was probably it. Gris lifted a hand to rub at her neck, hoping to get rid of the feeling of his heated breath still blowing on her skin.


    From the distance, a carriage slowly approached the gates beforeing to a stop in front of the mansion. Soon after, the coachmen dismounted and proceeded to open the door. A woman with golden hair down to her bosom descended first.


    She looked at the crowd waiting in front for her, then her eyes came across Gris. The woman scrutinized her as if trying to determine whether she had correctly identified the girl as the target she had traveled all this way for.


    Yuliana?


    Gris smiled awkwardly.


    The woman hesitantly approached Gris and hugged her with difficulty.


    Its me, Adele, she said, Do you remember me?


    Gris patted Adeles back and turned to study her face. Her skin was white like flour, and her eyes were a pleasant shade of green. When she smiled, she looked as lovely as an angel. Gris did not remember if she replied to Adeles question and simply greeted her instead.


    Hi, Adele.


    Right after, a tall and slender man followed her off the carriage. Like Adele, he had blonde hair and green eyes. His features still retained some boyish charm as if he had just reached the precipice of adulthood. The man smiled awkwardly and slowly approached Gris.


    Yuliana.


    Gris reasoned that this man must have been Dirk and noted that he left a pleasing impression on her. His gentle appearance filled her with a sense of warmth, and his soft voice amplified that sensation.


    You have changed so much from before, he remarked upon her appearance, when you used to be a little tomboy.


    Stephan appeared at the weing partyter and caught sight of Dirk greeting Yuliana. Adele waved her hand toward him, as if they were already quite familiar with each other.


    Stephan!


    The aforementioned man walked leisurely towards them and greeted Adele with a hug. He must have been feeling awfully proud of himself at the moment, Gris thought wryly, since his ns wereing to fruition at great speed.


    She couldnt contain her vexation and exhaled loudly. Stephan seemed to notice it but did not react as he led Adele and Dirk into the mansion.


    You must have had a hard timeing here, he said sweetly, Lets head to the reception room.


    Gris again rubbed at her neck as she quietly followed behind them. Dirk, who had been talking to Stephen, gradually slowed his pace to match hers.


    Gris looked up at him in surprise and he met her eyes with a refreshing smile. She had previously thought that, since he was associated with Stephan, he would just be another cold-blooded man eager only for power and sess, but he seemed surprisingly warm. Or perhaps he had only discreetly acted like Stephan to gain his favor?


    They soon arrived at the reception room and made themselvesfortable on the plush sofas. Adele soothed her dry lips with the prepared ck tea before turning to Stephan who was sitting opposite of her.


    Wheres Duke Vianut?


    Stephen gestured to Gris to take up the cup of tea beside her.


    His Highness has some business to attend to, he replied. Hell probably be back in an hour.


    Gris vacantly stared at her mug. The weather outside was bright and she was beautifully dressed, but she had no energy at all. All she could do was nce sideways at Dirk, who was sitting beside her, and then back at her tea. Again, she looked at Dirk then the tea.


    Her pierced ears were still throbbing with pain. The feel of the dukes hot fingertips and the sound of his heavy breathing were still fresh in her ears. As her attention slowly dwindled, she heard Dirk voice his worry for Adele.


    Then, do you want to rest a bit until the Grand Dukees? You had a hard time because the wagon was shaking too much, Adele.


    He seemed to have a great deal of concern for his younger sister, who must have suffered from traveling the long way here. Gris wondered if Dirk truly possessed as gentle a personality as he demonstrated at the moment.


    Her red eyes scanned Dirks face, searching for hints.


    No, Adele replied with a smile, We have just been reunited with Yuliana again. I cant take a break now.


    Her brother nodded and took a sip of his tea.


    Yuli, how have you been? Dirk then turned his attention toward Gris. I heard that you lost your memories. Is that true? Then, you probably dont even remember us, right?


    Gris hesitated for a moment and then nodded. She felt ufortable deceiving them, but she had no choice in order to protect her chances of surviving the Byrenhags.


    Yes, I lost my memory in an ident. Im sorry, I cant remember.


    Adeles expression dropped as she leaned back against the couch, disappointed with the answer she received. Her smile, however, did not waver.


    Its alright. I know you cant help it.


    Yes, were fine with it, Dirk nodded in agreement. Im just happy to see you again.


    Gris took a moment to process Dirks words, fixating on one in particr:happy. In the past, she had been very fond of that word, but it had been such a long time since shest had the privilege to use it.


    Happy? she repeated softly.


    Yes, Dirk was full of conviction as he nodded his head, of course.


    For some reason, Gris eyes became irritated, so she lightly touched her eyelids.


    Adele took a moment to carefully look around the room. But she began but soon trailed off.


    Is it true that the Grand Duke will be married to the Princess of Britin?

 Chapter 69 - Love Triangles (2)

    A few days ago, Gris had learned about the importance of maintaining aristocratic dignity during her liberal arts lessons. Proper etiquette dictated that an aristocrat should know how to keep a secret and refrain from spreading said secrets to others.


    That, however, was only the textbook definition of how a noble ought to behave, and it could not have been further from reality. To say that the nobility were extremely curious people would not have been an exaggeration. Indeed, it wasmon practice among the aristocracy to gossip, nder those who had fallen out of favor with them, and trade important information.


    Fortunately, rumors about the fake Yuliana living in the Byrenhag Estate had not yet been whispered among any social circles, so she was currently safe from being the target of any scandals. Nevertheless, Gris wasnt entirelyfortable with participating in gossip and just nervously nodded her head


    Yes, I think he will be married soon.


    Adele lowered her head surreptitiously at Dirk. Looks like the child has been forgotten. There should be no more cause for friction between us now.


    Gris was puzzled by Adeles statements. Was she referring to the Grand Duke?


    The child? Gris asked in confusion.


    Stephen kept an eye on Adele to determine whether she was beginning to tire of their fruitless exchange. Adele, he interjected, I believe its better if you rest for now. Your lips are bing pale.


    Adele nced at Dirk to see if her behavior had also caused him to be concerned for her health. Really?


    You do look a little tired, her brother nodded as if to tell her it was alright if she wished to rest. We will be staying in Byrenhag mansion for the time being, so there will be plenty of opportunities to talk more in the future. Lets just rest for today.


    Stephan quickly leaped at the opportunity to end the conversation. Allow me to escort you to your chambers, he offered a hand to Adele, I had a room specially prepared for you.


    While Gris carefully observed their interactions, she had deciphered the more treacherous intentions behind Stephans words. If everything was able to happen the way Stephan intended, then sooner orter she and Dirk would be left alone. His persuading Adele to rest was a trick to remove the hindrance separating them, the real focus of his ns.


    Gris felt as if the air had been choked from her lungs, but there was nothing she could do to avoid being alone with Dirk. She wondered if she could truly convince herself to marry him for the sake of leaving this mansion safely.


    Adeles interest had been piqued by Stephan mentioning a special room made specifically for her, so she followed him out to the hall. Gris, on the other hand, remained seated and again looked down at her tea. Sunlight bounced off the table as the silence permeated the air.


    The light reflected Dirks face onto the surface of her red tea. He was sitting with his torso leaning forward and seemed to be appreciating the scenery outside the window, but after a short while, he nced at her. At first, his gaze fell over Gris face and then wandered to her ruby earrings. His eyes came to rest on her vicle, and he tightly clutched the cushion beside him.


    Gris reached for the sugar bowl and stirred a couple cubes into her tea, pretending that she wasnt aware of anything going on. She had wanted to ask Dirk a few questions about himself, but the story of the duke that Adele mentioned a while ago would not leave her thoughts.


    Gris could not contain her curiosity and was the first to break the silence.


    Can you tell me what is the story behind the forgotten child? Its my first time hearing about such a tale.


    She was not sure why she was so curious about Vianut, especially in front of the man she was set to marry. Vianut was not the kind of man whom she needed to get involved with, even in the future.


    Realizing her error toote, Gris struggled to think up a way to change the topic before he could reply. Dirk focused his attention on the table and answered her question with surprising ease.


    It is literally as we said, he exined. When he was younger, the Duke had wanted to marry a certain child, but unfortunately she passed away in vain. Its a long story, so I think it best if I tell you the detailster.


    Gris only nodded because it seemed that the forgotten child was not an appropriate topic to talk about at the moment, especially since this was supposed to be their first reunion in years.


    During the lull in their conversation, Dirk anxiously bounced his hands upon his knees.


    You have changed so much, he ventured cautiously, it feels so strange.


    The strange feeling referred to the discrepancy between younger Yulianas personality, which he knew well, and the drastically different temperament exhibited by the young woman sitting in front of him. Gris nervously held her breath and tried to pretend that everything was alright.


    What has changed? she asked.


    Dirks clear, green eyes delicately stared at her.


    Um, I think youve be very feminine and pretty.


    The purity of his answer tickled her ears.


    Dirks irises dropped to the floor as if they no longer knew where to go. Gris also wasnt sure where to focus her attention anymore. It had been a long time since she encountered a man who acted so nervous and timid in front of her. Curiously, she felt like she was once again the Princess of Grandia, for some reason.


    Dirk fidgeted and raised his teacup, but it trembled. He didnt want her to see the way his fingers quivered, so he put the cup down again.


    So, what do you think of me?


    By how shyly he posed his question, he seemed like a boy hoping for apliment from a childhood friend who had be so beautiful. Gris looked at the rugs intricate patterning as she answered.


    You look handsome.


    She realized that nervousness had engulfed her as well, since she had been unable to bring herself to make eye contact with him as she replied. Were there other ways of showing ack of courtesy aside from this one?


    Gris looked up and furtively met his gaze. With his naturally golden hair, Dirk truly fit the description of a handsome, young man. Because of the ck cloak covering his upper body, she could moderately feel the weight of his tall stature.


    Yes, she continued, you really do.


    Only then did his smile widen, exposing his dimples. He touched his cheek, which had be ruddy from happiness and embarrassment.


    He then started talking again. Did you hear that we might get married?


    Yes, I heard that would be the case.


    What do you think about it?


    Her opinion did not really matter. Stephan would make sure they would be wed as long as he willed it, and all she had to do was fulfill her duty as a bride.


    The only choices that he gave to Gris were either to marry or run away. In both scenarios, her life was on the line, so she hadnt decided yet.


    I do not know, she replied.


    Dirk nodded at her careful answer. His reaction indicated that he was also unwilling to rush his decisions. I do not know, either.


    I dont know your feelings, he continued.


    Gris raised her eyebrows.


    Her feelings? Her feelings She never expected someone would be curious about that.


    My feelings?

 Chapter 70 - Green-Eyed Monster (1)

    Gris cryptic response concerned Dirk, since he could not guess her mood.


    No its not because I dont like you, he hastily added. I just want to make sure that we will be suitable for each other.


    He seemed worried that he might have unintentionally hurt her. Gris, likewise, did not want to hurt him.


    Me too, she replied with a low tone.


    The reception room fell quiet again. To distract herself from the awkwardness, she continued to take sips from her tea, not realizing that the cup was already empty.


    Dirk also gradually finished the rest of his drink.


    What should I do now?She wondered if she should suggest he take a walk with her outside, but Dirk broke the silence first with a rather intimate question.


    Are you still using the same room? The room you used since you were young.


    Room? Gris paused.  Yes.


    Can I see it?


    Since they had nothing better to do at the moment, Gris nodded and led Dirk out of the reception room. The young man looked somewhat excited.


    I can still remember your room, he reminisced with a smile. There was always a square, ck ss vase of wild chrysanthemums on a table by the window. And there was a rabbit doll on the bed. You said that your mother had made it for you.


    Gris was startled. The room that Dirk described was not far off from how it was now.


    You remember it all? she whispered.


    Dirk nodded easily as if the memory resided within the forefront of his mind.


    Thats because you often locked me in that room. You did it to stop me from doing bad things and annoying you.


    Gris listened attentively to his words and tilted her head.


    My room is on the first floor. Couldnt you have escaped through the window?


    Dirk shook his head and smiled with crinkled eyes.


    I liked it when you would show upter and hug me, even if it waste.


    From how fondly he described their interactions, Gris finally realized the secret he had been hiding.


    Ah


    Shemented Dirks predicament and became filled with remorse over her role in it.


    You Youve loved Yuliana since you were a child.


    The atmosphere between them clumsily subsided. Dirk decided to change the subject to Adele to lessen the awkwardness.


    Thats right, Adele wanted to give you a portrait as a present, so she prepared some oil painting supplies. I hope tomorrow is good. I mean, I hope the weather is pleasant tomorrow.


    Gris did not notice that they were already passing the lobby. She unconsciously peeked at the entrance where she caught sight of Duke Vianut recently returned from his errand.


    She was momentarily surprised but then bowed her head to acknowledge his presence. The Grand Dukes eyes immediately nced at her pink skirt.


    Gris wondered what the duke thought of the current situation. Did he also hope for Maria to capture Dirk as soon as possible so that the Byrenhags could reap the benefits of their alliance?


    Vianuts gaze was very intimidating. All she could do was exchange pleasantries with him and go through the motions of her role, as she usually did.


    Your Highness, was your trip to the port sessful?


    Gris nned to just formally greet Vianut and then excuse herself from the room. The Grand Duke was about to approach the stairs but stopped and turned slightly to face them.


    His expression was inordinately cold. Gris had been on the receiving end of many of his inhospitable looks before, but even she was unustomed to how frigid he was today. Well, she supposed there was no reason for there to be any warmth between them in the first ce.


    Gris stepped back and hid behind Dirk. Vianut motioned to greet Dirk, so Gris vacated her ce. He weed Dirk and thanked him foring to the Byrenhag estate.


    Its nothing, Your Highness, Dirks voice was kind as he shook the dukes hand. I am grateful to you for allowing me to meet your beautiful sister again. She has grown into a fine young woman.


    Gris wasnt able to see over Dirks tall shoulder and catch what kind of reaction Duke Vianut had to his words. She just imagined his handsome face was full of weariness.


    After finishing their simple exchange, Vianut proceeded up the stairs. As usual, he didnt even look back.


    Several days passed Gris in the blink of an eye. Afraid that any abnormal or avoidant behaviors would reveal her identity, she agreed to be dragged around everywhere even though it was awkward for her.


    It had been three days since their new guests arrived at the estate. Stephan had left for Talsbarg because of a problem within the marquis territory.


    Dirk and Adele, who were raised as aristocrats, were far more pleasant and polite than Gris anticipated. asionally, Adele didin about indigestion, which caused her to skip meals or be nauseous at the sight of food. Her condition had made the chef anxious over preparing their meals, but that was all.


    Normally, Adele slept for more than half the day. As a result, Gris became morefortable with paying most of her attention to Dirk, although she did struggle to suppress her nervousness every time she was alone with him.


    Gris eventually developed an unconscious habit of touching her earrings from time to time. Fortunately, the piercings were healing well, and she strangely enjoyed the sensation of her sore earlobes. That sensation, however, was constantly apanied by the thought of the Grand Dukes hands on her ear and an ardent desire to feel his breath on her skin once more. It seemed like an injury that would not heal until the question was answered. .


    She thought back to the rush of heady emotions that had consumed her when he had pierced her ears. Why had she felt that way? Why did he say those words with the lips that seemed to remain after deeply kissing


    Goodbye, Maria.


    She wished she had seen his face when he bade her goodnight. She wanted to know if he genuinely meant it or if he was mocking her again by using her prostitute name


    Gris sat in front of her window, listening to the rain patterzily against the ss. It had started raining around dawn and not yet let up, so the gardeners were given a reprieve from their work today. As a result, it was quiet outside.

 Chapter 71 - Green-Eyed Monster (2)

    The young woman didnt even have enough strength to appreciate the droplets running down the windowpane. She kept recalling the time she spent with Duke Vianut, wondering to herself why he pierced her ears, and repeated this train of thought over and over.


    But it was improper for her to think about him so often. Sooner orter, he would marry the Princess of Britin. She pitied the princess.


    Ah


    A stinging pain pierced her heart. So preupied was she with the aching that she didnt notice the rain had finally stopped and the skies were growing clearer.


    At some point, Adele and Dirk visited Gris and invited her to join them in the parlor. Adele announced that she intended to draw a portrait of Gris, but in actuality, both siblings just wanted to spend more time in herpany.


    Adele instructed Gris to sit on the red sofa and set up her easel in front of the silver-haired girl. Dirk, who had been lurking in the background throughout the preparation, seemed quite bored.


    Please draw me a portrait too.


    He carefully seated himself on the cushion next to Gris. Adele, who had been arranging her brushes, smiled slyly. This recent turn of events seemed to have inspired a change in her ns.


    I can draw it, Adele mused, but I want you to be closer to Yuli. Like her lover.


    Dirk shuffled restlessly as if he had just received a very difficult request. He slowly inched nearer to Gris so that they were now only separated by one palm width. Gris timidly tucked her head as his cozy scent wafted toward her.


    Countless emotions crossed her mind. She had always had some difficulty bing close with people, especially those whom she was meeting for the first time. On one hand, she felt guilty and apologetic for unintentionally deceiving them. On the other, she still wanted to befriend them for the sake of having someone to share her worries with.


    But the girl that Dirk and Adele wished to give their love to was Yuliana Byrenhag, not a fallen princess from another country who had been relegated to the bottom rungs of society.


    Lets not be greedy, she told herself.Everything in moderation. She just needed to get close enough to earn their favor yet maintain enough of a boundary to not unravel the facade.


    Gris hesitated and focused her attention on counting the patterns on the carpet while Adele teased Dirk. Interspersed between the siblings back and forth was the sound of footsteps approaching the parlor.


    They were heavy footsteps, like those of a hunter chasing a deer. She hade to recognize the sound of those steps very well.


    A man with an impable appearance arrived at the entryway. Vianut van Byrenhag scanned the room with his persistently icy irises.


    Gris looked up, feeling the heat rising in the back of her neck.


    Adele confusedly nced at how serious Gris face had be before turning to see who had just entered the room. The maids who had been helping Adele with her preparations bowed in unison. Adele and Dirk also lowered their heads.


    Your Highness, we didnt know you were here, Adele stammered. Im afraid we have been very rude.


    Adele, whose back was turned to Gris, flushed with embarrassment. Fortunately, Duke Vianut didnt care about the apparentpse in etiquette. Was he simply satisfied by the fact that Gris, alone, recognized him?


    The Grand Duke smiled, exposing a dimple on his left cheek as he took a seat at a small table situated by the window. Mr. Bram poured him a fresh cup of tea. Adele rose to greet Vianut with a cursty.


    Your Majesty, I really wanted to meet you! Thank you for joining us.


    Vianut looked at Adeles outfit, which was decorated with yellow essories like the sun.


    I hope you are enjoying your time here? he asked while taking a sip of his tea.


    Adele once again pulled her skirt with her fingertips and daintily bent her knees.


    Yes, thank you for your concern. Everyone is healthy.


    Gris fidgeted with uneasiness. She didnt expect that the Grand Duke would willingly appear before her again, especially during her time with Dirk and Adele. A few days ago, he even bade farewell to her as if he hoped to never see her again. Or was hising here, of all ces, a formality of diplomacy between their families?


    Grisplexion noticeably paled right after the Grand Dukes appearance. When Dirk looked puzzled at her change in expression, Gris only smiled as if there was nothing to be concerned about. He leaned his torso toward Gris and let her in on a little secret.


    Adeles first love is Duke Vianut, he whispered. Since yesterday, she has been asking Mr. Bram when she could see him. I think the duke came because of that.


    Aha


    At that moment, Duke Vianuts eyes fixated on Gris face. His intense gaze didnt stop there, wandering over to the man by Gris side and wavering strangely at the sight.


    Dirk was too busy whispering to Gris, unaware of Duke Vianuts scrutiny.


    But now, Adele likes another person, he continued, and its a great relief. Im sure that she is going to bless Duke Vianuts marriage. I can tell.


    Gris only nodded her head. Dirks warm breath blew over her cheeks and heat rose from where his blue eyes touched her face. The room seemed to have be too hot.


    She repositioned herself several times to ease her difort, but even during those moments, the Grand Dukes eyes did not leave Gris face. His facial expression indicated he was interested in what she was doing. It was not until the fine hairs on the back of his neck stood up that his attention shifted to Adele.


    Keep on drawing, he motioned towards her unattended easel.


    His tone was light and detached, like he hade to observe aedy about a prostitute masquerading as a noble and how she deigned to spend her time.


    Yes, Your Majesty, Adele agreed readily and went back to her easel.


    Adele sat down with a smile and resumed her work. For a short while, she was engrossed in her sketching but then burst out with augh.


    This seems better than it looks, Yuli and Dirk!


    The young noblewoman praised Gris whiteplexion and red eyes, and she remarked that theyplimented Dirks tanned skin and green eyes. Their features were surprisingly harmonious with one another. Adele could not stop admiring the pair and sought confirmation from the Grand Duke.


    Your Highness, dont you think the same?


    Vianut rested his elbow on his chair and touched his chin. As usual, his demeanor was rxed, but his eyes somehow subtly trembled.


    Well, do my thoughts matter?

 Chapter 72 - Strange Impulses (1)

    Gris found the topic ufortable. If Adele were to turn the conversation to her and ask if she wanted to marry Dirk, then she would have to reply positively, which in itself was a lie.


    The young woman shifted restlessly in her seat. Vianut watched as she anxiously adjusted her posture before gently parting his lips.


    Yes, Im curious, he wondered aloud. What are the feelings of the concerned party?


    At his question, everyones eyes became drawn to Gris. She silently breathed under their scrutiny and turned her head as if all the attention had made her woozy. Why did the duke stubbornly insist on agitating her like this? His antics reminded her of a person acting out in order to hide their remorse.


    Gris met Dirks eyes with confusion. He seemed to read her feelings with concern and chivalrously took the lead.


    I will happily devote the rest of my life to this beautiful woman, he proimed.


    Duke Vianut bit his lips at how naturally the words flowed from Dirks mouth. At that moment, Gris caught sight of the dukes jaw muscles stiffening.


    Although Dirkughed effortlessly at his own confession, Gris knew that it was just a mask a very strong and stable one. Dirk was trying very hard to project confidence in their arrangement despite the uncertainty between them.


    Gris suddenly felt a need to see the real face he was hiding underneath his mask. She wanted to seekfort in knowing he was also recovering from a loss. In a way, she felt like she could endure any future hardship if she stayed beside him.


    Dirks eyes brimmed with a mix ofplicated emotions. His gaze seemed to ask her, What do you think about me?


    Adeles mirthful giggles eventually ceased and silence engulfed the rooms upants. Gris realized then that everyone was still waiting for her answer. She nced hesitantly at Dirk.


    He attentively awaited her answer with his innocent, boyish face. Deep in her heart, Gris knew she did not desire Dirk, but she wanted to reciprocate his feelings nheless. His warmth and purity reminded her of the days when she was once a princess. She replied after a long deliberation.


    I feel the same.


    Dirk was delighted to hear her reply. Gris looked at his earnest smile and let out a genuineugh, a rarity for her these days.


    A certain pair of azure eyes that had been observing the whole situation, however, zed like fire. After only a short period of time in theirpany, Vianut had reached his limit. He wasnt quite sure what had caused his emotions to re.


    For a brief moment, his cheeks colored slightly in embarrassment at Gris smile. Adele had not noticed the dukes change in expression and only turned to Gris.


    Really? her voice was teasing and mischievous. How many children do you want to have?


    Children. The product of marriage. So-called evidence that a husband and wife loved each other ardently.


    Once they were married, Gris will again be obliged to prove her love for Dirk by performing her motherly duties, and everyone knew it. A terrifying scowl was reflected on the Grand Dukes face, as if he could not bear hearing his fake sisters ns to have children.


    Adele.


    Vianuts tone was blunt andmanding.


    Yes, Your Highness? Adele hurriedly turned her attention to the duke.


    How long does the portrait take toplete?


    He quickly changed the conversation, leaving no room to return to the previous topic.


    I think it will take about ten days, she replied. When I am finished, would you like me to draw a portrait of you as well, Your Highness?


    No. Draw me now.


    The Grand Duke finished the tea that he had been sipping this entire time and set it down on the table. The maids who had been attending them opened their eyes wide with surprise, as did Adele.


    Pardon? she stammered. I heard that Your Highness had tired of being the main subject of so many portraits


    Adele could not believe her ears but she knew that Grand Duke Vianut was not someone who was likely to jest about anything. His icy eyes fixated sharply on Gris, who was still sitting next to Dirk.


    With Yuliana, he continued.


    Adele nodded as if she understood.


    Youre so considerate. You would want to make memories with your sister before your marriage.


    His lips drew a shallow, gloomy grin.


    They agreed to change the backdrop of the portrait from the parlor to the garden and relocated to a nearby bench. Vianut decided that the ck butterflies should not be included.


    Bright sunlight illuminated her skin, but Gris expression was dark. She had a hunch that Vianut didnt set aside his time in his busy schedule just to sit leisurely with them and have his portrait drawn.


    She didnt know much about his underlying motives, but Gris knew one thing for certain: he wanted Adele to capture her red eyes, not the brown eyes that would have been characteristic of Yuliana. Otherwise, he wouldnt havee out to such a bright ce.


    Perhaps tormenting her was his way of killing free time. Gris only looked forward, swallowing her anger and resentment.


    Besides the easel, an elegant canopy had been set up alongside a luxurious tea table to block the sun from their eyes.


    The servants followed close behind, busily carrying cookies and tea among their other supplies. As the party walked tirelessly along the garden path, they trampled upon the wildflowers, killing them. Gris felt remorse over the lost flowers and bit her lower lip. This was all happening because of Duke Vianutsmand.


    Adele observed the pair andined that the siblings were too awkward. Duke Vianut did not even have the will to pretend to be friendly and only sat silently.


    Ill leave it up to the ability of the painter, he said after a while. Draw Yuliana first.


    Gris quietly sighed. Vianut was truly cruel to insist her red eyes be immortalized in a portrait.


    Maybe his actions stemmed from a need to wilt and kill the woman who had driven him tomit a sinful mistake on a chaotic night. If the sole witness to that scandalous conduct was eliminated, then it would be like nothing ever happened.


    Gris forgot that her skin was not as tough as others. She tried her hardest to face her circumstances head-on, but it seemed she was only struggling to make it through each day. She didnt want to stand against Vianut anymore, and she didnt want to slowly wither away and die in this ce after suffering so many trials and tribtions.


    She really wanted tolive. Though her existence treaded precariously on the edge of subsistence, she had to survive long enough to meet Johannes.

 Chapter 73 - Strange Impulses (2)

    A refreshing breeze rushed past Gris as if to cheer her up and encourage her. The soothing air calmed her and lessened herpulsion to flee from Vianut, but another gust gathered her silver hair and caused it to flutter near his face.


    Gris finally realized that she had been sitting closer to him than she thought. She chewed her lower lip nervously. Fortunately, the wind did not blow in the opposite direction. If a sudden gust somehow suddenly swept hisrge body closer to her, she feared she might blushhighly peculiar behavior for a sister.


    His jet-ck bangs swayed with the wind and tickled her cheek this time. Of course, Vianut kept his focus in front of him and sat immobile like a marble statue.


    Their proximity allowed Gris to study the finer details of his handsome face. His profile was absolutely beautiful. Her eyes traced the contours of his face, the slender curve of his nose, and his high, defined cheeks. Truly, the duke would have been the ideal subject for any portrait.


    Vianuts blue eyes dropped to the ground before they locked with Gris. Her gaze followed where his had been and settled on the front of his ck cks.


    She noticed the groin of his pants seemed abnormallyrge. A sudden realization dawned on her behind the meaning of the bulge, and for a moment, her breathing stopped. Even though the tautness of his lower half betrayed his inner desires, Vianut continued to stare straight ahead with a detached expression.


    Gris rationale crumbled and dispersed like dust in the wind. In the midst of her shock, Vianut casually stood up and subtly moved to shield his front with his cloak.


    Weve been out here for some time, but I believe we will have to cut our session short, he muttered. It just urred to me that there is an issue I must attend to. I will have to leave you now.


    The skin where Gris hair had tickled his earlobes was hot and red.


    Is it a serious problem? Adele asked with concern, though her voice was tinged with sadness.


    Vianut paused and stood in front of the unfinished canvas before answering.


    Theres some work I still need to do.


    The Grand Duke frowned as if his mind and body were in turmoil. Neither Gris nor anyone was able to approach him as he paced up and down, waiting for Adele to hurriedly wrap up her final brushstrokes and hand him the painting. He then returned to the mansion.


    Gris had a sneaking suspicion that she knew full well what kind of problem required his sudden attention.


    The problem regarding his simultaneous hatred and hunger for his fake sister, endangering the pure body that he had kept for his future wife


    Duke Vianut returned his study and sat at his desk. As usual, he had to review the many correspondences that arrived at the Byrenhag mansion each day, but he was unable to bring himself to reply to any at the moment. His mind was preupied with the image of the fake Yuliana sitting upon the garden bench, her silver hair glimmering under the noon sun.


    Since the moment he had firstid eyes on her, he was particrly attracted to her peculiar, mncholic beauty. Her delicate yet radiant disposition reminded him of morning dewdrops glistening on a thin, red flower. He knew he was not the only man who felt the urge to caress her skin.


    However, he had encountered beautiful women many times before. Far too many had crossed his path countless times, but never had any caused his mind and body to grow so heated.


    So far, there had only ever been one person who managed to move Duke Vianuts stoic heart. When he was twelve, he had met a girl who made him feel for the first time what it meant to yearn deeply for someonehis childhood fiance.


    Vianut had wished to live with that girl for the rest of his life. Yet, as fate would have it, the girl returned to him as a corpse. Each day since then, the duke suffered from her loss.


    All he could do was swear in front of her lifeless body. As it was written in the lyrics of the Benedict Familys luby, he vowed, Even though you cant hear me, you will be in my arms forever.


    Years passed in a blur, but he kept his promise. Soon he had turned twenty-three years old, and the memory of his dead fiance was still deeply engraved in his heart.


    Then one day, Stephan appeared with a fake Yuliana in tow. At the time, Vianut had thought that this imposters appearance and mannerisms were eerily simr to his dead fiances.


    Since then, she began encroaching on regions of his mind that should have been long ignored. Thoughts of this fraudulent Yulianas tone, her melodic voice as she sang, and her adoration for nature umted in his head. What started as a fleeting curiosity grew stronger day by day. Before long, he wanted to feel and possess her, to have her fill the longing and the void left by histe fiance.


    Vianut furrowed his forehead and suddenly let out a rush of air from his nostrils.


    Heughed bitterly. The feeling of being a puppet in Stephans hand was disgusting.


    He should have known. It was too convenient: the abrupt appearance of a beautiful, poor, gray-haired woman who so closely resembled his dead fiance to rece his lost sister.


    Stephans intentions were obvious. He had just selected a person who was easy to manipte and discard. If possible, he would have made her seduce him. Thats probably why Maria persisted in the mansion, pretending to be so pitiful.


    Though no matter how hard he reasoned his own feelings, Vianut couldnt figure out why he continued to let her live. He had even nonsensically purchased her valuable ruby earrings and pierced her ears himself. Even though he knew that he would be condemned by the king and the bishops, and jeopardize his status by breaking off his engagement, he still wanted more of her.


    Vianutnguidly undid the inner button of his thick, fur cloak. The outline of his torso, taut with muscles, was clearly evident through the thin fabric of his shirt. His physique was due to a disciplined regiment of nned meals and extreme exercise. Since he had no vices, it was easy for him to maintain this body.


    But his strict lifestyle meant that his body had never indulged in the experience of pleasure. Perhaps thisck was what caused him to be intoxicated by her presence and crave the touch of her bare skin.


    Vianut simply wanted to live a contented life. If only the temptation lingering in his head would just disappear already, he could carry on with the duties required of him.


    He told himself that these distracting feelings would pass in time.

 Chapter 74 - Heady Affections For An Imposter (1)

    Vianut closed his eyes and tried to shut out all thoughts of those radiant, red eyes. Instead, an unpleasant voice suddenly echoed in his ear.


    I will happily devote the rest of my life to this beautiful woman.


    The Grand Duke had only meant to pay a short visit to Dirk and Adele as a way of formally weing them to the mansion. Then, afterpleting the minimum formalities required of a polite host, he nned to return to his office.


    Yet when he had heard Dirks confession, the hairs on the back of his neck stood on end and his blood was in an uproar. He felt a twisted sense of foreboding and dreadthat his fascination with this fake Yuliana would not cease so easily.


    Vianut could not fathom why he was so fixated on her. Was he only fantasizing about stealing away his fraudulent younger sister? Or did he truly think he would go mad if he had to hand over the woman he so earnestly desired to another man?


    The duke tried to focus his attention on his work and scanned over a letter atop the pile of documents on his desk. He bit his lower lip and tightened his grip on the envelope.


    In a months time, the Princess of Britin would be returning from her studies abroad, which meant he couldnt allow his heart to be swayed any longer. The reality of the situation was he would soon be wed, and by that time, Yulianas impersonator would also have joined hands with Dirk.


    His reply letter to the princess was sealed. Vianut tried his best to concentrate when Mr. Bram knocked on the door.


    Your Highness, the footman bowed, Lady Yuliana and Lord Dirk are taking a stroll about the mansion.


    Vianut had instructed Mr. Bram to report Dirks every movement to him. Though the duke did not know the details of his uncles n, Stephans conniving intentions stood out like a sore thumb. It wasnt hard to imagine his schemes. If Vianut had been an ambitious but powerless uncle, then he would have also tried to negotiate with someone like Dirk on the pretext of marriage.


    Every time Stephan got on his nerves, Vianut intentionally caused trouble in the Talsbarg territory to give the older man a headache. The marquis recent departure was again due to Vianuts doings; however, this time the duke ordered his men to tail Stephan and intercept any of his attempts to surreptitiously send a message to Dirk.


    Vianut intended to find out exactly what Stephan wanted and then ruin his ns.


    His efforts to foil Stephans plots werent because he feared rebellion. Rather, Vianuts actions stemmed from the fact that, despite his power and his riches, he could not obtain the one thing he desired most. So, if he wanted tofort himself, Vianut had no choice but to deny his deceitful uncles ambitions and make him suffer in the same way as he.


    However, Mr. Brams reports never included anything noteworthy. Instead, hearing about Dirk and Yulianas daily interactions only served to increase Vianuts spite. The duke instructed the butler to return to his post after delivering his most recent round of wearisome news. Of course, Mr. Bram would return soon enough and continue tomunicate their activities to him until the next day.


    Lord Dirk and Lady Yuliana are having dinner. Lord Dirk cut his steak into fine pieces, while the youngdy found the meat too tough to cut and finished her meal without it.


    They are currently enjoying tea time together. The awkwardness between them has disappeared since a while ago, and they are often seenughing while in each otherspany.


    They are out walking the puppy you gifted Lady Yuliana again. It seems to be fond of Lord Dirk. Of course, I think its also because Lady Yuliana acts quitefortable around him.


    His fraudulent sisters smiling face flitted across his vision several times. Vianuts heart felt strangely sore and seemed to crumble every time Mr. Bram gave his reports.


    The evening seemed to drag on forever. It had been many years since Vianut felt like this. Every time he received another report from the butler, the duke would grow listless and lose his appetite. As he mulled on the situation, he noticed something peculiar about the interactions Mr. Bram described.


    That timid girl who had trembled every time he bumped into her was enjoying herself that much around a man like Dirk?


    Duke Vianut let out a low sigh as he touched his nape. The temperature in the room wasnt hot by any means, yet his neck was damp with sweat.


    He took out a handkerchief. It was the same one that Yulianas impersonator had made, with the butterfly embroidery.


    The duke imagined the hand that worked hard to craft it. He had never really felt the body temperature of another person before, but he could guess that it was hot. Like when his fingers had grazed her skin during theirst meeting in his study


    As he reminisced on the events of that night, Vianut felt a dull heat growing between his legs. His eyes narrowed and his breath quickly became heavy.


    Ah


    He had been experiencing more and more of these heady sensationstely. Whenever he suddenly thought of her, his blood would rise and the front of his pants would feel terribly cumbersome.


    Before long, the first rays of dawn began filtering through the window. Vianut stilly troubled in his bed. Only the chirping of the grasshoppers outside interrupted the silence. He noticed that for some time now, he hadnt seen a certain pup leave her hiding spot under the bed.


    Maria, he called, but to no avail.


    These days the pup only appeared if she was approached by that small hand warmer of a dog raised by his fake sister. Whenever it was around, she would stay outside her hiding spot for a while, indicating that she wanted the other dog to stay longer, too.


    Unfortunately, the Grand Duke could not help her wishe true. The dog belonging to Yulianas impersonator would eventually be called away from the room, and Vianuts pup would run back to her ce under the bed. He was thinking of giving her anything she wanted if she would juste out, wag her tail, and hug him.


    He let out a nonchntugh.


    Fine, you dont have toe out now.


    Sooner orter, he would make sure to give her the affection she deserved.


    Vianuts blue irises dulled as he stared at the empty space beside him. Lately, he had been thinking that the bed felt strangely wide.


    He closed his eyes and began faintly dreaming of histe fiance. Even now, he could still clearly hear her singing that luby,ying in that warm garden like a little doll.


    But as he rxed and allowed his mind to wander, the false Yulianas voice began to ring in his ears instead. His muscles tensed.


    The girl in his imagination was slowly being reced by the pitiful prostitute, Maria. No matter how hard he tried to focus, she would eventually overtake his thoughts, like the dawn eclipsing the night sky.

 Chapter 75 - Heady Affections For An Imposter (2)

    After he had experienced the taste of her sweet skin, the sensation of her body heat, and her alluring scent for the first time, his senses were awakened and craved for more.


    Vianut exhaled a warm breath and bit his lower lip. The cloth of his drawers had grown ufortably tight again. He swept a hand through his hair as he furrowed his brow.


    The duke sighed bitterly. Despite his best efforts, he realized that he, like other men, could not free himself from the temptations of lust. For years, Vianut hadbored to prevail against the taboo set by God, but instead of oveing his instincts, he had to endure as the need to mate like a beast wed at his resolve. Countless times, his dirty body defied his minds better judgment, all because his heart was tirelessly seeking to fill the void left by his dead fiance.


    He struggled to crush his urges, yet each time he was only rewarded with a sense of failure. The woman who had made him experience the bitter taste of defeat for the first time would be smiling at another man tomorrow.


    Duke Vianut hoped that the smile she gave Dirk was insincere. The reason why he had given her a chance to live thus far was because he had felt that she was more pitiful than he.


    Vianut didnt dare to take her heart away, but he did yearn to seek theforts of her body. He didnt realize when his desire for her took root or even why it grew with each passing day. If that desire someday went beyond his dedication to serving God, how would he be judged?


    Soaked with cold sweat, he desperately conjured up images of histe fiance.


    Help me keep missing you, he whispered. If thats not possible, then take me with you


    Still, like every other time he pleaded to her memory, she did not answer.


    For the past few days, Gris had been very busy apanying Dirk and posing in front of Adeles easel, but her heart was still in a daze.


    Several nights had already passed since theirst, ndestine meeting, yet her mind continued to paint sensuous images of the cold-hearted dukes formidable form. She could hardly believe a man like him existed. His body was incrediblyrgepared to hers. He made her feel like prey being cornered by a beast, but the sensation was strangelythrilling. Even if she tried to keep her distance, it seemed her body still longed for morelike him.


    Gris continued to dawdle, her mind lost in thought until evening. Dirk kept asking her if she was alright until he eventually concluded that he had somehow made a mistake and apologized.


    She came back to her senses then and repeatedly assured Dirk that herck of attention wasnt his fault, but her heart was still heavy. Gris felt as if she was deceiving an innocent man, giving him false hope. His goodness was a rarity among the aristocracy.


    Gris wanted to do something for Dirk to protect him from getting hurt. She wondered if she could find a way for them to evade Stephans eyes that were no doubt still closely watching over them from somewhere. Though the marquis himself was away, his servants were spying on their every move in his stead.


    If he were to find out that she nned to do something with Dirk without his permission, Stephan would seethe with anger. Perhaps it would be safer if she let Stephan control everything for now and then save her ns forter when she is able to leave this house with Dirk.


    In the meantime, Gris decided she needed to rid herself of all thoughts pertaining to


    Duke Vianut. In the future, she couldnt be linked to him anymore. She heaved a long sigh. There had to be some way to remedy thisplicated situation.


    Part of her wanted to meet the Grand Duke and share her thoughts. She wanted to tell him that she would only be focusing on Dirk now, and she didnt want to make the situation any more difficult than it already was.


    Knowing that Stephan conspired to steal the Grand Dukes position and power, Gris reasoned that speaking with Duke Vianut would be her way of repaying his favor for allowing her to continue living under this stolen identity. Or perhaps she just wanted to see him again.


    Either way, Gris called for Bellin.


    Tell Mr. Bram that I want to see the Grand Duke, she told the maid.


    Bellin bowed and went to fetch the butler. A few minutes after she left, Mr. Bram entered her chambers. For some reason, he seemed to be troubled.


    Lady Yuliana, his voice was a bit hesitant, the maid said you wished to see His Highness.


    Thats right.


    Actually, I must inform you that the Grand Duke is not feeling well today. His Highness has been very quiet and, I am not certain why, but he was unable to sleep at allst night. I cannot even recall a time he was this troubled, even while on the battlefield


    Upon hearing the butlers words, Gris imagined Vianut restlessly spending the night beneath his moonlight window. She wondered what she would find if she was able to take a peek into his mind. Was he worried about a problem within the territory, his uing marriage with the Princess of Britin, or the incident that had happened between them that night?


    Suddenly, her heart throbbed as if it was being gripped. Her earlobe, which had healed well, grew hot. She lightly touched the area and roughly breathed.


    Haah


    She didnt know why, but her heart started beating so fast it even caused her chest to feel sore. Was it because she was afraid of and ufortable around him? Or maybe she had sometent, unfulfilled affection for him because she nearly became betrothed to him in the past?


    Gris dejectedly scorned herself. From the moment she was branded as a prostitute on that ship, she forfeited all thoughts of ever receiving love. She would have to find someone who would be willing to ept a girl with origins from a brothel.


    I understand, she said to the butler. Please, will you ask him anyway?


    Mr. Bram acknowledged her instructions and left the room.


    Gris turned her eyes to the view outside her window while trying to maintain a calm facade. The moon was bright today, so she wasnt sad. In this lonely ce, she soughtfort in the little things. The moonlight and the flowers became her onlypanions.


    After a while, the butler returned and told her what she already expected to hear.


    His Highness has refused your request to meet him.


    Gris lowered her head and nodded several times in understanding. Though she wanted to meet him, it could only happen if the Grand Duke willed it, so she had no choice but to ept his words.


    Okay.


    Mr. Bram looked sympathetically at the depressed youngdy. The butler regretted that he could not do more to satisfy her only request, especially since Lady Yuliana had never asked anything from him before. He paused a bit before offering an exnation.


    I think its because of something embarrassing that happened a while ago.


    Mr. Bram had only meant to let her know that it was not her fault that the Grand Duke refused to meet her, but Gris turned back towards him in confusion.


    Embarrassing?


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