???????????

* * *

Versus glanced silently at the trees passing by beyond the carriage window. He was reminiscing about the previous night.

In his hands, sitting impassively, were several envelopes.

Neatly written on each envelope was the phrase “From your love.” Versus turned his gaze back to them.

Since he was very young, Versus had always found Dahlia’s gaze unsettling. It went beyond mere discomfort; it sent shivers down his spine. Her violet eyes were both dreamy and possessive.

How could he ever forget that chilling gaze that always seemed to follow him?

However, Versus had never once laid a hand on Dahlia himself.

To exist with a sense of purpose, Versus knew that he needed individuals who would remain loyal to him.

Among them, Dahlia was an indispensable figure in Versus’s life. With just a word from him, she would dedicate her soul to him. But last night, she had been different. Versus was certain of it.

The problem was that he couldn’t understand why or how she had changed so suddenly.

It had been less than two weeks since the last letter arrived.

‘How could her feelings change in just a few days?’

It seemed impossible.

Just as a physical injury leaves behind scars, a profound love also leaves its mark. Even if she were to give up, he couldn’t sense any wounds from her. It was as if she had become a completely different person overnight.

“Like a fake, with the same outer shell.”

“Pardon?”

Startled by Versus’ muttering, the servant mistook it for a command and asked in return. Versus turned his languid gaze towards him.

“You mentioned that your daughter was born recently, didn’t you?”

“Yes, Your Highness Versus. After ten years of marriage, the gods have finally blessed us with a beautiful daughter. She is so precious to us.”

Just the thought of her brought joy to his face, and the servant’s expression brightened.

“What if the gods were to take that child away from you?”

His face hardened at the eerie question.

“I… I don’t even want to imagine that.”

“Yeah. Once given, it becomes your possession. Taking something back after giving it is a cruel act, whether it’s life or emotions.”

Versus chuckled, but the servant felt an inexplicable chill. Just as quickly as his smile disappeared, Versus commanded again.

“Investigate thoroughly what happened to Dahlia.”

“Yes, I understand.”

Though filled with curiosity, the servant refrained from asking any further questions.

‘I’ve been wondering. What’s the reason for giving her to me when I didn’t even wanted her and then taking her back?’

Versus chuckled darkly.

* * *

For the next few days, I stayed confined to my room. I believed it would be better to stay out of Etienne’s sight, so I didn’t even attempt to leave.

While it was a life of abundance, it still felt mundane. Penny was the only one I could converse with, so during my free time, I spent it reading the books she brought me.

One day, as I laboriously turned the pages of a history book, feeling obligated to fit into this world. Penny entered the room.

“Penny, welcome back.”

It seemed she had grown accustomed to my greetings, as she didn’t hesitate and respectfully lowered her head.

“Lady Dahlia, you need to go to the parlor. You’ll be choosing a dress for Empress’s birthday celebration.”

“Oh my! Really?”

It was a joyful sound to hear amidst everything.

I thought Etienne would never let me do that after that day!

“I’m so excited!”

After giving Penny a brief hug, I quickly finished my preparations.

My steps felt light.

I suppressed the fluttering in my heart as I sat down.

A knock on the door, and a man entered. He was a massive man, towering in stature. The white tunic shirt he was wearing seemed ready to burst at the seams. His physique looked more like he worked for forging iron than stitching.

“Hello. You must be the designer… You’re quite… erm… robust. Impressive to look at. You’re in great shape!”

I gave him a double thumbs up and smiled. The man flinched.

Why? Did I make a mistake? Does he have a complex about his size?

Amidst the bewildered exchange of glances, a man in a lavender-colored coat entered.

“Oh my, Your Highness. You truly are as beautiful as I’ve heard. I am Pierre.”

He had an exaggerated smile and a meticulously groomed beard that seemed meticulously crafted. It was clear to anyone that this man was the designer.

Then, who is that? I could sense the sweat breaking out on my scalp.

As if answering my inner thoughts, the muscular man stood beside me and whispered softly, “I am Simon, the bodyguard. Lady Dahlia, don’t worry, I’ve heard about you from Master Etienne.”

The burly man even smiled. Ah, so they were on the same side?

“If you ever need any help in the future, please don’t hesitate to find me.”

His reassuring words instilled a sense of trust. He felt like a divine… bear, sent from heaven to assist me.

A bear is a bear, no matter how grateful you are.

“Well then, may I show you the dresses?”

“Yes, please go ahead.”

???????????