---
Eva wandered through the bustling market, the sounds of merchants shouting and the scent of fresh bread filling the air.
"I keep crossing paths with the Emperor lately," Eva thought, her brow furrowing.
"Every time I'm in danger, he appears out of nowhere."
She recalled the events of last night—the fight, the chaos.
"He even had to fight because of me."
A vivid memory flashed through her mind: Eyan moving like a shadow, his sword flashing with deadly precision.
"He defeated thirty men in an instant. His sword skills are incredible—no wonder he is the Emperor."
A pang of longing struck her.
"I wish I knew how to wield a sword."
Suddenly, a voice echoed in her memory—Leo's words.
"You should learn how to use a sword and fight."
Eva smiled softly.
"Right... I forgot. Leo told me to learn swordsmanship."
"But who would teach me?"
Leo's advice rang clear.
"Someone close to you might teach you."
Her heart skipped.
"Wait... was he talking about the Emperor?"
She shook her head firmly.
"No, that's a bad idea."
"Even if he probably won't kill me this time, I shouldn't get involved with him."
Yet she recalled how he had helped her. The internal conflict twisted within her.
Grabbing her head, she whispered,
"What should I do?"
After long moments of contemplation, Eva reached a decision.
She held a coin tightly in her hand.
"I'll toss this coin. If it lands heads, I'll ask the Emperor to teach me swordsmanship. If tails, I won't."
With a deep breath, she flipped the coin high into the air, watching it spin.
Peeking with one eye, she caught sight of the result.
"Heads."
A determined smile crossed her lips.
"That settles it—I'll ask him."
But doubt quickly followed.
"How? It won't be easy to meet him."
Then an idea sparked.
"His birthday banquet... I'll go with Aranel and ask him there."
----
(Throne room, Royal Palace)
Eyan sat imposingly on his throne, his crimson eyes cold and piercing. Below him, Count Elvaris trembled, sweat beading on his forehead as fear rooted him to the spot.
"Your Majesty," Count Elvaris stammered, "why have your knights brought me here?"
Eyan rose slowly from his throne, each step deliberate and heavy with authority. "I've uncovered something… disturbing. You are involved in illegal activities, is that correct?"
The Count swallowed hard. "No, Your Majesty. You are mistaken. I have done nothing wrong."
A bitter smile curled on Eyan's lips. "So you still choose to lie before me."
Eyan sat down at the long oak table facing the Count, his gaze unwavering.
"Please… forgive me, Your Majesty," Elvaris pleaded, his voice cracking. "I won't do such things again."
Eyan's voice dropped low, cold as ice. "One more thing."
The Count's eyes widened.
Eyan's gaze pierced through the dimly lit room, his voice low.
"You even hired men to kidnap your own daughter, didn't you?"
Count Elvaris' face paled, his eyes darting nervously. "That's not true, Your Majesty," he protested, but the tremor in his voice betrayed him.
Eyan stepped closer, voice steady and cold. "The men you hired told us everything. You can't lie to me."
A flicker of fear crossed the Count's eyes. "How… how did you find out about that?"
Eyan's lips curved into a faint, unreadable smile. "Because I was the one who saved her."
He paused, the weight of the moment settling between them. "Now, tell me—why you did that?"
Count Elvaris' voice faltered. "I was trying to teach her a lesson. To show her what fate awaits one who abandons their family."
Eyan's eyes blazed. "A lesson, you say?"
Before the Count could react, Eyan's hand shot out, gripping his neck with fierce anger.
"You call her your daughter, yet you tried to harm her?"
His grip tightened for a moment, then he released him with a sharp shove.
"Knights," Eyan commanded, voice ringing with finality, "seize him and lock him in the dungeon."
Count Elvaris's voice trembled as he asked, "Your Majesty, why are you going to such lengths for that foolish girl?"
Eyan turned sharply, stepping close enough that only the Count could hear his next words.
"Because that foolish girl," he whispered coldly, "happens to be my wife."
The Count froze, shock flashing across his face.
Eyan's lips curved into a slow, dangerous smile. "You should consider yourself lucky I'm not killing you for touching someone precious to me."
He leaned in even closer. "Father-in-law, I thought you should know exactly who your daughter is married to. So, I'm telling you this now—please give us your blessings."
He paused, his gaze piercing.
"Except you, no one else knows this secret."
Count Elvaris's face paled. His voice trembled, barely more than a whisper.
"Your Majesty... why are you telling me your secret?"
A cruel smile flickered across Eyan's lips, but his eyes darkened with deadly intent.
"Now that you know my secret, I have no choice but to cut out your tongue."
The count's body shook with terror, sweat beading on his forehead.
Without hesitation, Eyan stepped back, his voice cold and commanding.
"Take him... and cut out his tongue."
"Your Majesty, please, forgive me this once," the count begged desperately, falling to his knees. "I promise, I won't harm her again. Your Majesty..."
But Eyan was already turning away, his footsteps echoing down the hall, leaving the count trembling in his wake.