The Grand Duchy of Valios of the Northern territory, was a long established noble line presence since the founding of the Empire of Roswal.
Originating from a modest Viscounty in the central capital, the family rose to prominence under the Sixth Viscount Vlander Valios, who defended the Imperial family against a noble rebellion and was rewarded with land and the elevated title of Duke. His successor, the seventh Viscount, secured another victory in war and was granted the prestigious title of Grand Duke.
Since then, Valios has served as the empire's steadfast guardian, protecting the northern borderlands from the monstrous threats of Belua. Yet, their role extended beyond military defense, the Valios family came to symbolize unyielding loyalty, strict adherence to tradition, and unwavering respect for the empire's rules.
At the heart of this legacy stands Evander, the future Grand Duke. Known for his disciplined nature, Evander embodies the values cherished by his house. He is a strict follower of the empire's codes of conduct, placing great importance on proper etiquette and decorum in all his dealings.
Evander's reputation was forged during his academy days, where he was not only top of his class academically but also played a key role in diplomatic dealings. His commitment to honor, protocol, and respect in both study and negotiation earned him admiration among peers and instructors alike. Through these experiences, Evander honed his ability to lead with integrity, balancing strength with respect for tradition, qualities that mark him as a true heir to House Valios's esteemed legacy.
"More over, remember back on our academy days," Mariun said, tone filled with mock complaint. "When he smacked my mouth in front of everyone because I spoke to you informally?"
Moonlight streamed through the window, reflecting off the man whose blonde hair shone under the light. His emerald eyes briefly scanned the documents before landing on Mariun, who sat on the chesterfield inside a finely decorated office draped with gold and red velvet curtains.
"Though he is a manner maniac, Hanes does bend the rules sometimes," he said indifferently, returning his attention to the papers. "He even does it when it's just us."
Mariun looked at him. "Haven't you been listening to me, your highness?" He asked, brow furrowed in complaint. "I'm telling you he is in loved, too much in fact. He is clearly losing it."
The blonde man suddenly felt a sharp ache throb through his head, as if it were splitting in two. With a loud groan, he dropped the papers onto the desk and shot a glare at Mariun.
"Mariun, stop saying nonsense," he said, massaging his temples. "Me being in love is actually more likely than Evander."
The blonde man thought about Evander's fiance, Norielle Graham, the woman known as the radiant flower of society since her debut. Yet, beneath that gentle image, she was more like a thorn, a fact even Evander recognized.
"How could he fall in love with that twisted lady?" he asked. "We-no, he saw how she secretly mistreated another lady and then returned to the ball as if nothing had happened."
He considered that even her closest friends might be unaware of the true nature she harbored.
"We don't know," Mariun remarked. "Love can make one blind, after all. But I'm telling you, that guy is so in love."
The blonde man sighed, weariness evident in his voice.
"Well, even so, why are you still here at this late hour?" he asked, confusion lacing his tone. "Leave, go back to your territory."
***
In the quiet manor of House Graham, the full moon hung high in the night sky, it's pale light casting soft shadows across the grounds. A gentle wind whispered through the trees, rustling the leaves and carrying with it a sense of calm and restless anticipation that filled the cool night air.
Norielle sat on her bed, tightly wrapped in her blanket. Her face was flushed a deep red, betraying a mix of embarrassment and confusion.
The after-party ended late at night, and the nonstop greetings and talking made Norielle very exhausted. She went to her room to rest, only to find her servants already preparing her bath. She felt comforted by their care as they gave her a gentle massage with sweet-smelling oils. After the bath, they dried and brushed her hair, adding a nice scent. Once their tasks were complete, they quietly left her to her solitude.
Norielle settled back into bed, ready to sleep. But after a while, she opened the window to let fresh air in. The bright moonlight spilled into her room, casting a silver glow upon her. It was then she noticed how sheer her nightgown was, the delicate fabric revealing more than she had realized, leaving her momentarily startled beneath the pale lunar light.
Now, Norielle stood up, still wrapped on her blanket. She walked towards her wardrobe but hesitated, suddenly unsure on where her clothes actually were. Since the moment she had opened her eyes in this world, she had never once had to prepare her own clothes as it was already prepared by the servants.
A knock on her door brought her back to attention. Thinking it was Zilda, she quickly hurried open the door. But it slowly swung open, her bright smile slowly faded into disappointment when it was Evander's face she saw as the door fully opened.
Evander furrowed seeing her questionable state and the disappointed look on her face.
"Were you expecting, someone else?" He asked, feelings tinged with bitterness. "And are you feeling cold?"
Norielle sighed. "I was expecting Zilda... Yes it's cold." She replied.
Turning away, she made her way back to the bed and sank onto its edge, her blanket still wrapped securely around her. Evander followed silently, closing the window then he settled into the carved wooden chair by the window. His gaze fixed on her as moonlight painted sharp lines across his face.
"So," Norielle started, "Why are you here again?" She asked genuinely.
"Weren't you the one who have something to asked me about?" He questioned backed. "Have you forgotten?"
Norielle thought deeply and remembered what he said on the party, that he will see her later. Then her eyes landed on her fingers, on the ring that shines in green to be exact.
"It was nothing important actually," she said, remembering Cristina and Elodie's words.
He watched her intently, thinking she looked weirdly adorable, flushed, uncertain, wrapped tight in her blanket. His heart throbbed fast, but his mind was clearer than ever when he was with her.
Then he got flustered and nervous, remembering how he had acted just a few days ago. How he run away the moment his feelings slipped out unintentionally, and how angry it made him that she is acting like none of it had even happened.
Norielle noticed how troubled he looked. "Is your stomach hurting?" She asked, concerned.
Evander took a steadying breath to calm himself, then straightened his posture in the chair.
"I, I'm fine, I... was just thinking deeply about something." He replied.
Norielle stared at him, thinking what is possibly on his mind. Sensing her scrunity, Evander let out a deep breath. He rose from his seat while she tracked his every move with quiet attention.
She needs her rest, he thought.
"Pardon me for disturbing you. Get some sleep," he said softly. "Tomorrow we will be leaving for central capital. Then, I'll be taking my leave."
Norielle nodded and gave him a faint smile that caught him completely by surprise, he was froze for a moment, his breath catching his throat. In his eyes, under the dim light, she looked incredibly enchanting with that subtle curve of her lips. His heart hammered so fiercely it felt as if it might leap right out of his chest.
He stiffly turned around. "You- have a good night..." he said, his voice tight and stiff.
Norielle furrowed for his unusual tension and stiff, as almost robotic movement. His hand fumbled slightly with the door latch before he managed to pull it open. He didn't dare look back, even though every instinct urged him to see if her smile was still there.
Norielle's mind was flooded with question. What is he doing? Is is hurting or something? Why the hell is he acting like that?
She stood up, her hand reaching out as if to call Evander back, but the door had already clicked shut. Then, a sound of soft fluttering wings caught her attention. She turned and looked behind her, finding Nymeria lying sideways on her bed, her gaze fixed directly on Norielle.
"Congratulations on your engagement, Elle." Nymeria said, her voice clear despite her small form. "Why are you wrapped like that?"
A smile escaped Norielle's mouth as she crossed to the bed. This brat is getting more comfortable with every passing day, she thought.
"I saw you three at the ceremony, but you never congratulate me then." Norielle said as she reached down to adjust the blanket that had been draped over her shoulders earlier.
"How could we possibly do that?" Nymeria asked in disbelief, sitting up slightly and ruffling her wings. "Not only that your brother's are present. Your fiance was also around, keep glancing your way like he was ready to step in if any guy spoke to you!" She complaint.
Norielle brow frowned at her words.
"I get that you were worried about my brothers," she paused, and Nymeria's eyes widened slightly. "But why Evander too?"
Like a meteor crashing down on earth, a huge explosion filled Nymeria's mind. Why did I mention that information? she questioned herself frantically, her gaze darting around the room before snapping back to Norielle upon seeing the sharp curiosity in her ward's eyes.
"Well..."