[Blackveil Empire - Year 1760]
The night was cold and dark, and inside the palace, music played while people danced. Eva sat in the garden, watching the guests come and go.
Eva sighed. "I thought there would be something interesting to see, but I guess I wasted my time."
She stood up. "I'll just walk around the garden," she murmured, and began walking along the stone path.
After walking a little farther, Eva heard voices.
"What's going on there?" she whispered. A grin spread across her face. "Let's go closer and find out." She quietly moved in the direction the voices were coming from.
A man and a woman stood together, the man down on one knee, clearly proposing. Eva looked at them. "Well, look at that. Looks like a romantic proposal is going on here. I should have brought Kelly with me—she likes these kinds of things."
She moved even closer and sat on a nearby bench. "Now I can see more clearly."
The man, still kneeling, took out a ring. "Princess Yuna, will you marry me?"
The woman said nothing and stepped closer.
Yuna raised an eyebrow. "Are you out of your mind… did you forget who I am?"
She leaned closer to him. "I'm your brother's fiancée, you idiot."
Eva sat to the side, her jaw dropping. "What did she say? She's his brother's fiancée?"
The man smiled. "I'm well aware of that, but you're his fiancée, not his wife. That means I still have a chance, right?"
"What trash," Eva muttered. "Trying to steal his brother's woman."
"And don't forget, Yuna," the man said, "you were the one who told me you liked me."
Yuna sighed. "Rein, I know I was the one who said I liked you, but that was in the past. Now I like your brother, and I'm going to marry him."
A bitter smile spread across Rein's face as he tried to hide his heartbreak. He stood up slowly. "Looks like I lost to my brother again."
He glanced up at the night sky. "It's cold outside. You should go inside now, Yuna… and thank you for listening to what I had to say."
Yuna stepped closer and gently placed her palm against his face. "I'm truly sorry, Rein."
After that, she turned and left the garden.
Eva sighed. "Even though he was trying to steal his brother's woman, I still feel bad for him… my heart hurts."
She looked at her chest, placed a hand over it, and smiled faintly. "I forgot—I don't have a heart."
Standing up, she straightened her dress. "Looks like there's nothing left to see. Eva, let's go home." She turned around.
"Hey, you."
Eva froze mid-step and turned back. Rein was standing not far from her.
Did he just call me? No, there's no way… I must've heard wrong. Eva thought.She turned again to leave.
"Hey, you. Did you not hear me?"
Eva's eyes widened as she turned around. "Mister, are you talking to me?" Rein raised an eyebrow. "Do you see anyone else here besides you?" Eva smiled. "No…"
"Then stop smiling and come here," Rein said. Eva hesitated, then slowly walked closer to him. "Yes?" Rein glared at her. "Did you see it?"
Eva leaned closer and whispered, "Are you talking about how you got rejected by your brother's fiancée?"
She grinned. "Then yes, I saw it. Why?"
Rein's expression hardened. "Don't tell anyone about what happened here. Keep it to yourself. Understand?"
Eva mumbled, "I can't tell anyone even if I want to." Rein frowned. "What?" Eva smiled. "Nothing. And don't worry, I won't tell anyone. Besides, I'm about to leave."
"You're leaving already?" Rein asked. "The banquet hasn't ended yet." Eva waved her hand dismissively. "I'm not interested in parties. And I live far from here. If I don't leave now, I'll be late."
"You're saying that as if you're going to walk home," Rein said. Eva looked at him.
"Wait—are you seriously walking all the way home alone?" Rein frowned. "Are you crazy?"
Eva stared at him. "Why? What's wrong with walking alone?"
"My lady," Rein said firmly, "it's nighttime. A woman shouldn't walk home alone. What if you're came across a danger?"
Eva smiled calmly. "Don't worry. Nothing is going to happen to me."
Just then, a knight came running, calling out urgently.
"Your Highness! Where are you?"
Rein turned. "I'm here."
The knight bent forward, breathless. "Your Highness, Second Prince Rein, your father is looking for you."
"All right. You go ahead. I'm coming," Rein said.
The knight bowed and hurried away.
Eva looked surprised. "Second prince? But how come I've never seen you before?"
Rein smiled slightly. "I just returned after completing my studies in foreign countries."
"Oh, that's why," Eva said softly. "Please forgive me. I should formally introduce myself."
She bowed. "Nice to meet you, Prince Rein Bleak. My name is Eva."
Rein smiled. "Nice to meet you too.lady Eva"
Eva bowed once more. "Then, Your Highness, I should take my leave, or I'll be late."
"Lady Eva," Rein said, "since you're keeping my secret, let me offer you a carriage." Eva shook her head politely. "No, Your Highness, you don't have to."
"Please," Rein insisted. Eva hesitated. "…Fine."
---
Rein called out to the knight. "Prepare a carriage," Rein said. The knight looked startled. "Your Highness, are you going somewhere?" Rein gestured to where Eva was standing. "No, it's for the lady here."
The knight glanced around, confused. "Your Highness… which lady?" Rein frowned. "Are you drunk or something? Can't you see the lady standing beside me?"
The knight swallowed nervously. "Your Highness, forgive me, but I think you are the one who's drunk. There is no one there."
Rein's eyes widened. "What?" He turned toward Eva.
Eva smiled softly. "Your Highness, he can't see me…."
Rein frowned. "What do you mean by that? Why can't he see you?"
Eva met his gaze calmly. "Your Highness, how can someone see a person who died five years ago?"