Chapter
"This Stupid thing called love"
(5 Years Later – Imperial Academy, Graduation Day)
The academy was filled with celebration. Laughter, pride, final goodbyes— Five years had come to an end.
But away from the crowd—
"…Eyan, please." Violet's voice trembled.
Eyan stood in front of her, already annoyed. "I said no."
And yet—
She dropped to her knees. Grabbing onto his leg.
"Please… just this once," she begged, her voice breaking. "I won't ask for anything else after today…"
Eyan's expression hardened slightly. "…We're graduating today," he said. "Our deal ends here. Now let go."
Violet tightened her grip, tears slipping down her cheeks.
"I know…" she whispered. "That's why this is the last time I'll ever see her again…"
She looked up at him—eyes filled with desperation. "Please, Eyan… just this once."
Silence.
Eyan stared at her for a moment. Then exhaled sharply. "…Fine."
Her eyes widened.
"But this is the last time," he added firmly.
Violet instantly stood and threw her arms around him. "Thank you—!"
"Alright, that's enough." Eyan pushed her away, visibly irritated. "Get off me."
Violet stepped back, smiling through her tears. "I'm counting on you."
Eyan sighed. "…Where is she?"
Violet pointed across the courtyard.
"There," she said softly. "Her name is Layla."
Eyan followed her gaze.
A young noblewoman stood not far away, unaware.
Eyan clicked his tongue.
I don't even know why I'm doing this… I hate it.
Still He walked toward her.
________________________________
(Courtyard)
Eyan stopped in front of Layla.
She turned—
And instantly froze, her face flushing red.
"Y-Your Majesty…!" She bowed quickly.
Eyan gave a polite smile.
"Lady Layla," he said smoothly. "May I ask you for something?"
"O-Of course!"
Eyan took a quiet breath. "…Your handkerchief. May I have it?"
Layla blinked in surprise. "My… handkerchief?"
"Yes."
There was a brief pause—
Then her face lit up. Without hesitation, she handed it to him.
"H-Here, Your Majesty…"
Eyan accepted it with a faint smile. "Thank you."
And just like that—He turned and walked away.
Layla stood there, completely stunned. "…What just happened?"
________________________________
(Back with Violet)
Eyan returned and immediately shoved the handkerchief into Violet's hands.
"Here. Happy?"
Violet took it carefully—Almost reverently.
She brought it close, her expression softening as she brushed it lightly against her face.
"…Thank you so much."
Eyan raised a brow. "You like her that much?"
Violet smiled faintly. "…Yes. She's my first love."
Eyan let out a short laugh. "She's your twentieth 'first love.'"
"This time it's real," Violet insisted. "The others were just… passing feelings. But this—"
She placed a hand over her chest. "I fell in love the moment I saw her."
Eyan looked unconvinced.
"…I don't understand this thing you call love," he said. "How can you fall for someone at first sight? And how do you even know it's real?"
Violet glanced at him, then smiled slightly.
"Let me explain."
She took a small step closer. "When you see someone… and suddenly your heart starts beating faster than it ever has it's called falling in love at first sight…"
Eyan didn't react.
"And after that, in front of that person you say things without thinking," she continued softly. "You look for them everywhere… and when they're not around, you feel restless."
She looked down at the handkerchief in her hands.
"That's what comes after falling in love."
Eyan scoffed. "…Sounds stupid."
Violet chuckled lightly. "You can laugh now," she said. "But one day, you'll fall in love too."
Eyan smirked faintly. "That's not happening in this life."
Violet tilted her head. "What if it does?"
Eyan glanced at her. "Then you'll be the first person I tell."
Violet smiled. "Deal?"
"…Deal."
For a moment— It felt light. Easy.
Then—
Violet lifted the handkerchief again and inhaled softly. "…Her scent is nice."
Eyan stared at her in pure disbelief. "…Don't do things like a pervert."
Violet laughed. "Oh, Eyan… don't worry. The day you fall in love, you'll be worse."
"Absolutely not."
Right then—
"Hey!" Luca's voice cut in as he approached.
"Sister Violet, Eyan—what are you two doing here? The ceremony is about to start."
Eyan turned. "…Finally."
"Let's go," Luca said, grinning.
And just like that—The moment passed.
_________________________________
(4 Years Later)
(Velmoria, Market Street)
The streets of Velmoria were alive.
Vendors called out their prices, children laughed between stalls, the scent of fresh bread and ripe fruit filled the air.
Among them— Walked a man no one recognized. Simple clothes. A quiet presence.
But beneath the disguise— Was Eyan Lucien Therald.
His sharp eyes moved from stall to stall, observing everything with silent precision.
Everything looks in order…
The kingdom is stable… peaceful…
For once—
There was nothing to criticize. Nothing to fix.
He exhaled quietly. And kept walking.
Until—
Thud.
He collided with someone.
A soft gasp—
A basket slipped— Fruits scattered across the stone ground, rolling in every direction.
"Oh—"
Eyan reacted instantly. He dropped to one knee in front of her.
"My lady, are you alright?"
The woman sat on the ground, clearly startled—then annoyed.
She turned to him— And the moment their eyes met—
Everything stopped.
Eyan forgot to breathe.
Black hair, soft and flowing…
Eyes—green, vivid, alive like something he had never seen before.
His gaze locked onto her face. And didn't move.
…Beautiful.
The word echoed in his mind before he could stop it.
His heartbeat—
Changed.
Faster.
Louder.
Uncontrolled.
The woman was still looking at him too, her earlier anger faltering slightly under his intense gaze.
Eyan blinked. Snapped out of it.
And cleared his throat.
"My lady… are you alright?" he repeated, softer this time. "I apologize."
His eyes dropped briefly to the ground—the ruined fruit. A flicker of guilt crossed his face.
"Let me replace these," he said immediately. "It was my fault."
The woman looked at the scattered fruit… then back at him. A small, gentle smile appeared on her lips.
"No, it's fine," she said. "You don't have to—"
"Please."
The word came out before he could stop it.
Too quick. Too sincere.
She paused… then nodded. "…Alright."
Eyan stood and offered his hand.
She hesitated for a second— Then placed her hand in his.
Warm.
Soft.
And the moment their skin touched—
Eyan felt it again. That strange, unfamiliar pull in his chest.
He helped her up carefully, almost more cautious than necessary.
For a brief second— Neither of them let go. Then— Eyan pulled his hand back. A little too quickly.
"…My lady," he said, trying to regain composure, "may I know your name?"
The question surprised even him.
Why did I ask that…?
Why do I want to know…?
The woman tilted her head slightly.
"My name?" Then she smiled. "It's Eva."
Eyan repeated it silently.
Eva…
"…That's a beautiful name," he said.
Just like you.
The thought hit him so suddenly that he stiffened.bHe turned his face slightly, as if hiding from his own mind.
What is wrong with me…?
Eva watched him curiously.
"And your name?" she asked.
Eyan didn't hesitate. "My name is Kyel."
The lie came naturally.
Eva smiled again. "Kyel… that's a beautiful name too."
Her voice was warm. Soft. It lingered.
"Nice to meet you, Lord Kyel."
Eyan held her gaze for a moment longer than necessary.
"…Nice to meet you too, Lady Eva."
He bought her fresh fruit. Better than before. Carefully chosen.
Without realizing it— He paid attention to what she looked at. What she liked. He carried the basket for her. Walked beside her. Slower than he ever walked with anyone.
_____________________________
Eva turned to him, taking the basket gently. "Thank you… for everything."
Eyan nodded. "It was my fault to begin with."
A pause.
Neither of them moved.
Then—
"…Goodbye, Lord Kyel."
She stepped inside. The door closed softly behind her.
Eyan stood there.
Still.
Silent.
His hand unconsciously lifted to his chest. Over his heart. It was still beating fast. Too fast.
"…What is this…?"
For the first time—
Eyan Lucien Therald felt something he could not control. Something he could not understand.
__________________________________
(Royal Palace – Night)
Eyan pushed open the doors to his chamber with more force than necessary.
"Hans."
The call was immediate.
Hans appeared almost instantly, bowing slightly. "Your Majesty."
"Bring a royal physician," Eyan said, loosening his collar slightly. "Now."
Hans didn't question it. "At once."
Moments later—
The physician stood before him, carefully checking his pulse, listening to his heartbeat, observing every detail.
Eyan sat still, though his fingers tapped faintly against the armrest.
"Well?" he asked, impatience creeping into his tone.
The physician stepped back and bowed.
"Your Majesty… there is nothing wrong with your body."
Eyan frowned.
"…Nothing?"
"Yes. Your heartbeat is strong. Your condition is excellent. There are no signs of illness."
Eyan's expression darkened slightly.
"…Then why," he said slowly, "has my heart been beating like this for hours?"
The physician hesitated.
"That… may not be a matter of physical illness, Your Majesty."
Eyan's eyes narrowed. "Then what is it?"
The physician chose his words carefully.
"It could be… emotional stimulation. Stress, perhaps… or—"
"Enough," Eyan cut him off.
The physician bowed quickly. "As you wish."
Hans escorted him out.
Silence filled the room again.
Eyan leaned back slightly, his hand unconsciously pressing against his chest.
"…No illness," he muttered.
Then—
A face appeared in his mind.
Green eyes. A soft smile.
"…Eva."
His brows furrowed instantly.
"Why am I thinking about her?"
Annoyance rose quickly. He stood up.
"This is absurd."
He began pacing slowly.
"…My heart doesn't react like this without reason."
His steps stopped. A thought formed. Then another.
His eyes sharpened.
"…I see." A slow realization. "…Magic."
His expression darkened.
"She did something to me." He turned slightly, thinking deeper. "But… magic doesn't work on me."
A pause.
"…Then it must be forbidden magic." His voice lowered. "Of course. That explains everything."
Now it made sense—to him.
"She must be from an enemy kingdom," he continued, almost convincing himself. "Sent to infiltrate… to weaken me."
He crossed his arms.
"Yes… that has to be it." A final conclusion. "…Then I need to confirm it."
_________________________________
(Next Day – Velmoria Street)
Hidden in the shadows of a narrow alley— Eyan stood still...Watching.
Eva moved through the market, speaking gently with a vendor, her smile soft and effortless.
Eyan's gaze didn't leave her.
…This is the one responsible.
He narrowed his eyes slightly.
Witch
Then—
Eva laughed softly at something. And smiled.
Without realizing it— Eyan's expression shifted. A faint smile tugged at his lips.
For a second— He didn't notice.
Then—
He froze. His hand moved to his face.
"…What am I smiling?"
The smile vanished instantly. He frowned, almost irritated with himself.
"…Her magic is strong." He exhaled slowly. "To affect me from this distance…"
His gaze hardened again.
"…Dangerous witch."
Then—
He stepped out from the crowd—in his disguise. Kyel.
Calm. Composed. As if this meeting were nothing more than coincidence.
He walked straight toward her.
Eva noticed him almost instantly. Her eyes lit up with recognition.
"Lord Kyel?" she said, surprised. "You're here again?"
Eyan allowed a small, controlled smile.
"Lady Eva," he said smoothly. "It seems we meet again."
Eva smiled softly. "It does feel like that… perhaps Velmoria is smaller than I thought."
"Or perhaps," Eyan replied, "fate is simply persistent."
Eva laughed lightly at that. A brief silence followed— Comfortable.
Then Eyan spoke again.
"If you are not busy," he said, "would you join me for a drink?"
Eva blinked, slightly surprised. "…A drink?"
"Yes. There is a place nearby," he added. "Consider it an apology for the other day… even if it is a late one."
Eva hesitated for a moment— Then smiled. "…Alright."
__________________________________
(Small Tea Shop)
They sat across from each other. A quiet corner. Two cups placed gently on the table.
Eyan watched her carefully.
Now…Drink it.
Eva lifted the cup without suspicion and took a sip.
Eyan's eyes sharpened slightly.
Good....The truth potion has taken effect....Now she will only tell the truth… let's see if you can hide it now.
Outwardly, he remained calm.
"So," he began casually, "how long have you been in Velmoria?"
Eva set her cup down. "I've lived here for twenty-four years," she said. "Since childhood."
Eyan's gaze flickered.
Twenty-four…
So she's twenty-four years old.
He nodded slowly.
"I see. Then this city must hold many memories for you."
"It does," Eva said softly. "It's the only place I truly know."
Eyan leaned back slightly.
"Yesterday… it was rather late when we parted," he continued. "I hope your husband wasn't worried."
Eva blinked— Then laughed. Light. Unforced.
"No, my lord," she said. "I don't have a husband. I'm unmarried."
For a split second—
Eyan's expression softened.
Unmarried…
A small, almost imperceptible smile appeared. He quickly masked it.
"I see," he said calmly. "Then perhaps you are… seeing someone?"
Eva shook her head.
"No. I'm not seeing anyone," she replied simply. "I'm single."
Single…
Something in his chest reacted again. Warmer. Stronger.
Eyan's fingers tightened slightly around his cup.
…Good.
Then—
He stiffened.
What am I thinking?
Why does that matter?
He frowned slightly, annoyed with himself.
Focus....This is not why I'm here.
His gaze sharpened again.
"…Lady Eva," he said, his tone shifting just slightly, "do you happen to know any kind of magic?"
Eva looked at him, surprised.
"…Magic?" Then she shook her head. "No. I don't."
Eyan watched her closely.
Her expression— Her tone— Everything.
…No hesitation....No distortion.
She's telling the truth.
His brows furrowed slightly.
Then… it's not magic?
A brief silence fell.
Eyan leaned forward just slightly. "…One more question."
Eva nodded. "Of course."
Eyan held her gaze. "…What do you think of me?"
The question slipped out before he could fully stop it.
Eva blinked— Clearly not expecting that.
Then—
"Lord Kyel," she said honestly, "you are quite a handsome man."
She froze. Her eyes widened instantly. Her hands flew to her mouth.
"…!"
Her cheeks flushed deep red.
"I—I'm so sorry—!" she stammered, panicking. "I didn't mean to say that so directly—!"
She stood up quickly, bowing in embarrassment.
"Please forgive me!"
And before Eyan could respond—
She turned—
And run away.
____________________________
(After)
Eyan sat there...Frozen.
"…Handsome…"
The word echoed in his head.
His face—Turned red. Fast.
His hand moved to his chest.
His heart was beating like it was trying to escape.
"Not again....what is wrong with me."
_____________________________
(Royal Palace – Night)
Eyan walked into his chamber—Slower than usual. Distracted.
For once, he wasn't thinking about reports, borders, or strategy.
Only—
Her.
Green eyes. That soft smile. The way she said his name—
Lord Kyel.
"…This is getting ridiculous."
He ran a hand through his hair, pacing the room.
He stopped. Pressed his hand against his chest.
"…And this."
His heartbeat was uneven again. Faster than it should be. Unstable.
"…This is definitely an illness."
Just then—
"Hans."
The man appeared at the door as if he had been waiting. "Yes, Your Majesty."
Eyan turned to him, serious. "There is something wrong with me."
Hans didn't react outwardly, but his attention sharpened. "…May I ask what symptoms Your Majesty is experiencing?"
Eyan hesitated. Then spoke, slower this time.
"It started yesterday," he said. "Since then, I have been feeling… strange. I couldn't sleep properly last night. My thoughts are… unsettled."
Hans nodded slightly. "And this feeling—does it persist constantly?"
Eyan frowned. "No. It becomes worse… under certain conditions."
Hans raised a brow. "What kind of conditions, Your Majesty?"
Eyan glanced at him— Then stepped closer. Lowered his voice. Almost like he was sharing a secret.
"…Hans."
"Yes, Your Majesty?"
"There is… a woman."
Hans blinked. "…A woman?"
Hans straightened slightly, clearly interested now. "…Your Majesty… are you saying there is a woman in your life?"
Thud.
Eyan immediately hit him on the shoulder. "Let me finish first."
Hans winced slightly, then bowed. "My apologies. Please continue."
Eyan exhaled, slightly irritated.
"…I met her yesterday," he said. "And since then, something has been… off."
He walked a few steps away, as if trying to organize his thoughts.
"I cannot sleep properly," he continued. "Whenever I close my eyes, her face appears in front of me. It is… persistent. Unwanted."
Hans remained silent, listening carefully.
"And when I am near her…" Eyan added, his tone lowering, "my heart starts racing. Not like during battle. Not from danger. It is… different."
He turned back to Hans, completely serious.
"…I believe I am sick....That woman must have done something to me."
Hans pressed his lips together. Very carefully— Trying not to laugh.
"…Your Majesty," he said slowly, "this woman you speak of… is she beautiful?"
Eyan didn't hesitate. "…She is."
Then, without realizing it—His expression softened slightly.
"Her eyes…" he continued, quieter now, "…are very striking. Green. I have never seen anything like them."
Hans watched him closely.
"And her smile…" Eyan added, almost unconsciously, "she looks… more beautiful when she smiles."
Hans finally spoke again. "Your Majesty…"
"Yes?"
"…You are indeed sick."
Eyan nodded immediately.
"I knew it." He folded his arms. "…You think so too, right?"
Hans gave a small, knowing smile.
"Yes."
A pause.
"The name of your illness… is love."
Silence.
Eyan stared at him. "…What?"
Hans remained completely calm. "You have fallen in love with that woman, Your Majesty."
Eyan blinked once. Then scoffed.
"…Impossible." He turned away. "That is not love. It is something else."
Hans tilted his head slightly. "Oh? Then what do you believe it is?"
Eyan frowned. "…Some kind of influence," he said. "Perhaps lingering magic. Something unnatural."
Hans almost laughed again. But held it in.
He folded his hands behind his back, watching Eyan with a calm, knowing expression.
"Well," he said, "if Your Majesty does not believe my words… then do a test."
Eyan frowned immediately. "…Test? What test?"
Hans stepped a little closer, voice steady.
"There are certain feelings," he explained, "that every person experiences when they fall in love. If what you are feeling matches those… then the answer will be clear."
Eyan crossed his arms. "…And what exactly are these 'feelings'?"
Hans allowed himself a faint smile. "Very well. Listen carefully, Your Majesty."
He began, counting them slowly.
"First—your thoughts will constantly return to that person, no matter how much you try to focus on something else."
Eyan stiffened slightly. "…Continue."
"Second—your heart will react differently around them," Hans said. "It may race, become restless, or feel… out of your control."
Eyan looked away. "…That proves nothing."
Hans ignored that.
"Third—you will begin to notice small things about them. Their smile, their voice, the way they speak… details that would normally not matter to you."
Eyan's silence said enough.
Hans continued calmly. "Fourth—you will find yourself wanting to see them again. Even without a proper reason."
Eyan's brows furrowed. "That is not—"
Hans raised a hand slightly, stopping him. "Fifth—you may feel… jealous."
Eyan turned sharply. "…Jealous?"
"Yes," Hans said. "If you imagine them with someone else, or see them speaking closely with another person, it may… disturb you more than it should."
Eyan scoffed lightly. "That is unreasonable."
"Perhaps," Hans replied. "But it is human."
He continued.
"Sixth—you may behave… differently around them. Say things you did not intend to say. Act in ways that are not like you."
Eyan immediately thought of—
'You are quite a handsome man—'
His face darkened slightly.
Hans went on.
"And finally—when you are not with them, you may feel… unsettled. As if something is missing, even if you cannot explain what."
Silence filled the room.
Eyan didn't speak for a few seconds.
Then—
"…That is all?"
"For now," Hans said calmly.
Eyan exhaled slowly, turning away. "…These are vague. They could apply to anything."
Hans smiled faintly. "Then let us confirm it properly."
Eyan glanced back. "…How?"
Hans answered without hesitation.
"Tomorrow," he said, "go and meet that lady again....And observe yourself."
Eyan narrowed his eyes slightly. "…Observe myself?"
"Yes," Hans nodded. "See if your heart reacts the same way. See if your thoughts become unsettled again. See if those feelings return."
He added, slightly more pointed—
"And if they do… then Your Majesty will have your answer."
Eyan stood still for a moment.
Thinking.
Analyzing.
Then—
"…Fine." He turned back toward Hans. "I will meet her again.…And I will confirm this myself."
Hans bowed slightly, clearly satisfied. "As you wish, Your Majesty."
Eyan looked away again.
"…Love," he muttered under his breath.
Then shook his head.
"…We will see about that."
.
.
.
To be continued—