I Will End My 10-Year Unrequited Love - Chapter 51

“Rias?”

When had he arrived here? Elia hadn’t sensed his presence at all. Rias lightly squeezed her fingertips, clearly trying to draw her attention.

“Where are you staring so intently? Didn’t even notice me standing right beside you.”

Rias whispered softly with a smile. The shifting sunlight cast a shadow across half his face. As Elia looked at the silhouette obscured by shadow, a familiar image suddenly flashed in her mind.

‘I’m sure I’ve seen that somewhere before.’

Her complexion darkened slightly at the thought.

“I treasured this for you, Your Highness. I’ve kept it just for you.”

Reiffers said with a sly voice, Elia quickly turned away.

Reiffers received the glass bottle from the servant and carefully poured the deep red wine into a golden goblet. The rich aroma, sweet yet sharp, wafted through the air.

“You don’t usually care much for wine, Your Highness.”

Elia said nervously, watching the scene unfold.

Everyone who knew Cyrone well understood he rarely accepted wine or similar gifts, and Reiffers surely knew this too, he was too clever and skilled at reading people to make such a mistake.

“You’re always fussing over little things.”

Rias said with a low laugh, though the shadow hid much of his face. No one noticed his features stiffen slightly in the dim light.

“Please try it at least once, Your Highness. You’ll find it rivals any wine presented from the kingdoms to the palace.”

Reiffers said with a genial smile. At his subtle signal, the servant stepped forward, holding the golden goblet as he approached Cyrone.

“The color is quite unique. I’ve never seen such a shade before.”

The Empress, who was seated beside Cyrone, said with curious eyes. But Cyrone simply gazed absentmindedly at the cup set before him.

“Given Duke Reiffers’ reputation for good taste, it’s worth trusting. Try it.”

The Empress gently encouraged. Without hesitation, Cyrone grasped the goblet and raised it to his lips—just then—

“Your Highness!”

Elia suddenly raised her voice, drawing all eyes in the hall toward her. Cyrone followed the direction of the gazes, turning to look at Elia.

“Grant me the honor of Your Highness’ first drink.”

Elia said before fully realizing what she’d done. Her trembling hands remained hidden beneath the table as she forced a smile.

It was no unusual custom for Emperors or Crown Princes to pass on the honor of the first drink to someone else at such a gathering.

Especially for Emperors, the first cup often symbolized blessing or celebration and was frequently offered to guests anticipating an important event.

Even to those unaware of the full story, Elia was simply the bride-to-be, and it wasn’t unusual for the Crown Prince to bestow a lordship.

But Elia’s gesture wasn’t born from a hope for Cyrone’s blessing. No, it was rooted in distrust. Instinctive distrust.

“To you?”

Cyrone looked at Elia with a sly smile. No one else found her actions peculiar, but Cyrone was different. He knew Elia better than anyone. She wasn’t the kind to cause a scene like this without a reason.

A strangely pleased smile tugged at the corners of Cyrone’s lips.

“There’s a great occasion coming soon, so you should be the first to offer your blessing, Your Highness.”

Elia bit her lip as she returned his smile. Unlike Cyrone’s calm demeanor, she felt uneasy. Of course, she wasn’t naive. She had an inkling of what Reiffers had been scheming behind the scenes and how difficult it would be for Cyrone.

Moreover, with so many eyes focused on them, it was practically impossible for Cyrone to let his guard down here. Reiffers was no reckless beast charging headlong. He was a cunning snake, weaving schemes from the shadows.

What if that wine was laced with just enough anesthetic or sedative to do no permanent harm, but enough to knock Cyrone unconscious? The man commanding the Imperial Army’s forces could become vulnerable at the worst possible moment.

It was precisely the opportunity the enemy Reiffers had been waiting for.

“What makes you think that will happen? I have no intention of approving your marriage.”

Cyrone said so casually while staring intently at Elia. He leaned back in his chair with a lazy gaze. His eyes softened as if he was looking at something utterly precious.

“My daughter’s just reckless and naïve, stepping out of line. Please forgive her.”

Reiffers finally interjected, unable to stay silent.

“Father!”

Elia shouted anxiously. Reiffers gave her a cold, sharp look, silently scolding her for her audacity.

Cyrone watched the tense exchange with quiet amusement, then raised his cup once more. As his lips touched the rim, Reiffers and Elia’s face flushed with very different colors.

“Cyrone!”

Elia bit her lip hard. But her voice seems to choke in her throat. Cyrone gave her a sweet smile, full of warmth despite her desperation.