My Ruin to You - Chapter 129

It felt strange.

As if I’d stepped into another world entirely. The years spent in the capital now seemed distant, like a faded memory. The atmosphere here stood in stark contrast to the ruined marquisate or the count’s lands still reeling from refugees and remnants of the plague.

The capital was eerily peaceful. Merchants selecting apples wore broad smiles, while pedestrians bundled in fur-lined coats hurried along with their collars loosened.

“His Grace the Grand Duke has returned after suppressing the plague!”
“Long live His Grace!”

The streets erupted in cheers the moment someone shouted. Those who had been politely stepping aside and bowing to the grand ducal procession gradually lifted their heads. Some knelt, others hoisted children onto their shoulders. Even shopkeepers emerged to join the jubilation. In that moment, the frozen winter city came alive – like a scene of triumphant return. No, something even greater.

“Our hero has arrived, indeed,” Roseline murmured, peering out the carriage window at the bustling streets.

What a filthy world. Roseline had lost her future to the plague. Some had lost their lives, others their homes. Yet Valen had lost nothing.

Which meant Valen needed to understand. He needed to learn the agony of loss and despair, how deception always comes full circle.

Between moments, she kept pondering: What should I do? What can I do?

Regrettably, the only thing that could shake Valen was Roseline herself. She’d considered meticulously preparing to disappear when he least expected it, but that wouldn’t be a good plan. She couldn’t guarantee she wouldn’t be caught, and a mere few days’ absence would mean nothing. It might unsettle him, but that wasn’t true suffering.

How then? How to repay him so thoroughly that tales would spread of her vengeance?

“Get down.”

She hadn’t even realized the carriage had stopped. The door flew open to reveal Valen bending at the waist, one hand braced against the carriage roof. Startled, Roseline jerked upright to find his lips curling in amusement.

“What were you doing to be so surprised? Didn’t even notice we’d arrived.”
“Just… thinking about things.”
“What things?”
“Oh, you know. Preparing myself for what’s to come?”

Valen gave a bland chuckle and extended his hand. Roseline glanced at his calloused palm before placing her hand in his. He pulled her up immediately, as if he’d been waiting.

Stepping out onto the ground at his lead, Roseline’s eyes widened as she took in their surroundings.

“Why… why are we here?”

It was the temple. Valen, apparently finding her bewildered expression adorable, pressed a brief kiss to her temple.

“You’ll know when we go in.”

He led Roseline into the temple. Their visit wasn’t unexpected – priests in pristine ceremonial robes greeted them. After exchanging formal pleasantries and blessings, a young apprentice priest opened the chapel doors. Winter light streaming through the windows cast a gentle glow upon the benevolent goddess statue.

“…Are we here to repent?”
When Roseline whispered the question, he laughed as if hearing an absurd joke. Without answering, Valen guided her before the goddess statue. Strangely, she fancied her old snakebite wound throbbed anew.

“Roseline.”
“…Yes.”
“There will be council meetings at the imperial palace. While being my fiancée serves you better than remaining a baron’s daughter, that’s just pretext.”

He knelt on one knee. In the temple’s sacred silence, under the goddess’s tender gaze, he looked up at Roseline like any knight pledging fealty.

“I want to become your husband.”

Valen produced a small case from his inner pocket. When opened, a pink diamond caught the light. Taking Roseline’s stiff left hand, he slowly slid the ring onto her fourth finger. Then, as if seeking permission, he pressed his lips to the ring-adorned finger. His upturned eyes crinkled slightly.

It was utterly repulsive. How could he be so brazen, of all places, in a temple under the goddess’s watch?

“……”

Before the altar, several high priests observed them with beatific smiles – witnesses to this blessing and subtle pressure alike. She couldn’t possibly refuse and publicly shame the Grand Duke.

“Still unprepared in your heart?”
When Roseline remained silent, he coaxed gently.

“No.”
Roseline mustered her brightest smile.
“You know I have no one but Your Highness now.”

She didn’t spare the words he most wanted to hear. His eyes, which had seemed to narrow, now rounded delightedly. Beaming, he rose and crushed Roseline in an embrace.

“Then why make me wait?”
“……”