My Ruin to You - Chapter 130

“I love you, Roseline. Remember you’re my only one too.”

His expanded chest pressed against her as if broadcasting his elation. Rather than answer, Roseline returned the embrace with slight pressure. Mistaking this for affection, Valen lavished kisses upon her hair with extravagant joy.

“The goddess has witnessed this sacred vow. Congratulations, Your Highness.”

Only after the priest’s voice faded did Valen reluctantly pull away. Roseline feigned shyness, bowing her head to hide her expression – her face not thick-skinned enough to brazenly accept the priests’ sacred blessings. When she ducked behind Valen’s broad back, he seemed pleased, even reaching behind to pat her while exchanging pleasantries with the head priest.

“There’s something I’d like to ask,” Roseline ventured cautiously only after boarding the carriage, having trailed meekly behind him like a bashful shadow until then. Valen, who’d entered the carriage with her, wore an unbearably satisfied expression.

“Speak. In my current mood, I might even give you the empire.”
“Keep your empire. Take me to tomorrow’s council meeting.”
“Why bother?”
“As someone involved, I have every right to attend. Rather than tormenting myself with imaginings, I’d rather face them directly.”

Valen studied Roseline with silent intensity – perhaps gauging her intentions, perhaps deliberating. Maybe calculating the emotional gains and losses of having her present.

“I want to go, Your Highness.”
Roseline clung to his neck like a spoiled lover, nuzzling her forehead against his nape.
“What terrible habits you’re developing,” he chided, though clearly delighted.

The self-loathing would come later, but he remained a man of clear calculations. Give him what he wanted, and he’d grant her requests.

“Roseline.”
“Yes?”
After briefly stroking the back of her head as she clung to him, Valen gently pushed her away to meet her eyes.
“I don’t know what you’re thinking, but keep acting like this. As if I’m all you have.”
“……”
“Then I’ll gladly play along. Whatever it may be.”
“……”
“You should nod.”

Of course this shrewd man would suspect her sudden docility. Unsurprised, Roseline slowly nodded.
“Truly, I have no one but Your Highness,” she added, leaning against his shoulder. Only then did his laughter come.

“Though I doubt I’ll enjoy the sight, if you insist on going, so be it. Come along.”
The permission she’d awaited was granted.

Winter rain fell from early morning, draping the imperial palace’s roofs and statues in a monochrome veil. Trees in the garden stood drenched, unable to escape the downpour, and soldiers’ footsteps along the corridors echoed more deeply than usual.

Through the damp air, palace bells tolled as carriages arrived in procession before the main palace where the council would convene. Valen appeared last, clad in navy formalwear embroidered with gold thread. When Roseline – her hair neatly gathered in a single tie – alighted after him, all eyes turned toward them through the curtain of rain.

A mix of curiosity and hostility followed them all the way to the ceremonial chamber where the council would convene. The elevated imperial throne remained empty, while the nobles’ seats fanned out in a U-shape with the Grand Duke’s position at the apex. Roseline’s seat was placed behind Valen’s – an unusually prominent position for someone merely connected to the unprecedented plague, but likely arranged considering her new status as the Grand Duke’s fiancée.

“You don’t need to answer every impudent question,” Valen murmured.
“Yes.”
“If you feel uncomfortable or want to leave, say so. Don’t endure it.”
“Yes.”

After seating Roseline, he gave her tense shoulders a brief squeeze before taking his own place. Valen’s imposing presence effectively shielded her from the nobles’ prying gazes.

Fidgeting with her hands in her lap, Roseline glanced around the vast council chamber. Several nobles dressed in black stood out—likely families of knights who had perished in the marquisate. Marquis Schnitzel also wore a black formal suit; while she appeared composed and dignified, her strangely sunken eyes and parched lips unnervingly drew attention.

Just as Roseline tilted her head in thought—

“His Imperial Majesty approaches. All rise and present your respects.”

A solemn voice echoed through the chamber, and the murmuring crowd fell silent at once.