Spoiler The Impact Of The Villainess’ Fake Marriage On The Ending | 악녀의 위장 결혼이 결말에 미치는 영향

RegisteredToAskAThing · Jul 25, 2022

Official Novel Raws:
Series Naver
Author:권도하
NovelUpdates: Novel
Artist: N/A [Novel]
Year: 2022
Genre: Romance, Fantasy
Status: 84 Chapters (On going) [Novel]
Description:
It’s been eight years since she possessed Adeline, the ‘villainess’ in a book called 〈 Beyond Orange 〉.
In order to end this tiresome possession, she tried to create the ending of being killed by the male protagonist— exactly as the book says.
However, at the masquerade ball where the male and female protagonists should fall in love, the male protagonist asked Adeline for a dance?
The male protagonist, whom she should never be involved with, is interested in Adeline, and even offered her a contract marriage…

***

Although she even lied to the male protagonist, who doesn’t seem to intend to act the way he did in the original work, saying that he would die if he married her,
“Adeline.”
But the moment Adeline turned around, Kael’s low, abating voice caught her.
“If there is not the slightest lie in what you said.”

“…”

“I will make you my wife, by all means.”
Something was going astonishingly wrong.

Spoiler Curator · Jul 25, 2022

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Table of Contents

Chapter 100 spoiler

Chapter 250 spoiler

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Tmicharie · Jul 26, 2022

Wow by the synopsis it looks interesting

asagisora · Nov 18, 2022

Another isekai novel. I swore I’ll never read something like this, but ended up reading it anyway
Btw this is free on naver up to chapter 107 (currently 117 chapter available)
Story ends at chapter 117

The ML is attracted to FL because she’s not like every other young lady in the empire. She’s indifferent to him. He likes that side of her because he needs a contract marriage partner.

however, since she’s not someone belong to this world, she longed death (OG Kael & OG Vanessa fell in love, OG Adeline killed OG Vanessa so she got death penalty). She’s quite frustrated about the whole situation where everything is not going according to the OG storyline.

plot twist: it's all a lie

Aqua_the_idiot · Aug 12, 2022

I have read 4 chapters and I am interested very much! spoilers pls

asagisora · Nov 19, 2022

I’ll add more summaries in the future

Adeline and her brothers organize a debutante ball for their second cousin, Sophia. But an unexpected guest came, it’s the crown prince. And he stated that he came because he has something to talk about with Adeline. She’s so confused. In the original story, the prince and Kael had a confrontation over a woman, but it was towards the protagonist, Vanessa, not her.

Suddenly another guest entered the building. Someone other than the crown prince who never came to any aristocrat’s party, Kael.
At one point, while mumbling to herself to ease her bewilderment, Adeline sprained her ankle because Kael suddenly approached from her back. Some gossip ladies, and Vanessa herself, misunderstand the situation where Kael kneeled in front of Adeline as proposal event.

Adeline brush off Kael, ignoring the stinging pain on her feet, and went for Vanessa. Turns out, in such short time she already spread some nasty gossip to counter the rumor about Kael and Adeline’s relationship.

Vanessa in the original work was a young girl with a reputation as being no less than a saint. But in this timeline, she just realized Vanessa was the villain and Adeline was the female lead. Our hilarious FL grabbed Vanessa’s hand happily and told her to keep doing whatever she’s doing. Kael overheard this and he laughed out loud, surprising everyone in the corridor. The smile that settled down on his gorgeous face, was so cool that everyone looked at it with awe.

Kael asked with a bright voice to Adeline if she hated the idea of being involved with him so much, and later asked Sophia for a dance in front of those many people (giving favor to Adeline because earlier she said to Kael that she didn’t want to stole Sophia’s spotlight with all of this gossip).

After Sofia's debut, the capital was turned upside down. The gossip about Kael and Adeline spreads wider. Zion, Kael’s closest friend warn him that his plan of contract marriage is absurd and he believe someday Kael will meet his true love. But Kael insisted because Adeline is a perfect candidate, and she’s so fun to deal with.
At that time the crown prince came to Kael’s place. The crown prince is in a bad term with Kael. The emperor favorites Kael who’s a war hero and wished he was his son instead. While the crown prince doesn’t have political sense and keep making disappointing choice over time. His jealosy towards Kael led him to keep him in check and Kael knew this.

Crown prince asked about the gossip and ordered that he should cancel his engagement towards Adeline because he will consider the union of those two family as treason. While they’re having mind battle, suddenly the door opened and Adeline entered. Her sudden visit made the crown prince leave with rage.

Kael was amused at Adeline’s visit and but it didn’t last long. She gave him a special bouquet for his favour at Sophia’s ball. She secretly sprayed a magic potion for Kael to hate her on those flowers beforehand. Kael knew, snatched the bouquet and inhaled it, saying it won’t affect him no matter what.

Using a magic potion to move someone’s heart is against the law. While Adeline is in a panic state, Kael’s still relaxed. He offered her to sign the contract or he will report her to the authority. She stubbornly asked him to go ahead make the report. He then too offer to tell the secret why he’s immune to the potion, while seemingly enjoying the situation.

Adeline set aside her anger and finally asked about contents of the contract. He said he just want her as a Duchess in the name. She doesn’t have to live with him in the north, she can live anywhere, and can have as many side guy as she wants while luxuriate his wealth and status. He only has two condition: don’t expect his love and don’t fall in love with him. Adeline was so shocked because there’s no way Kael and Vanessa would ended up together as they sould have.

Out of curiosity he asked her why would she want to run away from him so much. And she desprately lied that she can predict the future a little bit, that he would die if he married her. He asked for proof, and she remembered one detail from the book of this world that the emperor will die on the day the red moon rise. It was tonight. Zion delivered the news while Adeline prepared to going back. Knowing she’s telling the truth, Kael called her and said that if she’s being honest about the future, he will marry her no matter what. It is his long wish to die and end this suffocating life.

*) Such emo couple. Both of them wished to die

The lie, which she thought was the last step to push Kael away, turned out to be a way to solidify his will. Not long, the crown prince’s invitation for a meeting came. She also saw a book in her room where it’s title is the same as the book where’s she’s posessed (Beyond Orange), but the contents is different. All added Adeline’s confusion.

Her sister in law, Teresa (Enoch Tien’s wife) came home with Vanessa’s carriage because her wagon broke. Vanesa tagged along and asked for a private conversation with Adeline. Adeline, hoping she could find the key to turning all these things to the OG storyline, agreed.

The conversation didn’t end up well. Vanessa thinks Adeline ridiculed her when she instructed how to attract Kael is by pretending not showing any interest towards him. Kael’s subordinate Zion, came and delivered a white flower bouquet for Adeline. Vanessa run out of the mansion with tears in her eyes.

At the princess tea party, this time Kael also showed up out of the blue. The ladies already talked how the Dukes’s eyes were all over Adeline.
Adeline went to a quieter place, which is the lake. Kael catches up with her, Adeline started arguing all over again about their relationship. But he emphasize what he had said last time; he’ll make her his wife. Their body move closer automatically as their argument heated.
Little did she know they already had quite large audience, some of guests who was frantic to see what kind of conversation Cael and Adeline had. One of them is Vanessa.
Vanssa purposively throw her body to the lake. Adeline is late to realize that Vanessa meant for Kael to save her, and already ran and save her by herself.

Both girls’ clothes are drenched in water, Kael put his jacket on Adeline. The princess immediately take them to the palace and changed their clothes.
Later at Tien’s mansion, Teresa teased how Adeline acted more like a gentleman than a lady. She also brought up how The Duke treated her. The whole social world was looking at Cael and Adeline with heart-filled eyes, but Adeline knew Cael wanted Adeline purely out of necessity.

When Enoch (her older brother) heard the news, he was furious about Adeline’s action. All these time, Adeline continuously tried to end her own life. The brothers, including Enoch, has been through a lot. For them, the moment Adeline became ill or in danger was terribly traumatic.

—

Adeline went to a bookstore to solve the mistery of Beyond Orange. When she tried to reach for the book, Kael helped her and grabbed the book.

The book is so famous. Nearly everyone in the Empire has read it, even Kael himself. It’s about the story of Sir Colin’s. Adeline thinks it is confusing for the protagonist of the possessed book to read a book with the same name, and it’s even worse because Beyond Orange that exists in this world seems to be only an adventure story, not a love story.
Shion suddenly called at him and told him that some urgent matter came up. Kael seems to has an interest towards the very same book. He bought every copy of it and leave the store before Adeline could ask anything.

—

There’s a tribe that inhabit the Northern Land. They’re called The Black People of the north (?)
*(it’s written as 북쪽의 흑족에게 in the novel).
And Leo, one of Adeline’s brother who is a Fidel knight commander, was kidnapped by them while carrying order from the crown prince. The crown prince purposively planned everything beforehand, and refused to send rescue because he wanted to lure Adeline to come. He had an eye on her since he knew Kael had an interest towards her. He again threaten Adeline about the possiblity of treason (he wants Adeline to marry him instead).
Adeline, seeiing her precious brother’s life in the line, hurriedly goes to the duke’s castle.

Adeline told Kael that she will sign the marriage contract if he saved her brother first. Kael questioned her reason about betraying the crown prince. It doesn’t make sense to him why would she refuse the chance to stay away from him like she initially did, secure a higher position by being the future empress and by so, will automatically saved her brother.
Adeline realizes Kael wants to balance the scale, so she answered she hate a cowardice more than anything (she’s talking about the crown prince). Kael already knew her situation, rescued Leo and transported him right there in his own castle beforehand. Crown prince might not know this truth yet, because Kael used a magic portal, so everything can be done in a short time.

He brings up her promise, Adeline added one condition: If she fell in love with him, the contract ended. She’s still determined to reach the OG ending. Everything else can go out of the flow, but she still wanted to be killed by him and end this posession no matter what. She secretly plans to make everyone believe she’s madly in love with Kael in the future.

Kael asked her reason again. And she said he wanted a women who won’t fall in love with him, so if she did, she would be useless. Kael cycnically accept it and said that he can conjecture her plan. He knew she still wanted to get away from him. They still deal the contract and called each other by their name. Each party confidently think will win their own goal.

*) I know.. story is a little idiotic at this point, AND it gets worse next chapters

Crown Prince called Kael to the Palace and confronted him for thwartening his plan and that proceeding their marriage is a treason. Kael make excuse that The Black People is too powerful eve for the Fidel Knight’s Commander and should’ve sent him instead if the mission is real as he is more familiar with the northern border. Kael realized Crown Prince’s inferiority is more serious than he thought, so he warned him that everyone in the Tien family already knew about his plan towards Adeline and that there is no noble family in the world who is completely loyal to someone who deliberately put a member of their family into a trap.

Kael said to crown prince not to make unnecessary enemies especially from the south and north since he will ascend the throne very soon (at his weakest times) and warned him not to play with Adeline and not to covet what’s his.

—

Adeline was back in her mansion and reading romance novels to practice how to behave as someone who fell in love, because she has never experienced it before.
It’s the day of the new emperor’s coronation ceremony where Leo deliberately attended with a body that had not yet fully healed to sent a reminder to the emperor of what he had done and Tien family will never forget.

After the ceremony, there’s a ball as the last event. Some ladies attending noticed that somehow the emperor is aways looking towards Adeline. Usually emperor dance with the empress, but the current emperor doesn’t have a spouse, so anyone who is still unmarried could be his first dancing partner—including Adeline.
The emperor ednded up asking Adeline for a dance but she rejects him (the audience roared at the blatant refusal) but Kael appeared and backed her stating that she’s his fiance now, suddenly making that moment shifted as his engangement announcement.

The emperor, saving his face, tried pretending nothing was wrong and asked another young lady to dance instead. Everyone is now focused to Adeline and Kael anyway.

Enoch Tien called them to a hidden space at the back of the corrider for a talk. As soon as the emperor’s dance was over, Adeline and Enoch headed there first and they both start arguing about the sudden engagement and he’s absolutely against it. Leo and Simeon eventually joined the argument, and they agree with Enoch.

That’s when Kael came in. The brother’s thanked him for saving Leo’s life but they don’t approve the marriage. Leo suddenly realized something and asked if this marriage has anything to do with him saving his life. Adeline cut the conversation off with denying the fact and explained that she’s in love with the grand duke. She did this on purpose because she knew Leo will make this marriage impossible to happen if he finds out she sold her happiness to save him.

—

Kael and Adeline avoiding the brothers for the rest of the event by walking in the garden where she ascaped after Kael first asked her to dance. She said to Kael Enoch might invite him to their place and asked him to make her brothers believe that she’s in love with him, because they would never believe her because of her history of rejecting every espousal talks. He agreed and thinks that task would be interesting and laughed.

Enoch did invite Kael to their house. He came with endless procession of luxurious gifts, even for the brothers. He talked intimately with all of them, but they seemed to not want to share any light words with him. After meal Enoch started the discussion. They all pestering him with questions. Kael told Simeon that Adeline is the only women in his life that he’s ever interested in. And for Enoch and Leo who asked about his wedding plan and if he will take Adeline to the north, he said that he will do whatever Adeline wants, even if she wanted to stay at the Marquese’s estate after wedding.

Simeon asked If they eventually won’t live together, why does he want to marry their sister. Kael answered because he want to spend the rest of his days as a couple with Adeline and want to ask her to stay with him. But as everyone know, the northern part is a bitter place and outsiders can't adapt easily. He doesn’t want Adeline to fight hard circumstances because of her marriage as Adeline’s happiness and peace are of the utmost importance to him.

Adeline admired his act. But Simeon replied that the duke could love adeline with all his heart, but they all agreed that Adeline doesn’t feel the same and they couldn’t help but doubt wether there’s transaction made behind the scenes. They still have no intention of accepting the marriage despite the answer shook them fr a moment.
—
They were out to see Kael off. Kael want to have a conversation with Adeline alone before leaving. Enoch feels reluctant but he couldn’t reject a courtesy, so the brothers went inside first with noticeably slow step.

He thinks they both get along well, but Adeline is unsatisfied and think it’s not enough for their plan. So Kael took Adelines hand and pulled her closer and wishper that he saw her brothers are secretly watching them from inside the mansion, and this is their chance for an act. She kissed him on the cheek and said goodbye. He mocked her said it wont affect much, so he kissed her on the lips. He said she should see him off like this next time. Then he got into the carriage. Somehow she thinks this is a perfect victory for Kael.

The next morning, the three brothers arguing over the fact that Adeline kissed Kael on the cheek yesterday and if what’s she confessed is true. And while Enoch an Simeon didn’t see what would happened next, Leo witnessed Kael kised Adeline back on her lips. They didn’t want to accept if Adeline is really in love with the duke.

Adeline later came and talk to the brothers calmly as if nothing happened. They’re wondering if the kissing scene is just a natural thing for her and if it was done often.

Little did they knew Adeline herself was all over the place. She hardly had enough sleep last night and when she did fell asleep, she was kissing Kael again in her dream. And when she’s awake, the soft feeling of his lips is still vivid.

—

Later that day, she went to the Imperial Palace escorted by her brothers to attend the biggest martial arts competition following the coronation ceremony. The competition ended with Sona’s Uta (? *not sure for the name ) as the winner. As the emperor handed a famous sword as the price, Uta stated that he want something more as a prize and asked Kael to duel.
Everyone thinks this is an interesting development, and the emperor approved it. But Adeline panicked.

Although Kael made an excuse that he didn’t prepare an outfit or weapon for a duel, the emperor dismissed him by saying a compliment mixed with mockery. Kael ended up accepting the challenge, unaffected by it. With all the nobles watching he couldn’t disobey the emperor, started to take his shirt off, and strode up to the podium. The emperor suddenly changed the rule of the tournament from wooden sword to permitting actual sword — which Kael think as funny and absurd as it continue highlighting his inferiority complex.

The duel begins. But Uta is too strong, which surprised Kael because he deliberately suppress his power when facing another human being. Then, the duel turned dangerous because not long it’s revealed that Uta isn’t even an actual human, which should’t be in the tournament in the first place. He’s later turned to his actual form — The Black Tribe (they could transform to human form). He has scales, wings, and his blood which splattered could kill another human being. But Kael was immune — to everyone surprise, and after waiting for the guards taking the emperor to a safer place, he killed Uta with his actual power. And now everyone knew what he’s capable of.

As to his prediction, even if he saved everyone’s lives, what follows is the gaze of fear and disgust. It might hurt if someone is going through the same situation, but Kael remained calm. He’s suddenly thinking about Adeline and if she’s okay, but then hestitated because he’s almost certain that she will be disgusted of him too. But as he goes down from the platfom, Adeline approached. He tried to stop her because his soaking with the creature’s blood. But what she did after is beyond expectation; she wiped blood on his face with a handkerchief and said that white or blue suits him better than red (she referenced to his eyes and skin). He laughed because it was the most perfect consolation for all of these situation.

As soon as they returned to Tien’s mansion, Enoch approached Adeline. It was because she looked dazed the whole time after breaking up with Cael and getting into the carriage. But Adeline excuse herself, told him that she wanted to rest.

In her room she pondered abot her last conversation with Kael. She’s curious about his state and the story behind his super power. Why are people seemed to be afraid of him? But how he looked so lonely moved her heart. When he approached him, she was sure he’s quite agitated. Especially after every step she took, the hem of her dress was soaked by the creature’s blood. But in the end, Kael thanked her with a sweet low pitched tone without any hint of his usual coldness.

While she dicussed with her maid to throw away her ruined favorite dress (because the creature’s blood can’t be washed off), there’s suddenly a knock at the window where a big bird is carrying a package. When she oppened it there’s a luxurious dress with the same colour as her ruined one. No name was written by the sender, but she could tell right away that it’s Kael. After that, Enoch came to her room and gave permission for her to marry Kael, because after what happened, the 3 brothers seemed to believe that she and Kael indeed loved each other.

Adeline is at Lady Rosa’s party. It's been less than a day since the martial arts competition, but so much has happened in between. Enoch allowed the marriage, the story of Kael's brilliant swordsmanship who defeated The Black Tribe, and Adeline's wiping his blood is a great saga and was spread throughout the capital. The leadies are chatting with Adeline and Kael’s relationship as their main topic.
Lady Rosa invited a fortune teller and they demand Adeline to receive divination. She hesitated, but the fortune teller was faster.

The fortune teller said Adeline are living a life surrounded by lies, too many gray clouds around her that some clouds are made by herself. She defined those clouds as light with no malice whatsoever, but she made a sad expression while saying that the other clouds that cling to her needs to be cleared and she should face the truth behind it. If she wanted to live with the clouds as it is, it’s up to her. But she should remember to not believe what she thinks she knows.

Adeline made an appointment with Kael at his place (a mansion near the capital). She came as soon as Rosa’s party ended. The butler told her that he’s in the study room. She later found him asleep in the sofa. She murmured while bowing slightly, that she wanted too look at his sleeping face. but since his arm blocked the sight, she said it’s a pity and she’ll leave. While Her face was still too close to him, he suddenly lowered his arm, showing his eyes wide open — like he wasn’t asleep in the first place. Their eyes met. She was embarassed, but Kael seems relaxed. He smiled and pointed to the seat next to him where she should sit down.

Adeline then told him about her brother’s marriage approval. Kael was surprised at first, but she explained the scene after he wins the duel looked like to everyone; they looked sweet together. Relieved, he later ask wether she likes the dress he sent. She replied that she liked the dress. While they’re smiling at each other, she pointed out if the brothers now really think that she loves Kael, does Kael think the same?— she’s trying to test the water.

However, his gaze on Adeline was unusual. A sad expression appeared on his face, as if he could see what Adeline was thinking right now. He then said that he accepted her clause to let her go if one day she fall in love with him was because he already knew she will never fall in love with him in the first place, instead he was sure she would try to deceive him from time to time as much as she can. He said he will let her tell those lies whenever she want, but he will know wether it’s the truth or not. And he will let her know too. Because he has a “mysterious tool”.

He opened a jewelry box and gave her a diamond ring. Seeing the ring, She lost in thought. In the original story, Adeline was caught while trying to poison Vanessa. and Kael, who lost his temper, interrogated her directly. Kael stabbed Adeline in the arm until she screamed endlessly. and after that, as if it was not worth fighting for, he immediately killed Adeline. She thinks that original ending is what she really want, and felt strange to accept his fake kindness. She suddenly remember what the fortune teller said, and to not trust anyone. She accept the ring, he looked at it intently with a serious face. The ring magically adjust to her finger. Before leaving she told him to keep his promise to let her go after confirming her love with whatever tool he has. She wanted the play end as it is.

Kael’s Butler and Zion are preparing the mansion’s decoration to welcome Tien family’s visit. Zion, out of excitement, already addressed Adeline as The Grand Duchess of Inver. Kael tried to stop him, but Zion persist over the fact that Kael smiled more often these days and even laughed. He said he wanted Kael admit his own feelings. Also it is also unusual that Adeline who comes to Kael without fear. He will pray that the two of them will truly love and stay by each other’s side for a long time, no matter how Kael responds.

Deep inside Kael also questions Adeline’s actions. Vero came and stopped him from his contemplation. Zion is described as Kael’s right arm moving in thelight, while Vero is his left arm moving in the dark. So only few people aware of Vero’s existence.

He reported that he checked all the places that he commanded, also about observing various races beyod the northern border. He then asked about the incident at the tournament. It’s then revealed that he was ordered by Kael to guard his majesty secretly al these time, also that Vero is also proficient in various black magic and medicine, and that he’s responsible to check up on Kael’s wound which no one ever knew except Kael and himself.

While it doesn’t seem to affect Kael phisically, the aftermath of the creature’s blood towards Kael made his wound grew bigger. There were already so many wounds on Kael's back beforehand. It’s so hideous, someone could mistake it as the back of a slave, not the back of an archduke. The biggest wound among them is a dark red scar on Cael's left shoulder. That wound periodically tormented Kael the most.

Vero then excuse himself and promised that he will be back in three days with remedies. He also congratulate Kael for his upcoming wedding, and that he sincerely wished for his happiness.
—
Left alone feeling cynical at the word ‘happiness’, Kael then found his magical music box in his study. It has secret magic that it will reflect the heart of the person wearing the ring he gave to Adeline. So if She truly loves him, the tightly locked music box will open and play a certain song. But for now, The music box is firmly locked. he grinned and thinks that just as she’s confident that she can deceive him, he’s also confident that she will never love him.
Kael left the room.

The dinner between the two families at Kael's mansion ended well in a much more developed atmosphere compared to the first meeting, and the wedding date was set three weeks later. It felt a bit rushed, but Adeline wanted to get married at the capital so Simeon can be asigned as their wedding officiant (he’s unable to travel because of his duty at the temple), and so Enoch and Leo too could attend before their departure t the eastern estate. Everything were done with great urgency.

One week after, Adeline an Kael accidentally met while horseback riding at her favorite meadow, a secluded area far from other nobles mansion so anyone rarely came there. Kael ask her for a match, and she agreed. Adeline lost the match in the end but he could see that she’s good at it.

From time to time, Adeline made Kael laugh at her unexpected expressions or just simple stories, like how the wedding preparations made her exhausted. They then talked about estate where they came from. The northern part is a barren land with no green plain like in the capital. The whole expanse of land is a wasteland. While the Tien family’s estate is in the coastline that embraces the easternmost border where beautiful sunrise can be seen everyday. She explained it with an expression which Kael couldn’t takes off his eyes from. It was the brightest appearance of Adeline that he had seen so far. Cael quietly engraved current Adeline into his memory.

Watching her like this, he thought that her appearance was exactly like the East Coast. The bright, warm sunlight of the East spread throughout the empire. Cool sea with warm sun. That was the symbol of the East. Adeline's exceptionally bright yellow blonde hair seemed to capture the sunlight from the east, and the cool smile on the corner of her lips is the deep blue of the east’s sea.

He had no intention of taking her to the North, but watching her like this made him think that she’s a person who did not fit at all with the North. The moment he faced the cold northern blizzard, he saw Adeline dying. However, when he clearly drew the line by telling Adeline that he won’t stay any second longer at the capital and will go straight back to the north after the wedding, she gave an answer Kael didn’t expect at all. She want to go with him.

Kael asked if what she said is true, as if he had heard it wrong. Contrary to Kael, Adeline’s expression was calm. She actively explained why she had to go. She said if she’s going to live by the title Dutchess of the North, even if Kael gave her no obligation to do her duty, she should at least stay in the north.

Ignoring embarrassment and regret growing inside her, she’s determined because she had only one reason for going to the north. To succeed in pretending fall in love so their marriage could break. To do that at least she had to stick with him.

Kael warned her about the extreme weather where he sure of she couldn’t stand, and also that it is not a place for her to follow blindly just to stick with him just for breaking the contract. Adeline was shocked, it’s as if Kael could read her mind.

She said it’s a misunderstanding, she continue her argument and added that she eventually will love the northern land andthat she’s quite curious about it. How does it looks like and are the people who live there similar to Kael. The answer sounds sincere so Kel started to give in. He suddenly remembers the moment she wiped his bloodied face withe her handkerchief. The atmosphere is similar. Truth is, it complicates his mind. After quietly looking at Adeline, Kael nodded his head.

Meanwhile, in Adeline’s mind, she didn’t want him to know about her mission.
—
After dawn, Adeline received a call from Simeon and went to the temple. After a brief moment, their conversation turned serious. Simeon placed a necklace in Adeline's hand. It’s a gold necklace with a pendant with blue gems. He explained that it’s a relic of The Holy of Light which can blocks the energy of darkness. The gem contains strong divine power.

Simeon told her the biggest reason why he opposed the marriage of Archduke Inver and her is different from the reasons of the other brothers. The fact is, he can feel the curse of darkness emitted from the Archduke.

Simeon had high divine power among the priests. So, if he said felt something, there was a high probability he really had detected that darkness. He said she should be careful, the energy will be more powerful than she could imagine. He wanted her to always wear the necklace.

She suddenly feels her plan will be hard to achieve.

Adeline and Theresa are at Madame Elsa’s boutique. Adeline is trying her wedding dresses. However her mind keeps wandering. Simeon said he excuded dark curses, and the fact even though he’s covered in the black creature’s blood, he looked fine, while Kael himself said he wanted to die. Does it all related?

While they put a red rose coloured off-shoulder dress on Adeline, Kael suddenly was seen standing at the entrance of the dressing room. Everybody quickly left, Theresa barely hiding the smile that spread across her lips.

He aplogized and said that he came because he had something to share with her about the wedding (the amount of money she should spend—way more than she could expect, because it should highlight her position as The Grand Duchess of Inver). At one moment, Adeline, who was talking through the mirror, was about to turn to look at Kael. Her sudden movement pulled the fabric on the chest side of her dress, the back straps loosened slightly. There’re no maids to help and she seemed too startled to call for one. Kael suddenly came closer to her. His large hand grabbed the flowing red string. Adeline looked at his reflection in the mirror with trembling eyes. Carefully and gently, the string was tightened.

Kael treated Adeline very dearly. His attitude was evident through his hand that was passed through the string. Adeline couldn't say anything. It was even more embarrassing than when the string suddenly loosened and her dress almost fell. He asked if she felt uncomfortble somewhere.

Then, after some time had passed, she regained her composure and thanked Kael. She felt weird. The cold atmosphere around him remains the same, his emotionless expression remains the same, and his blue-gray eyes that resemble winter remain the same. But he came right behind her back, the cool scent, and the touch through the string all felt different to her.

Kael excuse himself, smiled and said that the dress looked good on her. The low-pitched voice left the word floating in her ears and then completely disappeared. Adeline stood still after he left the dressing room.

Theresa an all the boutique’s worker came in not long after and they asked what happened because her cheeks already turned red.

Adeline came down from the room to the hall on the first floor and what waits for her was the busiest and most hectic moment of the Marquis Thien’s mansion she had ever seen in her entire life. Theresa told her to check the guests invitation list. Even though guests from both families had been filtered several times, it’s still enormous. Considering this wedding is union of these two families, there were a lot of people who were invited to the wedding and wanted to make a mark.

Adeline remembered the original wedding of Cael and Vanessa from the book. It was full of admiration, magnificent and beautiful wedding that will go down in the history of the empire. While she was thinking, Vanessa and her brother's name on the list caught her eye. Originally, it was Adeline who fell in love at the grand wedding and watched Kael and Vanessa. It was her initial role. But now, Adeline and Vanessa’s role have been reversed. The most talked-about topic in the current empire, the main character of the wedding who also shares the ring with Kael, and became the Grand Duchess Of Inver is Adeline, not Vanessa.

She has no intention of changing the story’s contents, not to mention her strong will to make the same ending as the original. But she’s still afraid of the possiblity taht everything would be completely differ from what Adeline knew, that includes the ending. The moment she thought that she could just make Kael kill her, she remembered when he tied the laces on her dress. It felt strange to remember the gentle touch.

Adeline shook her head and made up her mind. It didn't matter how sweet or soft Kael's hand was. Because the outcome of him killing Adeline shouldn't be changed. Adeline took a deep breath and closed her eyes.

—-

Tien’s Family having a gloomy dinner, which the brothyer considered it as the last night of Adeline as a young girl. Teresa joined and knock some sense into the brother’s head. Teresa had been watching Tien's siblings since childhood. Because of her cool and spirited personality, she often led those four siblings suntill she ended up married to Enoch. After that, sometimes she act more like the head of the family rather than sister in law.

The brothers said they’re always wish for her happiness and that if anything happens, she can always rely on them. They promised they will immediately punish anyone who bullies her and she can even asks for divorce if necessay. That made Adeline think if Kael kills her, what would her family do? She thanked them. All Adeline could do now is praying for their happiness with all her heart. And when the moment comes when she has to leave, she hoped they can forgive her. Adeline prayed and prayed over and over again while surrounded by her family with warm smiles.

——-

The wedding day came.

Kael and Adeline’s story is indeed the most talked one in the history of the Empire. As proof of this fact, the front of the Grand Sanctuary was more crowded than ever. Not only the aristocrats who were invited, but also the commoners who heard the story flocked and watched with curious eyes.

Adeline, already wearing a wedding dress, chatted with Theresa while waiting for her bouquet to arive. Her maid later came and everyone in the waiting room let out their exclamation. As soon as the box was opened, it is revealed that the bouquet Kael sent was made of white and blue roses from the north, which he had given as a gift before. Blue roses are difficult to obtain, so even the imperial family cannot supply them. But the precious roses in front of Adeline were woven into bundles.

Adeline stared at the blue and white bouquet without saying anything. Everyone was busy admiring how romantic it was, but Adeline, who knew all the facts, only feel burdened. It was him who offered the marriage contract, thinking that Adeline would never love him. The bouquet is more like a means to reveal what the 'Duchess of Inver' can enjoy. 'But if he purposively revealing it like this, it will be easier to act as if I’m falling in love. It might be over sooner than I expected.' Adeline looked at the blue rose and remembered the end of the contract. She didn't mean to think of wearing a wedding dress on the wedding day, but Adeline was the one who had to end this marriage anyway.

Enoch entered the room, clearly on the verge of breaking his tears. He said it's time to get ready and that he will guide her. Adeline and Enoch's eyes met, he smiled warmly and held out his arms to Adeline, who followed him smiling and slowly folded her arms forward. They walked until the end of the very long Virgin Road.

Adeline's gaze is fixed on Kael, who’s waiting for her in front of the altar. With each step she took, Kael got closer. In a white uniform for the wedding, he looked great today. The black hair that was swept up differently than usual, the beautiful features that are exceptionally clear and intense, she couldn't take her eyes off. It was the same with Kael, who’s staring at her. He looked at Adeline as if he was possessed by something.

If Zion, who was standing next to him, hadn't given a signal, Kael would still watching so blankly that he would have been unable to offer his hand to Adeline. It was as if his mind wandered somewhere else. He seemed too stunned to see her approaching with bright yellow blonde hair that looked as if it had been soaked in sunlight and wearing a pure white wedding dress.

Kael, who barely came to his senses, moved forward, and his met Enoch's eyes. The two didn't talk much, but just by looking at each other was enough to share their feelings. Enoch slowly gave Adeline's hand to Kael. When only the two of us were left on the end of the virgin road, our eyes met for a moment. Neither Cael nor Adeline could easily part their lips. They were mesmerazid at the sight of each other that they had never seen before.

They both complimented each other’s appearence. The two slowly climbed the stairs and stood side by side in front of the altar. The wedding started with the words of the high priest. Several vows were exchanged, wedding rings were exchanged, and the high priest's splendid blessings followed. After the declaration announcing the end of the ceremony, all the guests who were seated got up and poured out thunderous applause. Cheers also poured out among the northerners who had been under Kael’s authority for a long time.

Then the priest said to end the ceremony with a beautiful kiss.

At the high priest's words, both Kael and Adeline's eyes widened. Usually, after the priest testified that the bride and groom were married, they had to kiss before leaving. Both Kael and Adeline had completely forgotten about it, but it was an unmistakable tradition. Even if it's just a contractual marriage.

Their two pairs of eyes looked at each other with their eyes fluttering wildly. There was no way to escape. Adeline's eyes widened as they exchanged glances in embarrassment. They were just staring at each other without saying a word, but it felt like she could hear what Kael gonna say.

His blue-grey eyes were asking for consent. Adeline nodded her head slightly, as if possessed by the strange experience she had experienced for the first time in her life. Then Kael, who smiled lightly, bowed carefully. Adeline slowly closed her eyes.
The moment their lips met, cheers that could not be compared to before poured out. When their lips moved apart after a light kiss and their eyes met, Adeline fully realized the marriage. Now she’s really married to Kael. In everybody’s eyes, they’re the most perfect couple. Even though at that moment Adeline is hoping for the story to end, and both are hoping for their own death.

After the grand wedding ceremony, a reception was held at Cael's mansion. Not only was the spacious garden beautifully decorated, but also the conservatory of the Archduke Inver, one of the most famous of the capital, was opened. The reputation of it’s beauty has been rumoured, but for half a century, the door was locked and closed tightly. However, news broke that Cael was opening the greenhouse for the reception, and the nobles of the capital, who were still eager to be invited, tried very hard to be there

Adeline ran away from people’s eyes for a little bit and she wanted to go to a place where she can be alone. She said to herself that if only her dress was more plain, she could’ve hide easily. But suddenly a voice answered her that it would’ve been the same even if the dress was more plain. It was Kael.

What Kael felt about the reception was no different. He was exhausted from dealing with numerous nobles who rushed to him for all kinds of political purposes. He tried to see how Adeline’s been doing, and at that moment he saw Adeline escaping out of the greenhouse and followed her.

She asked why did he followed her.
He suddenly had to rethink why did he followed her. He initially just wanted to check on Adeline, and followed her impulsively. Really, there was no reason. If he had to find a reason, it was about the feeling of 'he want to talk to Adeline'. He wanted to say something, but that didn't mean he had to say something. It was the first time Kael had ever experienced it.

He then answers nonchalantly that she seems tired after all the preparations. Fortunately, Adeline didn't notice anything unusual. He then tell her that one of his men will find them soon and drag them back inside. And he was right, Zion came and told Kael that His Majesty was looking for him.

Kael went, Adeline was left Alone. That’s when Vanessa approached her. Vanessa did not appear at any social gatherings for a while. So Adeline was initially concerned but they eventually praised each other’s apperance. Vanessa also asked for Adeline’s forgiveness after her disrespect, and that she have given up all her feelings for Kael.

Adeline was so confused. It’s not easy to decide whether Vanessa's words were sincere, but she receive Vanessa’s gift anyway. Inside the box, the brooch she gave her was in the shape of a yellow freesia made of amber. And the yellow freesia was the flower that the real princess gave as a warning to the fake princess who took the queen's place in the book Beyond Orange.

After that, Adeline could not fully concentrate on the reception even when everyone held their breath as they admiring how Cael and Adeline dancing waltz. What happened earlier with Vanessa didn't seem like a coincidence. Moreover, freesia was not a flower commonly used as a model for ornaments. She wonders if she probably knew about Adeline’s posession.

Adeline seemed very tense even when the night came and her maid prepared her for the couple’s first night. The maid thought she was anxious about it. She was so lost in thought and after the maid has gone she just realized how thin her chemise was, revealing her overall silhouette and body curves.

Fortunately she brought Kael’s jacket from the lake incident, intended to return it. But because of the situation, she uses the jacket to cover herself. When she felt relieved after making sure her body was fully covered (almost eaten up by the big jacket), Kael came into the room wearing a comfy white shirt. She was so flustered and her words explaining her state to Kael came out like rapid train. Kael calmed her and tell her to breathe and talk slowly.

He change the mood by inviting her for a drink. Adeline quickly became drunk after a few talks so he took away the wine bottle. After that, she feels a little hot so she took off the jacket she’s wearing, revealing her body line from the tight chemise. Kael tried to look away and put the jacket back. But Adeline walked away and threw herself on the sofa and fell asleep.

Kael hestitated, but evetually carry her to the bed. He sat on the chair beside her, lost track of time while watching her sleep till morning came.

Adeline bathed in a hot tub. She couldn’t remember what happened last night. The maids who attend her have weird expressions. She knew they couldn’t find any sign of a night spent between her and Kael. Especially since they’re the Empire’s most sensational love story. If rumors circulate that the Grand Duke and his wife, actually don't spend their first night, then this marriage will be shaken up more easily. Back then Vanessa spread rumours about Adeline forcing Kael into relationship by threats, if the maids added more rumour, suspicion about this marriage will arose. Vanessa will get sympathy from people, and Adeline will be pushed away. It’s kinda similar to the original plot. She then told the maids to remove the foam from her tub so they could see her untouched body more clearly.

—-

Kael was deliberately avoiding Adeline for the whole day. He was so shocked at himself because his weird feelings towards her. When they finally met inside the carriage which will take them to the north, she’s asking what happened last night. She looked annoyed when he teased her that he did made a mistake. He thinks her expressions are interesting, even in a drunk state. He apologized and said that he was only joking. He gave her advice to adjust her drinking speed to avoid such incident in the future. They then stopped talking and immersed in their own thoughts.

Adeline was sleeping after some time. Kael noticed she seemed uncomfortable, so he move to her side. Her head rested to his shoulder where she could sleep soundly. Even when the wagon suddenly stopped and Zion reported that the wheels need to be fixed, she’s still unbothered. Zion looked happy at the sight and started teasing Kael. Adeline was the first woman to stir Kael emotions. When he wanted to laugh at himself, he suddenly heard a familiar low terrible voice wich he could never forget for the rest of his life.

[...] Until then, struggle with that pain... … … … It will not be easily allowed.]

Kael clenched his teeth, trying to erase the memory of pain. His heart, which had been melting little by little by Adeline, became cold again

It has been 3 weeks. Adeline refused the offer to take a rest at the nearest village, because the end of the journey is near. Their destination is only half a day ahead, so for the people in the march who must have accumulated a lot of fatigue, It is much better to move quickly and get to their destination as soon as possible than to stop and increase the time spent on the journey. She said to Kael to put everyone else first than considering her condition.

But she later regretted her decision because both Kael and Zion are looking at her with awe.

—-

Night came. Outside, colorful aurora embroidered the pitch black sky. Everyone stopped for a while. Kael holding Adeline’s hand, they both got out from the carriage. He explained that in the north, aurora is called Isis and that since ancient times has been regarded as a gift from the goddess of rainbow. The moment she encountered Aurora for the first time in her life, Adeline was completely blown away. As Adeline admiring the scene, Kael unconsciously stare at her.

When Cael was unwittingly possessed by Adeline, Adeline called out his name softly, and said that the north is a beautiful place. The moment she conveyed her sincere feelings, Kael's blue-gray eyes fluttered. It was the first time someone who was not born and raised in the North said that this desolate land was 'beautiful'.

After leaving the aurora behind and moving forward again, thy finally enter the capital of north at dawn. The castle was crowded with people who had flocked to meet their ruler. Everyone was smiling brightly and waving a small flag that symbolized the North. Adeline is a little surprised that Kael is so loved and respected by his people But Kael brushed off her statement and saying that they must have came to see Adeline instead, because the Duchess place has been vacant for over 20 years.

Kael’s mother, the former Grand Duchess, died of an illness when she’s still young. His father, Archduke Inver, did not remarry, and he too died shortly after. Kael took over the title, but he was not of the age to marry at the time, and the marriage was postponed even after he passed the married age, so the vacancy of the seat of the Grand Duchess was very long.

Kael has no expectation from Adeline as Grand Duchess. It was enough for her just to fill the position. Adeline was well aware of this as well, and she had no intention of taking on the role of Grand Duchess in the first place. It was Vanessa's place. I didn't want to leave a mark on the subject that would pass by for a short time. However, the weight of the hope from northern people was heavier than Adeline had expected. Kael added, those people also might’ve come to see the Aurora, which in this rare occasion, can be seen from the northern capital.

The castle is wide and huge, it made Adeline felt intimidated. The nobles (Count & Countess Geraldo) who came out to greet her, as well as the servants working in the castle, were looking at Adeline with such huge interest and expectation. They also seemed very excited to find out that Kael currently taking care of a woman like this in the first place. After meeting them, Adeline's thoughts became complicated.

———

Throughout the long march to the north, Adeline was astonished at the kindness and loyalty of the people of Kael. Their support for him is surprisingly absolute. It could never be obtained if he had only been a 'dreadful northern predator' as the widely known rumor says. But she also remembered how the Archduke became a gentle person around his people but turned cold and bitter around those who’s not close to him.

She’s companied by Isabelle (Countess Geraldo) in her room. Her room is very spacious, decorated in an antique and neat way, and it’s connected to Kael's room with a study in between.

After taking a bath, Adeline hastened several meetings that she was initially planned to start tomorrow. At the meeting room the priests and ladies politely greeted her. The priest in the white robe was about to introduce an extra person, an old man in a black priest's robe representing a retired religious who tremblede without saluting her. But before anyone could speak, the trembling old priest pointed at Adeline with his wand and shouted that Adeline is a cursed woman, the dark dclouds are coming into the North, and why didn't anyone stop or drive her out.

The old man, who had shouted about the curse several times, fainted as soon as he finished speaking. While the priest carried the fallen old man out of the way, none of the people left in the hall could speak. Even Adeline

Kael got a report on what was going on in the hall after the day turned bright.
He asked who are the ladies present at that time. The person who deliver the report aswers that those ladies names are Countess Boyd and Countess Mayer.
Kael and Zion could confirm that the rumor must have already circulated in the social circles. But fortunately, people see the appearence of Isis coincide with Adeline’s arrival as a good fortune.

When Kael heard that the meeting proceeded without Adeline batting an eye, he raised one eyebrow slightly. He smiled when suddenly remembers Adeline said that she’s strong too. He asked Zion to watch over the rumour, and that he doesn’t want it to stick around.

A knock was heard. Adeline asked to enter the room. Back then at the meeting, Adeline pretended to be okay and casually greeted the ladies and after she laid down on the bed as if nothing had happened, but the priest's words remained in her head. She could not sleep and her mind fluctuated quite frightening, but what made Adeline felt even more disturbed was the overlapping past made her stayed up all night. It’s a memory when she got divination from the fortune teller. Of course she has no complain if she ended up receiving death penalty because of the rumour.

Right now she wanted to know what Kael thinks. But he dismissed her by saying that she doesn’t know what the curse is in the first place.

She asked for permission to solve the rumour by herself without his authority, because she’s from a foreign country. If she borrows the power and trust of Kael, people would judge that she doesn’t have any skills. She wanted to prove how this matter is handled. As Adeline spoke firmly, Kael's blue-gray eyes filled with interest again. The first time they talked about marriage in the garden, when they run into each other on the field, and every time Adeline exceeds Kael's expectations. It’s all about her eyes that filled with anxiety.

When Adeline was about to turn around a leave, Kael convince her that he don’t believe the priest’s words at all. She smiled at him. She said it very plausibly to appeal Kael and Shion, but in fact, Adeline stopped Kael from intervening for another reason. She wanted to make the public opinion about her the more messed up the better. And when she broke up with Kael in the future, the damage he’ll suffered will be reduced.

As she was in deep thought, Isabelle came up and brought a package. A gift from the capital, it’s from Vanessa. And it’s a bouquet full off yellow freesia.

The fact that a real princess sends the fake princess a warning, not once, but twice, seems like not just a coincidence. the same flowers were sent twice after the wedding day. It’s should have been her who sent those flowers to Vanessa in the original story.

It’s been a week since she arrived, and Adeline was struggling in many ways to tarnish her reputation, but sadly, the castle's reaction was the opposite direction to her wishes. She’s a beautiful woman that could be easily admired just by her look, and she was always kind to the servants, and above all else, she was a woman whom Kael, a great ruler from the North, fell in love with. Rumors of her bearing a curse or something were catch people interest, but it had no effect to the people of the castle who interact everyday directly with Adeline.

Today’s the day of a tea party that most of the northern ladies and girls were invited to. Countess Boyd and Countess Mayer also present. The main purpose of Adeline's tea party today was to select candidates to fill the vacant maid position.

They chatted, and Countess Boyd mentioned implicitly that if Adeline left, the curse would also go away with her, so she was not sure if it would be okay. It was like bringing a topic that everyone had not talked about throughout the party. Adeline didn’t even care, she wanted to talk to the young girls and end the party quickly. Most of those girls don’t seem to favor Adeline so she picked a girl, Melissa Harmon, a fallen Baron’s daughter who looked bored with the party but got straight energy as strong handmaiden candidate. It made everyone in the party amazed.

——

Melissa was caught smoking somewhere inside the castle by Adeline. Adeline was following her quietly. Smoking was not allowed in the north so Mellissa was quite scared but she’s smart. She asked her what to do to avoid the punishment because she knew Adeline is expecting something from her. Adeline asked her to be her haindmaiden and she’ll kept quiet about her breaking the rules even in the future.
Before Melissa could answer, Isabelle came hurriedly and tell her that something happened in the party hall.

Vivian, Countess Boyd’s youngest daughter has fainted. There’re no doctors in the castle who’s available at the moment, because Kael had sent them to go around the village. Adeline realized her condition is bad, and even if they’ve called the nearest doctor it might take quite some time. Melissa offers her help, the Countess accused her for wanting to kill her daughter, but Adeline interupted and gave Melissa her order to help the girl.

Melissa looked as if she knew exactly what she’s doing. After Adeline was making sure everyone else turned their back and covered their eyes, Melissa took off Vivian’s corset so she could breathe easily. Her complexion improved. She took out medicine from her ugly handbag and poured it on Vivian’s dry mouth. She soon regained her conciousness. The doctor came, and Vivian who was now wrapped with a blanket was quickly moved to another room for further examination. The doctor praised Melissa’s work. But Countess Boyd could not fully lower her pride in front of the benefactor who saved her daughter. The fact that the poor Baron’s daughter who saved her daughter's life was something she didn't really like.

Adeline handled the situation, thanked everyone’s kind heart for respecting Vivian earlier, and somehow highlight Melissa’s talent. Melissa realized everyone’s now looking at her with different gaze. So shecould not refuse when Adeline officially declared her as her handmaid. It was the hunting method Adeline learned from Kael when he made her his fiance.

Adeline fell from a ladder while trying to retrieve a book from a high bookshelf. She was startled because Kael suddenly appear and talked to her. Kael uses his body to support her, hugged her from behind.They both fell backwards, with Adeline’s on top of Kael’s body. She blushed and said sorry. Kael smiled a little and replied that it was okay. However, even after hearing the answer, the redness on Adeline's face did not go away. She changed the topic, and ask where have Kael has been because it’s been a while since she last saw him. He said he’s very busy, checking every part of his land since he arrived in the northern land.

Kael also told her that he already heard about what happened at the tea party an her new handmaid. Adeline asked if the title is not enough to become the handmaiden of the Grand Duchess. The fact is Kael didn't care as much about titles as Adeline, maybe even more than her. When he heard the news of Melissa, he was just amazed.

Out of excitement she also added more about the story how she erased the rumours both about herself and Melissa’s. But she then realized her fault.
Adeline's expression, which had been full of joy, darkened slightly. Not trying to get rid of the Cursed Woman label, her plan to ruin her own reputation ended up with disaster. After finishing the tea party, she felt failure the whole time when she saw the guests off. The faces of the ladies and young girls looking at Adeline were full of favor. Some looked at Adeline as if they were very impressed. Even Countess Boyd is now defending her and said that her precense in the North is a blessing.

Kael said that her decission to take care of the matter was right, and he couldn’t have done it more perfectly. She felt a heartbreak at the sight of him admiring her abilities, when in reality she’s trying very hard to deceive him. She convince herself that this is all just a pretend relationship, with no emotion involved. she shouldn’t have feel anyting, because showing just little emotion isn’t a good sign. He will eventually kill her. Arriving in the North, busy thinking about Vanessa trying to take over her place, while the top priority was actually to convince Kael that Adeline loves him. That way, she’ll be able to break the marriage, and then he would let her go.

She requested to visit the northern estates, to spend more time together with Kael an deceive him. Kael watched her silently. Adeline didn't seem to notice, but whenever she tried to act like she had a heart for Cael, he always knew. He said to her that she doesn't have to push herself to spend time with him. Adeline's eyes fluttered slightly when Kael recognized her hidden intentions. She quickly hid it by pretending not to be embarrassed, but Kael’s able to catch it. He ended up agreeing to her request.

The Kael mumbled something about it will a perfect fit. When Adeline asked what is he talking about, Kael added that he will bring a present which would be helpful when they go around the estates. He got up and leave the library.

When Adeline went to her room, Isabelle and Melissa told her that Kael gave her a cloack. It was made from white wolf’s fur. It is known that white wolf lives only in the highlands of the northwest. It is a precious animal called a spirit creature, and when it meets it’s end, the wolf would go to the human who helped it and dies in front of th human to gives away it’s fur. So the fur is from a wolf that Kael has been saved a few years ago. He kept the fur, but suddenly after marrying Adeline, he decided to make the fur into her cloack.

Adeline could hardly take her eyes off the cloak. She keep telling herself that she decided not to be shaken. Obviously, she had made up her mind up untill all off these attack by Kael to her heart, and head goes dizzy. Adeline bit her lip as she felt the heat on her face, which had risen vigorously again. Her heart was beating a little bit faster than usual.

Next morning, a blizzard is raging outside the castle, and Melissa said it would eventualy get stronger. Today is the day when she planned to take a look around the estates near the castle with Kael. It seems hat plan needs to be canceled, not to mention Kael’s been in his office almost everytime because his daily work has been piled up since he’s been away from the castle for months. The current situation was rather fortunate for Adeline. Facing him right now wouldn’t be beneficial. She need to start her work on deceiveng him, but her heart somehow feel unusual. She shouldn't be shaken if she want to end this possession by making the same ending that she knows.
——
Her bedroom and kael’s were only divided by a study room. Adeline was awoken in the middle of the night by the blizzard’s sound and decided to look around Kael’s bedroom. She was hesitant at first because she knew Kael would have still working in his office, but eventually lowered the dorknob. The bedroom is indeed seemed empty.
She wanted to leave after looking around a bit, but something caught her attention. On top of one cabinet, there are quite a number of portraits. It’s Kael family’s: young Kael, his young older brother, also the previous Grand Duke and Duchess.
She was so immersed at it, not knowing Kael was there the whole time. Kael asked her what was she doing in his room. Hiding her embarassment, Adeline, who spoke quickly, couldn't hide her bewildered look and looked around, wondering what to do. There was no room for Kael to intervene. He was trying to tell her that he was fine from the beginning. He offered her a drink o make her feel better. It was too embarrassing for Kael to see that even Adeline didn't seem to know what she was talking about. He stared at Adeline for the first time in his life and burst into laughter. Adeline's tension was slightly relieved by the gentle voice that was pleasant to listen to. After making a promise tht she won't drink like the last time, he open a bottle of her favorite wine.

Kael and Adeline sit diwn and chatted. She eventually made excuse again that she’s not doing anything weird in his room. She told him that she’s only looking at the family portraits. But the atmosphere changed suddenly as the matter was brought up. Adeline quickly regretted about what she was saying. It sounded so unempathetic. Everyone knew how Kael lost his family at such a young age. Adeline must have knew about it too, because the rumour has been spreaded throughout the Empire.

Kael changed the topic and asks if she would continue staying in the north. She replied that eventhough she doesn’t like the bad weather, she thinks it is a good place with a lot of friendly people.
Kael frowned slightly at the unsuitable modifier. The word 'friendly' unmatched for northerners’ personality. He said that she’s probably the only outsiders who looks at northeners and says they’re friendly because the truth is, northeners has menacing auras.
Adeline counter Kael’s reasoning and told him that it’s all prejudice. She also said so many nice things about Kael himself. The blue-gray eyes trembled finely at Adeline's words. Instead of playing her usual act as if she's in love with him, she accidentally became her true self with eyes that reveal her sincerity. Adeline looked at Kael with those eyes and was telling him that he’s kind.

At some point Kael, who felt the unfamiliar feeling and keeps getting interested about her thoughts, noticed a red wine stain on Adeline’s lips. He unconsciously ran his finger over her lips. Adeline was so shocked that she couldn't even breathe. Kael's eyes were somewhat more languid than usual, and the fingers that carefully rubbed her lips were hot like fire. The distance between the two was too close. Even the unique scent from Kael’s body, who leaned forward her, overwhelmed her senses.

Only after she softly called his name, Kael's gaze turned to Adeline's. Seeing the pulsating light green eyes, the languid heat dissipated and his consciousness came back. As soon as he realized where his hand was touching, his blue-gray eyes flickered like crazy. He hurriedly removed his hand while explaining the reason, but the water had already been spilled. Adeline's face was blushing, and Kael's ears were also turning red.

Adeline excuse herself, jumped up and strode towards the aisle at a brisk pace. She wanted to quickly cross the study and return to her room. Kael called out her name belatedly, but Adeline had already moved away. Kael, who was left alone in an instant, wiped his forehead with a puzzled expression. He could hardly believe it. The momentary regrets that remained were also clear. Kael stared at the study room. As he regains consciousness, his focus now coming back. he’s now worried about Adeline. Heavy blizzard is still hitting the window, and he knew she was initially scared. Kael went straight across the study and stood in front of Adeline's room. He think the best thing for now is to check on her.

But the moment he grasped the doorknob, a terrible pain struck Kael. In an instant, his vision blurred and his breathing became difficult. The pain he felt so excrutiating, he can’t get used to it no matter how many times he already went through it. Kael managed to move his body, and made his way towards his room. Adeline shouldn’t see him like this. He had to get away from her. Even taking one step felt like hell. In an instant his whole body covered in sweat, his consciousness was clouded by the excruciating pain. Just as he was thinking wether to call his aide, Kael heard Vero’s voice looking for him. When there was no answer after a while, Vero's face turned white at once when he opened the door and entered. Vero immediately supported Cael and took him to the deepest and darkest places of the city. The 'time' came a little faster than Kael expected. It feels like when you wish for death so desperately that every breath becomes painful.

Adeline, lying on her bed, pulled the blanket up to her neck. The morning after, a cold struck her. Whether it was because she stayed up all night desperately trying to calm her heart, or the heat that emerged inside her after what happened was turned into a fever.

Melissa told her if she could conquer this cold, then she’ll adapt to the northern weather more quickly. She brought the news that Kael ended up going alone checking the estates. Adeline wonders if he did that on purpose because of what happened yesterday between them. She reflexively put her finger to her lips. Even though the snowstorm had stopped and the sun has arised, Kael's touch is still vivid. Adeline's face burned again over the memory. Melisse asked her if the fever is that bad because her face is now turned brgiht red.

Adeline now realized there have been many times when both of them were too close to each other, but this is the first time both Kael and Adeline were shaken so noticeably. Whether she opened or closed her eyes, the afterimage of Kael kept following Adeline. She’s anxious to face Kael if he returned later. Adeline tried to empty her head as much as possible and desperately went to sleep.

——-

The doctor who examined Adeline told her that she’s now fully recovered. Meanwhile, she feels like her time was wasted, trying to figuring out how to deal with Kael when he returned. That day, when she’s sick Kael did not even seek for her.

Adeline felt strange that Kael seldom appeared. She finally inquired about Kael's whereabouts. Isabelle said that Kael had moved to the northern border after inspecting the western estate. She also added that it would take quite a while to get back because he’s now inspecting the traces of the Black people.

Adeline felt strangely sad, because it’s been a whole week since she last met Kael. She questioned herself why is she being like this and wether her weakened body made her mind weak too. Isabelle and Melissa both think Adeline missed her husband. She’s now determined to get rid of this feeling which she herself could hardly understand, and went outside of the bedroom alone.

——

The castle in the north is huge. Adeline quickly became lost. She randomly goes down the stairs in front of her, because she thinks going down will eventually leads her outside the castle. But somehow the atmosphere became more and more unfamiliar as she moves. She felt like going further down deep underground.

By the time she want to turn around, the stairs ended. Adeline, nervously, pulled out a lamp from the wall and walked through the hallway. Something caught her eyes. Adeline unwittingly covered her mouth with one hand and held her breath. Suddenly, bright red eyes appeared through the small window. There was someone in the pitch-black darkness. It was too dark to recognize the person, but the sharply forged and blazing red eyes was clearly evident.

Out of nowhere, Zion approached her panicky and tell her that she needs to get out of there immediately.

*) Is it just me or this kinda reminds me of Spellbound?

With a very serious expression, Zion grabbed Adeline's wrist and led her toward the stairs. The moment she was about to ask about what she saw, a scream resounded from dark space behind them. Adeline covered her ears at the deafening sound. The screams didn't stop, it continued to howl as if it‘s in a great pain. The tremendous sound soon became great vibrations and it reach where Adeline stands. While she was frantically being pulled away, her entire body shook as if an earthquake had occurred. Both Zion and her focused only on going up for that moment onwards. After they finally reached the last stair, the sound subsided and they no longer could hear anything.

Zion asked her why could she be there, as the place is a forbidden zone only The Grand Duke and his vassals could enter, including him. Adeline explained briefly but she refused going back to her rom and was determined to make Zion explained to her properly about what she witnessed, which was obviously isn’t human. Zion told Adeline that inside the forbidden place, there are various magic tools passed down from generations, various items and information of different races, and other heirlooms. He told her that there’s a strong barrier in that place, so theoretically only those who are permitted can enter. The moment she crossed that barrier, her body should’ve burned to death. Zion added that maybe the ring she’s wearing must have pierced the barrier. But Zion refused to tell her about the creature she saw, because the vassals who are allowed to enter took an oath of blood. If they reveal even the slightest bit of secrets in the forbidden area, they will be engulfed in flames and die like someone who has trespassed the barrier.

Despite she cannot fully trusted Zion’s words, she accepts his explanation. Zion thanked her and requested her to keep today’s accident as a secret between them. Adeline asks the reason. He told her that according to the law, anyone who entered the forbidden territory of the grand duke’s should have been executed immediately without mercy. After Adeline agreed, Zion take her to her room. As they walked, Adeline’s mind was busy.

This situation is somehow perfectly fits her plan: to die by the hand of Kael and therefore will end her possession. She was about to say something to Zion, but suddenly her gaze catches something noisily entered the castle’s gate. A wagon decorated with splendid golden pattern representing the imperial family. The Emperor’s envoy suddenly visits the northern castle. At the sudden commotion, the castle users lined up and stood around the carriage.

Adeline approached the envoy with clean, graceful movements and waited for the emperor's decree. He deliver a summoning order. The Majesty gave an order to bring Adeline to the capital through the portal right now. No one could disobey a summoning decree.

It already made no sense if the Majesty summoned Kael. But summoning Adeline, it was even more unimaginable. Issuing summons is considered a political burden, so it should not recklessly done. This order usually issued when a nobleman made a great deal of felony.

Zion almost snapped, because they gave only two hours for Adeline to prepare herself before going to the portal. Kael wasn’t available at the moment, so no one could protect her. After Leo's incident, Adeline expected that there would be no big conflict, but the Emperor seems determined of pressing Kael and Adeline whenever he could. Rather than doing a regular check towards the North, his action is closer to personal grudge.

Adeline gave her warning towards the Emperor that she’s both The Grand Duchess of Inver and a Tien, someone who represents the North and East. She said if The Emperor incriminates her, he should be able to bear the consequences.
——
Zion who wanted to protect Adeline so much, frantically told her that Kael will be back after 3 more days. So, Adeline gave him a message for Kael. She reassured everyone that The Emperor wouldn’t dare to treat her carelessly, even though she’s not quite sure regarding his stupid actions in the past.

Zion gave an explanation how the portal works and how she should enter and gone through it. He said the portal should’ve turned it’s color based on the destination’s. As for the Emperor’s castle, it should’ve been gold.

She climbed into the wagon with Melissa. There was only one maid who could accompany her, and no escort from the north was allowed. so throughout her way, only Melissa who could protects Adeline. The carriage departed, and soon arrived at the wilderness portal leading to the capital. Escorted by the Imperial Knights, Adeline slowly stepped out and entered the portal. It wasn't the only thing she was worried about, but she didn't want to show her weakness, so she kept her expression checked.

However, the steady emotion she had worked so hard on will terribly distorted the moment she crossed the portal. The color of the portal was not changed to golden. it’s gray.

Melissa reflexively told Adeline not to move in haste and check where the portal leads first. After passing through the portal completely, the end reached the dark forest. There were quite a few forests in the capital, so it was difficult to even judge whether this place was the capital or not. Adeline stepped onto unfamiliar ground and stared at the man bent over her. Since the emperor issued a summons order, she has to go to meet him, and the destination the envoy said was the imperial palace. However, they diverted Adeline to a place other than its initial destination. There was no doubt of hostility and displeasure in this situation. The man, seems like a high ranking knight, said that His Majesty will be coming soon. She had no intention of being polite towards the Emperor’s man. The man apologized for his disrespect and reveal himself as Hugo Brown, the leader of the Red Knights. He lifted the cloth covering the pattern to reveal the hidden red moon underneath. 'The Red Knights.' Adeline sighed deeply at the identity of the knights surrounding her. The Red Knights are secret knights created by the emperor under his direct control.

Adeline thought the situation is worse than she expected. Since the emperor was still the crown prince, he organized these knights and made them into his private force. But because he was a fool and have the tendency to abuse powers, it somehow they also used to took care the nobles.

Hugo Brown stated that he will arrests the Grand Duchess for the murder of ten nobles in the capital. Not only Adeline, but also Melissa, who stood next to her, froze in shock. She’s accused for murder, moreover for killing ten nobles. At most, she initially expected only to be taken as a hostage to blackmail Kael.

Adeline refused to cooperate and wanted them to give her the evidence. At her tenacity, Hugo smiled and told her that he could give her a hint and asks if she knew the Lady Vanessa of Count Felix. At the mention of Vanessa's name, Adeline's eyes trembled. She didn't expect to face her in this situation, and it was because the weight of the false accusation of murdering those aristocrats became hundred times heavier the moment she heard the name. Adeline had no choice but following them.
—-
Adeline and Melissa were in a cramped cell in the basement. Adeline just woken up, and her head terribly hurts. Melissa’s genuinely furious. It is an insult to the North to treat their Grand Duchess like this. Adeline asked Melissa if she new anything about the accusation. Originally, Adeline read the newspaper every day to check the situation in the capital, but not after moving to the north. Adapting to the North, she forgot about the capital and didn't know about such big event happened.

Melissa immediately explained the events. It has been featured in the capital's newspaper every day for the past month. Every two to three days, nobles in the capital have lost their lives. Some were earls or viscounts, the owners of titles, and some were their sons or daughters. They suspected there’s only one culprit. All dead nobles had a black rose tattooed on their necks, and were died of suffocation with no trace of physical trauma.

Adeline asks Melissa to wrote down their family names, because she seemed remembered the details perfectly. Reading the lists, those names sounds familiar to her, some are important family, some aren’t. But the last name caught her attention. It’s the Felix’s. Melissa told her she was supposed to be the 11th victim, but somehow her life was saved, and she also has the same black mark. Adeline realized this is all a terrible trap.

There was only one reason why those ten families name sounds familiar. When Marquis of Tien and his wife passed away in an accident, those four siblings needs to survive. So Enoch begs for help from those families which had close relationship with their father, but they turned their backs. So in the end, the young Tiens survived by themself. Those people who died of murder were from that exact ten families. It seemed they were killed as the Tien family's resentment.

After Adeline told Melissa her deduction, she added that Vanessa,the 11th victim, is an exception because she wasn’t someone close to Tien’s family but rather a love rival of Adeline towards Kael.

Melissa told Adeline the story about Vanessa’s case reported in the newspaper. Vanessa was praying at the Temple where suddenly she vomitted blood and collapsed. Since priests were nearby, a particular priest ran over and purified Lady Felix with holy power. The blood stopped immediately. That happened 3 days ago. When Adeline wondered if it’s a coincidence that Vanessa survived alone among the victims and wether she knew about her possession, the knight commander came and asked if she’s now ready to talk.
—-
The commander dragged Adeline to another room and put her on a chair. Melissa also brought along and chained on the wall. What happened next wasn’t a fair interrogation. Adeline couldn’t defend herself because someone rigged things up. Her older brother Simeon was away since a few weeks ago, so his place at the Imperial temple’s currently replaced by someone else. The knight commander told Adeline that how those body was killed was by an extended dark curse which Adeline herself may or may not realized before. and they’re confident that she indeed had a curse on her body because they’ve verified the northern old priest who yelled at her. Adeline remembered how the northern temple has stated that the priest is too old so his condition is not perfect to continue his duty. Everything was forged perfectly to go against her. She can’t make any alibi.

They started hitting Melissa to make Adeline confessed her crime. They make excuse that they can’t hurt Adeline without His Majesty’s approval. Upon that statement, an answer could be heard. It said that the knights can do whatever they want, so if Adeline wanted to be interrogated and hitted, they should do it.

It was the Emperor. An evil smile on his face.

After all the accusations. Adeline's hand, holding the hem of her dress, trembled. It was difficult to endure her anger towards the emperor as Leo's incident appeared in her mind. She has reached her limit.

Adeline asks if the purpose of all of these were to intimidate Kael or to punish a mere women who once offended The Emperor. The Emperor smiled and said that it’s a pity, she wouldn't have experienced something like this if she had just accepted his marriage proposal and become empress. The emperor squeezed Adeline's chin with a look of genuine regret. He asks Adeline to confess.

For Adeline, who longed death, in a way, this situation is a good opportunity. Since she is accused of killing ten people, she will definitely be put on death row. Her reputation will be ruined, and Vanessa will have her way. She finally will be able to erase Adeline's figure. It’s unfair and resentful, but the current false accusation did not mean much to Adeline. Because it wasn't her life to begin with. But if it ends like this, all these damage will turn to the Tien family. Enoch, Leo, and Simeon will also writhe in pain, and Teresa and her soon-to-be-born nephew will also suffered. When accepting her death, Adeline’s determined that her family should never been harmed.

Adeline told the Emperor that she’s innocent. She said that he will definitely have to pay the price. Neither the North nor the East will ever forgot this humiliation. The Emperor has his face contorted and ordered that Adeline be interrogated an tortured immediately.
——-
Kael staggered out of the basement and slowly walked towards the light. Kael's body was covered in blood and sweat. The white shirt he had been wearing before he passed out had already lost its color and was stained and torn. As always, Zion hurriedly meet his master. He quickly told Kael what happened during his absence.

Kael didn’t even concentrate to what Zion’s been talking after. He’s still exhausted after fighting in the darkness, now he’s overwhelmed with emotional distress.
For him, anger is dangerous. It’s unknown when the black energy that had barely been captured by him would come out again and consume Kael. Although he knew that fact better than anyone else, he had no intention of suppressing his rising emotions. The fact that Adeline had been taken away without him being able to protect her with his own hands, and the fact that she must be suffering now completely paralyzed Kael's reasoning.

Unlike other portals, the northern portal was able to track it’s users' destinations using magic. As soon as Zion realized that Adeline hadn't arrived at the palace, he tracked down the portal. When Kael said he wanted to go, Zion begged him not to since if magic touches his body in this condition, his scars might react badly. But Kael ignored him. Zion realized Kael is so enraged, he even bought thirty knights with him.

As soon as Kael examined the portal's records, he immediately followed to where Adeline went. He reached the dark forest. While he almost spent almost all his battle in the north, there're no place in this Empire that Kael never stepped his foot before. So he knew where exactly he is right now. Hound dogs dispatched and the knights dispersed and swept through the forest, yet it’s a slim chance to find her considering 3 days had already passed. He then concluded that she must’ve been taken to another place. The portal connected to this place because it was intended to extend Kael’s time to reach her. Kael struggled to suppress his anger that was about to overflow and climbed onto his horse.
—-
The Emperor cut off Adeline’s food and water supply for that whole 3 days. She’s also restrained in a box, forcing her to stand the whole time, preventin her from sleeping. But she still kept her mouth shut. The Emperor’s very irritated because he was sure about Adeline’s crime, considering it has been reported by the Red Knights’ reliable informant. Only the knight’s commander who was able to contact ‘him’. Nevertheless, both the commander and the emperor did not know his identity. He’s only known for giving conclusive and accurate information. Adeline had to be the real culprit. Otherwise, the Emperor would have to take responsibility.

The emperor had expected that Kael would come after a certain amount of time.
However, the time’s much faster than expected. Kael’s already arrived at the imperial castle, force entered, and strode towards the emperor.
The guards tried to stop Kael, but all of them froze at his unusual aura.

They immediately had a dispute. The Emperor forbid Kael to meet Adeline, while Kael insists that Imperial law holds everyone innocent until proven guilty.
Kael stated that the emperor has kidnapped an innocent hostess from the north and is interrogating her illegally. So he will definitely pay the price.

Kael’s been concluding that only one organization that could quietly investigate the murder case and determine the culprit. He ordered Vero to quickly find the base of the Red Knights because he’s confident that Adeline is being held by them.

He then facing the emperor again and added that if later he found a sign that Adeline has been touched, he will declare an obliteration towards him.

It’s been the fourth day for Adeline. Thirst and hunger were tormenting, but it was sleep that made Adeline's mind dim. Adeline kept telling herself to hold on or too many people she love will suffer. The thing that used to restrain her is a magic tool made specially for interrogating defendant. When she felt even the slightest bit of drowsiness, it will turned to a vine looking thing and wrapped her tightly and disturbed her sleep. Over the past 4 days, she’s been coping with the torment by repeatedly calling Kael’s name. Hoping he would came. She admitted to herself that she missed him.
—-
Kael and his men finally located the Red Knights’ base. Nobody was pleased because it takes too long for them to reach her. It has been long since Kael last experienced ‘fear’ after he lost his family and numerous time joining battlefields. Now he fear of losing Adeline. Kael killed everyone who blocked their way for entering the base.

While he thrust his sword into the commander’s arm, Kael declared that the moment they kidnapped the mistress of the North, they put a knife in the back of the North. He added if Adeline was hurt in the slightest, if they touched a single hair, today will be the last time the Red Knights existed.

Kael finally reached the room where several cells lined up. Screaming with her hoarse voice, Melissa, covered in her tears, shouts that Adeline must be saved immedately. Kael was shocked at the sight, he broke the lock of the box with his sword. Adeline with her face turned white fell to his arms, losing her conciousness. He quickly ran to find a doctor. Before leaving, he ordered his men to not leave anyone alive except the Red Knights’ commander.

It’s been a day since Adeline was moved to Kael’s mansion in the capital.The doctor who examined her, told Kael that her condition is very bad. The magic tool used to held Adeline made her torture several times harder. What made her survived is the necklace containing devine power she’s wearing. It was the one from Simeon. It irritated Kael. Her brother, who’s far away, could protected her. But he, who was by her side, did nothing. She’s in a deep sleep this whole time.

What Kael had promised her when he sealed her marriage contract with Adeline was the honor and freedom she could enjoy, not torture and false accusations. Not long after the doctor said that Adeline’s condition will improve, the maid called them in panic and inform that Adeline’s having a seizure. They struggled to gave her medicine, so Kael put it in his mouth and kissed her. Adeline quickly calmed down after his lips touched her. He touched her chapped lips, and remembered that blizzard night. He thought if only his scar didn’t engulfed him back then. He’s drowning in his emotions and everyone in the room held their breath while watching him. It’s the first time since Kael showed any emotions.

Kael, who had been unable to take his eyes off Adeline, finally got up and turned around. He realized Enoch has entered the room and watching them. The news spread quickly to the East. As soon as Enoch heard the story, he ran to the capital through the portal. Kael apologized to Enoch for his negligence. Enoch was as angry with Kael as he was with the emperor. Kael couldn’t keep his promise that he would protect Adeline. He knew that the situation was unavoidable, but his anger did not subside. However, the moment he saw Kael kissing her to relieve the seizure, and the moment Kale watched Adeline sleeping soundly with agony, his anger subsided a little. Kael renew his promise and added that he will also find and severly punish whoever set the trap on Adeline.

Adeline didn’t wake up for another 3 days, but her condition improved. All while, Kael and Vero made amove to clear Adeline from the accusation. They checked the investigation records of the Red Knights, and collated what Adeline was doing at the time of all the victim's death, proving that she was not in a situation where she could use her black magic.

Melissa informed Kael that Adeline’s finally awake. Kael rushed in and hugged Adeline tightly. He told her to never walk away from him again. The sincerity that had been kept deep in his heart leaked out through his voice. That moment Kael realized his true feelings.

*finally

** I read from MTL. Some details may be translated incorrectly

Shion Lee · Sep 2, 2022

asagisora said: ↑

I’ll add more summaries in the future

FL and her brothers organize a debutante ball for their second cousin, Sophia. But an unexpected guest came, it’s the crown prince. And he stated that he came because he has something to talk about with FL. FL was so confused. In the original story, the prince and ML had a confrontation over a woman, but it was towards the protagonist, Vanessa, not Adeline.
And suddenly another guest entered the building. Someone other than the crown prince who never came to any aristocrat’s party, the ML.
At one point, while mumbling to herself to ease her bewilderment, FL sprained her ankle because ML suddenly approached from her back. Some gossip ladies, and Vanessa herself, misunderstand the situation where ML kneeled in front of FL as proposal event.

Adeline brush off Kael, ignoring the stinging pain on her feet, and went for Vanessa. Turns out, in such short time she already spread some nasty gossip to counter the rumor about Kael and Adeline’s relationship.

Vanessa in the original work was a young girl with a reputation as being no less than a saint. But in this timeline, she just realized Vanessa was the villain and Adeline was the female lead. Our hilarious FL grabbed Vanessa’s hand happily and told her to keep doing whatever she’s doing. Our ML overheard this and he laughed out loud, surprising everyone in the corridor. The smile that settled down on his gorgeous face, was so cool that everyone looked at it with awe.

ML asked with a bright voice to FL if she hated the idea of being involved with him so much, and later asked Sophia for a dance in front of those many people (because earlier FL said to ML she didn’t want to stole Sophia’s spotlight with all of this gossip)

After Sofia's debut, the capital was turned upside down. The gossip about Kael and Adeline spreads wider. Zion, Kael’s closest friend warn him that his plan of contract marriage is absurd and he believe someday Kael will meet his true love. But Kael insisted because Adeline is a perfect candidate, and she’s so fun to deal with.
At that time the crown prince came fo Kael. The crown prince is in a bad term with Kael. The emperor favorites Kael who’s a war hero and wished he was his son instead. While the crown prince doesn’t have political sense and keep making disappointing choice over time. His jealosy towards Kael led him to keep him in check and Kael knew this.

Crown prince asked about the gossip. And ordered that he should cancel his engagement towards Adeline because he will consider the union of those two family as treason. While they’re having mind battle, suddenly the door opened and Adeline entered. Her sudden visit made the crown prince leave with rage.

Kael was amused at Adeline’s visit and but it didn’t last long. She gave him a special bouquet as an excuse for his favour at Sophia’s ball. Turns out she sprayed a magic potion for Kael to hate her on those flowers. Kael knew, snatched the bouquet and inhaled it, saying it won’t affect him no matter what.

Using a magic potion to move someone’s heart is against the law. While Adeline is in a panic state, Kael’s still relaxed. He offer her to sign the contract with him or he will report her to the authority. She’s stubbornly ask him to go make the report instead. He then too offer to tell the secret why he’s immune to the potion, while seemingly enjoying the situation.

Adeline set aside her anger and finally asked about contents of the contract. He said he just want her as a Duchess in the name. She doesn’t have to live with him in the north, she can live anywhere, and can have as many side guy as she wants while luxuriate his wealth and status. He only has two condition: don’t expect his love and don’t fall in love with him. Adeline was so shocked because there’s no way Kael and Vanessa would ended up together as they sould have.

Out of curiosity he ask her why would she want to run away from him so much. And she desprately lied that she can predict the future a little bit, that he would die if he married her. He asked for proof, and she remembered one detail from the book of this world that the emperor will die on the day the red moon rise. It was tonight. The news came and while Adeline prepare to going back, Kael called her and said that if she’s being honest about the future, he will marry her no matter what. It is his long wish to die and end this suffocating life.

*) Such emo couple. Both of them wished to die

The lie, which she thought was the last step to push Kael away, turned out to be a way to solidify his will. Not long, the crown prince’s invitation for a meeting came. She also saw a book in her room where it’s title is the same as the book where’s she’s posessed (Beyond Orange), but the contents is different. All added Adeline’s confusion.

Her sister in law, Teresa (Enoch Tien’s wife) came with Vanessa’s carriage because her wagon broke. Vanesa tagged along and asked for a private conversation with Adeline. Adeline, hoping she could find the key to turning all these things to the OG storyline, agreed.

The conversation didn’t end up well. Vanessa thinks Adeline ridicule her when she instructed how to attract Kae is to pretend not showing any interest towards him. Kael’s subordinate Zion, came and delivered a white flower bouquet to Adeline. Vanessa run out of the mansion with tears in her eyes.

At the princess tea party, this time Kael also showed up out of the blue. The ladies already talked how the Dukes’s eyes were all over Adeline.
Adeline went to a quieter place, which is the lake. Kael catches up with her, Adeline started arguing all over again about their relationship. But he emphasize what he said last time; he’ll make her his wife. Their body move closer automatically as their argument heated.
Little did she know they already had quite large audience, some of guests who was frantic to see what kind of conversation Cael and Adeline had. One of them is Vanessa.
She purposively throw her body to the lake. Adeline is late to realize that Vanessa meant for Kael to save her, and already ran and save her by herself.

Both girls’ clothes are drenched in water, Kael put his jacket on Adeline. The princess immediately take them to the palace and changes their clothes.
Later at Tien’s mansion, Teresa teased how Adeline acted more like a gentleman than a lady. She also brought up how The Duke treated her. The whole social world was looking at Cael and Adeline with heart-filled eyes, but Adeline knew Cael wanted Adeline purely out of necessity.

When Enoch (her older brother) heard the news, he was furious about Adeline’s action. All these time, Adeline continuously tried to end her own life. The brothers, including Enoch, has been through a lot. For them, the moment Adeline became ill or in danger was terribly traumatic.

—

Adeline went to a bookstore to solve the mistery of Beyond Orange. When she tried to reach for the book, Kael helped her and grabbed the book.

Click to expand...

Holy shit both of them want to die?? And if it was the case, why would the ml need the marriage at all?

Silver_Owl · Sep 2, 2022

Suikoden2 · Sep 3, 2022

asagisora said: ↑

I’ll add more summaries in the future

FL and her brothers organize a debutante ball for their second cousin, Sophia. But an unexpected guest came, it’s the crown prince. And he stated that he came because he has something to talk about with FL. FL was so confused. In the original story, the prince and ML had a confrontation over a woman, but it was towards the protagonist, Vanessa, not Adeline.
And suddenly another guest entered the building. Someone other than the crown prince who never came to any aristocrat’s party, the ML.
At one point, while mumbling to herself to ease her bewilderment, FL sprained her ankle because ML suddenly approached from her back. Some gossip ladies, and Vanessa herself, misunderstand the situation where ML kneeled in front of FL as proposal event.

Adeline brush off Kael, ignoring the stinging pain on her feet, and went for Vanessa. Turns out, in such short time she already spread some nasty gossip to counter the rumor about Kael and Adeline’s relationship.

Vanessa in the original work was a young girl with a reputation as being no less than a saint. But in this timeline, she just realized Vanessa was the villain and Adeline was the female lead. Our hilarious FL grabbed Vanessa’s hand happily and told her to keep doing whatever she’s doing. Our ML overheard this and he laughed out loud, surprising everyone in the corridor. The smile that settled down on his gorgeous face, was so cool that everyone looked at it with awe.

ML asked with a bright voice to FL if she hated the idea of being involved with him so much, and later asked Sophia for a dance in front of those many people (because earlier FL said to ML she didn’t want to stole Sophia’s spotlight with all of this gossip)

After Sofia's debut, the capital was turned upside down. The gossip about Kael and Adeline spreads wider. Zion, Kael’s closest friend warn him that his plan of contract marriage is absurd and he believe someday Kael will meet his true love. But Kael insisted because Adeline is a perfect candidate, and she’s so fun to deal with.
At that time the crown prince came fo Kael. The crown prince is in a bad term with Kael. The emperor favorites Kael who’s a war hero and wished he was his son instead. While the crown prince doesn’t have political sense and keep making disappointing choice over time. His jealosy towards Kael led him to keep him in check and Kael knew this.

Crown prince asked about the gossip. And ordered that he should cancel his engagement towards Adeline because he will consider the union of those two family as treason. While they’re having mind battle, suddenly the door opened and Adeline entered. Her sudden visit made the crown prince leave with rage.

Kael was amused at Adeline’s visit and but it didn’t last long. She gave him a special bouquet as an excuse for his favour at Sophia’s ball. Turns out she sprayed a magic potion for Kael to hate her on those flowers. Kael knew, snatched the bouquet and inhaled it, saying it won’t affect him no matter what.

Using a magic potion to move someone’s heart is against the law. While Adeline is in a panic state, Kael’s still relaxed. He offer her to sign the contract with him or he will report her to the authority. She’s stubbornly ask him to go make the report instead. He then too offer to tell the secret why he’s immune to the potion, while seemingly enjoying the situation.

Adeline set aside her anger and finally asked about contents of the contract. He said he just want her as a Duchess in the name. She doesn’t have to live with him in the north, she can live anywhere, and can have as many side guy as she wants while luxuriate his wealth and status. He only has two condition: don’t expect his love and don’t fall in love with him. Adeline was so shocked because there’s no way Kael and Vanessa would ended up together as they sould have.

Out of curiosity he ask her why would she want to run away from him so much. And she desprately lied that she can predict the future a little bit, that he would die if he married her. He asked for proof, and she remembered one detail from the book of this world that the emperor will die on the day the red moon rise. It was tonight. The news came and while Adeline prepare to going back, Kael called her and said that if she’s being honest about the future, he will marry her no matter what. It is his long wish to die and end this suffocating life.

*) Such emo couple. Both of them wished to die

The lie, which she thought was the last step to push Kael away, turned out to be a way to solidify his will. Not long, the crown prince’s invitation for a meeting came. She also saw a book in her room where it’s title is the same as the book where’s she’s posessed (Beyond Orange), but the contents is different. All added Adeline’s confusion.

Her sister in law, Teresa (Enoch Tien’s wife) came with Vanessa’s carriage because her wagon broke. Vanesa tagged along and asked for a private conversation with Adeline. Adeline, hoping she could find the key to turning all these things to the OG storyline, agreed.

The conversation didn’t end up well. Vanessa thinks Adeline ridicule her when she instructed how to attract Kae is to pretend not showing any interest towards him. Kael’s subordinate Zion, came and delivered a white flower bouquet to Adeline. Vanessa run out of the mansion with tears in her eyes.

At the princess tea party, this time Kael also showed up out of the blue. The ladies already talked how the Dukes’s eyes were all over Adeline.
Adeline went to a quieter place, which is the lake. Kael catches up with her, Adeline started arguing all over again about their relationship. But he emphasize what he said last time; he’ll make her his wife. Their body move closer automatically as their argument heated.
Little did she know they already had quite large audience, some of guests who was frantic to see what kind of conversation Cael and Adeline had. One of them is Vanessa.
She purposively throw her body to the lake. Adeline is late to realize that Vanessa meant for Kael to save her, and already ran and save her by herself.

Both girls’ clothes are drenched in water, Kael put his jacket on Adeline. The princess immediately take them to the palace and changes their clothes.
Later at Tien’s mansion, Teresa teased how Adeline acted more like a gentleman than a lady. She also brought up how The Duke treated her. The whole social world was looking at Cael and Adeline with heart-filled eyes, but Adeline knew Cael wanted Adeline purely out of necessity.

When Enoch (her older brother) heard the news, he was furious about Adeline’s action. All these time, Adeline continuously tried to end her own life. The brothers, including Enoch, has been through a lot. For them, the moment Adeline became ill or in danger was terribly traumatic.

—

Adeline went to a bookstore to solve the mistery of Beyond Orange. When she tried to reach for the book, Kael helped her and grabbed the book.

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Thank you so much..

asagisora · Oct 7, 2022

Shion Lee said: ↑

Holy shit both of them want to die?? And if it was the case, why would the ml need the marriage at all?
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I’ve only read until chapter 30. so far there’s still no explanation except priest Simeon, one of Adeline’s brother, told her that he could sense an extremely strong black magic and curses from the duke. Edit: and also he’s pretty depressed over the fact that people always feared him everytime he accidentally revealed his true power.

EMAmanga · Oct 17, 2022

asagisora said: ↑

I’ll add more summaries in the future

FL and her brothers organize a debutante ball for their second cousin, Sophia. But an unexpected guest came, it’s the crown prince. And he stated that he came because he has something to talk about with FL. FL was so confused. In the original story, the prince and ML had a confrontation over a woman, but it was towards the protagonist, Vanessa, not Adeline.
And suddenly another guest entered the building. Someone other than the crown prince who never came to any aristocrat’s party, the ML.
At one point, while mumbling to herself to ease her bewilderment, FL sprained her ankle because ML suddenly approached from her back. Some gossip ladies, and Vanessa herself, misunderstand the situation where ML kneeled in front of FL as proposal event.

Adeline brush off Kael, ignoring the stinging pain on her feet, and went for Vanessa. Turns out, in such short time she already spread some nasty gossip to counter the rumor about Kael and Adeline’s relationship.

Vanessa in the original work was a young girl with a reputation as being no less than a saint. But in this timeline, she just realized Vanessa was the villain and Adeline was the female lead. Our hilarious FL grabbed Vanessa’s hand happily and told her to keep doing whatever she’s doing. Our ML overheard this and he laughed out loud, surprising everyone in the corridor. The smile that settled down on his gorgeous face, was so cool that everyone looked at it with awe.

ML asked with a bright voice to FL if she hated the idea of being involved with him so much, and later asked Sophia for a dance in front of those many people (because earlier FL said to ML she didn’t want to stole Sophia’s spotlight with all of this gossip)

After Sofia's debut, the capital was turned upside down. The gossip about Kael and Adeline spreads wider. Zion, Kael’s closest friend warn him that his plan of contract marriage is absurd and he believe someday Kael will meet his true love. But Kael insisted because Adeline is a perfect candidate, and she’s so fun to deal with.
At that time the crown prince came fo Kael. The crown prince is in a bad term with Kael. The emperor favorites Kael who’s a war hero and wished he was his son instead. While the crown prince doesn’t have political sense and keep making disappointing choice over time. His jealosy towards Kael led him to keep him in check and Kael knew this.

Crown prince asked about the gossip. And ordered that he should cancel his engagement towards Adeline because he will consider the union of those two family as treason. While they’re having mind battle, suddenly the door opened and Adeline entered. Her sudden visit made the crown prince leave with rage.

Kael was amused at Adeline’s visit and but it didn’t last long. She gave him a special bouquet as an excuse for his favour at Sophia’s ball. Turns out she sprayed a magic potion for Kael to hate her on those flowers. Kael knew, snatched the bouquet and inhaled it, saying it won’t affect him no matter what.

Using a magic potion to move someone’s heart is against the law. While Adeline is in a panic state, Kael’s still relaxed. He offer her to sign the contract with him or he will report her to the authority. She’s stubbornly ask him to go make the report instead. He then too offer to tell the secret why he’s immune to the potion, while seemingly enjoying the situation.

Adeline set aside her anger and finally asked about contents of the contract. He said he just want her as a Duchess in the name. She doesn’t have to live with him in the north, she can live anywhere, and can have as many side guy as she wants while luxuriate his wealth and status. He only has two condition: don’t expect his love and don’t fall in love with him. Adeline was so shocked because there’s no way Kael and Vanessa would ended up together as they sould have.

Out of curiosity he ask her why would she want to run away from him so much. And she desprately lied that she can predict the future a little bit, that he would die if he married her. He asked for proof, and she remembered one detail from the book of this world that the emperor will die on the day the red moon rise. It was tonight. The news came and while Adeline prepare to going back, Kael called her and said that if she’s being honest about the future, he will marry her no matter what. It is his long wish to die and end this suffocating life.

*) Such emo couple. Both of them wished to die

The lie, which she thought was the last step to push Kael away, turned out to be a way to solidify his will. Not long, the crown prince’s invitation for a meeting came. She also saw a book in her room where it’s title is the same as the book where’s she’s posessed (Beyond Orange), but the contents is different. All added Adeline’s confusion.

Her sister in law, Teresa (Enoch Tien’s wife) came with Vanessa’s carriage because her wagon broke. Vanesa tagged along and asked for a private conversation with Adeline. Adeline, hoping she could find the key to turning all these things to the OG storyline, agreed.

The conversation didn’t end up well. Vanessa thinks Adeline ridicule her when she instructed how to attract Kae is to pretend not showing any interest towards him. Kael’s subordinate Zion, came and delivered a white flower bouquet to Adeline. Vanessa run out of the mansion with tears in her eyes.

At the princess tea party, this time Kael also showed up out of the blue. The ladies already talked how the Dukes’s eyes were all over Adeline.
Adeline went to a quieter place, which is the lake. Kael catches up with her, Adeline started arguing all over again about their relationship. But he emphasize what he said last time; he’ll make her his wife. Their body move closer automatically as their argument heated.
Little did she know they already had quite large audience, some of guests who was frantic to see what kind of conversation Cael and Adeline had. One of them is Vanessa.
She purposively throw her body to the lake. Adeline is late to realize that Vanessa meant for Kael to save her, and already ran and save her by herself.

Both girls’ clothes are drenched in water, Kael put his jacket on Adeline. The princess immediately take them to the palace and changes their clothes.
Later at Tien’s mansion, Teresa teased how Adeline acted more like a gentleman than a lady. She also brought up how The Duke treated her. The whole social world was looking at Cael and Adeline with heart-filled eyes, but Adeline knew Cael wanted Adeline purely out of necessity.

When Enoch (her older brother) heard the news, he was furious about Adeline’s action. All these time, Adeline continuously tried to end her own life. The brothers, including Enoch, has been through a lot. For them, the moment Adeline became ill or in danger was terribly traumatic.

—

Adeline went to a bookstore to solve the mistery of Beyond Orange. When she tried to reach for the book, Kael helped her and grabbed the book.

The book is so famous. Nearly everyone in the Empire has read it, even Kael himself. It’s about the story of Sir Colin’s. Adeline thinks it is confusing for the protagonist of the possessed book to read a book with the same name, and it’s even worse because Beyond Orange that exists in this world seems to be only an adventure story, not a love story.
Shion suddenly called at him and told him that some urgent matter came up. Kael seems to has an interest towards the very same book. He bought every copy of it and leave the store before Adeline could ask anything.

—

There’s a tribe that inhabit the Northern Land. They’re called The Black People of the north (?)
*(it’s written as 북쪽의 흑족에게 in the novel).
And Leo, one of Adeline’s brother who is a Fidel knight commander, was kidnapped by them while carrying order from the crown prince. The crown prince purposively planned everything beforehand, and refused to send rescue because he wanted to lure Adeline to come. He had an eye on her since he knew Kael had an interest towards her. He again threaten Adeline about the possiblity of treason (he wants Adeline to marry him instead).
Adeline, seeiing her precious brother’s life in the line, hurriedly goes to the duke’s castle.

Adeline told Kael that she will sign the marriage contract if he saved her brother first. Kael questioned her reason about betraying the crown prince. It doesn’t make sense to him why would she refuse the chance to stay away from him like she initially did, secure a higher position by being the future empress and by so, will automatically saved her brother.
Adeline realizes Kael wants to balance the scale, so she answered she hate a cowardice more than anything (she’s talking about the crown prince). Kael already knew her situation, rescued Leo and transported him right there in his own castle beforehand. Crown prince might not know this truth yet, because Kael used a magic portal, so everything can be done in a short time.

He brings up her promise, Adeline added one condition: If she fell in love with him, the contract ended. She’s still determined to reach the OG ending. Everything else can go out of the flow, but she still wanted to be killed by him and end this posession no matter what. She secretly plans to make everyone believe she’s madly in love with Kael in the future.

Kael asked her reason again. And she said he wanted a women who won’t fall in love with him, so if she did, she would be useless. Kael cycnically accept it and said that he can conjecture her plan. He knew she still wanted to get away from him. They still deal the contract and called each other by their name. Each party confidently think will win their own goal.

*) I know.. story is a little idiotic at this point, AND it gets worse next chapters

Crown Prince called Kael to the Palace and confronted him for thwartening his plan and that proceeding their marriage is a treason. Kael make excuse that The Black People is too powerful eve for the Fidel Knight’s Commander and should’ve sent him instead if the mission is real as he is more familiar with the northern border. Kael realized Crown Prince’s inferiority is more serious than he thought, so he warned him that everyone in the Tien family already knew about his plan towards Adeline and that there is no noble family in the world who is completely loyal to someone who deliberately put a member of their family into a trap.

Kael said to crown prince not to make unnecessary enemies especially from the south and north since he will ascend the throne very soon (at his weakest times) and warned him not to play with Adeline and not to covet what’s his.

—

Adeline was back in her mansion and reading romance novels to practice how to behave as someone who fell in love, because she has never experienced it before.
It’s the day of the new emperor’s coronation ceremony where Leo deliberately attended with a body that had not yet fully healed to sent a reminder to the emperor of what he had done and Tien family will never forget.

After the ceremony, there’s a ball as the last event. Some ladies attending noticed that somehow the emperor is aways looking towards Adeline. Usually emperor dance with the empress, but the current emperor doesn’t have a spouse, so anyone who is still unmarried could be his first dancing partner—including Adeline.
The emperor ednded up asking Adeline for a dance but she rejects him (the audience roared at the blatant refusal) but Kael appeared and backed her stating that she’s his fiance now, suddenly making that moment shifted as his engangement announcement.

The emperor, saving his face, tried pretending nothing was wrong and asked another young lady to dance instead. Everyone is now focused to Adeline and Kael anyway.

Enoch Tien called them to a hidden space at the back of the corrider for a talk. As soon as the emperor’s dance was over, Adeline and Enoch headed there first and they both start arguing about the sudden engagement and he’s absolutely against it. Leo and Simeon eventually joined the argument, and they agree with Enoch.

That’s when Kael came in. The brother’s thanked him for saving Leo’s life but they don’t approve the marriage. Leo suddenly realized something and asked if this marriage has anything to do with him saving his life. Adeline cut the conversation off with denying the fact and explained that she’s in love with the grand duke. She did this on purpose because she knew Leo will make this marriage impossible to happen if he finds out she sold her happiness to save him.

—

Kael and Adeline avoiding the brothers for the rest of the event by walking in the garden where she ascaped after Kael first asked her to dance. She said to Kael Enoch might invite him to their place and asked him to make her brothers believe that she’s in love with him, because they would never believe her because of her history of rejecting every espousal talks. He agreed and thinks that task would be interesting and laughed.

Enoch did invite Kael to their house. He came with endless procession of luxurious gifts, even for the brothers. He talked intimately with all of them, but they seemed to not want to share any light words with him. After meal Enoch started the discussion. They all pestering him with questions. Kael told Simeon that Adeline is the only women in his life that he’s ever interested in. And for Enoch and Leo who asked about his wedding plan and if he will take Adeline to the north, he said that he will do whatever Adeline wants, even if she wanted to stay at the Marquese’s estate after wedding.

Simeon asked If they eventually won’t live together, why does he want to marry their sister. Kael answered because he want to spend the rest of his days as a couple with Adeline and want to ask her to stay with him. But as everyone know, the northern part is a bitter place and outsiders can't adapt easily. He doesn’t want Adeline to fight hard circumstances because of her marriage as Adeline’s happiness and peace are of the utmost importance to him.

Adeline admired his act. But Simeon replied that the duke could love adeline with all his heart, but they all agreed that Adeline doesn’t feel the same and they couldn’t help but doubt wether there’s transaction made behind the scenes. They still have no intention of accepting the marriage despite the answer shook them fr a moment.
—
They were out to see Kael off. Kael want to have a conversation with Adeline alone before leaving. Enoch feels reluctant but he couldn’t reject a courtesy, so the brothers went inside first with noticeably slow step.

He thinks they both get along well, but Adeline is unsatisfied and think it’s not enough for their plan. So Kael took Adelines hand and pulled her closer and wishper that he saw her brothers are secretly watching them from inside the mansion, and this is their chance for an act. She kissed him on the cheek and said goodbye. He mocked her said it wont affect much, so he kissed her on the lips. He said she should see him off like this next time. Then he got into the carriage. Somehow she thinks this is a perfect victory for Kael.

The next morning, the three brothers arguing over the fact that Adeline kissed Kael on the cheek yesterday and if what’s she confessed is true. And while Enoch an Simeon didn’t see what would happened next, Leo witnessed Kael kised Adeline back on her lips. They didn’t want to accept if Adeline is really in love with the duke.

Adeline later came and talk to the brothers calmly as if nothing happened. They’re wondering if the kissing scene is just a natural thing for her and if it was done often.

Little did they knew Adeline herself was all over the place. She hardly had enough sleep last night and when she did fell asleep, she was kissing Kael again in her dream. And when she’s awake, the soft feeling of his lips is still vivid.

—

Later that day, she went to the Imperial Palace escorted by her brothers to attend the biggest martial arts competition following the coronation ceremony. The competition ended with Sona’s Uta (? *not sure for the name ) as the winner. As the emperor handed a famous sword as the price, Uta stated that he want something more as a prize and asked Kael to duel.
Everyone thinks this is an interesting development, and the emperor approved it. But Adeline panicked.

Although Kael made an excuse that he didn’t prepare an outfit or weapon for a duel, the emperor dismissed him by saying a compliment mixed with mockery. Kael ended up accepting the challenge, unaffected by it. With all the nobles watching he couldn’t disobey the emperor, started to take his shirt off, and strode up to the podium. The emperor suddenly changed the rule of the tournament from wooden sword to permitting actual sword — which Kael think as funny and absurd as it continue highlighting his inferiority complex.

The duel begins. But Uta is too strong, which surprised Kael because he deliberately suppress his power when facing another human being. Then, the duel turned dangerous because not long it’s revealed that Uta isn’t even an actual human, which should’t be in the tournament in the first place. He’s later turned to his actual form — The Black Tribe (they could transform to human form). He has scales, wings, and his blood which splattered could kill another human being. But Kael was immune — to everyone surprise, and after waiting for the guards taking the emperor to a safer place, he killed Uta with his actual power. And now everyone knew what he’s capable of.

As to his prediction, even if he saved everyone’s lives, what follows is the gaze of fear and disgust. It might hurt if someone is going through the same situation, but Kael remained calm. He’s suddenly thinking about Adeline and if she’s okay, but then hestitated because he’s almost certain that she will be disgusted of him too. But as he goes down from the platfom, Adeline approached. He tried to stop her because his soaking with the creature’s blood. But what she did after is beyond expectation; she wiped blood on his face with a handkerchief and said that white or blue suits him better than red (she referenced to his eyes and skin). He laughed because it was the most perfect consolation for all of these situation.

As soon as they returned to Tien’s mansion, Enoch approached Adeline. It was because she looked dazed the whole time after breaking up with Cael and getting into the carriage. But Adeline excuse herself, told him that she wanted to rest.

In her room she pondered abot her last conversation with Kael. She’s curious about his state and the story behind his super power. Why are people seemed to be afraid of him? But how he looked so lonely moved her heart. When he approached him, she was sure he’s quite agitated. Especially after every step she took, the hem of her dress was soaked by the creature’s blood. But in the end, Kael thanked her with a sweet low pitched tone without any hint of his usual coldness.

While she dicussed with her maid to throw away her ruined favorite dress (because the creature’s blood can’t be washed off), there’s suddenly a knock at the window where a big bird is carrying a package. When she oppened it there’s a luxurious dress with the same colour as her ruined one. No name was written by the sender, but she could tell right away that it’s Kael. After that, Enoch came to her room and gave permission for her to marry Kael, because after what happened, the 3 brothers seemed to believe that she and Kael indeed loved each other.

Adeline is at Lady Rosa’s party. It's been less than a day since the martial arts competition, but so much has happened in between. Enoch allowed the marriage, the story of Kael's brilliant swordsmanship who defeated The Black Tribe, and Adeline's wiping his blood is a great saga and was spread throughout the capital. The leadies are chatting with Adeline and Kael’s relationship as their main topic.
Lady Rosa invited a fortune teller and they demand Adeline to receive divination. She hesitated, but the fortune teller was faster.

The fortune teller said Adeline are living a life surrounded by lies, too many gray clouds around her that some clouds are made by herself. She defined those clouds as light with no malice whatsoever, but she made a sad expression while saying that the other clouds that cling to her needs to be cleared and she should face the truth behind it. If she wanted to live with the clouds as it is, it’s up to her. But she should remember to not believe what she thinks she knows.

Adeline made an appointment with Kael at his place (a mansion near the capital). She came as soon as Rosa’s party ended. The butler told her that he’s in the study room. She later found him asleep in the sofa. She murmured while bowing slightly, that she wanted too look at his sleeping face. but since his arm blocked the sight, she said it’s a pity and she’ll leave. While Her face was still too close to him, he suddenly lowered his arm, showing his eyes wide open — like he wasn’t asleep in the first place. Their eyes met. She was embarassed, but Kael seems relaxed. He smiled and pointed to the seat next to him where she should sit down.

Adeline then told him about her brother’s marriage approval. Kael was surprised at first, but she explained the scene after he wins the duel looked like to everyone; they looked sweet together. Relieved, he later ask wether she likes the dress he sent. She replied that she liked the dress. While they’re smiling at each other, she pointed out if the brothers now really think that she loves Kael, does Kael think the same?— she’s trying to test the water.

However, his gaze on Adeline was unusual. A sad expression appeared on his face, as if he could see what Adeline was thinking right now. He then said that he accepted her clause to let her go if one day she fall in love with him was because he already knew she will never fall in love with him in the first place, instead he was sure she would try to deceive him from time to time as much as she can. He said he will let her tell those lies whenever she want, but he will know wether it’s the truth or not. And he will let her know too. Because he has a “mysterious tool”.

He opened a jewelry box and gave her a diamond ring. Seeing the ring, She lost in thought. In the original story, Adeline was caught while trying to poison Vanessa. and Kael, who lost his temper, interrogated her directly. Kael stabbed Adeline in the arm until she screamed endlessly. and after that, as if it was not worth fighting for, he immediately killed Adeline. She thinks that original ending is what she really want, and felt strange to accept his fake kindness. She suddenly remember what the fortune teller said, and to not trust anyone. She accept the ring, he looked at it intently with a serious face. The ring magically adjust to her finger. Before leaving she told him to keep his promise to let her go after confirming her love with whatever tool he has. She wanted the play end as it is.

Kael’s Butler and Zion are preparing the mansion’s decoration to welcome Tien family’s visit. Zion, out of excitement, already addressed Adeline as The Grand Duchess of Inver. Kael tried to stop him, but Zion persist over the fact that Kael smiled more often these days and even laughed. He said he wanted Kael admit his own feelings. Also it is also unusual that Adeline who comes to Kael without fear. He will pray that the two of them will truly love and stay by each other’s side for a long time, no matter how Kael responds.

Deep inside Kael also questions Adeline’s actions. Vero came and stopped him from his contemplation. Zion is described as Kael’s right arm moving in thelight, while Vero is his left arm moving in the dark. So only few people aware of Vero’s existence.

He reported that he checked all the places that he commanded, also about observing various races beyod the northern border. He then asked about the incident at the tournament. It’s then revealed that he was ordered by Kael to guard his majesty secretly al these time, also that Vero is also proficient in various black magic and medicine, and that he’s responsible to check up on Kael’s wound which no one ever knew except Kael and himself.

While it doesn’t seem to affect Kael phisically, the aftermath of the creature’s blood towards Kael made his wound grew bigger. There were already so many wounds on Kael's back beforehand. It’s so hideous, someone could mistake it as the back of a slave, not the back of an archduke. The biggest wound among them is a dark red scar on Cael's left shoulder. That wound periodically tormented Kael the most.

Vero then excuse himself and promised that he will be back in three days with remedies. He also congratulate Kael for his upcoming wedding, and that he sincerely wished for his happiness.
—
Left alone feeling cynical at the word ‘happiness’, Kael then found his magical music box in his study. It has secret magic that it will reflect the heart of the person wearing the ring he gave to Adeline. So if She truly loves him, the tightly locked music box will open and play a certain song. But for now, The music box is firmly locked. he grinned and thinks that just as she’s confident that she can deceive him, he’s also confident that she will never love him.
Kael left the room.

** I read from MTL. Some details may be translated incorrectly
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Thank you very much ⚘️⚘️
Please keep going

MightyDragoon453 · Nov 6, 2022

Freaking adore this story so far. Yeah it might a cliche wants to get the OG couple together and try to be a villainess. But the way she does it is fan-fucking-tastic and I fucking love. I think its her efforts to push them together and get things back on track that inadvertently causes the most issues.

She tries to give Kale Inver (ML) a hate potion (which doesn't work because he's immune cause of course!) and doesn't even care if he reports her for it and encourages OG FL Vanessa Felix to spread nasty rumors about her character and the instinctual feeling Adeline has that Kael has to be the one to kill her to be able to go home is fascinating as well.

Also her saying if she marries him he dies. (Trying to bullshit seeing the future) I said this in a comment earlier but I need to repeat it. (you have to give girlie credit, she is trying here not to get involved and get Kael to hate her)

Adeline Tien: The Emperor is going to die today

Kael Inver: What?

Zion (his aide) rushing in a minute later: DUKE YOU'LL NEVER GUESS WHAT HAPPENED! THE EMPEROR JUST DIED!

And in the end she only agrees to the engagement and marriage because of her brother (kudos to her brothers, she tried to push them away when she first transmigrated in the world) being captured by the enemy and the Crown Prince/ now Emperor who urged him to take the mission refused to rescue him unless Adeline married him.
Adeline just hates him a lot more than she does Kael, though. LOL! That and Kael got him back in like five seconds.

So how the rest of the story go? What happens to the OG FL Vanessa Felix, cause she's giving me major white lotus vibes?
How does the relationship between Adeline and Kael develop? Are there any side stories or anything?
What happens with the Emperor? Does he continue to throw a fucking stink with them? Or does he let it go?

asagisora · Jan 28, 2024

Kael fall in love with Adeline after they married, and vice versa. They decided to draw the line because each have their own goal unknown by other party (Adeline wanted Kael+Vanessa together so she could reach the ending and die, Kael doesn’t want the curse affects anyone dear to him that’s why he chose someone like Adeline to fill the position of the grand duchess and he wanted to die peacefully).

Adeline thought Vanessa is also someone who’s posessed inside the book Beyond orange because she know the grand duchess seat should be her's. Unlike the original, Kael never noticed her, even hates Vanessa after she was proved deliberately put a trap on Adeline. When her plan failed, she tried to stab Adeline with a black dagger (cursed). Kael blocked it and the dagger stabbed his hand instead.

Kael’s immune to every kind of curses and poisons because he’s already holding a curse of darkness since he was 15 years old. It was placed upon him on the battlefield. The darkness will torture him every some time and lasted for a few days. His consciousness was taken over and he was in a beast like state with red eyes and blood dripping from the scars in his body.
The curse will basically torture him until he wish to die instead. But every time, it subsided and will come back later as a cycle. Ironically, the curse also won’t allow him to easily escaped life (+ will kill his beloved ones too).

After all this time, there’re no divine power which could ease his pain. Miraculously, one time Adeline found him while hiding in dungeon below his library (thanks to the Grand Duchess Ring she’s wearing). The curse subsided and Vero who witnessed it, soon make conclusion that Adeline is his salvation. Adeline then learned it works by skinship.

Vanessa died in a prison. Adeline was so confused, because her ending couldn’t be fulfilled. Sudden realization struck her. She never remember how her life before possession was like. When she wanted to trace her memory, she had a bad headache and fainted. Kael discovered a black butterfly shaped mole in her waist, which turns out to be a black magic engraved by someone to brainwash her. After some research, it’s concluded that the curse can be broken by Kael’s cursed blood. Simeon was called and he draw a magic circle and spell around adeline. Soon after the magic was finished, Adeline vomited the lump of curse and she now remembered that she’s the real Adeline and that the possession is all a lie.

The butterfly mole has gone but another appeared on top of it: a snowdrop flower shaped. This problem all started when she witnessed her parents death when she first remembered her posession. Her parents were killed, the new emperor was manipulated by someone so he kept pressing the north and kael-adeline relationship, vanessa was also brainwashed as a posessor too. An old mighty wizard told Adeline that she's someone who lost time (the snowdrop mole is a proof that her memories has been permanently erased). The only way to see her lost memory is by entering Reposito, a place where time is stored. It's a magical place where only grand duke&grand duchess of the north could see it appear random time on a winter day somewhere in the north barren land and entered it.

Adeline, losing her reason to end her life, now kept pushing Kael to accept their love, even after he rejects and avoids her so many times (after kissing and touching her so many times? Really Kael?). after a couple if incidents he gave up and opened his heart to her. she kept using the skinship technique everytime the curse took over him (a wizard said this will eventually risked her life).

The curse was placed by the last wizard of the Lan’s Tribe. It happened after the army commanded by Kael’s Father got a false order from the old emperor that turned out to be a full scale subjugation towards the sanctuary of the Lan’s Tribe. Both side got annihilated as a result, which only Kael and the wizard survived. They wanted to work at how to release Kael from the curse, but now their main focus is to reveal the real culprit behind the brainwashing. The Blue Moon appeared in the night sky, and they could see Reposito, a castle made of ice.
Each people’s records were written in parchments. Their’s was stored in a different area, which only 3 parchments in sight.

The guardian of the castle explained that these are the one who has their time distorted. The contents of Adeline & Kael parchments are almost identical because they both experienced the same event: they’ve turn back time, the 3rd person is Count Felix (Jeffrey). So the 3 of them go back in time. When Adeline put her finger so she could see her memory it was then revealed that at the time she lost her memory, Adeline & her parents were visiting the north. She met Kael and they both fell in love. The relationship continued and they exchange letters, he even showed up at her debutante ball, both of them proposed to each other (sounds stupid but that’s what happened), and they finally married (Jeffrey — Vanessa’s brother is their man in honour, because initially Kael was close to). What she thought a story she read was originally her memory, but twisted. Kael’s back was also clear from scars from the curse. Adeline was also pregnant. Suddenly the northern wall broke somewhere and Kael and his knights left to fight the black tribe. Jeffrey came back after half a day telling Adeline that Kael lost the war and she must evacuate. But it was then revealed that it was all Jeffrey’s plan because he’s been in love with Adeline this whole time. He modified his own body with black magic (idk, he poured the black blood around his own arms and it changed shape). He couldn’t control his own power when Adeline rejects him harshly and accidentally killed her. Kael gone berserk and stabbed Jeffrey. He used his magic tool (a necklace to turn back time the one he showed Adeline in current timeline). The Goddess of time appeared and the curse was an exchange to his wish. Both Kael & Adeline’s memories will be erased, Adeline is the only one who can purify the curse and if Adeline couldn’t love & remember him again in the next life, the curse will torture him until he dies. When a light poured down and sucked Kael & Adeline, on the verge of death Jeffrey reach out his hand so he too went against time (Back when they were 13 yo, Adeline 10yo). So despite Kael’s sacrifice, the seed of disaster came along. Jeffrey didn’t lose his memory because it’s not included in the goddess agreement. He started learning black magic and witchcraft. Instead of making Adeline fell in love with himself in this timeline, he brainwashed her so she will die at the hands of Kael. His obsession was so twisted, he was determined if he can’t have Adeline, he will break her instead. He put a love potion on Kael’s drink on the dance party when he supposed to met Vanessa for the first time. Little did he knew that the curse placed upon Kael made him immune from every curses and potions, his plan went awry. He killed his own sister Vanessa for glitching after being brainwashed, in the prison.

After finished reading the parchments, Kael-Adeline transported back at their mansion in the capital. Kael meet the emperor and persuade him. He explained the culprit's real intention is to lead the black tribe to destroy the empire, starting from the north. After long conversation they agree to set eside their feud. Kael ambushes Jeffrey and his mercenaries in the northern wall, and hang him there.

Meanwhile at the northern castle, Adeline was assisted by a wizard to destroy the turning back time necklace to lift Kael curse. She passed out in the process but succeed. It made kael vomitted black blood and his scar bleed. But it then stopped without leaving a single trace of scar in his body.

Last scene they kissed and hoping for a happy future after making a tiny grave for their baby from previous timeline.

staradorned · Nov 18, 2022

asagisora said: ↑

Kael ended up falling in love with Adeline after they married, and vice versa. They decided to draw the line because each have their own goal unknown by other party (Adeline wanted Kael+Vanessa together so she could reach the ending and die, Kael doesn’t want the curse affects anyone dear to him that’s why he chose someone like Adeline to fill the position of the grand duchess and he wanted to die peacefully).

Adeline thought Vanessa is also someone who’s posessed inside the book Beyond orange because she know the grand duchess seat should be her's. Unlike the original, Kael never noticed her, even hates Vanessa after she was proved deliberately put a trap on Adeline. When her plan failed, she tried to stab Adeline with a black dagger (cursed). Kael blocked it and the dagger stabbed his hand instead.

Kael’s immune to every kind of curses and poisons because he’s already holding a curse of darkness since he was 15 years old. It was placed upon him on the battlefield. The darkness will torture him every some time and lasted for a few days. His consciousness was taken over and he was in a beast like state with red eyes and blood dripping from the scars in his body.
The curse will basically torture him until he wish to die instead. But every time, it subsided and will come back later as a cycle. Ironically, the curse also won’t allow him to easily escaped life (+ will kill his beloved ones too).

After all this time, there’re no divine power which could ease his pain. Miraculously, one time Adeline found him while hiding in dungeon below his library (thanks to the Grand Duchess Ring she’s wearing). The curse subsided and Vero who witnessed it, soon make conclusion that Adeline is his salvation. Adeline then learned it works by skinship.

Vanessa died in a prison. Adeline was so confused, because her ending couldn’t be fulfilled. Sudden realization struck her. She never remember how her life before possession was like. When she wanted to trace her memory, she had a bad headache and fainted. Kael discovered a black butterfly shaped mole in her waist, which turns out to be a black magic engraved by someone to brainwash her. After some research, it’s concluded that the curse can be broken by Kael’s cursed blood. Simeon was called and he draw a magic circle and spell around adeline. Soon after the magic was finished, Adeline vomited the lump of curse and she now remembered that she’s the real Adeline and that the possession is all a lie.

The butterfly mole has gone but another appeared on top of it: a snowdrop flower shaped. This problem all started when she witnessed her parents death when she first remembered her posession. Her parents were killed, the new emperor was manipulated by someone so he kept pressing the north and kael-adeline relationship, vanessa was also brainwashed as a posessor too. An old mighty wizard told Adeline that she's someone who lost time (the snowdrop mole is a proof that her memories has been permanently erased). The only way to see her lost memory is by entering Reposito, a place where time is stored. It's a magical place where only grand duke&grand duchess of the north could see it appear random time on a winter day somewhere in the north barren land and entered it.

Adeline, losing her reason to end her life, now kept pushing Kael to accept their love, even after he rejects and avoids her so many times (after kissing and touching her so many times? Really Kael?). after a couple if incidents he gave up and opened his heart to her. she kept using the skinship technique everytime the curse took over him (a wizard said this will eventually risked her life). They wanted to work at how to release Kael from the curse, but now they main focus is to reveal the real culprit behind the brainwashing.

Click to expand...

Is that how it ends?

asagisora · Nov 18, 2022

staradorned said: ↑

Is that how it ends?
Click to expand...

10 chapter to go. I’ll update

staradorned · Nov 18, 2022

asagisora said: ↑

10 chapter to go. I’ll update
Click to expand...

Thanks

RegisteredToAskAThing · Dec 14, 2022

asagisora said: ↑

10 chapter to go. I’ll update
Click to expand...

Thanks for the spoilers, do you have a fixed date on which you plan to spoil the ending for us?

asagisora · Dec 15, 2022

RegisteredToAskAThing said: ↑

Thanks for the spoilers, do you have a fixed date on which you plan to spoil the ending for us?
Click to expand...

I‘ve already updated my previous post. It‘s already completed.

Sarah13 · Feb 19, 2023

asagisora said: ↑

I’ll add more summaries in the future

Adeline and her brothers organize a debutante ball for their second cousin, Sophia. But an unexpected guest came, it’s the crown prince. And he stated that he came because he has something to talk about with Adeline. She’s so confused. In the original story, the prince and Kael had a confrontation over a woman, but it was towards the protagonist, Vanessa, not her.

Suddenly another guest entered the building. Someone other than the crown prince who never came to any aristocrat’s party, Kael.
At one point, while mumbling to herself to ease her bewilderment, Adeline sprained her ankle because Kael suddenly approached from her back. Some gossip ladies, and Vanessa herself, misunderstand the situation where Kael kneeled in front of Adeline as proposal event.

Adeline brush off Kael, ignoring the stinging pain on her feet, and went for Vanessa. Turns out, in such short time she already spread some nasty gossip to counter the rumor about Kael and Adeline’s relationship.

Vanessa in the original work was a young girl with a reputation as being no less than a saint. But in this timeline, she just realized Vanessa was the villain and Adeline was the female lead. Our hilarious FL grabbed Vanessa’s hand happily and told her to keep doing whatever she’s doing. Kael overheard this and he laughed out loud, surprising everyone in the corridor. The smile that settled down on his gorgeous face, was so cool that everyone looked at it with awe.

Kael asked with a bright voice to Adeline if she hated the idea of being involved with him so much, and later asked Sophia for a dance in front of those many people (giving favor to Adeline because earlier she said to Kael that she didn’t want to stole Sophia’s spotlight with all of this gossip).

After Sofia's debut, the capital was turned upside down. The gossip about Kael and Adeline spreads wider. Zion, Kael’s closest friend warn him that his plan of contract marriage is absurd and he believe someday Kael will meet his true love. But Kael insisted because Adeline is a perfect candidate, and she’s so fun to deal with.
At that time the crown prince came to Kael’s place. The crown prince is in a bad term with Kael. The emperor favorites Kael who’s a war hero and wished he was his son instead. While the crown prince doesn’t have political sense and keep making disappointing choice over time. His jealosy towards Kael led him to keep him in check and Kael knew this.

Crown prince asked about the gossip and ordered that he should cancel his engagement towards Adeline because he will consider the union of those two family as treason. While they’re having mind battle, suddenly the door opened and Adeline entered. Her sudden visit made the crown prince leave with rage.

Kael was amused at Adeline’s visit and but it didn’t last long. She gave him a special bouquet for his favour at Sophia’s ball. She secretly sprayed a magic potion for Kael to hate her on those flowers beforehand. Kael knew, snatched the bouquet and inhaled it, saying it won’t affect him no matter what.

Using a magic potion to move someone’s heart is against the law. While Adeline is in a panic state, Kael’s still relaxed. He offered her to sign the contract or he will report her to the authority. She stubbornly asked him to go ahead make the report. He then too offer to tell the secret why he’s immune to the potion, while seemingly enjoying the situation.

Adeline set aside her anger and finally asked about contents of the contract. He said he just want her as a Duchess in the name. She doesn’t have to live with him in the north, she can live anywhere, and can have as many side guy as she wants while luxuriate his wealth and status. He only has two condition: don’t expect his love and don’t fall in love with him. Adeline was so shocked because there’s no way Kael and Vanessa would ended up together as they sould have.

Out of curiosity he asked her why would she want to run away from him so much. And she desprately lied that she can predict the future a little bit, that he would die if he married her. He asked for proof, and she remembered one detail from the book of this world that the emperor will die on the day the red moon rise. It was tonight. Zion delivered the news while Adeline prepared to going back. Knowing she’s telling the truth, Kael called her and said that if she’s being honest about the future, he will marry her no matter what. It is his long wish to die and end this suffocating life.

*) Such emo couple. Both of them wished to die

The lie, which she thought was the last step to push Kael away, turned out to be a way to solidify his will. Not long, the crown prince’s invitation for a meeting came. She also saw a book in her room where it’s title is the same as the book where’s she’s posessed (Beyond Orange), but the contents is different. All added Adeline’s confusion.

Her sister in law, Teresa (Enoch Tien’s wife) came home with Vanessa’s carriage because her wagon broke. Vanesa tagged along and asked for a private conversation with Adeline. Adeline, hoping she could find the key to turning all these things to the OG storyline, agreed.

The conversation didn’t end up well. Vanessa thinks Adeline ridiculed her when she instructed how to attract Kael is by pretending not showing any interest towards him. Kael’s subordinate Zion, came and delivered a white flower bouquet for Adeline. Vanessa run out of the mansion with tears in her eyes.

At the princess tea party, this time Kael also showed up out of the blue. The ladies already talked how the Dukes’s eyes were all over Adeline.
Adeline went to a quieter place, which is the lake. Kael catches up with her, Adeline started arguing all over again about their relationship. But he emphasize what he had said last time; he’ll make her his wife. Their body move closer automatically as their argument heated.
Little did she know they already had quite large audience, some of guests who was frantic to see what kind of conversation Cael and Adeline had. One of them is Vanessa.
Vanssa purposively throw her body to the lake. Adeline is late to realize that Vanessa meant for Kael to save her, and already ran and save her by herself.

Both girls’ clothes are drenched in water, Kael put his jacket on Adeline. The princess immediately take them to the palace and changed their clothes.
Later at Tien’s mansion, Teresa teased how Adeline acted more like a gentleman than a lady. She also brought up how The Duke treated her. The whole social world was looking at Cael and Adeline with heart-filled eyes, but Adeline knew Cael wanted Adeline purely out of necessity.

When Enoch (her older brother) heard the news, he was furious about Adeline’s action. All these time, Adeline continuously tried to end her own life. The brothers, including Enoch, has been through a lot. For them, the moment Adeline became ill or in danger was terribly traumatic.

—

Adeline went to a bookstore to solve the mistery of Beyond Orange. When she tried to reach for the book, Kael helped her and grabbed the book.

The book is so famous. Nearly everyone in the Empire has read it, even Kael himself. It’s about the story of Sir Colin’s. Adeline thinks it is confusing for the protagonist of the possessed book to read a book with the same name, and it’s even worse because Beyond Orange that exists in this world seems to be only an adventure story, not a love story.
Shion suddenly called at him and told him that some urgent matter came up. Kael seems to has an interest towards the very same book. He bought every copy of it and leave the store before Adeline could ask anything.

—

There’s a tribe that inhabit the Northern Land. They’re called The Black People of the north (?)
*(it’s written as 북쪽의 흑족에게 in the novel).
And Leo, one of Adeline’s brother who is a Fidel knight commander, was kidnapped by them while carrying order from the crown prince. The crown prince purposively planned everything beforehand, and refused to send rescue because he wanted to lure Adeline to come. He had an eye on her since he knew Kael had an interest towards her. He again threaten Adeline about the possiblity of treason (he wants Adeline to marry him instead).
Adeline, seeiing her precious brother’s life in the line, hurriedly goes to the duke’s castle.

Adeline told Kael that she will sign the marriage contract if he saved her brother first. Kael questioned her reason about betraying the crown prince. It doesn’t make sense to him why would she refuse the chance to stay away from him like she initially did, secure a higher position by being the future empress and by so, will automatically saved her brother.
Adeline realizes Kael wants to balance the scale, so she answered she hate a cowardice more than anything (she’s talking about the crown prince). Kael already knew her situation, rescued Leo and transported him right there in his own castle beforehand. Crown prince might not know this truth yet, because Kael used a magic portal, so everything can be done in a short time.

He brings up her promise, Adeline added one condition: If she fell in love with him, the contract ended. She’s still determined to reach the OG ending. Everything else can go out of the flow, but she still wanted to be killed by him and end this posession no matter what. She secretly plans to make everyone believe she’s madly in love with Kael in the future.

Kael asked her reason again. And she said he wanted a women who won’t fall in love with him, so if she did, she would be useless. Kael cycnically accept it and said that he can conjecture her plan. He knew she still wanted to get away from him. They still deal the contract and called each other by their name. Each party confidently think will win their own goal.

*) I know.. story is a little idiotic at this point, AND it gets worse next chapters

Crown Prince called Kael to the Palace and confronted him for thwartening his plan and that proceeding their marriage is a treason. Kael make excuse that The Black People is too powerful eve for the Fidel Knight’s Commander and should’ve sent him instead if the mission is real as he is more familiar with the northern border. Kael realized Crown Prince’s inferiority is more serious than he thought, so he warned him that everyone in the Tien family already knew about his plan towards Adeline and that there is no noble family in the world who is completely loyal to someone who deliberately put a member of their family into a trap.

Kael said to crown prince not to make unnecessary enemies especially from the south and north since he will ascend the throne very soon (at his weakest times) and warned him not to play with Adeline and not to covet what’s his.

—

Adeline was back in her mansion and reading romance novels to practice how to behave as someone who fell in love, because she has never experienced it before.
It’s the day of the new emperor’s coronation ceremony where Leo deliberately attended with a body that had not yet fully healed to sent a reminder to the emperor of what he had done and Tien family will never forget.

After the ceremony, there’s a ball as the last event. Some ladies attending noticed that somehow the emperor is aways looking towards Adeline. Usually emperor dance with the empress, but the current emperor doesn’t have a spouse, so anyone who is still unmarried could be his first dancing partner—including Adeline.
The emperor ednded up asking Adeline for a dance but she rejects him (the audience roared at the blatant refusal) but Kael appeared and backed her stating that she’s his fiance now, suddenly making that moment shifted as his engangement announcement.

The emperor, saving his face, tried pretending nothing was wrong and asked another young lady to dance instead. Everyone is now focused to Adeline and Kael anyway.

Enoch Tien called them to a hidden space at the back of the corrider for a talk. As soon as the emperor’s dance was over, Adeline and Enoch headed there first and they both start arguing about the sudden engagement and he’s absolutely against it. Leo and Simeon eventually joined the argument, and they agree with Enoch.

That’s when Kael came in. The brother’s thanked him for saving Leo’s life but they don’t approve the marriage. Leo suddenly realized something and asked if this marriage has anything to do with him saving his life. Adeline cut the conversation off with denying the fact and explained that she’s in love with the grand duke. She did this on purpose because she knew Leo will make this marriage impossible to happen if he finds out she sold her happiness to save him.

—

Kael and Adeline avoiding the brothers for the rest of the event by walking in the garden where she ascaped after Kael first asked her to dance. She said to Kael Enoch might invite him to their place and asked him to make her brothers believe that she’s in love with him, because they would never believe her because of her history of rejecting every espousal talks. He agreed and thinks that task would be interesting and laughed.

Enoch did invite Kael to their house. He came with endless procession of luxurious gifts, even for the brothers. He talked intimately with all of them, but they seemed to not want to share any light words with him. After meal Enoch started the discussion. They all pestering him with questions. Kael told Simeon that Adeline is the only women in his life that he’s ever interested in. And for Enoch and Leo who asked about his wedding plan and if he will take Adeline to the north, he said that he will do whatever Adeline wants, even if she wanted to stay at the Marquese’s estate after wedding.

Simeon asked If they eventually won’t live together, why does he want to marry their sister. Kael answered because he want to spend the rest of his days as a couple with Adeline and want to ask her to stay with him. But as everyone know, the northern part is a bitter place and outsiders can't adapt easily. He doesn’t want Adeline to fight hard circumstances because of her marriage as Adeline’s happiness and peace are of the utmost importance to him.

Adeline admired his act. But Simeon replied that the duke could love adeline with all his heart, but they all agreed that Adeline doesn’t feel the same and they couldn’t help but doubt wether there’s transaction made behind the scenes. They still have no intention of accepting the marriage despite the answer shook them fr a moment.
—
They were out to see Kael off. Kael want to have a conversation with Adeline alone before leaving. Enoch feels reluctant but he couldn’t reject a courtesy, so the brothers went inside first with noticeably slow step.

He thinks they both get along well, but Adeline is unsatisfied and think it’s not enough for their plan. So Kael took Adelines hand and pulled her closer and wishper that he saw her brothers are secretly watching them from inside the mansion, and this is their chance for an act. She kissed him on the cheek and said goodbye. He mocked her said it wont affect much, so he kissed her on the lips. He said she should see him off like this next time. Then he got into the carriage. Somehow she thinks this is a perfect victory for Kael.

The next morning, the three brothers arguing over the fact that Adeline kissed Kael on the cheek yesterday and if what’s she confessed is true. And while Enoch an Simeon didn’t see what would happened next, Leo witnessed Kael kised Adeline back on her lips. They didn’t want to accept if Adeline is really in love with the duke.

Adeline later came and talk to the brothers calmly as if nothing happened. They’re wondering if the kissing scene is just a natural thing for her and if it was done often.

Little did they knew Adeline herself was all over the place. She hardly had enough sleep last night and when she did fell asleep, she was kissing Kael again in her dream. And when she’s awake, the soft feeling of his lips is still vivid.

—

Later that day, she went to the Imperial Palace escorted by her brothers to attend the biggest martial arts competition following the coronation ceremony. The competition ended with Sona’s Uta (? *not sure for the name ) as the winner. As the emperor handed a famous sword as the price, Uta stated that he want something more as a prize and asked Kael to duel.
Everyone thinks this is an interesting development, and the emperor approved it. But Adeline panicked.

Although Kael made an excuse that he didn’t prepare an outfit or weapon for a duel, the emperor dismissed him by saying a compliment mixed with mockery. Kael ended up accepting the challenge, unaffected by it. With all the nobles watching he couldn’t disobey the emperor, started to take his shirt off, and strode up to the podium. The emperor suddenly changed the rule of the tournament from wooden sword to permitting actual sword — which Kael think as funny and absurd as it continue highlighting his inferiority complex.

The duel begins. But Uta is too strong, which surprised Kael because he deliberately suppress his power when facing another human being. Then, the duel turned dangerous because not long it’s revealed that Uta isn’t even an actual human, which should’t be in the tournament in the first place. He’s later turned to his actual form — The Black Tribe (they could transform to human form). He has scales, wings, and his blood which splattered could kill another human being. But Kael was immune — to everyone surprise, and after waiting for the guards taking the emperor to a safer place, he killed Uta with his actual power. And now everyone knew what he’s capable of.

As to his prediction, even if he saved everyone’s lives, what follows is the gaze of fear and disgust. It might hurt if someone is going through the same situation, but Kael remained calm. He’s suddenly thinking about Adeline and if she’s okay, but then hestitated because he’s almost certain that she will be disgusted of him too. But as he goes down from the platfom, Adeline approached. He tried to stop her because his soaking with the creature’s blood. But what she did after is beyond expectation; she wiped blood on his face with a handkerchief and said that white or blue suits him better than red (she referenced to his eyes and skin). He laughed because it was the most perfect consolation for all of these situation.

As soon as they returned to Tien’s mansion, Enoch approached Adeline. It was because she looked dazed the whole time after breaking up with Cael and getting into the carriage. But Adeline excuse herself, told him that she wanted to rest.

In her room she pondered abot her last conversation with Kael. She’s curious about his state and the story behind his super power. Why are people seemed to be afraid of him? But how he looked so lonely moved her heart. When he approached him, she was sure he’s quite agitated. Especially after every step she took, the hem of her dress was soaked by the creature’s blood. But in the end, Kael thanked her with a sweet low pitched tone without any hint of his usual coldness.

While she dicussed with her maid to throw away her ruined favorite dress (because the creature’s blood can’t be washed off), there’s suddenly a knock at the window where a big bird is carrying a package. When she oppened it there’s a luxurious dress with the same colour as her ruined one. No name was written by the sender, but she could tell right away that it’s Kael. After that, Enoch came to her room and gave permission for her to marry Kael, because after what happened, the 3 brothers seemed to believe that she and Kael indeed loved each other.

Adeline is at Lady Rosa’s party. It's been less than a day since the martial arts competition, but so much has happened in between. Enoch allowed the marriage, the story of Kael's brilliant swordsmanship who defeated The Black Tribe, and Adeline's wiping his blood is a great saga and was spread throughout the capital. The leadies are chatting with Adeline and Kael’s relationship as their main topic.
Lady Rosa invited a fortune teller and they demand Adeline to receive divination. She hesitated, but the fortune teller was faster.

The fortune teller said Adeline are living a life surrounded by lies, too many gray clouds around her that some clouds are made by herself. She defined those clouds as light with no malice whatsoever, but she made a sad expression while saying that the other clouds that cling to her needs to be cleared and she should face the truth behind it. If she wanted to live with the clouds as it is, it’s up to her. But she should remember to not believe what she thinks she knows.

Adeline made an appointment with Kael at his place (a mansion near the capital). She came as soon as Rosa’s party ended. The butler told her that he’s in the study room. She later found him asleep in the sofa. She murmured while bowing slightly, that she wanted too look at his sleeping face. but since his arm blocked the sight, she said it’s a pity and she’ll leave. While Her face was still too close to him, he suddenly lowered his arm, showing his eyes wide open — like he wasn’t asleep in the first place. Their eyes met. She was embarassed, but Kael seems relaxed. He smiled and pointed to the seat next to him where she should sit down.

Adeline then told him about her brother’s marriage approval. Kael was surprised at first, but she explained the scene after he wins the duel looked like to everyone; they looked sweet together. Relieved, he later ask wether she likes the dress he sent. She replied that she liked the dress. While they’re smiling at each other, she pointed out if the brothers now really think that she loves Kael, does Kael think the same?— she’s trying to test the water.

However, his gaze on Adeline was unusual. A sad expression appeared on his face, as if he could see what Adeline was thinking right now. He then said that he accepted her clause to let her go if one day she fall in love with him was because he already knew she will never fall in love with him in the first place, instead he was sure she would try to deceive him from time to time as much as she can. He said he will let her tell those lies whenever she want, but he will know wether it’s the truth or not. And he will let her know too. Because he has a “mysterious tool”.

He opened a jewelry box and gave her a diamond ring. Seeing the ring, She lost in thought. In the original story, Adeline was caught while trying to poison Vanessa. and Kael, who lost his temper, interrogated her directly. Kael stabbed Adeline in the arm until she screamed endlessly. and after that, as if it was not worth fighting for, he immediately killed Adeline. She thinks that original ending is what she really want, and felt strange to accept his fake kindness. She suddenly remember what the fortune teller said, and to not trust anyone. She accept the ring, he looked at it intently with a serious face. The ring magically adjust to her finger. Before leaving she told him to keep his promise to let her go after confirming her love with whatever tool he has. She wanted the play end as it is.

Kael’s Butler and Zion are preparing the mansion’s decoration to welcome Tien family’s visit. Zion, out of excitement, already addressed Adeline as The Grand Duchess of Inver. Kael tried to stop him, but Zion persist over the fact that Kael smiled more often these days and even laughed. He said he wanted Kael admit his own feelings. Also it is also unusual that Adeline who comes to Kael without fear. He will pray that the two of them will truly love and stay by each other’s side for a long time, no matter how Kael responds.

Deep inside Kael also questions Adeline’s actions. Vero came and stopped him from his contemplation. Zion is described as Kael’s right arm moving in thelight, while Vero is his left arm moving in the dark. So only few people aware of Vero’s existence.

He reported that he checked all the places that he commanded, also about observing various races beyod the northern border. He then asked about the incident at the tournament. It’s then revealed that he was ordered by Kael to guard his majesty secretly al these time, also that Vero is also proficient in various black magic and medicine, and that he’s responsible to check up on Kael’s wound which no one ever knew except Kael and himself.

While it doesn’t seem to affect Kael phisically, the aftermath of the creature’s blood towards Kael made his wound grew bigger. There were already so many wounds on Kael's back beforehand. It’s so hideous, someone could mistake it as the back of a slave, not the back of an archduke. The biggest wound among them is a dark red scar on Cael's left shoulder. That wound periodically tormented Kael the most.

Vero then excuse himself and promised that he will be back in three days with remedies. He also congratulate Kael for his upcoming wedding, and that he sincerely wished for his happiness.
—
Left alone feeling cynical at the word ‘happiness’, Kael then found his magical music box in his study. It has secret magic that it will reflect the heart of the person wearing the ring he gave to Adeline. So if She truly loves him, the tightly locked music box will open and play a certain song. But for now, The music box is firmly locked. he grinned and thinks that just as she’s confident that she can deceive him, he’s also confident that she will never love him.
Kael left the room.

The dinner between the two families at Kael's mansion ended well in a much more developed atmosphere compared to the first meeting, and the wedding date was set three weeks later. It felt a bit rushed, but Adeline wanted to get married at the capital so Simeon can be asigned as their wedding officiant (he’s unable to travel because of his duty at the temple), and so Enoch and Leo too could attend before their departure t the eastern estate. Everything were done with great urgency.

One week after, Adeline an Kael accidentally met while horseback riding at her favorite meadow, a secluded area far from other nobles mansion so anyone rarely came there. Kael ask her for a match, and she agreed. Adeline lost the match in the end but he could see that she’s good at it.

From time to time, Adeline made Kael laugh at her unexpected expressions or just simple stories, like how the wedding preparations made her exhausted. They then talked about estate where they came from. The northern part is a barren land with no green plain like in the capital. The whole expanse of land is a wasteland. While the Tien family’s estate is in the coastline that embraces the easternmost border where beautiful sunrise can be seen everyday. She explained it with an expression which Kael couldn’t takes off his eyes from. It was the brightest appearance of Adeline that he had seen so far. Cael quietly engraved current Adeline into his memory.

Watching her like this, he thought that her appearance was exactly like the East Coast. The bright, warm sunlight of the East spread throughout the empire. Cool sea with warm sun. That was the symbol of the East. Adeline's exceptionally bright yellow blonde hair seemed to capture the sunlight from the east, and the cool smile on the corner of her lips is the deep blue of the east’s sea.

He had no intention of taking her to the North, but watching her like this made him think that she’s a person who did not fit at all with the North. The moment he faced the cold northern blizzard, he saw Adeline dying. However, when he clearly drew the line by telling Adeline that he won’t stay any second longer at the capital and will go straight back to the north after the wedding, she gave an answer Kael didn’t expect at all. She want to go with him.

Kael asked if what she said is true, as if he had heard it wrong. Contrary to Kael, Adeline’s expression was calm. She actively explained why she had to go. She said if she’s going to live by the title Dutchess of the North, even if Kael gave her no obligation to do her duty, she should at least stay in the north.

Ignoring embarrassment and regret growing inside her, she’s determined because she had only one reason for going to the north. To succeed in pretending fall in love so their marriage could break. To do that at least she had to stick with him.

Kael warned her about the extreme weather where he sure of she couldn’t stand, and also that it is not a place for her to follow blindly just to stick with him just for breaking the contract. Adeline was shocked, it’s as if Kael could read her mind.

She said it’s a misunderstanding, she continue her argument and added that she eventually will love the northern land andthat she’s quite curious about it. How does it looks like and are the people who live there similar to Kael. The answer sounds sincere so Kel started to give in. He suddenly remembers the moment she wiped his bloodied face withe her handkerchief. The atmosphere is similar. Truth is, it complicates his mind. After quietly looking at Adeline, Kael nodded his head.

Meanwhile, in Adeline’s mind, she didn’t want him to know about her mission.
—
After dawn, Adeline received a call from Simeon and went to the temple. After a brief moment, their conversation turned serious. Simeon placed a necklace in Adeline's hand. It’s a gold necklace with a pendant with blue gems. He explained that it’s a relic of The Holy of Light which can blocks the energy of darkness. The gem contains strong divine power.

Simeon told her the biggest reason why he opposed the marriage of Archduke Inver and her is different from the reasons of the other brothers. The fact is, he can feel the curse of darkness emitted from the Archduke.

Simeon had high divine power among the priests. So, if he said felt something, there was a high probability he really had detected that darkness. He said she should be careful, the energy will be more powerful than she could imagine. He wanted her to always wear the necklace.

She suddenly feels her plan will be hard to achieve.

Adeline and Theresa are at Madame Elsa’s boutique. Adeline is trying her wedding dresses. However her mind keeps wandering. Simeon said he excuded dark curses, and the fact even though he’s covered in the black creature’s blood, he looked fine, while Kael himself said he wanted to die. Does it all related?

While they put a red rose coloured off-shoulder dress on Adeline, Kael suddenly was seen standing at the entrance of the dressing room. Everybody quickly left, Theresa barely hiding the smile that spread across her lips.

He aplogized and said that he came because he had something to share with her about the wedding (the amount of money she should spend—way more than she could expect, because it should highlight her position as The Grand Duchess of Inver). At one moment, Adeline, who was talking through the mirror, was about to turn to look at Kael. Her sudden movement pulled the fabric on the chest side of her dress, the back straps loosened slightly. There’re no maids to help and she seemed too startled to call for one. Kael suddenly came closer to her. His large hand grabbed the flowing red string. Adeline looked at his reflection in the mirror with trembling eyes. Carefully and gently, the string was tightened.

Kael treated Adeline very dearly. His attitude was evident through his hand that was passed through the string. Adeline couldn't say anything. It was even more embarrassing than when the string suddenly loosened and her dress almost fell. He asked if she felt uncomfortble somewhere.

Then, after some time had passed, she regained her composure and thanked Kael. She felt weird. The cold atmosphere around him remains the same, his emotionless expression remains the same, and his blue-gray eyes that resemble winter remain the same. But he came right behind her back, the cool scent, and the touch through the string all felt different to her.

Kael excuse himself, smiled and said that the dress looked good on her. The low-pitched voice left the word floating in her ears and then completely disappeared. Adeline stood still after he left the dressing room.

Theresa an all the boutique’s worker came in not long after and they asked what happened because her cheeks already turned red.

Adeline came down from the room to the hall on the first floor and what waits for her was the busiest and most hectic moment of the Marquis Thien’s mansion she had ever seen in her entire life. Theresa told her to check the guests invitation list. Even though guests from both families had been filtered several times, it’s still enormous. Considering this wedding is union of these two families, there were a lot of people who were invited to the wedding and wanted to make a mark.

Adeline remembered the original wedding of Cael and Vanessa from the book. It was full of admiration, magnificent and beautiful wedding that will go down in the history of the empire. While she was thinking, Vanessa and her brother's name on the list caught her eye. Originally, it was Adeline who fell in love at the grand wedding and watched Kael and Vanessa. It was her initial role. But now, Adeline and Vanessa’s role have been reversed. The most talked-about topic in the current empire, the main character of the wedding who also shares the ring with Kael, and became the Grand Duchess Of Inver is Adeline, not Vanessa.

She has no intention of changing the story’s contents, not to mention her strong will to make the same ending as the original. But she’s still afraid of the possiblity taht everything would be completely differ from what Adeline knew, that includes the ending. The moment she thought that she could just make Kael kill her, she remembered when he tied the laces on her dress. It felt strange to remember the gentle touch.

Adeline shook her head and made up her mind. It didn't matter how sweet or soft Kael's hand was. Because the outcome of him killing Adeline shouldn't be changed. Adeline took a deep breath and closed her eyes.

—-

Tien’s Family having a gloomy dinner, which the brothyer considered it as the last night of Adeline as a young girl. Teresa joined and knock some sense into the brother’s head. Teresa had been watching Tien's siblings since childhood. Because of her cool and spirited personality, she often led those four siblings suntill she ended up married to Enoch. After that, sometimes she act more like the head of the family rather than sister in law.

The brothers said they’re always wish for her happiness and that if anything happens, she can always rely on them. They promised they will immediately punish anyone who bullies her and she can even asks for divorce if necessay. That made Adeline think if Kael kills her, what would her family do? She thanked them. All Adeline could do now is praying for their happiness with all her heart. And when the moment comes when she has to leave, she hoped they can forgive her. Adeline prayed and prayed over and over again while surrounded by her family with warm smiles.

——-

The wedding day came.

Kael and Adeline’s story is indeed the most talked one in the history of the Empire. As proof of this fact, the front of the Grand Sanctuary was more crowded than ever. Not only the aristocrats who were invited, but also the commoners who heard the story flocked and watched with curious eyes.

Adeline, already wearing a wedding dress, chatted with Theresa while waiting for her bouquet to arive. Her maid later came and everyone in the waiting room let out their exclamation. As soon as the box was opened, it is revealed that the bouquet Kael sent was made of white and blue roses from the north, which he had given as a gift before. Blue roses are difficult to obtain, so even the imperial family cannot supply them. But the precious roses in front of Adeline were woven into bundles.

Adeline stared at the blue and white bouquet without saying anything. Everyone was busy admiring how romantic it was, but Adeline, who knew all the facts, only feel burdened. It was him who offered the marriage contract, thinking that Adeline would never love him. The bouquet is more like a means to reveal what the 'Duchess of Inver' can enjoy. 'But if he purposively revealing it like this, it will be easier to act as if I’m falling in love. It might be over sooner than I expected.' Adeline looked at the blue rose and remembered the end of the contract. She didn't mean to think of wearing a wedding dress on the wedding day, but Adeline was the one who had to end this marriage anyway.

Enoch entered the room, clearly on the verge of breaking his tears. He said it's time to get ready and that he will guide her. Adeline and Enoch's eyes met, he smiled warmly and held out his arms to Adeline, who followed him smiling and slowly folded her arms forward. They walked until the end of the very long Virgin Road.

Adeline's gaze is fixed on Kael, who’s waiting for her in front of the altar. With each step she took, Kael got closer. In a white uniform for the wedding, he looked great today. The black hair that was swept up differently than usual, the beautiful features that are exceptionally clear and intense, she couldn't take her eyes off. It was the same with Kael, who’s staring at her. He looked at Adeline as if he was possessed by something.

If Zion, who was standing next to him, hadn't given a signal, Kael would still watching so blankly that he would have been unable to offer his hand to Adeline. It was as if his mind wandered somewhere else. He seemed too stunned to see her approaching with bright yellow blonde hair that looked as if it had been soaked in sunlight and wearing a pure white wedding dress.

Kael, who barely came to his senses, moved forward, and his met Enoch's eyes. The two didn't talk much, but just by looking at each other was enough to share their feelings. Enoch slowly gave Adeline's hand to Kael. When only the two of us were left on the end of the virgin road, our eyes met for a moment. Neither Cael nor Adeline could easily part their lips. They were mesmerazid at the sight of each other that they had never seen before.

They both complimented each other’s appearence. The two slowly climbed the stairs and stood side by side in front of the altar. The wedding started with the words of the high priest. Several vows were exchanged, wedding rings were exchanged, and the high priest's splendid blessings followed. After the declaration announcing the end of the ceremony, all the guests who were seated got up and poured out thunderous applause. Cheers also poured out among the northerners who had been under Kael’s authority for a long time.

Then the priest said to end the ceremony with a beautiful kiss.

At the high priest's words, both Kael and Adeline's eyes widened. Usually, after the priest testified that the bride and groom were married, they had to kiss before leaving. Both Kael and Adeline had completely forgotten about it, but it was an unmistakable tradition. Even if it's just a contractual marriage.

Their two pairs of eyes looked at each other with their eyes fluttering wildly. There was no way to escape. Adeline's eyes widened as they exchanged glances in embarrassment. They were just staring at each other without saying a word, but it felt like she could hear what Kael gonna say.

His blue-grey eyes were asking for consent. Adeline nodded her head slightly, as if possessed by the strange experience she had experienced for the first time in her life. Then Kael, who smiled lightly, bowed carefully. Adeline slowly closed her eyes.
The moment their lips met, cheers that could not be compared to before poured out. When their lips moved apart after a light kiss and their eyes met, Adeline fully realized the marriage. Now she’s really married to Kael. In everybody’s eyes, they’re the most perfect couple. Even though at that moment Adeline is hoping for the story to end, and both are hoping for their own death.

After the grand wedding ceremony, a reception was held at Cael's mansion. Not only was the spacious garden beautifully decorated, but also the conservatory of the Archduke Inver, one of the most famous of the capital, was opened. The reputation of it’s beauty has been rumoured, but for half a century, the door was locked and closed tightly. However, news broke that Cael was opening the greenhouse for the reception, and the nobles of the capital, who were still eager to be invited, tried very hard to be there

Adeline ran away from people’s eyes for a little bit and she wanted to go to a place where she can be alone. She said to herself that if only her dress was more plain, she could’ve hide easily. But suddenly a voice answered her that it would’ve been the same even if the dress was more plain. It was Kael.

What Kael felt about the reception was no different. He was exhausted from dealing with numerous nobles who rushed to him for all kinds of political purposes. He tried to see how Adeline’s been doing, and at that moment he saw Adeline escaping out of the greenhouse and followed her.

She asked why did he followed her.
He suddenly had to rethink why did he followed her. He initially just wanted to check on Adeline, and followed her impulsively. Really, there was no reason. If he had to find a reason, it was about the feeling of 'he want to talk to Adeline'. He wanted to say something, but that didn't mean he had to say something. It was the first time Kael had ever experienced it.

He then answers nonchalantly that she seems tired after all the preparations. Fortunately, Adeline didn't notice anything unusual. He then tell her that one of his men will find them soon and drag them back inside. And he was right, Zion came and told Kael that His Majesty was looking for him.

Kael went, Adeline was left Alone. That’s when Vanessa approached her. Vanessa did not appear at any social gatherings for a while. So Adeline was initially concerned but they eventually praised each other’s apperance. Vanessa also asked for Adeline’s forgiveness after her disrespect, and that she have given up all her feelings for Kael.

Adeline was so confused. It’s not easy to decide whether Vanessa's words were sincere, but she receive Vanessa’s gift anyway. Inside the box, the brooch she gave her was in the shape of a yellow freesia made of amber. And the yellow freesia was the flower that the real princess gave as a warning to the fake princess who took the queen's place in the book Beyond Orange.

After that, Adeline could not fully concentrate on the reception even when everyone held their breath as they admiring how Cael and Adeline dancing waltz. What happened earlier with Vanessa didn't seem like a coincidence. Moreover, freesia was not a flower commonly used as a model for ornaments. She wonders if she probably knew about Adeline’s posession.

Adeline seemed very tense even when the night came and her maid prepared her for the couple’s first night. The maid thought she was anxious about it. She was so lost in thought and after the maid has gone she just realized how thin her chemise was, revealing her overall silhouette and body curves.

Fortunately she brought Kael’s jacket from the lake incident, intended to return it. But because of the situation, she uses the jacket to cover herself. When she felt relieved after making sure her body was fully covered (almost eaten up by the big jacket), Kael came into the room wearing a comfy white shirt. She was so flustered and her words explaining her state to Kael came out like rapid train. Kael calmed her and tell her to breathe and talk slowly.

He change the mood by inviting her for a drink. Adeline quickly became drunk after a few talks so he took away the wine bottle. After that, she feels a little hot so she took off the jacket she’s wearing, revealing her body line from the tight chemise. Kael tried to look away and put the jacket back. But Adeline walked away and threw herself on the sofa and fell asleep.

Kael hestitated, but evetually carry her to the bed. He sat on the chair beside her, lost track of time while watching her sleep till morning came.

Adeline bathed in a hot tub. She couldn’t remember what happened last night. The maids who attend her have weird expressions. She knew they couldn’t find any sign of a night spent between her and Kael. Especially since they’re the Empire’s most sensational love story. If rumors circulate that the Grand Duke and his wife, actually don't spend their first night, then this marriage will be shaken up more easily. Back then Vanessa spread rumours about Adeline forcing Kael into relationship by threats, if the maids added more rumour, suspicion about this marriage will arose. Vanessa will get sympathy from people, and Adeline will be pushed away. It’s kinda similar to the original plot. She then told the maids to remove the foam from her tub so they could see her untouched body more clearly.

—-

Kael was deliberately avoiding Adeline for the whole day. He was so shocked at himself because his weird feelings towards her. When they finally met inside the carriage which will take them to the north, she’s asking what happened last night. She looked annoyed when he teased her that he did made a mistake. He thinks her expressions are interesting, even in a drunk state. He apologized and said that he was only joking. He gave her advice to adjust her drinking speed to avoid such incident in the future. They then stopped talking and immersed in their own thoughts.

Adeline was sleeping after some time. Kael noticed she seemed uncomfortable, so he move to her side. Her head rested to his shoulder where she could sleep soundly. Even when the wagon suddenly stopped and Zion reported that the wheels need to be fixed, she’s still unbothered. Zion looked happy at the sight and started teasing Kael. Adeline was the first woman to stir Kael emotions. When he wanted to laugh at himself, he suddenly heard a familiar low terrible voice wich he could never forget for the rest of his life.

[...] Until then, struggle with that pain... … … … It will not be easily allowed.]

Kael clenched his teeth, trying to erase the memory of pain. His heart, which had been melting little by little by Adeline, became cold again

It has been 3 weeks. Adeline refused the offer to take a rest at the nearest village, because the end of the journey is near. Their destination is only half a day ahead, so for the people in the march who must have accumulated a lot of fatigue, It is much better to move quickly and get to their destination as soon as possible than to stop and increase the time spent on the journey. She said to Kael to put everyone else first than considering her condition.

But she later regretted her decision because both Kael and Zion are looking at her with awe.

—-

Night came. Outside, colorful aurora embroidered the pitch black sky. Everyone stopped for a while. Kael holding Adeline’s hand, they both got out from the carriage. He explained that in the north, aurora is called Isis and that since ancient times has been regarded as a gift from the goddess of rainbow. The moment she encountered Aurora for the first time in her life, Adeline was completely blown away. As Adeline admiring the scene, Kael unconsciously stare at her.

When Cael was unwittingly possessed by Adeline, Adeline called out his name softly, and said that the north is a beautiful place. The moment she conveyed her sincere feelings, Kael's blue-gray eyes fluttered. It was the first time someone who was not born and raised in the North said that this desolate land was 'beautiful'.

After leaving the aurora behind and moving forward again, thy finally enter the capital of north at dawn. The castle was crowded with people who had flocked to meet their ruler. Everyone was smiling brightly and waving a small flag that symbolized the North. Adeline is a little surprised that Kael is so loved and respected by his people But Kael brushed off her statement and saying that they must have came to see Adeline instead, because the Duchess place has been vacant for over 20 years.

Kael’s mother, the former Grand Duchess, died of an illness when she’s still young. His father, Archduke Inver, did not remarry, and he too died shortly after. Kael took over the title, but he was not of the age to marry at the time, and the marriage was postponed even after he passed the married age, so the vacancy of the seat of the Grand Duchess was very long.

Kael has no expectation from Adeline as Grand Duchess. It was enough for her just to fill the position. Adeline was well aware of this as well, and she had no intention of taking on the role of Grand Duchess in the first place. It was Vanessa's place. I didn't want to leave a mark on the subject that would pass by for a short time. However, the weight of the hope from northern people was heavier than Adeline had expected. Kael added, those people also might’ve come to see the Aurora, which in this rare occasion, can be seen from the northern capital.

The castle is wide and huge, it made Adeline felt intimidated. The nobles (Count & Countess Geraldo) who came out to greet her, as well as the servants working in the castle, were looking at Adeline with such huge interest and expectation. They also seemed very excited to find out that Kael currently taking care of a woman like this in the first place. After meeting them, Adeline's thoughts became complicated.

———

Throughout the long march to the north, Adeline was astonished at the kindness and loyalty of the people of Kael. Their support for him is surprisingly absolute. It could never be obtained if he had only been a 'dreadful northern predator' as the widely known rumor says. But she also remembered how the Archduke became a gentle person around his people but turned cold and bitter around those who’s not close to him.

She’s companied by Isabelle (Countess Geraldo) in her room. Her room is very spacious, decorated in an antique and neat way, and it’s connected to Kael's room with a study in between.

After taking a bath, Adeline hastened several meetings that she was initially planned to start tomorrow. At the meeting room the priests and ladies politely greeted her. The priest in the white robe was about to introduce an extra person, an old man in a black priest's robe representing a retired religious who tremblede without saluting her. But before anyone could speak, the trembling old priest pointed at Adeline with his wand and shouted that Adeline is a cursed woman, the dark dclouds are coming into the North, and why didn't anyone stop or drive her out.

The old man, who had shouted about the curse several times, fainted as soon as he finished speaking. While the priest carried the fallen old man out of the way, none of the people left in the hall could speak. Even Adeline

Kael got a report on what was going on in the hall after the day turned bright.
He asked who are the ladies present at that time. The person who deliver the report aswers that those ladies names are Countess Boyd and Countess Mayer.
Kael and Zion could confirm that the rumor must have already circulated in the social circles. But fortunately, people see the appearence of Isis coincide with Adeline’s arrival as a good fortune.

When Kael heard that the meeting proceeded without Adeline batting an eye, he raised one eyebrow slightly. He smiled when suddenly remembers Adeline said that she’s strong too. He asked Zion to watch over the rumour, and that he doesn’t want it to stick around.

A knock was heard. Adeline asked to enter the room. Back then at the meeting, Adeline pretended to be okay and casually greeted the ladies and after she laid down on the bed as if nothing had happened, but the priest's words remained in her head. She could not sleep and her mind fluctuated quite frightening, but what made Adeline felt even more disturbed was the overlapping past made her stayed up all night. It’s a memory when she got divination from the fortune teller. Of course she has no complain if she ended up receiving death penalty because of the rumour.

Right now she wanted to know what Kael thinks. But he dismissed her by saying that she doesn’t know what the curse is in the first place.

She asked for permission to solve the rumour by herself without his authority, because she’s from a foreign country. If she borrows the power and trust of Kael, people would judge that she doesn’t have any skills. She wanted to prove how this matter is handled. As Adeline spoke firmly, Kael's blue-gray eyes filled with interest again. The first time they talked about marriage in the garden, when they run into each other on the field, and every time Adeline exceeds Kael's expectations. It’s all about her eyes that filled with anxiety.

When Adeline was about to turn around a leave, Kael convince her that he don’t believe the priest’s words at all. She smiled at him. She said it very plausibly to appeal Kael and Shion, but in fact, Adeline stopped Kael from intervening for another reason. She wanted to make the public opinion about her the more messed up the better. And when she broke up with Kael in the future, the damage he’ll suffered will be reduced.

As she was in deep thought, Isabelle came up and brought a package. A gift from the capital, it’s from Vanessa. And it’s a bouquet full off yellow freesia.

The fact that a real princess sends the fake princess a warning, not once, but twice, seems like not just a coincidence. the same flowers were sent twice after the wedding day. It’s should have been her who sent those flowers to Vanessa in the original story.

It’s been a week since she arrived, and Adeline was struggling in many ways to tarnish her reputation, but sadly, the castle's reaction was the opposite direction to her wishes. She’s a beautiful woman that could be easily admired just by her look, and she was always kind to the servants, and above all else, she was a woman whom Kael, a great ruler from the North, fell in love with. Rumors of her bearing a curse or something were catch people interest, but it had no effect to the people of the castle who interact everyday directly with Adeline.

Today’s the day of a tea party that most of the northern ladies and girls were invited to. Countess Boyd and Countess Mayer also present. The main purpose of Adeline's tea party today was to select candidates to fill the vacant maid position.

They chatted, and Countess Boyd mentioned implicitly that if Adeline left, the curse would also go away with her, so she was not sure if it would be okay. It was like bringing a topic that everyone had not talked about throughout the party. Adeline didn’t even care, she wanted to talk to the young girls and end the party quickly. Most of those girls don’t seem to favor Adeline so she picked a girl, Melissa Harmon, a fallen Baron’s daughter who looked bored with the party but got straight energy as strong handmaiden candidate. It made everyone in the party amazed.

——

Melissa was caught smoking somewhere inside the castle by Adeline. Adeline was following her quietly. Smoking was not allowed in the north so Mellissa was quite scared but she’s smart. She asked her what to do to avoid the punishment because she knew Adeline is expecting something from her. Adeline asked her to be her haindmaiden and she’ll kept quiet about her breaking the rules even in the future.
Before Melissa could answer, Isabelle came hurriedly and tell her that something happened in the party hall.

Vivian, Countess Boyd’s youngest daughter has fainted. There’re no doctors in the castle who’s available at the moment, because Kael had sent them to go around the village. Adeline realized her condition is bad, and even if they’ve called the nearest doctor it might take quite some time. Melissa offers her help, the Countess accused her for wanting to kill her daughter, but Adeline interupted and gave Melissa her order to help the girl.

Melissa looked as if she knew exactly what she’s doing. After Adeline was making sure everyone else turned their back and covered their eyes, Melissa took off Vivian’s corset so she could breathe easily. Her complexion improved. She took out medicine from her ugly handbag and poured it on Vivian’s dry mouth. She soon regained her conciousness. The doctor came, and Vivian who was now wrapped with a blanket was quickly moved to another room for further examination. The doctor praised Melissa’s work. But Countess Boyd could not fully lower her pride in front of the benefactor who saved her daughter. The fact that the poor Baron’s daughter who saved her daughter's life was something she didn't really like.

Adeline handled the situation, thanked everyone’s kind heart for respecting Vivian earlier, and somehow highlight Melissa’s talent. Melissa realized everyone’s now looking at her with different gaze. So shecould not refuse when Adeline officially declared her as her handmaid. It was the hunting method Adeline learned from Kael when he made her his fiance.

Adeline fell from a ladder while trying to retrieve a book from a high bookshelf. She was startled because Kael suddenly appear and talked to her. Kael uses his body to support her, hugged her from behind.They both fell backwards, with Adeline’s on top of Kael’s body. She blushed and said sorry. Kael smiled a little and replied that it was okay. However, even after hearing the answer, the redness on Adeline's face did not go away. She changed the topic, and ask where have Kael has been because it’s been a while since she last saw him. He said he’s very busy, checking every part of his land since he arrived in the northern land.

Kael also told her that he already heard about what happened at the tea party an her new handmaid. Adeline asked if the title is not enough to become the handmaiden of the Grand Duchess. The fact is Kael didn't care as much about titles as Adeline, maybe even more than her. When he heard the news of Melissa, he was just amazed.

Out of excitement she also added more about the story how she erased the rumours both about herself and Melissa’s. But she then realized her fault.
Adeline's expression, which had been full of joy, darkened slightly. Not trying to get rid of the Cursed Woman label, her plan to ruin her own reputation ended up with disaster. After finishing the tea party, she felt failure the whole time when she saw the guests off. The faces of the ladies and young girls looking at Adeline were full of favor. Some looked at Adeline as if they were very impressed. Even Countess Boyd is now defending her and said that her precense in the North is a blessing.

Kael said that her decission to take care of the matter was right, and he couldn’t have done it more perfectly. She felt a heartbreak at the sight of him admiring her abilities, when in reality she’s trying very hard to deceive him. She convince herself that this is all just a pretend relationship, with no emotion involved. she shouldn’t have feel anyting, because showing just little emotion isn’t a good sign. He will eventually kill her. Arriving in the North, busy thinking about Vanessa trying to take over her place, while the top priority was actually to convince Kael that Adeline loves him. That way, she’ll be able to break the marriage, and then he would let her go.

She requested to visit the northern estates, to spend more time together with Kael an deceive him. Kael watched her silently. Adeline didn't seem to notice, but whenever she tried to act like she had a heart for Cael, he always knew. He said to her that she doesn't have to push herself to spend time with him. Adeline's eyes fluttered slightly when Kael recognized her hidden intentions. She quickly hid it by pretending not to be embarrassed, but Kael’s able to catch it. He ended up agreeing to her request.

The Kael mumbled something about it will a perfect fit. When Adeline asked what is he talking about, Kael added that he will bring a present which would be helpful when they go around the estates. He got up and leave the library.

When Adeline went to her room, Isabelle and Melissa told her that Kael gave her a cloack. It was made from white wolf’s fur. It is known that white wolf lives only in the highlands of the northwest. It is a precious animal called a spirit creature, and when it meets it’s end, the wolf would go to the human who helped it and dies in front of th human to gives away it’s fur. So the fur is from a wolf that Kael has been saved a few years ago. He kept the fur, but suddenly after marrying Adeline, he decided to make the fur into her cloack.

Adeline could hardly take her eyes off the cloak. She keep telling herself that she decided not to be shaken. Obviously, she had made up her mind up untill all off these attack by Kael to her heart, and head goes dizzy. Adeline bit her lip as she felt the heat on her face, which had risen vigorously again. Her heart was beating a little bit faster than usual.

Next morning, a blizzard is raging outside the castle, and Melissa said it would eventualy get stronger. Today is the day when she planned to take a look around the estates near the castle with Kael. It seems hat plan needs to be canceled, not to mention Kael’s been in his office almost everytime because his daily work has been piled up since he’s been away from the castle for months. The current situation was rather fortunate for Adeline. Facing him right now wouldn’t be beneficial. She need to start her work on deceiveng him, but her heart somehow feel unusual. She shouldn't be shaken if she want to end this possession by making the same ending that she knows.
——
Her bedroom and kael’s were only divided by a study room. Adeline was awoken in the middle of the night by the blizzard’s sound and decided to look around Kael’s bedroom. She was hesitant at first because she knew Kael would have still working in his office, but eventually lowered the dorknob. The bedroom is indeed seemed empty.
She wanted to leave after looking around a bit, but something caught her attention. On top of one cabinet, there are quite a number of portraits. It’s Kael family’s: young Kael, his young older brother, also the previous Grand Duke and Duchess.
She was so immersed at it, not knowing Kael was there the whole time. Kael asked her what was she doing in his room. Hiding her embarassment, Adeline, who spoke quickly, couldn't hide her bewildered look and looked around, wondering what to do. There was no room for Kael to intervene. He was trying to tell her that he was fine from the beginning. He offered her a drink o make her feel better. It was too embarrassing for Kael to see that even Adeline didn't seem to know what she was talking about. He stared at Adeline for the first time in his life and burst into laughter. Adeline's tension was slightly relieved by the gentle voice that was pleasant to listen to. After making a promise tht she won't drink like the last time, he open a bottle of her favorite wine.

Kael and Adeline sit diwn and chatted. She eventually made excuse again that she’s not doing anything weird in his room. She told him that she’s only looking at the family portraits. But the atmosphere changed suddenly as the matter was brought up. Adeline quickly regretted about what she was saying. It sounded so unempathetic. Everyone knew how Kael lost his family at such a young age. Adeline must have knew about it too, because the rumour has been spreaded throughout the Empire.

Kael changed the topic and asks if she would continue staying in the north. She replied that eventhough she doesn’t like the bad weather, she thinks it is a good place with a lot of friendly people.
Kael frowned slightly at the unsuitable modifier. The word 'friendly' unmatched for northerners’ personality. He said that she’s probably the only outsiders who looks at northeners and says they’re friendly because the truth is, northeners has menacing auras.
Adeline counter Kael’s reasoning and told him that it’s all prejudice. She also said so many nice things about Kael himself. The blue-gray eyes trembled finely at Adeline's words. Instead of playing her usual act as if she's in love with him, she accidentally became her true self with eyes that reveal her sincerity. Adeline looked at Kael with those eyes and was telling him that he’s kind.

At some point Kael, who felt the unfamiliar feeling and keeps getting interested about her thoughts, noticed a red wine stain on Adeline’s lips. He unconsciously ran his finger over her lips. Adeline was so shocked that she couldn't even breathe. Kael's eyes were somewhat more languid than usual, and the fingers that carefully rubbed her lips were hot like fire. The distance between the two was too close. Even the unique scent from Kael’s body, who leaned forward her, overwhelmed her senses.

Only after she softly called his name, Kael's gaze turned to Adeline's. Seeing the pulsating light green eyes, the languid heat dissipated and his consciousness came back. As soon as he realized where his hand was touching, his blue-gray eyes flickered like crazy. He hurriedly removed his hand while explaining the reason, but the water had already been spilled. Adeline's face was blushing, and Kael's ears were also turning red.

Adeline excuse herself, jumped up and strode towards the aisle at a brisk pace. She wanted to quickly cross the study and return to her room. Kael called out her name belatedly, but Adeline had already moved away. Kael, who was left alone in an instant, wiped his forehead with a puzzled expression. He could hardly believe it. The momentary regrets that remained were also clear. Kael stared at the study room. As he regains consciousness, his focus now coming back. he’s now worried about Adeline. Heavy blizzard is still hitting the window, and he knew she was initially scared. Kael went straight across the study and stood in front of Adeline's room. He think the best thing for now is to check on her.

But the moment he grasped the doorknob, a terrible pain struck Kael. In an instant, his vision blurred and his breathing became difficult. The pain he felt so excrutiating, he can’t get used to it no matter how many times he already went through it. Kael managed to move his body, and made his way towards his room. Adeline shouldn’t see him like this. He had to get away from her. Even taking one step felt like hell. In an instant his whole body covered in sweat, his consciousness was clouded by the excruciating pain. Just as he was thinking wether to call his aide, Kael heard Vero’s voice looking for him. When there was no answer after a while, Vero's face turned white at once when he opened the door and entered. Vero immediately supported Cael and took him to the deepest and darkest places of the city. The 'time' came a little faster than Kael expected. It feels like when you wish for death so desperately that every breath becomes painful.

Adeline, lying on her bed, pulled the blanket up to her neck. The morning after, a cold struck her. Whether it was because she stayed up all night desperately trying to calm her heart, or the heat that emerged inside her after what happened was turned into a fever.

Melissa told her if she could conquer this cold, then she’ll adapt to the northern weather more quickly. She brought the news that Kael ended up going alone checking the estates. Adeline wonders if he did that on purpose because of what happened yesterday between them. She reflexively put her finger to her lips. Even though the snowstorm had stopped and the sun has arised, Kael's touch is still vivid. Adeline's face burned again over the memory. Melisse asked her if the fever is that bad because her face is now turned brgiht red.

Adeline now realized there have been many times when both of them were too close to each other, but this is the first time both Kael and Adeline were shaken so noticeably. Whether she opened or closed her eyes, the afterimage of Kael kept following Adeline. She’s anxious to face Kael if he returned later. Adeline tried to empty her head as much as possible and desperately went to sleep.

——-

The doctor who examined Adeline told her that she’s now fully recovered. Meanwhile, she feels like her time was wasted, trying to figuring out how to deal with Kael when he returned. That day, when she’s sick Kael did not even seek for her.

Adeline felt strange that Kael seldom appeared. She finally inquired about Kael's whereabouts. Isabelle said that Kael had moved to the northern border after inspecting the western estate. She also added that it would take quite a while to get back because he’s now inspecting the traces of the Black people.

Adeline felt strangely sad, because it’s been a whole week since she last met Kael. She questioned herself why is she being like this and wether her weakened body made her mind weak too. Isabelle and Melissa both think Adeline missed her husband. She’s now determined to get rid of this feeling which she herself could hardly understand, and went outside of the bedroom alone.

——

The castle in the north is huge. Adeline quickly became lost. She randomly goes down the stairs in front of her, because she thinks going down will eventually leads her outside the castle. But somehow the atmosphere became more and more unfamiliar as she moves. She felt like going further down deep underground.

By the time she want to turn around, the stairs ended. Adeline, nervously, pulled out a lamp from the wall and walked through the hallway. Something caught her eyes. Adeline unwittingly covered her mouth with one hand and held her breath. Suddenly, bright red eyes appeared through the small window. There was someone in the pitch-black darkness. It was too dark to recognize the person, but the sharply forged and blazing red eyes was clearly evident.

Out of nowhere, Zion approached her panicky and tell her that she needs to get out of there immediately.

*) Is it just me or this kinda reminds me of Spellbound?

With a very serious expression, Zion grabbed Adeline's wrist and led her toward the stairs. The moment she was about to ask about what she saw, a scream resounded from dark space behind them. Adeline covered her ears at the deafening sound. The screams didn't stop, it continued to howl as if it‘s in a great pain. The tremendous sound soon became great vibrations and it reach where Adeline stands. While she was frantically being pulled away, her entire body shook as if an earthquake had occurred. Both Zion and her focused only on going up for that moment onwards. After they finally reached the last stair, the sound subsided and they no longer could hear anything.

Zion asked her why could she be there, as the place is a forbidden zone only The Grand Duke and his vassals could enter, including him. Adeline explained briefly but she refused going back to her rom and was determined to make Zion explained to her properly about what she witnessed, which was obviously isn’t human. Zion told Adeline that inside the forbidden place, there are various magic tools passed down from generations, various items and information of different races, and other heirlooms. He told her that there’s a strong barrier in that place, so theoretically only those who are permitted can enter. The moment she crossed that barrier, her body should’ve burned to death. Zion added that maybe the ring she’s wearing must have pierced the barrier. But Zion refused to tell her about the creature she saw, because the vassals who are allowed to enter took an oath of blood. If they reveal even the slightest bit of secrets in the forbidden area, they will be engulfed in flames and die like someone who has trespassed the barrier.

Despite she cannot fully trusted Zion’s words, she accepts his explanation. Zion thanked her and requested her to keep today’s accident as a secret between them. Adeline asks the reason. He told her that according to the law, anyone who entered the forbidden territory of the grand duke’s should have been executed immediately without mercy. After Adeline agreed, Zion take her to her room. As they walked, Adeline’s mind was busy.

This situation is somehow perfectly fits her plan: to die by the hand of Kael and therefore will end her possession. She was about to say something to Zion, but suddenly her gaze catches something noisily entered the castle’s gate. A wagon decorated with splendid golden pattern representing the imperial family. The Emperor’s envoy suddenly visits the northern castle. At the sudden commotion, the castle users lined up and stood around the carriage.

Adeline approached the envoy with clean, graceful movements and waited for the emperor's decree. He deliver a summoning order. The Majesty gave an order to bring Adeline to the capital through the portal right now. No one could disobey a summoning decree.

It already made no sense if the Majesty summoned Kael. But summoning Adeline, it was even more unimaginable. Issuing summons is considered a political burden, so it should not recklessly done. This order usually issued when a nobleman made a great deal of felony.

Zion almost snapped, because they gave only two hours for Adeline to prepare herself before going to the portal. Kael wasn’t available at the moment, so no one could protect her. After Leo's incident, Adeline expected that there would be no big conflict, but the Emperor seems determined of pressing Kael and Adeline whenever he could. Rather than doing a regular check towards the North, his action is closer to personal grudge.

Adeline gave her warning towards the Emperor that she’s both The Grand Duchess of Inver and a Tien, someone who represents the North and East. She said if The Emperor incriminates her, he should be able to bear the consequences.
——
Zion who wanted to protect Adeline so much, frantically told her that Kael will be back after 3 more days. So, Adeline gave him a message for Kael. She reassured everyone that The Emperor wouldn’t dare to treat her carelessly, even though she’s not quite sure regarding his stupid actions in the past.

Zion gave an explanation how the portal works and how she should enter and gone through it. He said the portal should’ve turned it’s color based on the destination’s. As for the Emperor’s castle, it should’ve been gold.

She climbed into the wagon with Melissa. There was only one maid who could accompany her, and no escort from the north was allowed. so throughout her way, only Melissa who could protects Adeline. The carriage departed, and soon arrived at the wilderness portal leading to the capital. Escorted by the Imperial Knights, Adeline slowly stepped out and entered the portal. It wasn't the only thing she was worried about, but she didn't want to show her weakness, so she kept her expression checked.

However, the steady emotion she had worked so hard on will terribly distorted the moment she crossed the portal. The color of the portal was not changed to golden. it’s gray.

Melissa reflexively told Adeline not to move in haste and check where the portal leads first. After passing through the portal completely, the end reached the dark forest. There were quite a few forests in the capital, so it was difficult to even judge whether this place was the capital or not. Adeline stepped onto unfamiliar ground and stared at the man bent over her. Since the emperor issued a summons order, she has to go to meet him, and the destination the envoy said was the imperial palace. However, they diverted Adeline to a place other than its initial destination. There was no doubt of hostility and displeasure in this situation. The man, seems like a high ranking knight, said that His Majesty will be coming soon. She had no intention of being polite towards the Emperor’s man. The man apologized for his disrespect and reveal himself as Hugo Brown, the leader of the Red Knights. He lifted the cloth covering the pattern to reveal the hidden red moon underneath. 'The Red Knights.' Adeline sighed deeply at the identity of the knights surrounding her. The Red Knights are secret knights created by the emperor under his direct control.

Adeline thought the situation is worse than she expected. Since the emperor was still the crown prince, he organized these knights and made them into his private force. But because he was a fool and have the tendency to abuse powers, it somehow they also used to took care the nobles.

Hugo Brown stated that he will arrests the Grand Duchess for the murder of ten nobles in the capital. Not only Adeline, but also Melissa, who stood next to her, froze in shock. She’s accused for murder, moreover for killing ten nobles. At most, she initially expected only to be taken as a hostage to blackmail Kael.

Adeline refused to cooperate and wanted them to give her the evidence. At her tenacity, Hugo smiled and told her that he could give her a hint and asks if she knew the Lady Vanessa of Count Felix. At the mention of Vanessa's name, Adeline's eyes trembled. She didn't expect to face her in this situation, and it was because the weight of the false accusation of murdering those aristocrats became hundred times heavier the moment she heard the name. Adeline had no choice but following them.
—-
Adeline and Melissa were in a cramped cell in the basement. Adeline just woken up, and her head terribly hurts. Melissa’s genuinely furious. It is an insult to the North to treat their Grand Duchess like this. Adeline asked Melissa if she new anything about the accusation. Originally, Adeline read the newspaper every day to check the situation in the capital, but not after moving to the north. Adapting to the North, she forgot about the capital and didn't know about such big event happened.

Melissa immediately explained the events. It has been featured in the capital's newspaper every day for the past month. Every two to three days, nobles in the capital have lost their lives. Some were earls or viscounts, the owners of titles, and some were their sons or daughters. They suspected there’s only one culprit. All dead nobles had a black rose tattooed on their necks, and were died of suffocation with no trace of physical trauma.

Adeline asks Melissa to wrote down their family names, because she seemed remembered the details perfectly. Reading the lists, those names sounds familiar to her, some are important family, some aren’t. But the last name caught her attention. It’s the Felix’s. Melissa told her she was supposed to be the 11th victim, but somehow her life was saved, and she also has the same black mark. Adeline realized this is all a terrible trap.

There was only one reason why those ten families name sounds familiar. When Marquis of Tien and his wife passed away in an accident, those four siblings needs to survive. So Enoch begs for help from those families which had close relationship with their father, but they turned their backs. So in the end, the young Tiens survived by themself. Those people who died of murder were from that exact ten families. It seemed they were killed as the Tien family's resentment.

After Adeline told Melissa her deduction, she added that Vanessa,the 11th victim, is an exception because she wasn’t someone close to Tien’s family but rather a love rival of Adeline towards Kael.

Melissa told Adeline the story about Vanessa’s case reported in the newspaper. Vanessa was praying at the Temple where suddenly she vomitted blood and collapsed. Since priests were nearby, a particular priest ran over and purified Lady Felix with holy power. The blood stopped immediately. That happened 3 days ago. When Adeline wondered if it’s a coincidence that Vanessa survived alone among the victims and wether she knew about her possession, the knight commander came and asked if she’s now ready to talk.
—-
The commander dragged Adeline to another room and put her on a chair. Melissa also brought along and chained on the wall. What happened next wasn’t a fair interrogation. Adeline couldn’t defend herself because someone rigged things up. Her older brother Simeon was away since a few weeks ago, so his place at the Imperial temple’s currently replaced by someone else. The knight commander told Adeline that how those body was killed was by an extended dark curse which Adeline herself may or may not realized before. and they’re confident that she indeed had a curse on her body because they’ve verified the northern old priest who yelled at her. Adeline remembered how the northern temple has stated that the priest is too old so his condition is not perfect to continue his duty. Everything was forged perfectly to go against her. She can’t make any alibi.

They started hitting Melissa to make Adeline confessed her crime. They make excuse that they can’t hurt Adeline without His Majesty’s approval. Upon that statement, an answer could be heard. It said that the knights can do whatever they want, so if Adeline wanted to be interrogated and hitted, they should do it.

It was the Emperor. An evil smile on his face.

After all the accusations. Adeline's hand, holding the hem of her dress, trembled. It was difficult to endure her anger towards the emperor as Leo's incident appeared in her mind. She has reached her limit.

Adeline asks if the purpose of all of these were to intimidate Kael or to punish a mere women who once offended The Emperor. The Emperor smiled and said that it’s a pity, she wouldn't have experienced something like this if she had just accepted his marriage proposal and become empress. The emperor squeezed Adeline's chin with a look of genuine regret. He asks Adeline to confess.

For Adeline, who longed death, in a way, this situation is a good opportunity. Since she is accused of killing ten people, she will definitely be put on death row. Her reputation will be ruined, and Vanessa will have her way. She finally will be able to erase Adeline's figure. It’s unfair and resentful, but the current false accusation did not mean much to Adeline. Because it wasn't her life to begin with. But if it ends like this, all these damage will turn to the Tien family. Enoch, Leo, and Simeon will also writhe in pain, and Teresa and her soon-to-be-born nephew will also suffered. When accepting her death, Adeline’s determined that her family should never been harmed.

Adeline told the Emperor that she’s innocent. She said that he will definitely have to pay the price. Neither the North nor the East will ever forgot this humiliation. The Emperor has his face contorted and ordered that Adeline be interrogated an tortured immediately.
——-
Kael staggered out of the basement and slowly walked towards the light. Kael's body was covered in blood and sweat. The white shirt he had been wearing before he passed out had already lost its color and was stained and torn. As always, Zion hurriedly meet his master. He quickly told Kael what happened during his absence.

Kael didn’t even concentrate to what Zion’s been talking after. He’s still exhausted after fighting in the darkness, now he’s overwhelmed with emotional distress.
For him, anger is dangerous. It’s unknown when the black energy that had barely been captured by him would come out again and consume Kael. Although he knew that fact better than anyone else, he had no intention of suppressing his rising emotions. The fact that Adeline had been taken away without him being able to protect her with his own hands, and the fact that she must be suffering now completely paralyzed Kael's reasoning.

Unlike other portals, the northern portal was able to track it’s users' destinations using magic. As soon as Zion realized that Adeline hadn't arrived at the palace, he tracked down the portal. When Kael said he wanted to go, Zion begged him not to since if magic touches his body in this condition, his scars might react badly. But Kael ignored him. Zion realized Kael is so enraged, he even bought thirty knights with him.

As soon as Kael examined the portal's records, he immediately followed to where Adeline went. He reached the dark forest. While he almost spent almost all his battle in the north, there're no place in this Empire that Kael never stepped his foot before. So he knew where exactly he is right now. Hound dogs dispatched and the knights dispersed and swept through the forest, yet it’s a slim chance to find her considering 3 days had already passed. He then concluded that she must’ve been taken to another place. The portal connected to this place because it was intended to extend Kael’s time to reach her. Kael struggled to suppress his anger that was about to overflow and climbed onto his horse.
—-
The Emperor cut off Adeline’s food and water supply for that whole 3 days. She’s also restrained in a box, forcing her to stand the whole time, preventin her from sleeping. But she still kept her mouth shut. The Emperor’s very irritated because he was sure about Adeline’s crime, considering it has been reported by the Red Knights’ reliable informant. Only the knight’s commander who was able to contact ‘him’. Nevertheless, both the commander and the emperor did not know his identity. He’s only known for giving conclusive and accurate information. Adeline had to be the real culprit. Otherwise, the Emperor would have to take responsibility.

The emperor had expected that Kael would come after a certain amount of time.
However, the time’s much faster than expected. Kael’s already arrived at the imperial castle, force entered, and strode towards the emperor.
The guards tried to stop Kael, but all of them froze at his unusual aura.

They immediately had a dispute. The Emperor forbid Kael to meet Adeline, while Kael insists that Imperial law holds everyone innocent until proven guilty.
Kael stated that the emperor has kidnapped an innocent hostess from the north and is interrogating her illegally. So he will definitely pay the price.

Kael’s been concluding that only one organization that could quietly investigate the murder case and determine the culprit. He ordered Vero to quickly find the base of the Red Knights because he’s confident that Adeline is being held by them.

He then facing the emperor again and added that if later he found a sign that Adeline has been touched, he will declare an obliteration towards him.

It’s been the fourth day for Adeline. Thirst and hunger were tormenting, but it was sleep that made Adeline's mind dim. Adeline kept telling herself to hold on or too many people she love will suffer. The thing that used to restrain her is a magic tool made specially for interrogating defendant. When she felt even the slightest bit of drowsiness, it will turned to a vine looking thing and wrapped her tightly and disturbed her sleep. Over the past 4 days, she’s been coping with the torment by repeatedly calling Kael’s name. Hoping he would came. She admitted to herself that she missed him.
—-
Kael and his men finally located the Red Knights’ base. Nobody was pleased because it takes too long for them to reach her. It has been long since Kael last experienced ‘fear’ after he lost his family and numerous time joining battlefields. Now he fear of losing Adeline. Kael killed everyone who blocked their way for entering the base.

While he thrust his sword into the commander’s arm, Kael declared that the moment they kidnapped the mistress of the North, they put a knife in the back of the North. He added if Adeline was hurt in the slightest, if they touched a single hair, today will be the last time the Red Knights existed.

Kael finally reached the room where several cells lined up. Screaming with her hoarse voice, Melissa, covered in her tears, shouts that Adeline must be saved immedately. Kael was shocked at the sight, he broke the lock of the box with his sword. Adeline with her face turned white fell to his arms, losing her conciousness. He quickly ran to find a doctor. Before leaving, he ordered his men to not leave anyone alive except the Red Knights’ commander.

It’s been a day since Adeline was moved to Kael’s mansion in the capital.The doctor who examined her, told Kael that her condition is very bad. The magic tool used to held Adeline made her torture several times harder. What made her survived is the necklace containing devine power she’s wearing. It was the one from Simeon. It irritated Kael. Her brother, who’s far away, could protected her. But he, who was by her side, did nothing. She’s in a deep sleep this whole time.

What Kael had promised her when he sealed her marriage contract with Adeline was the honor and freedom she could enjoy, not torture and false accusations. Not long after the doctor said that Adeline’s condition will improve, the maid called them in panic and inform that Adeline’s having a seizure. They struggled to gave her medicine, so Kael put it in his mouth and kissed her. Adeline quickly calmed down after his lips touched her. He touched her chapped lips, and remembered that blizzard night. He thought if only his scar didn’t engulfed him back then. He’s drowning in his emotions and everyone in the room held their breath while watching him. It’s the first time since Kael showed any emotions.

Kael, who had been unable to take his eyes off Adeline, finally got up and turned around. He realized Enoch has entered the room and watching them. The news spread quickly to the East. As soon as Enoch heard the story, he ran to the capital through the portal. Kael apologized to Enoch for his negligence. Enoch was as angry with Kael as he was with the emperor. Kael couldn’t keep his promise that he would protect Adeline. He knew that the situation was unavoidable, but his anger did not subside. However, the moment he saw Kael kissing her to relieve the seizure, and the moment Kale watched Adeline sleeping soundly with agony, his anger subsided a little. Kael renew his promise and added that he will also find and severly punish whoever set the trap on Adeline.

Adeline didn’t wake up for another 3 days, but her condition improved. All while, Kael and Vero made amove to clear Adeline from the accusation. They checked the investigation records of the Red Knights, and collated what Adeline was doing at the time of all the victim's death, proving that she was not in a situation where she could use her black magic.

Melissa informed Kael that Adeline’s finally awake. Kael rushed in and hugged Adeline tightly. He told her to never walk away from him again. The sincerity that had been kept deep in his heart leaked out through his voice. That moment Kael realized his true feelings.

*finally

** I read from MTL. Some details may be translated incorrectly
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Can you pls continue

asagisora said: ↑

10 chapter to go. I’ll update
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Thank you sooo much <3

Deaf Bunny · Apr 15, 2023

asagisora said: ↑

Kael fall in love with Adeline after they married, and vice versa. They decided to draw the line because each have their own goal unknown by other party (Adeline wanted Kael+Vanessa together so she could reach the ending and die, Kael doesn’t want the curse affects anyone dear to him that’s why he chose someone like Adeline to fill the position of the grand duchess and he wanted to die peacefully).

Adeline thought Vanessa is also someone who’s posessed inside the book Beyond orange because she know the grand duchess seat should be her's. Unlike the original, Kael never noticed her, even hates Vanessa after she was proved deliberately put a trap on Adeline. When her plan failed, she tried to stab Adeline with a black dagger (cursed). Kael blocked it and the dagger stabbed his hand instead.

Kael’s immune to every kind of curses and poisons because he’s already holding a curse of darkness since he was 15 years old. It was placed upon him on the battlefield. The darkness will torture him every some time and lasted for a few days. His consciousness was taken over and he was in a beast like state with red eyes and blood dripping from the scars in his body.
The curse will basically torture him until he wish to die instead. But every time, it subsided and will come back later as a cycle. Ironically, the curse also won’t allow him to easily escaped life (+ will kill his beloved ones too).

After all this time, there’re no divine power which could ease his pain. Miraculously, one time Adeline found him while hiding in dungeon below his library (thanks to the Grand Duchess Ring she’s wearing). The curse subsided and Vero who witnessed it, soon make conclusion that Adeline is his salvation. Adeline then learned it works by skinship.

Vanessa died in a prison. Adeline was so confused, because her ending couldn’t be fulfilled. Sudden realization struck her. She never remember how her life before possession was like. When she wanted to trace her memory, she had a bad headache and fainted. Kael discovered a black butterfly shaped mole in her waist, which turns out to be a black magic engraved by someone to brainwash her. After some research, it’s concluded that the curse can be broken by Kael’s cursed blood. Simeon was called and he draw a magic circle and spell around adeline. Soon after the magic was finished, Adeline vomited the lump of curse and she now remembered that she’s the real Adeline and that the possession is all a lie.

The butterfly mole has gone but another appeared on top of it: a snowdrop flower shaped. This problem all started when she witnessed her parents death when she first remembered her posession. Her parents were killed, the new emperor was manipulated by someone so he kept pressing the north and kael-adeline relationship, vanessa was also brainwashed as a posessor too. An old mighty wizard told Adeline that she's someone who lost time (the snowdrop mole is a proof that her memories has been permanently erased). The only way to see her lost memory is by entering Reposito, a place where time is stored. It's a magical place where only grand duke&grand duchess of the north could see it appear random time on a winter day somewhere in the north barren land and entered it.

Adeline, losing her reason to end her life, now kept pushing Kael to accept their love, even after he rejects and avoids her so many times (after kissing and touching her so many times? Really Kael?). after a couple if incidents he gave up and opened his heart to her. she kept using the skinship technique everytime the curse took over him (a wizard said this will eventually risked her life).

The curse was placed by the last wizard of the Lan’s Tribe. It happened after the army commanded by Kael’s Father got a false order from the old emperor that turned out to be a full scale subjugation towards the sanctuary of the Lan’s Tribe. Both side got annihilated as a result, which only Kael and the wizard survived. They wanted to work at how to release Kael from the curse, but now their main focus is to reveal the real culprit behind the brainwashing. The Blue Moon appeared in the night sky, and they could see Reposito, a castle made of ice.
Each people’s records were written in parchments. Their’s was stored in a different area, which only 3 parchments in sight.

The guardian of the castle explained that these are the one who has their time distorted. The contents of Adeline & Kael parchments are almost identical because they both experienced the same event: they’ve turn back time, the 3rd person is Count Felix (Jeffrey). So the 3 of them go back in time. When Adeline put her finger so she could see her memory it was then revealed that at the time she lost her memory, Adeline & her parents were visiting the north. She met Kael and they both fell in love. The relationship continued and they exchange letters, he even showed up at her debutante ball, both of them proposed to each other (sounds stupid but that’s what happened), and they finally married (Jeffrey — Vanessa’s brother is their man in honour, because initially Kael was close to). What she thought a story she read was originally her memory, but twisted. Kael’s back was also clear from scars from the curse. Adeline was also pregnant. Suddenly the northern wall broke somewhere and Kael and his knights left to fight the black tribe. Jeffrey came back after half a day telling Adeline that Kael lost the war and she must evacuate. But it was then revealed that it was all Jeffrey’s plan because he’s been in love with Adeline this whole time. He modified his own body with black magic (idk, he poured the black blood around his own arms and it changed shape). He couldn’t control his own power when Adeline rejects him harshly and accidentally killed her. Kael gone berserk and stabbed Jeffrey. He used his magic tool (a necklace to turn back time the one he showed Adeline in current timeline). The Goddess of time appeared and the curse was an exchange to his wish. Both Kael & Adeline’s memories will be erased, Adeline is the only one who can purify the curse and if Adeline couldn’t love & remember him again in the next life, the curse will torture him until he dies. When a light poured down and sucked Kael & Adeline, on the verge of death Jeffrey reach out his hand so he too went against time (Back when they were 13 yo, Adeline 10yo). So despite Kael’s sacrifice, the seed of disaster came along. Jeffrey didn’t lose his memory because it’s not included in the goddess agreement. He started learning black magic and witchcraft. Instead of making Adeline fell in love with himself in this timeline, he brainwashed her so she will die at the hands of Kael. His obsession was so twisted, he was determined if he can’t have Adeline, he will break her instead. He put a love potion on Kael’s drink on the dance party when he supposed to met Vanessa for the first time. Little did he knew that the curse placed upon Kael made him immune from every curses and potions, his plan went awry. He killed his own sister Vanessa for glitching after being brainwashed, in the prison.

After finished reading the parchments, Kael-Adeline transported back at their mansion in the capital. Kael meet the emperor and persuade him. He explained the culprit's real intention is to lead the black tribe to destroy the empire, starting from the north. After long conversation they agree to set eside their feud. Kael ambushes Jeffrey and his mercenaries in the northern wall, and hang him there.

Meanwhile at the northern castle, Adeline was assisted by a wizard to destroy the turning back time necklace to lift Kael curse. She passed out in the process but succeed. It made kael vomitted black blood and his scar bleed. But it then stopped without leaving a single trace of scar in his body.

Last scene they kissed and hoping for a happy future after making a tiny grave for their baby from previous timeline.

Click to expand...

That went from cliche to 100 real quick

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Spoiler The Impact Of The Villainess’ Fake Marriage On The Ending | 악녀의 위장 결혼이 결말에 미치는 영향

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