Chapter 45
Even the original work didn't explain the process of how Kashmir was born between a brothel courtesan and the duke. After all, the birth of the one-time villainess wasn't that important in the story.
I furrowed my brows, then dismissed the question, thinking that wasn't what mattered now.
But I figured it out by recalling my past life... what about this guy? Really, what is he?
I looked up at El with incredulous eyes. It was astonishing that he'd pieced together that Black Calamity Mir was the Crisis Duchess from those tiny clues.
Seeing my dazed expression, El chuckled and lifted his wrist slightly. It was the wrist etched with the trace of the Oath of the Sun.
"Don't worry. I won't tell a soul."
Since we'd even sworn the Oath of the Sun, I had no reason to doubt El. As I gazed at him with slightly softened eyes, he dipped his head a bit, bringing his face closer.
"I'm glad Mir is the Crisis Duchess."
Unconcealed joy sparkled in his silver eyes. It was excessively beautiful. I felt utterly captivated by those eyes.
"......Why?"
To my dazed question, El smiled slowly, stepping in perfect time with the chorus surging to its highlight. He braced my waist firmly with his arm and dipped my upper body. My back arched, our chests pressed together. Even though it was just a flawless dance move, in that split second, I flustered as his face loomed right before mine.
"Now I can gaze at the real you without that mask in the way."
A soft whisper echoed right by my ear. His lips curved in a seductive arc. The El who'd seemed so innocently pure now looked like he knew exactly how stunning he was.
Damn... this guy's poker face must've cracked. I swear his ear tips flushed pink.
I drew in a breath, forcing myself to stay calm.
"......To predict I might be the Crisis Duchess from that little info, that's impressive."
"Hmm, I'm even more amazing than Mir thinks."
I tried to deflect with flattery, and El calmly revealed his pride. But the smile on his face suddenly hardened into seriousness.
"Actually, I came here today because there's something I need to tell you."
Only as the dance neared its end did El get to the point. I furrowed my brows ever so slightly.
"You know a delegation from the Atara Kingdom is coming soon, right?"
"Yes. Their king just ascended the throne not long ago..."
"Be careful with that delegation."
"Pardon?"
El lowered his voice, advising me gravely, and I mirrored his seriousness with a heavy expression.
"Is there something wrong with the Atara Kingdom delegation?"
"There's probably one lunatic tagging along."
"......Pardon?"
I blinked, wondering if I'd misheard. El remained utterly serious.
"Don't humor that lunatic. He's bad news for Mir. Cut him off fast if he clings, or get rid of him if you have to. It'll stir up diplomatic mess, but Duke Kaiser can clean it up. I'll help with the aftermath too."
"What... who even is this guy?"
Unable to follow, I just floated question marks, and El let out a sigh.
"Can't say who, but... anyway, there's one who'll latch onto Mir the second he lays eyes on her. Don't give him the time of day."
It was incomprehensible from start to finish, but I nodded anyway.
In the original too, that Atara delegation sparks a huge incident.
Knowing the story, I was already steeling myself for the storm ahead. El's face eased with relief.
The waltz swept into its finale. After one elegant spin, the song drew to a close.
"Thanks for indulging me, Mir."
"My pleasure. It was an honor, El."
As I offered a light curtsy and let his hand slip away—
El seized my falling hand in a firm grip.
How does he know my nickname...?
Stunned by the pet name from his lips, I watched as he drew my hand close and brushed his lips across the back. With a soft smack, his mouth lifted. He smiled sadly at my blinking eyes.
"When we meet again... don't be too shocked if I look different. My feelings for you will never change."
With that cryptic farewell, El turned and vanished. His white priest robes billowed like waves. I stared after his retreating figure, then glanced down at the back of my hand where his lips had touched.
Sky-blue hair?
I lifted a strand clinging to my skin. It was a long lock, unmistakably shimmering sky-blue—El's hair. My winter debutante ball partner, El, had left behind just one strand of sky-blue hair—the Pope's symbol—before disappearing.
A month had passed since the debutante. That month was a whirlwind for both Aria and me. Unlike my chaotic disaster of a ball, Aria's had been a smashing success. Invitations poured in right after, cementing her place in high society. Impressive, considering whose sister she was.
"Just as expected, harnesses are all the rage among the young nobles! The first batch sold out in two days flat! Body chains took five days, but still a total sellout! Huge success! Tons of young nobles are custom-ordering outfits from Katrin’s shop now too! All thanks to you, Lady!"
Whether due to Kaiser and Kal rocking the harnesses or Aria's promotion, the business was thriving. We chatted profit splits with ecstatic Katrin and spent time getting fitted for Aria's and my outfits at the shop.
"We meet again, Duchess."
There was also the time Julian visited the Chrysis Ducal Residence. Of course, he hadn't stormed in like a madman—Kaiser had invited him to perform the Oath of the Sun.
We needed it because the knights and servants had figured out I was Mir.
'We have a plan.'
'Yes.'
'Right. You'll have something in mind. Do as you wish.'
In our serious talk, I'd confessed to Kaiser that I didn't want to reveal I was Mir just yet. Mir had too many enemies. Kaiser didn't want me in danger either, so we'd agreed to seal the secret with the Oath of the Sun. The Crisis household's loyal retainers consented readily. To bind dozens at once required a high priest at least, so Kaiser summoned High Priest Julian to the mansion.
When we revealed to Julian that I was Mir for the oath, his reaction was ridiculously nonchalant.
"Oh, so the Duchess is Black Calamity Mir. What a shocker. I'm too stunned to eat dinner tonight."
Muttering "shocker" in a flat, emotionless tone—Julian was suspicious as hell. It made me resolve to dig into his background someday.
"First time seeing you since the debutante. I hope you've been well."
"Thanks for your concern. I've been fine."
"I heard you've started a business. It's blown up even in our temple. Some priests got banned for 'obscenity' after wearing them, then black marketeers started smuggling harnesses in for cash. Crazy talk of making them official priest accessories too? High priests were tearing their hair out over crackdowns, but get this—His Holiness the Pope showed up to morning mass wearing one! That mad, er, our precious Holiness..."
Julian was sociable at best, a motormouth at worst. Staring at him blabber like a fish in water, I couldn't help but chuckle. My ears burned a little, but his chattiness was kinda cute.
"......Sis. You like that guy?"
"Absolutely not."
While I listened patiently to Julian's nonstop yapping, Aria and Kal—who'd come to spectate the oath—shot me that grave question. I just laughed and shook my head.
The oath included Julian himself and was done as a group. A full formal one—death for breaking—would've drained his holy power dry. So we went with a simplified version: petrification curse if anyone tried spilling the secret, mouth or hand.
"I'll send the reward straight to the temple. More than enough, whatever amount you had in mind."
Kaiser said curtly to Julian once it was done. His iciness toward outsiders always felt awkward to watch.
"As a servant of merciful Ra, how could I ask for payment? Just a cup of tea would suffice."
Julian beamed benevolently, his lavender eyes sliding sweetly my way. They crinkled with charm.
"If possible, from Duchess Kashmir Crisis."
"What scheme is this?"
"Speaking through a man's mouth like a dog."
Kal and Aria flanked me protectively, snapping in unison. Their tones could've ignited a temple-ducat feud, so I hurriedly intervened.
"My apologies instead, High Priest. As atonement, I'll serve the tea myself. Maria, tea set to the parlor."
"Sis!"
"Aria."
My firm look made Aria bite her lip and back off. Sorry, Aria, but I'd planned to meet him eventually—this was my chance. Brushing past Kal's scowling face, I led Julian to the parlor.
"Honestly, didn't expect you'd actually serve me."
"My blood kin messed up—how could I not?"
"Feels like there's more to it."
As expected. I smiled back at his knowing grin. Figured he wasn't as bland as he seemed—sharp one.
"I do have something important to ask."
I added casually, and Julian chuckled, picking up his pace. I like quick ones; we might end up decent friends.
Pour.
Hot water cascaded slowly over the ruby teapot. Rich chamomile scent filled the room. Recalling the tea-brewing I'd learned recently, I steeped it perfectly and poured into the cups.
"To drink tea brewed by the Duchess herself—such an honor."
"The honor's mine, sharing tea time with the High Priest."
Polite pleasantries exchanged, a gentle silence settled. Not tense—strangely serene.
On my third sip or so, I gazed steadily at Julian. He gazed right back.
Damn, he really is handsome.
Neatly trimmed short silver hair. Pale lavender eyes glimmering like fairy dust. Delicate, flowing facial lines. A beauty that drew sighs.
I admired it a moment, took another sip, then spoke.
"Seems like you wanted to talk to me."
"Sharp as ever. Yes. But let's hear your question first."
Electric spark between my vivid pink irises and his softly gleaming lavender ones. Less a battle of wits—too relaxed, no malice. More like light probing.
"Nothing major. Not urgent, just personal."
"I'll answer anything I can."
I waved the white flag first. Julian smiled warmly and set his cup down. He paused, choosing words, then spoke slowly.
"What I want to know is... can the Oath of the Sun be faked?"
"......The Oath of the Sun?"
Julian furrowed his brows, a hint of amused disbelief as he echoed. I knew it was a dumb question—felt a bit embarrassed but nodded anyway.
"You're not doubting the one we just did...?"
"Of course not. But a month ago, there was this shady oath, so I wondered if forgery was possible."
I still felt uneasy about the one with El. He seemed good, but everything about him was off. Recalling the desire swirling in his silver eyes every time he looked at me, I bit my lip hard.
"Ah, no way......"
Julian's expression grew odder by the second until his lips twitched uncontrollably. He clapped a hand over his mouth and twisted away. His shoulders shook.
"Heh... heh heh... HAHAHAHA!"
Julian held it in as long as he could before exploding into full-blown laughter.