CH 5

The Duke of Uranos’s castle is located in the center of a rocky hill. It is said that the first Duke of Uranos, who came later, built the castle on the land where people used to offer prayers to the ancient gods.

Three hundred years have passed since then, and the town has expanded to some extent, taking on the appearance of an ancient capital. Due to the scarcity of flat land, people have to live in a small area, relying on each other. The old capital has been maintained through repeated renovations.

Led by Korya, I entered the Uranos castle smoothly. The castle where I used to live a long time ago hasn’t changed at all, but it’s not like it’s welcoming me. The knights who are regularly transferred to different locations are one thing, but the resident servants remember me. They still know my position as a disowned princess after my mother’s death. Their gaze contains a slight hint of contempt.

I regret coming here after all. Being showered with so many contemptuous glances is painful for me, who has lived in a remote area for a long time. Even though I knew it would happen, my heart naturally withers.

Korya dismounted me from the horse and entrusted my luggage to a servant, and saw me off to the castle gate.

“I was lucky to be able to protect Eleni-sama. It is the greatest honor for a knight.”

Korya, always serious, was pleased to have fulfilled his mission.

I thanked him.

“Thank you, Korya. If we meet again someday, I will fulfill my duties as a princess.”

“Your words are enough. Please do not push yourself too hard.”

As a knight, Korya had completed his job. I wondered how I could repay him.

Guided by the waiting servant, I walked through the castle, which was now a vague memory. I’m still in my nun’s clothes, but I’m not accused of any crime. It would be easier anyway if I were ordered to go to the Styx Kingdom at once.

I no longer had any expectations. I didn’t even want to call that man my father. My family was already gone.

On the upper floor of the castle, behind the respectfully open door, was the Duke of Uranos. He was sitting in his chair, leaning back with his elbows on the desk, and it was not a pleasant sight to behold. He was already over forty, overweight, and had a barrel-like belly.

“Eleni, it’s been a while.”

“Good day, Your Grace. I hope you are doing well.”

“Hmph, you’ve become quite stubborn.”

For some reason, Duke Uranos was in a bad mood. He probably didn’t even want to meet me. I silently criticized him, thinking that it would have been better to handle this through a letter or a messenger.

“As you may have heard, you have a marriage proposal from Prince Athanasios of the Styx Kingdom. There is no option to refuse. The preparations have been made, so leave immediately with the Styx Kingdom envoy.”

“Understood. I will do as you say.”

“Make sure you don’t make any mistakes. If you want, you can just stay in your room. You are just a decoration, used to deceive the public with the pretext of a divine oracle. I don’t know about the situation in the Styx Kingdom, but don’t get conceited.”

Despite the Duke’s insistence, I remained silent. Affirming would be annoying, and denying would be seen as talking back. The best thing to do was to let it go. My role was to behave like a gentle lady, and I had no desire or need to do anything else. Although I still regretted it in my heart, I had to come to terms with it.

Duke Uranos glanced at me and began to insult and make sarcastic remarks.

“You’ve become a gloomy girl. You’re nothing like your sister Paulina, her blood is different.”

I remained silent. Saying anything would only worsen the Duke’s mood and lead to further insults. I had to endure it, even if he spoke ill of my mother. I had to restrain myself, even if my fingertips were tense.

“Enough. Oh, Paulina wanted to see you. She’s never met you before, so she wants to see what kind of sister you are. Meet her later.”

“Understood.”

Although I couldn’t expect kindness or consideration from my half-sister, who was also the Duke’s daughter and whom I had never met, if I was told to meet her, I had to do it.

I left with a gloomy feeling.