Episode 9
Identity Exposed
Seraphina took a deep breath and opened the door.
Inside the studio stood Kailus.
In front of him, the workbench drawer was open, and Seraphina’s perfume creation notebook lay spread out on it.
“Your Majesty…”
Seraphina’s voice trembled.
Kailus slowly raised his head.
Complex emotions intertwined in his eyes: shock, confusion, anger, and… hope.
“I knew it.”
His voice was low and intense.
“From the moment you first came to the Imperial Palace, there was something familiar about you. But I couldn’t be sure.”
Seraphina was frozen. She had expected this moment would come, but now that it was actually upon her, she didn’t know what to do.
“I received a report that Roan was planning to search your studio under Vitian’s orders. I came to check first, and…”
Kailus picked up the notebook.
“I found this—the secret perfume recipes of the Maldemir family, knowledge only a member of that family could possess.”
He slowly approached her.
“Take off your mask… Seraphina.”
Seraphina’s heart pounded rapidly. There was no escaping now. With trembling hands, she slowly removed her mask. Her true face, hidden for so long, was revealed.
Kailus’s expression completely changed. Shock, surprise, and deep emotion flickered in his eyes.
“It really… was you.”
His voice was almost a whisper.
“You were alive…”
Seraphina nodded.
When she called his name, tears welled up in Kailus’s eyes. It was the first time in eight years she had called him by his name.
“How… how is this possible? All the evidence… your family…”
Seraphina lowered her head.
“My family all died. Only I survived. With the help of a loyal servant, I was able to escape that night.”
Kailus still looked incredulous.
“For eight years… where have you been for eight years? Why didn’t you tell me?”
His voice was laced with hurt and anger.
Seraphina answered quietly.
“At first, I was afraid. My family was branded as traitors, and I feared I would be hunted too…”
She paused.
“And… you didn’t come that night. I waited for you, but you didn’t come.”
Kailus’s face contorted in pain.
“I didn’t come? Seraphina, I went to your house that night, but it was too late. Everything was burning and…”
He suddenly stopped and walked to the window.
“Vitian stopped me. First, he lured me to another place with false information, and by the time I knew the truth, it was already…”
Anger flared in his eyes.
“I believed you were alive. I searched for years, but couldn’t find any trace.”
Seraphina couldn’t hide her surprise.
“You… tried to find me?”
Kailus approached her again.
“Of course. You were my fiancée. The only person I ever loved.”
At his honest confession, tears welled in Seraphina’s eyes.
“I never forgot you either, Kailus.”
A heavy silence fell between them. Eight years had passed, along with the misunderstandings and wounds that had accumulated.
Kailus broke the silence first.
“Why have you returned now? Why are you disguised as Lady Mist?”
Seraphina decided it was time to tell the truth.
“To restore my family’s honor. I came back to find evidence that my family wasn’t traitorous.”
She paused, then added, “And… I wanted to see you again.”
Complex emotions crossed Kailus’s eyes.
“You believe Vitian is behind all of this.”
Seraphina nodded. “Yes. I think he caused my family’s downfall. But I don’t have concrete evidence yet.”
Kailus fell into deep thought.
“I’ve suspected him for a long time too, but he was my father’s most trusted advisor and my uncle. I couldn’t openly suspect him.”
He looked at Seraphina again.
“Seraphina, what will you do now? Vitian will discover your identity soon. He already suspects you.”
Seraphina took a deep breath.
“I don’t know. The plan was… to reveal my identity after finding more evidence.”
Kailus took her hand. Despite the long time that had passed, the touch of his hand was still familiar.
“Let’s do this together, Seraphina. Let’s find the truth together and restore your family’s honor.”
Tears welled in Seraphina’s eyes.
“But is that possible? Vitian is too powerful, and we lack evidence.”
Determination shone in Kailus’s eyes.
“I am the Emperor. There are things I can do with my power.”
He thought for a moment before continuing.
“For now, it would be best to keep your identity hidden. We need to gather enough evidence before Vitian finds out.”
Seraphina nodded.
“Yes, I agree.”
Kailus put the notebook back in the drawer.
“This notebook is dangerous. I will keep it.”
He slipped the notebook into the inner pocket of his upper garment.
“From now on, let’s meet through the secret passage within this building. Only Roan knows of its existence; he is trustworthy.”
Seraphina was surprised.
“Roan? But he was under Vitian’s orders to…”
Kailus smiled.
“Roan is loyal to me. Although he received Vitian’s order, he immediately reported it to me, which is why I was able to get here first.”
Seraphina breathed a sigh of relief.
“But… what about Vitian? He’ll soon ask Roan for the results.”
Kailus replied coolly.
“Roan will report that he found nothing. I have your notebook now, and there’s no other evidence, is there?”
Seraphina nodded.
Suddenly, a flicker of anxiety crossed her eyes.
“Vitian won’t give up easily. He’ll keep investigating me, and eventually…”
Kailus gently took her by the shoulders.
“Don’t worry. You’re not alone anymore. I will protect you.”
He hesitated for a moment, then continued, “Seraphina, eight years have passed, but… my heart hasn’t changed.”
Seraphina’s heart pounded.
“Kailus…”
Their gazes met, and in that look, the longing and love of many years were held.
Kailus slowly approached her. His hand gently cupped her face.
“Just knowing you’re alive… it’s a miracle to me.”
Seraphina closed her eyes. Kailus’s lips softly touched hers.
A reunion after eight years, a moment dreamt of for eight years. The kiss held long-held longing, sorrow, and new hope.
When the kiss ended, Kailus held her close.
“I won’t lose you again.”
Just then, a sudden knock brought them back to reality.
“Lady Mist, are you there?”
It was Vitian’s voice.
Kailus and Seraphina looked at each other in surprise.
“Quick, put on your mask.” Kailus whispered.
Seraphina hurriedly put her mask back on.
Kailus headed for the secret passage.
“I’ll see you soon. Be careful.”
He disappeared into the passage, and the moment the door closed, Seraphina took a deep breath and walked towards the studio door.
She opened the door.
“Grand Duke, please come in.”
Vitian looked at her with suspicious eyes.
“I was worried when you suddenly disappeared from the banquet. Are you alright?”
Seraphina replied calmly.
“Yes, I’m fine. I just had to finish His Majesty’s perfume, so I hurried back.”
Vitian glanced around the studio behind her.
“Were you alone?”
Seraphina nodded.
“Yes, I was alone.”
Vitian still looked suspicious but didn’t press further.
“I see. Anyway, do you like my gift?”
Seraphina nodded.
“Yes, it’s a truly precious fragrance ingredient. Thank you.”
Vitian slowly smiled.
“Then, I won’t disturb you. But…”
He turned back at the door and whispered, “I hope we have a chance to talk again soon, Lady Mist… or perhaps I should call you by another name.”
A chill ran down Seraphina’s spine at his words.
After Vitian left, Seraphina locked the door and walked to the window. Her mind was a whirlwind. Kailus knew her identity, and he still loved her. But at the same time, Vitian was getting closer and closer to her. And he seemed to already know something.
‘Time is running out…!’ Seraphina thought, looking out the window.
She had to find the evidence before Vitian did. And now she had a powerful ally: Kailus, her first love and former fiancé. Eight years had passed, but their love was still alive.
Seraphina touched her lips. She could still feel Kailus’s kiss.
Now, they would fight together to reveal the truth and restore her family’s honor. But Vitian was by no means an easy opponent. He was clever and cunning, and he already suspected her. Who would win in the dangerous game that lay ahead?
Seraphina, with a determined expression, returned to her workbench. Now she had to be even more careful. And move even faster. With Kailus by her side, she had hope.
Seraphina continued her perfume creation with renewed resolve.
[To be continued in the next episode]
