<CHAPTER 05>
Think of It as a Rehearsal
The Emperor had used Evelyn’s biological parents, who had influence through an innovative relief project at the time, as an example.
It was said that all the servants present at the scene that day were massacred to destroy evidence.
Evelyn, who had become an orphan because of that incident, came to the marquisate following her maternal grandfather, the Former Marquis Inevassel.
Her current father, who had originally been her maternal uncle, registered Evelyn as his adopted daughter and raised her with utmost care.
Having grown up as the youngest, loved as much as a biological child, she too sincerely loved them as her new family.
“So of course I have no choice but to protect my family.”
As the original story approached its latter half, Evelyn would be killed by her fiancé, and the Inevassel Marquisate would be annihilated by the Emperor’s scheme.
Since Valentino was the only family capable of standing against the current imperial authority, the imperial family sought to keep the ducal house’s power in check.
By eliminating the marquisate that had formed an engagement with the ducal house.
In the end, the Inevassel family, which became a sacrifice in the power struggle, would disappear forever from the Valtian Empire.
A mysterious deadly poison would spread across the Inevassel territory, taking the lives of countless residents.
It sounded absurd, but considering the world setting of a dark tragedy, it was not all that strange.
Evelyn, recalling the catastrophe that would unfold, bit her lip tightly and clenched her fingertips.
‘Let’s not get too anxious. There are still three years left.’
From the moment she became aware of her reincarnation, she had been researching an antidote to the deadly poison using her healing powers.
She intended to twist the original story to uncover the truth behind her biological parents’ deaths and protect her beloved family.
Having steeled her resolve, Evelyn placed the pendant she was holding into an antique jewelry box.
“Don’t worry. Mom, Dad.”
She would not just sit still and watch the story unfold as it originally did.
A trace of tension lingered on Evelyn’s face as she looked up at the banquet hall stairs.
That was because today was the coming-of-age ceremony held at the imperial palace.
How much preparation had been made, following her parents and servants who had busily worked for her sake?
Just as she was hoping to finish the ceremony safely—
“You must be pretty nervous.”
Aksion, who stood beside her, spoke in a dry tone.
His neatly slicked-back black hair, sharp eyes tinged with red, and a perfectly tidy uniform without a single crease.
Though she hated to admit it, his striking appearance was only becoming more radiant by the day.
It was even written in journals that there could be no more beautiful subject than him.
Feeling annoyed at her fiancé for no reason, Evelyn shot him a sidelong glare.
“Who says I’m nervous?”
Why did he come to pick her up this early?
Even though there was still time before the banquet began, Aksion had arrived at the marquisate far ahead of schedule.
She had planned to ride in a carriage with her family for once, but that plan had been ruined.
‘Seriously, there’s not a single likable thing about him.’
Swallowing a short sigh, Evelyn took her fiancé’s hand and climbed the stairs, and the doorman checked their identities.
Then, opening the banquet hall doors wide, he loudly announced their entrance.
“The Young Duke Valentino and Lady Inevassel are entering!”
As the doors opened, bright light poured down from the chandeliers.
As Evelyn squinted her eyes, Aksion let out a faint smile.
“Why don’t you attend banquets more often from now on?”
“What?”
“If you want, I can go with you.”
At her fiancé’s words, she sent him a cold glare.
“Please, just mind your own business.”
The nobles, unaware of their true relationship, buzzed with curiosity.
“Oh my, the two of them seem so close.”
“Look at the Young Duke. His eyes are dripping with affection.”
“Just like the rumors, he must really like the young lady.”
No, that’s not it.
They’re all misunderstanding.
As Evelyn was appalled by the absurd chatter, Aksion’s eyes curved.
No matter how she looked at it, he was clearly enjoying the situation.
Thinking any explanation would be meaningless, she let out a long sigh while looking at her fiancé—
‘W-what is this.’
Her eyes lost focus and trembled at the suddenly shortened distance.
The man placed a hand on her slender shoulder, lowered his head, and whispered softly.
“Think of it as a rehearsal.”
“A rehearsal… for what?”
As Evelyn looked at him warily, the corners of Aksion’s lips slowly lifted.
“Our wedding.”
What is he even saying right now?
Frowning, Evelyn smacked her fiancé’s hand away with her fan.
Aksion obediently stepped back.
She looked at him suspiciously, then composed her expression.
Then, with a gentle smile that contrasted her somewhat irritated voice, she spoke.
“Why would I marry you!”
At that, Aksion’s expression turned fairly serious as he tilted his head.
“I’m not particularly eager either. But.”
“But…?”
“Who else should I marry if not you?”
At her fiancé’s words, spoken as if it were obvious, Evelyn couldn’t hide her confusion.
Of course, it wasn’t that she didn’t understand.
The general way to suppress ability rampage was through contact with an Imprinter.
Among those who manifested a mark, some chose to marry someone who bore the same mark.
‘Since when were you such a morally upright person?’
Evelyn swallowed a sigh, feeling frustrated and suffocated.
She had felt it before, but Aksion already seemed firmly convinced that she was his Imprinter.
‘What is he even planning by acting like this!’
Once the female lead appears, he’ll definitely regret this choice.
He already dislikes me now, and later he’ll probably beg for a divorce.
Rolling her eyes, she finally made up her mind and spoke.
“Ahem, Aksion, what I think marriage is—”
Aksion raised one eyebrow as if telling her to continue.
She didn’t know why she had to have such a profound conversation with him, but Evelyn calmly stated her belief.
“I think it’s something that happens when two people truly love each other.”
Just like how her biological parents overcame the barrier of status and married.
Aksion, who had been quietly listening, nodded his head.
‘He understood what I meant, right?’
Since she had explained this much, Evelyn thought he would understand properly.
She was sure of it.
“Alright. I’ll keep that in mind.”
“Thanks for understanding—… what?”
At her fiancé’s unexpected response, she made a dumbfounded expression.
For some reason, she couldn’t shake the feeling that they kept missing each other’s point.
“What do you mean you’ll keep it in mind?”
As Evelyn narrowed her eyes and looked up at him, Aksion stepped closer.
‘What is wrong with him…’
Just as she was quietly observing her unreadable fiancé—
The man’s hand reached out without hesitation and touched her loose strands of hair.
Then, he casually tucked her reddish pink hair behind her ear.
Startled by his sudden action, Evelyn frowned deeply.
“What kind of trick is this now!”
Even at her reaction, Aksion made no effort to hide the smile on his lips.
The boredom that usually lingered in his red eyes had long disappeared.
It felt like the interest of someone who had found a new toy.
‘Hey… what’s with that look.’
As Evelyn stood there blankly with her mouth slightly open, a low and deep voice flowed from him.
“I’m trying to match your taste.”
