RYEHC | Ch 21

“Celeia Tran, I’m divorcing you.” After her husband Hendrick rises in rebellion and becomes emperor, Celeia is cast aside. Taking in the child left behind by Hendrick’s dead mistress, Celeia leaves the capital. But then… Her ex-husband’s daughter, Esperote, turns out to be strangely brilliant. “What were you doing, Rote?” “I ate the sandwich Vera made for me, and read a book.” “Oh yeah? What book?” “The Age of Revolution: The Livius Wars and the Fall.” At times, Rote acts far too mature for her age, and other times, she does things no one can explain. Almost like… she knows a future no one else does. Still, to Celeia, this beloved daughter is everything. She raises her with all the love she has. Then one day, the child brings home an injured man. “He’s got such a memorable face, I don’t think he’s the type who could do bad things.” The man introduces himself as Laska, a former mercenary. He’s shockingly handsome—yet suspiciously kind. “So tell me, my lady… am I one of your lucky fortunes too?” “I swear on the eternal star of Ceylon that I’ll protect you and the young lady with all I have.” “…Wait, my lady. You’ve got something soft, like a little feather, stuck on your face.” And so, in this unfamiliar tension, the two of them slowly start opening their hearts to each other. Until one day— [The Prince of Teian, Returns!] Celeia sees a portrait of the enemy nation’s prince by chance… and realizes he looks an awful lot like Laska.