It was an unrequited love. ... more>>

One that could never be fulfilled and one that could never be wished for.

Licht McClellan, the Cardinal who had saved her, as he would save many others, was considered a candidate for the next pope because of his acts of salvation. But everything changed when he found her in the Count’s mansion, engulfed in flames and lying in a pool of blood.

[Louise.]

[My Louise]

Licht, a symbol of abstinence and moderation, lost his senses and rushed at her like a beast, and Louise did not refuse him.

"If you’re in pain, embrace me, Licht".

On the contrary, she took advantage of the opportunity to seduce him.

This was the price to pay for having sinned, an eternal separation. 

That was clearly how it should have been.

"I have lost count of how many times I have been ripped apart like an animal. So why did you abandon me? You will remain by my side, no matter what. If you want to go that far and sacrifice your body to save me… You should be prepared and take full responsibility, Louise."

The man who had once been admired by all and who had become the most noble pope in the realm,

“Louise, as of today, you belong to me. All that you’ll think about, look at, and even listen to will be me..”

With a face as beautiful and noble as an angel's, he whispered lovingly like the devil.

"That is the punishment and reward I am giving you." <<less

One day, her former fiancé Edelred suddenly appeared before her eyes—transformed from a sniveling young noble into a tall, scruffy yet handsome young man.... more>>

"Betrothed? What are you talking about? It's been almost six years since our engagement was broken."

"What do you mean? When did we ever... break our engagement?"

In the hands of her former fiancé—who didn't even know their engagement had been broken—was a letter ordering his assassination.

The disturbing revelation was that the letter's sender, Duke Edgar, was soon to become Valentina’s husband.

Even more unsettling was how this cunning former fiancé showed no signs of giving her up....

***

"Was your marriage officially registered? Did you pay the ceremonial tax? Where is the proclamation? Surely there must be some record in the Bureau's archives?"

"...What?"

Her mind went completely blank.

Yet Valentina understood precisely what he was attempting to prove.

As she gritted her teeth and glared at him, Edelred whispered with a voice full of mockery:

"How interesting... you failed to complete even the most basic requirements to formalize your union."

He had crossed beyond all bounds of propriety.

He seized upon this moment as though it were his final chance to claim her.

His lips curved slightly. He smiled—or was it truly a smile? With those thin crimson lips and the subtle movement of his tongue, accompanied only by the faintest breath, he whispered silently:

​"...Choose me. I will make you the Empress of this continent." <<less