If You Conquer Me - Chapter 12
After much struggle, she finally stood before him. Facing her fiercely glaring blue eyes, he felt immense satisfaction.
Such a useful piece, falling right into my hands.
Hugo smirked as he lifted the corner of his lips. It was no surprise; Hugo had a great interest in ‘divine power.’ Given that he had been ordered by Yerhalt to execute all other members of the Ascanior royal family, Ophelia, being the only survivor, was even more valuable.
There were rumors that she lacked divine power, but still, as a member of the Ascanior royal family, keeping her close would surely provide a clue. With that clue, he could finally attain the ‘peace’ he desperately desired…
At the same time, his red eyes darkened. Well, he knew it was probably an unrealistic hope. If it were that easy, Hugo wouldn’t have suffered for so long.
Maybe I should try being a little kinder to the princess.
The thought crossed his mind. If he maintained a good relationship with Ophelia, it would be easier to use her. However,
First, I need to spread the rumor to cover the eyes of the imperial family.
* * *
Recently, strange rumors had been circulating around the former Ascanior kingdom. The rumor was that…
“Did you hear? Grand Duke Morgana fell in love with some gladiator slave at first sight.”
The war hero who had quickly subjugated the former Ascanior kingdom was said to have taken a lowborn gladiator slave as his mistress.
The usually aloof Grand Duke, who showed no interest in anything, had sparked a great deal of curiosity among people, which grew rapidly, like a snowball rolling downhill.
“I heard that the gladiator slave saved the Grand Duke’s life.”
“They say the Grand Duke is so cautious, he makes sure no one notices him, keeping his distance from outsiders.”
People speculated about how the relationship between the common gladiator slave and Grand Duke Morgana had come about.
“I heard that, for his mistress, he even had ten dresses made just for her.”
“Really? Wow.”
They whispered about the gold coins Grand Duke Morgana was lavishly throwing around for his new mistress.
“Rumor has it she’s quite beautiful.”
“Leticia, I think that’s her name.”
The details of the mysterious mistress, hidden behind the veil, spread like wildfire, mingling with the sound of laughter and the faint puff of cigars. The rumors spread rapidly, fueled by the chatter of society.
* * *
Late in the afternoon in May,
The weather was neither too hot nor too cold—perfect for a walk. For the past week, Ophelia had been staying at the Count Cornelli’s mansion, which Hugo had requisitioned.
While Ophelia’s complicated feelings were of little concern to anyone, the garden of the mansion had flourished with spring. The garden trees were lush and green, and in the flowerbeds, carefully tended by the gardener, tulips of every color bloomed in full. The gentle breeze carried the faint scent of flowers.
Taking in the cool air, Ophelia exhaled deeply. The doctor Hugo had assigned to her was quite skilled. After about a week, she was able to get out of bed and move around.
“Rather than lying down all the time, a light walk will help with your recovery.”
The doctor had suggested this, and Ophelia, feeling quite frustrated, eagerly agreed.
Her walking route was always the same: past the flowerbeds full of blooming tulips, strolling through the shade of the trees, washing her hands at the fountain with its brightly cascading water, and then resting in a small gazebo at the end.
It was always the same routine. So, it felt odd to Ophelia.
It’s peaceful.
On the first day, Hugo had suggested in a way that felt like a threat, urging her to become his mistress. Ophelia had worried she might have to act as his lover immediately. But Hugo, surprisingly, hadn’t been forceful with her. Instead, he had been rather kind.
“Focus on your recovery first.”
Rather than giving her tasks, Hugo allowed her time to heal, his sweet smile still vivid in her mind.
“You won’t be able to do anything unless you’re well.”
Thus, Ophelia had spent her time peacefully. Though, she couldn’t deny that the current situation felt like wearing the wrong clothes—it was awkward.
But today, Ophelia noticed a subtle change in her daily routine. On the spot where she usually sat, a single purple delphinium, blooming early, had been placed.
