So I Was the Persecuted Grand Duchess Destined to Die? Chapter 109

Chapter 109

The Second Prince’s face turned pale in an instant.

Callian noticed immediately and continued in a voice filled with concern.

“Felix, I know you are deeply wary of me. But… in the end, you are still my only brother.”

Isn’t that brother your sworn enemy?

Felix swallowed the retort and lowered his head instead.

“You came to the Grand Temple at this hour, and alone. Does it have something to do with… your change?”

The gentle words poured over him.

Felix clenched his fists.

He had never once heard such sincere worry from his own mother.

And now he was hearing it—from the very half-brother his mother had marked as their foremost enemy.

“….”

It was laughable.

“Is it difficult to speak?” Callian asked softly.

Felix remained silent.

That was when Xavier, who had been listening quietly, finally spoke.

“It seems His Highness the Second Prince has also been exposed to dark magic.”

“D-Dark magic? And how would the Grand Duke know that?”

Felix’s head snapped up, eyes wide.

Callian’s gaze narrowed as well.

“I cannot reveal everything,” Xavier said evenly, “but I have confirmed with my own eyes that a deeply rooted dark magic faction exists within the Empire.”

“That can’t…”

Felix’s heart pounded violently.

Fear swelled—mingling with something almost childlike.

Should I tell them everything?

His mother—who had once lived only for him—had finally lost her mind.

And Felix had no power to stop her.

But if I stay silent, she will die at their hands…

Callian, sensing his inner turmoil, pressed gently.

“Felix. How much do you know about dark magic?”

“I—I…”

Before he could answer—

“Your Highness! Grand Duke!”

A royal guard came running down the corridor.

“Her Grace the Grand Duchess has just arrived at the Temple entrance. She is requesting the Grand Duke.”

“What?”

Xavier’s composure cracked.

“Renée is here?”

“Yes, Your Grace. She did not state the reason, but she said she would wait outside until your business is concluded.”

“At this hour…?”

Xavier’s face visibly tightened.

“Oh? Is this what newlyweds are like? The rest of us unmarried men can hardly bear it.”

Callian nudged Felix playfully.

Normally Felix would have snapped at him—but today he was silent.

His face was unmistakably flushed.

Shock. Excitement.

The unmistakable look of a boy experiencing his first love.

Callian stroked his chin thoughtfully.

Interesting.

He had heard they had attended the opera together recently.

Perhaps something had shifted then.

“Your Highness,” Xavier said stiffly, “may I take my leave for today?”

His urgency was obvious.

From the moment Renée’s name was spoken, he had been unable to stay still.

A crooked smile tugged at Callian’s lips.

“Let’s all head up together. I haven’t properly greeted the Grand Duchess since the banquet.”

“What business would Your Highness have with my wife—”

“One doesn’t need business to greet someone.”

Callian shot Felix a meaningful glance.

“We still have matters to discuss, don’t we?”

Felix looked away.

Xavier sighed deeply.

So much for privately meeting his wife.

Outside the Temple

“I shouldn’t have come so impulsively…”

I paced in circles.

The black sky was fading into orange dawn, bathing the ruined Temple in soft light.

“Yes, you look like a wife who couldn’t wait five minutes,” Ternox said lazily, sipping hot chocolate.

The imperial knights had hurriedly provided it.

I hadn’t even touched mine.

“Do I look clingy? Showing up at my husband’s workplace before he’s even finished?”

“You were sobbing that you’d die if you didn’t see him.”

“I did not!”

Lesson learned: never speak recklessly while emotionally overwhelmed.

I came without thinking… but now that I’m about to see him, I feel strange!

Nothing had changed from his perspective.

Only I had regained memories.

To him, I must look like a wife who randomly appeared at dawn.

He’ll think I’ve lost my mind…

“Too late. Your husband’s coming.”

Ternox finished his drink—and mine.

“…Renée.”

That voice.

I spun around.

“X-Xavier. You’re here—”

And behind him—

Crown Prince Callian.

And—

Why is he here too?

Felix.

“…Hello. First time since the banquet, isn’t it?”

“R-Renée… hello.”

The two princes greeted me.

My mind blanked.

“G-Greetings…”

I curtsied, hands trembling.

Xavier exhaled quietly at the sight.

Then—

“Wait.”

Ternox stood abruptly and strode forward.

Toward Felix.

Without hesitation, he grabbed the Second Prince’s chin and tilted his face upward.

“—!”

In the dawn light, Felix’s irises were clearly visible.

They were no longer gold.

“When did this start?” Ternox asked lightly.

Felix bristled.

“How dare you! Do you know who I—”

“Just know that I am more noble than you.”

Something in Ternox’s presence shifted.

Felix’s defiance crumbled into fear.

His gaze, unable to meet Ternox’s again—

Landed on me.

The moment our eyes met—

He looked utterly terrified.

Tears welled in Felix’s eyes.