- 4 hours ago
You Are Heartless, so Am I
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Short filmTranscript
00:00The night my father lay dying, my husband Leon walked into my room with his widowed sister-in-law, Vivian.
00:06Aaliyah, he said.
00:08Vivian has no children. I have to marry her and carry on my late brother's bloodline.
00:13I looked at him, then at the woman hiding behind him with reddened eyes.
00:19So you want me to smile and nod while you marry your brother's widow and have children with her?
00:24Leon frowned.
00:25This is a family obligation, Aaliyah, not a betrayal.
00:28I laughed. Three years ago, when his family went bankrupt, it was my fortune that paid their debts.
00:32The only reason he was sitting in the royal court as royal treasurer was because my father had used his
00:37military meritits to open that door for him.
00:39Now my father was dying, and instead of staying by his bedside, Leon had come to inform me that he
00:44was taking a second wife.
00:46Vivian lowered her gaze.
00:47Sister, I only want to leave a child behind for my late husband. I'm not trying to take your place.
00:52I looked at her. Not taking my place? Just taking my husband's bed?
00:57Her face instantly turned pale.
01:00Enough! Aaliyah!
01:02Leon slammed his hand against the table. I met his glare.
01:05What? You plan to give your brother an heir without sharing a bed? Does a second consort not bear children?
01:14Are you two planning to continue the bloodline through a closed door?
01:19Vivian's face went even wider. Suppressing his anger, Leon said,
01:24I didn't come here to ask for permission. I came to inform you.
01:29Vivian will become my second consort. The decision has already been made.
01:35Inform me?
01:37Yes.
01:38I nodded.
01:39Fine. Then let me inform you of something too.
01:43His expression tightened?
01:45My sister, Selina, died with a fiancé.
01:49I paused.
01:50His name is Cain. A frontier knight. The Valen family has no male heir.
01:55I intend to continue my sister's bloodline as well.
01:58Vivian gasped.
01:59Have you lost your mind?
02:01I turned toward her.
02:03If you can do it, why can't I?
02:05I'm a man! I'm fulfilling my responsibility to the family!
02:09Leon barked. I smiled coldly.
02:11So marrying your brother's widow is a noble duty, but continuing my late sister's line makes me insane?
02:16Your brother's widow deserves sympathy, but my sister's fiancé doesn't?
02:20The main Ashfield line can't be allowed to die out, but the Valen family should simply disappear?
02:26Leon stared at me.
02:27You would actually let Cain touch you?
02:30I raised an eyebrow.
02:32If you're willing to touch Vivian, why shouldn't I let him touch me?
02:36Silence swallowed the room.
02:39Only Vivian's trembling breaths remained.
02:41I handed the Valen family seal to Lucy.
02:44Take this to the castle.
02:47Send word to Cain.
02:48Tell him the Valen family intends to honor the old betrothal.
02:52You're not going anywhere!
02:53Leon lunged forward and grabbed Lucy's arm.
02:56I snatched up a silver goblet and hurled it at his feet.
03:00Wine splashed across his boots.
03:03Leon Ashford.
03:05My voice turned icy.
03:06If you dare stop my people, I'll march straight into the palace and let the queen see exactly how her
03:12precious royal thresher pressures a high marshal's daughter into surrendering her husband to his widowed sister-in-law.
03:21His hand froze in midair.
03:23I walked over to Vivian and adjusted the pearl clasp on her black dress.
03:29Don't worry.
03:30I'll make sure your wedding as second constant is absolutely magnificent.
03:34Then I looked at Leon.
03:35The same day.
03:37The same night.
03:38You go to her room.
03:39I'll go to Cain's.
03:41For the first time, Leon's face turned white.
03:44The next morning, Vivian arrived sooner than I expected.
03:47I had just finished changing into my riding clothes when she entered my room with two maids.
03:52A ruby brooch glittered on her chest.
03:54Red as a drop of blood.
03:55My mother's ruby.
03:57Part of my dowry.
03:58I stared at it.
03:59Leon gave that to you.
04:01Vivian touched the gemstone and smiled sweetly.
04:04He said black was too plain on me.
04:06The ruby suited me better.
04:08You don't mind.
04:09Do you, sister?
04:10She tilted her head.
04:12Lucy stepped forward furiously.
04:14That belongs to Lady Alia!
04:16Vivian glanced at her.
04:17Alia and I will soon be family.
04:19Surely I can borrow one of her things.
04:21I asked.
04:23Does Leon know that's part of my dowager estate?
04:25Her smile deepened.
04:26Of course he does.
04:27He said what's yours is his and if it's his, he can give it to me.
04:30I walked toward her.
04:31She instinctively took half a step back, though her voice remained defiant.
04:35What are you going to do?
04:35Hit me?
04:36Leon is downstairs.
04:38I reached out and removed the ruby brooch from her dress.
04:40Give it back!
04:41Her expression changed immediately.
04:43Instead, I turned and threw it into the fire.
04:47The ruby vanished into the coals.
04:49Its gold setting blackened instantly.
04:51Vivian screamed.
04:52Are you insane?
04:53Leon gave me that?
04:55I watched the flames.
04:58He stole it and gave it to you.
05:00That's a lie!
05:01He's your husband!
05:02A husband doesn't receive immunity for theft.
05:04She rushed toward the fireplace, only to retreat from the heat as spilled down her cheeks.
05:09Right on cue, the door burst open.
05:11Leon strode inside.
05:12The moment he saw Vivian crying, he pulled her protectively into his arms.
05:16I laughed.
05:17Alia, you're bullying her again?
05:19You got here awfully fast.
05:21How long were you standing outside listening?
05:24His expression stiffened.
05:26Vivian tugged at his sleeve.
05:27Don't blame her.
05:28She's hurting.
05:29If the brooch is ruined, it's ruined.
05:31I'm fine.
05:32I smiled.
05:34The brooch didn't burn your skin.
05:36So what exactly hurts?
05:39Vivian choked on her words.
05:42Leon snapped.
05:43Apologize.
05:45To whom?
05:46To Vivian.
05:47I stared at him.
05:48She stole my property.
05:50I destroyed my own property.
05:52And you want me to apologize?
05:54I gave it to her.
05:56You stole my belongings.
05:58To buy someone's affection and you're proud enough to raise your voice about it?
06:01His face darkened.
06:04Don't forget.
06:05You're still my wife.
06:07I met his graze.
06:08And don't forget.
06:10You're still sitting in the royal court because of the Valen family.
06:14That left him speechless.
06:16Leaning against his chest, Vivian whispered softly.
06:19Leon, let it go.
06:21Alia is suffering.
06:22I don't mind a little hardship.
06:25Once I give you a child, she'll understand I'm not here to take anything from her.
06:31I looked at her.
06:32You're absolutely right.
06:34Her eyes brightened.
06:36You're not here to take what's mine.
06:38I smiled.
06:39You're here to pick up what I've already thrown away.
06:41The fragile expression nearly cracked off her face.
06:44Leon stepped forward angrily.
06:46Your words are becoming unbearable.
06:49Then stop listening.
06:51You.
06:52Footsteps echoed from the doorway.
06:54The old Valen steward entered with two officials from the royal Chandris.
06:59Leon frowned.
07:00What are they doing here?
07:01I picked up a document from the desk and handed it over.
07:04Seal all of my Dowie estate.
07:07Starting today, any member of the Ashurd family who spends a single gold coin
07:12must record the purpose and obtain a royal seal.
07:15The officials vowed.
07:16Yes, my lady.
07:17Leon exploded.
07:18You bring outsiders in to investigate my household?
07:21Your household?
07:21I laughed.
07:22The bread you eat, the wine you drink, the necklaces you buy for Vivian?
07:25How much of that wasn't squeezed out of my dowry?
07:27If I don't investigate, should I just wait for you to sell me too?
07:30Sister, if people hear about this, Leon will be humiliated.
07:34Vivian spoke softly.
07:35When Leon announced he was marrying you as his second Kansangort last night, he didn't seem worried about humiliating me.
07:41I only want a child.
07:43Tears instantly welled in her eyes again.
07:46What a coincidence.
07:47I smiled.
07:49So do I.
07:50Leon snapped his head toward me.
07:52One of the officials produced a parchment scroll.
07:56The Valen family has submitted a formal petition to the crown.
08:02Sir Cain will enter the Valen family through a house marriage pact as the fiancée of the late Lady Selina.
08:07Any children born from the Youn will inherit the Valen name.
08:10Sir Cain will arrive in Silvercrest in three days.
08:12If neither party objects, the ceremony may be held seven days from now.
08:16Seven days?
08:17But that's the same day Leon and I...
08:21Exactly.
08:22The same day.
08:23I took the parchment.
08:25You did this on purpose.
08:29Yes.
08:30I smiled pleasantly.
08:32If your wedding chamber is going to be lively, mine shouldn't be lonely.
08:36He stared at me for the first time.
08:38Genuine panic flickered in his eyes.
08:40Alia.
08:42You can't humiliate me like this.
08:44I stepped close and straightened his collar.
08:47You taught me this lesson yourself, Leon.
08:49If you can invoke ancient tradition to continue your brother's bloodline,
08:52then I can continue the Valen bloodline legacy for my sister.
08:56Our reasons are identical.
08:58If you think this is humiliation, then perhaps you should ask yourself who started it.
09:02The next seven days passed quickly.
09:04White Lapertary covered Ashcrest Manor.
09:06They claimed the ceremony was about continuing a dead man's bloodline,
09:09so there would be no red decorations and no musicians.
09:11Yet Vivian's silver-white gown to cross the floor behind her glittered in her hair.
09:15She looked far less like a grieving widow and far more like a woman eager to become a bride again.
09:20When I came downstairs,
09:22she was already holding Leon's arm and accepting congratulations from relatives.
09:29The moment they saw me,
09:32conversations dropped to whispers.
09:35Vivian approached with a smile.
09:38Sister,
09:39you're going to Valen Keep today too?
09:42Yes.
09:43How fortunate.
09:46Her smile widened.
09:49I thought you might stay and watch at Leon and me complete our ceremony.
09:54I looked at Leon.
09:56You want me to watch?
09:58His throat tightened.
10:00He seemed ready to say something cruel.
10:02Then he noticed the dark crimson gown I wore and the silver dagger at my waist.
10:07In the end, he only said coldly,
10:10You can still stop this.
10:13Stop?
10:13I laughed.
10:14And stay to watch the two of you disappear into a bedroom?
10:18We're only doing this for the family.
10:20Vivian spoke gently.
10:22So am I.
10:23The smile faded from her face.
10:26Leon lowered his voice.
10:28Aaliyah,
10:29this is your last chance.
10:31Stay.
10:32Apologize to Vivian,
10:34and I'll let the matter go.
10:35I stared at him.
10:36Let what go?
10:37The fact that I didn't kneel and beg?
10:39The fact that I didn't cry enough to satisfy you?
10:42Or the fact that I found another path for myself?
10:45His voice darkened.
10:48You weren't like this before.
10:50Before?
10:52I smiled.
10:55Before,
10:56I was blind.
10:59Vivian sucked in a sharp breath.
11:02Leon's face turned black with fury.
11:05I walked past them.
11:06His voice followed me.
11:08If you climb into Cain's bed tonight,
11:10don't ever expect me to touch you again!
11:12I stopped.
11:14Then I looked back and smiled.
11:15That's the nicest thing you've said all day.
11:20The chapel at Valenkeep blazed with candlelight
11:23far brighter than anything at Ashworth Manor.
11:25My father sat in a high-backed chair.
11:28Illness had drained the color from his face,
11:31but his eyes remained as sharp as an old sword.
11:33Do you really have no regrets?
11:36My mother squeezed my hand.
11:38I smiled faintly.
11:40I do.
11:42She looked at me quietly.
11:45I regret marrying Leon.
11:48Her eyes reddened,
11:50but she said nothing.
11:51The chapel doors opened.
11:53Cain walked in.
11:55He was taller than I remembered.
11:57Broad shoulders.
11:58A powerful frame.
11:59Even the dark form militarily
12:01couldn't soften the edge
12:02that came from years on the frontier.
12:04The northern winds had darkened his skin,
12:06but his features remained clean and straightforward,
12:08free of the perfume-soaked arrogance
12:10common among noblemen.
12:12Lady Alia.
12:13He stopped before me and dropped to one knee.
12:16I shook my head.
12:21After tonight, you'll need a different title.
12:24He looked up.
12:27If this is only about revenge,
12:28I can leave right now.
12:30The money the Valen family spent treating your sister,
12:33I'll repay every coin.
12:36You don't have to sacrifice yourself.
12:40My father's expression immediately dartened.
12:43Boy!
12:44His voice rang through the chapel.
12:48Are you saying my daughter isn't good enough for you?
12:51I wouldn't dare.
12:53Cain immediately lowered his head.
12:55My mother asked,
12:58Then why wouldn't you agree?
13:00He paused for a moment.
13:01She just came out of a bad marriage.
13:04I'm afraid I'd become another force pushing her.
13:07My chest softened suddenly.
13:10Leon had forced me to comply.
13:14Vivian had forced me to yield.
13:16Everyone else asked if I would be reasonable.
13:19Only Cain asked if I was willing.
13:21I stepped closer to him.
13:24Cain,
13:25I want you to do three things.
13:28Go ahead.
13:29First,
13:31Any future child carries the Valen name.
13:34Agreed.
13:36Second,
13:37You won't touch my dour estate,
13:39you won't claim my castle,
13:41and you won't use my name to oppress anyone.
13:44Agreed.
13:45Third,
13:45If one day you no longer respect me,
13:48you leave the Valen family on your own.
13:50He looked up,
13:50a smile in his eyes.
13:52That's acceptable too.
13:53I extended my hand.
13:56And you?
13:58What do you want?
13:59Cain held my hand without rising immediately.
14:03I want a fair place.
14:05Not a tool for revenge against Leon.
14:08Not a lowly knight kept by a noble woman.
14:10He spoke slowly.
14:12I can shed blood for the Valen family and give you a child.
14:15But when you look at me,
14:17I want you to see Cain,
14:18not the opposite of Leon.
14:21I studied him for a long moment.
14:24Then I said,
14:25Deal.
14:26When the officials read the marriage contract,
14:28I heard the bells toll outside.
14:30At the same moment,
14:31Ashcroft Manor was probably sending Leon and Vivian to their room.
14:34Ridiculous.
14:35He thought it was my execution.
14:37Yet standing here,
14:38I suddenly felt free,
14:39as if stepping out of a cage.
14:43After the ceremony,
14:45Cain escorted me back to my room.
14:47The moment the door closed,
14:49he let go of my hand and stepped three spas back.
14:52Tonight I sleep in the outer room.
14:57I asked,
14:59You don't want to complete the marriage pact?
15:01His ears tinged red,
15:03but his voice was steady.
15:05I do.
15:06But not when you're sulking.
15:08I stepped closer.
15:11And if I'm not sulk,
15:12he met my gaze,
15:13his breath catching slightly.
15:15I reached up and unbastened his collar.
15:17Cain,
15:17for three years a man has disgust me under the guise of being my husband.
15:20Tonight,
15:21I want to remember a different kind of man.
15:23His voice was low and hoarse.
15:25Are you certain?
15:26Before I kissed him,
15:27I whispered,
15:27Certain.
15:28At dawn,
15:29Lucy knocked on the door.
15:31Madam,
15:31Lord Leon has arrived.
15:33I had just opened my eyes.
15:35Cain was already sitting up,
15:37reaching for his sword.
15:39I held his hand.
15:41No rush.
15:41Lucy's voice trembled with excitement.
15:43He asked if you really let Cain into your room.
15:46I looked at the kiss marks on my neck in the mirror and smiled.
15:49Tell him yes.
15:50And tell him Cain behaved well.
15:52A brief silence followed.
15:53Then Lucy's voice,
15:54trembling with joy,
15:55replied,
15:56Yes, madam.
15:57When Leon charged into the Valen Hall,
15:59his face was paler than the snow of the Frostwields.
16:02He brought over a dozen Ashford guards,
16:05looking as if he was coming to catch a thief or seize someone.
16:08I sat at the long table with hot wine,
16:11Cain at my side,
16:12the scratches I left on him last night,
16:14faintly visible beneath his collar.
16:18Leon noticed immediately,
16:20his gaze wild with fury.
16:24Did you really sleep with him?
16:26He demanded.
16:29I set down my cup.
16:32You slept with Vivian last night, didn't you?
16:34That was for the family.
16:36He shouted.
16:37So was I.
16:39You didn't.
16:40Then tell me.
16:42Where exactly did I not?
16:44You are my wife.
16:45He panted angrily.
16:47Vivian is your brother's wife too.
16:49Brian is dead.
16:52Selina is dead too.
16:53He was at a loss for words,
16:55his face turning green.
16:56Vivian followed.
16:56Her eyes swollen,
16:57but her hands clutched Leon's sleeve tightly.
16:59Alia,
17:00how can you hurt Leon like this?
17:01He was uneasy all night.
17:03Even I.
17:03She suddenly stopped,
17:04realizing she had almost revealed too much.
17:06I smiled.
17:07Even you couldn't serve him properly?
17:09Some in the hall lowered their heads to stifle laughter.
17:12Vivian's face flushed instantly.
17:13Leon roared.
17:14Silence!
17:18I can't.
17:19I said,
17:20standing up.
17:22Yesterday,
17:22when you went into her room,
17:24you didn't make her silent.
17:25Why should I be silent in my own house today?
17:29Come back with me.
17:30He raised his voice.
17:32Back for what?
17:34To kneel in your family chapel
17:36and hear your mother scold me
17:37for not being dutiful?
17:39Or to watch you and Vivian
17:41act out your deep affections before me again?
17:44As long as you cancel the marriage pact with Cain,
17:47I can pretend last night never happened.
17:51Cain's hand rested on the sword hilt.
17:53I reached out to stop him.
17:56Leon,
17:57your words are interesting.
17:59You slept with Vivian?
18:01I'm supposed to endure it?
18:03I sleep with Cain,
18:05and you want to pretend it didn't happen?
18:10What do you control every bed in the world?
18:15Leon gritted his team.
18:16I'm a man.
18:17You are worthless.
18:18I enunciated slowly.
18:19He lunged forward,
18:20and the guards moved with him.
18:21In the next moment,
18:22every valent knight drew his sword.
18:24My father,
18:25supported by the steward,
18:26emerged from the side door.
18:27Sickened weak,
18:28his voice nonetheless
18:28commanded everyone to halt.
18:30Leon Ashford,
18:31you bring soldiers into my castle.
18:32Is this treason,
18:33or are you looking for death?
18:34High Marshal,
18:35I only came to retrieve my wife.
18:36Leon's face changed,
18:38and he immediately bowed his head.
18:40Didn't you already bring back
18:42your brother's widow?
18:43My father snurred.
18:45What,
18:46is the Ashford bed too small
18:47to contain your greed?
18:49Vivian's face went pale.
18:50My mother helped my father sit,
18:52her eyes sweeping over Leon,
18:53just in time.
18:54The royal physician is here too.
18:56We want to know,
18:57after three years without children,
18:59if it really isn't my daughter's fault.
19:01Leon's expression stiffened.
19:03What do you mean?
19:04It means my daughter is healthy.
19:07She can ride,
19:08shoot a bow,
19:10manage a castle.
19:12If three years of childlessness occurred,
19:14it's likely your fault,
19:15not hers.
19:16Mother replied evenly.
19:18You dare humiliate me?
19:19A heavy silence fell over the hall.
19:21Leon's face flushed from white to red,
19:23then blue.
19:23Mother smiled.
19:24Humiliate?
19:25When you forced my daughter
19:26to yield to her widowed sister-in-law,
19:27didn't you feel humiliated?
19:29Now you hear the truth
19:30and you can't bear it?
19:32Leon is healthy.
19:34Vivian quickly added.
19:36I looked at her.
19:38How do you know?
19:39Did you test him secretly?
19:44Vivian was speechless.
19:46Leon shouted.
19:47Enough!
19:48Bring the physician!
19:50If there's nothing wrong with me,
19:52Aliyah must cancel the marriage with Cain
19:56and return with me to the Ashford family.
19:59Mother didn't blink.
20:04And if you do have a problem?
20:06He gritted his teeth.
20:11I'll sign the legal separation order.
20:14I said,
20:16Not enough.
20:17I want a formal dissolution.
20:19Old Dower State returned.
20:21No Ashford may use the Valon name again,
20:24and Vivian shall not receive
20:26a single silver coin from me.
20:28Leon glared at me.
20:30You truly intend to leave me?
20:31Yes.
20:32Pain flickered in his eyes,
20:34as if realizing I wasn't just being petty,
20:36but it was too late.
20:38The royal physicians arrived swiftly.
20:41Leon initially stood straight,
20:43trying to prove something.
20:44The first physician finished the examination
20:46without a word.
20:48The second looked uneasy.
20:49The third set down his medical box
20:51and bowed to my father.
20:53Lord Ashford suffered a high fever in childhood,
20:56damaging his foundations.
20:58If he is to father children,
21:00it will be extremely difficult.
21:02Vivian's face turned pale.
21:04Leon shot to his feet.
21:05Impossible!
21:06Three years without a child,
21:08not because my daughter cannot,
21:10but because you cannot.
21:11Mother said coldly,
21:13Shut up!
21:15I stepped in front of him.
21:20After all the effort you put in
21:21with Vivian last night,
21:23it seems it was all for nothing.
21:27Leon raised his hand,
21:29as if to strike him.
21:30Kane grabbed his rib,
21:31pressing him down to the floor.
21:34Show respect to Lady Valen.
21:38Leon's eyes were red with humiliation.
21:42I crouched and stared at him.
21:45Sign the legal separation order.
21:48No.
21:49Sign the decree of dissolution.
21:51Otherwise,
21:52I will take all three physicians
21:54to the royal court
21:55and show every noble
21:57that Lord Ashford married a widow
21:59not to inherit,
22:00but to prove he still has the strength of a man.
22:03His breaths came like broken bellows.
22:06Finally,
22:07he signed,
22:08hands trembling.
22:09I took the document
22:10and handed it to the officials for sealing.
22:12Vivian suddenly leapt forward.
22:14Leon,
22:15don't sign!
22:15If you do,
22:17what will we do?
22:19Leon threw her off.
22:20Silence!
22:22I watched them bicker like dogs
22:24and felt an unprecedented calm.
22:32Before leaving the hall,
22:34Leon turned to me.
22:36Alia,
22:37you will regret this.
22:39What can Kane give you?
22:43He's just a lowly knight.
22:45I linked my arm with Kane's.
22:47What he gave me last night
22:49is already more than
22:50what you have given me in three years.
22:54Leon's face was utterly shattered.
22:56The news spread
22:56and silver crest
22:57was abuzz for three full days.
22:59Some scolded me for being unorthodox,
23:01having a husband
23:02while taking a betrothed man
23:03to continue my late sister's bloodline.
23:05Others scolded Leon
23:06for being shameless,
23:07marrying his widowed sister-in-law
23:09and unable to tolerate me doing the same.
23:11And some quietly inquired about Kane,
23:13wondering what situation
23:14allowed Miss Valen
23:15to abandon her former husband
23:17in a single night.
23:19When Lucy related the rumors
23:21from the street,
23:22she laughed so hard
23:23she could barely stand.
23:27Madam,
23:28people say Lord Leon
23:29is surely furious.
23:31He's not furious.
23:33I said,
23:34flipping through account books.
23:37He's just near bankruptcy.
23:39After sealing the Dower estate,
23:41the Ashford family's financial gaps
23:43became evident faster than I imagined.
23:45They used my gold coins
23:47for household expenses,
23:49my jewels to gift Vivian,
23:50even forged my signature
23:52trying to mortgage Valen properties
23:53in silver crest.
23:55The day I delivered the evidence
23:56to the royal chancery,
23:58Leon came again.
23:59This time he brought no guards,
24:02only exhaustion and anger.
24:04Alea,
24:05must you wipe them out completely?
24:07I sat in the study,
24:08not letting him take a seat.
24:10A thief claiming the victim
24:12is merciless,
24:13that's novel.
24:14His voice low.
24:19That money was taken by my mother,
24:21I didn't know.
24:21The ruby brooch you gave Vivian,
24:23was that your mother
24:23slipping it into your hands too?
24:25He remained silent.
24:27I sneered.
24:29Don't push women forward
24:31whenever trouble comes.
24:35Your treatment of Vivian,
24:37your mother,
24:38and me,
24:39is all the same.
24:40Leon stepped closer,
24:42his expression softening suddenly.
24:44Alea,
24:45must it come to this?
24:46We've had good times too.
24:48My fingers paused.
24:50He said,
24:51You forgot when we first married,
24:52you promised to stand by me
24:54in the royal court.
24:56I haven't forgotten.
24:58I looked at him.
24:59Nor have I forgotten
25:00that once you stood firm,
25:01the first thing you did
25:02was push me under Vivian's feet.
25:05His eyes reddened slightly.
25:07I was just annoyed by her crying.
25:11No.
25:12I said,
25:14you enjoyed her need for you
25:16and you enjoyed hurting me.
25:18Leon stiffened.
25:19I continued,
25:21you wanted to see me jealous,
25:22see me bow,
25:23prove that the High Marshal's daughter
25:25could go mad for you,
25:26but you didn't expect
25:27I would truly not want you.
25:31I never wanted to lose you.
25:33You just never wanted
25:34to lose my utility.
25:36Suddenly,
25:36hurried footsteps
25:37came from the door.
25:38Lucy pushed it open,
25:39face grim.
25:40Madam,
25:41Vivian is outside
25:41the royal court,
25:42crying that you forced
25:43Leon to sign
25:44the decree of Dissolucius
25:45and claiming you and Cain
25:46already had an affair.
25:48Leon's face changed.
25:49I looked at him.
25:50Did you teach her?
25:52No.
25:54Then you should be thankful
25:55she bites faster than you.
25:57I stood.
25:58Prepare the carriage.
25:59We leave for the royal court.
26:02Leon urged.
26:03Aaliyah,
26:03this could have been
26:04handled privately.
26:05I smiled.
26:06I gave you a chance
26:07for private decency.
26:09You refused.
26:10Now face public disgrace.
26:12Outside the royal court,
26:13a crowd had gathered.
26:14Vivian knelt on the steps,
26:16crying in helpless sorrow.
26:18I only wanted to leave
26:19a child for Brian,
26:21but Aaliyah won't allow me.
26:22She seduced Cain first,
26:24forced Leon to annul
26:25the marriage,
26:25and now wants
26:26the Ashfield family's wealth.
26:28Some sympathized with her.
26:29Others watched the spectacle.
26:31I stepped down
26:32from the carriage,
26:33and the crowd
26:34instinctively parted.
26:35I lifted my chin
26:36toward Vivian.
26:37The moment she saw me,
26:38her sobbing grew louder.
26:40Please, Aaliyah,
26:41just let me go.
26:42I have nothing left.
26:45I walked up to her.
26:46The pearl necklace
26:47around your neck
26:48was still listed
26:49in my Dowd Estate
26:49inventory yesterday.
26:51My eyes swept over the pearls.
26:52If you think you have nothing,
26:54is it because stolen property
26:55doesn't count as property?
26:56The crowd immediately
26:57erupted into whispers.
26:59Vivian's face went pale.
27:01Leon gave it to me.
27:05Excellent.
27:06I turned to the
27:07royal chancery official.
27:09Record that.
27:11Vivian has admitted
27:12to receiving
27:13stolen marital property.
27:14Panic flashed
27:15across her face.
27:16That's not what I meant.
27:17I crouched down
27:18and gripped her chin,
27:19forcing her to meet my eyes.
27:21Vivian,
27:21don't you love crying?
27:22Then cry inside
27:23the royal court.
27:24Cry until the queen
27:25hears every detail.
27:27Tell her how you
27:28and Leon stole my property.
27:29Tell her how
27:30continuing your late
27:31husband's bloodline
27:32was supposedly sacred.
27:33And tell her why.
27:35When I chose to continue
27:37my late sister's bloodline,
27:39you suddenly called me
27:40unfaithful.
27:41Her voice trembled.
27:42You can't do this to me.
27:44I smiled.
27:47When you wore my ruby,
27:49did you ever wonder
27:49whether I could?
27:51Leon strode forward.
27:53Enough, Aaliyah!
27:55Cain stepped between us.
27:56The two men locked eyes,
27:58neither moved.
27:59Leon stared at him.
28:02Feeling proud of yourself now?
28:04Cain's voice was calm.
28:06More composed than you,
28:08at least.
28:09You only got where you are
28:10because of a woman.
28:13Before Cain could answer,
28:14I laughed.
28:15That's right.
28:16He rose because of me.
28:18But he signed the contract.
28:20He followed the rules.
28:21He respected me.
28:25You rose because of me too.
28:27Then you stole my money,
28:29slept with your sister-in-law,
28:30and traded my reputation
28:32for your own gain.
28:33I smiled coldly.
28:34Even when you depend on a woman,
28:36you somehow managed
28:37to do it disgracefully.
28:38A collective gasp
28:39swept through the crowd.
28:40Leon looked as if
28:40he had been slapped.
28:41The gates of the royal court opened.
28:43A silver guard stepped forward.
28:44Her Majesty requests your presence.
28:46For the first time all day,
28:48Vivian stopped crying.
28:49She started shaking instead.
28:51Inside the royal court,
28:53Queen Isabella sat upon
28:54the silver throne of Silvercrest.
28:55She reviewed the account books,
28:57then the decree of dissolution.
28:59Then she looked at Leon.
29:00Lord Ashford,
29:02what do you have to say for yourself?
29:05Leon knelt immediately.
29:07Your Majesty,
29:08I acted foolishly,
29:09but I never intended
29:11to steal any marital property.
29:13The Queen raised an eyebrow.
29:15And marrying your brother's widow
29:17as a second concord
29:18was also foolishness?
29:20Leon lowered his head.
29:22It was for the continuation
29:24of the family.
29:25The Queen nodded.
29:26Lady Alia Valen
29:28entered a house marriage pact
29:30to continue her late sister's bloodline.
29:34That was also for family continuation.
29:38Why, then,
29:40did you accuse her?
29:42Leon opened his mouth.
29:43Nothing came out.
29:45The Queen's gaze shifted to Vivian.
29:47You claimed Lady Alia and Sir Kame
29:50were involved before their marriage.
29:52Do you have evidence?
29:54Vivian burst into tears.
29:56No woman would allow him
29:58into her bedchamber
29:59for no reason.
30:01I laughed.
30:03Then why did you allow Leon into yours?
30:09Vivian froze.
30:10A trace of frost appeared
30:12in the Queen's eyes.
30:13At that moment,
30:14a royal physician hurried
30:16into the chamber.
30:17He bowed deeply.
30:18Your Majesty,
30:19per your command,
30:19I have completed
30:20an examination of Lady Vivian.
30:22She is pregnant.
30:25Leon immediately looked up.
30:28Vivian's face drained
30:29of all color.
30:30The physician continued.
30:32The entire court
30:32exploded into chaos.
30:34Leon stared in disbelief.
30:35Then joy flooded his features.
30:37You're pregnant,
30:37you're carrying my child?
30:38Vivian's lips trembled.
30:40She said nothing.
30:41I watched the physician's expression
30:42and already knew the answer.
30:44How far along?
30:45At least three months.
30:46The joy on Leon's face frozen.
30:48Three months ago,
30:49Leon had been inspecting
30:50the southern territories
30:51on royal orders.
30:52He had spent 40 consecutive days
30:53away from Silverbrust.
30:54Vivian collapsed onto the floor.
30:55I slowly turned towards Leon.
30:57Congratulations,
30:57you worked so hard
30:58to give your brother an heir.
31:00It turns out the child
31:01isn't even yours.
31:02It was as if someone
31:03had stripped Leon naked
31:04in front of the entire kingdom.
31:06He lunged at Vivian.
31:07Whose is it?
31:09Tell me!
31:10It's Ryan's!
31:11It's your birth brother's
31:13post-Homrian child!
31:15I raised an eyebrow.
31:16Then why were you afraid
31:18to say so earlier?
31:19Because nobody would believe me!
31:24Bring in the witness.
31:26The queen's voice
31:27cut through the room.
31:30The doors opened again.
31:32A woman in a gray cloak entered.
31:34The moment she removed her mask,
31:36someone behind me gasped.
31:38Selina.
31:39My sister.
31:41The sister I believe dead.
31:43Standing alive
31:44in the center of the royal court.
31:46My fingers tightened.
31:48I said nothing.
31:50She looked at me.
31:51There was apology in eyes
31:53and the familiar sharpness
31:55I remembered.
31:57Later, sister.
31:59I'll explain later.
32:00Then she turned towards the throne
32:02and dropped to one knee.
32:04Selina Valen.
32:05Crown agent of the Silver Ravens.
32:08Assigned to investigate
32:09the illegal sale
32:10of Frontier War maps
32:12by the Ashford family.
32:13Ryan Ashford did not die of illness.
32:15He was poisoned.
32:16Leon froze completely.
32:19Vivian shrieked.
32:20She's a fake!
32:21Selina died years ago!
32:25Selina looked at her calmly.
32:28Of course you'd prefer that.
32:30Because if I were alive,
32:32I could prove your secret
32:34corresponding with Marcus,
32:36the smuggler operating
32:37along the Frostmarch.
32:39And I could prove
32:40Brian met with me
32:41before he died.
32:43The Queen raised her hand.
32:45The Silver Guard
32:47presented letters,
32:48account books,
32:49poison vials,
32:50and jewelry secretes.
32:51One by one,
32:53Selina read through them.
32:54When Leon and Vivian
32:56began their affair,
32:57when Vivian started
32:58carrying messages for Marcus,
33:00when Brian discovered
33:02the stolen military maps,
33:04and who handed him wine
33:05on the night he died,
33:07with every revelation,
33:09Leon's face grew grainer.
33:11At last,
33:12Vivian broke.
33:13She pointed at Leon.
33:14It was him!
33:15He said marrying Aaliyah
33:17was only for the Valen family's
33:20influence and money!
33:23He said once the old
33:25High Marshal died,
33:26everything would belong to him!
33:28When Brian became suspicious,
33:30Leon told me to keep him
33:32under control!
33:33You were the one
33:34working with Marcus!
33:37Vivian screamed back.
33:39You took more money
33:40than I did!
33:41You said no matter
33:43how pitiful Vivian was,
33:44she'd never be worth
33:46as much as Aaliyah's dowry!
33:50The royal court fell silent.
33:51I stood there,
33:53and suddenly nothing hurt anymore.
33:55Perhaps pain becomes weightless
33:56once it reaches its limit.
33:58Realizing he was finished,
34:00Leon crawled towards me.
34:04Aaliyah,
34:05Aaliyah,
34:06save me.
34:08I cared about you.
34:10I really did.
34:12She deceived me.
34:13I only wanted to prove myself.
34:15I looked down at him.
34:17If you wanted to prove yourself,
34:19you should have done it
34:20on the battlefield,
34:21or in the royal court,
34:23or through your own abilities.
34:26Why crawl into women's beds,
34:28steal women's money,
34:30and step on women's dignity?
34:32Tears streamed down his face.
34:36I was wrong.
34:38I shook my head.
34:40No.
34:41Wrong is a mistake.
34:43You were cruel.
34:45He reached for my skirt.
34:47Kane stepped in front of him.
34:49I did not retreat.
34:50Instead,
34:51I bowed to the queen.
34:52Your majesty,
34:53I request the complete termination
34:56of all marital ties
34:57with Leon Ashfield,
34:58the recovery of all marital property,
35:00and restoration
35:01of the Valen family's honor.
35:03As for treason and murder,
35:05I ask only that the law
35:07take its course.
35:09The queen studied me
35:10for a long moment.
35:12Then she nodded.
35:15Granted.
35:18Aaliyah!
35:19Do you really not love me anymore?
35:21Leon collapsed.
35:22As I turned to leave,
35:23he shouted after me.
35:25I paused,
35:26only for a moment.
35:27Then I answered,
35:28I loved you once.
35:30It remains the least honorable thing
35:32I have ever done.
35:33The night before final judgment,
35:35Leon escaped.
35:36When the news arrived,
35:38I was sitting beside my father's bed.
35:39He had grown very weak.
35:41After hearing the report,
35:42he asked only one question.
35:44Are the castle gates secured?
35:46They are.
35:47Kane answered.
35:49I'll protect her.
35:51Father looked at him.
35:53Don't just say it.
35:55Kane lowered his head.
35:59I'll protect her with my life.
36:04Who asked for your life?
36:06I want you alive while protecting me.
36:09I frowned.
36:10To my surprise,
36:12father laughed.
36:14Good.
36:15That sounds like my daughter.
36:17Snow fell heavily that night.
36:20Near midnight,
36:20an arrow suddenly shattered
36:22through the window
36:23and buried itself
36:24the bookshelf behind me.
36:26Kane moved at the same instant.
36:28He tackled me to the floor.
36:31The next arrow grazed his shoulder.
36:36Blood immediately soaked
36:37through his shirt.
36:39I reached for the wound.
36:44Don't move.
36:45Footsteps echoed in the corridor.
36:48Then came Leon's voice.
36:49Aliyah!
36:50Come out!
36:53I gripped my dagger.
36:56You're impossible to get rid of.
36:58The door crashed open.
37:00Leon stood there
37:01with several hired blades.
37:02His hair was disheveled.
37:04His eyes bloodshot.
37:05Nothing remained of the nobleman.
37:07Only the desperation
37:08of a gambler
37:09who had lost everything.
37:10Come with me.
37:11If you beg the queen for mercy,
37:13I can still survive.
37:16I laughed coldly.
37:17Whether you survive
37:18has nothing to do with me.
37:20You can't be this heartless.
37:22We were married for three years.
37:24Exactly.
37:26Three years was more than enough
37:27to learn how disgusting you are.
37:29You're doing this because of Kane?
37:31His face twisted.
37:32What is he?
37:32Nothing more than a man
37:33who picked up a woman
37:34I threw away.
37:35Kane stepped forward
37:36with his sword.
37:37I stopped him.
37:37Then I looked directly at Leon.
37:39No.
37:39You've got it backwards.
37:40I threw you away.
37:42And that gave him the chance
37:43to stand beside me.
37:45With a roar,
37:46Leon charged.
37:48Steel clashed against steel.
37:51Sparks flew.
37:52I did not retreat.
37:54Instead,
37:54I seized the alarm rope
37:56hanging from the wall
37:57and pulled with all my strength.
37:59The bell thundered
38:00through all of Valenquist.
38:01Guests,
38:02knights,
38:03royal silver guards,
38:04everyone woke.
38:05Torches flared
38:06throughout the castle,
38:06and every one of them
38:07saw Leon Ashfield
38:08breaking into my castle at night,
38:10sword in hand,
38:11demanding my help.
38:12Kane kicked away his weapon
38:13and forced him to his knees.
38:14Leon Tuefei looked up,
38:16then suddenly began to cry.
38:18A'Lillia,
38:19I was wrong.
38:20Come back.
38:21If you return,
38:22I'll abandon Vivian.
38:23I'll abandon the second
38:25Concord arrangement.
38:26We can start over.
38:27The corridor fell silent.
38:29He still thought
38:30he had a chance.
38:31I walked toward him
38:32and looked down.
38:33Leon,
38:34I'm pregnant.
38:35He froze.
38:36Completely.
38:37Kane's head snapped toward me.
38:39Shock,
38:40joy,
38:41and cautious hope.
38:44I nodded gently.
38:45The physician confirmed it
38:47this afternoon.
38:47Kane's eyes reddened.
38:49He said nothing,
38:50but the hand holding
38:50his sword trembled.
38:52Leon stared my stomach
38:53like a madman.
38:54Impossible.
38:55We tried for three years.
38:56I smiled,
38:57which proves the problem
38:58was never me.
38:59Why him?
39:00How could he do in one night
39:01what I couldn't do
39:02in three years?
39:03No!
39:03I leaned close
39:04and whispered into his ear.
39:05Because he treated me
39:06like a person.
39:07You treated me like a tool.
39:09Even heaven found you filthy.
39:11As Leon was dragged away,
39:12he continued shouting my name.
39:14The sound grew finter and finter,
39:15until it felt like a nightmare
39:17from another lifetime.
39:18My father passed away
39:19three days after the first snowfall.
39:21Before the end,
39:21Queen Isabella personally
39:22came to Vale and Keep.
39:24She removed her silver crown
39:25and bowed beside his bed.
39:26The kingdom owes the Valen family
39:27more than it can repay.
39:29Father could no longer speak clearly.
39:31I held his hand.
39:32Father,
39:33I'm carrying a child.
39:34The physician says
39:35everything is healthy.
39:36His eyes brightened.
39:38The queen placed
39:39a silver wilt beside the bed.
39:41Whether the child
39:41is a boy or a girl,
39:43they shall inherit
39:44the Valen title and lands.
39:45The Valen line will not end
39:47for lack of a male heir.
39:48Father looked at me.
39:49A faint smile touched his lips.
39:51He spoke only one word.
39:53Good.
39:55After his passing,
39:57I wore black mourning clothes
39:58and stood before the castle gates,
40:00receiving every visit
40:00who came to pay respects.
40:03Some looked at my stomach.
40:05Some at Kane.
40:07Some at Selina,
40:09now openly serving once more
40:11as a crown agent.
40:13But no one dared whisper
40:14that I lacked virtue.
40:16Because Leon's sentence
40:18arrived the very same day,
40:20murdering his brother,
40:21selling frontier war maps,
40:24stealing marital property,
40:26defrauding the daughter
40:27of a high marshal.
40:28For these crimes,
40:30he was stripped of office
40:32and family honors,
40:33then exiled to
40:34Frosttown Mines for life.
40:38Never again would he
40:39return to Silvercrest.
40:41Vivian was sent to a condent
40:43until the birth of her child.
40:45Afterward,
40:46the crown would verify
40:47the child's bloodline legacy.
40:50The jewelry,
40:51gowns,
40:52pearls,
40:53and perfume
40:54she had stolen
40:54were all seized
40:55to repay debts.
40:57The Ashford family
40:58lost most of its lands.
41:01Only a leaking
41:01old manor remained.
41:03When Lucy finished
41:05reading the reports aloud,
41:07she asked,
41:09Are you happy,
41:10madam?
41:11I looked at the silver
41:12candles burning
41:13before my father's memorial.
41:16Happy is too small
41:18a word.
41:19Then what is it?
41:22Satisfying.
41:24Months later,
41:25I gave birth
41:26to a daughter.
41:27Her cries rang
41:28through Valen Keep
41:29as though she intended
41:30to wake the entire castle.
41:33The queen personally
41:34gave her a name,
41:36Liana Valen,
41:36future duchess of Valen.
41:39He looked down
41:40at his daughter.
41:41His voice was softer
41:42than I had ever heard.
41:49Swords aren't this small.
41:53Selina stood nearby
41:55and touched the baby's hand.
41:57Liana immediately
41:58grabbed her finger.
41:59Selina smirked.
42:01Strong grip.
42:01I'll teach her
42:02the dagger one day.
42:03Too early.
42:04Kane said immediately.
42:05I glanced at him.
42:07Didn't you say
42:07you learn quickly?
42:09He considered
42:10for a moment,
42:11then answered seriously.
42:14Then I'll start
42:14by learning
42:15how to be a father
42:16who never disappoints
42:17his daughter.
42:18I looked at him.
42:19And for the first time
42:20in a very long time
42:21I felt completely at peace.
42:23Leon had spoken
42:23many beautiful words.
42:25Kane rarely did.
42:26Instead,
42:26every time he approached me
42:27he first asked
42:28whether I wanted him there.
42:29Every time he stood beside me
42:30he first made sure
42:31I needed him.
42:32Every time he drew
42:33his sword,
42:34it was not to prove
42:35he was stronger than me.
42:37It was to make sure
42:38I could stand
42:39more firmly on my own.
42:41That was worth
42:43more than any vow.
42:44On Liana's
42:45one month celebration,
42:47the queen hosted
42:48a grand banquet
42:49at Valen Keep.
42:51The silver lion banner
42:52flew proudly
42:53across the walls
42:54once more.
42:55The nobles
42:56congratulated me.
42:57They called me
42:58Countess Valen.
43:00They called my daughter
43:01the future ruler
43:02of the frontier.
43:04I knew some of them
43:05still disapproved.
43:06They disliked
43:07seeing a woman
43:08preserve her house.
43:09They disliked
43:10seeing a baby girl
43:11inherit a title.
43:13They disliked
43:14seeing a frontier knight
43:15become the man
43:16of House Valen.
43:17But all they could do
43:19was smile.
43:21Leon had already
43:21tested what happened
43:22otherwise.
43:23Anyone who treated
43:24me like a weakness
43:25would be the first
43:26thing I broke.
43:31Near the end
43:32of the banquet,
43:32the queen handed
43:33me a sealed message.
43:35The northern rebels
43:36have learned
43:36that the violent air
43:37has been born.
43:39They've already
43:39begun moving.
43:40I opened the letter.
43:42A single sentence
43:43was written inside.
43:44Kill the infant girl
43:45and the Valen Bannon
43:46will fall on its own.
43:47Cain's hand settled
43:47on his sword.
43:49Selina smiled,
43:49fearless as ever.
43:50I tossed the message
43:51into the candle flame
43:52and watched it burn to ash.
43:53The queen studied me.
43:56Are you afraid?
43:58I looked toward my daughter
44:00sleeping peacefully
44:00in her cradle.
44:02Her tiny fist
44:03was clenched
44:03as if she already
44:05held her own destiny.
44:06I smiled.
44:08They've misunderstood
44:10one thing.
44:10And what is that?
44:12I lifted my eyes
44:13to the Silver Lion
44:14Banner flying
44:15outside the window.
44:16The Valen Banner
44:17was never carried
44:18by men alone.
44:19A winter gale
44:20swept across
44:20the castle walls.
44:22The Silver Lion
44:23Banner snapped proudly
44:24against the snow-filled sky.
44:26Once,
44:26I believed marriage
44:27was where a woman belonged.
44:28Then Leon taught me
44:29something else.
44:30When your home
44:30rots from the inside
44:31you don't stay
44:32and die with it.
44:33You set it on fire yourself.
44:34Once I believed
44:35that after my father
44:36was gone
44:36I would be the only one
44:37left carrying
44:37Lad Valen on my shoulders.
44:39Later,
44:39I realized
44:40I still had my sister.
44:41I had my daughter.
44:42I had a man
44:43willing to stand beside me
44:44without trying
44:45to eclipse me.
44:46And most importantly,
44:47I had myself.
44:49I bent down
44:49and kissed
44:50Liana's forehead.
44:53Sleep well,
44:54my little duchess.
44:55She shifted slightly
44:56in her sleep.
44:57I wrapped my fingers
44:58over her tiny hand
44:59and smiled at the storm
44:59beyond the window.
45:00A new war was already coming.
45:02This time I would not fight
45:03to preserve my family
45:04for any man.
45:05I would fight for myself,
45:06for my daughter,
45:07for the name Valen.
45:08And this time I would ride
45:09into the battle personally.
45:11The Battle of the Battle of the Battle of the Battle of the Battle of the Battle of the Battle
45:11of the Battle of the Battle of the Battle of the Battle of the Battle of the Battle of the
45:11Battle of the Battle of the Battle of the Battle of the Battle of the Battle of the Battle of
45:11the Battle of the Battle of the Battle of the Battle of the Battle of the Battle of the Battle
45:11of the Battle of the Battle of the Battle of the Battle of the Battle of the Battle of the
45:11Battle of the Battle of the Battle of the Battle of the Battle of the Battle of the Battle of
45:11the Battle of the Battle of the Battle of the Battle of the Battle of the Battle of the Battle
45:11of the Battle of the Battle of the Battle of the Battle of the Battle of the Battle of the
45:11Battle of the Battle of the Battle of the Battle of the Battle of the Battle of the Battle of
45:11the Battle of the Battle of the Battle of the Battle of the Battle of the Battle of the Battle
45:11of the Battle of the Battle of the Battle of the Battle of the Battle of the Battle of the
45:11Battle
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