(Inside the Emperor's Office)
The chamber had grown quieter, the heavy air of punishment and vengeance slowly thinning. Luca leaned back, the playful glimmer in his eyes softening just a little.
Luca leaned back against the desk, his arms folded, his sharp gaze softening as though he were recalling something luminous.
"Eyan," he said quietly, "you're lucky."
Eyan lifted a brow.
"I can see why you fell in love with her," Luca continued, his voice almost reverent. "Her soul… it carries a beautiful light. A rare light you don't find in everyone.
"I can see why you chose her."
A faint, genuine smile touched Eyan's lips.
Hans, who had been listening silently, glanced between them. "Master Luca, you can see through people's souls?"
"Yes," Luca replied without hesitation.
Hans tilted his head, curiosity overcoming restraint. "Then… what about His Majesty? What do you see when you lo—?"
"—Black."
Luca's expression turned flat, almost grim. "A pitch-dark black light."
Hans muttered under his breath, "I see… what did I even expect."
But Luca wasn't finished. His gaze lingered on Eyan with a flicker of intrigue. "Though… something interesting happened today."
Hans straightened. "Something interesting?"
"Yes." Luca's tone softened. "After a long time, when I looked into Eyan's soul, I saw… a faint light."
"A light?" Hans echoed, almost disbelieving.
"Yes," Luca said again, more firmly this time.
Eyan's brows furrowed. "What does that mean?"
Luca smiled faintly, leaning closer. "It means your soul is reshaping itself. Slowly, it's beginning to take form—identical to Sister-in-law's."
Eyan exhaled, thoughtful. "That's… good, isn't it?"
"Of course it's good," Luca nodded. "She's changing you. Turning you into someone different—someone better."
His smile softened, warm with rare sincerity. "I'm happy for you, Eyan. That you met her."
Luca sighed, raking his hand through his hair. "I only wish I'd given her a good impression. But our first meeting… was a disaster. That fool ruined it all."
"Forget about a good impression," Eyan said flatly. "Eva is probably afraid of you now."
Luca gave a long, exaggerated sigh. Silence lingered until, with sudden energy, he shot up from his chair and leaned over Eyan's desk.
"Eyan," he said with that mischievous gleam in his eyes, "I have a wonderful idea."
"No," Eyan said at once, not even looking up.
"At least hear me out!" Luca pressed, leaning closer.
Eyan narrowed his eyes. "…Go on."
"Let me meet her."
"You already met her—and terrified her to death, in case you forgot," Eyan replied sharply.
"No, no—you don't understand." Luca grinned wider. "Let me meet Sister-in-law… as Kyel's friend."
"Absolutely not."
"Come on, please," Luca pouted.
"If you meet her, you'll ruin everything."
"I won't. Trust me," Luca insisted.
"Still no. What if she recognizes you?"
"She won't."
Before Eyan could retort, Luca murmured an incantation. In an instant, his frame shifted, his robes reshaping, his face softening until a stunning woman with flowing auburn hair stood in his place. She gave a graceful twirl.
"How do I look, what about now?"
Eyan blinked, unimpressed. "You look ridiculous."
"Ridiculous?" Luca smirked. "Do you know how many men I've seduced in this form?"
"Then those men were fools to fall for you," Eyan muttered.
Luca turned toward Hans, who stood stiffly at the side. "Hans, what do you think?"
Hans cleared his throat, looking almost nervous. "You look… absolutely stunning, Master Luca. I couldn't recognize you at all."
Luca's grin widened smugly. "You hear that, Eyan?"
Then, turning back, he clasped his hands dramatically. "Now, let me meet her."
Eyan rubbed his temple, exhaling a long, heavy sigh. "…Fine."
Luca's eyes sparkled with triumph. "Thank you."
"But don't make a mistake," Eyan warned, his voice edged with deadly seriousness. "If you do, I'll kill you myself."
"I promise," Luca said sweetly, bowing with exaggerated grace.
---
(Eva's house – evening)
The gentle aroma of stew lingered in the kitchen as Eva stirred the pot. Just as she set the lid down, a knock echoed at the door.
Knock, knock.
Her heart leapt. Kyel…
Eva rushed to open it, and the moment she saw him, her hands cupped his face instinctively.
"Welcome back, honey… I missed you."
Kyel's lips curved softly, eyes drinking her in. "I missed you too."
Eva leaned up and kissed him deeply. Kyel's eyes slipped shut, his arm drawing her close—until a smooth voice cut through.
"What a beautiful sight to see."
Eva's eyes flew open. She froze mid-kiss.
Panic gripping her chest. She stumbled back in embarrassment, nearly tripping over her own feet, but Kyel caught her with ease.
"Careful," he murmured with a small smile. "You'll fall."
Her cheeks burned scarlet. "I-I'm sorry, Kyel. I thought… you were alone."
From behind him came the intruder again, this time in a playful, feminine lilt. "Oh, don't mind me. You can love your husband as much as you wish—I don't mind one bit."
Kyel subtly stepped on the figure's foot.
"Ouch!" the person hissed under their breath.
Kyel leaned down, whispering through clenched teeth, "Shut your mouth."
Then, straightening, he softened instantly for Eva. "Princess… I brought a guest with me."
Eva blinked, confused. "A guest?"
Kyel nodded, moving aside to reveal the cloaked figure.
The stranger stepped forward gracefully, lowering the hood to reveal delicate, feminine features and long flowing hair tied neatly. With a smile as smooth as silk, they curtsied elegantly.
"Good evening, sister-in-law," the figure said sweetly. "My name is Lucina. It's a pleasure to finally meet you."