The Search for the Duchess’s Husband

 There is a prophecy in the Imperial House that has been told since its founding.

 

[A man who inherited the power of Orpheus, the first emperor and great sorcerer, would appear and lead the empire to a dreamlike revival.]

 

Because of this prophecy, all Imperial children were tested for magic at birth. But for a long time, no one was born with magic, and the prophecy gradually became a fading legend.

 

Until one day. A baby was born with the true colors of Orpheus’ imperial family: jet-black hair and sparkling golden eyes.

 

This was Prince Killian.

 

The moment his tiny hand, no bigger than a maple leaf, touched the magic detector stone, it glowed brightly.

 

The emperor and all the people were overjoyed.

 “The First Emperor possessed such incredible magic power that he could single-handedly destroy an entire army of enemies. His Highness Killian will surely unleash a power that will shake the world.” 

But despite the promise, Killian was unable to use his powers even when he was old enough to walk.

 

The emperor spoke harshly to the boy.

 “If you were born with magic, you’re a piece of shit.” 

To Killian’s surprise, his view of himself changed completely.

 

His looks, his intelligence, his strength, his swagger, his courage.

 

Even without magic, Killian was flawless in every way. It was a combination of natural ability and bloody hard work.

 

The emperor’s heart was lifted by the young prince’s excellence. The people praised him and erased his useless magic from their memories.

 

But not Killian, the man of power.

 

He was aware of the power within him and worked to harness it, and at last he was able to use it.

 

It was not a great power, one that could harm a man with a glance, or raise a dying man from the dead, as

the first emperor had done.

 

All he could do was change his appearance.

 

At that time, his power was weak, and he could only transform into small animals, but for a child who was always confined to the palace, it was a miracle.

 

Killian often transformed into animals and roamed the land.

 

The animal form didn’t just bring freedom. As a prince, he could see many things he couldn’t before.

 

The devious plots of royalty.

 

The explicit gossip of the maids.

 

The debauched sex lives of nobles.

 

…And the little girl hiding in the corner, crying.

 

Killian knew the girl.

 

Artia von Edenberg.

 

He’d seen her at banquets from time to time, but he’d never gotten a good look at her face because she always looked down and shivered.

 

But the girl’s reaction was different.

 

Artia’s eyes widened and her pink eyes narrowed.

 “You’re so pretty.” 

It was a phrase he had heard countless times, both as a human and as a cat, and it didn’t evoke much emotion.

 

But Artia’s face when she said it was a little – yes, really a little – …cute.

 

It’s funny the way she smiles at him with tears under her bunny-like eyes.

 

Killian agreed to take care of Artia.

 

He saw her a few more times after that.

 

When he was a human, she was scared and shaking with her head down, but when he was a cat, she came up to him and grinned from ear to ear.

 

Killian found it funny, amusing, and annoying.

 “You like animals more than people.” 

‘Was that because he was an animal?’

 

In Kilian’s eyes, Artia was just a scared, weak rabbit.

 

Time passed, and Killian turned nineteen. When he heard that Artia had entered the palace, he casually left the room and transformed into a black cat.

 

Finding Artia was not difficult.

 

Her scent was sweet, with a hint of cherry blossom.

 

For following that scent always led him to her.

 

He found Artia in the garden in full bloom.

 

Artia von Edenberg!

 

Her uncharacteristically swift steps came to a screeching halt.

 

She was alone, and beside her stood a man.

 

“Who is that disgusting wart-like creature?”

 

‘Is he molesting Artia von Edenberg?’

 

But he was wrong.

 

Artia looked at the man and smiled.

 

It was a smile that was nothing like the one she’d shown him, a smile filled with excitement and shyness.

 

At that moment, he felt his insides twist. He felt as if he had seen something he shouldn’t have.

 

Killian turned in an instant.

 

He never turned into a black cat again.

 

He thought so…

 

Killian ran a nervous hand through his black hair and stared at the distant Edenberg Manor.

 

He came there on impulse when Nocturne told him that Artia was locked in her room.

 

He had no grand intentions.

 

He just wanted to check on Artia von Edenbe

rg’s condition.

 

Killian wondered if she was as bad as she was when he visited her not long ago.

 

If so…

 

He doesn’t know what he wants to do or how to do it.

 

Without much thought, he changed into a cat. He thinks people will make a fuss if he returns to his original form.

 

Killian followed the faint scent of cherry blossoms and found Artia leaning her chin against the window.

 

Her snow-white face showed no scars.

 

***

 

It was a little lifeless, but it didn’t look like it was starving.

 

He decided enough was enough and turned to leave.

 “Butterfly?” 

Artia called a name he had long forgotten.

 

Killian walked towards her, spellbound.

 

Just like the first time they met.

 

Artia beamed at him.

 “You must be Butterfly!” 

‘….Why are you making such a face? Haven’t you forgotten me?’

 

‘Wasn’t it enough that she was the only one who made him uncomfortable just by looking at her?’

 

She chattered on, oblivious to his feelings.

 

It was like they were back in the old days.

 

Back to when they were children, when Artia spoke and Killian stood still and listened.

 

She still has a small voice.

 

His ears tingled as he listened to her voice, which sounded like the cry of a baby bird, but stronger.

 

He listened to her voice for a while, and then…

 “My Lady, it’s Elma.” 

Killian jumped to his feet at the sound of the voice on the other side of the door.

 

He couldn’t believe his senses were as sharp as a razor’s edge, having had his life threatened so many times in the palace and on the battlefield, that he hadn’t realized there was someone at the door.

 

Shame struck him like a drunken man sobering up.

 

As he turned to leave, he heard Artia’s voice behind him.

 “We must meet again, Butterfly.” 

There was desperation in the short words.

 

Killian turned his head to look at Artia, then opened his mouth.

 “Meow-.” 

Killian’s beautiful face contorted as he remembered the moment.

 

“Meow…”

 

Kilian had often transformed into animals, but he’d never imitated them.

 

Not only because he didn’t have to, but also because the pride of a noble prince wouldn’t allow it.

 

But today, for the first time, he broke that rule.

 

Goosebumps broke out all over his body as he remembered the shrill sound that had come from the cat’s vocal chords.

 

He felt like a child making short tongue sounds.

 

The worst part is that even at this moment, he doesn’t feel any remorse for this heinous act.

 

* * *

 

A servant interrupted Lloyd.

 “My apologies, Duke. You may not enter without invitation.” “Do you not know who I am? I am the Duke of Edenberg.” 

Lloyd’s eyes widened and he shouted, but the door didn’t open.

 

The nobles sneered at Lloyd as he walked back through the window, biting his lip.

 “He doesn’t know how to read a crowd.” 

To begin with, the nobles had no respect for Lloyd.

 

Rather, they were angry that the fourth son of Viscount R

einer had married well and become a duke.

 

They were happy that they no longer had to bow down to him.

 

Lloyd was not.

 

Back at home, Lloyd picked up his glass and threw it.

 Clang! 

The glass hit the wall and shattered, but that didn’t slow him down at all.

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