The Young Male Protagonist Who is Destined for Ruin Fell for Me - Chapter 45

A month had passed since the storm unleashed by the Harmonia Necklace. Given the gravity of the situation, it was no surprise that so much had transpired in the interim.

The most memorable event was the sentencing of Count Gargoyle’s family to execution. When Kyle and I first heard the news, we were both taken aback by the sheer boldness of the decision.

While I had suspected the emperor would pin the blame on someone, I hadn’t anticipated execution as the outcome.

The official charges were mismanagement of the royal treasure, the Harmonia Necklace, and treason.

Treason? Against the man they were most loyal to?

Back in my time in Korea, I’d seen historical dramas where treason was the go-to charge for eliminating political rivals.

Apparently, this world wasn’t much different.

About a week after the execution order, the emperor announced his abdication, claiming he was stepping down to take responsibility for the scandal.

Of course, everyone saw through the act. He was being ousted but pretending to step down of his own accord. People were outraged, calling him shameless. Even the typically reserved servants of Chaield Manor couldn’t hide their disdain.

“And now… Berde is the emperor.”

At first, I couldn’t believe it. The mischievous crown prince, whose hobby was cross-dressing, now wore the imperial crown? It was surreal, especially since, in the original story, Berde had died in a trap Kyle set for him during the war.

On the day of his coronation, Berde looked utterly out of place in his imperial robes. He reminded me of a child playing dress-up in clothes far too big for him.

“So… he’s emperor now.”

The reality hadn’t quite sunk in. I didn’t interact with Berde much, and according to my research for my columns, imperial authority was in a precarious state.

Naturally so. Even if the throne stabilized, Berde would spend years cleaning up the mess his father left behind.

Given that Kyle hadn’t applied any pressure to stop Berde’s ascension, it was clear they had come to some kind of agreement.
But surely they haven’t reconciled and become real friends… have they?

As the coronation concluded, I asked Kyle about his thoughts on the new emperor. He immediately saw through my question and responded with a cryptic query of his own.

“Sister, have you ever played chess?”

I nodded, recalling the occasional games I’d played on the computer. Kyle glanced at Berde before elaborating.

“To make the most out of the most insignificant pawn, you first have to promote it to a higher piece.”

I vaguely remembered that pawns could be upgraded if they reached the opponent’s back rank. Though I understood the metaphor, Kyle’s specific plans remained a mystery.

Not that it was something I could influence.

For me, the biggest fallout from the Harmonia Necklace scandal was the rise of the Hail Times. Thanks to my exposé, the newspaper had become the most trusted source in the empire. And my pen name, “Ann Smith,” had garnered a reputation of its own.

“Ann, you’re a genius! A legend! You’ve made history in Hail’s journalism! Why didn’t you tell me before that you were behind the anonymous exposé?”

So said Mr. Pringles, my editor. Apparently, someone had noticed the striking similarities between my column style and the exposé.

Damn it. I even typed everything to avoid my handwriting being recognized.

The revelation that the columnist Ann Smith was also the whistleblower spread like wildfire. Within days, I was hailed as a paragon of truth and justice, a journalist who couldn’t ignore wrongdoing.

“I should probably lay low for a while. If they ask how I uncovered the necklace scandal, I’m in trouble.”

Reflecting on it all, it was astonishing how much one necklace had changed.

Speaking of which, the Harmonia Necklace was still missing.
The man Count Gargoyle had entrusted with transporting it, a servant named Johan, had been found dead near the Celtmani border. Rumors swirled that the Celtmani chieftain might have orchestrated the theft to provoke war.

Not my problem anymore. Let the emperor handle it.

I was finally free of all ties to the necklace.

Though the entire saga had brought profound changes to my life, none was more significant than the one sitting across from me.

“Sister, why are you looking at me like that?” Kyle asked.

“Hmm… just admiring how handsome you are.”

Kyleian Chaield, the “Duke of Destruction” who should have been plotting chaos by now, was instead calmly enjoying breakfast. His expression these days was nothing but serene, a far cry from his usual ruthless demeanor.

“Feeling good today, Kyle?”

“Of course. We’re sharing a meal, after all.”

“We’re going to spend the whole day together.”

Kyle’s smile was so dazzling it could rival any idol’s. Watching him nibble on strawberries with that boyish grin, I couldn’t help but feel my heart skip a beat.

Following Berde’s coronation, Kyle had suddenly declared Saturdays as his day off. I still vividly remembered the thoughts I overheard that day.

“‘How to Be a Devoted Family Man’ said it’s important to spend at least one day a week with family.”

Yes, this man wasn’t just thinking about our engagement. He was planning our marriage. While I doubted he could consistently take Saturdays off as the head of Chaield, his intentions were clear.

As I studied him, Kyle blushed faintly, perhaps sensing the intensity of my gaze.

“Now that I think about it, you haven’t been properly rewarded for all your efforts during the necklace scandal,” he said.

“Material rewards motivate people, so how about a trip to the market today?”

And with that, our date began.

We spent the morning picnicking by Kyle’s beloved Amelia Lake before heading to the marketplace. Kyle seemed almost giddy, his excitement palpable.

“Finally… shopping,” he murmured as he climbed into the carriage.

“Why do you sound like someone who’s never been to a market?” I teased.

“Because I haven’t.”

“…What?”

Kyle explained that as the duke, everything he wanted had always been brought to him, and there had been no need to visit a market himself.

Figures. He’s like a puppy experiencing a big-box store for the first time.

To my amusement, Kyle even wore a simple disguise to blend in. Though his face was practically a beacon of nobility, the effort was endearing.

As we strolled through the market, Kyle marveled at every stall, urging me to pick something.

“I want nothing,” I replied. “If you want something, tell me.”

“I already have what I want. She lives in Chaield Manor,” Kyle said with a smirk.

After hours of shopping—and an overwhelming number of purchases from Kyle—we stopped in front of a certain store. Its name gleamed proudly in gold lettering.

Victoria’s Secret.

Kyle’s expression was unreadable as he strode toward the store.
“What are you thinking, Kyle?”

“Right now? Pure curiosity.”

That evening, Kyle lay on his bed, a satisfied smile on his face. It had been a perfect day.

And he had achieved his mission.

Every item from Victoria’s Secret had been carefully transported and arranged in Amelia’s wardrobe. Now, Kyle awaited her return with a mix of anticipation and nervousness.

When Amelia finally entered, wearing the lightest of robes, Kyle grinned.

“Do you trust me, Sister?”

“…You’ve given me no reason not to,” Amelia replied cautiously.
Kyle’s grin deepened as he leaned in close.

“Then don’t trust me tonight.”

With a flick of his wrist, the lights went out.