The Secrets

"Aria!"

Her husbands rushed towards her as she finally returned to Ruby Palace. She glanced back at the gate, seeing Mikhail walking away.

She remembered their conversation from yesterday.

"Since we don't know how you ended up in her body, I have no choice but to keep your secret." Mikhail had said.

"Why?" she had asked.

"If they discover that you're not the real Princess, they will harm you." he had explained.

"Aren't you mad at me?" she had asked again.

"Of course I am, but I can't kill you."

"Will you look for the real Aria?"

"I don't care where she is, if your soul is already inside her body, then she's probably dead."

"What?"

"There's no chance for her to survive the accident. The princess is alive now because of you and, since you are already here, then bear your responsibility. Be the Princess."

That was the end of their conversation.

"How are you now? You made me worried." Gawain said.

"I thought it was just an allergy, but what happened to your neck?" Xerxes inspected her neck.

"Tsk. That guy wouldn't let us visit you. Don't you know I've been waiting outside the Palace all day?" Rasheen grumbled.

"From now on, I'll always check your food to make sure this doesn't happen again," Xerxes declared.

"I'm glad you're fine now," Gawain added.

Aria's tears began to fall, and she couldn't hold back her emotions. The depth of their concern for her overwhelmed her.

The way they're worrying about her...

"I-I'm sorry…" she said while crying.

I'm sorry if I am not the real Princess.. I'm sorry if you're worrying for nothing.. I'm sorry for lying to all of you. I don't deserve your love and care..

She continued to cry.

"H-Hey, why are you crying?" Rasheen was panicked.

"I-I'm really sorry!" she cried.

Gawain hugged her. "Shh, stop crying. It's not your fault."

It's not like that…

But she didn't have the courage to tell everyone the truth. She was afraid they'd hate her forever and leave her.

"Let's go inside, it's so cold out here," Xerxes suggested.

They all walked into the Palace.

Xerxes kept an eye on her. Her body had grown weaker. When he first found her in the forest, she had been brimming with strong energy. What had truly happened to her?

Xerxes could sense an otherworldly aura emanating from Aria. It was an essence that seemed out of place, foreign to this world, and it puzzled him deeply.

For now, he decided to silently observe and support her, hoping that eventually she would share her secret with them. He vowed to stand by her, no matter the truth that might unfold.

.

.

"Waaahhh! Your Highness, I missed you so much!" Jenny cried as she hugged her.

She smiled. "I'm sorry that I made you worry."

"What happened to your neck, Your Highness?" Cedrik asked.

She gently touched the bandage on her neck, a wound inflicted by Mikhail's sword.

"It's nothing. Just a little accident earlier. His Highness has already treated it," she assured.

"Please take care of yourself when I am not around." Cedrik said.

"I will, don't worry," she smiled warmly.

Arf! Arf!

"Hachi!" she picked up the dog. "I missed you so much."

Then she remembered. Aria is allergic to dogs…

I don't want to believe what Mikhail said. If the Princess is already dead, then what will happen to me? Am I really gonna be stuck in this world forever? I have a family in my world too..

She looked at Jenny and Cedrik.

But can she also leave them? They had already become her family here.

She sighed and walked to the window.

Mom, dad..what shall I do?

.

.

....

"I'm sorry if our meeting with the guild leader was cancelled." Aria said while having tea with Napoleon.

"It's alright, I heard what happened to you. Besides, I also didn't go to the capital." Napoleon replied.

"Huh? But why?"

"The leader won't meet me if I'm not with you."

"Oh? Then shall we go there tomorrow?"

"Sure, I will set our appointment later."

"Thank you."

"Is your neck all right?"

"Oh, this.." she touched her neck.

"Let me guess, your wound was caused by His Highness? When I came to visit you, I heard from the servants that you were staying in the Imperial Palace."

"Leon.."

"I'm not a fool, Aria. I knew what kind of person he was. You two haven't been on good terms since young."

"I'm fine, this is just caused by a misunderstanding."

He stared at her.

"Then don't forget about your promise." He grinned.

"I know." she said.

Knock! Knock!

"Come in!" she said.

Cedrik entered. "Your Highness, Lord Claudius came today to visit you."

"Psh..what does your ex-husband want?" Napoleon said.

"Maybe it's something important."

"All right, I will go to the capital now." He stood up.

He stopped in front of Cedrik, then smirked at him. He then left.

Claudius entered the room and bowed to her.

"Greetings, Your Highness."

Cedrik closed the door.

They sat down.

"I heard you also visited when I was sick."

"Yes, but His Highness stopped me at the entrance of the Palace."

"I'm sorry about that. Why did you come here today?"

He looked away.

"I came here to check your condition…you see, I worried when I heard that you fell sick."

"Ehh? I'm sorry for making you worried. I am feeling fine now."

His face was still serious.

"Will you believe me if I tell you that I always think of you every day?"

"Ha?"

He stood up and held both her hands. "Since the day you set me free you have never left my mind…I always think about you every night and day. I don't know why. I can't explain what this feeling is. But when I saw you smiling with your other husbands I felt jealous…I was hoping I was also there talking with you, laughing with you. It's my mistake that I choose to leave you, without you clinging to me every day. I realize what I really feel about you. Aria…I love you.."

Her eyes widened. "B-But..I thought you loved Lady Lory…"

He shook his head. "When she married Lord Austin I felt sad but didn't feel the pain."

"Lord Claudius..I.."

He caressed her face. "I hope it is not too late for us to be together again..please…come back to me, Aria."

No…she can't..

"I-Im sorry.." she pulled her hands and stood up. "I can't.."

She can't accept his love. She's not the real Aria.

"But why? Don't you love me anymore? Aria, I will correct all the mistakes I've made in the past."

"I'm the one who made mistakes from the past. I ruined your life, remember? I can't love you anymore."

"But I love you now."

"It's not the same anymore..I have already changed Claudius. I am not the Princess you used to know before. I am not the one you met from the past. I am no longer your Princess." She turned her back on him. "That's why you can't love me."

"But I love the woman who is in front of me right now. I fell inlove with the current you, not the past you."

She was stunned and looked back at him again. "Y-You loved the current me?"

"Yes…I love YOU now…not the past, Aria."

Her tears began to fall.

But still, she can't love him.

"Aria.."

"I..I still..I can't..p-please.." she wiped her tears. "Please leave!" then she ran away.

"Aria!" Claudius called to her, but she ignored him.

Claudius was left in the room, a mix of emotions filling his heart.

.

.

Aria reached the palace backyard, tears streaming down her face. She hid in the bushes so that William wouldn't see her.

She hugged her knees and continued to cry.

"I am hurting everyone..I don't deserve to be here." She cried.

She was tormented by the guilt of the secret she carried, the burden of living a life that wasn't hers. She couldn't allow herself to love Claudius, knowing that it was built on a foundation of lies.

"Then where do you want to go?"

She looked at the man in front of her.

"Maximilian?"

He sat down beside her. "So, why is the strong Princess of this empire crying?"

She looked at the ground. "I don't deserve to be the Princess."

"Why?"

"Because I'm a bad person."

"If you're a bad person, then what should I call the Crown Prince?"

He looked up at the sky. "You're not a bad person, you treated me special. You gave me a clean room, food, clothes, even a stick sword. You also let me do whatever I want. If you're a bad person you will not do that."

She stared at him. "But.."

"Ssshh." He put his pointing finger on her lips. "Don't think nonsense, you deserve to be here. If you leave the palace what will happen to me? I am your responsibility, remember?"

She wiped her tears and smiled. "You know, I don't believe you're a bad person either."

"Do you think so?"

"Yes, thank you for telling me those things."

He smiled and messed her hair.

.

.

Xerxes was watching Maximilian and Aria from the window of his room.

He clenched his fists.

Is he trying to win the Princess' heart too?

Xerxes knew that Maximilian was a man with ulterior motives, a threat to her.

Aria must not trust that guy. He's the enemy of this empire.

.

.

....

Aria and Napoleon went to the black market in disguise, donning the attire of commoners to avoid any unwanted attention.

"There are many thieves here, be careful," Napoleon cautioned, eyeing the bustling black market.

"Do you usually visit here?" Aria asked.

"Sometimes, if I need information for our business," he replied.

Aria continued to survey the surroundings.

Napoleon glanced at her, she was still pretty even though she was wearing commoner's clothes.

They reached the guild's location and stood before its entrance.

"We're here," Napoleon informed her.

She observed it intently.

"Shall we go inside?" he suggested.

They entered the guild.

It was a shop on the first floor.

They discovered a bustling shop on the first floor, showcasing an array of items like rare medicines, gems, and weapons.

"I was here yesterday," Napoleon mentioned to the lady in charge.

The lady nodded. "Please follow me." she said.

"Please have a seat and wait, I will call Master." The lady said when they entered the office.

After a minute, Arthur finally showed up. Aria didn't expect that Arthur was still young. She thought he was an old man, a fat old man with a beard.

"Welcome to my guild," Arthur greeted, smiling. "Oh, Lord Napoleon, you're back."

"I came here with the Princess," Napoleon clarified.

"I-It's really the Princess?" he immediately bowed to her. "Please forgive my rudeness if I didn't recognize you immediately, Your Highness."

"It's all right. It's a pleasure to meet you," Aria graciously responded.

They settled into their seats.

"What information does Her Highness seek?" Arthur asked while sipping his wine.

Aria glanced at Napoleon, who nodded and proceeded to show Arthur the cufflink.

"We seek information regarding this," Napoleon stated.

"Hmm..." Arthur examined the cufflink carefully. "This piece is from my shop, our craftsman personally made it. Occasionally, nobles come here and request customized accessories."

"So, can you tell us who's the owner of this?" Aria asked.

"Nah uh, I can only tell you if the price is right." Arthur smirked.

As expected.

Napoleon placed a bag of gold on the table. "Is this enough?"

"Wow!" Arthur exclaimed, clearly delighted at the sight of the bag of gold.

"We can double that if I get satisfied with your information." Aria added.

"Really? Then let me check my logbook," Arthur eagerly responded, grabbing the logbook. "Let's see, hmm..."

He meticulously searched through the records. "The customer isn't from the capital."

"What name is written there?" she pressed.

"He didn't provide additional details, but the name here is Milano," Arthur disclosed.

"Milano?" Aria and Napoleon exchanged a glance.

Could it be Viscount Milano?

"Did you catch a glimpse of his face? Is he older, perhaps with gray hair?" Aria pressed further.

"No, he's young, likely Lord Napoleon's age. He wore a mask, so I couldn't see his face. He purchased drugs and poison during his visit," Arthur elaborated.

"The man with the mask," Aria whispered.

Viscount Milano has a son, but they can't accuse him without evidence.

"That's all the information I got." Arthur concluded, closing the logbook.

"Okay, that's a big help for us. Thank you." she commended, placing another bag of gold on the table.

Arthur grinned broadly as he began counting the gold.

"We should head back to the palace now," she suggested.

Napoleon concurred, saying to Arthur, "We're taking our leave."

"Please come again!" Arthur chimed enthusiastically.

.

.

They continued walking through the bustling streets of the city.

Aria couldn't help but ask, "Do you think Viscount Milano is connected to the masked guy?"

Napoleon pondered for a moment before responding, "Probably. There's no reason for the masked guy to use his surname. But without evidence, we can't interrogate him."

"His son is the same age as you. What's his name again?" she asked.

"Francois Milano. Tsk. I don't like that guy, he's arrogant and thinks highly of himself. He's the dog of his own father." he shared.

"I don't remember him," she admitted.

"You shouldn't meet him. You might not recall, but he once tried to harass you. It happened on His Majesty's birthday when the two of you crossed paths. He proposed to you, but you rejected him, and he got angry, attempting to harm you. Thankfully, Sir William intervened, and since then, he's been banned from attending the imperial family's banquets." he explained.

Aria smirked, saying, "Serves him right."

"Hey you!"

Their conversation was abruptly interrupted by a group of menacing men who approached them with ill intentions.

"What do you want?" Napoleon asked with his bored face.

"You look rich. Give us your bag!" one of the men demanded.

Napoleon remained composed and responded, "Why would I give it to you?"

"Haha, then we have no choice!" The men moved to attack them.

"You guys are just wasting your energy." Napoleon punched them.

Aria could only watch helplessly, her heart racing with worry for Napoleon's safety.

"Leo—"

"Hey, where do you think you're going?" one of the assailants grabbed her.

"Let go of me!" Aria screamed.

"Aria!" Napoleon kicked the man and tried to run to her but the other men blocked his path.

Napoleon shouted, frustration boiling within him.

"Let go of me!" Aria tried to kick him but the man was too strong.

"HOOHHH!"

They stopped when a knight came riding on his horse.

"What's going on here?" the knight asked.

"It's the knight from the Temple of Heaven!"

"Let's run!"

The assailants panicked and fled upon seeing the symbol on the knight's uniform.

"Are you all right?" Napoleon asked her, concern evident in his eyes.

A white carriage pulled up before them.

"What happened?" a calm voice emanated from within.

"I'm sorry, Your Grace, but a group of men attacked these people," the knight explained.

The man inside the carriage drew back the curtain and peered at them.

His gaze met Aria's.

He was undeniably handsome.

"Aria?" he said.

"Ehh? He knows me?" Aria was surprised.

"Is that Valentine?" Napoleon murmured.

Valentine alighted from the carriage, dressed in a priest's robe.

"Valentine?" she asked. "I think I've heard that name before?"

The knights bowed to him.

"What are you doing here?" Valentine asked.

"It's none of your business, we are now heading back to the palace, so don't bother us." Napoleon retorted. The tension between them was palpable.

Are these two not in good terms?

Valentine ignored him and turned to Aria.

"I apologize for his rudeness." Aria bowed.

C'mon Leon, he's a priest. You should show some respect!

Valentine stared at her, confused. She didn't recognize him?

"I am also heading to the palace. Why won't you join me in my carriage?" he offered.

"Ha? We don't need your help, our carriage is already waiting for us at the entrance." Napoleon snapped.

But Valentine disregarded Napoleon's comment. "Is it okay for you to join me?"

"Tssss.. this bastard." Napoleon mumbled.

"Uhm.." This is the first time I've met a priest in this empire. I must show respect. "It's my pleasure, Your Grace."

He grinned at Napoleon. "Let's get inside, Your Highness." He offered his hand.

Aria took his hand and entered the carriage first.

"Aria, what about me?" Napoleon protested.

"The carriage is waiting at the entrance. You should go there. I'll see you at the palace," Aria informed him.

"What???"

Valentine closed the carriage door, and it began to move.

"Tss..." Napoleon kicked a rock in frustration.

.

.

....

Nikolai noticed the sadness in his brother.

It was about the Princess again. His brother had been rejected by the Princess, and it weighed heavily on his heart.

Of all the women in the empire, why did it have to be the Princess?

.

.

....

The emperor will return tomorrow. The crown prince was engrossed in reviewing reports.

"I found out that the Crimson Blades are also investigating the masked guy." Philip reported.

"What do you mean?" Mikhail asked.

"One of our knights spotted a member of the Crimson Blades during their investigation. The man managed to escape, but the knight saw the symbol on his neck."

All members of the Crimson Blades bore symbols on their bodies.

"If the Crimson Blades are investigating, then Ryu must be involved. If Ryu is moving, it means Aria ordered him. The Crimson Blades wouldn't take action without her orders," Mikhail analyzed. "I believe the Princess wants to identify the mastermind behind the kidnapping incident," he concluded.

"Is this just a coincidence? The masked guy was behind the aphrodisiac incident, and if he was also responsible for the kidnappings, then…" Philip paused.

They looked at each other.

"The masked guy is truly targeting the Princess," Mikhail added.

This is bad…

"Send more guards to the Ruby Palace. Don't disclose the reason, just ensure they are there," Mikhail commanded.

"Yes, Your Highness." Philip bowed.

.

.

....

Meanwhile, in another part of the city:

"The Princess is searching for the owner of the cufflink?" asked by a man wearing a mask.

"Yes, Your Grace. I believe they obtained information about the masked individual from the kidnappers we hired previously," responded by young man who is also wearing a mask.

"Hmm... have they already discovered our identity?" the man questioned.

"No, Sir. When I purchased that item, I used Viscount Milano's surname, so they would suspect the Viscount as the main suspect."

The man laughed. "Haha, well done!"

"But, Your Grace, what if the Viscount divulges our involvement?"

"Haha, don't worry, he never saw our faces. Moreover, no one will believe him without evidence, will they?"

The young man nodded.

"How's the guy at the mansion?" the man asked.

"He's doing his daily routine. He keeps asking me when he will return ."

"Assure him not to worry, sooner or later he will return and he will take back what's really for him."

"Yes, Your Grace."

.

.

....

"Ehh?" Aria couldn't believe it. The priest was none other than her childhood friend, Valentine.

She examined Valentine more closely. Another handsome man around her!

"I didn't expect that you wouldn't recognize me," Valentine said, calmly sipping his tea.

"It's unfortunate that she lost her memories from an accident," the Emperor explained.

"I understand. I'm glad she's fine now, and I apologize for not visiting more often," Valentine said.

Aria was still speechless.

Valentine Rosseau, a priest in the Temple of Heaven, was quite famous. He had been blessed by the God of Light, receiving sacred powers to protect against evil magic.

He will stay in the palace for a while.

"The royal hunt will be next month. I hope you will be able to participate. Everyone is preparing for the event." The Emperor mentioned.

The royal hunt?

Aria recalled hearing her husbands discussing it, planning to join the hunting.

"Don't worry, Your Majesty. I will participate in the hunting and do my best to secure first place," Valentine affirmed.

"Haha everyone said the same, this upcoming royal hunt will be exciting since many young men will participate. I wonder who will win?" said the Emperor.

.

.

After their tea, Aria accompanied Valentine to his room.

"I'm really sorry about yesterday." Aria said.

"Don't mention it, Your Highness. I understand your situation." Valentine smiled.

"Aria!"

They turned to see Napoleon.

"I've been looking for you," Napoleon said, giving Valentine a sidelong glance.

"I had tea with Valentine and the Emperor," Aria explained.

"Then…you haven't forgotten about our deal?" Napoleon's face turned red.

Don't tell me he came here just to remind me about our date?

"I was planning to send a letter to you about it."

"Really?"

"Ehem." Valentine interjected.

"Huh? You're still here?" Napoleon retorted.

Valentine raised an eyebrow.

"Seems like you two will have a very long conversation. I shall take my leave." Valentine remarked, making his exit.

Napoleon smirked.

.

.

....

"You're having a date with Lord Napoleon?" Cedrik asked while fixing the bed.

"Yeah, I promised him." Aria replied.

"But isn't Lord Napoleon the kind of person who is hard to deal with?" Cedrik expressed concern.

She smiled. "Don't worry, I trust him."

"Are they giving you a hard time?" he asked.

Aria suddenly remembered Claudius. He's still sending letters to her, asking for a second chance. She felt bad for rejecting him, but she couldn't accept his love.

Actually, she is starting to like Claudius, except for being handsome, he's also strong and smart, he's more mature than her other husbands. Too bad that she can't accept his love. That love wasn't for her but for the real Aria.

"No they're not." she assured Cedrik.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, they care for me, Ced." Yes, she can feel it, they really love the Princess.

"Ced.."

"Yes, Your Highness?"

"What if one day I disappear? Will you look for me?"

He was surprised. "Of course I will! I can't live without the Princess."

"But what if I made a huge mistake that cannot be forgiven? Will you still find me and forgive me?"

Cedrik kneeled in front of her and held her hand. "Whatever mistakes you make, I will stay at your side, Your Highness. You looked for me when I was kidnapped, you saved me… I will do the same for you."

She held back her tears.

I hope you will not forget what you said today.

She forced a smile and caressed his face. "Thank you for being by my side."

He smiled and closed his eyes.

.

.

....

Aria and Napoleon embarked on a romantic picnic.

"D-Did you prepare all of this?" Aria was genuinely surprised when she saw the food he brought.

"Yup, I made them all." Napoleon said, wearing a proud smile.

"You know how to cook?" she asked.

"I studied," he replied, beaming.

Aria couldn't help but appreciate the effort he had put into their date.

"Here, eat this." As they enjoyed the meal, Napoleon even fed her.

"Wow! It's so delicious." She gave him a thumbs up.

"I am so happy today. I hope this will not be the last time that we will meet," he expressed his delight.

Choking on her food for a moment, she managed to regain her composure. "Uhm Leon..can I ask you something?"

"What is it?" he responded.

"Why do you like me?" she asked, genuinely curious.

"Coz you're pretty?" he playfully teased.

"Seriously?"

"Haha, just kidding. Because I like your strong will and determination. You never let others bully you," he answered sincerely.

"That's because I'm evil," Aria added.

"Haha, that's also one of the reasons why I like you. I really like it when you treat those idiots like trash," Napoleon confessed, showcasing his peculiar sense of humor.

He gently held her hand and kissed it. "I will not give up on you. I don't care how many times you will reject me, but I will still propose to you again and again."

Following that day, Napoleon made a habit of visiting her daily, showering her with gifts and even arranging musicians to serenade her outside her balcony.

So persistent…he's like Claudius.