- 8 hours ago
You Are Heartless, so Am I EnglishSub FullMovie
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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, Vivian 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!
01:01Aaliyah!
01:02Leon slammed his hand against the table. I met his glare.
01:05What?
01:06You plan to give your brother an heir without sharing a bed?
01:10Does 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.
01:22Suppressing his anger, Leon said,
01:24I didn't come here to ask for permission.
01:26I came to inform you.
01:29Vivian will become my second consort.
01:31The decision has already been made.
01:35Inform me?
01:37Yes.
01:38I nodded.
01:39Fine.
01:40Then 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.
01:51A frontier knight.
01:52The 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!
02:06I'm fulfilling my responsibility to the family!
02:09Leon barked.
02:10I smiled coldly.
02:11So marrying your brother's widow is a noble duty,
02:14but continuing my late sister's line makes me insane?
02:16Your brother's widow deserves sympathy,
02:18but my sister's fiancé doesn't?
02:20The main Ashfield line can't be allowed to die out,
02:23but 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,
02:35why shouldn't I let him touch me?
02:36Silence swallowed the room.
02:38Only 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,
03:08I'll march straight into the palace
03:10and let the queen see exactly how her precious royal thresher
03:13pressures a high marshal's daughter
03:15into surrendering her husband to his widowed sister-in-law.
03:21His hand froze in midair.
03:23I walked over to Vivian
03:25and adjusted the pearl clasp on her black dress.
03:29Don't worry.
03:30I'll make sure your wedding as second constant
04:01is absolutely magnificent.
04:32He said black was too plain on me.
04:32She took half a step back,
04:33though her voice remained defiant.
04:35What are you going to do?
04:36Hit 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?
04:54No.
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,
05:05only to retreat from the heat
05:07as spilled down her cheeks.
05:08Right on cue,
05:09the door burst open.
05:11Leon strode inside.
05:12The moment he saw Vivian crying,
05:14he pulled her protectively into his arms.
05:16I laughed.
05:17Aliyah, you're bullying her again?
05:19You got here awfully fast.
05:21How long were you standing outside listening?
05:23His 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
05:59and you're proud enough
06:00to raise your voice about it?
06:01His face darkened.
06:04Don't forget.
06:05You're still my wife.
06:07I met his greys.
06:08And don't forget.
06:10You're still sitting in the royal court
06:12because of the Valen family.
06:14That left him speechless.
06:16Leaning against his chest,
06:17Vivian whispered softly,
06:19Leon, let it go.
06:21Aliyah is suffering.
06:22I don't mind a little hardship.
06:24Once I give you a child,
06:26she'll understand I'm not here
06:28to 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
06:39what I've already thrown away.
06:41The fragile expression
06:42nearly 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
06:55entered with two officials
06:57from the royal Chandris.
06:59Leon frowned.
07:00What are they doing here?
07:01I picked up a document
07:02from the desk
07:03and handed it over.
07:05Seal all of my dowie estate.
07:07Starting today,
07:09any member of the Ashurd family
07:10who spends a single gold coin
07:12must record the purpose
07:13and obtain a royal seal.
07:15The officials vowed.
07:16Yes, my lady.
07:17Leon exploded.
07:18You bring outsiders in
07:19to investigate my household?
07:21Your household?
07:21I laughed.
07:22The bread you eat,
07:23the wine you drink,
07:24the necklaces you buy for Vivian.
07:25How much of that
07:26wasn't squeezed out
07:27of my dowry?
07:27If I don't investigate,
07:28should I just wait
07:29for you to sell me too?
07:30Sister,
07:31if people hear about this,
07:32Leon will be humiliated.
07:34Vivian spoke softly.
07:35When Leon announced
07:36he was marrying you
07:37as a second Kansangort
07:38last night,
07:39he didn't seem worried
07:40about humiliating me.
07:41I only want a child.
07:43Tears instantly
07:44welled in her eyes again.
07:46What a coincidence.
07:47I smiled.
07:49So do I.
07:50Leon snapped
07:51his head toward me.
07:52One of the officials
07:53produced a parchment scroll.
07:56The Valen family
07:57has submitted
07:58a formal petition
07:59to the crown.
08:02Sir Cain will enter
08:03the Valen family
08:04through a house marriage pact
08:05as the fiancée
08:05of the late Lady Selina.
08:07Any children born
08:08from the Youn
08:08will inherit
08:09the Valen name.
08:10Sir Cain will arrive
08:10in Silvercrest
08:11in three days.
08:12If neither party objects,
08:14the ceremony may be held
08:15seven days from now.
08:16Seven days?
08:17But that's the same day
08:18Leon 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
08:33is going to be lively,
08:34mine shouldn't be lonely.
08:36He stared at me
08:37for the first time.
08:38Genuine panic
08:39flickered in his eyes.
08:40Alia.
08:42You can't humiliate me
08:43like this.
08:44I stepped close
08:45and straightened his collar.
08:47You taught me
08:47this lesson yourself, Leon.
08:49If you can invoke
08:50ancient tradition
08:51to continue
08:51your brother's bloodline,
08:52then I can continue
08:53the Valen bloodline legacy
08:55for my sister.
08:56Our reasons are identical.
08:58If you think
08:58this is humiliation,
09:00then perhaps you should
09:00ask yourself
09:01who started it.
09:02The next seven days
09:03passed quickly.
09:04White Lapertory
09:05covered Ashcrest Manor.
09:06They claimed the ceremony
09:07was about continuing
09:07a dead man's bloodline,
09:09so there would be
09:09no red decorations
09:10and no musicians.
09:11Yet Vivian's
09:12silver-white gown
09:13to cross the floor
09:13behind her
09:14glittered in her hair.
09:14She looked far less
09:15like a grieving widow
09:16and far more like
09:17a woman eager
09:18to become a bride again.
09:20When I came downstairs,
09:22she was already
09:23holding Leon's arm
09:25and accepting
09:25congratulations
09:26from relatives.
09:30The moment they saw me,
09:32conversations dropped
09:33to whispers.
09:35Vivian approached
09:36with a smile.
09:38Sister,
09:39you're going to
09:40Valen Keep today too?
09:42Yes.
09:43How fortunate.
09:46her smile widened.
09:49I thought you might
09:50stay and watch
09:51at Leon and me
09:52complete our ceremony.
09:54I looked at Leon.
09:56You want me to watch?
09:58His throat tightened.
10:00He seemed ready
10:00to say something cruel.
10:02Then he noticed
10:03the dark crimson gown
10:04I wore
10:05and the silver dagger
10:05at my waist.
10:07In the end,
10:08he only said coldly,
10:10You can still stop this.
10:13Stop?
10:13I laughed.
10:14And stay
10:15to watch the two of you
10:16disappear into a bedroom?
10:18We're only doing this
10:19for the family.
10:20Vivian spoke gently.
10:22So am I.
10:23The smile faded
10:25from 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
10:38kneel and beg?
10:39The fact that I didn't
10:41cry enough to satisfy you?
10:42Or the fact that I found
10:44another path for myself?
10:46His voice darkened.
10:48You weren't like this before.
10:50Before?
10:52I smiled.
10:55Before?
10:56I was blind.
10:59Vivian sucked
11:00in a sharp breath.
11:02Leon's face
11:03turned black with fury.
11:05I walked past them.
11:06His voice followed me.
11:08If you climb
11:09into Cain's bed tonight,
11:10don't ever expect me
11:11to touch you again!
11:12I stopped.
11:14Then I looked back
11:15and smiled.
11:15That's the nicest thing
11:17you've said all day.
11:20The chapel at Valenkeep
11:22blazed with candlelight
11:23far brighter than anything
11:24at Ashworth Manor.
11:25My father sat
11:26in a high-backed chair.
11:28Illness had drained
11:29the color from his face,
11:31but his eyes remained
11:32as sharp as an old sword.
11:33Do you really have
11:35no regrets?
11:36My mother squeezed
11:38my hand.
11:38I smiled faintly.
11:40I do.
11:42She looked at me quietly.
11:45I regret marrying Leon.
11:48Her eyes reddened,
11:49but she said nothing.
11:51The chapel doors opened.
11:53Cain walked in.
11:55He was taller
11:56than I remembered.
11:57Broad shoulders,
11:58a powerful frame.
11:59Even the dark form
12:00militarily couldn't soften
12:01the edge that came
12:02from years on the frontier.
12:04The northern winds
12:04had darkened his skin,
12:06but his features
12:06remained clean
12:07and straightforward,
12:08free of the perfume-soaked
12:09arrogance common
12:10among noblemen.
12:12Lady Alia.
12:13He stopped before me
12:15and dropped to one knee.
12:16I shook my head.
12:21After tonight,
12:22you'll need
12:23a 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
12:32spent treating your sister,
12:33I'll repay every coin.
12:36You don't have to
12:37sacrifice yourself.
12:40My father's expression
12:41immediately dartened.
12:43Boy!
12:44His voice
12:44rang through the chapel.
12:48Are you saying
12:49my daughter
12:50isn't good enough for you?
12:51I wouldn't dare.
12:53Cain immediately
12:53lowered his head.
12:55My mother asked,
12:58Then why wouldn't you agree?
13:00He paused for a moment.
13:01She just came out
13:02of a bad marriage.
13:04I'm afraid I'd become
13:05another force pushing her.
13:07My chest softened suddenly.
13:10Leon had forced me
13:11to comply.
13:14Vivian had forced me
13:15to yield.
13:16Everyone else asked
13:18if I would be reasonable.
13:19Only Cain asked
13:20if I was willing.
13:21I stepped closer to him.
13:24Cain,
13:25I want you to do
13:26three things.
13:28Go ahead.
13:29First,
13:30any future child
13:32carries the Valon name.
13:34Agreed.
13:36Second,
13:37you won't touch
13:38my dour estate,
13:39you won't claim
13:40my castle,
13:41and you won't use
13:42my name to oppress
13:43anyone.
13:44Agreed.
13:45Third,
13:45if one day
13:46you no longer
13:47respect me,
13:48you leave the Valon
13:48family 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
14:01without rising immediately.
14:03I want a fair place.
14:05Not a tool for revenge
14:07against Leon.
14:08Not a lowly knight
14:09kept by a noble woman.
14:10He spoke slowly.
14:12I can shed blood
14:13for the Valon family
14:14and give you a child.
14:16But when you look at me,
14:17I want you to see Cain,
14:18not the opposite of Leon.
14:21I studied him
14:22for a long moment.
14:24Then I said,
14:25Deal.
14:26When the officials
14:26read the marriage contract,
14:28I heard the bells
14:28toll outside.
14:30At the same moment,
14:31Ashcroft Manor
14:31was probably sending
14:32Leon and Vivian
14:33to their room.
14:34Ridiculous.
14:35He thought it was
14:36my execution.
14:37Yet standing here,
14:38I suddenly felt free,
14:39as if stepping out
14:40of a cage.
14:43After the ceremony,
14:45Cain escorted me
14:45back to my room.
14:47The moment the door
14:48closed,
14:48he let go of my hand
14:50and stepped
14:50three spas back.
14:52Tonight I sleep
14:53in the outer room.
14:57I asked,
14:59You don't want to
15:00complete the marriage pact?
15:01His ears tinged red,
15:03but his voice was steady.
15:05I do,
15:06but not when you're sulking.
15:09I stepped closer,
15:11and if I'm not sulk,
15:12he met my gaze,
15:13his breath catching slightly.
15:15I reached up
15:15and unbastened his collar.
15:17Cain,
15:17for three years,
15:18a man has disgust me
15:19under the guise
15:19of being my husband.
15:20Tonight,
15:21I want to remember
15:22a different kind of man.
15:23His voice was low
15:24and 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.
15:42Lucy's voice trembled
15:43with excitement.
15:43He asked if you really
15:44let Cain into your room.
15:46I looked at the kiss marks
15:47on my neck in the mirror
15:48and 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
15:58into the Valen Hall,
15:59his face was paler
16:01than the snow
16:01of the Frostwields.
16:03He brought over
16:04a dozen Ashford guards,
16:05looking as if he was coming
16:06to catch a thief
16:07or seize someone.
16:08I sat at the long table
16:09with hot wine,
16:11Cain at my side,
16:12the scratches I left
16:13on him last night,
16:14faintly visible
16:15beneath 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
16:33last night,
16:34didn't you?
16:34That was for the family!
16:36He shouted.
16:36So 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
16:58Leon'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
17:05revealed too much.
17:06I smiled.
17:07Even you couldn't serve him properly?
17:09Some in the hall lowered their heads
17:11to 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.
17:26Why should I be silent
17:27in 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
17:43before me again?
17:44As long as you cancel
17:45the marriage pact with Cain,
17:47I can pretend last night
17:49never happened.
17:51Cain's hand rested
17:52on the sword hilt.
17:53I reached out to stop him.
17:55Leon,
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
18:06it didn't happen?
18:10What, do you control
18:11every bed in the world?
18:15Leon gritted his teeth.
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
18:23drew his sword.
18:24My father,
18:25supported by the steward,
18:26emerged from the side door.
18:27Sickened with his voice
18:28nonetheless commanded
18:29everyone to halt.
18:30John Ashford,
18:31you bring soldiers
18:31into my castle.
18:32Is this treason
18:33or are you looking for death?
18:34High Marshal,
18:35I only came to retrieve my wife.
18:37Leon's face changed
18:38and he immediately
18:39bowed his head.
18:40Didn't you already
18:41bring back
18:42your brother's widow?
18:43My father snurred.
18:45What,
18:46is the Ashford bed
18:47too small
18:47to contain your greed?
18:49Vivian's face went pale.
18:50My mother helped
18:51my father sit,
18:52her eyes sweeping over Leon
18:53just in time.
18:55The royal physician
18:55is here too.
18:56We want to know
18:57after three years
18:58without children
18:59if it really isn't
19:00my daughter's fault.
19:01Leon's expression stiffened.
19:03What do you mean?
19:04It means my daughter
19:05is healthy.
19:06She can ride,
19:08shoot a bow,
19:10manage a castle.
19:12If three years
19:13of childlessness occurred,
19:14it's likely your fault,
19:15not hers.
19:16Mother replied evenly,
19:18You dare humiliate me?
19:19A heavy silence
19:20fell over the hall.
19:21Leon's face flushed
19:22from white to red,
19:23then blue.
19:23Mother smiled.
19:24Humiliate?
19:25When you forced my daughter
19:26to yield to her widowed
19:27sister-in-law,
19:27didn't you feel humiliated?
19:29Now you hear the truth
19:30and you can't bear it?
19:33Leon is healthy.
19:34Vivian quickly added.
19:36I looked at her.
19:38How do you know?
19:40Did you test him secretly?
19:44Vivian was speechless.
19:46Leon shouted,
19:47Enough!
19:48Bring the physician!
19:49If there's nothing wrong
19:51with me,
19:53Aliyah must cancel
19:54the marriage with Cain
19:56and return with me
19:57to 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
20:13separation order.
20:14I said,
20:16Not enough.
20:17I want a formal dissolution.
20:19Old Dower State returned.
20:21No Ashford may use
20:23the 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
20:35I wasn't just being petty.
20:37But it was too late.
20:38The royal physicians
20:39arrived swiftly.
20:41Leon initially stood straight,
20:43trying to prove something.
20:44The first physician
20:45finished the examination
20:46without a word.
20:47The second looked uneasy.
20:49The third set down
20:50his medical box
20:51and bowed to my father.
20:53Lord Ashford
20:54suffered a high fever
20:55in childhood,
20:56damaging his foundations.
20:58If he is to father children,
20:59it will be extremely difficult.
21:02Vivian's face turned pale.
21:04Leon shot to his feet.
21:05Impossible!
21:07Three 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
21:21you put in with Vivian last night,
21:23it seems it was all for nothing.
21:27Leon raised his hand,
21:29as if to strike me.
21:30Pain grabbed his wrist,
21:31pressing him down to the floor.
21:34Show respect to Lady Valor.
21:38Leon's eyes were red
21:40with 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
21:58married a widow
21:59not to inherit,
22:00but to prove
22:01he still has the strength
22:02of a man.
22:03His breaths came
22:04like broken bellows.
22:06Finally,
22:07he signed,
22:08hands trembling.
22:09I took the document
22:10and handed it
22:11to the officials for sealing.
22:12Vivian suddenly leapt forward.
22:14Leon, don't sign!
22:16If you do,
22:17what will we do?
22:19Leon threw her off.
22:20Silence!
22:22I watched them bicker
22:24like 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 Cain give you?
22:43He's just a lowly knight.
22:45I linked my arm with Cain's.
22:47What he gave me last night
22:49is already more than
22:50what you have given me
22:51in three years.
22:53Leon's face
22:54was utterly shattered.
22:55The news spread
22:56and Silvercrest
22:57was abuzz
22:58for three full days.
22:59Some scolded me
23:00for 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
23:10me doing the same.
23:11And some quietly inquired
23:12about Cain,
23:14wondering what skill
23:14allowed Miss Valen
23:15to abandon her former husband
23:17in a single night.
23:19When Lucy related
23:20the rumors from the street,
23:22she laughed so hard
23:23she could barely stand.
23:26Madam,
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
23:44than I imagined.
23:46They 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 Silvercrest.
23:55The day I delivered the evidence
23:56to the Royal Chancery,
23:58Leon came again.
23:59This time,
24:00he 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,
24:44must 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.
25:20You 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 came from the door.
25:38Lucy pushed it open,
25:39face grim.
25:40Madam,
25:41Vivian is outside the royal court,
25:42crying that you forced Leon
25:43to sign the 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 handled 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 the 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 from the carriage,
26:33and the crowd instinctively parted.
26:35I lifted my chin toward 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 around your neck
26:48was still listed
26:49in my Dowd Estate inventory 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 erupted
26:58into whispers.
26:59Vivian's face went pale.
27:01Leon gave it to me.
27:05Excellent.
27:06I turned to the Royal Chancery official.
27:09Record that.
27:11Vivian has admitted
27:12to receiving stolen
27:13marital property.
27:14Panic flashed across 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.
27:20Vivian,
27:21don't you love crying?
27:22Then cry inside the royal court.
27:24Cry until the Queen
27:25hears every detail.
27:27Tell her how you and Leon
27:28stole my property.
27:29Tell her how continuing
27:30your late husband'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 unfaithful.
27:41Her voice trembled.
27:43You 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, at least.
28:08You only got where you are
28:10because of a woman.
28:12Before 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.
29:27Lady Alia Valon
29:28entered a house marriage pact
29:31to continue her late sister's bloodline.
29:34That was also
29:35for family continuation.
29:38Why, then,
29:40did you accuse her?
29:42Leon opened his mouth.
29:44Nothing came out.
29:45The Queen's gaze
29:46shifted to Vivian.
29:48You claimed Lady Alia
29:49and Sir Kame
29:50were involved
29:50before their marriage.
29:52Do you have evidence?
29:53Vivian 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
30:05Leon into yours?
30:09Vivian froze.
30:10A trace of frost
30:11appeared in the Queen's eyes.
30:13At that moment,
30:14a royal physician
30:15hurried into the chamber.
30:17He bowed deeply.
30:18Your Majesty,
30:19per your command,
30:19I have completed
30:20an examination
30:21of Lady Vivian.
30:22She is pregnant.
30:25Leon immediately looked up.
30:28Vivian's face
30:28drained of 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 prevying,
30:38you're carrying my child?
30:39Vivian'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.
31:01It 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.
31:17Then 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.
31:29The doors opened again.
31:32A woman in a gray cloak entered.
31:34The moment she removed her mask,
31:36someone behind me gasped.
31:38Selena.
31:39My sister.
31:41The sister I believe dead.
31:43Standing alive
31:44in the center
31:45of the royal court.
31:46My fingers tightened.
31:48I said nothing.
31:50She looked at me.
31:52There was apology in eyes
31:53and the familiar sharpness
31:55I remembered.
31:58Later, sister.
31:59I'll explain later.
32:00Then she turned towards
32:02the throne
32:02and dropped to one knee.
32:04Selena Valen.
32:05Crown agent
32:06of the Silver Ravens.
32:07assigned to investigate
32:09the illegal sale
32:10of Frontier War maps
32:12by the Ashford family.
32:13Brian Ashford did not die
32:15of illness.
32:15He was poisoned.
32:17Leon froze completely.
32:19Vivian shrieked.
32:20She's a fake!
32:21Selena died years ago!
32:25Selena looked at her calmly.
32:28Of course you'd prefer that.
32:30Because if I were alive,
32:33I 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,
32:53Selena read through them.
32:54When Leon and Vivian
32:56began their affair,
32:57when Vivian started
32:58carrying messages
32:59for 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, Vivian broke.
33:13She pointed at Leon.
33:14It was him!
33:15He said marrying Alea
33:17was only for the Valen family's
33:20influence and money!
33:23He said once
33:25the old High Marshal died,
33:26everything would belong to him!
33:28When Brian became suspicious,
33:30Leon told me
33:31to keep him under 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 Alea's dowry!
33:50The Royal Court fell silent,
33:52I stood there,
33:53and suddenly nothing
33:54hurt anymore.
33:55Perhaps pain becomes
33:56weightless once it
33:57reaches its limit.
33:58Realizing he was finished,
34:00Leon crawled towards me.
34:04Alea,
34:05please,
34:06save me.
34:09I 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.
34:53Your Majesty,
34:54I 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.
36:13Good.
36:15That sounds like my daughter.
36:18Snow fell heavily that night.
36:20Near midnight,
36:21an arrow suddenly shattered through the window
36:23and buried itself the bookshelf behind him.
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 through his shirt.
36:39I reached for the wound.
36:44Don't move.
36:46Footsteps 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 with several hired blades.
37:02His hair was disheveled.
37:04His eyes bloodshot.
37:05Nothing remained of the nobleman.
37:07Only the desperation of 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 has 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 I threw away.
37:35Kane stepped forward with 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.
37:41And that gave him the chance to stand beside me.
37:45With a roar,
37:46Leon charged.
37:48Steel clashed against steel.
37:50Sparks flew.
37:52I did not retreat.
37:54Instead,
37:54I seized the alarm rope hanging from the wall
37:57and pulled with all my strength.
37:59The bell thundered through all of Valenki.
38:01Guests, knights,
38:03royal silver guards,
38:04everyone woke.
38:05Torches flared throughout the castle,
38:06and every one of them saw 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.
38:26The corridor fell silent.
38:29He still thought he had a chance.
38:31I walked toward him and looked down.
38:33Leon,
38:33I'm pregnant.
38:35He froze.
38:36Completely.
38:37Kane's head snapped toward me.
38:39Shock,
38:40joy,
38:40and cautious hope.
38:44I nodded gently.
38:45The physician confirmed it this afternoon.
38:47Kane's eyes reddened.
38:49He said nothing,
38:50but the hand holding his sword trembled.
38:52Leon stared my stomach like a madman.
38:54Impossible.
38:55We tried for three years.
38:56I smiled,
38:57which proves the problem was never me.
38:59Why him?
39:00How could he do in one night
39:01what I couldn't do in three years?
39:03No!
39:03I leaned close
39:04and whispered into his ear.
39:05Because he treated me like a person.
39:07You treated me like a tool.
39:09Even heaven found you filthy.
39:10As 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 three days
39:19after the first snowfall.
39:21Before the end,
39:21Queen Isabella personally came to Valen 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 everything is healthy.
39:36His eyes brightened.
39:38The queen placed a silver wilt
39:40beside the bed.
39:41Whether the child is a boy or a girl,
39:43they shall inherit the 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 visitor
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,
40:23stealing marital property,
40:26defrauding the daughter
40:27of a high marshal.
40:29For these crimes,
40:30he was stripped of office
40:32and family honors,
40:33then exiled to Frosttown Mines
40:35for life.
40:38Never again would he return
40:40to 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 she had stolen
40:54were all seized
40:55to repay debts.
40:57The Ashford family
40:58lost most of its lands.
41:00Only a leaking old manor remained.
41:04When Lucy finished
41:05reading the reports aloud,
41:07she asked,
41:09Are you happy, madam?
41:11I looked at the silver candles
41:12burning before my father's memorial.
41:16Happy is too small a word.
41:19Then what is it?
41:22Satisfying.
41:24Months later,
41:25I gave birth to a daughter.
41:27Her cries rang through Valen Keep
41:29as though she intended
41:30to wake the entire castle.
41:33The queen personally gave her a name.
41:35Liana Valen,
41:37future Duchess of Valen.
41:39He looked down at 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 grabbed her finger.
41:59Selina smirked.
42:01Strong grip.
42:01I'll teach her the dagger one day.
42:03Too early.
42:04Kane said immediately.
42:06I glanced at him.
42:07Didn't you say you learn quickly?
42:09He considered for a moment,
42:11then answered seriously.
42:14Then I'll start by learning
42:15how to be a father
42:16who never disappoints his 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 many beautiful words.
42:25Kane rarely did.
42:26Instead,
42:26every time he approached me
42:27he first asked whether I wanted him there.
42:29Every time he stood beside me
42:30he first made sure I needed him.
42:32Every time he drew his sword,
42:34it was not to prove
42:35he was stronger than me.
42:37It was to make sure
42:38I could stand more firmly on my own.
42:41That was worth more than any vow.
42:44On Liana's one month celebration,
42:47the Queen hosted a grand banquet
42:49at Valen Keep.
42:51The Silver Lion Banner
42:52flew proudly across the walls once more.
42:55The nobles congratulated me.
42:57They called me Countess Valen.
43:00They called my daughter
43:01the future ruler of the frontier.
43:03I knew some of them still disapproved.
43:06They disliked seeing a woman
43:08preserve her house.
43:09They disliked seeing a baby girl
43:11inherit a title.
43:13They disliked seeing a frontier knight
43:15become the man of House Valen.
43:17But all they could do
43:19was smile.
43:21Leon had already tested
43:22what happened otherwise.
43:23Anyone who treated me like a weakness
43:25would be the first thing I broke.
43:31Near the end of the banquet,
43:32the Queen handed me a sealed message.
43:35The Northern Rebels have learned
43:36that the Violin heir has been born.
43:39They've already begun moving.
43:40I opened the letter.
43:42A single sentence was written inside.
43:44Kill the infant girl
43:45and the Valen Bannon will fall on its own.
43:47Kane's hand settled on his sword.
43:49Selina smiled, fearless as ever.
43:50I tossed the message into 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 in her cradle.
44:02Her tiny fist was clenched
44:03as if she already held her own destiny.
44:06I smiled.
44:09They've misunderstood one thing.
44:11And what is that?
44:12I lifted my eyes to the Silver Lion Banner
44:14flying outside the window.
44:16The Valen Banner was never carried
44:18by men alone.
44:19A winter gale swept across the castle walls.
44:21The Silver Lion Banner snapped proudly
44:24against the snow-filled sky.
44:26Once, I believed marriage
44:27was where a woman belonged.
44:28Then Leon taught me something else.
44:30When your home rots from the inside,
44:31you don't stay and die with it.
44:33You set it on fire yourself.
44:34Once, I believed that after my father was gone,
44:36I would be the only one left
44:37carrying Lad Valen on my shoulders.
44:39Later, I realized I still had my sister.
44:41I had my daughter.
44:42I had a man willing to stand beside me
44:44without trying to eclipse me.
44:46And most importantly,
44:47I had myself.
44:49I bent down and kissed Liana's forehead.
44:53Sleep well, my little Duchess.
44:55She shifted slightly in her sleep.
44:57I wrapped my fingers over her tiny hand
44:58and smiled at the storm beyond the window.
45:00A new war was already coming.
45:02This time, I would not fight
45:03to preserve my family for any man.
45:05I would fight for myself,
45:06for my daughter,
45:07for the name Valen.
45:08And this time,
45:08I would ride into the battle personally.
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