The Empress Who Returned in Time: Kidnapping and Marriage

Episode 6

“Why are you saying such things? He is the Emperor of Zacador and my husband. Mind your words!”

“He’s a man who shamelessly spent nights with many women. It’s no wonder you refer to him as the Emperor first, rather than your husband.”

Flint struck a nerve.

Eliano’s hands, gripping the armrest, trembled violently.

Her eyes were red, and tears seemed ready to fall at any moment.

“Marcel is the Emperor. The men of Bianteca also do not remain devoted to just one woman, do they?”

“Bianteca’s Emperor does not take multiple wives. At the very least, the men of Bianteca know such behavior is disgraceful. But Zacador? It’s almost laughable. They officially allow multiple wives despite illegitimate children and outcasts.”

“Why are you saying such things to me, the Empress of Zacador?”

“I find Zacador’s culture revolting and disgusting. Don’t you, Your Majesty?”

Flint knew from the outset that Damian Rosana’s plan to bring Eliano back would likely fail.

Even within the inner circles, Doubt lingered.

Judging by her current attitude, the Empress Eliano and Damian Rosana were sworn enemies.

Despite this, Flint had no choice but to come to Zacador.

― Bring my sister back, and I will help bring my father down. I will expose the sins he has committed and hand over all evidence to you. I only wish for my sister’s return and peace in my family. If you do this, I will support Prince Herais.

The Rosana Duke was the most dangerous rival of Crown Prince Herais.
All of Herais’ hardships stemmed from him.

To take him down, Flint struck a deal with the Duke’s son.

― I cannot promise success, but I will try.

― She’ll want to return. How could my weak sister, with no child, endure such a position for life? Lia is naive and needs protection.

Flint’s initial goal had only been to make an effort, to show that he tried.

Yet here he was, attempting to persuade Eliano.

However, the moment she heard Damian Rosana’s name, the Empress lost all reason.

“If this is Damian Rosana’s idea, I absolutely cannot comply. What kind of deal have you made with him?”

“I will personally guarantee your safety.”

“I don’t trust promises. I have nothing to offer, so there is no deal.”

The Empress rejected the offer, her words brimming with the weight of her life experiences.

“I cannot find peace under Rosana’s control. Do you understand if I tell you that life in Bianteca was more dreadful than in Zacador?”

She had been a child trapped in a glass cage built by her father.

Even as an adult, the cage remained.
She had sought happiness within it, but it began to shatter from the inside.

In the end, she broke it herself.

Though she was bloodied by the shards, the freedom it brought was worth it.

She had escaped once.

She wouldn’t willingly walk back into that cage.

“I refuse to be used by the Rosana family any longer. Are you asking me to take their name again and become a pawn for the duke’s son? I’d rather bear the name of Zacador and live precariously than return to that life!”

Although it was clear the negotiation had failed, Flint persisted.

Their conversation dragged on, but as always, the one holding the decision-making power had the final word.

“…Allow me to offer you some advice. Trusting someone like Damian would be a mistake. It would be far more effective for you to erase the Rosana family entirely. Should a man who aspires to wear the emperor’s crown really fear such disgrace?”

“I have no desire for the emperor’s crown.”

Flint firmly denied the accusation and requested Eliano reconsider when she had a clearer mind.

Her current emotions were clouding her judgment.

“Please reflect on this with a clear head. I am not acting under Damian Rosana’s name but under Flint Howard’s. I will guarantee your peace. Don’t you wish to live the rest of your life in peace?”

Flint made a small motion to tell his subordinate to let the captured lady-in-waiting go.

“If you decide, come to the greenhouse of the Empress’ Palace three days from now, at this time. I will be waiting.”

“Don’t bother waiting. Farewell and safe travels on your path.”

Their gazes locked—her emerald eyes and his silver-gray ones.

Flint spoke with unmistakable resolve.

“I promise you peace.”

—

As soon as Flint left the Empress’ chambers, her lady-in-waiting fell to her knees, pleading.

“Please, make the choice for your own sake, Your Majesty. I will devote my life to aiding your return. I will follow you to my death.”

The lady-in-waiting’s loyalty was unwavering.

She would sacrifice everything to save her mistress.

However, Eliano, yearning for peace, despised Damian Rosana too deeply.

Her hatred outweighed her survival instinct.

Her twin had always turned away from her.

At times, he give her deep wounds and unbearable pain.

― Sister, support your husband and become Zacador’s Empress. Father will help you, and so will I. It’s the only way for you and your husband to survive.

Once, Eliano had believed Damian truly cared for her as a sibling.

She trusted him, poured her affection into their bond, and dedicated herself to the Rosana family’s cause.

She followed her father’s orders without question, even engaging in treasonous acts to aid her family.

But in her darkest moments, when she desperately reached out to Damian for salvation, his response shattered her completely.

His letter: “Have you gone mad? Divorce? Are you out of your mind? The moment you speak of divorce, we will cut all support for you. Don’t even think about it.”

That day, Eliano cried until her voice was hoarse.

She survived, holding on to her title as Empress, but at the cost of abandoning all trust and affection for her family.

So, when Flint Howard spoke of peace, she coldly rejected him.

“There was never peace in my life,” she had said, believing it to be a luxury forbidden to her.

Yet, his eyes lingered in her mind.

Those unwavering, genuine eyes.

They belonged to a man who would do anything to keep his promises.

“Could I… really live peacefully?”

Her instincts told her to take his hand.

But doubt crept in. “How can I trust that promises won’t be broken?”

Her fear of betrayal warred with her faint hope for freedom as she whispered, “Could this really be a blessing from the gods?”