The grand carriage rolled to a stop before the towering gates of the imperial palace, its golden crest gleaming under the afternoon sun. The moment the door swung open, Leonard, like an ever-loyal knight, extended a steady hand to assist Vivian as she descended. She barely had time to adjust her footing before she was yanked forward into a firm, almost crushing embrace.
A familiar scent of sandalwood and crisp linen filled her senses. Strong, steady arms wrapped around her protectively, and the warmth of the embrace felt overwhelmingly familiar according to the memory she acquired. There was only one person who would dare to be so bold, who would so unceremoniously push aside a duke and cling to her as if the world itself might take her away at any moment.
"Oh, my beloved princess, you have suffered a lot."
The voice, rich and commanding, was unmistakable.
The emperor.
Vivian barely had time to react before she felt the gentle weight of his hand petting her back in a soothing motion, as though reassuring himself that she was truly there. His voice was tender, but his gaze—burning with barely contained fury—was locked onto the man standing just a few feet away.
Leonard stood stiffly, his usually impassive face betraying the slightest hint of unease. His icy black eyes flickered between Vivian and the emperor, his jaw clenched as though forcing himself to remain composed. But it was clear to everyone present that he was unwelcome.
Even though he did not really appreciate the emperor for his plans and had expected his kind of reaction from him, he still felt unease, he was not a fool who would want to paint a royal target on his back for the Emperor to shoot but he assured himself that everything is for a greater good.
The tension in the air was thick, the silent hostility palpable. Servants and nobles who had gathered near the palace steps instinctively stepped aside, well aware that they were witnessing a volatile moment.
Vivian, though overwhelmed, could not help but marvel at her uncle's appearance. She had seen glimpses of him through the memories of the original Vivian—the former owner of this body—but seeing him in person was another matter entirely.
He was impossibly handsome.
It was absurd.
The emperor, who was well into his forties, looked no older than a man in his late twenties. His chiseled features bore no signs of aging, and his rich golden hair, tied back in a regal style, was thick and untouched by gray. His golden eyes, identical to all royal family members, shone with sharp intelligence and unshaken authority.
He looked nothing like a man who had fathered three children, let alone someone who should have been a grandfather by now. It was unfair—almost criminal—that he possessed such ageless beauty. But then again, magic tended to slow aging, especially for those of noble and royal lineage.
Still, this was excessive.
Vivian couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
The entire imperial family, both on her maternal and paternal sides, were graced with breathtaking beauty. It was no wonder that the original novel had made them the villains. The author must have been jealous.
The emperor finally loosened his grip, holding Vivian at arm's length, his sharp eyes scanning her face with concern.
"Imperial Father, can you stop being dramatic? I'm fine. Just look at me."
Her voice was soft but reassuring, a warm smile curving her lips.
The emperor huffed, clearly displeased by her attempt to downplay the situation. He turned slightly, his sharp gaze once again landing on Leonard.
"I can see, and that is why I noticed that you have suffered. Have you not been eating well lately because of some bastard? Or is it that the imperial chef has not been doing a good job? Should I change him?"
His voice, though calm, carried a dangerous edge. The nobles and servants flinched.
Vivian sighed, shaking her head in exasperation.
"Imperial Father, you worry too much. You can ask Anna—I've been eating. It's because you're a worrywart that you think otherwise."
She reached out, patting his hand gently, just as the original Vivian would have done. Even though she was not the original owner of this body, the memories she had inherited told her one thing: the emperor had been more of a father to her than anyone else.
From childhood, he had adored her, spoiled her, and protected her like she was his own daughter. He had insisted she call him "Imperial Father," despite the fact that she was his niece. And now, his beloved daughter had returned, battered and humiliated.
His fury was justified.
Vivian knew the original story well enough. If not for his responsibilities as emperor, he would have stormed the Duke's estate the night he heard of Leonard's betrayal. His attendants and even the empress had to physically stop him from charging into Valerion Manor with an army.
And now, as he glared at Leonard, there was no doubt in anyone's mind that he still wanted to.
Leonard remained silent. He knew he had no right to speak. The emperor's rage was barely contained, and he was smart enough not to provoke him further.
"If I were not the emperor of this land, and he was not one of my most important subordinates, I would have destroyed his entire family. But unfortunately, I cannot."
His voice was low, yet it carried across the palace steps like a rolling thundercloud.
Vivian felt a flicker of pity for Leonard. Though she does not support what he had done to the original Vivian, she knows that the emperor's wrath was something no sane man wanted to endure.
Leonard was a powerful duke and one of the most influential figures in the empire. But even he was insignificant before the emperor's will.
The emperor took a step closer to Leonard, his golden eyes flashing.
"That does not mean your father will not take revenge for you."
Leonard finally met the emperor's gaze. For a brief moment, something passed between them—an unspoken understanding. Leonard had made a grave mistake, and now, he would pay the price.
Silence stretched between them.
Then, slowly, Leonard bent one knee and bowed deeply.
"Your Majesty." His voice was steady, but his hands clenched into fists. "I acknowledge my wrongdoings. And I will accept any punishment you see fit."
Gasps rippled through the crowd.
This was unprecedented.
The Duke of Valerion, known for his unshakable pride, was bowing before the emperor—before everyone.
Even Vivian was stunned.
The emperor narrowed his eyes, considering the man before him. Then, with a scoff, he turned back to Vivian, dismissing Leonard entirely.
"Come, my daughter. Let's process your divorce quickly so that you will come back and stay at the palace until your father comes back and we decide what to do with him."
Vivian hesitated for a brief moment before nodding.
There was nothing left for her in Valerion Manor. The original Vivian heart, once so foolishly devoted, should now be free.
And as she stepped past Leonard without a backward glance, she knew—
The end to the relationship between the villainess and the male lead is now officially about to come to an end.
Hopefully, she and her family don't get pulled back into the original novel mess considering how weird everything and everyone including the male lead has been since yesterday.