Kenneth Emmeline, the only son of the respected House Emmeline, became Duke at a young age after the previous Duke died from an illness. His uncle managed the Sorath Duchy until Kenneth was old enough to take over.
When he came of age, Kenneth assumed his role confidently, having been well-prepared since childhood. His early success as a young Duke made him a popular figure in the social circles of the Magnolia Empire, earning him admiration from many.
With his noble status, good looks, and great wealth, Kenneth quickly became the most eligible bachelor in the Empire. Noble ladies competed for his attention, sending him love letters, dance invitations, and romantic gestures.
However, Kenneth politely declined them all, which surprisingly only increased his popularity. He is one of two unmarried Dukes among the three Imperial Dukes, known for his good reputation and scandal-free life.
Kenneth was recognized for his discipline and commitment to his duties as Duke. Unlike many nobles, he avoided excess and questionable behavior, earning respect from his peers.
But a year after taking on the title, Kenneth shocked high society by bringing a newborn baby to the Emmeline estate. He announced that the baby was his daughter and added her to the Emmeline family registry, causing quite a stir among the nobles.
This news broke the hearts of many noblewomen, as Kenneth, known for his virtuous character, revealed he had fathered a child out of wedlock. Rumors spread quickly, especially since no one knew the mother's identity.
To end the speculation, Kenneth held a grand banquet to introduce his daughter, Cecillia Emmeline, who was already a year old. He explained that he had secretly married a noblewoman from a rural village during one of his inspections, but sadly, she had died shortly after giving birth due to her poor health.
Society was thrown into chaos. Many noblewomen and their families criticized Kenneth's choice, claiming his late wife's humble background had tarnished the House Emmeline family's reputation.
Despite the backlash, Kenneth remained firm, ignoring their harsh comments. He dedicated himself to raising Cecillia as a single father, embracing the challenges of parenthood at just 20 years old.
To ensure Cecillia received a good upbringing, Kenneth decided to send her to live with the Gwendolyn family when she turned five. At that time, Kenneth, the deputy general of the main imperial army, was focused on the southern forest border because the Mongol tribe had suddenly attacked the Kaldar Gate, which was guarded by Duke Rihan in his dukedom.
The Gwendolyns had a daughter named Eleanor, who was the same age as Cecillia. Despite their different personalities—Eleanor being quiet and introspective, while Cecillia was lively and outgoing—the two girls quickly became close friends. Their unique but strong bond became well-known in social circles.
***
A quiet knock interrupted her rest.
The dark oak door opened, and Tina, her maid, stepped inside, followed by the butler who bowed before moving aside to reveal the three visitors behind him.
Eleanor, still reclined on the chaise, lazily shifted her gaze toward the doorway.
As expected, her parents entered first, Marquess and Marchioness Gwendolyn, the ever-elegant couple, their hands linked as if the world outside did not exist. Yet, today, their usual serene grace was marred by a certain tension, their smiles too practiced, their movements too careful.
Then she saw why.
Emerging from behind them was none other than Duke Kenneth Emmeline.
Even standing in the dimly lit room, his presence was unmistakable.
The deep-lemon hue of his wolf-cut hair framed his face with effortless precision, his bangs nearly grazing the violet eyes that seemed to pierce through anything in their path. His chiseled jawline, his firm lips, everything about him exuded an authority that few would dare challenge.
He stepped forward with measured ease, clad in an impeccably tailored noble vest suit, his posture commanding attention without effort. He was, in every sense, a man who belonged in power.
Eleanor had read descriptions of him in the novel, but seeing him in person was something else entirely.
She found herself staring, momentarily caught off guard.
Not in intimidation. Not in fear.
But in genuine admiration.
Wow...
His features, his presence.
It was undeniably her type.
And those eyes, those deep violet eyes that seemed to pull her in. They were sharp, unreadable, and yet strangely captivating.
She couldn't look away.
She had always liked intense-looking men, and Duke Kenneth Emmeline—despite being Cecillia's father—was exactly her type!
For a brief moment, the air between them was still.
Duke Kenneth, who had intended to make his visit brief, was met with an unexpected sight.
Lady Gwendolyn, pale and weakened from her injury, sat before him, her ginger hair disheveled beneath the thick bandages that wrapped around her head. She looked frail, too frail. No wonder the Marquess and Marchioness had so fiercely refused visitors.
But then there was her expression.
She was staring at him. Directly.
For years, she had avoided him, her gaze darting away whenever they crossed paths. He still remembered when they were still little kids, Cecillia had once asked if Lady Gwendolyn feared him, and the girl had answered, "Yes, I don't like his eyes."
Yet now, she looked at him without hesitation, as if entranced.
His brow arched slightly.
"... It seems your head was struck harder than I thought, Lady Gwendolyn."
Ah.
Eleanor blinked at the unexpected statement before letting out a soft, awkward laugh. Inside, she cursed herself for being so stunned; she couldn't deny that his handsome face was very much her type!
Kenneth's gaze lingered a moment longer before shifting to the Marquess and Marchioness.
"How has her condition been?" His voice was deep, even, carrying the authority of his title without arrogance.
"She's recovering well, but we're taking precautions," Marquess responded smoothly. "She still needs rest."
As Eleanor listened to their conversation, she forced herself to look away, pretending to be the fragile, exhausted noblewoman she was expected to be. She had to tread carefully.
The real Eleanor had always shied away from direct eye contact; she couldn't risk meeting his captivating purple gaze so openly as she had before!
Duke Kenneth noticed her reaction and let out a soft sigh before making a subtle gesture to his young butler, who was trailing behind him. The butler, with a slight bow toward Eleanor, carefully retrieved a medium-sized box and placed it on the table beside the Duke.
"A gift," he said simply. "For disturbing your rest."
At Eleanor's signal, Tina brought the box to her and opened it, revealing twelve beautiful, colorful macarons inside.
Tina, ever the eager maid, stared at the sweets with delight, but Eleanor, after a brief glance at the selection, reached for only the lemon-colored macarons.
She picked out the lemon-flavored ones and set them aside for herself.
There were no purple macarons, so this would have to do.
As for the rest?
"Tina," Eleanor said, closing the box. "Share these with the maids. They've been working hard this week."
The young maids, upon hearing this, lit up with excitement.
Her small act of kindness was warmly received.
And as Duke Kenneth watched her distribute the sweets, a flicker of something passed through his violet eyes.
Amusement? Or perhaps… curiosity.
But he said nothing.
And just like that, he left.
"Rest well, Lady Gwendolyn."
With that, he turned and left without hesitation, followed by Eleanor's parents, who whispered that they would join her for dinner later, once they had finished handling this matter.
As the door shut behind them, Eleanor absentmindedly nibbled on the lemon macaron, her mind still lingering on the unexpected encounter.
Eleanor, lying back down on her bed, stared at the ceiling. She licked the crumbs off her lips thoughtfully.
Violet eyes, hmm.