The Empress Who Returned in Time: Kidnapping and Marriage

Chapter 11

After returning to her timeline, Eliano kept her ears open to the happenings of high society. It wasn’t long before she learned of the Crown Prince’s harsh criticisms of her. But she didn’t let it bother her.

It stung, but it was the truth.

Even she had to admit she was very immature back then.

Above all, the Crown Prince meant nothing to her.

The Crown Prince, Heraith Bianteca, was the Empire’s sole heir and the beloved youngest son of Emperor Leopold, who doted on him immensely.

Despite his long reign, Emperor Leopold had no luck with children.

All his other heirs had perished—on the battlefield, from illness, or through other misfortunes.

Thus, Heraith’s birth had been a source of immense joy for the Empire.

The Emperor showered affection on this one remaining direct descendant, born late in his life.

However, seven years ago, Heraith had been taken hostage while acting as an envoy to Zakador and was presumed dead.

The news of his death devastated the aging Emperor, especially since he was unable to recover his son’s body.

In his grief, the Emperor even refused food and water.

Losing his only heir, Bianteca declared war on Zakador, leading to a protracted and bloody conflict between the great powers.

This conflict, lasting three years, came to be known as the “Three Years’ War.”

Amid the war, Emperor Leopold, overcome with sorrow, worked with the Rosana Ducal family to find another successor.

Eventually, the Duke of Rosana discovered the Emperor’s illegitimate child.

Before this new successor could be officially installed, however, Heraith miraculously returned—alive and victorious.

He returned not only as a “war hero” but also as the one who ended the war with Zakador in a decisive victory.

The Emperor and citizens of Bianteca, wearied by the years of conflict, immediately rallied behind him.

Furthermore, he returned with the rescue of his relatives held hostage in Zakador, making his return even more glorious.

“Humph,” Eliano scoffed, recalling Heraith’s bright and composed face.

He had deliberately left her standing uncomfortably for an extended time during their earlier encounter.

He must really dislike me.

It’s not just about seeing me as pathetic.

Eliano had always been aware of the dislike and disrespect Heraith directed toward her. But she hadn’t realized he would go so far as to act so pettily.

For him to treat her like this, even forgetting her association with the powerful Rosana family, it must be more than mild dislike.

Well, he has his reasons.

After all, I’m the daughter of the man who created his rival.

Heraith had eventually ousted his half-sibling from the palace, but even now, that sibling’s existence likely lingered in his mind like a splinter.

In the past, her father had manipulated that very splinter to undermine and threaten Heraith.

In her previous life, Heraith had suffered and ultimately perished under her father’s schemes.

If his current attitude toward me is any indicator, Father must already be stirring things up.

Though Heraith couldn’t directly confront her father, he seemed comfortable throwing his frustrations on Eliano, a powerless figure.

His methods—refusing to acknowledge her greetings—felt childishly petty.

For someone destined to be the Emperor’s heir, such behavior was unbecoming.

No wonder he never became Emperor in my past life.

As Eliano was lost in thought, someone called out to her.

“Lady Rosana.”

The deep voice pulled her attention, and she turned to see a striking figure.

The first thing she noticed was the sheer physical presence of the man.

His broad shoulders and towering frame gave off an intimidating aura.

To meet his gaze, Eliano had to tilt her head back.

Flint Howard…

The man’s chiseled, bold features were strikingly handsome.

His strong jawline seemed sharp enough to cut, and his firmly set lips appeared both stubborn and alluring.Most captivating were his dark and ash-toned eyes, a mesmerizing blend that made him impossible to ignore.

His appearance brought a rush of memories.

“There’s no need for formalities. Let this make up for the Crown Prince’s petty antics,” Flint said bluntly, his manner as direct as ever.

Eliano couldn’t help but smile at his straightforwardness.

“That’s not why you called me over, is it? Oh!”

Flint extended his hand.

Resting on his large palm was a delicate butterfly-shaped hairpin.

Despite its intricate craftsmanship, one of the antennae was broken.

The damage likely occurred while Flint carried it to her.

Eliano stifled a laugh.

The stern and imposing man looked slightly awkward, holding the fragile pin.

“Forgive me. I apologize on behalf of a gentleman’s clumsiness,” Flint said.

“It’s fine. Your kindness has erased any annoyance I felt earlier,” Eliano replied gracefully.

Their exchange would have infuriated the Crown Prince, had he overheard it.

Eliano didn’t retrieve the pin, leaving it in Flint’s hand.

Curious, he remained still, waiting for her to act. Instead, Eliano spoke with a playful tone.

“I expected you to dismiss this as an old-fashioned trick.”

“I don’t believe it was intentional,” Flint replied.

His unwavering honesty brought a faint smile to Eliano’s lips.

In truth, the “dropped object” tactic was a common ploy used by young women to attract attention.

Many had tried it with Flint Howard before, leaving their jewelry and accessories in his path.

But Flint, no stranger to such antics, now easily recognized genuine accidents.

“However, the ‘little sun’ of the Empire may not see it that way,” Eliano teased, implying that Heraith would likely misinterpret the situation as intentional.

Flint’s response was calm and resolute.

“That doesn’t matter.”

Eliano was briefly taken aback.

Her memories drifted to their encounter in her past life.

“That doesn’t matter. Forget Damien Rosana and focus on your own future.”

At the time, she had dismissed his words as tiresome, but now she recognized the sincerity in his voice back then.

And now, in the present, his tone was just as unwavering.

“I don’t see it that way,” Flint said, holding the pin out to her once more.

Instead of taking it, Eliano made a shy, almost coquettish expression.

“Let’s not cling to embarrassing memories. I’d rather not receive it back. Instead, grant me your wisdom and help,” she said cryptically.

Flint’s usually steady gaze flickered slightly as he blinked, processing her words.

It was clear he wasn’t accustomed to the veiled language of the aristocracy.

“I hope you won’t send it to my home, Your Grace,” Eliano continued. “If you refuse my request, I’ll deny it’s mine and cause you trouble instead.”

Flint was visibly confused but eventually nodded.

“A gentleman must honor a lady’s request. Very well.”

Eliano turned away, concealing her amusement.

Flint might not have fully understood her, but Heraith would.

That was all that mattered.

—

“Flint, did you return Eliano Rosana’s butterfly pin? Oh, no! You fell for such an old trick?” Heraith scoffed.

“She didn’t drop it on purpose,” Flint replied firmly.

Heraith smirked. “Oh, Flint, don’t be naive. It’s a classic move. Ladies leave their pins barely secured, waiting for the perfect moment to ‘accidentally’ drop them…”

Flint sighed. “It wasn’t like that, Heraith.”

“You noticed her hairpin? Since when do you care about a lady’s accessories?”

“You were standing right there too.”

Heraith shrugged. “I don’t bother looking at such things. But why are you still holding the pin? Don’t tell me… you’ve taken an interest in Eliano Rosana?”

Flint frowned. “Who I choose to marry is none of your concern, Your Highness. Stay out of my personal matters.”

Though Flint had acted with nothing but simplicity and fairness, Heraith seemed determined to dramatize the situation.

“Flint, everyone in the social circles desires Eliano Rosana. But no matter how desperate you are for a wife, it cannot be her,” Heraith declared dramatically.

Watching her leave, the Crown Prince let out a sigh, realizing he had underestimated her.