Even the Devil Regrets it - Chapter 44

After the ceremony ended, Juliana changed into a different gown for the reception.

This time, she wore an ivory dress embroidered with rich golden thread. Rubies were placed along the neckline, at the rounded cuffs, and throughout the layered, full skirt.

She also wore the red gemstone jewelry set that Braeden had gifted her during their engagement.

Before, she had only worn the necklace and ring. Today, she wore the entire set. Tiara, necklace, earrings, ring, and bracelet. Once everything was in place, her appearance was so radiant that it nearly sparkled.

“Your Grace looks so lovely in red too,” said Rosie with a bright smile.

She had been waiting eagerly for the moment she could be the first to address Juliana by her new title. Now that she had done it, she was delighted.

“Thank you for saying that,” Juliana replied with a soft smile, though she still felt a little awkward. The title was unfamiliar.

For the nobles, who were always looking for an excuse to celebrate, the wedding reception was the perfect occasion.

Since the temple could not host such an event, the second-largest hall in the Imperial Palace, the Hall of Radiance, had been opened for it. The celebrations there would continue for a full week.

When Juliana stepped into the hall, the large space fell briefly silent.

Everyone turned to look at her. Conversations stopped for a moment, and the pause made the silence feel even deeper.

“Was Lady Barnett always that striking?”
“She was always elegant and well-known for her beauty, but something about her feels different now.”
“She is the Grand Duchess now. It makes sense.”
“Just be careful what you say. Use her proper title unless you want to end up on the emperor’s bad side.”
“Please. She will be leaving for the cold North soon. It is not like we will ever see her again.”

The quiet disappeared just as quickly as it came. Gossip filled the air, hidden behind fluttering fans and polite smiles.

Juliana heard some of the comments, but she kept walking without a change in expression. None of it truly mattered.

At the highest point of the hall, where the emperor’s seat was placed, Braeden stood beside Emperor David.

Braeden turned toward Juliana as she entered. Even from a distance, she could feel the intensity in his gaze.

She made her way directly to him and stood before the emperor.

“I greet Your Majesty, glory of the Empire,” she said.

“Congratulations on your marriage. I also welcome you as a member of the imperial family,” said Emperor David.

“Thank you. I am honored by your welcome,” Juliana replied, bowing gracefully.

Her movements were composed and dignified. The emperor studied her briefly, his gaze thoughtful.

At that moment, Empress Pamela approached.

“Grand Duke, congratulations on your marriage. And to you as well, Grand Duchess.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” said Braeden.
“I am honored, Your Majesty,” said Juliana.

Pamela glanced at Braeden, let out a subtle sigh, then turned back to Juliana.

“Would you speak with me for a moment?” she asked.

“Of course, Your Majesty.”

Juliana lowered herself into a graceful curtsy to the emperor. She gave Braeden a brief glance and followed the empress.

Braeden’s eyebrows tensed as he watched her walk away.

“What is it? Worried the empress might bite your bride?” David said with a laugh, clearly amused.

Braeden felt a flash of irritation rise but forced himself to stay calm.

Pamela was not foolish. She would not dare to do anything reckless in such a public place.

When she had called Juliana, her voice had not carried anger or hostility. Still, Braeden had stationed people throughout the hall just in case. Even now, he kept his senses sharply focused in that direction.

“When do you plan to return to the North?” the emperor asked.

“As soon as the reception ends,” Braeden answered.

“How are things up there these days?”

“About the same as always.”

Braeden answered automatically. His attention was clearly not on the conversation. He was thinking only of Juliana.

Emperor David noticed and raised one eyebrow.

Meanwhile, seated in a quiet part of the hall, Empress Pamela could no longer hide the urgency in her expression.

Juliana, sensing her unease, looked at her and asked calmly, “Your Majesty, may I ask what it is you wish to speak about?”

“What is troubling you?” Juliana asked gently.

Empress Pamela bit her lip and hesitated, unable to speak right away because of her pride.

She still remembered what Juliana had said during the jousting event. At the time, Empress Pamela had called her over to intimidate her. But instead, Juliana had spoken with unexpected calm and had offered advice out of concern.

At first, Empress Pamela had found it annoying. She had not asked for sympathy or suggestions.
But over time, as the loneliness of palace life settled deeper into her bones, she could not forget those words.

The title of Empress looked grand on the outside, but without the Emperor’s affection, she was treated like an outcast within the palace.

Her family only cared about keeping her on the throne. They had no interest in how much she suffered.

That made her even more determined. She wanted to become a true Empress of the Empire, one respected by the people, praised for her actions.
If possible, she even wished to be loved more than the Emperor himself.

“There are not many people I can rely on in the palace,” Empress Pamela finally said. “That means it is difficult to move things forward.”

Juliana immediately understood her concern.
If Empress Pamela had to use her few remaining allies to handle charity projects, it would make her position in the palace even weaker.

“You do not need to rely only on your own people,” Juliana said. “You can ask the appropriate government office for support.”

“Do you really think that would work?” Empress Pamela frowned.
If the office took over the work, she feared that any recognition or praise would go to them instead of her.

“In that case, use your personal funds to start the project and request regular reports from the office.
Do not just glance at the reports and move on. Add clear conditions to ensure your ideas are reflected and oversee the work closely.”

Empress Pamela slowly nodded. Her family was wealthy, so funding the project was not the problem.

What concerned her more was what came after.
Up until now, her only responsibilities had been to appear at banquets and ceremonial events.
To take on a project like this, she would have to learn and stay involved.

That meant giving up her quiet and comfortable routine. It sounded exhausting, but strangely, Juliana’s words made perfect sense.

“And once the charity work begins to gain attention, Your Majesty should visit the sites in person,” Juliana continued.
“Not just once, but regularly. Be involved, show the people that you care. If you do that, what you hope for will come to you sooner than you expect.”

Empress Pamela gave a silent nod.
She sat on the throne, but in truth, she often felt more fragile than a flower locked away in a glasshouse.

She had been raised as a noble daughter too. Then what made Juliana so different?

Empress Pamela stared at her in silence.
She remembered how Juliana had not even flinched at a cut on her own hand.
She remembered the calm smile on her face as she served her a tea meant to soothe her nerves.

“I spent many years trying to earn the favor of people who disliked me,” Juliana said in a quiet voice.
“But no matter what I did, no matter how hard I tried, I came to realize that some things simply cannot be undone.”

What had she gone through?
Empress Pamela began to wonder if there was more to Juliana’s story than anyone could see.

She recalled how she had judged Juliana based only on appearances, how she had been blinded by jealousy and acted out of spite.
Now she felt ashamed of herself.

“About that time… I…”
Empress Pamela started to speak but froze when she noticed something.

Braeden was staring straight at them.

His eyes had not left them for some time, and their gazes suddenly locked.

Juliana, who had her back to him, remained unaware. She waited patiently for the empress to finish her sentence.

Empress Pamela had never apologized to anyone.
Raised to be empress, she had learned to carry herself with pride and strength. Apologies had no place in her world.

“It looks like the Grand Duke’s eyes are about to catch fire,” she muttered under her breath.

“Excuse me?” Juliana turned slightly in surprise.

She looked back and met Braeden’s eyes. He smiled at her as if nothing was wrong.

Empress Pamela gave a short sigh filled with frustration.

“You may leave now.”

Juliana could tell her mood had shifted. She gave a faint, knowing smile.

There was no helping it. When someone like Empress Pamela told her to go, refusing was not an option.

“Yes, Your Majesty. Then I will take my leave.”

Juliana bowed respectfully and turned to leave. But just as she did, Empress Pamela quickly spoke again.

“The Grand Duke has to come to the palace once a month for council meetings.
There is no rule that says the two of you cannot share the portal.
It would be nice if you came with him from time to time. I am not forcing you to come every month, but if you have time, stop by the empress’s quarters. Do you understand?”

Her tone sounded sharp, but the words themselves were far from harsh.

Juliana blinked and thought about what had just been said. Then she smiled warmly.

“Yes, Your Majesty. I will.”

As Juliana walked away, Empress Pamela turned her gaze toward Braeden and glared.

Her heart still reacted whenever she saw his face, but at least now she no longer let herself fall into meaningless fantasies.

She knew it was time to stop dreaming and begin living in reality.

“Fine then. Eat well and live well.”

The words came out in a mix of bitterness and sincerity, and she turned away without looking back.

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