One Day, My Fiancé Brought His First Love Along - Chapter 64

“If Santinu shares Your Majesty’s vision, then I will do everything in my power to make that future a reality.”

“Sir Carlisle…”

Edys’s voice carried a trace of surprise and quiet emotion, but Carlisle’s steady tone soon overrode it with firm resolve.

“If anyone dares to disrupt the peace Your Majesty seeks, I will stop them. What I want is also the Empire’s peace. Your will is my will. Please continue down the path you believe in.”

His low, composed voice faded into silence. A deeper stillness settled in the room.

Carlisle’s lips, as always, remained in a firm line. Edys gazed at him, eyes full of admiration and heartfelt gratitude.

But Aileen…

She felt as if a heavy stone had landed on her chest.

She had known him for so long, but she had never seen this side of Carlisle before.

His tone was calm, almost casual—but Aileen could still sense the quiet strength and unwavering determination beneath it.

Was Carlisle always someone with such deep loyalty to the Emperor? This was the first she’d seen it.

The Carlisle she knew had always been coldly indifferent—to everything. And truthfully, she’d believed even the Emperor held little meaning to him.

So what changed? Was it Judith?

Was he so desperate now to protect her—knowing Marquess Hessiden might soon face Edys’s wrath—that he was willing to stake everything on this loyalty?

Otherwise, why would he, of all people, pledge such devotion?

If that weren’t the case, then Edys wouldn’t have opened up so freely to someone who might become his enemy.

With that, everything started to fall into place. Aileen finally understood the strange atmosphere surrounding all of this.

“Sir Carlisle… I never knew you thought so highly of me.”

“It’s my duty as a knight.”

“You can call it duty, but I’ve seen the truth behind it. Forgive me for being too slow to realize how loyal your heart truly is.”

Carlisle didn’t answer. He simply lowered his gaze.

“And what about you, Dame Aileen?”

“I will follow Your Majesty’s will as well.”

Having understood Edys’s intention completely, Aileen replied without hesitation. Naturally, the Emperor was pleased.

“Good. Not even Duke Revart knows what I’ve just told you. I’m revealing it to you first, so I ask that you take care and place your trust in me.”

Not even her own father knew? Aileen, surprised, asked carefully.

“Should I keep this from my father, then?”

“So far, it’s just been my own thoughts. Honestly, I didn’t plan on saying so much today—it just happened. I’ll tell the Duke soon myself, but until then, act as if you know nothing.”

“Understood.”

“Good. Now that we’ve finished all the serious talk, let me give you your real gift.”

The Emperor retrieved the jewelry boxes he had taken back earlier, now with something new inside, and handed them back to Aileen and Carlisle.

“Open them.”

Inside was a brooch—set with a clear, radiant golden gem that symbolized the Imperial family.

“The match hasn’t been decided yet, so this is a token to celebrate both of you reaching the final. You’ve received the same brooch. If you ever join the Order as distinguished knights, wear it on your uniform. It’s a badge of honor.”

“Like a medal, Your Majesty?”

“Exactly.”

“So, officially, today’s meeting was about receiving this brooch.”

“As expected, Dame Aileen sees right through me. Today was about honoring the two of you for bringing glory to the very first Imperial Swordsmanship Tournament. Since it’s an unofficial occasion, I invited you in private.”

Edys gave a warm smile, and Aileen nodded.

In other words, if anyone asked, they were to say this was a quiet “congratulatory ceremony.” That was the cover for receiving their true mission.

“Well then, the surprise ceremony ends here. Thank you for waiting. You may go now.”

The Emperor cheerfully waved his hands in the air.

“Don’t you think this was all a little too sudden?”

“I simply know when and where to act. A wise emperor, don’t you think?”

His lighthearted answer made Aileen let out a faint laugh.

Carlisle had already stood and gave a silent nod as a bow.

“Come on now, time to leave. Dame Aileen must be busy too.”

“…Understood. Then, we’ll take our leave.”

Aileen offered a reluctant farewell, then followed behind Carlisle as they exited.

The two of them walked together toward the training grounds in complete silence. Not even a word passed between them. Aileen was deep in thought, turning over everything the Emperor had said.

Carlisle, however, noticed right away that her mind was elsewhere.

He, on the other hand, was completely focused on her. And yet, she no longer even acknowledged his presence.

Still, just being able to walk beside her—just the two of them—was enough to make his heart pound.

In truth, it had started earlier, when they had first waited for Edys alone. He had focused on nothing but her—her voice, her face, her smallest movements.

He had wanted to speak to her. To see her face. But he couldn’t find a good excuse.

And when Edys suddenly told Aileen to help him with the necklace, he’d been so startled—afraid she might touch him—that he refused on reflex.

And immediately regretted it.

He knew she’d misunderstand. That she’d be hurt, that she’d grow even more distant.

He understood Edys’s intent right away. But even so… if her hand brushed his by accident—

To her, he was already little more than a stranger. The fire of anger had long burned out, leaving only cold ash.

To a stranger, even a passing touch meant nothing. It could happen without thought, without care.

If only she had shown some discomfort at the idea of touching him. If she had recoiled, he might’ve felt at ease.

But she didn’t.

Because to her, Carlisle was already invisible.

Carlisle looked at Aileen, his heart pounding so fiercely it felt like he might lose control of it altogether.

Just moments ago, her face had been clouded with confusion. But now, much of that had faded.

He found the courage to speak.
He knew it was probably best to leave things in silence—but he couldn’t let it end like this.

Choosing his words carefully, he pieced together the most neutral and professional sentence he could.
Something he could say as her superior… and as her rival.

“What are your plans for the next three days?”

His low voice broke the silence, brushing softly against her ear like a whisper.

Aileen hadn’t expected him to speak. After a short pause, she replied.

“I think it would be best if I trained alone.”

She kept her eyes fixed straight ahead, continuing to walk.
Though she could feel Carlisle’s gaze coming from above and slightly to the side, she didn’t look at him—just stared firmly forward.

“Why?”

“Because we’re competitors.”

Her curt reply carried a chill.
It was subtle, but clear—a quiet refusal, telling him not to pursue the conversation any further.

And Carlisle didn’t.

“…Very well. I’ll inform the captain of the Khan Order.”

“No need. I’ll speak to him. If I tell him it was permitted by His Majesty, he’ll understand.”

The truth was, word of today’s private meeting had likely already spread.

He had only wanted to help.
But now, even something as simple as helping wasn’t easy.

Carlisle could only accept it.

“All right.”

That single word was the last thing they exchanged before they walked on in silence—then finally, down separate paths.

Word quickly spread that the Emperor had summoned the two finalists for a private reward.

Ashite had congratulated her, though with a slightly somber expression. Still, everyone in House Revart beamed with pride when they saw the brooch Aileen wore.

The knights of Khan also celebrated with great enthusiasm, loudly declaring that she was the pride of their Order and offering over-the-top congratulations.

Around the time of the semifinals, Caylus returned from his assignment. He seemed to hesitate for a moment, but in the end, he granted Aileen permission to train alone.

She was excused from all Khan Order duties, including her joint training with Carlisle.

Thanks to that, Aileen was finally able to return to the private training ground at her family estate.

“Lady Aileen! I swear I’ll get a ticket to the finals and be there to cheer you on!”

“Me too! I missed the semifinals because I couldn’t get one, but this time I won’t fail!”

“I’m so proud of you, my lady!”

The knights of House Revart, who were staying in the capital with her, never failed to shout words of support whenever they saw her heading to the training ground.

“Thank you, all of you. I’ll give it my best!”

Aileen truly wanted to win this tournament.

When the knights of her household cheered so passionately for her—
When her fellow knights looked proud—
When her family smiled with joy—

It made her want the victory even more.

And she wanted to prove something.

That she loved the sword deeply.
That the sword, too, had chosen her.
That she, as the daughter of a noble house, was more than worthy of standing among the knights who protected the Empire.

There were no women in the Imperial Order of Knights.
Very few noblewomen ever even tried to become knights, and for commoners, it was nearly impossible.

Even passing the entrance trials was a challenge.
And most common-born women lacked access to formal training, making it even harder to overcome the physical limitations compared to men.

As for noblewomen—even if they dreamed of becoming knights—they were expected to marry, run the household, and live peacefully.
Most were encouraged to quietly let go of those dreams.

That’s why Aileen wanted to become a symbol of hope.
She wanted to be recognized.
She wanted to prove herself.

Of course, being the runner-up was already an impressive feat.
But to be called the best knight in the Empire—wasn’t that something anyone would dream of?

She thought of Carlisle.

Just a few months ago, he was someone she couldn’t defeat—not even once.

She had admired him, looked up to him, and, at times… envied him.

He was the one who had broken off their sparring matches to secretly whisper love to Judith.
Had he grown even stronger since then? Or had he stayed the same?

One thing was certain—he hadn’t regressed.

Even during casual demonstrations in training, it was clear from his clean execution of every move.

Aileen knew: to win, she had to give it everything she had.

And for the next three days, that’s exactly what she did.

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