“Ethan” returned to his Duchy, holding a document sealed with the Emperor’s crest. That small piece of paper carried within it the salvation of two young women and the beginning of a new story for his life. He had already settled all procedures with the Emperor before approaching the court, ensuring that no obstacles could derail his decision. The matter proceeded smoothly in court, despite the murmurs of objection from some nobles who considered the Duke’s marriage to a girl from a traitorous family an insult to his station.

Yet, no one dared to openly raise their voice in opposition. They knew well that the Emperor’s decree was beyond debate, and the Duke would not have taken this step without having secured the absolute trust of the ruler. They whispered in their gatherings that Duke “Ethan” was not only a noble man, but also shrewd, having used political cunning to prevent anyone from standing against him.

In his study, “Ethan” was staring at the contract while his personal aide, “Loren,” stood nearby, smiling with pride.

“My Lord Duke,” Loren said, “this was a miracle. No one can imagine how you managed to persuade the Emperor to accept this contract. You have saved the two young women and proven your justice and honor.”

“Ethan” sighed heavily, lifting his gaze from the document.

“Not everything that appears honorable is so, Loren,” “Ethan” said in a low voice. “I lied to the Emperor.”

Loren’s eyes widened in surprise.

“A white lie, My Lord, a lie to protect the innocent—that is the very definition of righteousness!”

“But it comes at a heavy price,” Ethan said, gripping the document tightly. “I have placed this contract like a collar around my neck. The Emperor agreed, but he bound her fate to the fate of our marriage. I can never divorce her, Loren. Any divorce means the revocation of my protection, and consequently, the execution of her sentence. She is saved, but I am the one placed in a prison from which there is no escape.”

Loren looked at the Duke in silence, reflecting to himself that this marriage, which seemed like a duty, might ultimately hold a glimmer of hope for his master’s happiness. He, who had thought the Duke would never marry, believed that time would reveal a new love between them, oblivious to the reality of Ethan’s feelings, which were still rooted in the past.

“Ethan” had placed a burden upon himself that no one could understand. This event marked the beginning of a journey in which he knew well he had fastened a collar around his neck, from which he would never be free.