Chapter 2. Morning Stroll

At an hour when all were fast asleep.

Even in the depths of the darkened dawn, Alexis’s chambers remained brightly lit.

After a while, the man who seemed to be sleeping like the dead let out an irritated sigh.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

“Haa…”

Tossing and turning, he finally pushed himself up, the loose folds of his robe slipping slightly to reveal the sharp contours of his well-defined muscles.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Running a hand over his face, he exhaled again.

Sleep refused to come.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

Eventually, after struggling against the restlessness, Alexis gave up and rose to his feet.

A cigar.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

That was what suddenly came to mind.

As he moved to stand by the window, the summer moon hung bright and brilliant in the sky.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

With the moonlight as his only companion, Alexis placed a cigar between his lips.

Yet, even as he held it there, he didn’t light it—his eyes slowly closing instead.

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

The moon’s glow traced along the elegant curve of his jaw, the straight bridge of his nose, and the platinum strands of hair falling over his forehead.

When his eyes finally fluttered open, they gleamed—a deep, crimson fire against the pale light.

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

A moment later, with a sharp flick, a spark ignited.

The flame licked at the cigar, burning it to life.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

“Haa…”

A thin veil of smoke slipped past his crimson lips, curling lazily through the air before dissipating into the dimly lit room.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

It had been a long time since he’d last slept properly.

The price of victory.

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

The very war that had secured his triumph was now steadily unraveling his life.

If the medals on his chest were proof of anything, it was that war had left wounds on him far deeper than what the eye could see.

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

Yet, the outside world knew nothing of this destruction.

Instead, they worshiped his achievements and feared him in equal measure.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

Every morning, fresh articles heralded his name. No matter where he went, every action was put on display, scrutinized by a watchful empire.

The war hero. The lone family of the Empress.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

These hollow titles defined his existence, leaving no room for anything else.

Whether he wanted it or not, the life of Alexis Václav, the empire’s glory, had already been written for him.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Expressionless, he watched the hazy smoke drift through his vision.

At some point, the cigar between his fingers had burned down to its last embers, yet his mind only grew sharper.

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

If only he could vanish—just like that smoke.

Grinding the remnants into the ashtray, Alexis turned toward the drawer beside his bed.

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

His fingers found what he sought—a bottle of sleeping pills.

He tossed a few into his mouth without hesitation, swallowing them dry.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

The bitter taste scraped down his throat, leaving behind an unpleasant trace.

His aide had warned him time and time again to cut back on the medication.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

But what choice did he have?

Without them, he simply couldn’t sleep.

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

His lips curled into a bitter smirk as he muttered to no one in particular, his tone laced with cold disdain.

“I’m sick of this.”

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

Every night, the same relentless dreams.

The sight of his closest friend, Maximus, growing cold before his very eyes.

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

The darkness swallowing him, dragging him deeper and deeper.

And just when he was certain he would be buried in that darkness forever—he had been saved.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

A blinding light had torn through his vision, stabbing into his retinas like a cruel reminder of life.

And in that moment, when even the smallest flicker of light became unbearable—

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

A woman had shielded his eyes.

Then, as if it were a memory rather than a dream, their voices would follow.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

‘It’s only temporary, so don’t be afraid. You’ve just been in the dark for too long—your eyes aren’t used to the light. But soon, you’ll be able to see again.’

A voice. Unfamiliar, yet strangely familiar.

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

‘Get the hell away from me.’

‘I’m afraid that’s not an option. If you despise me so much, then get better. Once you’re fully healed, you’ll never have to see me again.’

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

Yet no matter how hard he tried, the moment he woke from the dream, he could never recall her name or face.

The woman—perhaps a mere figment of his imagination—had pulled him up from the depths of oblivion.

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

A fall, and then a rise.

Alexis had been teetering between life and death for as long as he could remember.

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

Living—not because he wanted to, but simply because he hadn’t died yet.

* * *

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

Waking earlier than usual, Grace decided to step out—partly to explore the streets and partly to visit the morning market.

Unlike Helio, where the sun rose late, Ecklen was already basked in daylight.

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Shielding herself from the warm rays with a wide-brimmed hat, Grace walked lightly across the streets.

The city in the morning exuded an entirely different charm than it had at night.

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

Sunlight trickled through the lush green trees lining the roads, shimmering like scattered gold. Well-tended flowers adorned the walkways, adding a touch of warmth to the scenery.

Some shops were still closed, while others had only just begun opening their doors.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

Grace carefully studied the map she had received earlier, double-checking the market’s location.

‘I was told it’s past the Central Cathedral.’

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

The layout of Ecklen was unique.

No matter where one wished to go, they had to pass through the Central Cathedral.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

A deliberate design—one that reinforced the cathedral’s power and authority.

It was a silent testament that Ecleon was a nation founded under divine will.

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

And as further proof, the imperial palace stood directly behind the cathedral.

A symbolic arrangement, declaring that God Himself watched over the imperial family.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

As she stepped into the cathedral square, the once-quiet streets became bustling with activity.

Then, a soft, melodious hymn reached her ears.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

‘Ah, there must have been a dawn service.’

A flood of people now spilled into the square, leaving the cathedral after their morning prayers.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

Grace maneuvered around the crowd, making her way toward the market—

When a sudden shout rang through the air.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

“Wow! It’s the Devil Duke!”

The voice startled her, and she instinctively turned toward the source of the commotion.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

A gathering of people had formed in one spot, their whispers and murmurs growing louder.

And through the shifting crowd, her eyes landed on a face she recognized.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“…That man…”

* * *

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

“Wow! It’s the Devil Duke!”

At the innocent outburst of a child, the entire square fell into a heavy silence.

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

The child’s mother reacted too late, hastily covering her child’s mouth, but there was no undoing the tension that had settled over the crowd.

Alexis, who had just finished mass and was about to board his carriage, turned his gaze toward the child, his displeasure evident.

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

“What did you just say?”

“I-I’m so sorry! My child is too young to understand what he’s saying! P-Please forgive his rudeness, Your Grace!”

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

The mother frantically forced her child’s head down in apology. But Alexis’s mood remained sour.

All he had done was attend mass.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

And yet, this was how he was treated.

“He doesn’t know what he’s saying, does he?”

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Y-Yes! That’s right! I-I promise to discipline him properly from now on, s-so please, don’t be angry—hngh!”

The mother’s voice faltered as Alexis stepped forward, closing the distance between himself and the child.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

Bending slightly, he locked eyes with the small boy.

“Look up.”

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

At his cold command, the boy—freed from his mother’s grip—looked up at him, his tiny face filled with fear.

Any other man might have softened at such a pitiful sight.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

But there was not a trace of warmth on Alexis’s face.

He asked, his voice as sharp as steel.

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Do I look like a devil to you?”

“…I-I’m sorry…”

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

“That wasn’t my question.”

The boy trembled, shoulders shaking. After a long moment, he murmured in a voice so small it was barely audible.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

“…Y-Your eyes… they’re r-red, like the barbarians’…”

Alexis smirked, his gaze darkening.

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“If that’s the case, then you’ve just picked a fight with a devil.”

“……”

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

“Aren’t you afraid of the consequences?”

The blatant threat made the boy’s shoulders jolt violently.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

And then—

“Waaah! Hic, hic, uwaaah!”

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

Unable to bear the pressure any longer, the child burst into loud sobs.

His mother didn’t even know whether to comfort him or continue gauging Alexis’s expression.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

The bystanders were no different. The tension in the air was palpable, and soon, disapproving gazes turned toward Alexis himself.

First, they praised him as a hero for wiping out the barbarians.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

Now, they whispered about his so-called “demonic” transformation.

All because his once-blue eyes had turned blood-red.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

Alexis had always known they called him the “Devil Duke” behind his back.

He understood why they feared him—his sudden change, his unnatural eyes.

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

But to hear those words from a child’s lips…

It was enough to sour his already short temper.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

“Tch.”

He clicked his tongue in irritation.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Every day, newspapers ran both glowing and damning articles about him. Lately, the latter had far outweighed the former.

With his back turned to the crying child, Alexis strode toward his carriage. Only then did the mother pull her son into her arms, attempting to soothe him.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

As he climbed into the carriage, his aide, Glenn, followed, speaking in a cautious tone.

“Are you alright, Your Grace?”

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Alexis, unbothered, responded flatly.

“Should I not be?”

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

“…I’m just concerned this might cause unnecessary misunderstandings.”

“What, that some scandalous article about the ‘Devil Duke’ making a child cry will make headlines?”

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“…Shall I handle the press?”

“And give them an excuse to call it imperial censorship? No need to give them more ammunition.”

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

“But still…”

“Let it be. The public believes whatever they want to believe, no matter how much you explain.”

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

With that, Alexis dismissed the conversation, shifting his gaze toward the passing scenery outside.

And that was when he saw her.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

A woman standing in the middle of the square, staring directly at him.

His sharp eyes narrowed as he raised a hand, signaling for the carriage to stop.

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

It was clear—she hadn’t simply been passing by.

Her gaze had been locked onto him, utterly transfixed.

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

As if she recognized him.

And yet, her expression was strangely blank—almost stunned.

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

‘How long has she been standing there, watching?’

 

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator