Celeste noticed Adonis had a brief conversation with the Archduke following their talk at the garden as she waited at the horse’s stable where she could have a view of them. She could tell from afar that this stunning Archduke was certainly oblivious to the transcendent charm he possessed as she crossed her arms over her chest and feasted her eyes on him.

Staring at Adonis, who looked rather young from his actual age, he was considered attractive and a known ladies’ man… however, she could see the gap between these two men side by side. The Northern Lord had a face and body that was entirely on a different level!

Just the way he stood there, tall and dignified, and that usual firm and neutral expression of his, was enough for women to fall head over heels in love with the man so easily—without even lifting a finger.

She heard stories about this old Noble clan and tales of their heroic deeds from the past, particularly the part where the De Clarzus was supposed to have a long-time friendly relationship with the white witches… but, what just happened to the current generation was a big mystery. Now, leading the witch hunt for ten years after the fall of the previous emperor, Johannes, De Clarzus turned out to be one of their powerful enemies, giving them a hard time living among regular humans.

Though, Celeste had no problems with it previously, as she was residing in a small town away from the probing eyes of the new Emperor and Northern Archduke for years on end. Or so she thought. Regretfully, she was greatly mistaken on that part—trusting humans.

‘Am I really going to be okay being this close with a De Clazus noble?’ She contemplated to herself, seeking to find a justifiable advantage of her dismal situation. And could not brush away the thought that she might drop dead all of a sudden when being near him.

Her mind was in total disarray at the moment.

Such a mess, that she didn’t realize, Ezekiel was already within arm’s reach, just standing in front of her. She was caught deliberately staring at him! To her embarrassment, Celeste carelessly took a deep breath and her nostrils were filled with his natural manly scent that stimulated something—an unnamed sensation in her system. A mistake! She blushed furiously and impulsively pushed the Archduke, ashamed of herself for reacting indecorously.

‘Why is he always popping out like that every damn time?!’ She really needed to pay more attention next time to her surroundings. Seriously, this could give her a heart attack.

“Feeling sick?” The Archduke asked with that baritone voice of his, raising his right hand and attempting to feel her cherry cheeks. But Celeste, quite stupefied, shielded it with hers and flashed a quick awkward smile at him.

Shaking both her hands rapidly, she responded to him, “My Lord, I’m alright! I just feel hot and exhausted.”

‘What’s his deal?!’ She didn’t know that the Archduke could be so random. And was he always this touchy? It was not okay for her. She needed to put a bigger wall between them to safeguard her personal space. He was giving her weird sensations that she had never felt before… and she could tell that it was something she should not welcome at any cost!

“I thought it was quite cold this morning,” Ezekiel uttered while gazing at her with his entrancing golden eyes.

She felt like it would create a hole in her face with the way he looked at her. She couldn’t read his expression or what he was thinking at all. Whether his eyes reflected some kind of amused emotion or maybe because of the soft sun rays perching in them, even touching his smooth skin and raven hair contrasting his cold exterior.

Oh, she must be pretty exhausted that her eyes were toying with her already. Even the six o’clock sun rather gave off a special halo effect behind the Archduke. He almost looked like a god himself appearing before the mortals, with his towering height… Celeste could barely even reach his shoulders! Ah, and that ridiculously good-looking appearance! God probably took His time molding such a handsome face whilst completely forgetting the personality.

‘What kind of unfairness is this?’ She hissed at her thought as she brushed away the Archduke’s heated gaze by mimicking his composed look. She needed to break away from him before another thrust of jitters poke her chest every time their eyes locked together. Or could be the Archduke has hypnotizing magic? She should be extra careful in dealing with him.

After all, Ezekiel Nicholas De Clarzus was the one who killed her in her previous timeline. She must not forget.

“I am fine. Shall we go now, Your Highness?” 

The Archduke lightly pressed his rosy full lips as if quite disappointed at the change of subject. “We will go back to my territory if it’s alright with you. It’s a week-long ride from Edelfort. I’ve been gone long enough focusing on this investigation that the Parliament had failed to keep under control.”

Hearing what the Archduke had said, Celeste was even more dumbfounded knowing she would be stepping foot inside this cold-blooded beast’s den! There was no turning back now… Too late to make excuses anyway. “Y-You mean we will go to Levonne, the Northern border?”

Ezekiel nodded in response to her question, his thick straight eyebrows were slightly carved at her intricacy. “Do you have a problem with that?”

She gulped at the kind of tone that escaped his mouth—as if he was reminding her that she should not cross his decision as she belonged to him. The only thing she could do now was to be on his good side… to get this Black Reaper’s favor and befriend this soulless killing machine as possible.

‘Dream big!’ As the saying goes. Surviving this second life was her top priority. Who knows? She could gain his trust in the future… and the threat of death from the Archduke would be expunged indefinitely.

It was a good plan. A really good plan. The White witch convinced herself.

So for a starter… She must do well pretending to be a private investigator and charm her way in, to gain his intangible, pretty nonexistent benevolence.

“I—I have no problem with it, my Lord! Actually, quite opposite of that. I’m delighted to be of service to you.” An awkward laugh was heard from Celeste. “I have never been to Levonne so I’m looking forward to seeing the Northern land. Y-Yey... so excited.”

“Hmm,” came that low hum of his. “Prepare a coat. It’s still cold out there during the summer season,” the Archduke replied shortly before turning his broad back on her. She could feel the cold though…. The Archduke was a walking Northern ice.

His black Duchy uniform fitted him well along with his cynical, superior attitude. Yet, the vibrant amber lights of the day had complimented the graceful and magisterial physique of this Nobleman. Swiftly mounting his majestic black stallion, she could only sigh at the rare sight to behold. The heaven's favorite child.

“Miss Evergreen?”

Celeste turned once again when her name was called by the Archduke with his sideway glance that acclaimed another one of his perfect features, his smooth chiseled jaw. Her breath came to a full stop… “Y-Yes?”

“What are you waiting for? Get your horse!” He commanded with a low voice.

“Ah… y-yes. Coming, Your Highness!”