Chapter 12: Be mine (1)
Noah glanced at his new title, unsurprised.
Blackmailing an empress at twelve years old? That was definitely insane enough to warrant one.
"System, show me the new title skill."
The Schemer: Your mind is sharpened, and your facial control is exceptional. Seeing through you is close to impossible. Your words will be more easily believed.
Noah nodded. As expected.
His first title, The Reincarnator, was truly unique, granting him powerful effects and abilities. Most titles, however, were like The Schemer—simple but valuable. And this one? This was far from weak.
Being able to control his facial expressions was a massive advantage. Especially for someone like him. He will surely be in situations like today again. Many times over.
He exhaled slowly, steadying his mind.
"System, show me the affection levels of Empress Emily and Princess Sophie."
[Emily Castria: 40% → 30%]
After today's event, she can hardly bear the sight of you.
[Sophie Castria: 25% → 40%]
Her opinion of you has slightly improved due to your change and talent. But to her, you are still not worthy.
Noah studied the numbers calmly. He had expected the Empress's reaction. She would dislike him, but not for long.
She couldn't afford to.
He needed a strong ally. And blackmail was a flimsy foundation—one that could backfire spectacularly in the future.
He would either transform this into a genuine relationship or remove her altogether.
His eyes turned cold.
No mercy.
If she became a problem, he'd deal with her like any other obstacle.
As for Sophie?
Arrogant. Prideful. She admired power and dominance. The kind of woman who craved a man who could rule over her.
Fine. He would show her.
Noah lay down, closing his eyes. He needed rest. He'd deal with everything tomorrow.
…
Emily & Sophie's Chambers
Empress Emily sat across from Sophie, her expression unreadable.
Then she exhaled and said something that shattered the silence like glass.
"You will marry Noah."
Sophie blinked. Stared.
"…What?"
"The engagement remains. Forget the Chosen One."
"But—h-how?!"
Emily sighed. She hated this. This feeling of being powerless—especially before a child.
A bitter chuckle escaped her lips.
Sophie wouldn't understand. She couldn't.
Sophie clenched her fists, her eyes narrowed. "What happened in that room, Mother?"
Emily's gaze sharpened. "Marry him."
"Noah is more than he seems. If you truly want the throne, then he can help you."
She wasn't guessing. She knew it.
"His mind, his courage—they're terrifying. And don't forget… his talent is SSS-rank. And he is the son of Selene Weaverheart. The Witch of Eternal Cold."
Sophie remained silent.
Her mother wasn't the type to change her mind without reason. But there was one problem.
"…What about Father?"
Emily frowned.
Sophie continued, "Even if you accept Noah, how will you explain this to Father? You know he wants the Chosen One as his son-in-law."
That was a problem. She couldn't reveal what had transpired with Noah.
But…
"We will make our stand clear."
Sophie shook her head. "I refuse."
Emily sighed. Here it comes. She knew it.
"I want the Chosen One. Noah may be talented, but he will never compare to Elijah." Sophie's voice was firm. "I won't settle for less."
Emily rubbed her temples.
Her stubborn, arrogant daughter wouldn't accept this easily.
…Fine.
"Noah requested time with you," she said at last. "Tomorrow, you will spend the day with him. Get to know him. Then, you will give me your final decision."
She stood and left. She was exhausted.
As she lay in bed, the same thought circled her mind.
How…? How did he learn that secret?
But there was nothing she could do now.
Meanwhile, Sophie frowned.
How had Noah won her mother over?
Whatever trick he had pulled, she wouldn't fall for it.
"Elijah is the only one worthy."
She scoffed, shutting her eyes.
Noah… you will never compare.
⸻
Selene Weaverheart's Chambers
Laughter rang through the room.
Selene Weaverheart—The Witch of Eternal Cold—leaned back, grinning.
In front of her, Sari stood silently, having just relayed the sweet conversation between the Empress and her daughter.
Selene licked her lips. "My baby boy already has that big-breasted Empress wrapped around his little finger? But how ?"
"We do not know, my Lady," Sari said. "You ordered us not to listen. And he forbade Ester from accompanying him."
Selene chuckled.
"It doesn't matter. What does matter is…"
Her expression darkened.
"My baby is just too handsome and manly."
Then—she hesitated. Struggled with her words.
"…But I hate that he's willing to go this far for that little bitch Sophie. It makes me want to kill her."
A chill spread through the room.
Her killing intent flared.
Sari met her gaze, unfazed. "If you kill her, knowing how much Young Master cares, he will never forgive you, my Lady and you will lose him."
Selene froze.
…Lose her son?
Unthinkable.
She scoffed. "My son will never abandon me over a girl."
But then—she sighed.
"…And I care for his happiness more than anything. I will not touch what he desires."
She fell into silence, her thoughts drifting.
What would Noah do next?
⸻
The Next Day – In the Garden
The scene was picturesque.
Noah, with his violet hair and silver eyes.
Sophie, with her crimson hair and blood-red gaze.
They sat on the cool grass, facing each other.
And, as always—Sophie was arrogant.
"I don't know what you told my mother, but it doesn't matter," she declared. "I choose who I marry. And it won't be you. It will be Elijah."
Noah smiled. Calm. Unbothered.
"Let me ask you a question."
Sophie folded her arms. "What?"
"Why are you so opposed to marrying me?"
"I have better options," she said instantly.
Noah chuckled. "Even knowing my talent?" His tone turned lazy. "I'm a very petty person, you know. I won't forget this in the future."
Sophie scoffed. "Do you think you can compare to Elijah?"
Noah leaned forward.
"Maybe not. But what about you?"
Sophie's eyes narrowed.
Noah's voice dropped, smooth as ice.
"I might not be able to touch Elijah. But you?"
He smirked.
"It won't take me that long to reach the peak of this world compared to others. Believe me."
"And beside that, Elijah? Do you think you'll be his only woman?"
"Spoiler alert: You won't."
Sophie's lips parted, but no words came out.
"The love of men is fickle, Princess. It follows beauty and power. And someday, you won't be special anymore."
Silence.
Then—Noah's gaze locked onto hers. Frost swirled in his silver eyes.
The air grew cold. Ice crept across the grass.
He leaned in. His breath brushed her lips.
His voice was low, commanding.
"But me, I am different. I will not discard you now and in the future. The Proofs ? I am willing to go such a length to have you."
He paused then continued.
"You don't have to settle for being one of Elijah's women."
"Be mine, and you won't be anyone's shadow—you'll rule at my side."
"You will be the First Wife of Noah Weaverheart."
The Schemer title is in full effect. His words will make sense even if they don't.
His smirk deepened.
"And believe me, this name… will shake the world."
Sophie's heart pounded.
Not in fear. Not in anger.
But in awe.
She never thought she will feel awe for a man of her age. But Noah is just that compelling.
That commanding.
His entire body radiate power and authority.
And for the first time she looked at him properly.
'…What a beautiful man.'
[Sophie Castria's affection level has reached 60%.]
—End of Chapter 12—
A/N:
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