Chapter 10 - Cullan

The man who addressed her was Cullan, Ranhee's cherished character from the novel. Cullan, the seventh prince of the Toiken empire, fell in love with Luciella on the day Ella and Cladis were meant to unite in love.

Kuitkarzan Dinor La Toiken.

Though aware that Luciella would never reciprocate his feelings, Cullan persisted until the end. His love for Luciella ran deep, prompting him to remain in the Duffspe empire as an ambassador, despite knowing he wouldn't ascend to the throne.

Readers like Ranhee adored Cullan for his kindness and his icy grey eyes.

Consequently, many readers clamored for Luciella and Cullan to be a couple with each new chapter release. Some even faulted Cladis for not falling in love with another woman instead. While Ranhee didn't share those sentiments initially, witnessing Cladis court another woman altered her perspective drastically.

It seemed unbelievable, especially with Cullan's arrival at such an ironic moment.

Ella found the situation immensely intriguing, feeling as though she had stepped into the realm of the novel's fan-fiction. Perhaps it was an opportunity for Cullan to take center stage this time.

Ella desired to witness this transformation. She realized she no longer needed to adhere strictly to the novel's original plot, so the designation of the main character became inconsequential. She had once admired the character greatly and now had the chance to bring him to life, even if he didn't view the situation as such.

"She's Mellin's daughter?"

Ella, striving to maintain her composure amidst her inner excitement, refocused her attention on the conversation at hand. Despite her urge to seek affection elsewhere, she reined in her emotions.

This was her party, and she couldn't afford distractions, especially with all eyes fixed on her. Even though the crown prince's attention was elsewhere, she couldn't risk any scandalous behavior.

What would the nobles think?

The spotlight belonged solely to Constance, and any deviation would seem odd, especially to Cullan.

Resuming her focus on Clara, Ella couldn't reconcile the girl before her with the character described in the novel. In the book, Clara was depicted as constantly glaring at others, yet here she was, smiling warmly without a trace of her former demeanor. It was baffling.

That's the sinister woman who vanished abruptly?

Ella found it hard to believe.

Clara bore no resemblance to her literary counterpart.

So far, Ella had noticed two discrepancies from the book, and she anticipated more to come.

Glancing at Cullan, she wondered if he would be the third difference or if he would adhere to the novel's original path. Perhaps this version of Cullan was divergent from his literary persona.

Ella hadn't expected to encounter him so soon, and she concealed her apprehensions as she observed him. Cullan, interpreting her gaze as a request for more information about Clara, proceeded to elaborate on the daughter of Mellin.

"Don't you find her vastly different from the rumors? She was reputed to be close friends with Drolin's daughter long before her societal debut. However, it's rumored that six months ago, she severed all ties with Drolin upon joining the Academy. The gossip..."

Ella, on the verge of interjecting to assert her familiarity with Clara, was taken aback by the unexpected revelation. Hastily, she interrupted Cullan. "I apologize for the interruption, but could you repeat that? Where did she go?"

In the Duffspe empire, it was uncommon for women to attend the Academy. Typically, only the sons of second-born sons seized such opportunities, as they were not entitled to titles or succession rights.

Women were traditionally educated at home, and attending the Academy was reserved for exceptional circumstances, such as when families were unable to provide education themselves. A well-educated lady nurtured within the confines of her home was considered a source of pride for her family. Given this cultural backdrop, the fact that Clara, a daughter of the Mellin family, enrolled in the Academy raised perplexing questions.

Why did she choose to attend, especially after her debutante?

How did she manage it?

Cullan's smile in response to Ella's inquiry was met with a mixture of relief and incredulity. "She joined the Academy six months ago and befriended the crown prince a couple of months later. And, well, I got to know her as well, thanks to that. If you have any more questions, I'm happy to share what I know."

Ella released a sigh, perhaps mingled with laughter, to release the tension building within her. She had to let it out, or else the absurdity of the situation might overwhelm her entirely.

As Cullan regarded her with his cool grey eyes, Ella wrestled with how to navigate this unexpected turn of events. It was evident that Clara's enrollment in the Academy diverged from the novel's narrative.

Briefly, fantastical thoughts crept into Ella's mind, but she dismissed them as straying too far from the original storyline. Despite being thrust into this unfamiliar world, she managed to maintain her composure, drawing strength from her knowledge of how events were supposed to unfold.

Yet, a troubling realization dawned on her—what if there was someone else with similar knowledge, someone who might exploit it?

The answer loomed ominously.

Everything Ella gleaned from reading the novel seemed futile, akin to the prince's useless boutonniere. Accepting the possibility of another like her in this world was daunting, even terrifying. Ella's body wavered.

"My lady!" Cullan's voice pierced through her turmoil as he rushed to assist her.

Cullan's sudden touch jolted Ella back to reality, though she struggled to calm her trembling hands as she met his gaze. Amidst her confusion, she almost forgot that Cullan was observing her, but she couldn't linger in such disarray for long.

"Prince Kuitkarzan... are you also acquainted with her?"

"Do you know me?"

Cullan's astonishment at Ella's recognition was palpable. It was understandable; he hadn't ventured beyond the Academy since his arrival in the empire, and most daughters of noble families wouldn't recognize him.

"I heard about you from Ethan, who mentioned your attendance at the Academy. I deduced your identity based on the color of your eyes and the emblem on your jacket."

"I've heard Ethan speak highly of your intellect countless times. Allow me to formally introduce myself. I am Kuitkarzan Dinor La Cullan. Simply call me Cullan. As you are Ethan's sister, I regard you as family, and you may speak freely with me."

These were the same words Cullan uttered when he first encountered Ella, introduced by Cladis, in the novel. Since then, Cullan had looked after Ella as if she were family.

Would that dynamic persist in this altered reality?

With so many changes, Ella sought something familiar to anchor herself.

"Thank you for your kindness. I am Luciella A de Constance. Please, call me Ella." With practiced poise, Ella offered a polite bow, her demeanor calm as if she had never faltered.

Cullan flinched slightly; despite the formality of bowing to royals, he disliked such rigid protocols. "Ella is a name befitting your beauty. I envy Cladis for having you as his companion."

"You flatter me."

Ella would have typically said something along the lines of making the comment for the Crown Prince’s sake, but in the current context, it didn’t feel appropriate.

Cladis seemed put off by her words instead of being pleased by them. Luciella’s efforts seemed futile; Cladis’s smile was reserved for Clara, not her. His smile shattered Ella’s heart, and her expression darkened accordingly.

In the presence of anyone else, she would have strived to maintain her composure, but with Cullan, her ally, she could afford to let her guard down. Her broken heart was laid bare, evident in her darkened countenance.

"Hmph. Sadness doesn’t suit your beauty."

Cullan followed Ella's gaze towards Cladis and Clara, clicking his tongue in disapproval. Then, he turned his concerned gaze back to Ella, his eyes softening considerably. It appeared he had grown close to Clara, a departure from the novel's plot. However, it seemed he was also developing feelings for Ella, aligning with the storyline.

This realization provided some relief, knowing he wasn't the "third" party in this love triangle.

"Will you banish the sadness, then, Prince Cullan?"

"Just call me Cullan. No need for formalities. So... sadness, huh? How about some sweets?"

Ella chuckled.

Sweets?

It seemed out of character for him, but indulging in sweets to alleviate stress was a trait he shared with Luciella. His consistent taste in the midst of changing circumstances comforted Ella.

Suddenly, she felt a craving for sweets, the thought making her mouth water. Eating sweets while sharing laughter sounded heavenly, perhaps enough to distract her from the distressing scene before her. But it wasn't the best course of action at the moment.

The tightness of the corset she wore, a concession to appease Cladis, left her with no room to even sip water.

"I'll have to postpone that for now. I still need to maintain my appearance."

Ella took a step back to allow Cullan a better view.

His surprise at her boldness was evident, and he smiled in acknowledgment.

Ella looked stunning at that moment, but Cullan recognized that she wasn't in the best state to indulge in anything. He recalled a similar situation where his sister had thrown a fork at him for offering food while she was dressed similarly. Understanding Ella's predicament, he offered his assistance.

"If you need a terrace to kick off your shoes and rest, I can escort you there. I can also fetch your brother for you, as I might not be the best person to converse with you right now."

"Thank you for your kindness."

She couldn't linger with another man while her fiancé was present at the same party. This prolonged conversation was becoming overwhelming for her, and though she had more questions left unanswered, it was time to part ways with Cullan. Her steps slowed as she neared the terrace, signaling her readiness to depart.

Sensing that their conversation wasn't quite finished, Cullan grasped her hand before guiding her towards the terrace.