L'Impératrice Éveillée

Royal heir Isabella rescued the young gladiator Kyle, appointed him as her Chief Knight, and showered him with favoritism. However, Kyle was manipulated by the scheming maid Serene, betrayed Isabella, and publicly humiliated her. Isabella was utterly heartbroken and disillusioned, stripping him of all his power and expelling him. Kyle remained unrepentant, conspiring with the prince in a rebellion, but his crimes were eventually exposed. He was sentenced to exile and hard labor in the far northern ice fields, where he met a tragic end.Throughout, Duke Valentine, who had silently protected Isabella, had kept his deep affection hidden for years. When foreign enemies invaded, Isabella personally led her troops to quell the war. She ascended to the throne and was crowned, eventually ruling the empire alongside the loyal Duke Valentine, with whom she shared a stable, mutual love.