Chapter 83

“…So, Your Majesty has ordered me to deliver this message.”

Annie faced Doher with an expressionless face.

He tried to cover up the emperor’s will with all sorts of sweet talk, but there were many absurd corners.

‘To have the time and energy to write a letter…’

When she saw the letter written in neat handwriting, it was somewhat bittersweet. There’s no way a sick person could write something like this.

‘…I didn’t know His Majesty would be like this.’

He wasn’t the only kind of person who was unlike the young ladies who remained by her side after consulting her with their concerns.

It’s because more people treated her as if they had cut off their relationship when the business was over.

Doher tried to ease Annie’s mind.

“His Majesty was going to tell you directly, but…”

She couldn’t hear more, so Annie just nodded her head as if she understood.

She was curious about the contents of the letter, but she could read it in the carriage. It is also much thinner than the letter he gave to the young lady, so it won’t take long.

After greeting Doher, Annie took a step forward to the carriage. But then, the words she couldn’t hear caught her by the ankles.

“Lady Dsev. In fact, His Majesty told you a white lie.”

“…A lie?”

“Yes. Excuse me.”

Doher, who took a step closer, took the letter from Annie’s hand.

‘…Why are you doing this?’

He wasn’t the kind of person who would find fault in his superior or do something that wasn’t there.

Looking intently, he bowed his head.

“Please forgive the rudeness.”

“What kind of lie are you talking about?”

“His Majesty was indeed ill, but there were unavoidable circumstances. This is because a young royal family member visited the Imperial Palace today without a message.”

“…Young royal family?”

“Yes. It is him.”

Turning around, Doher strode behind a pillar and stretched out his arm. Then she saw a figure Doher lead by the shoulder.

‘…Child?’

It was a young child in a black cloak. Doher whispered, wrapping his arms around the struggling shoulders.

That alone could not determine the identity, so Annie looked at him carefully.

‘Who is it? Could it be a nephew, a distant relative of His Majesty?’

“Then, this is him.”

Flap.

When Doher took off the cloak, the child’s appearance was revealed to the public.

Annie opened her lips involuntarily.

‘He looks just like His Majesty?’

Was he now twelve years old? The little face of the young royal family shone. It was the same way with him, blushing and avoiding eye contact.

“This is ‘Jade Jean Porcaus.’”

The appearance of the child alone proved the relationship between the two. Even the names were similar.

While Annie was puzzled, Doher passionately continued.

“This young royal family currently has no guardians. He came here secretly just to see His Majesty, and in that situation, His Majesty took his sick body and tried to take responsibility somehow.”

“Ah…”

If it was Ejed, who certainly cared for children, it was true.

He was a man who was so kind to a child he didn’t know who had lost their way.

“Also, there are forces that reject Jade without knowing him, so he tries to move quietly. That’s why he sent you a letter asking for your understanding.”

It was heartbreaking to think that a person who was not feeling well had suddenly suffered.

‘Well… he must have tried to act so as not to harm the kid as much as possible.’

It was natural that children should be given priority over her as adults. Annie asked cautiously as if she was upset.

“Is His Majesty resting now?”

“Yes, and I have reported to him that I am taking Jade out of the mansion. It will be difficult if other forces find out about him.”

“…”

“So, that’s why our Lord Jade

wore a cloak on this hot day. Alas, our poor Lord Jade.”

Doher’s pitiful gaze fell on the child. It was the first face ever seen from the thorough aide.

“Sorry for the long talk. Please be careful on your way home, My Lady.”

“…The aide will keep the mansion empty.”

Annie said without realizing it. Whether it be an animal or a person, being alone at home was lonely.

Especially when it comes to young children who have come this far.

Unable to contain his concerns, Doher let out a heavy sigh.

“His Majesty gave me a vacation, but I couldn’t. He was not feeling well, so I couldn’t even leave my place.”

“…”

“Although Sir Fizz is there, I think my role will be more important than ever.”

That was correct. Doher’s ability was superior to ten Fizz.

Suddenly, Annie fell into thoughts, forgetting her purpose of getting on the carriage.

Doher’s words echoed in her ears like a complaint.

“I can’t come to this distant place to spend time with His Majesty… I can’t take good care of him… I don’t have relatives to trust….”

“Then can I help you?”

Doher and the child’s eyes turned to Annie.

As always, she spoke boldly.

“While His Majesty is recovering, I think I can take care of him. I’m going on a picnic in a few days, so he can join me. Of course, if Lord Jade is okay with it.”

“Then let me ask the doctor for a moment. Will Lady Dsev wait in the carriage?”

“Yes, I will.”

After answering, Annie bent her torso slightly and met her eyes with the little boy. The red eyes filled with bewilderment reminded her of Ejed.