Chapter 117

The answer didn’t come right away. Even if the relationship improved a little today, there is nothing to say.

As she gently raised her eyes, Ejed was waiting quietly. It was like Lang waiting for his command.

‘Umm…’

She was deeply troubled because she thought she had to answer at the latest. What the hell was she supposed to say about this?

‘From today on, Fizz and I have decided to become older sister-and-younger siblings. This is funny too. Since we work together in the Imperial Palace, I would say that we are colleagues who eat rice in one pot…’

Annie, who had been thinking about various things, said in a light tone.

“It’s just. I’ve been going back and forth, and now I just saw his face.”

“Now that he met you, is he calling you Older Sister?”

“It’s just to get to know each other better.”

After giving a brief description of the situation, Ejed bit his lip as if he was dissatisfied.

Because of that, Annie felt like she had made a mistake. Even though Doher was excellent, Fizz was also Ejed’s favorite aide.

Maybe he’s doing this because he was afraid that she would fall out of the category of minimal courtesy. Or was he worried about her talking about the contract with him?

“I didn’t force Sir Fizz to do it. And, I never talked about His Majesty.”

“…”

Annie was deeply embarrassed when his expression did not resolve but instead subtly hardened. Rarely did Ejed’s feelings be so revealed.

Like when Robbie made a sudden visit to Dsev the other day, he seemed to be offended or even worse than that.

But, oddly enough, she wasn’t afraid.

On the contrary, it was cuter like a sulky child.

‘Is it because I saw him when he was young?’

Doubtful, she added jokingly.

“Don’t worry. Your Majesty’s secret will be taken to the grave.”

“Not that.”

Annie hurriedly added her words to the sound of sighs she heard.

“Don’t worry about anything else. I have no interest in harassing Your Majesty’s lieutenant.”

Annie continued to try to ease Ejed’s mood. As he did to herself, she wanted to reciprocate.

To Ejed, who grew up alone in the Imperial Palace like a thin ice sheet, wasn’t she like an older sister?

It was more than the word ‘older sister’ that Fiz called her with.

She also gave dating advice and was like a friend.

Thanks to her sincere efforts, the corners of Ejed’s stiff lips were now slowly loosening. He asked in a voice that returned as usual.

“Annie. Did we get to know each other and become friends?”

“Yes.”

This was an obvious fact. For Annie, Ejed was special.

Looking at his face, he was happy, as if meeting his academy classmates.

No, maybe it was even more pleasant than that. After Annie gave a strong affirmation, Ejed added quietly to her.

“Then call me by my first name.”

“…Huh?”

Annie asked blankly. Was there a noble lady who called the Emperor by name because she was crazy about the world?

He was probably joking, but there was no smile on Ejed’s face.

‘Are you… serious?’

Somehow, she felt like sweating in a cold sweat, unlike before.

As Annie was silent, he spoke more emphatically.

“Call me Ejed. We’ve gotten closer.”

“…”

“No?”

“That’s right.”

“Right. Then keep that in mind.”

It seems like she was getting caught up in something. Annie, who was about to refute, was startled to see Ejed. Did he like it that much? A smile shining brighter than the morning sun was evident on his face.

Her heart weakened, and she sighed inside.

‘Yes… To His Majesty, I am one of the few acquaintances.’

She knew well that he only showed such a figure in front of her. That’s how hard Ejed was in front of his others.

‘If everyone else had seen that smile, the strange rumors would disappear…’

Annie, who felt the regret of the previous days again, touched her lips.

‘I should seriously suggest that you show it in front of other people soon.”

Somehow, she was convinced that he would surely grant that request this time. Because now he was such a person.

At that moment, his manly yet soft voice and friendly eyes touched her cheek.

“Annie. How is work these days?”

‘Ah. Our Majesty is wonderful.’

The result of her education was the best, and Annie was pleased. Unlike before, he asked questions very naturally, and the level of conversation has also improved.

Annie recalled a long time ago. As with language, the history was all fascinating—because it was a string that connects the present and the future.

“Me? I liked world history the most when I was at the academy, except for languages.”

Why? A more honest heart than in front of the academy classmates came out.

“Well, of course, the history of Porkaus is the most interesting. But now that I’m making that history, I have a new feeling.”

Working in an important field that creates the future of Porkaus was more meaningful than she thought. And it was also a moment that warmed her heart.

“…”

“Thank you, Ejed.”

Thanks to that, she dared to apply to the Imperial Foreign Ministry. As she spoke with all her heart, he turned his head to the side.

As if he was trying to cut off the conversation, Annie regretted it deep inside.

‘Am I overdoing it?’

Even this expression could be burdensome for someone who had difficulty conversing with others like Ejed.

While she was worried, she heard a low, subdued voice.

“I’m more grateful. But… As I’ve said before, if there’s any harassment in the Imperial Palace, report it anytime. It’s a bad practice that needs to be rooted out.”

Somehow it got worse. The person who should take care of himself is taking care of her.

Annie added her words as if emphasizing.

“Your Majesty, if anything happens, please tell me. Don’t get me wrong.”

“…”