Chapter 23

When Ejed’s expression hardened, Doher spoke quickly.

“If it’s Lady Dsev, you will have enough talent in our Imperial Palace, so it’s good if you learn to face her step by step.”

A cold sweat spilled behind Doher’s back. Pretending to be unaware of the tyrant, he seemed like a crazy guy, but he couldn’t help it.

All of this was a kind of safety device to protect himself in the future.

Rather, like Fiz, he was better off pretending to know nothing and helping him secretly. That way, he would be able to free himself from Robby’s anger that will come.

Meanwhile, he was relieved to hear that his aides had not yet noticed his heart.

He just turned and left the roof without confirming or denying. The pace was a bit stiff as well.

In time, Ejed stood in front of the pile of roses that Annie and Carla had stood on. He wanted to see the same scene where she was.

Here, she smiled brightly. Annie always looked good in his eyes. Only Annie came to mind amongst the tens of thousands of roses.

How much have they been sitting like that?

Doher and Fiz, who were waiting by the side, approached cautiously.

“Sire, now is the time to attend.”

His stomach clenched with tension. Ejed, who took a deep breath, slowly closed his eyes.

[No one is good from the beginning, so don’t worry too much.  ]

Annie’s clear voice.

The trembling gradually subsided. Annie is like a god of waves that calms the sea breeze, and she calms his mind.

The warm voice that he heard one day at a church night was vivid in his heart.

The gentleness caressed his heart.

Now Ejed opened his closed eyes.

“Let’s go.”

The three men’s cloaks fluttered beautifully in the rosy breeze.

***

The long veil with an embroidered pattern of silver shields that hung from the high ceiling sparkled like jewels.

Annie and Carla couldn’t keep their eyes still. It was a bazaar hosted by the Imperial Palace, so their eyes joyously feasted upon the scenic view.

This bazaar was filled with the scent of roses. Annie’s mood was more excited than usual at the scent; it felt more intense than when she took a rose bath.

Annie’s footsteps as she flitted through the huge bazaar were very light. It was also fun to see the various goods.

From lush fruits and vegetables, to ancient magic books, to a family’s long-historic swords, it was difficult to appreciate them all.

Annie asked for patience from the servants who sold goods at the kiosk, and quickly skimmed through a magic book.

“Annie!”

The ladies, who attended the bazaar, recognized Annie and approached her one by one.

They had already gone through the bazaar once, and their hands were full of mirrors and combs.

Annie, who took turns cheek-greeting the young ladies, said in a pleasing voice.

“You came early. What have you already bought?”

“We are not selling this time, so we want to buy a lot of things. What did Lady Dsev bring this time?”

“It’s nothing special— just a scarf or handkerchief that I made.”

“Oh my goodness. I want to buy it too.”

The noble ladies clapped their hands and tittered.

“Because the servant hasn’t carried the luggage yet, could I trouble you to wait a bit?”

“Why, certainly!”

The young ladies happily nodded their heads.

At that time, Jetina looked around.

“Will he come here?”

“Jetina. Who are you looking for?”

“Him.”

“Who?”

When the young ladies chorused back, Jetina raised the tip of her lips and smiled naughtily.

She whispered secretly.

“Him, him. His Majesty.”

“Ah…”

When a topic she nearly forgot about was brought up, Annie’s expression subtly stiffened.

However, the young noble ladies who did not know her inner situation exclaimed in excitement.

“It’s been a while since I cleansed my eyes. That’s too bad.”

“Yes. If you look at His Majesty’s eyes, your own will be cleared, that is, if you have the courage.

“As expected, being handsome is the best.”

“Of course. Even if I don’t eat, I think I’ll be full. Hoho.”

Most handsome men are just pretty faces with no virtue…  Annie, who was trying to say that, responded with a weak smile.

She didn’t have the heart to douse their excitement by saying such useless words.