Chapter 32

Having no reason to be subtle, Irene’s expression noticeably sharpened. If she didn’t e out with confidence now, it would be like she was tacitly accepting Emilla’s accusations—the thought made her put even more strength into her eyes. When Irene’s mild energy suddenly sharpened and intensified, Kael felt his body tremble.

“Tell me,” Kael said in an even tone, as he cocked an eyebrow. His hands and feet were tingling with excitement at seeing Irene’s dignified spirit rise once more. It felt just like the time he’d seen her standing on the battlefield.

“There’s a maid who regards the crown prince’s authority as hers”—clank!—“it seems the Empire is a place where a maiden wields her master’s power as if it were hers.” Irene deftly ignored the sharp clank that interrupted her and continued to speak without hesitation.

“My apologies…” Emilla stammered. She trembled as she bent down to retrieve the silver tray that had fallen to the floor.

“That certainly doesn’t seem to match the customs of the Empire,” Kael answered, as he casually glanced over at Emilla.

“She also asserted that my soldiers were sexual beasts that mock their superiors. As she put it, I was the one that relieved them of their sexual desires…”

“Who dared say such an arrogant thing?” In contrast to his casual tone of voice, anger was rapidly rising within Kael as if he’d been the one that was insulted.

Irene steadied her breath and raised her head proudly. In a leisurely tone, she continued, “As nothing more than a hostage, what can I say even if she insults me? I know I have no choice but to be patient. However, she was trying to offer me, who she considers as a prostitute for beasts, to Your Highness.”

Kael watched as Emilla turned and tried to quietly excuse herself from the room. However, when she accidentally met his gaze and her eyes widened in fear, Kael lifted one corner of his mouth into a smirk and said, “I’m no different than a beast.”

“As a mere hostage, I’ve hardly any reputation left to be ruined, but I’m concerned that such rumors would end up troubling Your Highness.”

“Indeed. Contempt of the imperial family isn’t something to be taken lightly. You have my gratitude for informing me of this matter, so that I may set it right.”

Kael felt his affection for Irene grow stronger—not only was she qualified as a standard military officer, she was also skilled as a civil servant. She wielded sarcasm effectively to corner her opponent, leaving them trapped with no option of escape. ‘It would be unwise for anyone to make her an enemy,’ he thought with admiration. If Irene had been at the negotiating table after the war, a resolution wouldn’t have been so easily reached. It was being increasingly evident that Irene being kept at the Voltern borders during the war had been a godsend.

“Soldiers dissatisfied with me would lodge a protest with my father, Count Voltern, since that was the quickest way to resolve the problem. I simply took a cue from their books and did the same,” Irene replied. The faint smile on her lips seemed to reflect that she’d received the answer she’d been waiting for, and was not waiting to see how Kael intended to resolve it.

“My aide, Wellen, writes letters to my mother and father whenever he has spare time,” Kael began.

“It wouldn’t do to call on His and Her Majesty’s authority while they’re away on pleasure though.”

“On the contrary—there’s nothing they value more. It’s best to depend on their power.”

Seemingly satisfied, Irene smiled softly and lowered her gaze. The sunlight pouring through the window caught the tips of her eyelashes, which shimmered like the moon. Kael felt captivated by the scene and it took him a moment to gather his wits. After blinking a few times, he turned to look at Emilla, who was frozen in place like a statue. “Why’re you idling there instead of getting out?” He spoke in a harsh but even tone, and though he hadn’t raised his voice or used sharp words, it carried a lot of pressure.