Chapter 35

I’m not sure what caused him to get angry, but the Emperor’s crimson eyes flared up.

“Duchess, you get comfortable quickly, don’t you?”

“…Well.” I quickly moved my hands back and recovered my forced smile.

Even without the Third Prince’s words, there was still something I needed to clear up.

And that is, I am at no fault!

“Although it was rude of me to have not recognized you that day, I did nothing wrong to deserve such criticism. I maintained order, did not abuse my power, and even shared my food. That was it.”

“That shouldn’t be all, though? I definitely saw…”

“What?”

Argh, he stopped his sentence midway again, and I barely managed to overcome the frustration that flared up within me.

However, I would be better off trying to please the Emperor than incurring his wrath.

“Yes. I was foolish enough to not have recognized you, and I even hurt you. I apologize, as I’ve only stayed in the villa and rarely met others besides those in this mansion.”

“Busy reminiscing the late Duke?”

After asking the question, the Emperor suddenly stopped in realization. The other princes shot him a puzzled look, and the corner of his eye twitched.

“Well, anyway. I’ll acknowledge that this was a misunderstanding.”

***

“…”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

Why did he act so generous while saying those words?

But anyway, it looks like I have safely overcome this hurdle.

If only I had a handkerchief with me to wipe the sweat off my forehead.

Though I tried my best to act calmly, my legs were trembling as I remained seated.

“Duchess, here’s a handkerchief.”

“Ah, thank you, Your Highness.”

Haniel was blessed to still have a brother like him.

Even the smallest act of kindness felt heartwarming at this moment. My hands reached out hesitantly as I looked at the handkerchief that the Third Prince, Peyton, offered. But before I could take it, an unfamiliar and terrifying sound tore through the air.

SHRIING.

He did not tell me to not take it, nor did he stop Peyton from giving it to me.

My hands froze as the Emperor’s shimmering golden sword pointed at me. Peyton froze, and the Fourth Prince’s expression turned desperate.

“Brother, be careful! Nothing’s certain as of now.”

“Tenon!”

Though Peyton looked at Tenon in reproach and gave me an apologetic look, there was no way I could have missed it.

Why would someone like me be offered a man’s handkerchief?

Thankfully, my cold sweat that dripped onto the table had thoroughly dried up.

“Anyway, I’m thankful that we were able to resolve all of our misunderstandings. Should I return home to reflect upon myself?”

“Resolve?”

The Emperor’s thick eyebrows wrinkled.

I cannot distinguish the truth from flawless lies.

Otherwise, why would my expression falter at his reiteration?

“Y-Your Majesty has acknowledged that the incident in the city was caused by my ignorance.”

“But that was just limited to that specific incident.”

“What? What else is there then?”

“Didn’t you say so before? You had something that you needed to show me at the Dukedom’s banquet.”

“…”

That was from ages ago.

I covered my mouth before a cry or a laugh could escape. However, one second thought, if the Emperor were so lenient, he would not be labeled as a tyrant.

“Though I couldn’t make it, you acted as though you had something important to show me.”

“…I did?”

“And if you did not show, you must immediately offer your head…”

“No! You just said there was no punishment!”

“…”

He tapped his finger with a smile as if he had been waiting. His aura was noble for someone who wanted to tear my soul into pieces.

“It’s good that you remember, Duchess! Now, you should also remember what you were going to show me, right?”

He slowly raised his chin, as if plotting my downfall. 

Now that I scrutinized him, his sharp jawline was definitely the same one I had seen outside the dessert shop.

“You said that I would regret it. I wonder what it is?”

“That’s…”

All of their attention was on me at that moment.

I would never talk of returning Haniel to them, not over my dead body.