Chapter 43

────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────

Chapter 43

“How come?”

Why’s he here? In the original, he stayed in the underworld until the end, but why was the trash booger king here at the Imperial Palace?

I can’t believe it. He’s even laughing while talking to the Emperor.

At this absurd scene, I was left speechless.

I couldn’t make any sound and my lips were agape. At that time, the Emperor turned to address the nobles.

“The Imperial Family is pleased to celebrate the coming-of-age of those who had just become adults. Apart from that, during this auspicious day, I would like to take this opportunity to make an announcement.”

All of the nobles turned to the seat of honor and listened to the Emperor’s words. Everyone must have noticed the booger king, who did not belong in the Imperial Family, now.

The physical traits of the Imperial Family of the Leonis Empire were rare.

Incomparably brilliant silver hair, which only the Imperial Family had, was proof enough that one was part of the bloodline.

However, Elliot, who wasn’t a nobleman, didn’t know of this fact. And I’m sure he wasn’t very interested.

I destroyed this part of the original work. I, and no one else, revealed the secret to the booger king’s birth.

I screamed inwardly.

I didn’t mean to cause this much trouble. I just wanted to run away—I never told him to go ahead and become a prince!

My throat was tight.

In the midst of my crisis, the Emperor continued to speak.

“I do not know how you all will receive this news, but I would like to introduce my son. We were separated when he was still very young due to some unfortunate circumstances.”

The nobles listened to the Emperor.

“My son will be joining as a debutant today as well. I hope everyone welcomes him.”

Everyone applauded after the Emperor finished speaking. None of the nobles dared refute his words.

The booger king—no, Elliot sol Leonis—stepped forward.

With a tone that was more profound that what I heard before, and a nice voice that definitely fit with the Imperial bloodline, Elliot spoke.

“It’s nice to meet you all. I was able to return to my rightful place through the gracious generosity of Father and Brother. I’ve passed the age to participate as a debutant, but today will be a meaningful day for me nonetheless.”

As he spoke, he looked straight at me. I could feel goosebumps all over my skin the moment he said ‘meaningful’ while looking into my eyes.

This crazy punk. Just what are you scheming again?

That’s why the Duke couldn’t find him.

Does this even make sense?

When? Was it recent? Or right after I was kidnapped?

Then why was his existence shown only now?

It’s as if I had entered the eye of a storm.

I could feel it. Something’s about to happen.

I felt even more anxious because it was still peaceful.

So engrossed in my worries, I realized I’d been biting my lower lip only when a big hand pressed over it.

“Ray, what’s wrong?”

Lucian, who came closer to me without me noticing him, looked at me with concerned eyes.

He was being so cold to others earlier, but he was showing a sweet face only to me.

It’s worrying that I might feel spoiled like this.

I have a pretty amiable relationship with him now, so I avoided the doom ending like in the original, but I still shouldn’t let my guard down.

Wasn’t the booger king’s presence here a testament to my carelessness?

Anyway, did the Duke have no idea about this?

Did he not know that the kidnapper he’d been looking for all this time had entered the Imperial Palace?

Even after all this, I still needed to participate in the debutante celebration, yet I was still flustered.

I can’t forget what I learned.

While I was frozen with anxiety, not knowing what to do, Lucian stroked my cheek gently.

It’s like I was something fragile. Maybe it’s only because I was wearing makeup now, but he was caressing my cheek with an especially gentle touch.

“Brother. I’m just a bit nervous.”

During the debutante ball, people were required to greet the Emperor according to Imperial etiquette while listening to his words of blessing.

It didn’t sound like a big deal, but because we’re in front of the Emperor and so many nobles, it’s no surprise that the debutants would feel burdened to do well.

Lucian, of course, would think that this was the reason why I was thrown off.

Sure enough, he smiled affectionately as he continued to stroke my cheek.

“It’s fine even if you make a mistake. Just be yourself because you’re already shining on your own.”

Lu~ci~an~!

You’re being such a kind male lead!

Are you doing this to win over this Noona’s heart?

As expected of my bias.

I feel like the giant bean pod for Lucian got upgraded to metal.

Nothing will be able to break my bean pod!

{ t/n: ‘bean pod’ is the literal translation of it, but it’s idiomatic to ‘being blinded by love’. }

“Hehe, thanks to Brother, I’m not nervous anymore.”

This was true.

With Lucian by my side, it felt like that trash booger king would just turn into dust.

You fool.

Now that he was part of the Imperial Family, he must think that he’s someone amazing now.

But the higher a person was up on the social ladder, the more restrictions there were on their words and actions.

You made a huge mistake.

I raised my chin slightly, now feeling more self-assured, and smiled at the booger king.

Just try crossing my way, you stupid punk.

I silently pressured him, hoping that my eyes would convey my words.

At that time, the booger king was staring at me when he suddenly burst into laughter, his shoulders shaking as he covered his face.

What’s this, you’re laughing at me?

Hey, am I funny to you?!

Do you want me to dip your eyeballs into some spicy sauce again?

Ah, what a shame. It would have been better if he went blind last time.

At that time, the chamberlain came forward and spoke.

“From this point on, I shall be calling people one by one. If your name has been called, please step forward and give your greetings to His Imperial Majesty the Emperor.”

Next to me, Belissa whispered.

“Don’t worry. I’ll be right next to you.”

She also fixed my hair slightly.

“Thanks.”

During the greetings, the booger king stepped away from the Emperor’s side and knelt down in front of him.

“Prince Elliot sol Leonis, you may rise.”

Elliot stood in front of the Emperor. His lean body and tall frame were enough to steal the hearts of the noble young ladies.

Even the wives began chattering amongst themselves, covering their lips with their hands or fans.

This was why I didn’t want to start socializing. It’s hard to get used to this kind of environment.

First of all, after having lived in modern society before this, it’s uncomfortable to follow all these customs and etiquette.

No matter how long I stayed here, I still wasn’t used to it.

“Elliot, my precious son.”

The Emperor’s solemn and pleasant voice filled the banquet hall magnanimously.

“I want the future to be filled with many days that I could spend with you so that the time we lost while we were separated would disappear. Since you’ve officially become a prince, I should hurry and find you a companion as soon as possible.”

“I am grateful, Father.”

“From this day on, you shall also be called a Little Lion of the Empire, just as it is dictated by the tradition of the Leonis Empire. As an Imperial Prince, you must exude an exemplary visage to our people.”

“I, Elliot sol Leonis, shall heed Your Majesty’s command.”

The Emperor nodded with a proud expression. When Elliot’s turn was over, he went back to his seat.

“Ducal Princess Rachel of the Leon family. Please come forward.”

As soon as I was called, I walked gracefully towards the Emperor just as I was taught.

“So you’re Rachel, the flower of Leon.”

No, wait, I haven’t heard that before.

“The Duke boasted about you so much, but I now know why.”

Duke… you didn’t just do that at home?

Feeling nauseous, I could feel cold sweat coming out. Having only stayed at the mansion or at the southern villa, I wasn’t aware of the rumors about me.

Amber didn’t tell me anything either.

“Congratulations on your coming-of-age. May you bloom as beautifully and gracefully even more in the future.”

“Thank you very much, Your Majesty. I shall heed your meaningful words.”

“Hoho, what a clear voice.”

After completing the final curtsy mandated by Imperial etiquette, I returned and sighed quietly.

When I came back, Lucian slipped his arm around my waist and pulled me next to him.

I think he did this because it’s crowded around here.

I just smiled as I looked up. His sweet golden irises shone down on me.

One by one, the young ladies and young lords who were debuting today were called.

Naturally, as time passed, the space in the middle of the banquet hall was emptied.

As it was customary, the debutants will need to waltz.

I was the one with the highest status so I was supposed to come out first, but since the booger king was proclaimed as a prince, I would be second this time.

The Duke and the Duchess, without me realizing it, were by my side now and congratulated me for reaching adulthood.

As the four of us gathered with the Ducal couple, me and Lucian, everyone’s eyes were on us again.

This family’s so popular.

Right, just look at how prominent this family was. With all the wealth and power that the Leon family had, how could it not be prominent?

That’s why they’re all curious.

“Ray.”

Lucian called me suddenly. Somehow, his tone was filled with expectation, so I looked up at him in surprise.

He never had this tone of voice before.

Although we’ve been talking more now, he never asked for anything from me.

Oh, but there’s one time that he asked me not to forget him right before I went to the south.

But why did he call my name with that almost nervous voice here at the banquet hall?

What is it, Lucian?

Go ahead.

This Noona will listen to everything.

Similarly, I waited for his next words with anticipation. It felt like it happened in slow motion, the way he slowly opened his lips while his eyes stayed focused on me.

Just what are you trying to say? As tension and anticipation mixed together, a low but pleasant voice spoke out.

“Would you like to dance—”

“Princess Rachel.”

But right at that moment, another baritone voice intervened.

Elliot approached us before we knew it, then called my name with a detestable smile.

What the hell, trash booger king.

Our Lucian was saying something! No one’s allowed to cut off my beloved bias mid-sentence!

I turned to him with a sharpened gaze.

────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────