Chapter 52

Caution: mentions of s****** and r***

This “sister” will soon be headed to Forune to act as a maid for the diplomatic delegation.

This was the conclusion that we came to after a long discussion around two days ago.

In compensation for handing over important information about the Second Prince and others, Kathia was granted to leave along with Hannah.

Deon was designated the head of the diplomatic delegation, so it wasn’t that big of a deal, but just in case, he had already sent a letter to the King of Forune.

Even though they already received the request for the visitation of the diplomatic delegation, the two had a close relationship, so they often sent and received letters from each other. Very secretive and personal letters, that is.

Deon tied a letter to his favored falcon’s ankle, on it was written, ‘The present we’re bringing is definitely not your toy’, very secretive and private content like this was sent over.

Even if Deon was well aware of the king’s characteristic nitpicking nature, he would be persistently questioning the content.

The reason was the same as before. It just felt like he had to. He tried to stop wasting his time seeking nonexistent answers.

In any case, he did as such, so he assumed Kathia would be safe arriving at Forune.

And then she won’t return to the empire again. Even if Deon becomes the emperor and this imperial palace becomes safe, she will never come back.

Ever.

Thinking ahead to that point, Deon opened his mouth without his knowledge.

“Sister.”

“Huh?”

“Few people decided to go to Forune anyways, so wouldn’t it be better for you to be on the panel of delegates? Then you can claim your title as the Imperial Princess and stay. Wouldn’t that be safer…”

“It’ll be suffocating. Enough with that now.”

Kathia smirked and shook her head. She herself was also thinking about formally staying in Forune.

Anyways, since Kathia is the one and only imperial princess, if she were to get her name on the delegation, she would have a comfortable ride and treatment like Deon would.

Forune would welcome her even if she suddenly announces that she may stay there. And for her to continue a safe and luxurious life.

But that’s not what Kathia wants.

If Hannah is a slave, she is also willing to become a slave no matter what.

The King of Forune will not treat them badly, since he was asked a favor from Deon, but the women have to stay in a foreign country, so their level of treatment won’t be the same.

Even so, that’s fine. In fact, it’s better that way.

From the start, all of the current luxuries and titles were gained from Hannah’s unwanted sacrifice anyways.

Brushing off the old, it would be good to start fresh in a foreign country.

“In any case, I’m a commoner by blood, so I’m just returning to where I came from. Also, Deon will be emperor soon, so it’ll be better for him to get rid of the remnants from the previous emperor.”

She had a type of uplifting voice while lining up someone else’s matter.

With sinking eyes, Deon looked at Kathia’s bright face.

Something about Kathia exuded the feeling of knowing everything.

It’s not just giving simple information, but more of the hidden nature of people or what would unfold in the future.

Different. But I don’t dislike it.

The smile of the woman, who claimed Deon would become emperor, was very clear and sparkly.

But when it comes to her value, she limits and judges too early, always resulting in getting the short end of the stick, so that strangely enough, it results in leaving a sour taste in others’ mouths.

‘I wonder if it’s because she doesn’t have much greed. Or if she’s just acting like that.’

Deon tilted his teacup a couple of times as if to wipe his mouth. From that demeanor flew out an uncomfortable and cold expression.

Why is he suddenly like this? As Kathia rolled her eyes at the sudden change in his mood, she rushed to talk as if she had just realized something.

“Of course, no matter whatever I do from anywhere, my oath of willing to die by your hands if I’m useless still remains in effect. I have no intentions of escaping. And even if I do, you’ll find me soon enough. Don’t worry! Just kill me!”

“…Hah.”

That escaped from Deon’s lips; she couldn’t tell whether it was a laugh, a sigh, or just from awe.

His expression twisted into savagery. It looked like he threw away his mask, unveiling a raw expression never seen before in her entire life.

I don’t like it.

Only a tool. Yes, she’s only a tool but—

I trusted her. I treated her preciously and kindly. I took care of her as if she were a fragile glass marble.

‘And now she’s telling me to kill her.’

But on the other hand, I like it.

It’s like claiming an oath that her life belongs to him forever…

‘Crazy.’

Even if he thought about it himself, he wasn’t in his right mind. Deon swiped across his gnarled lips with the tip of his fingers and pointed with his chin towards the yarn that Kathia kept knitting and changed the subject.

“Are you going to make a throw?”

Changing back into his normal voice and soft expression, Kathia was hesitant for a moment before nodding. W-Was I seeing things?

It felt like she saw something she shouldn’t have.

“Ah, mm… To give it to my mom. I thought she would need it during her trip to Forune, so I’m preparing it.”

“The temperature at night in the Komokan Desert usually drops very low.”

“So I heard. Even the lower-level prisoners must be freezing, so it’ll be nice to give this to her sooner if they grant me permission to see her.”

“I can pass it along…”

“No, it’s ok.”

Shaking her hand in front of her, she donned a dubious smile.

“I already have someone who could help.”

* * *