The servant had a death wish, especially for interrupting their conversation. But he was just following the orders of Lady Malith, who heard about the emperor dining in with Emelia.
When Lady Malith heard the emperor inviting Emelia to dine with him, she got jealous and had to invite herself in. Either way, if Elliot pushes her away, he can't do anything because Lady Malith is a persistent, annoying girl.
"Don't make me repeat twice who?" Elliot asked in a low tone, sending chills behind the servant's back. The servant looked too scared to answer, but he did answer while stuttering. The servant answered, "L-lady Malith. She said to add a plate for her."
Elliot didn't look amused at all. Rather it annoyed him all the more. He stood up from his chair, and the servant stepped back and didn't dare to meet Elliot's eyes. The servant was too frightened to the point he looked at Air, begging to help him.
The poor servant didn't do anything wrong at all. All he did was to follow orders, and he was not ready to die yet. Air felt bad about him but cannot do anything. Even if he is the personal aide and closest friend of Elliot, there still is a chance for him to encounter death.
"It seems like someone doesn't know their position," Elliot let out a laugh and walked towards the servant. He then reached his hand out and wrapped his long fingers around the servant's neck. The servant was strangling, begging for forgiveness.
"Stop it," Emelia said as she stood up, walking towards Elliot, who shot her a glare. The glare didn't affect Emelia at all. She didn't even fear the emperor. This is why Elliot had an interest in her. She is unlike any other female nobles. "This servant didn't do anything wrong. He's just following orders."
It was unlike of Emelia to defend a person. However, this servant, who was being strangled by Elliot, was still young. Babyface, small and still had a high voice. A boy who still hasn't undergone puberty.
Elliot looked at Emelia, and again her eyes didn't waver, unlike others. This is why Emelia makes him entertained. Elliot released the servant, dropping him onto the ground. The servant held his neck while coughing and catching his breath.
"You're in luck today. Be grateful that she saved your life," Elliot said, then went back to his seat. There was a displeased expression on his face, not because he wasn't able to kill the servant but because the nuisance is going to eat with them.
The dining hall door opened and entered Lady Malith. She sees Emelia standing in front of the male servant, who was still catching his breath. She raised a brow, looking at Emelia, and thought she did this to the servant.
Lady Malith walked towards the male servant then held her hand out, helping him stand back up. She then asked Emelia, "What did you do to this poor young man?" A misunderstanding was going to grow, and Emelia could feel it growing. This isn't meant to happen. The only thing she could do is to clear this misunderstanding.
"I was just saving this servant from his death," replied Emelia as she walked back to her seat. "I see. I greet the Imperial Majesty," Lady Malith bowed and took her seat, which was across Emelia. "I haven't seen you in a while, Your Imperial Majesty," Said Lady Malith as she gave her fan to a servant.
Ignored. Lady Malith was being ignored by Elliot because she is an unwanted guest in the dining hall. He didn't invite her, and she dared to join them without an invitation. She had the guts to this kind of thing. "Princess Emelia, how is your stay so far?" Asked Elliot.
"I am comfortable," His question was cut short, making him chuckle. "I'm glad to hear that," Said Elliot, who touched his knife, slicing the tender beef into pieces.
Under the table cloth, Lady Malith's fists were clenched, and she shot a glare at Emelia. She can't believe Elliot is being stolen by a fallen princess. Not only that, but she didn't like Emelia because of her attitude.
Many people get the wrong idea about Emelia because of her expressionless face. But sometimes, when people see some expressions on her face, they call her a two-faced person. Well, it's not like she could do something about her expressionless face.
Two more chances, Lady Malith, told herself. Once those two chances run out, she will not hold back and do everything to get rid of her. One must fall for someone to reach the top. It will always be like that. Wherever you go, there always be enemies.
Lady Malith and Elliot were touching their food while Emelia just stared down at the food. She didn't want to be here enjoying the food. Emelia just wished they ate faster so that she could go back to her room and read the novel.
"You're not going to eat?" Elliot asked, dabbing his mouth with a white cloth. Still not meeting his eyes, she replied, "I'm not hungry." Though it was a lie. Her stomach was grumbling, but it wasn't grumbling out loud as she was holding the noise in.
"Why?" Elliot asked as his hands stopped moving. The servants around them stiffened as they felt an ominous aura coming from him. They all wondered how Emelia isn't scared of this man. "Is there an answer to that question?" Asked Emelia while Lady Malith looked annoyed with her.
"Why aren't you answering? Lady Malith asked Emelia, who clearly was annoyed and angry with her. Elliot slammed his fist on the table, and while glaring at Lady Malith, he asked, "Did I allow you to speak?" Shivers were sent behind her back, and she shook her head, then lowering it out of embarrassment.
"I'm not feeling well. May I excuse myself?" Emelia asked while Elliot sighed out loud and waved his hand, telling her to go.
Emelia made her way out of the dining hall and followed Lady Malith, who pointed her finger towards Emelia, then said, "Show some respect, will you. You're not even someone from this empire. You're just a lost princess of that fallen empire." Emelia knew about that, and she didn't need to say it. But if Lady Malith said it out loud, it must be intentional. So that she could embarrass Emelia in front of the servants.
"So what? Call me whatever you want. Also, if you said those words to embarrass me, I'm here to tell you it didn't make me embarrassed at all," Emelia flashed her a mocking smile and turned her back, making her way back to her room.
"Don't you have a heart at all?" Lady Malith screamed, and her words echoed through the long hallway.
Does she have a heart? She does have a heart but doesn't give it, especially to those who don't deserve it.