Chapter 28

“I can’t.”

I had high expectations for what he was going to say, but how disappointing.

A magic lie detector, that’s convenient.

“I wasn’t thinking of anything.”

I lied again, denying his words.

“I can read the lies on your face.”

“Did you read my mind using facial expression as a reference?”

“Yes.”

Commendable ability.

Rodrigo and I took two steps to the left. The way we moved in such perfect unison was picturesque. It was like a scene from a movie.  My heart skipped a beat. Maybe it’s because we’re dancing.

“Then tell me. What am I thinking?”

Rodrigo laughed. His smirk was sly and decisive.

“Of how you’ll run away.”

Ba-dum.

I was astonished. Rodrigo’s claim was correct. My plan of handing Rodrigo over to the female protagonist and sending them to an island could be interpreted as an escape from Rodrigo’s point of view.

He’s a ghost.

“Wrong.”

I was also technically not lying. It would be more accurate to say that this was simply a fulfillment of legitimate obligations under the contract, rather than running away. Rodrigo seemed to have something to say, but fortunately the song ended.

“Let’s drink something.”

I suggested so. I felt a little feverish and wanted to drink something cool. Rodrigo naturally extended his arm. I rested my hand on his arm.

He wasn’t my official partner, yet Rodrigo flawlessly escorted me. At the same time, the royal servants of the Imperial Palace passed by us with cold drinks. Rodrigo picked up two glasses and handed me one. He then immediately brought his drink to his mouth.

“Wait a minute!” I shouted.

Rodrigo glanced at me, his lips touching the glass. I exchanged Rodrigo’s drink for mine. He frowned.

“You harbor more enemies than I do.”

I’ve read the scene in the novel. The chapter where someone poisoned Rodrigo’s drink. Of course, that crime wouldn’t be happening today. There were too many drinks on the tray, and the amount of people currently existing in the hall was too risky for a murder attempt.

In this situation, Rodrigo’s cup wouldn’t be poisoned. Still, I wanted to swap. I didn’t want this person to be in danger, if possible. Any time he is attacked, Cartina would always become the prime suspect.

“Am I the only one at risk of being poisoned?”

Cartina must also bear quite an amount of foes.

“As long as you’re safe.”

Rodrigo clenched his lips at my small murmur.

“If you’re in doubt, let’s not drink both.”

Rodrigo snatched my cup and put it on the table.

I’m thirsty. I don’t mind a bit of poison.

In fact, the reason why I confidently exchanged glasses with him is because of my developed resistance to most toxins.

“Next time, we’ll have to prepare drinks for the both of us separately.”

“That’s not a bad idea.”

It’s a shame that we didn’t bring any today.

PR/N: Pretty sure he’s thirsty for a different reason kekeke. (Thirsty for her.)

Rodrigo and I leaned against the wall and observed the guests strolling and dancing throughout the hall. People laughed, expressing their merriment. I occasionally felt glances reaching Rodrigo and me. Someone gossiped about us. Some complimented me for being pretty and him handsome, while others criticized us for appearing inadequate.

Regardless, I ignored everyone and simply looked forward. I didn’t have to react so sensitively. Besides, they didn’t even realize I could hear every single word they spoke.

“Now that I think about it, his Majesty the Emperor hasn’t come yet?”

When I spoke of the Emperor, Rodrigo’s face darkened significantly.

“He will come. He likes to be noticed.”

Rodrigo kindly explained that he would be entering later. He was friendly before, but as soon as the word Emperor was brought into the conversation, a thin curtain hovered around Rodrigo. I felt a strange sense of distance.

“I heard the Holy Father was also attending this time. I wonder what kind of person he is.”

The way Rodrigo’s jaw was clenched felt awkward, so I blabbered about anything that came to mind. Atypical of Rodrigo, he answered in very short, blunt phrases. His replies were mainly ‘I’m not sure’ and ‘we’ll find out’.

“…They have come. There.”

Just as I began feeling exasperated by his attitude, Rodrigo pointed at the door with his chin. The fanfare rang and the magic firecrackers went off. Three people entered through the magnificent doors. Emperor Terto, Pope Nathaniel, and–

“Mom?”

Cartina’s one and only Hela made appearance.

05. Time Only the Moonlight Knows

It was unexpected for Hela to enter with both Emperor Terto, and Pope Nathaniel to boot. Rodrigo seems to have thought the same.

“I have a bad feeling about this.”

I tightened my grip on Rodrigo’s forearm. Rodrigo looked down at me.

“I also think the same.”

Rodrigo grinned and patted my hand that was resting on his arm. It broke my heart to see him laughing about his misfortunes.

“Ah, you shouldn’t frown, Estiya,” was what he said, with a strange expression on his face.

“Premonitions can be wrong.”

I wanted to believe what Rodrigo said. His finger which slowly headed towards my face stopped.

“May I touch you for a moment?” asked Rodrigo while pointing to my face.

“I was wondering if I could cast a spell on you.”

“What kind of magic is it?”

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It’s a habit of mine to be wary of everything.

“It’s magic that makes you feel good. It makes you believe that nothing bad will happen.”

Hmm.

I knew he possessed the qualities of a brilliant wizard, and that he would soon become the greatest recorded magician on the continent, but it’s kind of hard for me to believe what he just said.

Rodrigo grinned as I sent him a meaningful gaze.

“I won’t do anything if you’d rather not.”

What a naughty boy. As he lowered his hand, I hurriedly stopped him.

“Just do it!”

“Then, excuse me.”

He pressed the corners of my mouth with both his index fingers and brought them up.

“That’s how you should laugh.”

Eh? What’s this?

My mouth was smiling, but my eyes were still narrowed as I glared at him. He grinned.

“If you force yourself to laugh, you’ll feel a little bit better.”

He put his hands down. Hela, who moved from behind Terto and Nathaniel, stepped toward me. Rodrigo stood upright and faced her. Hela’s expression was as icy as ever.

My heart skipped a beat. I recalled what Rodrigo had said and forced the corners of my mouth up. As I put strength into the corners of my lips, it was as if he was pulling them up like before. I felt a little better.

Read only at pm tl.

As Hela approached me, Terto and Nathaniel arrogantly headed towards the throne, ignoring the greetings of the nobles. The Pope’s seat was one step below the throne, but his chair was equivalent to the Emperor’s.

What immense power he possessed.

Hela stood before me. Rodrigo stepped aside so that I and Hela could greet each other comfortably.

“Estiya, my daughter and mommy’s bluebird.”

A bluebird was a symbol of happiness. Hela gave me light pecks on both cheeks.

“Good evening, Countess Hela, may God bless you.”

As Hela and I extended our greetings, Rodrigo stepped in at appropriate timing. Her cold eyes gazed through Rodrigo.

“It’s been a while, Lord Rodrigo,” she said. Her actions were graceful and full of elegance.

My mother greeted Rodrigo?

I was worried that she would ignore Rodrigo and walk past him, but this truly brought happiness and relief to my heart.

“If you have time, will you spare a small chat with me, your Grace?” Hela requested. 

I blinked and came to my senses late.

“Yes, yes?”

I was confused. Although not too obvious, it was Hela who opposed Rodrigo the most. A fire that lasted longer was fiercer, and anger that did not scream was blood-curdling.

So I was very nervous. I wondered if one day, in a way that no one would imagine, Hela would swiftly and cleverly get rid of Rodrigo. But that very Hela was the first to greet Rodrigo, even asking for a chat.

“Estiya, wait a minute, my baby… Could I borrow your lover for a moment?”

Although she hesitated in saying it, Hela admitted that he was my lover.

“Of course, Mother.”

I took Hela’s hand. Hela looked back at Estiya.

Thanks, Mom.

TL/N: Pretty sure that’s sarcasm

I pursed my lips. Her forehead narrowed slightly.

Oh… Could this possibly be a trap?

But I couldn’t retract what I had already said.

“Let’s move then, My Lord.”

“Will you be alright alone, Estiya?”

Rodrigo’s tone was as sweet as honey, probably because of Hela. My nose tickled at his words. I lightly pushed his back.

“Don’t worry about me.”

“You’re so beautiful, I’m afraid the flies will try to pass through you.”

“That won’t happen.”

Rodrigo sighed with a face that didn’t believe my words, but in fact, none of the men approached me. For as soon as Rodrigo disappeared, Kaylan, Ether, and Eyla rushed my way.

“Let’s dance!”

Kaylan reached out to me.

“It would be an honor, brother.”

“I’m next.”

“No, I’m next!”

Eyla and Ether quarreled over the next position.

“No. Dancing is meant for a man and woman.”

Kaylan muttered, calming the feud between Ether and Eyla.

“What kind of bullshit is that? Didn’t you see what Rodrigo did earlier? The one where he took the Prince’s hand? Is there a law that states a man must be the only one to dance with a woman? Is there?”

Eyla growled and shoved her head into Kaylan’s chin.

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“That’s right, brother. I’ll dance with my brother and then with my sisters. We used to dance together when we were young.”

I was quick to mediate. I didn’t want the royal banquet to turn into a standoff. Kaylan was forced to back down. Because the song had started.

“We can’t waste a second!”

Kaylan took my hand. Unfortunately, the song soon ended.

Then I danced with Eyla, and the third song was with Ether. People stared blankly at the strange sight of the siblings who were dancing in unison.