Chapter 107

Roxana was very wary of Claire.

And it was the same for me too.

Even as a Baron’s daughter, she caused a lot of trouble for Roxana.

It was not good for me if Claire continued to be by the Crown Prince’s side.

So, I tried to separate the two for any possible threat.

But now my thoughts had changed.

It was not only Claire who could harm me.

The Crown prince too, no, he was more dangerous than her.

If he ascended the throne with a grudge against me, it would be a disaster for the duchy.

So... what could be worse than two people who could be a threat gets together.

“Princess, long time no see. I heard you had a cold, are you feeling better now?”

A young lady approached and asked.

“Yes. I’m fine now.”

“I’m glad you’re all healed, but now that the days are getting colder, you need to take good care of yourself. But, by any chance, what happened with the Crown Prince...”

Before she could finish her words, a loud trumpet sounded from the entrance.

“His Majesty the Emperor, Her Majesty the Empress, the Crown Prince and the 2nd Prince are entering.”

Everyone looked at the door in unison.

Soon after, the emperor in a red cloak with a crown on his head appeared, and the empress in an elegant purple dress with a crown on her head as well.

Behind them, the Crown prince in a banquet suit and Payne in a white uniform were walking in.

The Crown prince looked around as soon as he entered the banquet hall.

As if he was looking for someone.

Perhaps his target was me.

I knew that the Crown prince would be quite angry right now.

But it was not my business.

Anyway, he couldn’t make a fuss in a place like this.

It was because the emperor was present, and many eyes were paying attention to him because of the recent events.

It couldn’t be helped if we met again or exchanged words.

But I wasn’t comfortable with it.

Even though I solved a big problem, another problem was still waiting to do its worst.

I brought the fan to my mouth and glanced at Payne.

He was collected and calm, as always.

My heart felt all the more frustrated when I remembered how not long ago the emperor brought up my marriage with him to the duke.

‘What the hell is he thinking?’

The emperor sat down on a high platform and spoke in a soft voice.

“Payne, come closer.”

Payne approached slowly and knelt down in front of the emperor and the Empress.

The two were not close, but like a military-vassal relationship.

The emperor looked at him with a pleased expression and beckoned.

Then, the attendant standing behind brought out a long box.

“This is a gift from me, so open it.”

“Yes.”

Payne carefully opened the box in front of everyone.

“That’s...”

Admiration erupted from people’s mouths.

What was in the box was a sword.

Lapis lazuli was embedded in the handle of the sword, giving off a brilliant light, and when the scabbard was pulled out, the exposed blade emitted a white light.

Even I, who knew nothing about swords, could recognize that it was a famous sword.

When Roxana was taking the empress lessons, she had heard a glimpse of the innumerable treasures in the imperial storeroom.

If I was not mistaken, what was in front of me now was a treasured sword passed down through generations in the imperial family.

“I see... It’s a treasure.”

“Wow.”

Several other people, including myself, recognized the treasure and exclaimed in admiration.

Payne also seemed a little flustered.

“It is too much for me.”

“It’s not. Compared to the achievements you have made, this sword is nothing much. Besides, you are my son, so you deserve that sword. With that sword, protect the empire from now on.”

“I will abide by Your Majesty’s will.”

Was I mad?

Wasn’t it more strange that I didn’t get angry when I was caught off guard and got hit in the back of the head?

“Does my opinion matter?”

“Of course it matters.”

Payne said in a firm voice.

I narrowed my eyes and looked at him.

His face was serious and somehow desperate.

I wanted to ask right away if such a person would want to marry me without my consent.

However, since I decided to keep peace, there was only one option left for me.

I swallowed the words that reached the tip of my chin and sighed inwardly.

“I like friends and allies. But I have no desire to be beyond that.”

Payne opened his mouth as if to say something, then closed it.

He lowered his gaze with a sad face.

“That was not my intention.”

There was a hint of regret in his pale blue eyes.

I faced Payne with a calm face.

He didn’t even make a simple denial to my words.

So, it was practically accepted.

‘Should I believe that?’

I looked at him with distrustful eyes, and he let out a small sigh.

“It happened... I should have come and apologized, but I was late because I didn’t have time after that day. I’m sorry.”

“I thought maybe we could be good friends, but it seems I was mistaken.”

Payne looked at me and added.

“I didn’t know that His Majesty would speak up so suddenly.”

“Are you saying it was His Majesty’s own decision and not yours?”

Payne’s eyes widened slightly at my words.

I frowned.

I looked at him with an unwavering gaze, and his face became more troubled.

Just in time, the song ended.

He stood still and did not move.

His face looked a bit dazed and contained a bit of bitterness.

“Are you going to stay still?”

When I whispered in a small voice that only he could hear, Payne started walking as if he came to his senses.

I went back to my seat.

And Payne naturally walked beside me.

Because of that, we seemed to be going back to our seats together.

I could feel people glancing in our direction, full of curiosity.

But fortunately, they didn’t come close to us. Thanks to that, we were able to have a quiet conversation.

“Do you have anything else to say?”

“There is something misunderstood, Princess. Could you please give me a minute?”

Then, a person came towards us.

“Roxana, how are you?”

The Crown prince asked.

His blue eyes were burning with something fierce.

Looking at the crookedly raised lips and narrowed brow, one could see how moody the Crown prince was feeling right now.

“I see the Crown Prince.”

The Crown prince stood in silence for a moment, as if at a loss for words.

Then he glared at Payne, who was standing next to me.

“Move. I have something to say to Roxana.”

“I’m sorry, but I can’t. I also have something to say to the princess.”

“What do you want to say to her?”

“That’s none of your business.”

“What?”

The Crown prince frowned.

His gaze at Payne was so sharp, it seemed like he could kill a person with a look.

“What did you say just now?”