Chapter 580

Chapter 580

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Chapter 580

The evening dinner of the imperial family, who could never be described as congenial, appeared surprisingly peaceful at first glance.

Dishes masterfully crafted by the palace chefs, meticulously considering each person's health and preferences, lined the table. Because Yuder was inadvertently accompanying them, he had the chance to discern the culinary tastes of the imperial family members.

The Emperor, still not fully recovered, primarily consumed food that was gentle on the stomach and smooth. The Empress seemed to prefer dishes laden with flowers, mostly focusing on simple vegetables and fruits. Katchian picked at a few dishes as if he were a picky eater, although Yuder knew he didn't typically have such tendencies.

However, continuously consuming only specific dishes meant...

'Hes being cautious while pretending not to be.'

Kishiar was the complete opposite of Katchian. He had no qualms about eating anything and managed to consume all kinds of food gracefully. Some might say that he was so naive as to not even consider the possibility of poison, but from Yuder's perspective, it was the complete opposite.

Kishiar was clearly enjoying his meal more boldly than usual, aiming for somethingor someone.

And that someone was most likely Katchian.

'What kind of reaction is he trying to elicit by doing this?'

At the moment when Yuder was privately curious, Katchian was swallowing his extreme discomfort beneath a stoic facade.

"Your Majesty. This chicken dish is quite tender and tasty. Would you care to try some? I believe it would suit your palate."

"Very well. If the Duke recommends it, then I shall try."

"Your Majesty, Empress. Please consider adding this herb to the salad dressing you're currently having. I once had it that way in the West, and it added a delightful layer of flavor."

"Is that so? Im not familiar with Western cuisine, but if Duke Peletta recommends it, I can trust it."

The invitation to the dinner at the Sun Palace had come from the Empress that very morning. At first, Katchian had been skeptical of the messages true intent, but he remembered that similar dinners had occurred when the Emperor was healthier and accepted the invitation.

'There was originally a dinner planned during the Harvest Festival as well, though it was ultimately canceled.'

The reason for the cancellation had been the fool from the Apeto family, whom he had sent to the afterlife by way of poison. But that detail was irrelevant to Katchian. What mattered to him were the terrifying assassination attempts he had faced since then and the days of suffering that followed.

To determine whether the Emperor's condition had improved or worsened, he had to take risks. And to survive in such a setting, he reluctantly had to put up Diarca as a shield.

Fortunately, Kiolle da Diarca, who was appointed as the Crown Prince's watcher, was an absolute fool compared to Duke Diarca, making him very easy to manipulate. Knowing Kioles secret weaknessthat he was secretly engaged in homosexual relationships without his parents knowledgeKatchian had chosen him as his companion without hesitation.

But the dynamics at the dinner table... they made it exceedingly difficult for him to obtain the information he sought.

"Cough, cough."

"Your Majesty! Are you alright? Here's some water"

"I am fine, my Empress. It was just an unfortunate coincidence that the chicken had the leek sauce that I do not particularly enjoy. Theres no need for concern."

"Is that so?"

"Yes, indeed."

"My apologies, Your Majesty. I had momentarily forgotten about that. However, leek sauce is good for your health, so please do not worry."

Kishiar had been observing the Emperor as he ate his favorite chicken dish when, all of a sudden, the Emperor began to cough violently. The Empress looked visibly alarmed. She had thought the Emperor might be on his deathbed, but it turned out it was just a sauce that hadn't agreed with him.

Wiping his mouth, Kishiar turned toward the now noticeably pale Emperor, his expression steeped in exaggerated concern. It was impossible for Katchian to tell whether Kishiar was genuinely worried or just putting on a show. Although the Emperor's gaze hardened slightly, he refrained from scolding Kishiar and simply took another sip of water.

The Emperor called for the chief attendant in the midst of his meal and took a pill of some medicine. After that, he ate with a touch more enthusiasm than before.

Taking medicine implies poor health, but eating more than usual suggests the opposite. Just what condition was the Emperor in? Katchian felt as if everyone was either making fun of him or not; it seemed as though the symptoms he had managed to keep at bay were now breaking through.

Unease filled him. In the reflection of his cup, he thought he saw the ghastly red scar that marred his face once again. No matter how much he tried to convince himself that it wasn't real, how could he dismiss what he so vividly saw?

Katchians gaze pierced through the transparent glass. He felt as if he heard a voice from long ago, back when he was much younger.

"Blond hair and red eyes, undoubtedly. The colors may be a bit tainted, but your skin is pure. Keep it that way; it's the only weapon you'll have for survival"

The strongest evidence of his imperial bloodline was his hair and eyes, and skin as unblemished as untouched snow.

He couldn't afford to lose any of them... not even one...

However, just then, Kishiar interjected, speaking to the Emperor, causing Katchian's first attempt to be thwarted.

"I apologize, but"

"Ah, just as the Duke said earlier. It seems fine."

Katchian raised his voice once more. However, this time it was the Empress who responded to Kishiar, causing him to be drowned out again. It was a frustrating moment.

'Damn that Duke Peletta! Is this really unintentional?'

Annoyed, Katchian was about to raise his voice again when Kishiar turned his head.

"Crown Prince, did you have something you wanted to say?"

"...Yes."

Katchian exhaled heavily, attempting to grasp the atmosphere that was not going in the direction he wanted.

"Actually, I was concerned when Her Majesty suddenly proposed a meal today. I wondered if there were urgent matters to be discussed in such a setting. Especially considering that both of you had appeared together at several official occasions recently. If my concerns are unfounded, then that's good but..."

He almost expressed his slight annoyance, questioning why he was even invited if nothing was going to be said.

Though he was speaking diplomatically, he intended to keep probing for information about the Emperor's health. Emperor Keilusa was never an easy figure to deal with, but the comparatively tender-hearted Empress was easier to target. His plan was to try and get answers from her as easily as possible.

However, it wasn't the Empress sitting across from Katchian; it was Kishiar. The perfectly crafted sentences in his mind scattered the moment they met those red eyes.

Kishiar was smiling. But at the same time, an inexplicable, instinctual fear sounded an alarm in Katchians mind. It was a sensation that was both chilling and overwhelming, as if a weight was pressing down on him. For a moment, he hesitated and closed his mouth.

Then, he simultaneously felt both doubt and shame about his own hesitation.

"Why did you stop speaking?"

With a smiling face, Duke Peletta kindly asked Katchian.

"..."

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