Chapter 34

I’m so sorry . It would have been wonderful to show you the beautiful Lake Ferdium . ”

“It’s really a shame . ” 

“I know . God, you must have seen many places all over the world so beautiful they would leave you a fool, so I’ll leave you alone . ” 

“Where to?”

Why am I ever so familiar with this? I have not experienced much in this world, but strangely enough, I have encountered this kind of situation several times today . It’s the same as when I looked into the eyes of the man that looked just like my baby and when the clanking of metal in my enchanted ears kept coming for me back then .

“Already?”

“—A-already?”

Approaching me, he got in my way…

No, it can’t be .

“The princes will be waiting in the pavilion with refreshments . Why the rush?” 

“That, no, no . I’m in a bit of a hurry . ”

“Why? You said you only look at the lake all day . ”

“…”

The face of the emperor came closer to me; I already had been holding my breath for quite some time .

Though there was no contact, he pulled me close to his lips and left no gap between us .

“Eat something sweet, and relax your expression . You act as though I will eat you . ”

Oh, my God . What’s wrong with my poor baby? You might lose your mother twice .

I couldn’t remember how I got at the garden to face the three siblings .

However, even if I ran away, I bet my spirit would still have been surprisingly clear .

“Does the tea not suit your preference?”

“…”

Because this guy has leashed me, and he’s on my tail .

“If it doesn’t suit the Duchess’s taste, at least we’ll get another tea…” 

“Save me, Your Majesty . ”

“I really didn’t know . How could I have thought that the Emperor and his brothers are standing in line in front of a dessert shop?”

I bowed my head almost in tears . Come to think of it, they did look alike .

Even when standing in line at a restaurant, the three brothers looked normal enough to not make me look weird .

“Of course I thought you were unusual then, but haha . ”

“Really?”

“Of course . ”

Three men line up in front of a cake shop in broad daylight on a weekday, and that looks normal!

I didn’t converse more with the three men around me who were emphasizing their true selves as much as possible .

Regrettably, my flamboyant appearance put me at a disadvantage; everyone is paying attention to me and stealing glances .

“If I had known, I wouldn’t have done such a rude thing . Please believe me . ”

“That’s what I believe . ”

“Otherwise, I wouldn’t have had tea with that beanpole of a man . ” 

On the other hand, the emperor, who laughed so bitterly, looked more sincere than ever . He put down the glass he was holding with a nervous smile that made him seem like he wanted to sever my neck, which is still well attached .

“Anyway, I have to pay you back for that day . ”

“Well, I really don’t mind if you don’t . ”

“Really? I do . ”

Haniel, I’m glad you left this family . If she had grown up under a man like this, I would have died even if she had survived .

Even if the baby swan was with Selene, Selene saw things too flexibly .

At this point, I had to rationally rearrange my thoughts .

‘Let’s just think about the truth . Facts only . ’

At least he didn’t notice Haniel’s identity, though he is a man filled with rage . But that’s the only thing that is clear .

“Huep . ”

I inhale to search for composure deep in me quickly .

“Well . ”

Why? Because I’m pissed off .

“… Possibly, I can’t comprehend the Duchess’s taste?”

“Your Majesty . ”

May I have your attention, please?

Swiftly, the emperor placed his tea on the table and reached out his hand, but he quickly dropped his arm .

It was the same for all of the princes . They backed away as if they were afraid to reach out to me .

“Ah…”

Some people might think I’m going to curse them .

I felt a bit sad, but I wanted to stay away from these siblings as much as possible . What broke the awkwardness enveloping us was the remark of the friendly prince sitting next to the handsome one .