Chapter 35

I’m not sure what caused him to get angry, but the Emperor’s crimson eyes flared up .

“Duchess, you get comfortable quickly, don’t you?”

“…Well . ” I quickly moved my hands back and recovered my forced smile .

Even without the Third Prince’s words, there was still something I needed to clear up .

And that is, I am at no fault!

“Although it was rude of me to have not recognized you that day, I did nothing wrong to deserve such criticism . I maintained order, did not abuse my power, and even shared my food . That was it . ”

“That shouldn’t be all, though? I definitely saw…”

“What?”

Argh, he stopped his sentence midway again, and I barely managed to overcome the frustration that flared up within me .

However, I would be better off trying to please the Emperor than incurring his wrath .

“Yes . I was foolish enough to not have recognized you, and I even hurt you . I apologize, as I’ve only stayed in the villa and rarely met others besides those in this mansion . ”

“Busy reminiscing the late Duke?”

After asking the question, the Emperor suddenly stopped in realization . The other princes shot him a puzzled look, and the corner of his eye twitched .

“Well, anyway . I’ll acknowledge that this was a misunderstanding . ”

***

“…”

“Thank you, Your Majesty . ”

Why did he act so generous while saying those words?

But anyway, it looks like I have safely overcome this hurdle .

If only I had a handkerchief with me to wipe the sweat off my forehead .

Though I tried my best to act calmly, my legs were trembling as I remained seated .

“Duchess, here’s a handkerchief . ”

“Ah, thank you, Your Highness . ”

Haniel was blessed to still have a brother like him .

Even the smallest act of kindness felt heartwarming at this moment . My hands reached out hesitantly as I looked at the handkerchief that the Third Prince, Peyton, offered . But before I could take it, an unfamiliar and terrifying sound tore through the air .

SHRIING .

He did not tell me to not take it, nor did he stop Peyton from giving it to me .

My hands froze as the Emperor’s shimmering golden sword pointed at me . Peyton froze, and the Fourth Prince’s expression turned desperate .

“Brother, be careful! Nothing’s certain as of now . ”

“Tenon!”

Though Peyton looked at Tenon in reproach and gave me an apologetic look, there was no way I could have missed it .

Why would someone like me be offered a man’s handkerchief?

Thankfully, my cold sweat that dripped onto the table had thoroughly dried up .

“Anyway, I’m thankful that we were able to resolve all of our misunderstandings . Should I return home to reflect upon myself?”

“Resolve?”

The Emperor’s thick eyebrows wrinkled .

I cannot distinguish the truth from flawless lies .

Otherwise, why would my expression falter at his reiteration?

“Y-Your Majesty has acknowledged that the incident in the city was caused by my ignorance . ”

“But that was just limited to that specific incident . ”

“What? What else is there then?”

“Didn’t you say so before? You had something that you needed to show me at the Dukedom’s banquet . ”

“…”

That was from ages ago .

I covered my mouth before a cry or a laugh could escape . However, one second thought, if the Emperor were so lenient, he would not be labeled as a tyrant .

“Though I couldn’t make it, you acted as though you had something important to show me . ”

“…I did?”

“And if you did not show, you must immediately offer your head…”

“No! You just said there was no punishment!”

“…”

He tapped his finger with a smile as if he had been waiting . His aura was noble for someone who wanted to tear my soul into pieces .

“It’s good that you remember, Duchess! Now, you should also remember what you were going to show me, right?”

He slowly raised his chin, as if plotting my downfall .

Now that I scrutinized him, his sharp jawline was definitely the same one I had seen outside the dessert shop .

“You said that I would regret it . I wonder what it is?”

“That’s…”

All of their attention was on me at that moment .

I would never talk of returning Haniel to them, not over my dead body .