Chapter 111
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Chapter 111
"Your Majesty, what brings you down to this place? Were you perhaps waiting for someone?"
Hexagon's manner toward The Emperor was anything but respectful. Though his head was bowed, his eyes gleamed with insolence.
And it was clear he already knew that the person The Emperor was waiting for was me.
'Look at that face—not a shred of remorse during house arrest.'
In that moment, I finally understood what Hexagon Duchess had meant.
"Has something happened, Enya?"
The Emperor ignored Hexagon as though he didn't exist and turned his attention to me.
I considered bringing up how Duke Hexagon had looked down on our family, but decided to let it rest for now.
"I was simply exchanging greetings with Duke Hexagon after such a long time. Nothing of consequence occurred."
"...."
The hand resting on my shoulder suddenly tensed.
"A long time?"
"Yes, did I misspeak?"
I gazed up at him blankly. For the same reason, it seemed The Emperor also despised Hexagon intensely.
Or was it that he was wary of me being together with Hexagon?
'That's it. He must be concerned that our family and Hexagon have grown close.'
Suddenly, after Hexagon's strike came a second blow from The Emperor himself.
'I'm beginning to feel suffocated.'
A heavy chill settled between The Emperor and Duke Hexagon. They stood in sharp opposition, like finely honed blades about to clash.
"...Ah, so Enya was Your Majesty's next appointment. I had no idea she would be the one to see you after me."
"My, is that so?"
I covered my mouth and laughed softly as well.
'He's lying.'
Hexagon certainly knew. I understood why he'd spoken to me—to steal away time from my appointment with The Emperor.
'Cunning old fox.'
But I was a proper noblewoman in my own right. A light scratch from Hexagon meant nothing to me.
Duke Hexagon's serpentine eyes widened ever so slightly.
"Yet the rumors of your broken engagement were merely gossip, it seems.... You continue to meet privately?"
"Getty."
"Yes, Your Majesty. I was standing by."
Getty bowed his head promptly at The Emperor's summons.
"Escort the Duke courteously beyond the Imperial Palace."
"Yes, sir!"
Getty approached Hexagon's side with a cheerful smile.
The polished words masked a clear 'shut your mouth and get out'—and Hexagon's face darkened with indignation.
Perhaps the humiliation of being confined still lingered in his body—Hexagon glared at me before obediently accompanying Getty.
"Your Majesty, I apologize for the delay."
I looked up at him and gently soothed his mood.
'Today is the signing day, and of all times, Hexagon had to visit and upset The Emperor.'
It would be troublesome if Hexagon started causing problems.
If The Emperor had a change of heart and declared "the cancellation of the cancellation of the Empress Edict," everything would fall apart.
I clasped my hands together and smiled up at The Emperor, my heart desperately wishing and praying that we would part completely today.
"...."
My efforts seemed to have worked—The Emperor showed no sign of displeasure toward me.
"I apologize for letting you encounter Duke Hexagon."
"It's fine. Now that I've seen him, it looks like the Duke has lost quite a few teeth."
"...Is that so?"
A faint laugh escaped The Emperor. He removed the hand he'd placed on my shoulder and brushed back his golden hair.
"Yes. He's gone now, and let us speak of our story, Enya and I."
"That's what I hoped for."
I followed him with a bright smile to where he led.
* * *
"The Imperial Palace's Greenhouse seems wonderful too."
If the Lockhart Family's Greenhouse was called a gentle repository cradling all life on The Continent, then the Imperial Palace's Greenhouse could be described as resplendent and intense, brimming with vitality.
The Lockhart Family's Greenhouse was like a forest hidden from all eyes and guarding secrets, while the Imperial Palace's Greenhouse appeared to be a place meant to display majesty.
"An artificial waterfall, a forest, and a lake, and wow...."
"It may fall short of the Lockhart Family's, but I'm relieved that you find it pleasing."
The Emperor's bashful words were humble.
"If my Grandfather had seen this place, he would have loved it dearly. Father must have seen it, right?"
"I spend time here occasionally with the Prime Minister."
"Father takes breaks? I didn't know that."
"This time, we discussed at length the revocation of the edict I issued regarding you."
"Ah. Of course."
My heart raced with excitement, and I felt like my feet might bounce off the ground.
"Then we should sign today, shouldn't we?"
"Do you dislike it?"
"That's...!"
The absurdity of it nearly made my voice rise.
"That's...? The Capital? I saw it there...?"
I tilted my head and laughed. At the same time, The Emperor chuckled softly.
"So you're saying yes. Or are you saying no."
"Hmm...."
"I wish to hear the honest heart of Enya without pretense. After all, this matter will be concluded today, will it not."
"...To be honest."
I drew in a breath and exhaled deeply.
"To speak truthfully, I'm curious why Your Majesty withdrew the Empress's edict. I was genuinely startled by how abrupt it was."
"...."
"And I'm grateful for it."
"Grateful in what sense?"
"For listening to my wishes. I had assumed Your Majesty would see your opinion through to the very end."
The Emperor regarded me quietly, then sighed.
"It would be better if you didn't thank me."
"Is it because of what happened during all this time?"
"Perhaps it's not only because of that."
"Your Majesty seems to speak in riddles."
"Whatever Enya perceives is likely the truth."
The Emperor chuckled softly and guided me to the table. There lay the two documents I desired.
A certificate acknowledging the withdrawal of the Empress's edict.
It stated that I would raise no further questions about it.
I affixed my seal faster than anyone could have.
The Emperor observed me with curiosity for quite some time, then rested his chin on his hand and laughed.
"You appear rather eager to flee."
"That's hardly the case."
It was true.
The moment I finished writing my signature, my strength drained away. So elated was I that I nervously watched his hand, wondering if he might change his mind.
'Hmm?'
But the Emperor's pen....
I narrowed my eyes and studied his hand. It was a pen I'd seen before.
'It's the pen Dale uses often. There was an identical one in Dale's Room.'
No, there was something even before that.
'The pen he used to sign with when we made our contract.'
I examined his hand intently.
His hand resembled Dale's, I thought.
'Why do I feel uneasy?'
My heart seemed to pound, and I found myself strangely disturbed.
"Your Majesty."
He lifted his head. Without thinking, I reached out and touched the slightly loosened mask that revealed his jawline.
The mask was hard and cold. Yet the jawline beneath it appeared soft and tender.
"...Your Majesty."
As my fingers lightly brushed his mask, I felt the Emperor stiffen.
"Your Majesty, this is a strange thought, but...."
I traced the mask that had been crafted to match the height of his nose. Only his jawline was visible, yet something felt peculiar.
The Emperor's lips were as crimson as Dale's.
Even my preference for writing instruments matched Dale's.
"Where did you purchase this pen, if I may ask?"
"Do you wish to have it?"
No, I didn't want it.
"Yes."
But I answered differently.
The Emperor gazed at the pen quietly, then touched his chin as though troubled.
"I cannot gift you something I've already used, so I shall have another identical one commissioned."
"It's not a product sold in shops, then?"
The Emperor's lips curved into a gentle arc.
"No."
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Brought to you by Valir Scans! To support our team and enjoy the latest releases, please read directly on our official site: valirscans.org
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