Chapter 45 (2/2)

“So she is always like that to the princesses?”

“She was actually kinder today, probably because you and I were there. It’s usually worse. I’ll bet Liliana will get a severe punishment either today or tomorrow.”

“…”

The emperor said it so calmly. It sounded as if he was talking about what he ate for breakfast.

They were only half-sisters to him, but still his sisters. How could he feel nothing towards what was happening to them?

Then again, he was a cold insensitive human being. In some sense, I could understand why he didn’t feel sorry for them. The dowager empress was his nemesis. Even if the princesses were innocent, they were still the daughters of his enemy. It wouldn’t be easy to feel sympathy towards them.

In fact, I didn’t think the emperor felt empathy even towards those who were on his side.

The two young princesses were useless to everyone in this castle.

It was a sad situation. I hid my sigh and said to the emperor. I had to return to my place and get ready to learn about the princesses.

“Then, I’ll get going.”

“Hmm?”

“You must have a lot to do, so I will be returning to my place.” I smiled and asked politely, “Please allow me to leave your presence.”

I wasn’t really asking for his permission. This was just proper etiquette when you were about to leave the emperor. I was basically telling him I was leaving.

Until now, whenever I ‘asked’, the emperor would quickly give me ‘his permission’. We had a strictly business relationship.

But today, he acted differently.

“No, I won’t give you my permission.”

“… Pardon?!”

I was so surprised that I gaped at him. What was wrong with him today?

I asked him in confusion, “Did you eat something weird today?”

“… Why would you think that?” He sighed deeply and offered me his hand. “Come with me.”

I got closer to his ear and whispered, “… You’ve only been an emperor a short period of time, yet you are already procrastinating?” I wanted to make sure the maids couldn’t hear me.

He frowned. Without bothering to hide his annoyance, he whispered back to me into my ear.

“You are so clueless.”

In my 20 years, I had never been told that. I prided in myself for being quick!

When I looked at him in annoyance, the emperor laughed out loud. I didn’t understand why he was so happy.

He looked down at me and murmured quietly, “… I have a long way to go.”

Of course, he did. The dowager empress was a formidable enemy. In fact, I felt like I had a long way to go compared to him.

I thought about pointing this out to him but decided against it. Instead, I smiled and announced rather than ask.

“Well then, I will see you later.”

I bowed quickly and turned around. I thought if I left quickly enough, he would just give up this nonsense.

I was wrong.

“Huh!”

The emperor grabbed my hand and pulled me to him.

I wasn’t ready for it, and he was very strong. My body turned around towards him and I fell into his embrace.

“…!”

My face was plastered against his chest, which felt hard and muscled.

I always found it strange how despite being a man, he always smelled so good.

I looked up and glared at him as hard as I could.

He smiled smoothly. “I will be taking some of your time today.”

… What was he talking about?