Chapter 6 (1/2)

The road back to my home country was quite sunny.

While riding on the horse, everything became hazy for Latille.

Did I really bid farewell to Haizens? Was it a dream? I felt like I would be able to see Haizens once more if I went back, and we’d laugh and pretend none of this had happened.

When they arrived in the village at the end of the border, people were talking about Haizens’ marriage.

‘Lady Aini is the best! She’s always been famous for her personality.’

‘She’s smart, and she’s never been involved in any scandals unlike other nobles.’

‘She’s going to be a good empress.’

‘Her family is powerful too, so there’s no room for problems.’

Latille had only realised that Haizens was really married when she heard the women talk about them in excitement. The people of Carrisen received the marriage positively.

That night, Latille repeatedly cried.

‘Haizens, you son of a bitch. You traitor, give back my prayers!’

Mean while, there was also a man who could hardly sleep.

‘I most definitely remember asking to see you again.’

It was Prince Klein.

Klein took a sip of alcohol while squeezing the glass instead of holding it, causing it to shatter in his hands. He wiped off the blood and removed the glass pieces from his hand and ordered the servant to clean up while feigning composure; but when the servants left, he grabbed the blanket and sank his teeth into them.

‘Damn!’

The more I thought about it, the more I hurt my pride. She drunkenly hugged me by the waist, and I consoled her despite her tear stained face and runny nose. She approached me first; she said she loved me and asked me to stay then disappeared. Is it my turn to chase you when we meet again?

Klein rubbed his temples. In a way, it’s no big deal; he met a strange woman, and he just has a filthy temper. What made him upset even more was that had attended the reception after the wedding just see the woman.

I can’t contain my embarrassment. To think I would have even thought of seriously asking you about your unrequited love for me. Since you were a princess, we would’ve been able to get married, but I couldn’t do that without making sure.

Klein groaned and called for a servant. As soon as they came, he ground his teeth and repeated the same question for the seventeenth time.

‘Is it really true that the delegation leader from the Tarium Empire has returned?’

‘Yes, in the morning. She simply greeted his Majesty the Emperor and went back immediately.’

The attendant responded in irritation from constantly repeating the same answer. As Klein exhaled and panted intensely, he lay back in bed.

‘What’s done is done, forget it. She’s the one who loves me, anyway. If she wants to end things this way, it’s her loss. I don’t care.’

♔♔♔

Since Latille was the delegation leader, she had to control her emotions. No matter how pitiful Haizens looked, she still had to leave Carrisen, and carry out her duties.

I felt pretty exhausted since then, so I didn’t find it in me to take care of my wounds.

As soon as she rested against her pillow, she fell asleep and started to feel better. Upon seeing the familiar beauty of her motherland, Tarium, she instantly felt relieved.

I still felt pain whenever I thought about Haizens, but I wanted to go back home. Wouldn’t these feelings soon subside with my family and governess’ help?

‘I sure hope these feelings go away, otherwise it’d be a waste of my time.’

However, what was waiting for Latille was not the was not the warmth of a loving family but shocking news.

‘Huh? Did Brother say he was going to step down from the crown prince’s seat?’

As soon as I heard this news, I completely forgot about Haizens.

Latille stared at her father blankly upon hearing the incredible news.

I can’t believe it. What do you mean? Lean refuses to be crown prince?

‘Sorry for making you hear such news even though you just came back, Latille.’

The emperor smiled awkwardly. It was time for Latille to offer her report on Carrisen as his daughter and delegation leader. He felt sorry for announcing the shocking news before hearing the report.

‘How did it go in Carrisen?’

‘I kept my promise.’

‘His foot, did you step on it hard?’

‘Yes, and Haizens’ marriage went smoothly, but that doesn’t matter. What do you mean Lean is stepping down from the crown prince’s seat?’

There were only two legitimate children of the Empress, Prince Lean and Latille but if he steps down from his position then…

‘No way, will Tratala take his place?’

Latille asked nervously. The empress’ first son that topped the list. If the empress didn’t have any sons, either the daughter or a concubine’s son would succeed the throne. She knew it a concubine’s son would be more likely to take the position of the crown prince.

My half-brother, Tratala was the second son of a concubine and was praised for his intellect. I hate to admit it but if the crown prince’s seat was available, the nobles would most likely favour him.

‘I can’t believe you called your brother by his name, Latille.’

The emperor frowned, but Latille frowned even more.

I can’t help it.