Chapter 161 (2/2)

“Let me correct that. Actually, we saw her excellent performance when that fire broke out recently, right?”

“Oh, that’s right. But she has been trying to keep a low profile until now. Anyway I was really satisfied with her performance. Did you notice Duke Jena’s expression?”

When I saw him laughing loudly, I wanted to ask him about Allendis, but couldn’t because my father was next to me.

Is he doing well? According to Duke Verita’s replies to a couple of letters I sent to him, he lost track of his son after he left the delegation.

“Duke Lars, I think you will keep the promise by all means.”

“Promise? What the heck are you talking about, Arkint? ”

“Oh my, Lady Monique. Can’t you still trust me? Let’s move to the banquet hall anyway. Let me explain to you on the way there.”

I was a little sorry when I saw him bursting out a laugh, but I smiled awkwardly because I wanted to make sure that he should keep the promise by all means.

While I was walking after the four who talked about a ‘deal’ seriously, I arrived at the banquet hall. I saw the two dukes and my father surrounded by the pro-emperor faction nobles as soon as they arrived at the banquet hall, then headed for the lounge.

I sat on a soft chair and closed my eyes. My body felt heavy like a wet dress.

‘Oh, I’m so tired. I think I’m having an unusually long day today. ‘

Without a hair ornament, I could lean comfortably on the back of the chair, but as I was in a stiff posture for fear my dress might be crumpled, I felt even more tired.

When I was pressing down on the stinging temple, I heard someone entering the lounge.

When I inadvertently turned to him, I got up quickly and showed due manners by bowing.

“I’m honored to see you, the Little Sun of the empire.”

His blue hair was swept back neatly, the blue scarf he wore seemed to match it, and the white suit was pristine. When I looked up, I met his navy blue eyes looking at me.

Why did he come here? Although its use is not clearly defined, the lounge is mostly used by women. Moreover, isn’t he Jiun’s partner, the protagonist of today’s banquet?

“Your Majesty, why are you here…?”

“… ”

He was silent. He was just staring at me with deeply subdued eyes.

The longer I met my eyes, the more dry my mouth was. When I looked down, pretending to check my dress while swallowing, he said, breaking the silence, “I didn’t know it was so hard to get a chance to talk with you alone.”

“… ”

“Maybe it’s going to be hard in the future.”

I was speechless at his empty tone. As I didn’t have the nerve to raise my head, I silently fidgeted with the hem of my white dress. Awkward silence fell.

“… Aristia. ”

I stiffened when he called my name for the second time. I heard him saying with a sigh, “Look at me.”

“…I’m embarrassed, Your Majesty. ”

When I lifted my head hesitantly, I saw his navy blues eyes fixed on me.

Once again, he sighed deeply and shook the neck part of his suit. My eyes opened wide when I saw his neat dress was dishevelled. Did that mean he felt stuffy? He was a man who didn’t allow himself to look unkempt.

It seemed that he felt frustrated in his actions. I felt sorry for him somehow. He was busy paying attention to lots of national affairs, but now he was distressed by the problems of Jiun and me.

“I heard your opinion on how to tackle the flooding of the Lumo River. I think it’s excellent. I’m going to implement your proposal.”

“Thank you, Majesty.”

“But why didn’t you… Oh, I think I know the answer even if I don’t ask.”

“… “