Chapter 228 (2/2)

When he appeared confused and irrational, people around him whispered more and more.

Obviously, they were surprised by his unusual reaction, who was always calm in official events. I felt he seemed already agitated when I began the oath of blood.

“That’s a simple and plain wish.”

“… ”

“All I can do is to reassure you that you won’t be entangled with me, right? Wow, what a lucrative business it is that I can win the absolute loyalty of the Monique family during your generation! Besides, the issue of succession to the throne will be solved clearly. Any wise emperor would accept this oath. Don’t you think so?”

“Yes… Your Majesty. ”

His weary voice, which sounded more boring because of his loose attitude, was sinking low.

He coldly declared when I barely answered, “I won’t accept your oath.”

“Your Majesty?”

“Although there is not a single precedent in which the imperial family has never accepted it, the oath of blood requires mutual agreement. So, I will not accept your oath. ”

At that moment, I could not believe my ears.

What did he just say?

Since the Monique royal family pledged under the power of magic to the first emperor to preserve the royal family and the country, no emperor has ever refused the pledge of the Monique family in the imperial history of nearly a thousand years, for they could gain our family’s absolute loyalty when they fulfilled just one wish of our family.

But he recklessly threw away the oath through which he could have total control of our family.

“The oath of blood? What a joke! I won’t accept that kind oath. I will never agree to it. I will reject it under my name. ”

“Your Majesty…”

Then he turned quickly and walked out of the place with big strides. The royal knights, who were nervously looking at him, hurriedly followed him. As he was so upset, nobody dared to come out and stop him.

In a mysterious silence beyond expression, I stared blankly at him disappearing. My head was messed up because of his unexpected actions.

What should I do now? I was preoccupied with that thought.

The winter hasn’t come yet, but I felt as if my hands got frozen in the bitter breeze.

“… Ah.”

“… ”

“Tia.”

“…Daddy.”

How much time passed? I came to my senses when somebody shook my shoulder violently.

As I slowly blinked, I saw a silver-haired knight dressed in a dark blue uniform. Although he pretended to look casual, there were complex feelings such as embarrassment, anxiety, and relief in his dark blue eyes.

Only then could I notice what’s going on around me. They gathered in small groups of two and three, watching us carefully while whispering among themselves.

Conscious of them, my father whispered, “I need to cope with the situation here. So, go to the captain’s office first. I need to talk to you.”

“… ”

“Why won’t you answer?”

“…Yes, Daddy.”

“Hmm. Let me give you a precaution. Don’t ever think of seeing the emperor again. I’ll talk to you a little later. ”

After getting my reassurances, he headed to the place where the captains of the knights divisions gathered. Shortly afterwards, there was an order for everybody to go back to their assigned knights.

When I thought the ceremony was ruined because of me, I felt so sorry. So I hurried out of the training place where the ceremony was held.

While walking toward the building of the 2nd Knights Division in confusion, I suddenly stopped.

Am I going back to square one if I can’t solve the problem?

After hesitating for a moment, I turned back to the Central Palace. Although my father strongly told me not to see him, it would be more difficult if I didn’t persuade the emperor.

As soon as I entered the Central Palace, I asked the passing servant about the emperor’s whereabouts, but he said he didn’t know. I felt strange, but I headed for his office.

I saw the chamberlain, who served him since he was the crown prince, standing in front of the luxurious door.

“It ‘s been a long time. Is His Majesty in?”

“It’s been a while, Lady Monique. His Excellency didn’t come back after he went to the knights inauguration ceremony…”

“Oh, I see. Thanks.” I sighed. Where did he go if he didn’t come here?