Chapter 239 (1/2)

Chapter 239: Chapter 239

When I followed his gaze curiously, I noticed the mug in my hand, with its corner embellished with a gold leaf and the crest of a roaring golden lion engraved on the handle and body.

‘Why is he looking at my cup? Was there something wrong with the tea?’

I looked at the table with a puzzled expression, then flinched. Why is there only one teacup? Obviously, after I handed him a cup, then I had my own…

When I looked back in a hurry, he giggled at me, who was looking at me blankly until then.

At that moment, I blushed.

‘Oh my, did I drink his tea, not mine?’

“It looks like you were very thirsty.”

“I’m so sorry, Your Majesty.”

“I wasn’t going to blame you, but…”

“Pardon?”

“… Hmm, nothing. ”

After shaking his head slightly, he pulled the kettle and poured the tea into an empty mug.

‘That’s my cup!’

“Excuse me, Your Majesty. That cup…”

Although I hastily tried to stop him, he already put the cup brimming with tea to his mouth.

When I watched him drinking the tea casually, I felt as if blood was rushing on my blushed face. I covered my cheeks with my hands.

“Ugh? What’s wrong with you?”

“Oh, that cup.. Never mind, Your Majesty.”

When I flailed because I didn’t have the nerve to explain, he laughed low.

When I bowed, at a loss what to do, somebody knocked on the door and immediately came in.

“Your Majesty, a messenger dispatched by Duke Verita wants to see you urgently. What shall I do? ”

“Messenger from the Verita family? Let him in.”

‘Verita family?’

I felt somewhat uneasy to hear that. Message from Duke Verita? What is it? If he dispatched the messenger in this rain, it must be something very urgent.

“Loyalty to the Lion! I, Tran Butler of the Verita family, am honored to see you, the Sun of the Empire.”

“Glory to the Empire! So, why do you want to see me urgently? ”

“This morning Duke Verita’s eldest son, Alexis de Verita, was held in Vita’s arms, so I wanted to report to you about it.”

“What the heck? Isn’t Alexis the successor of the Verita family? Did he die? ”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Huh… Got it. Wait outside until I give you an order.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Held in Vita’s arms? Alexis? I heard that he was in critical condition for some time. I saw Duke Verita very distressed because of him. But I didn’t know he died so vainly like this.

At the moment, the nightmare last night crossed my mind, but I shook it off and recalled his face. He looked like his brother Allendis a lot, but unlike his handsome brother, he looked weak all the time.

I naturally recalled Allendis’s face, too, who was my most precious friend I had forgotten for a long time. I put my hand on my throbbing heart.

Alendis, where are you? Are you safe? I’m scared of this unfortunate news about your brother. Whenever I think of you who I lost track of, I just keep getting anxious.

I closed my trembling lips.

‘Don’t even think about it, Aristia. Allendis is a rare genius. Would he not know the gravity of this situation? If he doesn’t appear soon, it’s obvious what will happen next. His relatives will rise up to take back Duke Verita’s title because it’s a golden opportunity they can never miss.’

Besides, there will be lots of opinion within the pro-emperor faction as to which one of the Verita family they will have to cultivate relationships with. Although he was away for a while, Allendis was also a member of the great noble family. He couldn’t sit idle when he knew about this.

“… Aristia?”

“Yes, Your Majesty?”

“You seem to be very surprised, given that you spaced out. I think you’re very worried because he is your friend.”

“Ah…Sorry, Your Majesty. ”

“Okay, let’s wrap up here today. Just like you, I’ve got a lot on my mind at the moment. I’m afraid I can’t focus anymore.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”