Chapter 45 - Don’t Make Such Baseless Threats (2/2)
“I don’t understand you at all. If there’s a lady you like, then I’d rather you marry sooner. ‘I don’t like this, I don’t like that!’ How indecisive,” the Emperor mocked.
“…”
It was no exaggeration to say that Henry’s failure to manage a family accounted for eighty percent of the reason why Xavier was cautious about love. However, Henry didn’t seem to think much about his mistakes.
Xavier sighed inwardly. “I can’t let the next empress follow the footsteps of Mother.”
“It sounds like you’re saying that what happened to your mother was all my fault.”
“Is it not?”
Xavier shot a fierce stare at his father, and Henry remained silent despite the blatant disregard for imperial etiquette. Before Xavier’s eyes, which resembled an abyss, could turn red with blood, Henry spoke.
“I cannot say I’m not responsible.”
“…”
“But it’s not entirely my responsibility, either. Believe me.”
“If you need to make an excuse to comfort yourself, then do so,” Xavier bit back.
“…”
Henry stared at his son as if he had just been stabbed, but Xavier’s face remained as closed off as a statue’s. The only feelings he expressed throughout this long conversation were through his resentful eyes. Henry, who stared back at Xavier for quite some time, spoke again.
“Is Lady Bellafleur arranging for you to meet with Lady Trakos?”
How does Father know a private conversation that just happened?
Xavier’s expression contorted at the way Henry revealed it so casually.
“There is not a single thing I do not know about you, Xavier,” Henry said in an imperious tone.
“Are you planting spies?”
“How can you describe adding a few people in your son’s palace as planting spies? That is so unkind.”
“Why did you do it?”
“I don’t think it’s a good idea for you to hear the answer.”
Xavier knew it meant it was an answer that would hurt him if he heard it. A brittle smile spread on his face. “You must be worried that I would hang myself like Mother.”
“What?”
Henry leapt up from his throne and strode down towards Xavier. The Crown Prince simply stared as his father came towards him, then bit his lip to brace himself.
SMACK!
Xavier’s head turned sharply to the left, but his face was indifferent.
“How dare…how dare you say that!” his father roared.
“…”
“Are you going to insult me this way! You damned fool!”
“Anyone who hears it would think I said something wrong.” Xavier’s emotionless mask remained on his face, but his voice was tinged with indescribable grief.
Noticing it, Henry relaxed a little, but his fury soon flared up again. “I see. No matter what I say, you won’t listen.”
“…”
“Instead, you will go to the place Lady Bellafleur will arrange for you.”
“Your Majesty!” Xavier protested.
“You cannot refuse,” Henry said in a chilling voice.
“You’re good at playing with people’s minds, both then and now.”
“That doesn’t change the outcome.”
“I know. You say what you want to say,” Xavier said, glaring balefully at his father. “If you keep doing that, I don’t know if you’ll ever see a daughter-in-law or grandchildren in your lifetime.”
“Don’t make such baseless threats. You are in no position to choose.”
“…”
That was true. At least until the death of the Emperor. As crown prince, there were very few times Xavier felt helpless, and this was one of them. He clenched his fists.
Henry stared down at his son. “Lady Bellafleur must have returned to the mansion by now. Let me know the contents of her letter and what you’ve decided.”
“…”
“Or should I be the one to tell you?” Henry suggested.
“…If that’s all you have to say,” Xavier said through clenched teeth, “then I’ll take my leave, Your Majesty.”
“Very well.”
“Glory to the Great Sun of the Empire,” Xavier said bluntly, then turned his heel and strode away. He did not look back as he went through the hall and back to Thurman Palace.