Chapter 73 - You Two Haven’t Spoken (1/2)

Chapter 73 – You Two Haven’t Spoken

1. Sweet Chunks

“Your Grace, Duke Escliffe.”

Claude naturally turned in the direction of the voice as soon as he stepped out of the carriage. There stood a familiar-looking man. Claude acknowledged him with his usual warm smile.

“Sir Dilton.”

“It’s been a long time,” Dilton greeted with an elegant curve of his lips.

Claude nodded and spoke in a jovial voice. “How are you?”

“It’s been a little rough lately.”

“Oh dear.” Claude shook his head in sympathy. “Are you alright now?”

“I’ve healed a lot due to the grace of the Crown Prince.”

“I see.” Claude smiled and shook his head. “You’ve now become the Crown Prince’s man.”

“In actuality, he’s taken great care of us. Despite his appearances, he’s a very sensitive man.”

…Sure. Claude shifted the topic of conversation without denying it. “What are you doing here?”

“Ah,” Dilton said, realizing his original purpose of coming here. “I’m here to serve you.”

“Me?” Claude said with a frown. “But I already have a previous engagement.”

“Oh, I know that, Your Grace. Today I was ordered by His Majesty the Emperor.”

“The Emperor ordered you to serve in the Central Palace?”

“Who knows His Majesty’s intentions,” Dilton said with a smile.

A sliver of suspicion attached itself to Claude, but it couldn’t be helped if it was an imperial command. He gave nod to indicate he was ready to go, and Dilton took the lead.

Claude’s reason for his visit to the palace was all because of Emperor Henry XIV. He had invited Claude to meet for lunch out of the blue. Because the Emperor cared for him like a son, Claude accepted the request easily.

The place that Henry chose for the appointment was not in the dining room of the Central Palace, but the back garden. Claude couldn’t help but be puzzled, as he knew that Henry disliked eating outdoors. In any case, Claude had prepared himself to meet the Emperor.

“Greetings to His Majesty, the Great Sun of the Empire,” Claude said, then briefly swallowed before turning his head slightly to his side to give a similar greeting. “Greetings to His Highness, the Little Sun of the Empire.”

Xavier was present as well. Claude tried to hide his expression, and after a moment of silence, added a few more words.

“Peace to the Empire. Stability to the Imperial Family,” he said ceremoniously.

“It’s been a long time,” Henry said, giving a low smile and casually calling Claude by his name rather than his title.

Claude smiled awkwardly and accepted the greeting, but he could not smile at the person next to him. The atmosphere began to strain between Claude and Xavier.

It would not have gone unnoticed by a man as seasoned as Henry, but he went on as if he didn’t notice.

“It’s been a while since I’ve seen both of you at once, isn’t that right, Crown Prince?”

“…Yes, Your Majesty,” Xavier replied in a quiet voice. At first glance he looked indifferent about the situation, but a closer look revealed a subtle stiffness across his face.

Henry continued casually. “You two don’t frequently interact. Won’t you be the ones who will lead Yonas in the future?

“…”