Chapter 15 (1/2)

The inner intentions of those approaching me were obvious enough without a close look. The sight of their mouths drooling over a weak human subject like a bug was disgusting. It was hard work to persevere with it. So the world was disillusioned and life was a drag.

He did not hide his contempt for others, and it was no exception to the woman he married at the behest of the Emperor.

Being a duke was an inseparable bond and a burden of sin. It wasn’t a position I wanted, it was a position I had to gain in order to live. So I just wanted this obligation to get it over with soon.

The lamp went out when Rashid waved. The blue night hugged him silently where the light disappeared. So that no one could see him, the starry shroud slowly covered the Duke of Penvernon.

The deep night followed.

* * *

The rug in the long corridors of the palace is as red as blood, or as flowers. Rashid walked peacefully on them. The emperor was sitting on a gold seat at the end of the carpet waiting for him.

Helios Grandia, the emperor of his time, was indeed a tiring and troublesome man.

Since Rashid gained the ability to control fire, the emperor has always wanted to know what he is doing. The stronger his ability, the stronger his obsession.

It got worse. The desire to keep him under complete control was so ardent that even the women who had a love for Rashid could not overcome his passion.

“May the glory of the rose be with you. I see the Emperor.”

Rashid kneeled before the emperor. The emperor shook his arms with a gracious smile. It was the permission to rise. Rashid rose from his position.

“Duke Penvernon, it’s hard to see you.”

“I’m sorry. I’ve been in the western territories for a while.”

“I heard. You saw signs of a wave?”

It was a peaceful tone as if he were talking about something unrelated to him, even though it happened within the confines of the empire.

Rashid’s lips drew a small line in response.

“We’ve taken the necessary steps, so it won’t be a problem for a while.”

“This is nothing to Duke Penvernon. Isn’t it?”

“I’m flattered.”

When he answered with a light bow, the emperor grinned. An exaggerated sound rang through the palace hall.

“How’s your wife?”

Well, you do care how I deal with the partner you gave me. Not really curious about her safety, Rashid put up with the poisonous words.