Emperor's Alternate - Chapter 32
I chuckled in disbelief. I wondered if this treatment was because they didn’t know I was the chief maid. The Abel Empire was somewhat more liberal culturally, and I had heard of instances where maids frequented night markets there. However, if one comes to a foreign land, they should abide by that place’s rules, not create a spectacle here, right?
The ‘reformist’ faction supported by the Abel Empire had made the most significant contributions to Teiles II’s ascension. Above all, Abel Empire had a strong alliance with the Empress. As this ball was initially opened on the pretext of welcoming the diplomats, they were the stars of tonight’s event.
That means that I can’t easily show my displeasure at them. It wasn’t my intention to spill the flask that the diplomat placed in my hand. I was just so drunk that my hand slipped and I spilled it.
[My clothes are all wet!]
[What use do you have if you can’t even pour a single drink properly?]
[Look at her looking all haughty!]
I wasn’t sure if they thought I couldn’t understand Abelian or simply didn’t care even if I did, but the diplomats shouted loudly. I knew I had to get out of here, but I couldn’t quite figure out what to do.
At that moment, I heard a familiar voice above my head.
“Leyesha.”
“…?”
It was Lecan.
“The Empress is looking for you.”
…Was he talking to me right now?
My mind rolled sluggishly. Even as Lecan helped me to my feet, it felt surreal. Even the yelling diplomats fell silent at Lecan’s appearance.
My previous assessment about losing my sense of direction was accurate. I staggered as I walked. When my steps faltered, Lecan supported me. He guided me through a narrow corridor, seemingly hidden within the ballroom. There was no one else around. Only Lecan. No, he seemed to fill my entire field of vision. His scent, familiar from previous encounters, emanated from him.
Up close, Lecan appeared even more handsome than when our eyes had met from a distance. Was it because Lecan was helping me? Or was it the lighting in the corridor enhancing his looks? Or perhaps my drunken state was causing some kind of illusion?
Lecan held my trembling shoulders and asked, “Have you always been treated like this?”
He seemed annoyed about something. But if anyone should be angry, it ought to be me.
With shaking hands, I reached for the potion I kept for emergencies, anticipating the Empress’s temperament. It was an alcohol-neutralizer. I grabbed it to drink quickly but due to my slippery hands, I accidentally dropped the potion, shattering it into pieces.
Oh no!
“…”
Sighing deeply, I could feel my own heavy breathing. I needed to drink that…but I didn’t have a spare potion.
I wanted to be lucid when I faced Lecan, and while I wasn’t completely out of it now, my whole body was whispering that I was solidly drunk.
“Thank you for saving me.”
“….”
“I was in a tough spot…”
Unintentionally, I used informal language, but it might have been a calculated choice to reveal my intoxicated state. Maybe I wanted to conceal my hesitant tone.
I continued to think slowly. I don’t want the Empress to see me with Lecan. We can’t afford to be seen by Teiles II either. Fortunately, this place seems deserted, almost like a secluded corridor, so I should be able to manage without drawing much attention.
“You’re drunk.”
“Yeah…”
Lecan’s voice had a sweetness to it. Perhaps after swallowing a fair amount of bitter liquor, it felt even sweeter in contrast. It was low and thick, scraping at the pit of my stomach.
I could understand why noble ladies favored Lecan. Even the woman who was marked as the consort of Teiles II was in a miserable mood around Lecan. He was truly a dangerous man politically. Letting him live was not an option. If the circumstances arose, treason and rebellion wasn’t a far off possibility with him.
Especially with a new emperor establishing the imperial family in a new castle, it was natural for someone with divine right to gain the support of the people. Regardless of his integrity, the surrounding forces might induce Lecan to covet the throne someday. Even now… he might have already harbored resentment.
Just then, a chamberlain shouted from a distance.
“Announcing the arrival of His Majesty, the Emperor Teiles!”
I grabbed Lecan by the collar and pulled him closer to prevent anyone from noticing us. The last thing I wanted was Teiles II to see me with Lecan.
“What…”
“Shh.”
In my panic, I put my index finger to Lecan’s lips. The distraction quieted him. It was an instinctive action, my body moving before my dizzy mind even realized it. My irregular breathing was so audible up close. It wasn’t until a moment later that I pulled my finger away from Lecan.
However, by the time I came to my senses, I realized that I was already excessively close, almost pressed against Lecan’s entire body.
