Emperor's Alternate - Chapter 38
It’s almost as if he was pointing out that I had a weakness too.
“Ha.”
I held the paper over the bright, flickering candle on the table and set it on fire, letting it turn to ash. I was hoping that even this would be figured out and reported back to him.
Since I received back what I gave, it would be ridiculous to blame Lecan for making an issue of something that happened a few years ago. I had no intention of giving any leeway on the question of Benedict.
Instead, what troubled me was the fact that the faction supporting Teiles II placed a great deal of importance on his top Academy admission. If that manipulation were to be exposed, not only would the admission be revoked, but it would destabilize the foundations of our alliance, dealing a severe blow.
I can’t let that happen.
“…”
I didn’t consider picking up the fountain pen again. It seemed futile to attempt another form of coercion since this time it might involve the ‘death of Teiles I.’
Come to think of it, too many of my orchestrated plots have been caught by Lecan. If he were to publicize that Teiles II’s genius was a meticulously planned lie… public sentiment would turn against him.
Yet he continues to look the other way. Why?
‘Is it really just because he wants to have me as an ally?’
Like some idealistic lord from a fairy tale?
Baffled, I secretly wanted to refute it. No, he was a shrewd man. In the unlikely event that he harbored no true treachery, he was either lying low or waiting for a better time.
It did not change my judgment that Lecan needed to be killed. The man was dangerous.
‘What will it take to stop you, Lecan?’
If this were a chess game, he and I had lost a piece each. As I pondered on the possible next move, someone broke the silence.
Knock, knock.
There was someone at the door. I didn’t answer, yet someone opened it without asking permission.
It was a familiar maid.
“Leyesha, His Majesty the Emperor has summoned you.”
“…His Majesty?”
“He said it’s urgent and asked you to hurry.”
My expression crumpled a little at the unwelcome order. Teiles II had summoned me. While I often stayed awake late at night, it was still somewhat suspicious for the Emperor to call for a maid at such an ungodly hour. Hoping it was indeed an urgent matter, I approached the maid.
“…Next time, don’t come in without my permission.”
“I apologize. It’s His Majesty’s command.”
“…”
Unlike being treated as a lady in the tower, I was just a senior maid in the palace. I understood the situation, so I averted my gaze from the bowing maid and left the room. It suppose it’s fortunate that Teiles II is known for his promiscuity. Because of this, him personally seeking me out would raise little suspicion.
Still, although memorable for some, I found the notion of being labeled as one the Emperor’s women more annoying than anything.
“I heard His Majesty has asked for me.”
As I announced my presence in front of Teiles II’s study, the two knights guarding the door looked embarrassed.
“…?”
“Hot, ah, ah…Your Majesty….Yes!”
I soon realized the reason for the knights’ strange demeanor. A woman’s moans rang out loudly from within the room, as if someone had deliberately failed to cast a soundproof mana circle. I was already familiar with Teiles II’s private life and had no reason to be surprised, but…
Normally, I wasn’t someone who was ever exposed to this kind of thing. I was busy reading books, researching theories, and working. Although I learned s*xuality from books, it was the first time in my life that I ever heard someone having s*xual intercourse in person.
Frozen in place, I could only listen to the moans with a dumbfounded face. It felt like my hearing was being abused. It’s strange enough to make me want to scrape off the inside of my ears. I didn’t know if I was offended or intrigued.
“…Shall I tell you, ma’am?”
I hear a moan from within, growing more and more intense. My face must have turned pale. How can I craft the Emperor’s image when he’s doing such things in his own office? It was at that moment when I found it rather amusing, despite dedicating my soul to loyalty, to have firmly rejected Lecan’s proposal.
“Commander.”
“Greetings, my Lord.”
Since I didn’t deal with mana, I was quite dull in recognizing human presence. It wasn’t until the two knights stood at attention and bowed that I realized.
I turned to see Lecan standing behind me.
“…”
To meet the last person I wanted to meet, in the very last place I wanted to meet him.
In the air, Lecan’s and my gaze intertwined. He seemed even more refined and intimidating up close now that I was sober. His physique alone, as if born to rule, was enough to dominate the surroundings. His inscrutable face suggested that he would be better suited for a leading role in a play, remaining as remarkable as ever and leaving one wondering about his thoughts.
He was so handsome that even looking at him was provocative. My eyes were tired, and the incessant murmurs were wearing on my ears. I was red all over. Unconsciously, I turned my head away to avoid his gaze. Perhaps even my ears were turning red.
“His Majesty summoned me on urgent business.”
“Is that so, Your Excellency?”
A subordinate is not supposed to show emotion, no matter how their superior behaves. There is a famous saying that the emperor is a man of no character, but for some reason, Teiles II’s behavior in front of Lecan was shameful. Because I was responsible for Teiles II’s external image.
Lecan walked to the door, his face impassive.
I awkwardly bowed towards him. “…Your Excellency.”
My voice was firm, the distance between us merely a finger’s breadth, his presence was palpable, and his gaze unmistakable.
For a moment, I felt my breath catch in my throat.
