Emperor's Alternate - Chapter 44
“Your Excellency.”
“…Yes, Princess.”
He had been too distracted by his unhealthy thoughts about Leyesha.
Lecan, awakened from his wandering thoughts by the princess’s call, found himself in the place he had visited upon the request of Emperor Teiles II yesterday. When the previous emperor died, everyone save for the heirs to the throne had to leave the imperial palace. So, the princess, residing in a mansion outside the palace, welcomed Lecan in the most beautiful attire.
The princess was noticeably thin. It had been said that she had stopped eating since the ball, and it seemed it wasn’t just an exaggeration.
She looked sickly, to say the least. Even the normally unflappable Lecan was a little surprised at first.
Normally, he would consider it cruel to give her false hope and would treat the situation with more coldness. However, it seemed the emperor’s request wasn’t entirely baseless. After a prolonged period of fasting, the princess had a modest meal, assisted by her maids.
“I sincerely apologize for causing you trouble. I didn’t ask you to come here because I was unwell.”
With a shy gesture, the princess lowered her head, and Lecan, matching the appropriate etiquette, offered a polite response. However, there was no particular enthusiasm in it. He ate his meal with the thought of saving a life, and his mind drifted back to Leyesha.
‘When did Teiles II start taking care of his half-sister? It’s probably just an excuse.’
The atmosphere felt forced, as if it were concocted just to bring the two together. In retrospect, the horrible taste of the tea was rather amusing. A genius who seemed perfect in every way yet stumbled on trivial details – that was the paradox.
It was also bizarre that she would move slowly and languidly during the day, but at night he would look sharper than anyone else.
‘She may look perfect, but she has many flaws.’
If Leyesha were truly perfect, she would have meticulously manipulated even the handwriting in the substitute test papers. She wouldn’t have made the mistake of not covering the traces of the ancient language vocabulary book she used as a diary.
But for all her flaws, Leyesha’s genius was as sharp as a sword. From intentionally leaving documents that hinted at Leyesha’s knowledge of the spy, to the ruthless power she threatened to wield shown in that unapologetic list of personnel, the extent of Leyesha’s influence was clear.
Faced with such blatant coercion, Lecan couldn’t help but be amazed. A mind capable of entertaining such thoughts was more beautiful than a poisonous flower.
‘Loyalty…is it?’
Just how capable is the Emperor that he has such a talent working for him? But reflecting on the attitude the Emperor had demonstrated, it was quite ironic. In Lecan’s assessment, if Leyesha were to disappear immediately, the Emperor’s and Empress’s administrative systems would likely be paralyzed. Someone of such absolute value deserved to be treated with the utmost respect.
‘It’s like handing a diamond to an isolated islander who didn’t even know what money was.’
Lecan sighed while reading the recently published magical theory under the name of Teiles II. Although he couldn’t sense any traces of mana from Leyesha when he got close, if she were to deliberately teach, she possessed the talent to outshine all existing mages.
Suddenly, his nose itched. Upon reflection, whenever Leyesha brushed by him, a peculiar fragrance lingered in the air. It was an enticing, cool, and refreshing scent, reminiscent of a pine tree covered in frost during the harsh winter.
“I’m sorry, sir. On their behalf…I apologize.”
Recalling Leyesha’s apology, Lecan smirked.
The princess smiled back and asked, “Do you find it to your liking? I’ve been urging the chef since morning to bring out the most delicious dish.”
“….”
Lecan didn’t respond, simply putting the steak in his mouth. The princess’s sparkling eyes seemed to confirm that it was an excellent dish, but he found himself wanting the poor tea again.
‘This is crazy, considering I don’t even enjoy tea.’
The princess, sensing Lecan’s silence, looked uneasy and signaled to a maid. Apparently, she thought Lecan might appreciate the handkerchief she personally embroidered.
“…Um, it’s a gift.”
With no experience dealing with men, the princess hesitated before coming up with a good excuse.
“Her Majesty the Empress is organizing a hunting competition this afternoon. All the knights participating in the hunt must choose a lady’s handkerchief. I know you don’t enjoy hunting, but still, maybe…”
Due to nervousness, the princess rambled on, but Lecan, who had been somewhat indifferent, reacted differently this time.
“Did you say Her Majesty the Empress?”
“…Yes, she probably announced it just a little while ago.”
Lost in thought, Lecan laid down his utensils and accepted the handkerchief the princess offered. Not noticing the princess’s eyes widening, he only bowed politely.
“Thanks to you, I suddenly want to participate in the hunting competition, so I’ll take my leave now.”
“Oh, already? You haven’t finished your meal yet…”
“Well then.”
As Lecan swiftly left, the princess felt a twinge of disappointment. Still, the thought that he accepted her handkerchief made her blush.
“…He accepted it.”
“Amazing,” said one of her attendants. “Congratulations, Your Highness.”
“You’ll have to cheer up and finish your meal now. You seem too thin, probably from fasting too much. His Majesty is worried about you too.”
“…Yes. I’ll eat.”
As he left, the princess spoke quietly. Whether she was happy or not, Lecan was only looking forward to finally having the opportunity to run into the Empress.
Perhaps Lecan would find Leyesha by the Empress’s side. Benedict had already made a compromise, so there was no need for further conversation. However, he just…
‘I must see that face.’
This unknown impulse urged Lecan on.
