I’m the Only One Who Can Guide the Tyrant to Sleep - Chapter 33
‘Preferences?’
The surroundings buzzed with confusion. After finishing his brief statement, Caesar stepped back, seemingly having no intention to provide further explanations.
“Well then, I will wait in the examination room,” he said and left with his aide.
“What on earth is he talking about?”
“Preferences?”
The handmaids murmured, trying to make sense of it all.
The chief handmaid, seemingly to restore order amidst the bewildered handmaids, clapped her hands.
“His Highness the Crown Prince has stated that he does not require any explanations for the test. He mentioned it’s that simple.”
“But…”
“From now on, form pairs and proceed to the reception room in the Crown Prince’s Palace, which will serve as the examination room. After all the tests are completed, His Highness will make the final selection. Five of you will be chosen, and your respective positions will also be determined based on your scores.”
The handmaids, still wearing confused expressions, either didn’t notice or were unfazed by the development. The chief handmaid wasted no more time.
“Devitt and Vernon, please go first.”
Devitt and Vernon, Purplehead and Yellowhead, who always seemed to be together. They seemed annoyed that they were called first.
“But…!”
“Whether you go early or late will not affect the results.”
The chief handmaid, firm in her stance, gestured toward the reception room. Eventually, Purplehead and Yellowhead took their steps forward.
The remaining handmaids, their faces filled with uncertainty, were busy trying to deduce what kind of test lay ahead. I was no different.
‘Guess his preferences?’
Among the handmaids present, except for me, it was unlikely that any had a personal acquaintance with Caesar. Naturally, they wouldn’t know his preferences.
‘And we’re also supposed to form pairs…’
Do you mean you’re going to drop one of them? Or is it just a coincidence?
I pondered various possibilities, but no clear answers came to mind.
Caesar’s intentions remained a mystery. It was unclear whether he wanted someone who truly understood his preferences as his handmaiden or if he had some other motive in mind.
As I pondered, time swiftly passed, and the chief handmaid continued to call out the names of others. Those who went for their tests did not return immediately, suggesting that they were gathering elsewhere.
“Next is Arinna, Duriel.”
Several handmaids’ gazes shifted in Arinna’s direction as her name was called. She had been the undisputed top performer among us until this test, so it was only natural that everyone paid attention.
Arinna took a deep breath and soon walked forward confidently. Then, a few moments later…
“Evelyn.”
My name was called last.
“Since you’re the only one left, just go alone.”
Pairing off fifteen handmaids two by two meant there would be one left without a partner.
‘But why did it have to be me?’
Perhaps Caesar intentionally determined the order. Was it to help me or hinder me?
“Evelyn, hurry up.”
At the chief handmaid’s urging, I stepped forward.
In the reception room, Caesar and his aide were waiting. Caesar was sitting in a chair, and there was a long table in front of him. On the opposite side, there was another chair.
“Take a seat there.”
As I sat down, the aide, as if having waited, left the room.
‘Just the two of us.’
I couldn’t see Caesar clearly from where I sat. Should I explain now? But this wasn’t a private space. There was a risk of someone overhearing, and it didn’t seem like Caesar would readily accept my explanation.
‘He might think I’m just trying to get through the test…’
Caesar, too, didn’t look at me. He had his arms crossed, burying himself deep in the chair and staring at the table.
Knock, knock.
The reception room door opened once more, and the aide entered. He neatly placed two items on the table.
“These are…”
“You may choose between the preferences of His Highness, the Crown Prince.”
I could only open my mouth slightly. On the table were two types of ribbons.
One was similar to the plain white ribbon I wore every day, and the other was a thin red ribbon.
‘Caesar…’
I raised my head to look at him, but Caesar’s gaze seemed fixed on the table as if he couldn’t look away.
‘This must be a test for me.’
That was my gut feeling. Naturally, I would choose the white ribbon.
‘The question is… whether this is a test to eliminate me or a test to keep me.’
Which side was it? What did Caesar want? Staring at the two types of ribbons on the table, I finally spoke up.
“I’ll choose this one.”
The aide nodded, and the next item was placed on the table.
This time, it was a ball. One was the bouncy ball that Floria and I had played with, and the other was an ornate and sturdy ball made for decoration.
“…I’ll choose this one.”
Immediately, the next item was placed on the table. Finally, the last item placed on the table was a bouquet of flowers.
A smile formed on my lips involuntarily.
“You may choose.”
One bouquet consisted of pure white baby’s breath and beautiful red roses, while the other bouquet contained blue delphinium flowers.
Amidst the blue delphinium flowers were yellow wildflowers, the very bouquet that Caesar and I had made together.
My intuition was correct.
“I’ll choose this one.”
I made my choice without hesitation. The aide nodded, and the test was over.
“You may leave now.”
Before leaving the reception room, I glanced at Caesar once more. He was still fixated on the table, but the corners of his mouth had lifted ever so slightly.
