Episode 116. Springtime for Julius (4)

Bernardé’s overt protectiveness toward his sister endeared him to Julius. Perhaps it was because he himself had a younger sister.

‘If Sienna were still in the capital, she would have looked after me with the same care.’

She would have worried daily about how her brother was managing without sleep.

‘But Percy Stewart! That fox! Not only did he carry her off to the Stewart Duchy, but now she’s pregnant!’

For now, she claimed she couldn’t return due to her health, but Julius could already foresee her using the baby’s frailty as an excuse not to travel for years.

‘Ugh, thinking about Sienna again makes my chest ache.’

Perhaps he should have forced a divorce. Maybe even staged a coup to bring her back. While Julius seethed at the thought, Marianne finally pieced together his identity. With wide, startled eyes, she asked, “Are you really His Majesty the Emperor?”

The surprise on her face instantly washed away Julius’s annoyance. He chuckled softly and answered, “That’s right.”

“My goodness! I thought you were just a royal knight.”

“It’s not unusual. Most wouldn’t guess I’m the emperor at first glance.”

“I’ve heard such different things about you! For one, I was told you were much older.”

“…Is that supposed to mean I look young?” Julius asked, his smile faltering.

Marianne, ever honest, lacked the tact to phrase her thoughts more delicately. While her frankness was usually endearing, this time, it stung Julius just a little.

‘I’m not even that old. I’m in my mid-twenties!’

Just as Julius was about to protest, Bernardé jumped to his sister’s defense. “It’s true, Your Majesty, you ‘are’ older!”

“Coming from you? Someone who just became an adult? Everyone must seem ancient to you!” Julius shot back, glaring at Bernardé with mock indignation.

Then, turning to Marianne, Julius said, “Your brother has been a tremendous help to me. Thank you for lending him to the kingdom.”

Unaware of Julius’s intention to needle Bernardé, Marianne beamed and replied, “Not at all. My brother says he’s proud to serve.”

“Ah, so he grumbles here but brags at home?”

“That’s not true! It’s not!” Bernardé’s face turned bright red as he flailed in protest.

In truth, he had boasted a little at home about his work. But hearing Marianne reveal it to Julius filled him with embarrassment.

Barely maintaining his composure, Bernardé said stiffly.

“Your Majesty, I would like to have a private conversation with my sister. Please excuse us.”

“Of course.”

As if Julius would leave without causing more trouble.

Watching Bernardé breathe a sigh of relief, Julius smirked and turned back to Marianne. Extending his hand, he said, “Lady Marianne, how about visiting formally next time? I’d love to talk with you again.”

“With pleasure,” Marianne replied brightly, placing her hand in his.

Julius bowed slightly and brushed a kiss across the back of her hand. It was nothing more than a standard gesture of courtly etiquette, but Bernardé’s gut twisted at the sight.

‘Surely not,’ Bernardé thought, dread creeping into his chest.

Why would the emperor, who claimed to be uncomfortable around women, suddenly take such an interest in his little sister? And why did shy Marianne seem so at ease with him?

‘The age difference! She’s not even of age yet!’

Eyes wide with unease, Bernardé stared at their clasped hands, his heart pounding with an ominous feeling.

* * *

Exactly one week later, Marianne formally visited the palace on the emperor’s invitation. The entire arrangement had been made behind Bernardé’s back. He only discovered the situation when Marianne excitedly recounted her visit to the palace.

Furious, Bernardé stormed into Julius’s office, his voice brimming with indignation.

“Your Majesty, you have no right to criticize Duke Stewart. The real fox is right here!”

Julius, already annoyed from dealing with a pile of tedious documents, groaned and pressed his fingers against his temples.

“What nonsense are you spouting now?”

“I heard you invited Marianne to the palace library and even gave her an access permit! She’s overjoyed that she can visit the palace every day now,” Bernardé accused.

“What a terrible brother, hating his sister’s happiness,” Julius quipped with a smirk, returning his attention to his papers.

Bernardé slammed his hand down on the desk, covering the documents. “I can see through your schemes! Don’t act like I don’t know you have ulterior motives!”

“Ulterior motives? What nonsense. I gave her the permit because she loves reading. Don’t read too much into it,” Julius replied with a dismissive click of his tongue.

“You expect me to believe that this was a purely selfless gesture?” Bernardé pressed, narrowing his eyes.

“Of course.”

Bernardé let out a long sigh, still suspicious but choosing to back off—for now. Sarcastically, he added, “You’ve said before that you have no intention of marrying. I trust you’ll stick to that vow.”

“Of course. My decision to remain unmarried hasn’t changed,” Julius replied casually.

“Good. Then—”

Before Bernardé could finish, Julius tilted his head innocently and added in a playful tone.

“Although, Lady Marianne might be an exception.”

“Your Majesty! Don’t even joke about such things! Saying something like that could put Marianne on the list of potential candidates!”

Julius, lacking any formal fiancée, had always been a topic of discussion among the nobles. His mother, the empress, had driven away every prospective match due to her obsessive attachment to him.

Now, with Julius suddenly showing interest in a specific lady—Marianne, no less—it was bound to create rumors. To make matters worse, Marianne was not just anyone but the sister of Bernardé, the newly prominent central noble replacing the departed Duke Stewart. It was a recipe for political chaos.

‘Absolutely not. There’s no way I’m letting Marianne get trapped in the stifling palace as empress,’ Bernardé thought furiously.

He’d already kept her out of high society to spare her from its suffocating expectations. Allowing her to become empress would be an even greater affront to his protective instincts.

Bernardé’s face clearly betrayed his staunch opposition, which irritated Julius.

“I’m starting to take offense. What’s so bad about me that you’re fighting this so desperately? Aren’t you supposed to be my loyal vassal?” Julius demanded, his expression souring.

“Being your vassal and being family are two entirely different things!” Bernardé shouted, exasperated.

Before Julius could retort, a small sound came from behind them—a soft thud of something dropping.

Bernardé froze. Was the office door open? While he might have a casual rapport with Julius, their conversation was not something others should overhear. Slowly, he turned around, his face pale.

Standing in the doorway was someone very familiar.

“Brother,” Marianne called softly.

“Marianne!”

In an instant, Bernardé’s earlier fury vanished, replaced by a bright smile as he rushed to greet his sister.

“What were you talking about just now?” Marianne asked, tilting her head curiously.

“Just discussing domestic affairs,” Bernardé replied quickly.

“Ha!”

Julius scoffed, clearly amused by Bernardé’s lame excuse.

Bernardé shot Julius a sharp glare, but Marianne, oblivious to the tension, asked with wide eyes.

“May I join the conversation?”

“Of course. Why should anything be hidden from you? You’re free to do whatever you like,” Julius replied smoothly.

“Thank you, Your Majesty. You’re always so kind.”

Marianne said, bowing her head slightly. Her ears flushed red with gratitude.

Watching her, Bernardé’s hands unconsciously reached up to clutch his hair.

‘No! Marianne, don’t fall for it! That man is the absolute worst candidate!’

If Marianne became a contender for the position of empress, the marriage would be delayed until she came of age. For Bernardé, it would be nothing but trouble.

Watching the two laugh and chat amiably, Bernardé was left torn between his frustration and helplessness. Finally, he groaned inwardly.

“Come back to the capital already, Duke Stewart!”

Unfortunately, Percy’s return was nowhere in sight.

 

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