IBTDOMD Chapter 83

 

 

 

As expected, after hearing Hayron’s sudden remark, everyone present was having the same thought.

 

Some were wide-eyed in surprise, while others covered their mouths in shock.

 

“Did you hear that just now?”

 

“I did hear it… but did I hear it right…?”

 

People were stirred.

 

“Does that mean Prince Ilnord likes the Princess? Or could it be that the two of them actually…?”

 

“Oh my, the rumor about the Princess being fond of the hostage prince during childhood must be true.”

 

Even stories about the past between me and Serdin were coming out.

 

“Even now, she’s rejecting the applications of others and only danced with the Prince.”

 

At first, the confused faces gradually turned to expressions of realization.

 

To them, it all seemed to align perfectly.

 

“But if the two of them truly have that kind of relationship… then what happens?”

 

“Are we talking about a marriage alliance with Ilnord?”

 

The people murmured restlessly.

 

Oh dear, my head hurts.

 

Listening to the whispers of people already worrying about the future made me want to grab my head.

 

‘Things have already gone awry.’

 

The timing to deny it was long gone.

 

Even if I tried to explain it wasn’t true, they would just think I was trying to hide it.

 

The atmosphere had already shifted in that direction.

 

‘This really hit me out of nowhere.’

 

I didn’t see this coming.

 

Who would have thought such an ambush would happen?

 

“What in the world are you doing?”

 

Judging by Serdin confronting Hayron, it seemed even he had no idea about this.

 

How on earth am I supposed to fix this?

 

***

 

“This is an event meant for dancing and socializing with everyone. If you’re here as a guest, you should mind your words.”

 

“I apologize. It was a slip of the tongue. I just found it so delightful to see…”  

 

“If you dare to spout nonsense like that again, I’ll make sure you never use that mouth again.”  

 

 

Delight maintained his composure instead of getting agitated, pointing out Hayron’s recklessness.

 

It was not just a warning to Hayron, but to everyone in the banquet hall.

 

 

“It seems the mood has been disrupted for a moment. Instead of focusing on others, let’s all enjoy the spring banquet to the fullest.”  

 

 

At Delight’s words, music resumed, and the banquet continued.

 

‘But will it really work?’

 

People might keep quiet out of respect for Delight, but their thoughts were already solidified.

 

Even now, those in the banquet hall might be whispering about Serdin and me.

 

“Damn it!”

 

Returning from the banquet late into the night, Delight couldn’t hold back his displeasure and burst out angrily.

 

“How dare they! Who likes who, huh?”

 

What especially infuriated Delight about Hayron’s remarks was the part implying that Serdin and I had mutual feelings for each other.

 

More precisely, it was the suggestion that I harbored feelings for Serdin.

 

“Ollia, that’s not true, right?”

 

“Yeah, it’s not true.”

 

“Really?”

 

“Yes, I’m telling the truth.”

 

Delight kept asking repeatedly, over and over again.

 

“But what if Serdin truly likes Ollia? Would that not be a problem?”

 

Watching Delight’s reaction with interest, Blueny asked curiously.

 

In response, Delight snorted and spoke.

 

“There must be countless people who like our Ollia. Anyway, Serdin is nowhere near good enough for her!”

 

Hmm. Delight’s biased judgment was starting to make me feel a bit embarrassed.

 

Avoiding Delight’s gaze, I fell into thought.

 

I had put so much effort into making this spring banquet a success.

 

‘If only there were a genuine, impactful scandal, it would at least create buzz.’

 

I wasn’t planning to actually start dating Serdin. At this rate, the spring banquet might become ambiguous due to unnecessary rumors.

 

The spring banquet needed enchanting gossip.

 

That required the birth of many couples.

 

Or, perhaps, a single, exceptionally impactful couple.

 

‘It’s fine. There’s still a week until the Foundation Day celebration during the spring banquet.’

 

There was still plenty of time to turn the spring banquet into a success.

 

***

 

Serdin, too, immediately confronted Hayron upon returning.

 

“What on earth were you thinking, pulling a stunt like that?”

 

“What seems to be the problem?”

 

Hayron, who had caused an unimaginable mess, remained utterly nonchalant.

 

“Today, we successfully carried out a very fruitful banquet.”

 

He even had the audacity to sound proud.

 

“You didn’t even consult me before making such comments! What was that sudden outburst about?”

 

“Did it not work out well? Now the Princess is properly linked with you.”

 

“Why are you making such assumptions on your own?”

 

“Your Highness, don’t you wish to gain recognition in Ilnord?”

 

Hayron struck right at Serdin’s weak spot.

 

It was as if he knew exactly what conditions the Emperor had imposed on him.

 

“If you continue as you are, your marriage partner will be decided by the Empress. Do you think she will choose someone suitable for you?”

 

“……..”

 

“Claim Princess Violyana or the other one. Then, Your Highness, you’ll gain power.”

 

For a moment, Serdin was at a loss for words.

 

“I am assisting you, Your Highness.”

 

No, he wasn’t assisting him.

 

He was provoking and agitating him.

 

Serdin stared at Hayron.

 

Initially, he had intended to deal with him tactfully until his return to Ilnord.

 

‘At this rate, that won’t be possible.’

 

As long as Hayron was around, he would continue to stir up trouble.

 

Moreover, thinking about the suspicious items he had seen in Hayron’s room only heightened his unease.

 

‘There’s no way I can coexist with him peacefully anymore.’

 

It became clear that Serdin needed to decide how to handle Hayron’s unpredictable behavior—or perhaps, how to deal with him altogether.

 

A gentle approach might no longer be an option.

 

“I will handle my affairs on my own.”

 

Serdin coldly warned him before turning away.

 

As Hayron disappeared from sight, Ollia came to mind.

 

He knew why Hayron had made such provocative remarks about Ollia and himself.

 

‘There’s no way Ollia hasn’t caught on to this.’

 

She had always been sharp, even as a child.

 

Serdin’s expression darkened gravely.

 

This situation needed to be resolved quickly.

 

***

 

Meanwhile, the Emperor of Ilnord was reading the letter sent by Hayron.

 

“It seems to be progressing well.”

 

“But, Your Majesty, do you truly intend to keep your promise to Prince Serdin?”

 

The Emperor’s trusted chamberlain whispered cautiously.

 

“Who knows.”

 

The Emperor stroked his chin thoughtfully.

 

“The Crown Prince has been disappointing me lately.”

 

“……..”

 

“If Prince Serdin proves to be truly capable… then the Crown Prince needs to understand that his position isn’t guaranteed.”

 

The Emperor spoke coldly.

 

While the Crown Prince had always been kept close by his side, that did not mean it would remain that way forever.

 

At that moment, there was someone eavesdropping on their conversation.

 

‘Are they planning to give my position to that Serdin?’

 

Having overheard the Emperor’s words, the Crown Prince turned away silently.

 

His face was ashen.

 

His steps quickened.

 

At the same time, his breathing became rapid, and his exhales grew harsh.

 

Humiliation. Resentment. An array of emotions churned within him, making his blood boil.

 

Among them, betrayal was the most unbearable, and his face flushed red as if about to explode.

 

How could he do this to me?

 

Of all things, comparing me to that Serdin and planning to drag me down?

 

Unable to suppress his agitation, the Crown Prince rushed straight to the Empress.

 

“Mother!”

 

“You still raise your voice like that. I’ve told you many times that you must carry yourself with composure.”

 

The Empress greeted him, her tone indicating that this was nothing new to her.

 

“That’s not important right now. Do you know what I just overheard?”

 

“Crown Prince, how many times must I tell you not to lose your temper so easily?”

 

“How can I not be agitated right now?! Father is considering giving my position to Serdin…!”

 

The Crown Prince suddenly stopped mid-sentence and glanced around.

 

The Empress’s attendants had already withdrawn upon his arrival.

 

Still, worried that the conversation might leak, the Crown Prince lowered his voice.

 

“His Majesty said that if Serdin completes the mission in Promian successfully, he might give him my position…!”

 

“What? His Majesty actually said that?”

 

“Yes! I clearly heard him say that my position is not guaranteed!”

 

“………”

 

The Empress raised a hand to quiet the Crown Prince and fell into deep thought.

 

She tried to decipher the Emperor’s intentions.

 

“Mother!”

 

The Crown Prince, unable to hold back, called out to her again.

 

The Empress gazed at her son quietly.

 

Ever since he grew older, the Crown Prince had stopped calling her ‘Mother.’

 

He always addressed her formally as ‘Your Majesty the Empress.’

 

And yet, whenever he was in a crisis, he would revert to calling her ‘Mother’ and act vulnerable.

 

His intentions were all too obvious.

 

“My goodness.”

 

The Empress let out a soft laugh and shook her head.

 

What could she do?

 

Even such behavior was something a mother’s heart could embrace.

 

Though she was always rational and calculating, the Empress made exceptions for her son.

 

Faced with his whining, her heart would soften.

 

“Mother, you must help me.”

 

“All right, stop shaking my arm already.”

 

She lightly scolded him as she pulled herself together.

 

For a brief moment, her gaze trembled.

 

‘Come to think of it, when was the last time that child called me ‘Mother’?’

 

Watching the Crown Prince act pitiful while calling her ‘Mother’ gave her a subtle sense of unease.

 

Then a thought struck her.

 

Before Serdin was sent away as a hostage, he would always call her ‘Mother’ politely whenever they met.

 

‘But after he returned…’

 

Even after his return, Serdin remained consistently respectful and dutiful to her.

 

Because of that, she never paid much attention to what he addressed her as.

 

‘Did he call me ‘Mother’ back then?’

 

She sifted through her memories repeatedly, but nothing came to mind.

 

It wasn’t that she had forgotten.

 

‘He’s never called me that.’

 

It was a realization that struck the Empress belatedly.