Episode 19

I fixed my gaze on Lian and warned him sternly.

“Anyone who acts against the Empire’s interests will be punished, and that includes you.”

“Understood, Your Majesty.”

“Now go and prepare for the meeting.”

“Everything is already prepared, but come to think of it, there was an unusual item on today’s agenda.”

I raised my head, wondering if some nobles had proposed ousting the empress again, only to see Lian looking at me with a dangerous expression.

His mouth smiled, but his eyes did not. With a growing sense of unease, I asked.

“What agenda item?”

“It’s from the Ministry of the Interior. It’s about Your Majesty’s summer vacation.”

“I’ve decided to go. During my absence, I ask you to preside over the council meetings, Duke Lian.”

The vacation was decided hastily, leaving no time to adjust other schedules. If a significant issue arose, I would cut the vacation short and return to the palace. However, for those three days, Lian would need to handle the Empire’s affairs in my stead.

In truth, while I had the final say, it was Lian who effectively managed the governance of Belpator. If anyone would be inconvenienced by my absence, it would be him.

As I was pondering this, Lian asked with a crooked smile.

“You’re going to the summer villa with the Eagle?”

I had anticipated that Lian and Aiden would be displeased. I explained why I had accepted Vitrain’s proposal before Lian could start spewing nonsense.

After hearing me out, Lian clicked his tongue and mumbled something. I thought I heard him say something about a “fox-like fellow,” so I asked what he said, but he claimed it was nothing.

Liar, you snake.

“Understood. I will see you in the meeting room shortly.”

Not sure what he understood, but Lian withdrew without further fuss. The agenda item also passed through the council meeting without much opposition.

One noble, who voiced concerns about the vacation being too short, locked eyes with Lian and suddenly excused himself, claiming he felt unwell.

The meeting ended early as the nobles seemed unusually wary of Lian.

I thought of having lunch with Lothania, but upon returning to my office, I found Aiden waiting for me.

* * *

Aiden had been tracking the whereabouts of the missing forest keeper and discovered an unexpected connection.

The reason Sione had ordered an investigation into the Emperor’s death was to find a justification to apprehend both the snake and the eagle. However, if the investigation continued as it was, the outcome would likely diverge from her intentions.

To clarify her wishes, Aiden had come to the palace, only to hear strange things from a white shadow member who had infiltrated as a maid.

“Hah. What a sly bastard…”

Vitrain fit the role of a snake far better than an eagle, but Sione didn’t realize that.

While Aiden, the captain of the White Shadows, might not be as influential as Vitrain, the supreme commander of the Belpator Imperial Army, he still kept an eye on international affairs.

According to Aiden’s knowledge, not just the Enser Empire but the entire southern continent was quiet.

If that bastard went to the southern border, or pretended to, and then came back, how would Sione ever know?

Seeing through Vitrain’s blatant scheme to monopolize Sione for three days infuriated Aiden, especially because Sione had already accepted the proposal. The thought that she might be leaning toward the Eagle made Aiden inexplicably irritated.

“You’re going on vacation?”

Sione turned her head away from Aiden’s disgruntled tone and sighed.

“Who knew my vacation would be such a big deal.”

Aiden, unintentionally letting his annoyance show, glanced at her to gauge her reaction. Sione had praised Vitrain for his politeness.

If her preference was for polite men, Aiden felt an urgent need to correct his demeanor.

Clearing his throat subtly, he spoke more respectfully.

“Whenever the Emperor or Empress leaves the palace, it is customary for me to accompany them for security reasons.”

“Since I’m going with Duke Kidmillan, there’s no need to worry about security.”

“It’s precisely because you’re going with that guy that I’m worried.”

“Are you afraid I might die at Vitrain’s hands?”

“It’s not that…”

Aiden started to respond urgently but stopped himself. He bit his lower lip, turning away.

I’m afraid you’ll fall for him.

The thought of Sione choosing Vitrain and making him Emperor was unbearable, but why did he hesitate to say it out loud?

She was just someone he had a deal with. Fulfill her desires and get what he wanted in return—nothing more. So why did he keep feeling unnecessary emotions?

“Duke Aiden?”

Her gentle and soft voice called his name. Despite his resolve to look away, Aiden turned his head towards her, almost as if compelled, waiting for her next words.

He found himself ready to obey her every command. Couldn’t resist, couldn’t escape—just like a dog on a leash.

Was it in his nature to follow, despite wanting to break free?

Even though she wasn’t Luminal, did it matter whom he wagged his tail for?

Aiden’s gaze darkened, brooding.

Watching him, Sione tilted her head, puzzled. She knew he was prone to mood swings, but this was extreme, even for him.

With his dark hair and striking red eyes, Aiden gave off a fierce, almost arrogant impression. He was like a large, aggressive dog, and it suited him.

Seeing him look so defeated stirred something in her. Though it made no sense, she felt a strange sympathy for him, like extending a hand to a forlorn stray dog.

With a soft smile, Sione asked.

“Does it bother you so much that I’m going on vacation with Duke Vitrain?”

Aiden nearly nodded but caught himself. He lied.

“It’s not that.”

Luckily or unluckily, Aiden was a terrible liar.

Sione chuckled softly, trying to comfort him.

“It’s just three days. Nothing will happen, so don’t worry.”

He should have lied and said he wasn’t worried, but he missed the timing, caught by her soothing smile.

As he watched her clear and gentle smile, he impulsively asked.

“What do you do with him?”

Sione blinked at the seemingly random question. It was so out of the blue, yet Aiden looked incredibly serious, like a scolded puppy.

It was hard to understand his reaction.

“Yesterday, we chatted.”

“Chat? You mean you had a conversation?”

“Yes, Vitrain, despite his appearance, is quite the talker.”

Aiden tilted his head in disbelief.

“That guy hates talking more than saying three words.”

“Impossible. He was quite the chatterbox.”

Aiden’s expression grew stranger. He even asked if the man she talked with was indeed Vitrain, describing his appearance.

When Sione confirmed it, Aiden seemed to ponder deeply before asking again.

“Do you enjoy chatting?”

“I didn’t know before, but I found it quite enjoyable.”

It was a disaster. Hearing Sione’s answer, Aiden felt quietly defeated.

Anyone who knew Aiden Tilender would agree: he wasn’t good with words.

Chatting? He might have uttered the word for the first time in his life now.

That sly Eagle bastard.

The usually silent Vitrain must have hidden such a skill. Aiden, begrudgingly admitting defeat, slumped slightly.

If Sione’s words were true, he was indeed at a disadvantage compared to the Snake and the Eagle.

With a deep sigh, Aiden concluded he had no choice but to carry out the task Sione had given him.

When he lifted his head again, his eyes were fierce like a wild dog’s.

“I have something to discuss regarding the Emperor’s assassination.”

Sione’s expression turned serious, sensing the gravity of the situation. She nodded, signaling him to continue.

“It seems you will need to draw the sword.”

Aiden’s eyes were as sharp as a well-honed blade.