124. Comrades or Lovers

“I… would kill you?”

He repeated my words. His face, shadowed by the backlight, showed a hint of bewilderment.

“How could you think that?”

“I’m of no use to you anymore.”

He sank into the wooden chair in the study. Pressing his fingers to his temples, it seemed like he had a headache.

“I guess I haven’t earned your trust. Fine. I swear I will never kill you, no matter what happens. Even if you point a knife at me.”

His voice was dry.

“I won’t lay a finger on you.”

The words he uttered seemed almost solemn.

“An emperor’s words hold power, so don’t worry. We don’t need a contract; there will be no going back on my word.”

“Then you’ll let me go? I’ll leave as soon as the task is done.”

He stood up again, his weary gaze resting on me for a moment.

“A task….”

He quietly repeated my words.

“Alright.”

With that, Deon opened the study door. A waiting knight bowed his head to him.

“Leonie.”

Deon called my name as he was about to leave. A black shadow pooled where he stood. His voice was as drawn out as the afternoon shadows.

“Do you love that man?”

His voice was impeccably calm but dark and deep.

“Do you love him enough to defy the emperor of the empire? Enough to want to leave everything behind?”

“…And if I do?”

Would he wish for my happiness?

“The truth is, I don’t care who you love. I could command you to stay by my side, imprison you. I just have to order you to surrender your freedom…”

Deon bit his lip as he spoke.

“But that’s not what you want, is it?”

He was the emperor of the empire. He could blind those with sight, cripple those who could walk.

He could easily keep me trapped in the palace. But he didn’t give that order.

Instead, Deon whispered sweetly to me.

He promised to provide a status that would allow me to leave my family. In return, he asked me to keep my promise and accompany him in society for a while.

And then he would fully set me free. I could leave the empire legally, with no need to escape.

He returned to his usual inscrutable expression, his face cold and impassive once more.

* * *

Suren brushed her hair back, tidying it as best she could. The quickly grown hair eventually revealed a hint of red.

The mirror reflected the stark contrast between the black hair and the vivid red strands. There was no choice. She finished by twisting her hair up to cover the crown of her head.

“Should I dye it now?”

“There’s not much time left,” Suren remarked.

She was right. Dying it now would only result in a foul smell. The thought of dye mixed with the scents of powder and perfume made me grimace.

“It’s a mess.”

Grumbling, Deon murmured softly from where he leaned against the table.

“It’s alright. There’s no need to hide you anymore.”

As soon as he made the proposal to me, he immediately expressed his intention to attend the next banquet.

It was our first official banquet together. It seemed he was eager to quickly be done with me, preparing a suitable status and estate until then.

“We need to leave now.”

At the knight’s words, I took a deep breath and stood up. Deon took the lead.

Within the palace was a grand hall designated for banquets. The sound of trumpets and violins grew closer. As we entered the hall, a strange tension swept over me.

Deon gently tapped my cheek, which was frozen in nervousness. Then he extended his arm.

“What am I supposed to do?”

“Start the performance. If you want to secure your place.”

He said this as he took my hand and placed it in the crook of his arm.

He could have simply said he was escorting me, but he chose to grandly frame our objective.

* * *

As we entered the hall, all eyes turned toward us. Even the melody of the musicians seemed to shift slightly.

Those who had bowed their heads quickly resumed enjoying the banquet as if nothing had happened. Contrary to my expectations, no crowd of nobles swarmed around Deon; the event proceeded smoothly with only a few people gathered.

Just as I sighed in relief, a noble suddenly approached and addressed me, not Deon.

“You must be the lady who went missing at the last banquet. It’s good to see you’ve returned safely.”

His greasy blond hair and hunched back were striking.

It was clear he didn’t know my family name, as he didn’t mention it. If I hadn’t appeared beside Deon, he wouldn’t have been curious about my fate or survival.

Nevertheless, I maintained a calm smile without showing my displeasure.

“I heard you were pretending to be a concubine before, but you’ve been helping His Majesty for a long time, right?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“I heard you were with His Majesty even when he was in the North.”

Another noble, who had been silently watching, chimed in. Deon, who had been quietly observing, finally spoke.

“She’s a steadfast companion. Without Leonie, it would have taken much longer for me to ascend to the throne.”

At his words, the nobles exchanged glances. Even as they placed their hands on their chests and bowed to him, their eyes betrayed their excitement at having found an opportunity.

“I would like to formally introduce myself. I am Marquis Chizero.”

“Leonie Sien.”

I couldn’t back down now that the stage had been set for me. I greeted without hesitation.

“You’re the lady of the Sien family. It’s an honor.”

He took my outstretched hand and brought it to his forehead.

“There will soon be a new title bestowed by imperial decree, so there’s no need to remember the name of her current family.”

Deon casually informed the man as if in passing.

The nobles behind him murmured in surprise. I hadn’t realized they were all listening intently, but even those far away seemed startled, indicating they had been eavesdropping.

I was being recognized for my contribution to the new emperor’s ascension. Deon’s declaration implied that I was not only on his side but also close enough to be granted a new estate.

The echoing murmur of the crowd made me instinctively tighten my grip on his arm.

“There’s no need to be nervous. Think of today as your debutante ball under a new family name.”

He leaned down and whispered in my ear, then tightened his arm around mine.

“It’s an honor to witness the birth of a new family,” the marquis said, his excitement barely contained.

“A family that will soon rank alongside the Viscount of Beaumon and the Marquis of Vechia.”

Beaumon is Edan, but who is the Marquis of Vechia?

“Your Majesty, the delegation from the Principality of Vietan has arrived.”

Before I could solve the mystery, Deon released my arm. He then placed a light kiss on my forehead.

“I’ll be back. Mingle with the guests.”

He had truly planned everything. Today, his voice was the gentlest I had ever heard.

It was an extravagant gesture, but judging by the eyes on me, his performance was highly effective. He played his role as if it were his destiny.

That warm smile he gave me, as if looking at a beloved, must have made my past performances seem inadequate.

I rubbed my forehead, still feeling his warmth.

“The change in the palace atmosphere owes much to you, my lady.”

Even after he left, nobles continued to approach me without hesitation.

“I didn’t recognize you as His Majesty’s ally. Now I understand why he deployed the knights for such an intense search.”

It was overwhelming trying to respond to all their comments. While looking around, I heard a familiar voice nearby.

“I’m glad you’re back, Lady Leonie.”

I saw brown hair and vivid green eyes. It was Viter.

“Viter.”

He smiled softly at me. Despite his dark and somber attire, his scholarly and noble demeanor was unmistakable.

“I didn’t know you were in the capital.”

He shrugged.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t visit sooner. I intended to come to the palace to greet you, but His Majesty was very strict about keeping out outsiders…”

He smiled as he spoke. Viter seemed more relaxed than before.

“It’s surprising. I didn’t plan on returning, but if I had, I thought you would be in the position of the royal secretary instead of Rian.”

Viter chuckled at this.

“One of my duties was managing the blood, but I failed in that task. How could I hold such a position? Besides, I have no attachment to power. My only wish was to see a new emperor ascend.”

Viter mumbled to himself.

“Well, seeing Rian now, I’m glad I declined.”

He commented on Rian’s lax work attitude.

I expected him to follow up with sharp criticism, but Viter said no more.

“The true emperor needed you, and I’m glad you’re safe. Now it’s finally complete.”

Viter made an unexpected remark, but it didn’t feel like a welcome greeting.

“We are comrades who share a unique secret.”

His words carried weight. Only those who had dealt with him would recognize the sharp toughness in his tone.

“You’re aware of His Majesty’s stubbornness.”

Viter seemed to know that Deon was refusing the coronation. My suspicion was confirmed.

“When will you give him the crown?”

I offered a bittersweet smile.

“…Not much longer. After one more banquet, I’ll return the crown. And I’ll be leaving the palace.”

“Leaving the palace?”

I thought he’d be pleased to hear I’d be far from Deon. Instead, he frowned.

Viter scrutinized me before sighing deeply.

“Enjoy your freedom today. You don’t have to entertain all the returning nobles. I suspect you’ll be staying in the palace longer.”

“No matter what, I’m leaving.”

He stared at me for a moment before laughing softly.

“My lady, there was never an ending within my boundaries that included a blood bag. I have a strong feeling it will be the same this time.”

With the grace of a dancer, he bowed and left the hall. I watched his retreating figure, unable to stop him.