Unbeknownst to Me, I'm Secretly Dating the Emperor

I could tell that Everett Roxas’s gaze had already left me, as if he hadn’t expected an answer to his question. He tilted his chin slightly, gesturing for me to sit opposite him on the sofa.

“Please, have a seat.”

“Oh, yes!”

I had been standing there awkwardly until he spoke again, prompting me to sit down.

‘I had spent the whole week thinking about what to say.’

But now, facing Everett Roxas, my mind felt blank. While I gathered my thoughts, he remained silent, and the room was filled with an uncomfortable quiet.

‘I should ask about Connie’s condition first.’

Then, I could inquire about the progress of our situation. However, Everett Roxas spoke before I could.

“I thought you knew my identity and were deliberately following me.”

His tone was casual, as if he didn’t need a response. But the hint of suspicion in his voice made it hard to let go.

“It seemed like you appeared wherever I happened to be.”

Trying to be sharp, I pointed out the sequence of events, making him laugh with his eyes.

The normally expressionless man smiled like a blooming rose, almost as if he were trying to charm me.

‘I don’t know his intentions, but from my perspective.’

I worried my cheeks might be turning red. Just as I was forcing my gaze away from his lips, he spoke again, as if he had been waiting.

“That’s true, but it happens so often.”

His twisted remark could be interpreted in many ways, none of them pleasant. Yet, coming from Everett, it felt like a simple statement of fact.

“Oh, I see.”

I awkwardly laughed it off, my throat dry. If there had been no one around, I might have fanned myself with my hand. Despite my weak response, his smile deepened.

He leaned forward, his voice lowering as if to share a secret.

“Are you feeling hot? Your cheeks are red.”

He looked into my eyes, as if trying to see if they were trembling.

‘It’s your fault.’

He was too aware of his own good looks.

‘Get it together, Carolina. Don’t fall for his charm.’

I took a deep breath and exhaled, feeling the heat in my cheeks subside. Noticing that I had regained my composure, Edwin slowly leaned back.

Then, his demeanor shifted from teasing to serious.

“Shall we get down to business, Miss Diaz?”

* * *

“I thought you knew my identity and were deliberately following me.”

Edwin spoke casually, watching Rina’s eyes. Her violet eyes, resembling her mother’s, were filled with nothing but bewilderment. As if the more she thought about it, the more absurd it seemed, her gaze narrowed slightly.

She seemed to be muttering to herself about his inflated sense of self-worth.

“You seemed to appear wherever I happened to be.”

She looked ready to recount every instance if he denied it. If his identity hadn’t been revealed, what could it be?

Edwin couldn’t help but laugh, despite the flush on her cheeks as she stared at him like he was some enchanted artwork.

‘Is this lack of romantic interest?’

Even when he leaned closer, their eyes meeting, there was only pure admiration in her violet eyes.

‘This reaction is a first.’

Losing interest as Rina regained her calm, Edwin adjusted his posture. It was time to end the light amusement now that he had confirmed what he needed.

“Shall we get down to business, Miss Diaz?”

Being Emperor wasn’t all about leisure, after all. Seeing her face harden and focus on their conversation, Edwin felt satisfied.

“First, let’s have a drink.”

He rang the bell connecting to the café, summoning Kyle.

“It seems the conversation will take some time.”

As Kyle entered, Edwin ordered drinks.

“I’ll have whiskey, and please bring Miss Diaz some fruit wine.”

“I’ve told you several times that this is a café,” Kyle grumbled.

“Oh, I’m fine without a drink.”

Rina declined, looking slightly embarrassed.

Edwin smiled sympathetically, as if watching someone walk into a trap.

“Would you prefer coffee, then?”

Rina’s eyes wavered.

“Considering the owner’s skill, fruit wine might be a safer choice.”

He lowered his voice, but loud enough for Kyle to hear.

With a resigned sigh, Rina made her decision.

“Fruit wine, please.”

“Good choice.”

Edwin nodded at Kyle. Though he wasn’t revealing his identity as Emperor, it didn’t change the fact that Kyle was his subordinate.

Kyle returned with a bottle and glasses. Edwin poured his own whiskey and then filled Rina’s glass with a bright yellow fruit wine. Leaning back, he raised his glass.

“Oh, yes!”

Rina quickly followed suit. Edwin drained his whiskey in one go, prompting Rina to take a sip of her wine.

Edwin watched her drink, satisfied when he saw her glass emptying.

“First, your friend Connie is doing well.”

He used this as bait, knowing it would be her primary concern. Rina, savoring the sweet aftertaste, looked at Edwin.

“Perhaps Kyle explained, but we can’t release her immediately.”

Edwin avoided her now glossy, violet eyes.

“Why? Our deal was that I provide evidence against Duke Camelot in exchange for Connie’s release.”

Her speech was slightly slurred from the alcohol, but her determination remained strong.

Edwin couldn’t help but smile at her defiance.

‘She’s quite naive.’

Seeing their agreement as a simple market transaction was amusing. He deflected her anger smoothly.

“You asked Kyle for a reputable person to handle this matter fairly.”

“That’s…”

Rina’s lips pursed, unable to deny it.

“Of course, you believed proving Duke Camelot’s guilt would clear Connie’s name.”

Edwin voiced her thoughts for her.

“But your evidence alone can’t convict the Duke. We’ve sent inspectors to Camelot’s territory. Your evidence will soon be verified.”

Edwin refilled both their glasses.

“Drink up.”

Setting an example, he downed his whiskey. Rina hesitated before taking another sip of her wine.

Edwin smiled when her glass was empty.

“Once that’s done, your friend will be released.”

His reassuring tone made Rina nod, though she still looked displeased.

“You must keep your promise.”

The wine was sweet but strong, and Rina was visibly affected. Her resolve was impressive, given her apparent low tolerance.

He had come out today to meet Rina specifically, so he needed results. But just as he was about to continue questioning her, Edwin hesitated.

‘Will she be alright?’

The bottle of fruit wine was now half-empty. Edwin glanced at her delicate wrist and scratched his chin.

‘Considering her small frame, I need to be cautious with the dosage.’

He decided against refilling her glass and instead tried a different approach.

“We have to keep our promises for the guild’s credibility. We’re just verifying the information you provided. For example, how did you contact the guild?”

Her violet eyes darted around before settling back on him.

Realizing he wouldn’t let her off, Rina filled her glass to the brim to buy time.

As she took a long drink, Edwin called out cautiously.

“Miss Carolina Diaz?”

But there was no response.

With a thud, Rina lost consciousness, collapsing right there.