~Chapter 04~
“Yes. That’s why Noah and I spent a lot of time together since we were young. Right, Brother?”
When Aria smiled brightly and sought Noah’s agreement, the Emperor’s expression changed — his gaze toward Noah was colder than ice.
“No matter what, you are now part of the Imperial Family. Calling him ‘Brother’ is not appropriate. And besides, he doesn’t even have a title — it’s completely improper.”
In the end, the Emperor couldn’t hide his jealousy and showed it outright.
I couldn’t help but laugh inwardly at the absurdity, and I realized that from the very beginning, the Emperor had disliked Noah.
Aria had invited someone the Emperor clearly couldn’t stand into the palace without hesitation. For someone with such a petty heart, this must have driven him crazy.
But Aria wasn’t the type to be clueless. In fact, she was quick-witted.
There was no way she didn’t notice the Emperor’s jealousy toward Noah.
Even now, she didn’t look oblivious — she seemed faintly pleased.
That meant…
She had done it on purpose to provoke the Emperor.
Yes, she had indeed brought Noah here to act as her son’s swordsmanship teacher — but it seemed there was a bigger motive.
Sigh… really…
Thinking of poor Noah being dragged into this childish love game made my anger flare for a moment, but I held it in.
I didn’t want to waste emotions on these people, and more importantly, Noah was right here.
If I interfered, it would hurt him more than me, so I had to endure it.
“Hmm… is that so? But I’ve called him ‘Brother’ since I was young, so it feels natural and comfortable to me.”
Just as I expected, Aria pretended not to know anything and stirred up the Emperor even more.
“…Even so, you should refrain from it from now on. You are the Empress of this Empire. A member of the Imperial Family must set an example for everyone.”
When I lowered my eyes slightly, I could see the Emperor’s fists clenched so tightly the veins were bulging.
Knowing his temper, I could tell he was barely holding himself back from exploding.
“But…”
By now, she should have stopped, but Aria didn’t easily agree, clearly pushing the Emperor on purpose.
Honestly, both of them were impressive in their own twisted ways.
As I watched them together, I shook my head internally.
Then it happened.
“Sir Everdane, was it?”
The Emperor, who had been focused only on the Empress, suddenly spoke to Noah.
“Do you agree with her?”
That man…
Why was he suddenly dragging Noah into this? His words and actions were clearly unpleasant.
Wait.
Was something bad about to happen here?
I was just wondering if I should step in, when Noah’s voice rang out first.
“My apologies, Your Majesty. It’s entirely my fault.”
At the sound of his pleasant voice, I instinctively looked at him.
Noah had lowered his head and was apologizing to the Emperor.
“I should have been more restrained when Her Majesty treated me so informally. I’ll be careful from now on.”
The Emperor seemed taken aback by Noah’s unexpected response, his face showing surprise, annoyance, and embarrassment all at once.
“Ahem.”
He gave a short cough, as if forcing down the words he wanted to say.
“I’ll let it go this time, but be more careful from now on.”
He ended the matter quickly, realizing that if he said any more, it would reflect badly on him.
“Yes, I understand.”
Watching him, I shook my head inwardly. What a petty man.
Still, at least the situation hadn’t gotten worse.
That was entirely thanks to Noah’s wise response.
I glanced at him discreetly.
His face was calm, as if nothing had happened just moments ago.
Thank goodness.
If I had realized what was happening sooner, I could have helped him.
I looked at him with a mix of relief and guilt.
Then, as if he felt my gaze, Noah looked at me.
And he gave me that dazzling smile I had seen when we first met today.
Ah…
I stared at him blankly for a moment before quickly regaining my senses and giving him a small smile in return.
“Well then, I’ll take my leave…”
“Ah, wait. I just remembered. Everdane… isn’t that the family…?”
As Noah began to excuse himself, the Emperor stopped him.
“That’s the family under the Empress’s house, isn’t it? Empress, am I right?”
“Yes, that’s right. As expected, Your Majesty knows everything.”
It was common knowledge in the Empire that the Harrington family (the Empress’s) and the Everdane family (Noah’s) had a dependent relationship.
“I see.”
The Emperor’s expression turned sly, openly looking down on Noah.
“So, of course a man without a title wouldn’t be here without a reason. The Empress is too kind for her own good.”
“Oh my, am I? You’re so bad, Your Majesty!”
Watching the Empress smile sweetly and flirt with the Emperor while he insulted Noah made my blood boil.
Calm down.
If I lost my temper here, the one who’d suffer would be Noah, not me.
I forced down my anger and suddenly stood up.
“Empress?”
The Emperor turned his gaze to me in surprise.
“I’ll be returning now.”
“Returning? What do you mean?”
“I’m not feeling well, so I should go back and rest.”
“Ah, I see. Very well, go ahead.”
His voice carried no reluctance as he gave permission for me to leave.
“Then I’ll be going.”
I repeated myself and stepped down from the high table.
“Then I should be going as well.”
“Oh? Brother? You’re leaving?”
“Empress.”
At the word “Brother,” the Emperor’s face showed irritation again.
“Oh, I’m sorry. I slipped again. You’re not angry, are you, Your Majesty?”
“How could I be angry with you?”
The Emperor and Empress quickly fell back into their own little world.
I gave Noah a side glance, signaling he could leave too.
He smiled at me again, and with a pang of regret for not being able to see more, I left the banquet hall.
Regret, regret — it’s killing me.
How wonderful would it be to talk with Noah all night?
To spend hours with him, telling him how much I liked him and missed him…
Frustrated, I almost glanced back to glare at the Emperor, but instead my eyes met Noah’s.
I memorized his face one last time, then turned away.
Dragging my reluctant steps, I finally left the banquet.
“Haa.”
I was full of regret about leaving Noah, but at least I felt relieved to be away from people I didn’t want to see.
“Let’s go back.”
I took a short breath and was about to return to the Empress’s palace when I heard a familiar voice right behind me.
