Chapter 42
‘In the original story, it was the Evergreen Duke family who played this role…’
That was only possible because Michael and Cynthia’s relationship had already progressed to some extent in the original.
‘But I can’t just suddenly offer to help out of nowhere.’
And above all, there was no reason for me to take on all the hardships that would follow.
“…Strangely, I feel at ease when I’m with you.”
The low, soft voice made me flinch, and I turned my head to see Michael looking at me with a faint smile.
“You’re the first person I’ve felt this way with.”
“….”
Hearing that, I unconsciously clenched my fists.
I had family to share my burdens, but Michael had no one to lean on freely.
He probably never showed his struggles and endured all the pain silently, just like I had in my previous life.
‘…Is it really right to ignore him just to make my own life a little easier?’
I bit my lip gently at the thought.
If I stepped in to help, Michael’s life would become much easier.
I already knew almost everything about the original story and what would happen in the future.
Of course, that would make my own life a bit more troublesome…
‘Instead of worrying about small things constantly, maybe it’s better to help Michael and quickly deal with the bad guys.’
After thinking that far, I spoke.
“Um… about that incident before. The one where we almost got poisoned.”
“…Why bring that up?”
Michael’s expression tightened slightly, as if he hadn’t expected me to mention it.
I tried to stay calm and continued.
“Anyway, I was almost a victim too. We can’t just let it go. We need to catch the culprit for sure.”
Michael murmured, sinking deeper into his seat.
“If it’s the culprit, I remember you saw them at the time. I’ve locked them up securely, so there’s nothing to worry about.”
I looked at him and asked carefully.
“…Do you really think that person is the culprit?”
Michael paused at my question.
“…Then, do you think there’s another culprit?”
“Even if the servant added the poison, someone else must have ordered it. Unless there’s some other reason, the servant wouldn’t suddenly try to kill their master.”
I said calmly, meeting his gaze.
“Am I wrong?”
“…….”
Michael stayed silent for a moment, showing no emotion on his face.
After some time, he spoke in a low voice.
“Even if that’s the case, it has nothing to do with you.”
“Why do you think so? They could have targeted me with the poison.”
Even though I knew it wasn’t the case, I asked anyway.
“They didn’t target you—they targeted me.”
“That sounds like you already know who’s behind it.”
Michael frowned slightly at my sharp observation.
I took the opportunity to voice the thought I had been turning over in my mind.
“Do you want me to help catch them?”
It was my conclusion after some thought.
I had already decided not to ignore Michael, so I might as well stand by him and deal with the villains quickly.
‘Depending on how Harvis reacts, things might get a bit messy later, but I can ask my family for help if needed.’
“Did you just say…?”
This time, Michael’s eyes wavered slightly in surprise.
Seeing him hesitate, I smiled softly.
“I mean it. I want to help you, Duke.”
Meanwhile, at the same time.
Returning to the palace, Harvis entered his quarters and angrily threw off his coat onto the floor.
The humiliation he experienced at the Rainer estate earlier still fumed within him.
‘That Evergreen lady… that girl again…!’
He knew she was proud, but he hadn’t expected her to embarrass him in front of everyone.
‘She’s pretty, so I tried to tease her a little, and she dared to mock me?’
Harvis gritted his teeth.
The women he had met before always obeyed his whims without being told.
To him, it was natural.
But Cynthia Evergreen didn’t just refuse to comply; she actively annoyed him every time they met.
‘If she weren’t the princess, I would have dragged her in front of me already.’
He waved away the servant helping him undress and collapsed onto the sofa, his expression twisted with anger.
“Honestly, nothing pleases me anymore.”
He had already been in a bad mood from Michael’s failed assassination days ago.
Now, adding today’s incident, his mood went from bad to downright filthy.
“…Yes, Your Majesty.”
At that moment, a knock sounded at the door, and a familiar voice spoke.
Harvis immediately straightened, a flicker of anticipation appearing on his dark face.
“Enter.”
The person who entered was the palace steward closest to the emperor, bowing politely.
“So, what brings you here?”
Before the steward could straighten, Harvis demanded an explanation.
Normally, the emperor rarely contacted him first.
If the emperor sent the steward, it had to be important.
The steward calmly delivered the message:
“This is a letter from His Majesty.”
He handed Harvis the envelope, who quickly opened it and read.
“…Hah.”
The anticipation on his face turned into fury as he read further, eventually crumpling the paper in anger.
“Did His Majesty meet the Duke of Starten today?”
“Yes. They had lunch together.”
Harvis spat out the question, furious, while the steward remained calm.
“While I was away, he must have fed the emperor some useless words again.”
Harvis threw the letter into the fireplace, watching it burn.
The steward bowed slightly, showing no reaction to the flames.
“Then I will take my leave.”
After finishing his task, the steward left without hesitation.
Harvis ground his teeth in silence, staring at the empty space.
The letter contained very little, but its few words irritated him intensely.
[I hope you get along well with Michael. So, do not disappoint me from now on.]
After such a long time, this was all the emperor said to his son.
‘…I need to find a way to get rid of that guy as soon as possible.’
He turned his gaze to the burning fireplace, his dark eyes growing even darker.
‘I wonder how Michael will respond.’
I waited nervously for Michael’s answer.
Although I had made the offer impulsively, I wasn’t sure he would accept.
Michael wasn’t the type to ask for help from others easily.
‘What if he refuses?’
I couldn’t force him, but ignoring the issue didn’t feel right either.
‘Should I help him secretly?’
After a brief silence, Michael finally spoke.
“…I need a little time to think.”
I opened my eyes wide in surprise.
I had expected an outright refusal, but he seemed to be seriously considering my offer.
‘Then there’s a chance he might accept.’
