PLQYM | Chapter 32

Prince Joachim’s Palace, Antien

“The aide has received the letter and the gift, Your Highness.”

At the report from his attendant, Joachim, who had been gazing out the window, turned his attention back to the room. A satisfied smile spread across his face.

“It feels like the Emperor snatches them away sometimes, but this time, they’ve successfully reached their destination.”

At the attendant’s remark, Joachim let out a bitter laugh, shaking his head in disbelief.

“Ha. That damn Emperor, Emperor. It’s always Heraith this, Heraith that—everyone’s obsessed with him.”

His mood soured instantly.

“I don’t understand why everyone is so hung up on that damn Heraith.”

Grumbling to his attendant standing nearby, Joachim once again cast his gaze out the window. The view from the Antien royal palace was spectacular, befitting its grandeur. Among the ornate structures of the palace was a detached building that stood out for its eerie stillness.

Joachim’s eyes darkened as they settled on the guest staying in that secluded annex.

“What’s the situation with the guest in the annex?”

“Well…”

The attendant bowed deeply, the reason for his visit evidently connected to the guest.

“…They’ve refused to eat again.”

“Again?”

Joachim’s face twisted in displeasure. Turning away from the window, he directed a sharp, angry glare at his attendant.

“How many meals have they refused?”

“It’s been over three days now.”

“Three days…”

Joachim mused for a moment before speaking, his voice chilling.

“If they won’t eat, leave them be.”

“Your Highness?”

“Keep an eye on them, and if anything unusual happens, report to me immediately. But—”

His lips curled into a sinister smirk.

“Inform our guest that if the meals aren’t to their liking, I’ll dismiss the chef responsible.”

The malicious grin on Joachim’s face made it clear he was enjoying this little game of his.

The man stood silently by the window, staring outside.

Even with the window wide open, no one stopped him. The one who had imprisoned him here must have been confident he wouldn’t be able to escape.

‘There’s no way I could escape.’

The man let out a hollow laugh.

The third floor of the royal annex was heavily guarded. On the surface, it seemed uninhabited, but many unseen eyes were always watching.

If he so much as tried to escape, they would immediately appear and stop him.

As he bowed his head slightly, his bright silver hair swayed gently over his shoulders, a length and style that oddly suited him.

The man was undeniably striking. His silver hair framed a smooth forehead that flowed into a straight, prominent nose, below which were lips—unusually full and red for a man. His deep, verdant eyes, framed by long lashes, softened what might have been a cold appearance into something gentle.

Anyone who saw him would have found his sorrowful beauty captivating.

Everyone, that is, except one.

Letting out another faint sigh, the man stepped back from the window and turned around, taking in the sparse interior of his room.

It was a small, outdated space furnished with only the bare essentials. While there was no trace of extravagance, the furniture and bedding were all of the finest quality. The sheets, devoid of color or pattern, were made from fabric so luxurious that even a noble would hesitate to touch it.

‘What poor taste.’

If he had been a little more naive, he might have mistaken this as the prince’s way of treating him well. But no one knew better than him how cunning Joachim could be.

– Help me, and I’ll let you go.

That sickeningly sweet voice still gave him chills. He might have fallen for it if not for the cold dread that accompanied those honeyed words.

The man let out a faint, bitter laugh and sat down at the desk, starting to write. It looked like a letter. Once finished, he stood, but a sudden gust of wind from the open window sent the paper fluttering.

Quickly, he rushed to grab it, pinning it down with a nearby object. Luckily, the letter didn’t fly away, though the breeze left his silver hair in disarray.

As his gaze followed the departing wind outside, a knock came at the door. Without waiting for his response, the door opened to reveal a familiar figure—the prince’s attendant.

Bowing respectfully, the attendant relayed Joachim’s message.

“His Highness believes the meals must not suit your taste. He plans to dismiss the chef responsible and prepare new dishes.”

“…!”

The man’s face paled. Joachim’s cruel games were beginning anew.

This was how he always was. The man’s minor acts of defiance would inevitably lead to someone else paying the price. In the end, he had no choice but to yield.

“…Bring the meal. I’ll eat.”

At his quiet response, the attendant bowed and left the room. Soon, a meal would be brought in.

The man, by force of habit, turned to look out the window again. A ray of sunlight, slanting as the day waned, illuminated the object he had used to weigh down the letter.

It sparkled—a golden pendant in the shape of a radiant sun, adorned with emeralds.

It was identical to the one worn on the chest of Lucian Astro, the Chief of Staff of the Empire.

“Did the contract go well?”

As always, the Emperor was seated at his desk, buried under a mountain of paperwork.

Watching him silently for a moment, Lucian let out a soft sigh, his thoughts drifting to what Nils had been about to say earlier.

How did this scandal even start when he hasn’t left this office in a week?

Sensing Lucian’s quiet sigh, Heraith immediately looked up.

“What’s with the sigh? Did something happen?”

His sharp reaction prompted Lucian to quickly adjust his posture.

It had been two years since Lucian entered the palace and became the Emperor’s aide, enduring every trial and challenge. In that time, he had grown into a formidable figure no one could treat lightly.

While it was true that his skills had improved by constantly working under the Emperor, Lucian was reluctant to admit that.

“I didn’t sigh.”

“You just did…”

Heraith started to say something but stopped, frowning. Even the feathered pen he’d been using came to a halt as he stuck it into the inkwell.

“What are those damn magicians doing with all the research funds we give them? Do we really still need to dip pens in ink every time? Can’t they invent a quill with endless ink?”

“Shall I suggest it? They’d probably jump at the idea.”

“Hmm.”

Heraith seemed to consider it seriously, nodding slightly.

“Fine. Tell them to get on it. And make sure it doesn’t leak.”

“Understood.”

Lucian made a note of it, then glanced at Heraith.

Though he hadn’t stepped out of his office since yesterday, working through backlogged documents, his appearance remained stunning as ever, save for slightly tired skin.

“Have you eaten?”

“…I had a sandwich.”

Heraith gestured at the half-eaten sandwich on his desk, taking another bite.

“That’s not ‘ate.’ That’s ‘eating.’”

“Don’t nitpick. As long as it’s in my stomach, it counts.”

“It’s bad for your health.”

“It’s fine. The best physicians and priests in the Empire are constantly monitoring me.”

Finishing the sandwich in two bites, he held up the crumbs.

‘It’s not eating—it’s inhaling.’

Lucian assessed the paperwork piled before him and decided a simple dinner might suffice. Since Heraith would likely insist Lucian join him, ordering for two from the start seemed best.

Once the Emperor’s “meal” was over, Lucian moved closer, clearing unnecessary items off the desk. Then, he placed a folded tabloid on the surface.

“What’s this?”

“A tabloid.”

“I can see that. What’s the meaning of this?”

“It’s an article claiming you had a tryst with the Marchioness of Lawrence at the opera house.”

“What?”

Heraith let out a stunned laugh.

“Me? With who?”

“The Marchioness of Lawrence.”

“When exactly?”

“Two days ago, during the opening performance at the Imperial Opera House.”

“Two days ago…”

Heraith furrowed his brows, sifting through his memory. Lucian waited patiently.

“Ah, two days ago. I got the invitation but didn’t have time, so I sent someone else.”

“Correct. You were here, diligently working through documents.”

“She claimed a tryst with me at an event I didn’t attend? That woman has guts.”

He flicked the tabloid aside. It landed perfectly on the dish Lucian had cleared earlier.

“And?”

“I’ve left it alone—for now.”

“For now? You?”

Heraith raised an eyebrow, his amusement evident.

“Yes. There’s a tax audit coming up. I thought I’d use it as leverage.”

“…Are you seriously using the Emperor as bait?”

“Of course. We should use every tool at our disposal.”

“Unbelievable.”

Heraith shook his head, chuckling incredulously.

“You’re getting bolder every year.”

“All thanks to you, Your Majesty. It’s an honor to learn from the best.”

“Ha. I give up.”

Waving his hand dismissively, Heraith smiled. Lucian, bowing slightly, returned to his seat.

As Lucian organized his work, Heraith suddenly looked up.

“Oh, Luce. When’s your leave again?”

Lucian’s expression softened immediately.

“In two weeks.”

His cheeks flushed slightly as he answered.

“It’s my first vacation in two years.”