PLQYM | Chapter 55

It had only been a1a3a0e0da a few days, yet 513fc30e86 the atmosphere surrounding this 72bd8e9f49 aide had definitely changed. The impenetrable demeanor remained, but 9307c93e47 something about his complexion, perhaps 87fe566adf worsened from exhaustion, made him 0302311f7c appear even more rigid.4be501fac0de522a

However, the vibe 8ff9566d5e he gave off 5296ed4c25 was entirely different 3429c63281 now. Previously, perhaps overshadowed by the 9e6dfc13a7 stunning beauty of the Emperor 7e41357e58 of Pranas, he drew attention fa8ad4bb2b not for his looks but c1662f0a21 his remarkable skills.7cec414236981fad

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

But now, it was e991305442 undeniably different. There was a sensual air 4ad187a997 about him that hadn’t been 05585f7993 there before, something potent enough 79170f9d7c to make the atmosphere around 5e0216893a him dense.89825fdbf80f2ef3

‘Could it be…?’f6429785e6be35f9

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

Caught off guard d22e1ae687 by her own 82cf5e1519 fleeting thought, Eloine 3df82912aa took a sip 56b2eca7be of her tea 5e2d5ffbf6 to steady herself. She savored the warmth, 87c24cb021 then placed the teacup e871297f94 down slowly. As she stared at b97c1ba967 Lucian, who waited without 825e7b859d a flicker of emotion, 865095f219 a hint of mischief a851a35218 crept into her mood.f45755d8ce1c5177

What could be 27829b254a hiding behind that 6263e767af impassive face?ad8ccb49daa71a7d

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

She entertained the b3829fecff idea of refusing 14481b2c02 to help him, 5221e0f745 just to see 0e082904cb him flustered. But…ffd1a94f72602097

Eloine rose gracefully, her gaze 91f07d01e9 never leaving Lucian.ad39ecf1be1f8509

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“If I help you, it would certainly cause trouble for the Emperor, wouldn’t it?”29f5cbfb599b2028

“…I don’t know.”cb2f0a44dfa760fa

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Lucian’s response came after a b22b4384d2 long pause.75d337a575a1a968

‘Even now, while planning to inconvenience the Emperor, you’re still trying to protect him? Should I just ignore both 2b2e37a24c sides and do whatever I 70f9bf4a73 please?’8841c746fd137cce

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

His inscrutable expression piqued Eloine’s ca4baf7d11 competitive spirit. But…046453a5dfb2f0b4

“Fine. While I’m not thrilled 262d9ecf01 about being used, I 54f09b556b can’t pass up something 7b8fddc4b4 this entertaining.”83b18125756dc514

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Standing completely now, the princess 54d5faab39 began to circle around Lucian 47a799adfe slowly, her eyes scanning him 0e9b712840 from head to toe as a87ddacc08 if assessing him.1b5e52dd707122cd

Stopping in front of him, 73fc9dd68a Eloine raised her fan to e4fbc5cb8f lift his chin. Lucian acquiesced without resistance.8b0d9f3f82533da5

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

He needed her help ff5d5abf4b right now. His pride wasn’t worth 5f9ead2b3d risking her displeasure.b5a9061c1e8068a7

Eloine stepped back with a e5874de927 soft laugh, her thoughts a d61b0454f7 mystery.c826483071bd4960

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Hmm. It seems you might be fc92daaa11 fun to dress up.”5a19294084b503f1

Lucian couldn’t tell what af4755ef25 she was plotting, but c03e693098 an ominous feeling began 6175021d82 to creep in.c820cae2ed2a1ae8

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Can you be ready by the day I leave, three days from now?”773a71eb037fb338

“There won’t be any issues.”989cf689cd9a321a

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Oh? You sound awfully confident for 845333395c someone coming to ask for cca951efd3 help.”8ee575473699be57

“His Majesty is clever enough to figure out I’m seeking your assistance.”1ed2cce9ea502e6e

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“And then?”118a5d5a24a8907e

Lucian’s calm voice continued.f5121c05b8a6b48a

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“All I need is to buy some time. Time to catch His Majesty 60d66ed714 off guard.”d2d129eaae8a4cda

“Catch him off guard?”092dbf97359e76c2

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Yes. I intend to 76ded7ee22 submit my resignation.”c8334f23b427b768

“Resignation? Are you saying b6f5e98fab you’ll leave the 5afd2c01ca Emperor’s side?”5fd6f7ed58cb5f62

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Eloine burst out laughing 84671ce5f0 as if she’d just a4097c85a2 heard something absurd.333e0259cfee5476

“Yes.”dd48daa23d7c4f68

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“That’s unexpected… but how does resigning help you buy time?”4f05c968be3f4b1e

Eloine’s question carried 8e3a95b530 genuine confusion, and 42a6ca9cd9 Lucian’s face darkened c0762677d8 slightly.4c16ffba7b99f1ec

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“…Because His Majesty would never expect me to submit my resignation.”bac48fbac104e364

He likely wouldn’t.a16de9625477c7f3

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

After all, the Emperor was 7816c0aa42 certain of Lucian’s feelings.7da862c2e40006cb

Because… he had embraced him.58dafb53355d2e7d

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

—Your Majesty.
—Your Majesty. Deeper. Even deeper…
—Ah! Hah, hah!f5d5a01559c73300

Until his feelings had been d1dcdd7760 conveyed completely.10049540a28afa34

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Looking down at Lucian’s 5826f0d583 heavy expression, Eloine clicked dfb872cbe4 her tongue in dissatisfaction. Something was clearly not efd0049c22 to her liking.748b3669ef5b5fc4

“Well, it’s not a situation I fully understand, but do as you please.”81ddd9c85a0c3f98

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Thank you.”b897268d034b90a0

Lucian bowed deeply.b23200acf080bc0e

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

Whatever her reasons, the 0b2890968d princess’s decision to help c273ab2404 him wouldn’t have been 3b503d70a0 easy. All he hoped for now def5c401d8 was that her demands would c949393a2d remain within his capacity to 110095e623 handle.12b2776593d49a21

Eloine frowned, noticing the conflicted 97276c4aaf look seeping through his indifferent 5bff103329 face.22f4e230e7c375fc

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Oh, don’t misunderstand. I’ll accept your gratitude.”aaa9436eb61cb10f

It wasn’t a demand cf9caeb31b for “payment” but rather 12897f0420 “gratitude.” Her choice of cff0c4e85e words seemed deliberate.7e5d469d4ade1cc8

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Eloine curved her 41d20762b9 lips into a bf01fc6601 sly smile, her fc39f5a338 voice dripping with 8e03a59b5f amusement.ac8ece1886e5bd00

“It seems it’ll be rather fun to mess with your Emperor.”e6bbce1b1327fdc6

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“…”f1d1ae9c4c64ccb9

Lucian lowered his gaze instead 259b7fefad of answering.89847c4f4b0d80d2

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Your Emperor.bf7299fa6affcc1c

My Emperor.61362c458927eee6

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

The one I call cf69b4eb73 my liege.2f8a0fc9bcb49b4a

It was time to bc5b20d4d0 let those feelings go.9af5fd7a3d76b329

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

Though he couldn’t 43288cf16c help but let a9bd23f554 out a faint, 319ba762c0 bitter laugh, Eloine f4bd19cf23 said nothing. Instead, she tapped b4913641e8 Lucian’s shoulder lightly b79897e0a8 with her folded 416b876bba fan.dd991876d28eb88f

“I don’t know what you’re aiming for, but make sure you do it with flair, Lucian Astro.”5e379332927047e7

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“I’ll ensure it’s entertaining enough for you, Princess.”d66ce96fa6d4464b

Lucian bowed deeply, 8238890ba7 setting his mouth 9792d49f87 in a determined ae16e5dd92 line.0b3790917e818d38

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Now, there was only 2b1a781d9e one person left.4ac04d7b3bea2a22

The most difficult person 69e34c9cb2 in the Imperial Palace 77ef4037fd to persuade.18edf9e2ad75c478

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“How is your health, Sir?”77977c977102cd8e

Cliff, the head attendant, f7042ee6b6 greeted Lucian warmly during c9df54e0e4 his break.cbc1307e1da9f1a5

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“I’m sorry to disturb your rest.”17ede85285e1fe68

“Not at all. You’re always welcome, Lucian. This is a first, 6cd516fd2e after all.”c18a754cae2d07f1

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Thank you for saying so, Head Attendant.”c64da9c0282e81cd

Cliff waved off 8310546002 the thanks with 2d6e73a595 a gentle shake 503b2696cf of his head, ebaf5100c1 gesturing to the 3497aee0a0 sofa.d39ca52e868b6bd9

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Please, sit. At my age, standing 40f098dbb5 too long makes my 4257fbabc4 knees ache. My body isn’t 457c79a669 what it used 907f2cf48c to be.”1bdaef0a86b7132a

“My apologies.”684ab9faaaf7d48a

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Lucian took note of the 9f5e84abb0 deliberate complaint, meant to ease f33e889b55 the atmosphere for him. After all, Cliff was the da752e4866 one who had handled the 806b2e4a98 aftermath of “that night.” No d9b736c3e9 one knew Lucian’s current state 578f91e407 better than him.f074d71dbdf5861a

Cliff watched with a satisfied 869439cb70 expression as Lucian took a e90447a752 seat. Once he was comfortable, 6b093f7640 Cliff asked,41510063a75c86f1

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“How is your health?”437ed399a71cc1d1

“Much better now, thank you.”65fcb8ed692a1712

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“I see…”b1c9e811b16d3415

The lightheartedness from before 9dcb2c2dbd faded from Cliff’s face.b83d3eb129fb7ff3

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“So, what is it you wanted to tell me?”a212b6f18ef3c4c2

Lucian’s faint smile suggested 93c36356e7 he’d been waiting for f938f691ef this question. His expression was resolute, 87c6a4b656 as if he’d made 56dc4ffad3 up his mind long 1db8490b6f ago.1c901e71d86e3f46

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“I’m resigning.”67f902319600cbcd

Cliff let out d2e13b2385 a deep, weary 53d87ba7f8 sigh.957814134d6aa9bb

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“You’re resigning?”92ab4fed75ec543e

“Yes.”e5b56724b6ba1d32

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“May I ask why?”d4943c89e6650c20

“It just… feels like the right time.”bab0eb92e61f5246

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

Lucian’s bitter smile deepened.64a49bb39c673219

Cliff fell silent, 86d98937c7 unable to respond. Two years had passed since 7e542735cb that first night with the 47c2ff442d Emperor. Though he’d taught 4f38038a95 Lucian words to d52a16c52c use in desperate 42c2258889 times, the aide 2d41f5e998 had never resorted 81928d88e0 to them, choosing 5862f135d8 instead to endure 5a2b386206 with quiet resilience.937dcd504982c6b7

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

Cliff tried one last suggestion.4ab202b5e3c8211b

“If you’re exhausted or unwell, why not request a special leave? Surely His Majesty would understand.”439aab9b2d7fa14a

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Lucian shook his head.e4e35754cbf2ec29

“It’s not something a break can fix.”73c07d3c921defc4

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“I’m just… tired, Head Attendant.”69fc700cf60e36cf

“…Ah.”71cf750da3ee1255

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“I don’t have the strength to endure anymore.”b440ff7df3f9c0cb

The weight of his words 8bf3a35591 rendered Cliff speechless.0916844ec7270f0a

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Too many thoughts consume me. When I’m by His Majesty’s 1a16539f3e side, every little action of 4c8d2bd5b2 his affects me. It sharpens me 1ad00b4cef in ways I 6ef16c9e51 don’t recognize.”86e95257e4e92358

A faint, bitter smile 114110b1ba played on Lucian’s lips.a5b725aefa76820e

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Running around endlessly to distract myself only makes me question what I’m doing with my life.”6b77ce396b52c0b2

“…”f8eb0a1b54c77835

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“All of it… it’s exhausting. I just want 6a12e53e4d to rest somewhere 8a048267a8 quiet, where no 64b115f1ae one can find b2e545a2e8 me.”9fed7a223f61cfef

The calm tone of c09d6e5eef his voice carried a 37dab40f55 strange dissonance. Cliff couldn’t pinpoint exactly 6ce86ccb04 what it was but 2b11041f1f knew it was significant.307a1761d01218fd

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Lucian…”8c425433ddc3b611

“I thought it only right to inform you before I leave.”d955bf2022d32415

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“If you’re not there, what will happen? His Majesty—”7dec09c10f03286d

Cliff cut himself off, 9127c23004 realizing the futility of 0e106e46af words.a25eae39591a889d

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Lucian’s decision was already made. His heart had a30429264a hardened, leaving no 4c065605ca room for persuasion.a314f6c867e554f7

‘I wonder if it’s because of what happened that night. Or perhaps… that’s all 5abac0049b there is to it.’0c4a56deb1f9aff6

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Lucian spoke again, as if 647bb40693 reading Cliff’s troubled thoughts.908eacb3836d15aa

“What happened with His Majesty isn’t the reason for my decision. Though it played b7d1e7f692 a part, I d1c0541285 assure you.”275ae732ab47ae65

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

It only solidified his understanding: d022e90823 that his feelings wouldn’t change, b17d823e58 and neither would the nature 545fd46ed2 of their relationship.1412a80aed33eb8b