PLQYM | Chapter 27

“Maybe I should just lock them all up for treason. Tsk.”

Was it his imagination? Lucian thought he heard the faint sound of grinding teeth coming from the emperor.

He looked up silently, his gaze settling on Heraith, who appeared to be deep in thought with his usual composed expression.

Lucian was curious about who had spoken to him and what they’d said, but as always, he refrained from asking.

Time trickled by until Heraith finally broke the silence.

“Luce.”

“Yes, Your Majesty?”

“Why don’t you ever ask?”

“Ask what?”

“Doesn’t it make you curious? What am I talking about?”

Lucian furrowed his brow, unsure of what Heraith wanted from him.

“Would you answer me if I did?”

“No.”

Heraith’s lips curled into a sly smile, the kind that made Lucian grit his teeth. It was infuriatingly smug—and worse, maddeningly handsome.

If this man wasn’t the emperor, Lucian might have punched that smirk right off his face.

“I see. Then there’s no point. Sometimes, it’s better not to know.”

Especially in the palace, where hearing too much often meant pretending you hadn’t heard anything at all.

“Clever little fox,” Heraith said with a faint chuckle, his gaze sharp and assessing as it raked over Lucian.

Lucian didn’t flinch under the scrutiny. He had learned to be careful, guarded, and deliberate in his words and actions. He wasn’t one to step out of line, but he also wasn’t a pushover.

His recent handling of the stubborn elders from the Mage Tower and the Holy Temple had shown just how adept he was. The man could seamlessly navigate even the most volatile waters, earning respect—or at least tolerance—from the most obstinate figures.

And somehow, he even managed to endear himself to them.

Heraith’s lips quirked upward in a mysterious smile as if he’d made up his mind about something. Rising from his seat, he stepped closer to Lucian.

“Well, never mind that. It’s not important.”

Then, leaning his head slightly to one side, Heraith smiled in that familiar, mischievous way.

Lucian instinctively took a step back.

When he smiles like that, it never ends well.

Lucian’s instincts screamed at him to avoid whatever was coming.

“Luce.”

“No.”

“…What?”

“I said no, Your Majesty. Whatever it is, I refuse.”

“But I haven’t even said anything yet.”

“Exactly. I don’t know what you’re planning, and that’s reason enough to say no.”

Heraith’s smirk deepened. It was both dazzling and exasperating, like a poisonous flower in full bloom.

Lucian felt his resolve waver for a split second before he snapped back to reality. He had to stay vigilant; otherwise, he’d be swept along by Heraith’s whims.

The emperor, of course, knew the power he held. He could see Lucian’s desperate attempts to resist, which only amused him further.

“You know, you’ve got quite the mouth on you.”

“Only because Your Majesty granted me the privilege. I intend to use it wisely.”

Lucian’s tone was polite, but his wariness was palpable. Heraith found it utterly delightful. It was like watching a tiny creature trembling in fear, trying to outwit a predator.

“Well, this won’t do. I was just going to promote you, but…”

“…Excuse me?”

“Move your office too.”

“…I’m sorry, what?”

Heraith’s words didn’t immediately register. Lucian understood the individual words, but the meaning refused to sink in.

“Where… where would you have me move?”

Heraith tilted his chin toward the empty desk across the room—the Chief of Staff’s desk, which had remained vacant for months.

“Over there.”

“…There? The Chief of Staff’s desk?”

“Yes.”

“But that’s… that’s the Chief of Staff’s desk!”

“Correct.”

“Are you saying this while fully understanding what that implies?”

Heraith crossed his arms and nodded.

Lucian clenched his jaw. He’s doing this on purpose.

He took a deep breath and frowned.

“Putting someone like me—a mere rookie—in such a position will only cause unnecessary rumors.”

“So what? You’re already my personal aide. You’re more than qualified.”

Lucian had a sinking feeling that his workload was about to skyrocket. The kind of feeling that was never wrong.

“Move.”

“…I’m fine where I am. Truly.”

Heraith narrowed his eyes.

“Were you about to say something about dropping dead from overwork?”

“You must have misheard, Your Majesty. I’d never say such a thing. Perhaps I should call for a palace physician to prepare some restorative medicine for you.”

Heraith let out a short laugh, his demeanor shifting ominously.

“You’re refusing, then?”

“….”

Lucian hesitated, trying to avoid Heraith’s piercing gaze. But the emperor simply smiled and reached for a small silver bell on his desk.

The clear chime rang through the room, sharp and foreboding. Moments later, Cliff entered.

“You summoned me, Your Majesty?”

“Cliff, your back has been bothering you lately, hasn’t it?”

“…Well, age does bring its challenges, sire.” Cliff answered reluctantly, a faint sigh escaping him.

“Exactly. I’ve been overworking you, haven’t I?”

“Not at all, sire. It’s my honor to serve you.”

“Still, I think it’s time to redistribute the workload. Effective immediately, I appoint Lucian as Acting Chief of Staff alongside his current role as my personal aide.”

“…!”

Lucian stared at Heraith in open disbelief.

Are you insane?! Have you lost your mind?! No—seriously, you’ve lost it!

The air around him buzzed with his silent outrage, but Heraith’s smug smile only deepened.

“Now, move to your new desk, Luce.”

As soon as they left the emperor’s office, Cliff turned to Lucian and bowed deeply.

“I’m sorry, Lucian.”

“N-no, please don’t…” Lucian stammered, trying to stop him, but Cliff only bowed lower.

“There’s no stopping His Majesty once he sets his mind to something. You’d have to be a hero—or a traitor—to stand in his way.”

Lucian sighed and muttered under his breath.

“It’s just… frustrating when he drags others into it…”

Cliff caught his words and chuckled softly, his gaze warm yet pitying as he studied Lucian.

Lucian, with his jet-black hair, pale complexion, and icy blue eyes, was practically tailor-made for Heraith’s tastes—not just in appearance, but in temperament and capability.

If it were just looks, Cliff wouldn’t worry. But Heraith clearly admired Lucian’s intelligence and competence as well.

You’re stuck, I’m afraid.

Cliff patted Lucian on the shoulder, his expression kind but resigned.

“He means no harm, but don’t let yourself get completely swept up in his games. The more you resist, the more he enjoys it.”

“I know that…” Lucian sighed heavily. If only it were as easy as it sounded.

Just then, the office door opened, and Heraith stepped out. He stopped short when he saw Lucian still standing with Cliff.

“Why are you still here? Move your things.”

“I’ll do it shortly. I don’t have much, so it won’t take long.”

“Good. Make sure it’s done today. Starting tomorrow, you’ll report directly to my office.”

“…Understood.”

Lucian bowed stiffly. As Heraith walked past, he added casually:

“Oh, and Luce…”

“Yes, Your Majesty?”

“From now on, you’ll be working even closer to me. Think of it as an upgrade.”

“…What exactly does that mean?”

“Simple. You’ll be with me. Always. Even in the office.”

What?! All day? Even during meetings?!

Heraith turned away with a wave.

“See you tomorrow, Luce.”

He left behind only a faint chuckle, while Lucian stood frozen, too stunned to even bow.