PLQYM | Chapter 48

“…Lucian-nim?”
The sound of the head attendant’s voice calling his name snapped Lucian out of his thoughts.

“Ah, I’m sorry. What did you say?”

“Are you feeling unwell?”

“No, I’m fine. You said the banquet is in three days, correct?”

The banquet was originally intended to celebrate the treaty between the two nations. Since it was already a celebratory event, not much would change. However, the fact that the banquet, originally to be hosted by Nils Bowman, was now his responsibility…

“…So Nils Bowman will be attending to His Majesty that day?”

“Did His Majesty truly not say anything to you?”

“….”

“That’s odd. His Majesty mentioned that Lucian-nim would already know everything…”

Lucian clenched his fists tightly. The more he thought about it, the more something unexplainable welled up inside him.

“I must see His Majesty immediately.”

“Lucian-nim!”

His body moved before his mind could catch up. Lucian walked hastily toward the emperor’s private chambers, his urgency palpable.

Perhaps it was a relief that he had acted on impulse. By the time he reached the chambers, his agitation had somewhat subsided.

“Your Majesty, it’s Lucian.”

The door did not open right away. Just as the face of the attendant standing outside began to show confusion, the door creaked open, and someone stepped out—Nils Bowman.

“His Majesty will see you now,” Nils said with a bright smile before heading on his way.

Lucian stared blankly after him for a moment before turning and entering the room.

The emperor stood by the window, reviewing some documents. Despite Lucian’s entrance, he did not look up.

“…I have something to say.”

Only after a long silence did Lucian finally speak. At last, Heraith raised his head. His gaze, unusually emotionless, turned toward Lucian.

“Yes, what is it?”

Heraith set the papers in his hand lightly on the table as he spoke. He seemed calm, but his demeanor was subtly cold.

That composed yet distant air caused something to stir within Lucian.

“I came because of Head Attendant Cliff’s message.”

“Ah.”

Heraith nodded as though it were of no consequence, and Lucian’s heart sank.

“Cliff is reliable, but he does have a tendency to be overly chatty with you.”

“….”

“Ah, yes. The engagement ceremony will proceed as planned.”

“Your Majesty.”

“What is it, Luce? Weren’t you the one who proposed this plan?”

“Yes, but—”

“And weren’t you the one who said personal feelings should not interfere with work?”

“…!”

Lucian closed his mouth.

Heraith wasn’t wrong. Lucian had been the one to suggest the engagement and push for it. He had assumed they would stop short of actually following through. Or so he had thought. But now…

“I found your proposal rather compelling and decided to accept it. Wasn’t it something you had thoroughly reviewed and suggested?”

“…That’s true.”

“Then what’s the issue? It’s simply a matter of carrying it out.”

“But…”

“Luce.”

Heraith’s gaze turned icy, locking onto Lucian’s with an intensity he rarely displayed.

“I detest people who can’t separate personal matters from official duties.”

“….”

“I didn’t think you were one of them. Was I wrong?”

Crossing his arms, Heraith tilted his head slightly, still holding the papers in his hand.

“Take some time to clear your head. You were right. This is the best way to avoid scandals and other distractions. Besides…”

He paused momentarily, choosing his next words carefully before continuing.

“Didn’t the princess already agree to this arrangement?”

“…She did.”

“Then I’m merely following through on your suggestion. I’d prefer not to hear any more fuss about this.”

Lucian bit his lip hard.

Everything Heraith said was true.

It was his plan, his initiative.

But he hadn’t expected Heraith to act so decisively. No, more than that, he couldn’t shake the feeling that he had been sidelined in the process.

Perhaps sensing Lucian’s thoughts, Heraith’s expression grew stern.

“Separate your emotions from your duties, Luce.”

“…I apologize.”

“Leave. Nils will handle this matter; you can take things easy for now. Preparing the banquet shouldn’t be a big deal for you, anyway.”

“….”

“Or head back to your estate and finish your vacation.”

For a moment, Lucian felt as though all the blood had drained from his body. The words felt like an outright dismissal: You have nothing left to do here, so just leave.

Heraith turned away, signaling the conversation was over.

“I’ll ensure everything is prepared without issue.”

“See yourself out.”

Lucian bowed respectfully to Heraith’s back, gazing out the window, and left the room.

Thud!

The sound of the chamber doors closing behind him echoed louder than usual—or perhaps it was just his imagination.

“Are you alright?”

Noticing his pale face, the attendant stationed outside asked cautiously.

“No, I’m fine. Just tired.”

Lucian offered a polite nod before walking away.

His mind was in turmoil.

Why? Why is His Majesty excluding me? Why is he shutting me out?

The worried gaze that followed him went unnoticed. His thoughts spiraled endlessly.

How long he wandered, he wasn’t sure.

“…Ah.”

Lucian came to an abrupt halt, a bitter sigh escaping his lips.

So that’s it. I’m hurt. I’ve been wounded.

He had believed he knew everything about the emperor and that Heraith entrusted everything to him. He had thought he alone could remain by Heraith’s side.

It was arrogance. Hubris.

Heraith had been right—personal feelings had no place in official matters. Lucian wasn’t special, not in the way he had foolishly convinced himself he was.

A wry laugh escaped his lips.

He had clung to this childish delusion, thinking he was different. Special.

How could I have been so stupid?

Lucian resumed walking slowly. His shadow stretched long behind him, heavy and forlorn, like unshed tears refusing to fall.

The day of the engagement was clear and bright.

As the sun began to set, noble families started arriving at the palace for the banquet. Curiosity lit up their faces.

Word had spread far and wide that the emperor’s engagement would be announced today.

Some guests were optimistic, anticipating the joyous news for the empire. Others were calculating, trying to determine where their allegiances should lie.

Amidst the lively atmosphere, only Lucian Astro wore a dark expression.

Though he managed every detail of the banquet flawlessly, his face remained clouded.

“Lucian-nim, this…”

“Check for any missing items, ensure the musicians continue playing seamlessly, and—”

“Lucian-nim, over here…”

Once everyone seeking him had been attended to, Lucian finally had a moment to catch his breath.

Yet, as the tasks came to a halt and everything fell into place, his mind grew increasingly restless.

Ha.

He looked around.

Lavish decorations, glowing lights, and fragrant petals filled the air. Laughter and conversation mingled like music.

Lucian stood still, staring blankly at the scene.

Everything was running smoothly.

Even without him, things would proceed just fine.

The thought unsettled him.

As the realization struck, words spilled from his lips before he could stop them.

“Should I… hand in my resignation?”

After all, he wasn’t needed anymore.

“Sir Lucian?”

“Oh, I’m sorry.”

“Are you feeling unwell?”

Cliff’s concerned voice brought him back to reality.

“Perhaps you should rest…”

“No, I’m fine. There’s been a lot going on, that’s all. I’ll rest once this banquet is over.”

“Don’t push yourself too hard.”

“Don’t worry, I won’t.”

Cliff gave Lucian a worried glance. Though he insisted he was fine, his composed demeanor seemed oddly subdued.

It feels like things aren’t going the way His Majesty intended…

Cliff sighed internally, biting back his thoughts as he watched Lucian survey the hall. His calm yet distant expression only heightened Cliff’s concern.

Then, a sudden announcement broke through the murmurs of the crowd.

“Announcing the arrival of His Imperial Majesty, Heraith Yorun Kellenhan, the Sun of Pranas and Blessed Sovereign by the Eternal God!”

The music stopped.

The towering doors swung open, and Heraith entered, commanding every gaze in the room.