PLQYM | Chapter 36

“…….”

Heraith Yorun Kellenhan glanced at the head attendant, Cliff, his expression filled with annoyance. Cliff, noticing the Emperor’s sulky demeanor, cautiously asked, “Is something bothering you, Your Majesty?”

“No.”

The answer was blatantly displeased, and if it weren’t for Cliff, the Emperor might not have bothered to respond at all.

As Cliff silently remained by his side, Heraith muttered under his breath as if speaking to himself,

“I’m just bored.”

“…….”

Cliff could guess the source of the Emperor’s boredom—it was the absence of someone who was usually by his side.

This is a problem.

Cliff didn’t dislike Lucian Astro. On the contrary, he admired the young aide’s determination to stick by the Emperor’s side no matter what. However, it was troubling to see the Emperor, still oblivious to his own emotions, being swayed by one individual.

The Imperial throne of Pranas had to remain steadfast.

Cliff wanted the Emperor, who had restored the shaken imperial authority, to reign flawlessly in his rightful place.

For that reason, he couldn’t approve of anyone making the Emperor waver—even if that someone was the soft-hearted Lucian Astro.

What should I do?

Cliff genuinely wished for the peace of the Imperial family. Equally, he desired the Emperor’s happiness. These two principles had been the cornerstone of his family, who had served as Imperial head attendants for generations.

Couldn’t both coexist?

Cliff was sinking into deep thought when—

“……!”

Heraith suddenly shifted as if he were about to stand up but slumped back into his chair after checking something.

The Emperor frowned as his gaze momentarily lingered on someone who clearly wasn’t his aide.

His scowl deepened, and Cliff followed his gaze.

It was a young man with black hair—an uncommon feature in Pranas.

Heraith had likely been reminded of someone else upon seeing the black-haired man, leading him to reflexively react. Understanding this, Cliff swallowed his sigh. He then addressed the Emperor as casually as possible.

Cliff was one of the few people allowed the privilege of speaking first to the Emperor.

“Speaking of which, I wonder if Lucian has arrived safely.”

As expected, the Emperor flinched ever so slightly.

“Three days should’ve been enough. He’s likely already reached the estate.”

After a long pause, Heraith finally answered. Despite his nonchalant tone, it was clear he was preoccupied with Lucian’s every move.

“He’s such an infuriating fellow.”

“Pardon?”

“If he’s arrived, he should’ve at least sent word. How is there no contact? I even gave him my personal carriage. Surely the carriage will reach the palace before he does.”

Heraith’s offhand grumbling made Cliff’s concern deepen.

The Emperor’s personal carriage was not just a mode of transportation but a symbol of authority that could pass through any checkpoint unimpeded.

The seriousness in the Emperor’s tone left Cliff at a loss for words. He lowered his head to hide his complicated feelings.

I should’ve known. Ever since he started showing petty stubbornness toward someone he actually likes.

Heraith acted like a child who couldn’t express his feelings properly, throwing temper tantrums at the very person he favored. At least Lucian maintained clear boundaries, which was fortunate.

What should I do? Having him around would be better, though.

Cliff’s heart leaned toward supporting the Emperor’s well-being. He turned to follow the Emperor’s gaze, which lingered on the black-haired young man.

Despite having no resemblance at all, the black hair alone had caught the Emperor’s attention.

Initially unaware of the Emperor’s stare, the young man began to notice and nervously glanced over. When their eyes met, his face flushed red, and he quickly turned his head.

The young man kept stealing glances in their direction, his reddened face and darting eyes showing he had severely misinterpreted the situation.

“Click.”

Cliff audibly clicked his tongue.

Another person misunderstanding the Emperor’s intentions. And Lucian had only just left—yet here was someone else entertaining wild notions already.

“When is Princess Eloine of Alosa expected to arrive?”

The Emperor’s voice interrupted his thoughts.

“She’s crossed the border and has just reached Coam. She should arrive at the Imperial Palace in three days.”

“Is that so….”

“During her visit, Franz Clan will be serving as Your Majesty’s aide.”

Hearing the name, Heraith clicked his tongue in displeasure.

“How did it end up being him? Lucian wouldn’t have arranged that before leaving.”

He muttered as if speaking to himself,

“Was it the Marquess of Clan’s meddling again?”

There was subtle anger in his tone.

“Honestly, the Marquess is remarkable in his persistence. He knows I despise lobbying, yet he still pulls such stunts right under my nose.”

“Some things can’t be helped, Your Majesty.”

The Emperor snorted derisively and looked away. His gaze brushed past the black-haired young man with waning interest, but the latter, oblivious to the shift, stared back as if enraptured by the Emperor’s mere presence.

Good grief.

Cliff clicked his tongue once more, a foreboding feeling stirring within him.

Let’s hope nothing troublesome happens.

Suppressing his unease, he looked at the Emperor slouched in his chair with an unreadable expression.

Meanwhile, in the Astro County,

“Lucian?”

“Father.”

Count Astro rushed out in surprise upon hearing the Emperor’s carriage had arrived. Seeing Lucian step out, he froze.

“Is that… His Majesty’s personal carriage?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“…….”

The Count stared at the gold-embellished, Imperial-insignia-laden carriage with a complex expression.

The infamous Emperor, known for his disdain of personal favoritism, had lent his son such a carriage.

“His Majesty must hold you in high regard.”

“High regard?!”

Lucian nearly jumped.

“He just wants to work me to the bone!”

The Count’s lips twitched. Whatever Lucian thought, the Emperor’s favoritism was undeniable.

“Come, let’s go inside. You must be tired from the long journey.”

Count Astro patted his son’s shoulder, setting aside his worries for the time being. After all, it had been three years since he last saw Lucian. There would be plenty of time to fret later.

***

Two days later, Princess Eloine of Alosa and her delegation arrived at the Imperial Palace.

“I am Princess Eloine of Alosa, Your Majesty.”

The tiara atop her gold-and-red-streaked hair sparkled under the light.

“Welcome, Princess. Pranas greets you warmly.”

“My, does Your Majesty not greet me personally?”

“Prana’s welcome is my welcome.”

Heraith smiled softly, his eyes curving gracefully. The Princess blinked, momentarily captivated, before her cheeks flushed, and she cleared her throat.

“I heard Pranas is full of beauty, but I didn’t expect the Emperor to be the most beautiful of all.”

“Such praise flatters me. It is my honor to be complimented by someone as lovely as you.”

Heraith lightly kissed her hand, causing her face to redden further.

“I thought only your appearance was beautiful, but your words are as well.”

“I’ll take that as another compliment.”

Offering his arm, Heraith led the Princess forward. Every step he took caused the palace to move with precision and grace.

Yet, something felt off. The Emperor’s natural fluidity faltered. He glanced subtly at the aide by his side, expecting Lucian, but it was Franz Clan instead.

Ah, right. He’s on leave.

Damn it.

Suppressing his irritation, Heraith forced a smile. But the emptiness beside him felt like a thorn in his heart, prickling incessantly.