PLQYM | Chapter 6

“Why… me?”

Lucian asked back without thinking.

His clear response made Heraith’s eyebrows rise. Others’ expressions turned to shock, but Lucian himself remained unfazed. He knew well enough that the Emperor wouldn’t harm him over something like this.

‘At least, not for this particular reason.’

Just as the Emperor had quickly assessed him, Lucian had also already figured out Emperor Heraith. The Emperor had taken quite a favorable view of his passing the test, even granting him some leeway to speak candidly about his thoughts.

“What do you mean, why? You’re smart, good-looking, and skilled. You even managed to charm Ambassador Antien with ease right in front of everyone, didn’t you?”

But why is he asking me why I’m not charmed by him?

Ha, is this really the time for this…?

Lucian barely swallowed the sigh rising in his throat. What in the world does he want from me? He looked back at him calmly and realized it. The Emperor was teasing him.

The more his expression twisted, the brighter this man’s smile would get.

‘I won’t let him see that look on my face!’

Lucian mustered a forced smile, deliberately making his expression firm.

“Yes. Your Majesty is indeed capable. And dashing, too. Wow, you’re even good-looking. The Empire’s most handsome man, no doubt. And, of course, the finest superior as well.”

Lucian gave a deep bow, speaking in a voice and manner utterly devoid of sincerity.

“All of this is truly my good fortune.”

“…”

After his lengthy spiel of flattery and praise mixed with a bit of ironic gratitude for his supposed good luck, a rare flicker of confusion crossed Heraith’s face. Meanwhile, a subtle, satisfied smile spread across Lucian’s face at the sight. A slight feeling of victory crept in as well. Yet, he also felt a pang of self-reproach.

Why do I even have to put up with these foolish exchanges?

‘I just want to go home.’

Just as his true feelings nearly slipped out, Heraith shook his head and continued.

“No, Luce. That wasn’t my question.”

“…What?”

“Think carefully. That wasn’t the question I asked.”

As Heraith’s cheerful grin lingered, cracks began to form in Lucian’s own composure. Then he remembered exactly what the Emperor had asked.

Do you think you’d fall for me if you saw me?

Was that question for real? Is he really serious?

Barely swallowing the words that nearly escaped him, Lucian opened his mouth. In truth, he wanted to ask if he’d gone mad.

“Ah, I see. So I answered the question wrong. You were asking if I thought I’d fall for you.”

Lucian nodded exaggeratedly and answered.

“Yes, I believe I would. So dazzling, I can hardly look at you directly. My heart races too much to be near you.”

So, can we end this and let me go home?

Lucian nodded along, as if he were reading aloud from a history book, leaving Heraith again in a dumbfounded expression before he waved his hand dismissively, as though he’d lost interest.

“Boring…”

“…Is what I’m supposed to say.”

Lucian replied, lifting his head without missing a beat. The Emperor wasn’t one to listen only to pleasing words. If he didn’t need to fear being killed or fired, there was no reason to flatter needlessly. Lucian offered a genuine smile—the truest he’d shown the Emperor all day.

“To be honest, Your Majesty, you’re not that attractive.”

“What?!”

“Of course, I mean it when I say you’re handsome and capable.”

Oh, that’s… well, let’s leave that out.

“But if you’re asking if I think I’d fall for you because of those traits… well. I’m not sure. Whether someone falls for another isn’t just about looks or abilities, is it?”

“…”

“So let’s get to know each other a bit more, and then I’ll let you know.”

Blinking slowly on purpose, Lucian looked back at Heraith with feigned calmness. Fine, do what you want. Fire me if you feel like it. At worst, I’ll just die. Actually, getting fired wouldn’t be all that bad. Avoiding the Emperor’s gaze, Lucian bowed politely.

Moments later, the Emperor burst out laughing once again.

“You’re even more amusing than I realized. Where did they even find someone like you?”

“You chose me, Your Majesty.”

When he glanced at Cliff, who replied with respectful honesty, the Emperor seemed pleased with the answer and laughed. “See, I know how to pick people, right?” he said, then began chatting with Cliff in a lighthearted tone.

‘Truly a strange man.’

Lucian shook his head internally as he looked at the Emperor, who seemed perfectly normal on the outside. Somehow, he had a feeling his time in the Imperial Palace would be nothing but trouble.

After that, Lucian quickly settled into his place in the Imperial Palace. By handling the Emperor’s words smoothly, even though he sometimes felt his heart would drop a dozen times over, he managed not to step on the Emperor’s toes. And thanks to his competence, he often completed two or three related tasks whenever the Emperor ordered one.

Rumors even circulated that his foresight helped soften the Emperor’s prickly personality a bit.

“The Emperor’s temperament has seemed a lot gentler lately.”

“Oh, that’s all thanks to Lucian. Since he’s always a step ahead, the fallout doesn’t trickle down anymore.”

“Oh, you mean the serious-looking guy with the poker face? Guess he’s different than he looks.”

“Well, one way or another, it’s made life a bit easier for us.”

“Yeah, thank goodness.”

However, not everyone had favorable opinions of Lucian.

“Listen, Chief of Staff, all I’m asking is for you to pass this along to His Majesty.”

“No, that won’t be possible.”

“This is a groundbreaking proposal! And it’s a matter His Majesty ordered!”

“Yes, still, it’s not possible.”

Still keeping his eyes on his paperwork, Lucian firmly turned down the request. Finally, after hours, he set his pen aside and sat back for the first time in three hours.

After stretching his shoulders, he gave his stiff neck a quick rub and looked at the man in front of him.

Who was this guy again? Some Baron with a peculiar name from the southwestern region… ah, Ben Belden.

The man had spent three hours detailing his plan for a civil engineering project, insisting how beneficial it would be for his territory and praising the Emperor for his supposed greatness in approving it.

But that proposal had already been rejected by the Emperor for its lack of practicality.

The land where he wanted to build had a sandy foundation, meaning it would need constant reinforcement, making it a wasteful expense.

“Baron Belden.”

When the man’s endless flattery finally wound down, Lucian addressed him in a quiet voice.

Since dealing with the Emperor, Lucian’s nerves had become much tougher. A mere baron didn’t intimidate him.

“Let me make a suggestion.”

“A… suggestion?”

“Yes. You are aware that His Majesty has already dismissed this proposal?”

“…”

Of course he knew. He probably thought he could push it through because Lucian was still new to his role.

Fat chance.

“Why don’t you start by surveying the terrain of your proposed site? Then we’ll discuss this further.”

“All I have to do is survey it?”

“Yes. After that, we’ll talk again.”

“So…”

“Then, and only then, will we discuss it again.”

“…Understood.”

Baron Belden, sensing the resolve in Lucian’s voice, couldn’t muster another word of protest and turned to leave, his shoulders slumping in defeat. Though he looked back several times, Lucian simply smiled and waved him off without batting an eye.

Just as Lucian sank back in his chair, someone placed a steaming cup of tea in front of him.

“You’ve worked hard.”

“Oh, Head Attendant Cliff!”

Upon seeing Cliff, Lucian stood up straight.

“Please, sit and relax. It’s only tea time, so I thought I’d bring you a cup.”

“Ah, thank you. Is it tea time alr—ack!”

Lucian’s attempt to lean back in his chair was cut short by a sudden realization, and he jumped to his feet.

“Did you say tea time?!”

“Yes… but…”

“Thank you, Head Attendant. I’ll have the tea a bit later.”

“Lucian?”

Without even a proper farewell, Lucian dashed out of the Chief of Staff’s office.

Your Majesty, you need to rest.
Quiet down. I just need to finish this.
I believe all urgent matters are handled. I’ll wake you at tea time, so please rest.
Why are you bothering me? Stop with the sleep nonsense.
I know you haven’t slept in three days.
…Should I just cut out everyone’s tongues? My schedule is confidential, you know.
Your Majesty!
Fine, fine. I’ll let it go this time. But if you don’t wake me up precisely on time…

After three days without sleep, he’d managed to coax the workaholic Emperor into resting, albeit under threat of repercussions if he was a second late in waking him.

And yet he’d forgotten!

Lucian dashed at full speed toward the Emperor’s chambers. And just before he opened the door, he checked his appearance. Everything seemed fine. Proper and neat. He nodded at the Royal Guard, who then opened the door for him.

The door closed behind him, and Lucian stepped carefully across the receiving room to the Emperor’s bedchamber.

As he entered, the Emperor’s distinct scent seemed to wash over him.

‘Ah…’

Guided by that scent, Lucian entered the room but then stopped in his tracks.

A breeze flowed through an open window, making the light lace curtains flutter like dancing wisps.

And between those swaying curtains, he could catch glimpses of a man.

A man sat by the window, legs outstretched, his chin resting on his hand, peacefully asleep.

Golden hair fell messily over his forehead, and his long eyelashes glinted in the sunlight. The shadows of his deep-set eyes, his straight nose, and those red lips—a masterpiece crafted by the gods themselves—were all there in front of him.

It looked almost surreal.

Lucian, mesmerised, clutched his chest.

His heart… was racing.