“Hmm, not curious, you say…?”
Duke Daysha stroked his chin, his expression cryptic. I stood without seeking his permission.
“If you have nothing more to say, I’ll take my leave.”
“Irene was rude to you, wasn’t she?”
I paused, turning to face him as he rose slowly.
“Are you holding me here to reprimand me?”
“Of course not.”
Fully standing, he shrugged.
“I just said Irene was rude to you.”
His intentions were unreadable. Straightening my scowl, I glared at him.
“No need to glare. I’m not blaming you. I’m only asking you to forgive my daughter’s rudeness.”
“Before asking for my understanding, perhaps you should rein in Lady Daysha’s reckless behavior.”
“I don’t see the need to control her actions.”
He stepped closer. Despite his playful tone, his eyes gleamed dangerously. Though I knew he couldn’t harm me here, my body trembled instinctively.
Under his piercing gaze, I felt exposed, shame crawling over me. Nausea churned, and goosebumps prickled my skin.
“You look pale.”
He reached for me again. Clutching my skirt, I stepped back to avoid his hand.
My pounding heartbeat echoed like a speaker in my ears. A ringing filled my head, and pain throbbed. Through my dizzying vision, his curling lips stood out sharply.
“What do you want?”
I clenched my fists, nails digging into my palms. The sharp pain grounded me, easing the headache slightly.
“Do you want to make Lady Daysha empress?”
“Empress…”
He looked at me, amused. If I couldn’t read his motives, asking directly was an option. Whether he’d answer honestly was another matter.
“Why would you think that?”
“Isn’t that why Lady Daysha keeps hovering around Sys—His Highness?”
“Not a bad idea.”
He raised an eyebrow, as if it were trivial. His indifference caught me off guard.
“Sounds like you want something else.”
“What do you think it is?”
“Are you aiming for the emperor’s throne?”
The air around him tightened instantly.
“You know I can’t ascend the throne.”
“If all the princes were gone, it wouldn’t be impossible, would it?”
As a direct imperial descendant, Daysha was excluded from the succession line. But if all eligible princes died, he could have a chance.
“That’s all your pretty head could come up with?”
“…”
“I’m disappointed. I had high hopes for you.”
He clicked his tongue, crossing his arms. His smile remained, but his eyes burned with a cold fire.
“Try a more creative reason.”
“If the throne isn’t enough, are you dreaming of world conquest?”
“Hahaha!”
He burst into laughter, doubling over. Wiping tears, he straightened, still grinning.
“Just when I’m disappointed, you say something like that.”
“Too much praise.”
I was just being sarcastic, but he’s clearly not normal.
“Really, you’re entertaining. I see why the crown prince is so smitten.”
He stepped closer.
“I might fall for you myself.”
I edged back to avoid him.
“No thanks.”
“Why not?”
“Married men with daughters aren’t my type.”
“Pity. If you allowed it, I’d fight the crown prince for you.”
“I’ll never allow it, so stop the nonsense.”
One more step, and I’d be back in the hall. He watched me, fully aware, but didn’t move.
“My confession doesn’t appeal to you. Shall I say something more interesting?”
“…?”
His lips curved upward.
“If I were aiming for world conquest, what would you do?”
My brow furrowed. Only a child would entertain such a ludicrous dream.
The empire was powerful, but waging war against all neighboring kingdoms was impractical. The land would be ravaged, and the people would die in droves. World conquest would leave nothing but ruin.
“You don’t seem like a delusional dreamer.”
“A pipe dream…”
He chuckled, trailing off.
“So, you think I’m chasing a pipe dream?”
“Isn’t it? What exactly do you want?”
He looked up at the night sky, where stars twinkled faintly. His eyes shimmered briefly.
“I’ve seen a night sky like this before.”
He met my gaze again, his eyes now sharp, as if the earlier tremor was a lie.
“Why don’t you figure out the rest yourself?”
His wrinkled eyes curved into crescents.
“I’ll send you a gift soon.”
“No need.”
“You’re too quick to dismiss my sincerity.”
He shrugged, his smile at odds with his barren eyes.
“Decide after you receive it.”
“…”
“Whether to stop me or accept your fate.”
Act 22: Abduction
“Ohh!”
A man on the sofa lunged at the refreshments like he’d been starving for days.
“Well, the capital’s something else! So much delicious stuff everywhere!”
Crumbs flew as he stuffed his mouth. The maids flinched at his crude behavior but, thanks to their training, showed no outward reaction.
“Gah!”
Choking, he gulped tea, only to spill the cup and leap up, shrieking.
“Ow! Hot, hot, hot!”
A maid, waiting nearby, hurried out at my gesture and returned with ice water. He chugged it, clutching his throat dramatically.
“Ugh, what a mess!”
Finally calming down, he grinned sheepishly, scratching his unkempt hair.
“Sorry, my lady.”
His words didn’t match his unapologetic demeanor. I signaled the maids, whose faces were stiffening, to leave. They obeyed reluctantly.
“Huh? Why’s everyone leaving?”
He looked puzzled as the knights, standing guard behind me, also exited. I leaned back on the sofa, relaxed.
“I don’t care for tests.”
