RBD 86

Rudrick quietly clenched his teeth.

His childhood was already long gone.

He no longer needed to rely on the imperial family to survive.

…And yet—

The Emperor standing before him still felt like a massive wall.

“Anyway, the reason I called you today after such a long time—”

The Emperor leaned back lazily in his chair.

Then he stared at Rudrick with sharp eyes.

“I heard you saved the Lucerte family recently. At that spring picnic.”

The corners of his lips lifted.

“Well done. It’s not easy to make the Duke of Lucerte owe you a favor.”

“……”

Even though it was clearly praise, it didn’t feel good at all.

Meanwhile, the Emperor—unaware of Rudrick’s thoughts—smiled faintly.

“I also heard you’ve been teaching Lady Milena lately.”

“That is correct.”

“Have you built a good relationship with her?”

“…What do you mean?”

“I mean—does she follow you well?”

Rudrick forced himself…