56. Imperial Banquet (5)
What was contained in those crimson eyes was the emotion we had seen while dancing together earlier.
‘…It might be true.’
Earlier, I thought it was less likely to be true.
Jealousy seemed to require a certain level of emotion.
But now, I felt it might not be exactly like that.
Hadn’t even the Princess shown no jealousy towards Lucia?
Though it was a slightly different context from jealousy, it wasn’t entirely impossible.
‘Jealousy, huh.’
Amusingly, the thought of Lucia being jealous filled me with excitement.
It was definitely a flutter of joy.
Her jealousy brought me joy.
The gaze she cast upon me was affectionate.
Her whisper of possession, obsession, and jealousy, urging me to only look at her, was just perfect.
“I have nothing to worry about.”
The distance was far enough for the words not to reach.
Still, Owen muttered softly.
Because he wanted to say it, even if just his lips moved.
“I can’t look at anyone but you, Lucia.”
For me to respond to each of your emotions, how dare I.
That couldn’t happen.
In any form.
“Your Highness.”
The gaze that was directed at Lucia was suddenly obscured.
As his clear vision was obstructed, Owen narrowed his eyes and shifted his gaze to the person beckoning him.
Brown hair with brown eyes.
Although having ordinary features in terms of hair and eye color, it was a common trait among the nobles below the Marquis.
Direct lineage was reserved only for the royal family and two Marquis families.
Any distinctive hair and eye colors beyond that were only possible in the temples and shrines.
“With looks like that, at least a supporting role.”
However, the other party had a face so striking that it was difficult to describe them as ordinary.
The most renowned handsome men in the world were Owen, Kyle, Prince Richard, and Louis.
“And then there’s the mention of…”
Owen quickly recalled the setting of ＜The Empire’s Flower＞ and his memories.
“…as the Viscount Selif.”
Fortunately, he didn’t take long to find the answer.
Yes, there were a few more prominent figures in society known for their handsome looks.
Viscount Selif was one of them.
“It’s an honor that you recognize me.”
“You are quite famous, after all.”
Owen wasn’t particularly good at remembering faces.
Thus, he often found himself unable to recall people’s names.
As depicted in ＜The Empire’s Flower＞, he could barely remember the names of ten to fifteen people he knew.
“Is that so?”
“Yes.”
“I wonder if I could ask what you mean by that.”
Viscount Selif pursed his lips slowly.
Though it seemed like a smile, there was an eerie and chilling feel to it, as if tainted with enmity.
“…Viscount Selif was once engaged to Lucia.”
Reflecting on the reason for that enmity, something came to mind.
Viscount Selif’s animosity towards Lucia stemmed from their broken engagement.
And the person who suffered that broken engagement was none other than this Viscount.
“Yes, that’s correct. I assumed you knew. Given your lack of interest in society, I thought you might not be aware.”
The curl of his lips gave off a snake-like impression.
An image of a snake with venom-filled fangs in its mouth came to mind.
“I didn’t know.”
“Is that so? Then how did you come to know now?”
“You probably have a good idea of the reason.”
Owen met the chilling gaze head-on.
Unlike Viscount Selif’s coldness, which seemed to exude unpleasant chill as if emitting a smoky black aura, Owen’s coldness was stoic and devoid of emotion.
“…you mean it’s because of Lucia.”
“Why does Viscount Selif even mention her name?”
His indifference was laced with disdain.
A subtle message of ‘You’ll only come off as uncouth if you dare to act this way. Understand the situation a bit,’ was implied.
“If you’re going to mention her as your former fiancée, spare us. What’s the point of clinging to traces of a relationship that’s long over?”
“…”
Viscount Selif’s eyes widened at Owen’s remark.
The venomous glare was quite intimidating.
Looking down at him, Owen realized something.
What thoughts might Lucia have had while looking at Louis?
Although it wasn’t easy to understand while reading ＜The Empire’s Flower＞, he now had a sense of what it might have been like.
No matter how much you think of yourself as a lion, if others don’t see you that way…
Even if you call yourself a venomous snake, if you’re just trampled to death, all you can do is writhe.
If you can’t bite, you’re nothing more than a paper tiger.
“One must maintain decorum, even with ended relationships.”
“…”
Viscount Selif remained silent, refusing to respond.
Looking at him, Owen pondered whether it was still better to deal with Louis than with him.
Louis would show his anger or bad mood instantly, as he had no filters.
“No, maybe not. Dealing with him might be more comfortable after all.”
However, upon reflection, being foolish and honest seemed better suited for dealing with it.
Rather than swallowing all those sinister thoughts inside.
“…I appreciate your advice, Your Excellency.”
After a long silence, these were the words that came out.
Owen seemed to find such a Celid, Viscount Selid, amusing as he peered down with that air.
He was said to be taller than Louis by an inch and a year older.
“You look a year younger than Lucia.”
He seemed to be twenty this year.
Still young and naive.
Although instinctively sensing hostility from the other party, it was rare to feel like encountering a snake-like impression at first meeting.
Especially in a negative sense.
“Shall I ask later?”
Since Lucia had informed him of their breakup, there must have been a reason.
Even though she lived grabbing everything she desired, she wouldn’t end a relationship without a reason.
Moreover, Lucia herself must have known.
In noble families, heirs, businessmen, knights, or mages in non-inherited positions eventually had to marry for the benefit of the family.
Unless parents treasured and protected the child greatly and siblings got along well, it would be different, but unfortunately, the Edelte Viscounty was not such a place.
Viscount Selid was not a bad match in terms of status or appearance, so there must have been a clear reason why she didn’t break up with him for no reason.
“Your Grace, Viscount Verdin. May I ask one more question?”
While contemplating asking Lucia about Viscount Selid, the Viscount himself asked.
With Owen nodding, he added,
“What is the reason you have come to love her now?”
Was that the issue?
Apparently, the naive Viscount believed he still had a chance, judging by the resentment mixed in those snake-like eyes.
Except for Owen, the remaining candidates were the heirs and Viscounts of the Viscounty, so it was a somewhat understandable calculation.
Except for the fact that Lucia never looks back once she’s made a decision.
“Lucia, I mean, Lady Edelte has liked you since three years ago.”
Owen, who had been thinking casually, paused at the Viscount’s following words.
There were absurd words mixed in.
“If we count the years, it’s the fourth year now. Since Lady Edelte looked at you from when she was 18 until now, even though you seemed disinterested, what is the reason for suddenly turning your attention to her now?”
“…”
Should he correct this misunderstanding right away?
Owen pondered deeply.
It seemed that Viscount Selid was deeply mistaken.
Three years ago, Lucia had fallen for him the first day she met him.
She had chased after him for years because she truly loved him.
“Have you become necessary? Is that why you’re acting this way?”
Necessary.
The meaning of that word was clear.
Was he implying that he was using Lucia because he needed a partner for marriage now?
Although not directly saying it and beating around the bush, it was undoubtedly rude.
It was not advice one would give to the heir of a mere family.
Moreover, Owen was not even the head of a common Viscount or Baron family.
“I remember telling you to maintain decorum just a moment ago.”
“…I apologize.”
The Viscount Selid apologized with a face that showed no signs of genuine remorse.
His face was cold, with no warmth to be found even in his feigned apologies.
“And the habit of cutting off and drawing conclusions as you please doesn’t seem to be a good one. You’re not oblivious to rumors, are you?”
Both Louis and Viscount Selid seemed to have a strong opinion of their own.
While Louis was indifferent to rumors and even if he was ignoring his elder sister, it was understandable.
However, it was quite frustrating to see such disbelief in someone who was not inclined towards rumors.
“At this point, should I consider it my fault?”
Owen clicked his tongue inwardly and glanced back at Viscount Selid.
He seemed to be diligently retracing rumors in his mind.
“Viscount, I do not appreciate complications.”
Although he considered waiting, it was not worth the time.
He had come to the gathering to be with Lucia, not to engage in conversations like this.
Being surrounded by nobles around Viscount Selid might be better than dealing with him.
The latter option might be more exhausting.
“I don’t particularly enjoy doing tiring work. Do you think I would move just because of such a mere obligatory need?”
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“….”
“I’d rather find a successor than be forced to do so. That’s what I think.”
Owen kindly put an end to Sylid’s worries.
So clearly that there was no room for denial.
“I cherish Lucia a lot. Much more than what the Marquis thinks.”
At this point, it almost felt like confessing to someone unpleasant, but whatever, it didn’t matter.
It was the other side who started this.
Not me.
“And she wants me too. Just as you said.”
Of course, Owen deliberately said it differently from what Sylid Yeong-sik had said.
It seemed better to correct the other’s misunderstanding this way.
That way, this Yeong-sik might understand the subject a bit.
It wasn’t a complete lie, so he thought it was okay.
After all, Lucia did want him.
“So I hope you don’t misunderstand.”
“…Yes, I apologize.”
At the stern warning, Marquis Sylid stepped back.
Watching him briefly nod and leave, Owen suddenly thought,
“Why now, of all times.”
Owen slowly recalled.
Lucia and Owen’s first meeting was three years ago.
But when he first learned about Lucia was…
[Lucia Edelt. A name held by the center of high society with red hair and eyes like roses.]
It must have been five years ago.
During his high school years, the days when his parents were struggling not long after moving.
He happened to see a promotional banner for ＜Empire’s Flower＞ on a web novel app he habitually used and binge-read the novel.
At that time, the novel was still being serialized.
So, among the content he could read back then, Lucia only appeared for the first time.
[Bella couldn’t take her eyes off her. It was because she had never seen anyone as splendid and beautiful as Lucia.
“Nice to meet you.”
A beautiful maiden with a picture-perfect appearance approached Bella.
Lucia, with a dazzling smile, even her voice was distinctive.
A slightly low, husky voice.
Yet, Lucia’s voice was pleasant to listen to.
“I am Lucia Edelt, Your Grace. Welcome to the society.”]
It was a simple description and explanation.
But Owen had a gut feeling with just that entrance.
[“I may be of help or harm to Your Grace. Depending on the choices you make.”
The character Lucia would leave a lasting impact on him.