12. Flowing Star – 13
Hall of the Sun.
It is a space where all major and minor officials in the imperial palace handle government affairs with the emperor, and a place that symbolizes the dignity of the emperor who reigns as the ruler of the empire itself.
…And before returning, the nightmare-like place where the Emperor forcibly forced me to serve as a guide for the ‘Winter Expedition’ and at the same time forcibly took on all the responsibilities.
I had a history of visiting this place a year ago, when I met the emperor with my father, but the situation I was in at that time and now was truly the difference between heaven and earth. Because at that time, it was just a personal interview with no eyes around, but now it was as if the emperor had come here with the princess while discussing political affairs with the court officials. just because.
“Meet the sun of the empire.”
“…Meet the Sun of the Empire.”
I could only feel the eyes from the people around me looking at the princess very hotly. All the officials gathered in the Hall of the Sun were looking at me with curiosity in their eyes. How serious was the matter that the emperor, in the midst of taking care of the empire’s political affairs, intruded and requested a private meeting? The question was written on their faces.
…To be honest, I felt like I was going crazy. For what reason did the emperor want to gather countless ‘audiences’ around him and talk with me? Aside from the story that I was chosen as a candidate for the post of the princess, nothing good would ever happen if the story related to ‘Flowing Star’ spread to an unspecified number of people.
What kind of ulterior motive does the emperor have? No matter how much I roll my head, I just can’t get a feel for it.
“Hmm, Duke Estelle. It’s been a while since I’ve seen you. Yes, since we are seeing each other again after the National Day banquet, it seems like we are seeing each other for the first time in about a year. Isn’t it?”
“…I also think that it is truly an honor to be able to see Your Majesty’s face again.”
“is it? In Jim’s eyes, he just looks like someone who was forcibly dragged into a place he couldn’t come to.”
“…..”
It couldn’t have been an inspiration that had eyes like a ghost.
“Heh heh, it was a small joke in my own way. So don’t harden your face so hard. If you do that, isn’t it as if Jim is persecuting you?”
The emperor, who took the initiative in the situation with just one word, began to open his mouth in a relaxed tone, probably convinced that he was currently in the upper hand.
“It wasn’t long before Jim made up his mind to meet with you. Since the seat Jim is sitting on is the seat, there is bound to be news that comes to his ears even if he doesn’t want to. Yes, like the bravery you have done over the past year, for example.”
Don’t be too upset with Jim. Duke Estelle, I don’t have any personal feelings for you, but since it’s a one-time request from a naive daughter, I have no choice but to accept it.
“Among them, there was one news that caught Jim’s ears. Very exciting news that the swordsmanship that Duke Estelle is wielding is very similar to a swordsmanship Jim knows very well.”
“…..”
For a moment, I did not miss the flash of light in the emperor’s eyes as he looked at me. And I realized I don’t know what it is, but the fact that the emperor has decided something.
“I won’t bother mentioning it out of my mouth, but everyone here must have heard at least once that swordsmanship that only the imperial family can learn is secretly descended into the imperial family. Especially Duke Estelle, you seem to be more aware of that fact. Because you are the one who learned that swordsmanship yourself.”
The emperor’s words were very verbose, and there was nowhere to be reached. As if he was kindly explaining all the facts to the numerous ‘audiences’ here who do not know much about the circumstances.
“Of course, Jim has little intention of blaming you, Duke Estelle. No matter how valuable swordsmanship is and how long a tradition it has, the end result is swordsmanship. Swordsmanship tends to degenerate into a skill that has no value unless it shines in the hands of a person. Jim is not here to interrogate you. I just want an explanation.”
“…Clarification, do you mean it?”
“Yes. In the history of the empire, there was no one like you who learned the swordsmanship of the imperial family, but they never wielded their swords except to protect the imperial family. Jim also didn’t want to summon the Duke of Estelle, an old ally and loyal subject of the imperial family, to this matter, but even so, I couldn’t handle the matter with you alone as an exception. Jim is the Emperor of the Empire. After all, you can’t take advantage of the dishonor of leaving a bad precedent for the next generation after favoring just one person.”
Saying that, the emperor let out a sigh as if he was truly sorry. From my point of view, it was a very heinous act.
“The only thing Jim wants is to explain to everyone here how you came to learn swordsmanship, Little Duke. There must be a ‘teacher’ who taught you swordsmanship. If you give me a brief explanation of all the circumstances surrounding it, I will promise on my name that Jim will no longer take issue with this matter.”
“…her.”
It wasn’t until after listening to the emperor’s words that I realized it. I wonder if the emperor wanted to talk with me while all the bureaucrats, large and small, were gathered together. And while the emperor and I were talking, why did the princess want to go to the palace with me? And who the true blacksmith who designed this stage is, everything.
…Iris. Isn’t it too cute to say that you planned it? The you I know, wasn’t one of those women who liked to use these tricks.
It was an illusion from the beginning. This seat was not a place to hear my explanation, much less a place for a hearing. The reason why the Emperor and Iris called me here in the first place is-
“…Your Majesty, I’m sorry, but from now on, would it be all right if I send you an answer instead of Duke Estelle?”
It was then. She raised her head, who had been silently bowing her head toward the emperor until now.
“Iris. It won’t be a place for you to step out recklessly. This seat is the time for Duke Estelle, and it would be nice if there was a strict distinction between public and private life.”
The emperor quietly called the princess by name, saying ‘Iris’, in response to the subject that he had just asked to distinguish between public and private affairs.
“It doesn’t. your majesty. I don’t think I’m qualified to be part of this conversation. I think Cain probably has the same thoughts as me.”
Not to be outdone by him, the princess directly refers to me as ‘Cain’ instead of calling me ‘Duke’.
To be honest, it was a little funny. It was like watching a well-organized play.
…Isn’t this a bit, no, too blatant? Iris.
Well, instead of being blatant, the effect is quite obvious. Above all, the audience is all the great and small subjects who are sitting in important positions in this empire. There couldn’t be a more effective way to tie me down.
“Because I am the teacher who taught Cain the sword, and at the same time Cain is a man like my husband. Since ancient times, it has been said that husband and wife are as one in spirit, so how can I just close my eyes and ignore this situation?”
…so it was. From the beginning, the emperor’s purpose was not to interrogate me. It was nothing more than setting the stage for the princess to detonate such bombastic remarks while gathering all the audience members. I had a good catch.
What was most amusing was the fact that I had no means of refuting the princess’ remarks. A few years from now, when we were on an expedition to subdue the ‘witch of winter’ that brought about an endless winter, rather than the crazy nonsense about the princess teaching me ‘the flowing star’, the princess and I met eyes and stomachs, and she It was more credible to say that he taught me swordsmanship.
“…..”
“…..”
The interior of the Hall of the Sun was instantly filled with silence. All eyes in this space were focused on me and the princess.
I was well aware of the fact that it was extremely rude to turn a blind eye in front of the royal palace, but nevertheless, I slightly turned my gaze and looked at the face of the princess who was kneeling next to me.
she was laughing
“…So, I hope you don’t have to interrogate Cain. Because Cain is a man who will soon become the official secretary of the empire, and he has already shared a lot with me. That swordsmanship is only a small part of what we shared, so I just think it’s not even an issue.”
Only Iris’ somehow excited voice filled the Hall of the Sun. As Cain guessed, she was really in a slightly agitated state.
Yes. Cain and I have already shared many things. I shared swordsmanship with him, shared a seat next to each other, shared affection for each other, and at the end of it, we shared an oath to be each other’s eternity. He and I have already become bodies that cannot be separated.
…but it’s not enough. There are many girls beside him. too many, too many
In fact, he doesn’t mind having a few stray cats by his side. He is also a sturdy man, so it would be inevitable for him to roll his eyes at the woman.
I didn’t make love to him the first time, but that’s okay too. Bianca del Castana boasting that she was the first to make love to him is laughable indeed. Hey, what the hell would a girl who grew up without proper affection from her parents know? She’s not good at giving love to others or receiving love, so the only things she can boast about are physical relationships.
Bianca del Castana and Ariel Thier. Kyrie el Denaris. do you know What do you know about the times I spent with him?
When winter ended and spring came, the depressing feeling I felt.
As he was slowly dying, the helplessness I had to feel.
The misery I felt when I had to drive the sword through his heart.
you don’t know anything about it
so you won’t It’s the same as not knowing anything.
Because after being with him until the last moment, I received a sincere confession from him.
So, it doesn’t matter who you have a physical relationship with first. He doesn’t even care what kind of girls he has around him.
…However, he has to put me first. If all the women are gathered, they must be the first to look at me, and the first to smile at me. And towards me, you have to love me the most.
Otherwise, on the day the snowflakes flew, on the very day I thrust the sword into your heart, everything I shared with you might go void.
I’m sorry, Cain. A woman named me was just a pathetic woman who couldn’t think of any other way to monopolize your love.
“…I.”
It was then. Cain’s mouth, which seemed to have given up on everything, slowly began to open.
“Me too, deterioration.”
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My heart beats loudly. oh wait waited and waited I’ve been waiting so long for this moment when you have no choice but to acknowledge your relationship with me.
“Love it. No, I still love you. I love you, no, Iris.”
As I looked at Cain, who spoke such words to the emperor with a bitter smile as if in desperation, I unknowingly raised my laugh silently.
yeah i finally won I beat all the girls and won the first victory. With this, I have become your priority-
Alas, Cain. I am well aware that my method is wrong. So you can think of me as cheating. You can think of her as a cunning woman. I just wanted the woman who is me to be the most important thing next to the man who is you.
…But, I just want you to know this.
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My love for you requires no reward. For me, the reward is enough for the past days I spent with you.