Chapter 51 - Helsarose

“Are you okay?” I went over to help Kais up after sparring.

“…?”

Whereas he would’ve usually just stared, today he grabbed my hand. ‘Look at how calm he is.’ 

“Kais, are you okay?” I asked again. Kais nodded wordlessly. Maybe he was in shock from getting hit in the head too many times. I was worried that I might need to call for the doctor, but he grabbed my hand to stop me.

“…Thanks.”

“…?” What was he thankful for? He didn’t even say anything when I saved Harel. I gave him a confused look.

‘Was he thankful for the opportunity to spar? Even though he got beat up?’ There was a saying that people started changing when they were going to die and I couldn’t adjust to his changed personality. Was he going to die soon?

‘Was he thankful for the opportunity to spar? Even though he got beaten up?’  There was a saying that people would start to change when they were about to die. I couldn’t get used to his sudden change in personality. Was he going to die soon?

“Saintess, His Majesty is calling for you,” Luciana informed me. I nodded at her and started walking towards Miltiades. But suddenly, my body froze.  

I felt a sharp glare on my back and turned around, “…?”

Kais was looking at me. His fists were clenched, his mouth was shut tight, and his eyes were sharp. It made me feel uneasy. ‘What’s going on? Is he finally realizing my charm?’

…I was mistaken. Kais wasn’t looking at me, but at the person behind me: Miltiades. 

“…!” The reason for the sudden change in atmosphere dawned on me. ‘Kais is glaring at Miltiades like a madman!’

Kais’s glare wasn’t normal. It was on a whole other level. In fact, he looked like someone in love! I was only trying to improve their relationship, but my plans seemed to have gone awry. 

‘Hello, I didn’t tell you to fall in love!’ I was desperate. ‘Is he trying to get at Daddy?’

I looked from Kais to Miltiades a few times. My head was spinning wildly, and there was an anxious look in my eyes…it was like being caught in the middle of a war of love.

I needed to let Kais know the hierarchy. Standing next to him, I whispered into his ear, “I picked him first. Don’t try to get between us.”

“…” 

It took a lot to warn him, but he looked at me in disgust. ‘Why is he looking at me like that?’ 

Act 5. The Imperial Capital Helsarose

It goes without saying that the Northern Empire Rahel was in the northernmost part of the continent. When the imperial gates finally opened, a knight on a black horse passed in front of us. To the sides were Callian, Berrict, and their platoons, and behind them was a big black carriage. Everyone in the Rahel Empire knew who was inside the carriage.

“His Majesty has finally returned,” said Achillios, staring at the carriage that was headed towards the palace. 

Most of the nobles were there to welcome the emperor back home—but not all. 

“Grand Duke Noichrome is off in the northwest fighting beasts so he’s not present, but Duke Wayne isn’t here either?” 

“Yes, My Lord. Duke Wayne said he was feeling under the weather.”

“…What an excuse.” This wasn’t the first time that Duke Wayne Edmund was absent. The only dukes present for the procession were Achillios and Duke Ravenhook. 

Achillios clicked his tongue and looked at Duke Ravenhook. ‘That rat-like bastard.’ Duke Valentino Ravenhook looked at Achillios the same way. ‘What a snake-like man.’

Despite what they thought of each other privately, they were both adept at hiding their true feelings behind a smile.

“Duke Ravenhook, I heard you were back. It’s so nice to see you again.” ‘I heard you returned but why did it take you this long to appear?’

“Hoho, it’s been a while. You must have had a difficult time managing all the affairs of the palace on your own.” ‘You’re the only one here. Why would I come over? Did you have fun being in control?’

“Thank you for realizing my efforts. Well, it was nothing too difficult.” ‘Yeah, it was nice.’

“…” Valentino’s expression faltered. 

Achillios smiled nonchalantly to himself for winning the mental battle. 

“Now that I think about it, you’ve already met the Imperial Princess.”

“The Imperial Princess?” It was an annoying title. Duke Ravenhook made a face. 

Smiling, Achillios continued, “Oh, did you hear? His Majesty has already ordered us to treat her as the princess.”