RTPM 21

Chapter – 21

The Emperor corrected himself when he saw the sharp gleam in Decarno’s eyes—brighter than any jewel he had inspected earlier that day.

From the Emperor’s standpoint, it was not a bad thing if the Duke of Teje entered into a losing marriage. The duke’s authority and influence already rivaled that of the Emperor himself; there was no need to bolster him further with the power of a prestigious in-law family.

That was half the reason he had ignored his only sister’s desperate pleas.

If the two truly liked each other, there was no reason to oppose it—but the Duke of Teje had shown no interest whatsoever in the Princess. Frankly, his irritation had been obvious. So when other nobles began circling him like hawks after the fall of House O’Hara, the Emperor merely smiled knowingly.

“If he refuses a princess, who in the world would ever suit his taste?”

He had watched the fussing nobles with ridicule. The duke he knew would never be the first to cast aside his betrothed.

Though understanding that was a separate matter entirely.

“By the way, I wonder how Lady O’Hara is faring. With the weekend approaching and parties scheduled for several days, won’t she be stuck alone, unable to attend?”

“…What did you just say?”

“I said I was curious whether Lady O’Hara is doing well.”

It was exceedingly rare for the Duke of Teje to miss a remark and ask for it to be repeated. Surprised, the Emperor hastily answered—but it was not the response the duke sought. Decarno muttered under his breath, his voice dry as the western desert.

“…It’s already the weekend?”

“Don’t look so displeased. We’re returning to the capital tomorrow anyway.”

Misreading the duke’s expression, the Emperor drained his wine. The trip had lasted longer than expected, but that was hardly his fault. The overzealous nobles with marriageable daughters had forced him to waste another day trying to detain the duke.

“Well, who told you to be so outstanding?”

“Your Majesty.”

“I know you find this tiresome. No need to scowl. I’ve already granted you what I promised, haven’t I? I even ignored Bellona when she cried about her dignity.”

The Emperor’s mood during this tour had been particularly pleasant for that reason. Whether his sister wept or not was her problem. He was simply satisfied that the duke had made a losing bargain. In truth, if the duke had asked for a slice of land or national enterprise, the Emperor would have understood. Yet for some reason, the duke had requested only an obscure public park landscaping project.

“Even monkeys fall from trees sometimes.”

It astonished him that the great Duke of Teje could make such an unprofitable deal. Of course, merely accompanying the Emperor displayed the continued stability of House Teje—but even that was not a perfectly balanced exchange.

Well, not my concern.

The Emperor hummed quietly to himself. Thanks to the duke’s inexplicable choice, he had been able to settle matters that he, by position and dignity, could not personally handle.

Disciplining the insolent eastern nobles. Warning them against harboring treacherous ambitions. All of it had fallen to the Duke of Teje.

Chuckling at the unexpected success, the Emperor was approached by a marquis who bowed deeply.

“To show gratitude for Your Majesty’s noble visit, I wish to present the first jewels mined from this new quarry.”

“Oh?”

“Herna, come and present the gift.”

As if waiting for the cue, the marquis summoned his daughter. She stepped forward gracefully and knelt before the Emperor. When she opened the jewel case, shimmering lights scattered in every direction.

“I prepared them with utmost sincerity. I do hope they please you.”

“Please me? They’re magnificent. Such jewels are rare even in the capital. Don’t you agree, Duke?”

“…”

The Emperor lifted a large diamond, admiring it. The marquis’s daughter, keenly aware of the duke beside him, brimmed with expectation.

“The violet diamond Your Majesty holds symbolizes eternal authority and power.”

“Is that so? Then I must certainly keep it.”

The Emperor rubbed the diamond playfully. As she continued explaining each gem, interest in the hall steadily grew.

“A sapphire of such purity is worth as much as any diamond. It represents pure beauty.”

“And what is this? It looks rather unremarkable.”

“Ah, that is Kaliat.”

Smiling sweetly, she lifted the black mineral the Emperor had indicated. Compared to the other gems, it seemed quite plain—but surely nothing unworthy would be presented to the Emperor.

“It’s recently become most popular among ladies. So sought-after as a gift that it’s harder to obtain than many diamonds.”

“What sort of stone is it?”

“We do not yet know, Your Majesty. It is literally an uncut stone.”

“Hah. I truly can’t understand women’s hearts.”

The Emperor laughed heartily, shrugging theatrically as others joined in. The only one who did not laugh was the Duke of Teje.

Instead, his gaze—previously indifferent—was fixed upon the stone resting in her hand.

“Does it hold another meaning?”

“Ah… yes. Such stones are often used for proposals.”

At the duke’s first words, her cheeks flushed red. Eager to prolong the exchange, she continued brightly.

“It means that though nothing is known about it now, you wish to spend your lifetime together discovering its true worth.”

“…I see.”

“It’s the fashion here. When it comes time for a birthday or proposal, gentlemen request it most often. A stone this flawless would be difficult to find anywhere else.”

“…”

Unfortunately, the duke said nothing further. He only stared at the black stone, his gaze deepening.

The first to sense something unusual was the Emperor.

“Why? Shall I give it to you?”

“I will purchase it.”

“No, no. That won’t do. Where’s the fun in that?”

The Emperor waved dismissively. If the great Teje had shown interest in something first, he could not possibly let it go so easily. Resting his chin on his hand, he smiled slyly.

“Well then, how about it? Since we’re already delayed, spend one more day here with me.”

“…”

“Of course, it won’t be free.”

The Emperor subtly pushed the stone toward the duke and waited. Would the duke once again make an unfavorable bargain?

With obvious displeasure, the duke’s gaze settled on the black stone.

◇ ◆ ◇

“Kirion. What brings you here?”

Evangeline staggered as she rose from where she had been sitting against a gravestone. In the pouring rain, Kirion—dressed neatly in a black suit—quickly stepped forward to steady her.

“Are you alright, Eva?”

“Ah… how did you—”

“That’s not what matters.”

Holding an umbrella over her, Kirion drew her close. He even removed his own coat and draped it over her shoulders, letting out a heavy sigh.

“When you canceled our plans last time, I sent someone to wait in front of the duke’s residence, just in case. You’re not someone who breaks promises so lightly.”

“Kirion…”

“Even so. How could you come to a place like this alone…?”

He glanced around the cemetery, rubbing his forehead in frustration. Yet he did not forget why he had come. Approaching the grave, he made the sign of the cross and observed a brief moment of silence.

“…Thank you. For coming. Father would be pleased.”

“Do you really think the Count would say that?”

“Kirion.”

“I truly don’t understand. Why should you be here alone like this?”

“…”

“That fiancé of yours—what kind of great man is he that he can’t even show his face? Does this make any sense? What does he take you for?”

Unlike his usual gentle self, Kirion’s voice rose. Even realizing he might be going too far, his anger refused to subside.

“No matter what happened to your family, how could he— Eva? Are you alright?”

“…Mm.”

Only then did he properly see her face. It was not mere sorrow—her complexion had turned frighteningly pale. Alarmed at her trembling lips, Kirion hurriedly guided her away from the grave.

“Let’s go. Quickly!”

“I’m sorry, Kirion.”

“If you’re sorry, you shouldn’t have been standing here like this. Our carriage is over there. Get in first—we’ll talk inside.”

She had no strength to protest. In truth, she had no strength left to resist him. Barely able to stand, Evangeline allowed herself to be led to the blue carriage waiting outside the cemetery.