Published at 28th of August 2019 01:25:06 PM
Chapter 43: 43
Chapter 43 – Iron Wall Defense (2)
Sovieshu called out to me in a stern voice and frowned .
“You’re with him?”
I didn’t want to answer, as my feelings about Sovieshu were still unresolved .
“Yes . ”
I offered him the bluntest reply, and the crease Sovieshu’s forehead on grew deeper .
“Prince Heinley . How long are you going to remain here?”
Prince Heinley replied with a broad smile, even though he had an argument with the Emperor only a few days ago .
“About two to three weeks, I think . ”
“Isn’t that too long? The Western king is not in the best health, and it’s not good for the crown prince to stay away . ”
Sovieshu was not shy in hiding his dislike for Prince Heinley, which had built up since Prince Heinley’s conflict with Rashta . Sovieshu’s observation wasn’t wrong, however .
“Thank you for your concern . ”
Prince Heinley responded with a simple smile and said nothing more . A strained silence reigned over the group .
“I’ll take my leave first, Your Majesty . ”
I quickly said goodbye to Sovieshu, as we would only hurt each other’s feelings if I stayed any longer . However, Sovieshu looked offended and called out to me again .
“Empress . ”
That look…did he just want to insult me in front of Prince Heinley? That was my first thought going by past experience . To my misfortune, or perhaps it was a blessing, he spoke to Prince Heinley first .
“I need to talk to the Empress, and I hope that you will go your own way . ”
“I was already walking with her, Your Majesty . ”
“I have something to say to the Empress, Prince Heinley . ”
Sovieshu cut between me and Prince Heinley, and he held out his arm for me to take .
When I looked at Prince Heinley, I saw his lips were pressed tight, as if he wished I wouldn’t follow my husband . I took Sovieshu’s hand, feeling sorry for Prince Heinley who looked like a sad golden retriever, while Sovieshu shot a glare at him .
“Why are you looking at the Empress with a miserable expression?”
Sovieshu stared down at him as if he found him pathetic .
“The Empress was showing me around, and the Emperor has taken my guide . ”
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“The Empress is my wife, not a tour guide for a prince . ”
Sovieshu wrapped his arm possessively around my shoulder . I could not deny him, and sighed and walked alongside his footsteps . It wasn’t until when Prince Heinley was out of sight did he drop his arm .
“Why are you showing around that womanizer?”
“I ran into him on the way from work . ”
“Let someone else handle it from now on . There are many other people in the palace, yet he wants the Empress to guide him?”
“Prince Heinley is the successor to a powerful nation with extensive wealth and military power . We don’t have to be on bad terms . ”
Sovieshu glanced towards the knight, who took a bow and stepped away . Sovieshu rested his arm against a pillar and gave me a reproachful stare . I suspected didn’t want me to cultivate relations with the man who demeaned Rashta .
“To be honest, I don’t want you to take care of him . ”
I knew it . He was incredibly obvious . He smiled grimly and emphasized his words .
“He has a nice face, and he acts like a pet dog in front of you . But he will only bring scandal if you associate with him . ”
“Scandal?”
“Other noblewomen and young ladies attach themselves to this womanizer believing they’re in a relationship . However, the Empress is one of the most honorable people in this country . You represent the Empire . Where is the Imperial Household’s honor if you are swayed by a Western womanizer?”
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“My honor is not tarnished by talking to him . If you don’t see this friendship as a friendship with any other noble, the West would be unhappy with you . ”
“You won’t listen to me . ”
“If this is about Miss Rashta—”
“Who says it’s about Rashta? Why is the name Rashta being brought up here?”
Because she was the reason why he hated Prince Heinley . I stared at Sovieshu despite his feign to ignorance, and he gave a frustrated sigh .
“You truly hate Rashta . ”
“I only said the name because she’s the reason why you want to ostracize Prince Heinley . ”
“No . You hate her, so you’re using her as a shield in everything . ”
I was tired . I didn’t want to answer back .
“I will leave if you continue on like this . ”
“About Rashta—”
I took a few steps and stopped . As I turned around, Sovieshu cleared his throat, and his voice softened .
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“Before . I spoke too harshly to you . ”
“What are you talking about?”
“Three days ago . ”
“I shouldn’t have blamed you when Viscount Roteschu came…I was upset . I’m sorry . ”
“Yes…”
Sovieshu awkwardly kept staring at the ground instead of me .
‘He loses his temper when it comes to Rashta, but he comes back to his senses in about three days?’
I should remember that next time something with Rashta happened again . I gave a mechanical smile, nodded, and turned around again .
“Empress . ”
But Sovieshu called out to me once more . I turned back, and he approached me hesitantly .
“It will be your birthday soon . We’ve been estranged from each other lately…perhaps we can go to the villa to reconcile . What do you think?”