The inner intentions of those approaching me were obvious enough without a close look. The sight of their mouths drooling over a weak human subject like a bug was disgusting. It was hard work to persevere with it. So the world was disillusioned and life was a drag.
He did not hide his contempt for others, and it was no exception to the woman he married at the behest of the Emperor.
Being a duke was an inseparable bond and a burden of sin. It wasn’t a position I wanted, it was a position I had to gain in order to live. So I just wanted this obligation to get it over with soon.
The lamp went out when Rashid waved. The blue night hugged him silently where the light disappeared. So that no one could see him, the starry shroud slowly covered the Duke of Penvernon.
The deep night followed.
* * *
The rug in the long corridors of the palace is as red as blood, or as flowers. Rashid walked peacefully on them. The emperor was sitting on a gold seat at the end of the carpet waiting for him.
Helios Grandia, the emperor of his time, was indeed a tiring and troublesome man.
Since Rashid gained the ability to control fire, the emperor has always wanted to know what he is doing. The stronger his ability, the stronger his obsession.
It got worse. The desire to keep him under complete control was so ardent that even the women who had a love for Rashid could not overcome his passion.
“May the glory of the rose be with you. I see the Emperor.”
Rashid kneeled before the emperor. The emperor shook his arms with a gracious smile. It was the permission to rise. Rashid rose from his position.
“Duke Penvernon, it’s hard to see you.”
“I’m sorry. I’ve been in the western territories for a while.”
“I heard. You saw signs of a wave?”
It was a peaceful tone as if he were talking about something unrelated to him, even though it happened within the confines of the empire.
Rashid’s lips drew a small line in response.
“We’ve taken the necessary steps, so it won’t be a problem for a while.”
“This is nothing to Duke Penvernon. Isn’t it?”
“I’m flattered.”
When he answered with a light bow, the emperor grinned. An exaggerated sound rang through the palace hall.
“How’s your wife?”
Well, you do care how I deal with the partner you gave me. Not really curious about her safety, Rashid put up with the poisonous words.
“Because she is introverted, she doesn’t like to come out… But she’s doing fine,”
“Is that so? You have the same trait as your wife.”
“I’m delighted.”
“However, apparently your wife has had a mishap recently.”
“There was a small accident, but it’s okay now.”
I know that Alyssa’s maid worked diligently.
He knew that the emperor would bother him more if he caught him getting rid of her, but he had only left him to do so. Rumors must have circulated because it was a matter for luxury people to make a fuss. I was fed up when I thought of them making a fuss.
“Good thing. The Empress said your wife missed the ball. It bothered me.”
“Is that so…”
Judging from yesterday’s attitude, she didn’t seem to have missed much. He didn’t know what the hell he heard.
Alyssa has a few friends in society. Rashid knew exactly who they were. But it was the first time I heard that you were acquainted with the empress. I do wonder if it is true, but I needed to be sure.
“Take care of her so she won’t be lonely, she’ll spend the rest of her life with you.”
“I will obey your orders.”
Rashid bowed his head.
That is, as much as he can. Rashid easily distinguished the emperor’s commands. Even if the emperor didn’t say it, he was going to anyway.
He remembered his wife. Her soft coral-colored hair, her azure eyes with a blue tinge, and her unfamiliar words that don’t match her look, seemingly alien and strange.
It was quite strange to see her make eye contact without showing signs of being afraid of me. She’s been fine for a whole year when she’s actually had such a vivid look on her face and knew how to say such rude things.
What more can she do in the future?
Rashid suddenly wondered about it. Even if she had a temporary stroke or something behind it. It was a touch of curiosity that sprang up through a swamp of endless boredom.
To a human being of no interest, it was unexpected.
Rashid felt at first glance unfamiliar with himself. It was a feeling he would never have normally had.
What the hell changed him, he didn’t know yet.