When I followed his gaze curiously, I noticed the mug in my hand, with its corner embellished with a gold leaf and the crest of a roaring golden lion engraved on the handle and body.

Why is he looking at my cup? Was there something wrong with the tea?

I looked at the table with a puzzled expression, then flinched. Why is there only one teacup? Obviously, after I handed him a cup, then I had my own

When I looked back in a hurry, he giggled at me, who was looking at me blankly until then.

At that moment, I blushed.

Oh my, did I drink his tea, not mine?

It looks like you were very thirsty.

Im so sorry, Your Majesty.

I wasnt going to blame you, but

Pardon?

Hmm, nothing.

After shaking his head slightly, he pulled the kettle and poured the tea into an empty mug.

Thats my cup!

Excuse me, Your Majesty. That cup

Although I hastily tried to stop him, he already put the cup brimming with tea to his mouth.

When I watched him drinking the tea casually, I felt as if blood was rushing on my blushed face. I covered my cheeks with my hands.

Ugh? Whats wrong with you?

Oh, that cup.. Never mind, Your Majesty.

When I flailed because I didnt have the nerve to explain, he laughed low.

When I bowed, at a loss what to do, somebody knocked on the door and immediately came in.

Your Majesty, a messenger dispatched by Duke Verita wants to see you urgently. What shall I do?

Messenger from the Verita family? Let him in.

Verita family?

I felt somewhat uneasy to hear that. Message from Duke Verita? What is it? If he dispatched the messenger in this rain, it must be something very urgent.

Loyalty to the Lion! I, Tran Butler of the Verita family, am honored to see you, the Sun of the Empire.

Glory to the Empire! So, why do you want to see me urgently?

This morning Duke Veritas eldest son, Alexis de Verita, was held in Vitas arms, so I wanted to report to you about it.

What the heck? Isnt Alexis the successor of the Verita family? Did he die?

Yes, Your Majesty.

Huh Got it. Wait outside until I give you an order.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Held in Vitas arms? Alexis? I heard that he was in critical condition for some time. I saw Duke Verita very distressed because of him. But I didnt know he died so vainly like this.

At the moment, the nightmare last night crossed my mind, but I shook it off and recalled his face. He looked like his brother Allendis a lot, but unlike his handsome brother, he looked weak all the time.

I naturally recalled Allendiss face, too, who was my most precious friend I had forgotten for a long time. I put my hand on my throbbing heart.

Alendis, where are you? Are you safe? Im scared of this unfortunate news about your brother. Whenever I think of you who I lost track of, I just keep getting anxious.

I closed my trembling lips.

Dont even think about it, Aristia. Allendis is a rare genius. Would he not know the gravity of this situation? If he doesnt appear soon, its obvious what will happen next. His relatives will rise up to take back Duke Veritas title because its a golden opportunity they can never miss.

Besides, there will be lots of opinion within the pro-emperor faction as to which one of the Verita family they will have to cultivate relationships with. Although he was away for a while, Allendis was also a member of the great noble family. He couldnt sit idle when he knew about this.

Aristia?

Yes, Your Majesty?

You seem to be very surprised, given that you spaced out. I think youre very worried because he is your friend.

AhSorry, Your Majesty.

Okay, lets wrap up here today. Just like you, Ive got a lot on my mind at the moment. Im afraid I cant focus anymore.

Yes, Your Majesty.

As I gathered the papers and pushed them to the corner of the table, he lifted the mug and leaned over the table. Although the tea was cold, he tilted the mug without any expression and knocked on the table with one hand.

How much time passed? After thinking about something for a long time, he suddenly looked up at me and asked, Are you going to Duke Veritas house?

Yes, Your Majesty. I think Ill stop by as soon as I leave the palace. Of course, I have to see my father first to discuss what to do.

I see. Hmm Then lets go with me. Let me tell your father later.

Pardon? You are going there in person?

Well, its Duke Veritas house. As he lost his son, I think I should visit there at least once.

He was right. Alexis belonged to the pro-emperor faction, his main support base, and the successor of the Verita family, ranked No. 2 in the empire.

But I felt his plan to visit the Verita family was not good.

It was only one day after the plot to poison him was revealed. It was dangerous for him to leave the imperial palace in a situation where it was not known who the criminal was, and what kind of intention he had. Moreover, because of Alexiss death, all of the dukes family members must be absent-minded and confused at the moment. If the emperor visits them, it would only add chaos.

As if he noticed my hesitation, he put down the empty mug and explained it.

I know what you are worried about. So I thought about whether I would be better off attending his funeral or going now. But Im afraid I cant take time out at the time when the funeral is held.

But Your Majesty, isnt it dangerous for you to leave the palace at this time?

Let me pay special attention. I cant turn a blind eye to the Verita familys matter.

WellWhew, I got it.

When I replied with a sigh, he stood up and said, Lets go right away. I dont think I need any special preparations.

Yes, Your Majesty. What about my father?

Let me send him a messenger. Is it okay if I tell him to come to Duke Veritas house as soon as he is done for the day?

Yes, Your Majesty. Thank you for your deep consideration.

I slightly bowed to him, then went to Duke Veritas house.

Duke Veritas mansion, which I visited for the first time after a long time, was shrouded in a sad atmosphere in a break with its usual refreshing one.

Your Majesty, it is an honor to my family as you come to this place despite bad weather. Ill escort you inside.

Duke Verita, who rushed to greet the emperor, was a little disheveled, unlike his usually neat appearance. He didnt wear glasses that made him look intellectual, and his voice broke.

The duchess in black dress also looked different from her usual look. She seemed very pale when she greeted the emperor blankly.

I dont know how to comfort you, duke. I know I cant comfort you with any words.

Thank you for your kind words, Your Majesty.

Your son was a great talent. His death is a great loss for the Empire. What a pity.

While the two were talking, I looked at Ilya standing behind the duke.

Her face was swollen, and her dark-green eyes turned red because of her crying.

Although she held a handkerchief, she couldnt wipe away the tears that flowed unceasingly as she was so feeble.

Im honored to see you, the Sun of the Empire

Lady Verita!

Little lady!

The maids rushed to Ilya, as she staggered.

Go ahead and take her to another room.

When the duke issued an order, I said, looking back at the emperor, I would like to follow them. Please forgive me for leaving first.

Please go ahead.

After seeking his understanding, I left the drawing room. Ilya, who lowered her head feebly as if she would pass out any moment, said in a hoarse voice, Thank you, Lady Monique.

Only

You look too pale. Ilya, I think you had better go back to your room for rest. Where is her room? Escort me.

This way, please.

Ilya barely entered the room, helped by the maids and cried more. Then she fell after weeping bitterly, not caring about my condolences.

Ilya!

I shook her urgently, but her closed eyes didnt open. I laid her, who passed out, on the bed, then I was about to leave. But I suddenly stopped and looked back slowly.

Her swollen eyes and her face wet with tears.

Suddenly, my face in my dream last night overlapped with hers.