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nChapter 43 – Iron Wall Defense (2)

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nSovieshu called out to me in a stern voice and frowned.

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n“You’re with him?”

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nI didn’t want to answer, as my feelings about Sovieshu were still unresolved.

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n“Yes.”

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nI offered him the bluntest reply, and the crease Sovieshu’s forehead on grew deeper.

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n“Prince Heinley. How long are you going to remain here?”

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nPrince Heinley replied with a broad smile, even though he had an argument with the Emperor only a few days ago.

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n“About two to three weeks, I think.”

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n“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.”

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nSovieshu 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.

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n“Thank you for your concern.”

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nPrince Heinley responded with a simple smile and said nothing more. A strained silence reigned over the group.

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n“I’ll take my leave first, Your Majesty. ”

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nI 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.

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n“Empress.”

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nThat 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.

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n“I need to talk to the Empress, and I hope that you will go your own way.”

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n“I was already walking with her, Your Majesty.”

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n“I have something to say to the Empress, Prince Heinley.”

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nSovieshu cut between me and Prince Heinley, and he held out his arm for me to take.

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nWhen 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.

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n“Why are you looking at the Empress with a miserable expression?”

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nSovieshu stared down at him as if he found him pathetic.

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n“The Empress was showing me around, and the Emperor has taken my guide.”

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n“The Empress is my wife, not a tour guide for a prince.”

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nSovieshu 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.

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n“Why are you showing around that womanizer?”

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n“I ran into him on the way from work.”

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n“Let someone else handle it from now on. There are many other people in the palace, yet he wants the Empress to guide him?”

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n“Prince Heinley is the successor to a powerful nation with extensive wealth and military power. We don’t have to be on bad terms.”

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nSovieshu 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.

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n“To be honest, I don’t want you to take care of him.”

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nI knew it. He was incredibly obvious. He smiled grimly and emphasized his words.

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n“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.”

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n“Scandal?”

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n“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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n“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.”

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n“You won’t listen to me.”

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n“If this is about Miss Rashta—”

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n“Who says it’s about Rashta? Why is the name Rashta being brought up here?”

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nBecause she was the reason why he hated Prince Heinley. I stared at Sovieshu despite his feign to ignorance, and he gave a frustrated sigh.

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n“You truly hate Rashta.”

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n“I only said the name because she’s the reason why you want to ostracize Prince Heinley.”

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n“No. You hate her, so you’re using her as a shield in everything.”

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nI was tired. I didn’t want to answer back.

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n“I will leave if you continue on like this.”

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n“About Rashta—”

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nI took a few steps and stopped. As I turned around, Sovieshu cleared his throat, and his voice softened.

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n“Before. I spoke too harshly to you.”

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n“What are you talking about?”

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n“Three days ago.”

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n“…”

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n“I shouldn’t have blamed you when Viscount Roteschu came…I was upset. I’m sorry.”

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n“Yes…”

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nSovieshu awkwardly kept staring at the ground instead of me.

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n‘He loses his temper when it comes to Rashta, but he comes back to his senses in about three days?’

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nI should remember that next time something with Rashta happened again. I gave a mechanical smile, nodded, and turned around again.

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n“Empress.”

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nBut Sovieshu called out to me once more. I turned back, and he approached me hesitantly.

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n“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?”

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