Chapter 26
Following the exchange of pleasantries, she was about to depart.
“I taught Hanna how to correct your curly hair.”
However, while cradling Claire, the maid continued to whisper.
“Ah, thank you.”
“And….”
Claire appeared uneasy as she recalled the horrifying procedure, but the head maid hesitated before continuing.
“You’ve become a remarkable woman, Miss. I’m pleased.”
“!!!”
Before Claire could respond, the maid released her grip and retreated.
“Mrs. Haley…”
Claire only then realized that the head maid had been speaking to her in a formal manner the entire time.
She had assumed the identity of Alicia in order to survive, and she had always feared being discovered.
The final remarks of the head maid gave her courage.
You are doing well.
If you continue in this manner, you will achieve your goals.
Her heart became flooded with warmth.
The unexpected solace from an unanticipated source gave her the will to live.
“Goodbye.”
Claire moved her lips to say a heartfelt farewell.
The head maid nodded and smiled warmly.
She concluded her performance with a heartfelt performance towards the Duke’s residence.
Then, she entered the conveyance.
The carriage was so sturdy that it did not tremble when a passenger entered.
Claire moved as far inside as possible and remained by the window. Eiden ascended alongside her.
After that…
“Why are you getting in?”
He questioned Richard, who followed him, in a stern manner.
Richard sat opposite of Eiden with a reassuring smile.
“I can’t help it.”
“Get off.”
“It’s for His Majesty’s dignity.”
“My dignity?”
Eiden regarded Richard as though he had heard something peculiar.
“And I must be here for the sake of my sister.”
“I don’t understand what you’re saying.”
“It is inappropriate to leave a single male and single woman alone in a confined space.”
“You’re portraying me as a scoundrel.”
“Why would I do such a thing? My only concern is that my cherished sister will hear negative rumors.”
“What a strange thing to do.”
Eiden regarded Richard with an elevated jawline. The way he tilted his head suggested he was assessing Richard.
“The nobles with marriageable daughters are frantically attempting to keep me at bay.”
“It is only natural for parents to do so.”
“And you’re different?”
“Yes. I made a vow to my deceased father. To provide proper care for Alicia.”
“Excuses.”
Eiden snorted, indicating that he did not believe Richard’s remarks.
“That apart. Alicia.”
Richard issued a call.
“Yes, brother?”
“Aren’t you a little too close to His Majesty?”
Claire regarded her side.
According to what he stated, a tiny movement would cause their arms to brush against one another.
“It’s not because I want to be…”
“As a lady, be mindful of your behavior.”
“…Yes.”
It was unequal. She had undoubtedly pressed herself against the door.
The issue was with the Emperor. Despite the ample space, he chose to sit near to her.
“Enough.”
Eiden gave Richard a stern look.
“I don’t understand what you mean.”
“Your protectiveness of your sister is excessive. Someone may believe you are guarding a lover instead of a sibling.”
Claire’s heart began to plummet. But Richard responded nonchalantly by shrugging his shoulders.
“Your Majesty seems to have a vivid imagination.”
“We will determine whether or not it is imagination.”
Eiden gazed at the smiling Richard. Their stares collided violently in the air.
Claire felt like she was trapped between two wild animals fighting over a female. It was an odd notion, but she felt compelled to clarify Eiden’s misunderstanding.
“Your Majesty, I don’t comprehend why you have such a misunderstanding.”
Lord Richard’s demeanor appeared to me to be indicative of envy.
“Jealousy? My brother was merely concerned for me.”
“Well, if anyone is to be mistaken as lovers, it should be you and me.”
Eiden turned his upper body completely towards her and rambled as if discussing the weather.
“…”
Likewise, this is a misunderstanding.
She was so astonished that she was speechless.
So she was unable to utter those words.
“If the imperial ladies heard what you just said, they would be upset.”
Richard interjected, frowning.
“Why would they be?”
“Didn’t you just say it? That the females are forming a line to approach Your Majesty.”
“That’s because their fathers are a bit foolish.”
“The ladies probably want it, too.”
“Them?”
Eiden laughed enthusiastically as though he had just heard something humorous.
His normally ice-cold lips softened into a grin.
Claire found herself almost mesmerized by his gaze.
He was truly attractive. His visage was not typical; it was concealed by a mask.
She desired for him to remove his disguise.
Claire did not realize she was groping for his mask while thinking such thoughts unconsciously.
He turned his head, perceiving her minute movement with unearthly clarity. Then he observed her small, pale hand extending out to him.
“Ah.”
Claire, who had come to her senses belatedly, swiftly withdrew her hand.
He was however quicker.
Eiden grasped her withdrawing hand with a feeble smile.
“I’m the one who’s in danger here.”
Eiden murmured in a soft tone.
“A woman attacked me first. It will be difficult for me to maintain my integrity. Is that accurate, Lord Richard?”
He kissed her hand as if he were holding a trophy.
Slowly withdrawing his lips, Eiden looked arrogantly at Richard, who was profoundly frowning.
“Alicia.”
Richard summoned her in a low, ominous tone.
“This is not… I mean, you’re missing the point…”
Claire violently shook her head.
She attempted to remove her hand from Eiden’s grip, but he held it so securely that it wouldn’t budge. In addition, the more they contended, the more they appeared to be lovers. Claire ultimately ended up essentially throwing herself into his embrace.
Richard, who had been disapprovingly observing the incident, opened his mouth.
“She is my sibling, Your Majesty. Please display courtesy.”
“It’s probably too much that Lord Richard is eavesdropping on us. We will proceed when we are alone.”
As if out of generosity, Eiden released Claire’s hand.
Claire sat still, unable to remove the expression of bewilderment from her face.
“Let’s get going.”
At the Emperor’s command, the conveyance began to move.
Tak.
Eiden and Richard exchanged glances. There were sparks in the void between their gazes.
An oppressive silence descended.
Both males, who were arguing a moment ago, were now silent, as if they had reached an agreement to remain silent.
Why are these men acting like this?
Claire reflected while swaying with the motion of the conveyance.
I have no idea either. Although it was fleeting, she felt exhausted.
Claire, exhausted, gazed half-resignedly out the window.
Thus began the strange voyage.
[Volume 1 end.]
Hi! So because of slow traffic, I decided to put this series on hiatus for now. Don’t worry, I have the raws for volume 2, so I will be coming back, but for now, thank you for supporting the story and Eiden and Claire—- Alicia will see you soon!