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Chapter 174 - Kane's First Time
Ah, I knew it.’ The empress’s attitude might not have been a problem in the empress’s palace, away from prying eyes, but to ask the emperor to help her in such a public place? Surely it would earn his displeasure. The emperor hadn’t killed anyone yet, but the rigidness in his expression… ‘Will I be seeing blood spilled?’
The emperor immediately ran up to the coach. Just as Claire prepared herself to witness trouble, she heard something unbelievable.
“Is it too tiring? That’s why I said I’d carry it for you.” In contrast to the hardened expression on his face, the voice coming from his lips was soft and sweet like melted cream.
“But still, asking Your Majesty to carry this is a bit…” a troubled voice said.
“It’s fine. Give it here. And your hand too. Watch your feet.”
The attendants stood around bug-eyed at the unexpected conversation unfolding before them. They stared blankly at the emperor, whose voice dripped with a cloying sweetness, and their eyes widened when the emperor emerged carrying…
‘That’s…!’
‘The one you can get at the entrance to Aluna!’
‘The ice cream shop, 32 Flavors of Choice’s the ‘Omni-Scoop Fantastic Unbelievable Magical Superstar 32’ signature special?’
The emperor was wielding a huge ice cream cone with a look so potent that a mere glance would instantly dice a phantom beast to death. 32 Flavors of Choice was a must-see famous shop for any visitor to Aluna. Couples were often spotted wandering about holding one of the store’s signature cones, but in the emperor’s hands, it looked like a malicious work of art. It truly was unsuited to him.
Seconds later, a pale hand reached out of the coach, which the emperor held carefully, like one would handle treasure. When the empress stepped out, the attendants admired her beauty—porcelain skin, straight eyebrows, and slightly parted red lips beneath a Grecian nose. Her platinum blonde hair was slightly disheveled, a mark of the long journey she’d undertaken that didn’t detract from her loveliness in the slightest. Her gaze directed towards the villa and the people gathered twinkled like veritable stars, as if she was taking in the view with admiration. And in her hand was a spoonful of ice cream.
Clusters of red cherry pulp were mixed into an intensely red ice cream scoop; its very appearance was enough to induce salivation. “Have a bite too, Your Majesty,” she said, as she thrust it towards his mouth. However, the emperor quickly dodged and retreated. Yes, there was imperial dignity at stake! How could the emperor let himself be fed in this situation?
“I’ve been telling you all along the way here, but you seem to have forgotten…” the emperor growled fiercely.
The attendants gulped nervously and trembled at the chill in his voice. What could he be referring to with such a serious expression?
The emperor continued, “You promised not to call me ‘Your Majesty.’ Call me by my name.”
The attendants exchanged glances, as the same thought ran through their heads, ‘…What?’
* * *
“Woohoo! This is amazing! Oh my gosh, I never thought I’d see such a view from a balcony!” Cecile exclaimed, running onto the balcony in excitement. The thought of imperial dignity and manners flashed through her mind, but she decided to forgo it for the time being. She was in Aluna after all!
‘I was so surprised when he said we’d be coming here.’ It had always been a lifelong wish to visit Aluna ever since she was young. Even in books titled ‘101 Famous Places You Must See Before Dying,’ Aluna was always at the top of the rankings.