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Chapter 11. I Became a Fake Villain
Why was he suddenly curious about that? What exactly did I blabber last night?
Does he want to dig into my past… Was he trying to threaten me by capturing any other weaknesses of mine?
“…Why?”
He exhaled deeply as I retreated.
“You could have been arrested for impersonating a nobleman and left for a death penalty just a while ago.”
Well. True. My identity was a weakness in itself.
It wouldn’t make a difference if he were to know I was a slave.
I clasped my lips and clenched my fists.
“Slave.”
He was silent.
I confirmed the word again, in case he couldn’t hear me.
“I was a slave to the neighboring Empire.”
Such a word was sufficient enough to explain my previous career.
There were also slaves in this Empire.
A being who lodged as someone's display. An object that is treated insignificantly although they are of the same kind.
An exhibit to show off one’s power, as well as relieve the person’s stress.
A slave was simply expressed as such.
And that was the experience I’ve gained.
At first, I was isolated, miserable, and resentful towards my cruel fate. However, as time passed, such sentiments ceased to find their way through my heart. It was as if I slowly solidified, like a puppet void of emotion.
My mouth tasted bitter. I felt this way every time I recalled my unforgettable past.
“I see.”
Lennox broke the silence with his brief reply. His expression didn’t contain anything of surprise, sympathy, or contempt.
It was simply the expression he always presented.
“Is that all?”
“I will ask you one more question.”
Lennox's face hardened, unlike a while ago.
“Driven eyes.”
Yes?
“What?”
Rolling your eyes? I rolled my eyes in anticipation of his sudden phrase. Even amidst my appearance, Lennox remained steadfast.
“Are you aware of the driven eyes?”
Who doesn’t know what rolling your eyes is?
“Eyes… Driven? Did I roll my eyes, by any chance?”
Lennox stared at me silently for a while before turning the other way.
He pulled the long string beside the bed.
“The maids will soon arrive.”
Lennox's gaze turned to my body. I also lowered my head to find the blanket previously covering my figure flowing to my knees. Startled, I wrapped myself once more, pulling the cloth to the tip of my chin.
“I have a prior appointment, so I'll prepare to leave.”
“Yes.”
"It must be difficult for you to adjust the dress alone, so have the maids assist you. I'll make sure to prepare a carriage for your departure to the Latni’s mansion.”
“Th-thank you.”
What's wrong with him? I thought he’d demand compensation, rather than act in such a courteous manner.
As soon as I nodded, the maids entered the room with prepared breakfast. Before Lennox left, he turned towards me.
“Ah, and nothing happened between us.”
“R-really?”
“I dislike such irresponsible behavior.”
Lennox left such words and left without regrets.
***
“What the hell have you done!”
Paryan shrank in response to the Emperor's bellow.
“Lady Latni wasn’t on the list of candidates! I'm sure you know that well!”
The Emperor reprimanded Paryan as he threw forth the document containing the list of candidates for the Crown Prince. The paper that collided with Paryan’s face before swaying to the floor didn’t hold the words ‘Serrine Latni’.
“…I know.”
Paryan barely managed to make out his words before they were buried under the Emperor’s roars.
“Don’t you know that the Crown Prince has no authority whatsoever to select the Princess candidates?”
Of course he knew.
The matter would be consulted with several ministers, and the candidates finalized would be discussed with God through a saint.
Ultimately, only those chosen by God could be nominated for the selections, and through a series of processes, they would become the Crown Princess.
The acts Paryan committed earlier were none more than insulting the sacred process.
It was also him revealing whom he felt towards.
“Ha…”
The Emperor fell to his seat in exasperation. The aide supported him, a worried expression plastered on his face.
“I've warned you countless times.”
The Emperor's voice weakened. Paryan glanced to observe his father.
The face of the elderly figure was full of wrinkles. There were countless white hairs on his head, and he couldn’t help but take a few deep breaths every time he shouted.
“The Crown Prince must have a woman who will aid him well.”
“…”
“It is not in your jurisdiction to select solely based on your feelings. This is not a love game.”
The aide glanced Paryan’s way. There was nothing inaccurate with what the Emperor spoke. The Crown Prince was the one who would inherit the position of the Emperor of this Empire in the future. After he became the Emperor, the Crown Princess would also become the Empress of the Empire.
He couldn't select love over priority.
“Lady Latni is a great woman.”
“You must have agreed with me not too long ago.”
The Emperor picked his teacup from the table to soothe his soaring anger. The warm scent managed to calm him down.
He then retorted, a relaxed expression on his face.
“Lady Latni cannot become a Crown Princess.”
Paryan clasped his mouth shut. Serrine’s social image was often criticized for being vulgar, having the salon she hosted be her main foundation.
Merely observing her indicated the lady's coercion to luxury.
No one supported her. The Latni residence itself wasn't remarkably powerful.
“Lady Latni does not suit the title of a Crown Princess.”
The Emperor once more recited his words, as if hammering a nail. Paryan clenched his fists and lowered his head. Just as he was about to speak, there was a knock.
TukTuk.
The aide walked to the door. He soon returned, a panicked complexion reigning his face.
“Your Majesty. I…”
The aide stopped for a moment and glanced Paryan’s way. Paryan titled his head suspiciously in turn of the wary man.
“Say it.”
"I believe it would be preferred to leave the ballroom for the night.”
“What does that mean?”
“It is said there occurred a small physical fight between Lady Latni and Lady Violetta.”
“What?”
Paryan jumped from his seat in shock. The Emperor frowned.
“According to the report, Lady Latni was the one to push Lady Violetta to her fall.”
The Emperor raised his brows. His expression filled with resentment headed for Paryan.
“Are you still going to insist that she is suitable for the Crown Princess’s position?”
“But I love Lady Latni…”
“She is causing a riot in less than a few minutes!”
“…”
Paryan brought his hands to his face in sorrow. Had she remained calm, he would’ve managed to persuade the Emperor.
“Such feelings do not last long anyhow. Do you think your emotions are of any importance in this place?”
“…But we cannot overturn what had already been announced.”
“Choose a family that will stand by your side. The reason we have set a period for the selection is for that reason only.”
The Emperor rose from his chair. As he indicated the end of the conversation, Paryan hurriedly stepped in.
“It has already been announced before all the nobles.”
The Emperor halted for a while. Yes, that was indeed the complication. He sighed as if submitting to his worries.
Paryan did not let go of the opportunity.
“Once we overturn what has already been made clear, the dignity of the Imperial family will fall to the ground.”
“If you know exactly what the problem is, why are you doing this!”
The Emperor flung the teacup he had previously set down. The teacup passed Paryan and clashed against the wall. Paryan’s eyes continued meeting the floor absentmindedly, as if familiar with the situation.
“Why are you causing so much trouble?”
The more he recalled the fact, the more aggrieved he became. The Emperor slammed his fist towards the table.
The atmosphere froze rapidly.
“I would've understood if you were simply having fun!”
The Emperor walked past Paryan and descended the stairs. The aide followed behind nervously.
“Enjoy Lady Latni for fun.”
The Emperor managed to suppress his anger and spoke with his molars clenched.
“…”
Paryan did not respond. The Emperor stared at his son for a while before returning to his aide.
“Did you say there were four prepared chambers for the Crown Princess candidates?”
"Yes, that's right. We have done so to provide personalized education, which will be included to familiarize with the palace.”
“Prepare one more.”
“Then…”
The aide drifted as he alternated looks between Paryan and the Emperor.
“As the Crown Prince said, we cannot reverse the candidate that has already been announced. Therefore, Lady Latni will be nominated as a candidate.”
The aide nodded.
“Instead.”
The Emperor turned to gaze at Paryan.
“Lady Latni can never become a Crown Princess. Never.”
Paryan’s lips trembled as he wished for deeper dialogue. However, he simply bowed his head.
The Emperor sighed before his helpless son.
“Good evening!”
The guards standing outside rushed to greet the Emperor.
“Accompany the Crown Prince to the palace.”
“Yes, I understand.”
“Don't leave your room until my order is given.”
It was forbidden for him to leave. As he recalled the same punishment imposed on him as a child, Paryan burst into a ridiculous smile.
However, as if accepting the situation, he greeted the Emperor and turned without hesitation.
“It's useless to raise a son.”
The Emperor gazed at his son’s distant back. He sighed heavily, his complexion pale.