Viscount Roteschu kept his lips firmly shut at Sovieshuâs authoritative tone. Sovieshu had been a strong prince since childhood. It was easy to think of him as a man who was wrapped around the fingers of a former slave, but his expression now made it difficult to look at him directly.
âI beg your forgiveness, Your Majesty.â
Viscount Roteschu remained as calm as possible as he asked for forgiveness, before quickly adding,
âI caused a misunderstanding before, and now Iâm doing my best to make it up Miss Rashta. Thatâs why Iâm here.â
âSomeone like you would want help Rashta?â
Viscount Roteschu reddened at Sovieshuâs question, his pride injured. At the same time, he feared the emperorâs sharpness towards him. Rashta was rightâit was uncertain if Sovieshu would turn against Rashta even if he learned about her past.
âRashta will be taken care of by Jim, and nothing is required of you.â
âOf course, Your Majesty.â
Sovieshu cast Viscount Roteschu a final dirty look before passing by him. Viscount Roteschuâs skin was covered in a cold sweat, and it was only when Sovieshu disappeared completely that he finally managed to gather himself together. Even with Rashtaâs help, he couldnât make a name for himself in high society if the Emperor hated him. Sovieshuâs icy glare worried him.
While Viscount Roteschuâs mind was stuck on the Emperor, the Emperor himself, however, forgot all thoughts of Viscount Roteschu as soon as they parted ways.
Sovieshu opened the door to Rashtaâs room and entered. Rashta was relaxing comfortably in an armchair and reading a small notebook. His chest tightened at the sight of her round belly, which was starting to show. He was thrilled to think that his child was growing there.
âI wish it was with the Empress, butâŚâ
He shook his head. Despite his reluctance to admit it, he half believed that the Empress was indeed infertile.
âYour Majesty?â
Rashta noticed Sovieshu approaching and lifted her head to smile at him.
âHow are you feeling?â
Rashta set her notebook on the table, while Sovieshu knelt down to hold her waist and lean his cheek against her belly.
âIâm well. Itâs a pleasure just to have you.â
ââŚDid you change your way of speaking?â
âIâm learning manners. I still have to improve more, Your Majesty.â
âI donât know. The way you used to speak was cute.â
âEven if I change my way of speaking, Rashta is still Rashta, right?â
âIs that so?â
He chuckled, and asked that she stay in her armchair while he sat opposite of her.
âHow are your studies?â
âIâve only just started. But itâs very fun.â
She smiled and pointed to the desk. It was stacked with open books and piles of papers, evidence of someone hard at work.
âRashta will be your lover you will boast of.â
âYou are already lovable, Rashta.â
âI want you to be proud.â
Sovieshu gave a light chuckle.
âAs the emperor, of course I would want to show you off.â
âIâŚâ
Rashta hesitated and blinked. She almost wanted him to say âI just want you to be lovely.â But it was hard to say out loud.
She looked at him cutely, when she noticed something that Sovieshuâs expression was darker than usual.
âYour Majesty?â
Although Rashta called him to carefully, he did not immediately respond.
âYour Majesty? Is something wrong?â
What if he met Viscount Roteschu on the way here? Did he say anything?
Uneasy, Rashta forced a smile. After a long moment, Sovieshu finally spoke.
âSomeone is trying to look into you and Viscount Roteschu.â
ââŚWho?â
âI donât know. Anyway, donât have him visit so much.â
She didnât ask that damnable viscount to come here. Rashtaâs mouth twitched with resentment, but she couldnât say anything. Sovieshu looked at her earnestly.
âAnd Rashta. If someone is threatening you, please tell me. I may be able to charge them so they can be expelled or executed.â